EP1018473A1 - Container assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The upper outside surface (8) of a second main container part (5) facing away from the first main container part (4) defines a smaller assembly surface (9,9') for an additional container (3). The assembly surface (9) is arranged so that at least a first partial section (17) of its outline is formed by a part of the outline of the upper outside surface of the second container part whilst at least a second partial section (18) of its outline runs beyond the upper outside surface. First connectors (22) spread out along the outline of the assembly surface ensure that outer first connectors (22) associated with the first outline section (17) lie outside of the outline of the upper outside surface and at least inner first connectors associated with the second partial section lie inside the outline of the upper outside surface.

Description

The invention relates to a container arrangement with a case-like main container, which when closed first and second defining a main container interior Has main container parts, which from the first main container part facing away from the upper outer surface of the second Main container part at least one with respect to this upper one Outside surface area smaller installation area for one Additional container defined that with a base to the Mounting surface attachable and by the interaction of am Main container provided first connecting means and provided on the additional container second connecting means is releasably attachable to the main container.

A container arrangement of this type starts out, for example DE 32 11 413 C2. There is the mounting area so within the outline of when carrying the main container sideways oriented upper outer surface of the assigned second main container part placed that they is surrounded by edge portions of the upper outer surface. The main tank has a coupling for coupling the additional tank via rail-like running in the upper outer surface first connecting means into which on the base of the Intervening additional container provided second connection means. However, this container arrangement is suitable only for attaching relatively small and lightweight Additional container, otherwise there is a risk that the existing connections are overloaded.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a container arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is a safe linking of a larger main container with at least one smaller additional container ensures if the additional container is a relatively high Weight.

To solve this problem it is provided that the mounting surface is arranged so that at least a first section their outline of a component of the Outline of the upper outer surface of the second main container part is formed and at least a second section their outline across the top outer surface runs, the first connecting means selectively distributed along the outline of the mounting surface are arranged that at least a first outline section assigned outer first connecting means outside the Outline of the upper outer surface and at least a second Outline section associated inner first connecting means lie within the outline of the upper outer surface.

In this way, the additional container can also be used attach very securely to the main container if it is relative is difficult. The first connection means are selective distributed along the outline of the mounting surface so that the occurring load is well distributed and overuse can be excluded. Also results Optimal use of space in the assembly area having the upper outer surface of the relevant Main container part by moving the mounting surface to the edge the upper outer surface is extended so that at least a first section of their outline from the outline of the upper outer surface is formed. That this first outline section assigned first connecting means doing so outside of the top surface and can be there can be arranged without affecting what the Realization of strength-stable designs easier. In addition, are inside the top outer surface further first connecting means provided as inner first connecting means are referred to and via the the additional container also in the area of the second outline section the mounting surface can be fixed securely, which runs across the upper outer surface. To this In this way, the attachment points can extend over the circumference of the Mounting area can be placed optimally distributed.

It is already known from EP 0 555 533 B1 Stackable suitcases via connecting means placed on the edge to fix to each other. The possibility of a combination of containers of different sizes is there however not provided.

The US 4 122 925 already shows the possible combinations two different sized containers. Here too, however, is used for fixation on rail-like Lanyards used, the Additional container is embedded in the main container, see above that its usable interior space is greatly reduced.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be seen in the Sub-claims emerge.

It is advantageous if the upper outer surface of the second Main container part several adjacent assembly surfaces defines the simultaneous preparation of several Additional containers allowed. In this context offers the special placement of the mounting surface is optimal Utilization of the total of the main container available standing acreage.

The outer first connecting means are expedient on the transverse to the upper outer surface of the second Main container part extending lateral outer surfaces of the Main container arranged so that it is very accessible are and easy to handle. It is from Advantage if it is fixed to the first main container part are so that the force is introduced into the main container not exclusively through the second main tank part takes place and any hinges between the two Main container parts are relieved. It can be opened realize a combined power transmission in this way, being the force introduction into the main container in the case the outer first connection means via the first main container part and in the case of the inner first connection means via the one directly supporting the additional container second main tank part is done. This results in a total a very even load on the structure of the Main container, which is thus relative to transport heavy additional container has a long life expectancy.

It is advantageous if the outer first connecting means at least partially assigned a double function are, whereby they are optionally in two different Have working positions in which they either a connection between the two main tank parts or a connection between the first main container part and an attached additional container. This way the outer first Lanyards in cases where there is no additional container is set in a conventional manner for closing or locking the main container can be used, and no separate closure means are required for this.

The container arrangement can have several main containers, that attach to each other and releasably firmly together get connected. This is where they come together expediently such that the first main container part of the main container to the upper one Outer surface of the second main container part of each adjacent main container is set, whereby expediently the outer first connecting means use a lower main container let, by interacting with the respectively scheduled Main container provided the other connecting means create the desired stack connection.

The, seen in plan view, inside the upper outer surface lying inner first connecting means expediently equipped with first plug connection means, which make it possible in the context of a plug connection interact with the attached additional container, wherein the engagement is designed so that in There is a positive connection in the normal direction of the mounting surface, a lifting the additional container from the Mounting surface in the area of the inner first connecting means prevented.

In a particularly expedient embodiment of the container arrangement are the inner first connection means executed as swivel elements, optionally in one in sunk the upper outer surface of the second main tank part ineffective position or one transverse to the plane of expansion the upper outer surface protruding beyond this effective position can be positioned. In the effective position is the coupling with an additional container possible while in cases where no additional container is scheduled to shift to the ineffective Position can take place so that the connecting means are not a hindrance to the handling of the main container.

The shift of the lanyard between the ineffective and the effective position can with appropriate Design of suitable storage and / or management facilities for example by a pivoting movement or Displacement movement take place. Is it one Main container with an elongated rectangular plan, can Pivot axis of the connecting means, for example in Longitudinal direction or transverse direction of the upper outer surface be aligned. With only sliding connecting means the direction of displacement expediently transverse to the plane of expansion of the upper outer surface and in particular at right angles to this.

To fix the effective position of the inner first Lanyards can be sling and / or locking means be provided between the respective connecting means and the associated main container part are effective.

To simplify handling, multiple inner first connecting means to be motion-coupled so that thanks to uniform handling, several at the same time and in particular all inner first connection means moved between the ineffective and the effective position can be.

If several assembly locations are provided, each assembly location can assigned own inner first connection means become. An inexpensive reduction in components is however possible if the inner first connecting means are designed so that they are simultaneous Enable interaction with several additional containers.

Fig. 1

ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Behälteranordnung, die hier aus mehreren aufeinandergestapelten Behältern zusammengesetzt ist, unter denen sich zwei Hauptbehälter und ein Zusatzbehälter befinden und die untereinander durch Verbindungsmittel fest gekoppelt sind,

Fig. 2

ein Detail der Behälteranordnung aus Fig. 1 im Bereich eines inneren ersten Verbindungsmittels im Schnitt gemäß Schnittlinie II-II aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

in Draufsicht einen Ausschnitt der oberen Außenfläche des zweiten Hauptbehälterteils eines Hauptbehälters, wobei modifizierte innere erste Verbindungsmittel ersichtlich sind, die untereinander bewegungsgekoppelt sind,

Fig. 4

in einer der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellungsweise eine weitere mögliche Bauform der inneren ersten Verbindungsmittel,

Fig. 5

in perspektivischer Teildarstellung eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform der inneren ersten Verbindungsmittel,

Fig. 6

einen Teilquerschnitt durch das zweite Hauptbehälterteil einer weiteren Bauform eines Hauptbehälters im Bereich eines inneren ersten Verbindungsmittels und

Fig. 7

die Prinzipdarstellung einer weiteren Variante der inneren ersten Verbindungsmittel und der mit diesen zusammenwirkenden zweiten Verbindungsmittel des Zusatzbehälters in einer teilweise geschnittenen Ausschnittsdarstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

a preferred embodiment of the container arrangement according to the invention, which here is composed of a plurality of containers stacked one on top of the other, including two main containers and an additional container and which are firmly coupled to one another by connecting means,

Fig. 2

2 shows a detail of the container arrangement from FIG. 1 in the area of an inner first connecting means in section according to section line II-II from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a plan view of a section of the upper outer surface of the second main container part of a main container, wherein modified inner first connecting means can be seen, which are coupled to each other in motion,

Fig. 4

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 a further possible design of the inner first connecting means,

Fig. 5

a partial perspective view of another possible embodiment of the inner first connecting means,

Fig. 6

a partial cross section through the second main container part of a further design of a main container in the region of an inner first connecting means and

Fig. 7

the schematic representation of a further variant of the inner first connecting means and the second connecting means of the additional container cooperating with them in a partially sectioned sectional view.

The one shown in FIG. 1 and generally with reference number 1 designated container arrangement comprises a total of three containers, which are stacked on top of each other and still to be explained Lanyards releasably fixed to a transport unit are linked. Located under the containers two relatively large-volume main containers 2 are identical Construction and a smaller auxiliary tank 3. Each of these Containers can stand alone from the others are used, however the coupling enables a connection to a unit that is kept safe and can be transported as a whole if necessary.

The two main containers 2 sit directly on top of each other, with the description below at the top Main container 2 oriented, on which in turn the Additional container 3 sits.

The main container 2 has one in the embodiment first showing box-like or bowl-like lower part Main container part 4, whose not shown and at Embodiment upward opening Cover part is assigned, which is a second main container part 5 forms. Limit the two main container parts 4, 5 a main container interior that is used for receiving any product is suitable, for example tools or from hand machine tools. About an im Area of the rear outer surface of the main container 2 arranged hinge device 6 is that shown in FIG Position of the second main container part 5 at the top first main container part 4 hinged so that it is Release the main container interior swings up.

In the area of the front outer surface of the main container 2 closure means 7 are provided with which the second main container part 5 in the closed position shown lock firmly with the first main container part 4 leaves. The closure means 7 can for example have folding and / or locking devices.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the main container 2 an essentially rectangular outer shape, but also be rounded in the corner areas can. The facing away from the first main container part 4 and in Fig. 1 upward facing outer surface 8 of the second Main container part 5 therefore has an overall oblong-rectangular outline.

The aforementioned upper outer surface 8 of the second main container part 5 defines at least one and in the exemplary embodiment two mounting surfaces 9, 9 ', the area dimension is in each case less than that of the upper outer surface 8. In the embodiment, the upper outer surface 8 in two assembly areas of equal area 9, 9 'divided, the total area of which is approximately the upper Outer surface 8 corresponds. Each of these mounting surfaces 9, 9 ' is suitable for attaching an additional container 3, such as he is shown as an example in Fig. 1. For improvement the clarity is only the one mounting surface 9 represented by an additional container 3, the further mounting surface 9 'is shown unused.

The additional container 3, which in principle is quite lidless could be performed is in the preferred embodiment also constructed and equipped like a suitcase over one of a box-like or bowl-like lower part formed first additional container part 12, the top facing opening formed by a cover part is assigned second auxiliary container part 13, which together with the first additional container part 12 an additional container interior Are defined. About one in the area of one Hinge device 14 arranged on the lateral outer surface can the second additional container part 13 on the first additional container part 12 be articulated so that it can swing up leaves accessible to the additional container interior close. Closure means 15 on the opposite lateral outer surface allow locking the Container parts with the additional container closed 3.

The additional container 3 expediently has one cuboid exterior with one on the bottom the first additional container part 12 provided rectangular and square in the embodiment Base area 16. This base area 16 corresponds to in Size and layout of one of the mounting surfaces 9, so that the additional container 3 with the base 16 ahead of the Mounting surface 9 can be attached. The mounting surface 9 will covered thereby.

In the exemplary embodiment, the two mounting surfaces 9, 9 'each one of the two narrow end regions of the assigned upper outer surface 8 so that they are in the longitudinal direction the upper outer surface 8 lie side by side. Here have the outlines, i.e. the boundary lines of the Mounting surfaces 9, 9 ', each over three first peripheral sections 17, 17 ', 17' ', which are part of the outline the upper outer surface 8 and in the embodiment from a narrow side and two adjoining it Length sections of the two long sides of the upper outer surface 8 are represented. The remaining section the outline of a respective mounting surface 9, 9 ', which is referred to as the second outline subsection 18, runs across the upper outer surface 8, thus through through the upper outer surface, and connects in the embodiment the narrow-side first outline section 17 'opposite end regions of the two longitudinal first outline sections 17, 17 ''.

The mounting surfaces 9, 9 'can be different for attachment Dimensions of additional container 3 over have unequal areas. In the embodiment they are executed evenly, which is the possibility creates several additional containers at the same time to match the corresponding base area 16.

In Fig. 1 is the outline of the unoccupied mounting surface 9 ' indicated by a dash-dotted line, the individual outline sections with their reference numbers are designated. This also shows that the arrangement shown, the second outline sections 18th of the two mounting surfaces 9, 9 'immediately adjacent parallel to each other in the transverse direction of the upper outer surface 8 run. There is a small distance, the due to the lanyards to be explained is. In the case of a different configuration of these connecting means could the two second outline sections 18th also collapse. Should be the possibility to add two additional containers having the same base area 16 3 will be given, the second outline sections 18 at least in the area of the middle extend the upper outer surface 8. The put together Additional and main container 3, 2 can be through the Interaction of the first provided on the main container 2 Connection means 22 provided on the additional container 3 second connecting means 23 releasably fixed to each other couple. To create a secure connection, the a uniform power transmission is guaranteed first connection means 22 selectively along the outline of the mounting surfaces 9, 9 'distributed, which on the respective Additional container 3 provided second connecting means 23rd have a corresponding selective distribution. The arrangement is expediently made such that that the second connecting means 23 on the side Outer surfaces 24 of the additional container 3 or its first additional container part 12 are located, namely in terms of height near the base 16, as is one of the things also emerges from Fig. 2. The second lanyard 23 are designed here, for example, as projections Project over the side outer surface 24, if necessary but also sunk in a deepening of the concerned External space can be accommodated to a total of one to maintain a flush outer surface.

The first connecting means 22 are located outer first connecting means 22 ', which outside the Outline of the upper outer surface 8 arranged on the main container 2 are. In the embodiment, the two in Area of the long side of the main container 2 extending first outline sections 17, 17 '' each have an outer assigned first connecting means 22 'during the Narrow-sided first outline section 17 'over none Lanyard.

The outer first connecting means 22 'are in the embodiment at right angles to the upper outer surface extending lateral outer surfaces 25 of the main container 2 arranged, preferably below of the second main container part 5 on the first main container part 4 are fixed. You are in the embodiment designed like clips or tabs and can be according to double arrows 26 relative to the main container 2 in particular as part of a swiveling movement between a release position not shown and the illustrated Move the coupling position. Is in the coupling position the relevant outer first connecting means 22 'with the assigned second connecting means 23 in such a way, that the additional container 3 with its base 16 held on the opposite mounting surface 9, 9 ' becomes. The connecting means reach behind this, the coupling position secured by a locking effect can be. The outer ones are in the release position first connecting means 22 'out of engagement with the second connecting means 23 so that the additional container 3 can handle independently of the main container 2.

At 27 pivot axes are indicated, around which the outer first connecting means 22 'are pivotable to to switch between the release position and the coupling position.

Due to the arrangement described in the coupling position external first connecting means located 22 'a power transmission from the additional container 3 to the main container 2 between the first additional container part 12 and the first main tank part 4 so that the intermediate second additional container part 13 nothing for power transmission must contribute and between the aforementioned Container parts is set. Among other things, this has the Advantage that the hinge device 6 is not excessive Exposed to stress.

The first connecting means 22 are located further inner first connecting means 22 '' which the upper outer surface 8 crossing second outline section 18 assigned to the relevant mounting surface 9, 9 ' and are within the outline of the top outer surface 8 lie. They are on the second main container part 5 fixed and grasp the assigned second connecting means 23 of the additional container 3, in which Trap the flow of force between the first additional container part 12 and the second located immediately below it Main container part 5 takes place. The arrangement of the inner first connecting means 22 'in the upper outer surface 8 has the advantage that the connection points better over the Outline can be distributed and even with relatively heavy ones Additional containers 3 secure attachment is possible.

Various design variants are shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 the inner first connecting means 22 ″ and the with these cooperating second connecting means 23 out, which are explained in more detail below. Furthermore are components in these figures which correspond to those in FIG. 1 shown with corresponding reference numerals Mistake.

In all embodiments, the inner first ones Connection means 22 '' via first plug connection means 28, the coupled with additional container 3 with this provided second connector 29 in engagement stand on the second connecting means 23 provided or expediently directly from these are formed. In the exemplary embodiments shown are the first connector 28 of recesses formed into the second formed by protrusions Connector 29 can be inserted, the assignment can also be the other way round. Anyway, that is Plug intervention preferably carried out so that in the Normal direction of the mounting surface 9, 9 'a positive connection is present by the mutual connector means 28, 29 reach behind. To the connector 28, 29 to bring in or out of engagement, the Additional container 3 approximately parallel to the mounting surface 9, 9 ' shifted relative to main container 2 according to double arrow 32, possibly also a swivel movement can be superimposed on the connector means 28, 29 to be able to introduce one another better.

The inner first connecting means are therefore preferably 22 '' and the second connecting means cooperating with them 23 not designed as a locking means, so that no non-positive connection is created, but the Fixation based on a purely positive intervention. This facilitates the handling of the additional container 3 assembly or disassembly because this involves manipulation or handling of the inner first connecting means 22 ″ is not required. In comparison, the outer ones first connecting means 22 'for fixing the stacked Condition manually by applying appropriate force between the release position and the coupling position shift, being in the coupling position in addition to positive connection preferably also a positive connection There is a connection.

So that the additional container 3 even when the Transport unit or at an inclined position remains securely in place on the mounting surface 9, 9 ', can on the first additional container part 12 and the neighboring second main container part 5 interlocking Position securing means 33, 33 'are provided be, for example, of mutually complementary surveys and depressions of the base 16 and the associated Mounting surface 9, 9 'are formed. You prevent an inadvertent even with ineffective connecting means 22, 23 Sliding of the additional container 3 in parallel to the level of the mounting surface 9, 9 '.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment in which the inner first connecting means 22 ″ with respect to the upper outer surface 8 recessed in the second main container part 5 are. The assigned second connecting means 23 are designed here so that they are at least coupled Project the condition beyond the base 16 of the additional container 3 and immerse in the second main container part 5. The second connecting means 23 can be adjusted be arranged on the additional container 3 so that they are at Not used at least up to the level of the base area 16 withdraw to allow unhindered handling of the to enable the additional container 3 removed from the main container 2. The adjustability of the second connection means 23 is indicated in FIG. 7 by double arrow 31, depending on the configuration, for example Sliding movement and / or a pivoting movement can act.

Deviating from the embodiment of FIG. 7, the inner first connecting means 22 '' also directly or provided at a distance above the upper outer surface 8 become. In this case, the simpler and in particular rigid configuration of the assigned second Connection means 23 can be used. Such one The principle of operation lies in the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 6 before, but to improve the The main container 2 can be used, that the inner first connecting means 22 '' optionally in one transverse to the plane of expansion of the upper outer surface 8 from this above effective position 34 or in a sunk into the second main container part 5 while doing so ineffective not protruding beyond the upper outer surface 8 Position 35 are positionable. Should be an additional container 3 are assembled, the inner first connecting means 22 '' in the active position 34, while inactive when sunk into the recessed Position can be shifted so that one essentially flat upper outer surface 8 is present, for example also the stacking shown in Fig. 1 several similar main containers 2 allowed.

2 to 5 are the inner first connecting means 22 ″ as for example in Flap-shaped swivel parts executed in Frame according to a pivoting movement about a pivot axis 36 Double arrow 37 between the active position and the ineffective Position are shiftable. The one on the second main tank part 5 provided pivot bearing 41 is located expediently below the upper outer surface 8 inside the second main container part 5, namely within a recess open to the outer surface 8 38 of the second main container part 5, in which also inner first connection means 22 '' in the ineffective Position is taken.

So that the inner first connecting means 22 ″ exactly in the upright, effective position 2, locking means 42 can be provided according to FIG. 2, that between the pivoting part and the second main container part 5 are effective and a releasably locking Allow fixation in the effective position. Comparable Locking means 42 can also be used in one in FIG. 6 shown embodiment of the inner first connecting means 22 '' can be provided for the relocation between the effective position 34 and the ineffective Position 35 by linearly moving the as a slide element executed inner first connecting means 22 '' he follows. The direction of displacement indicated by a double arrow 43 expediently runs at right angles here to the plane of expansion of the upper outer surface 8. In the ineffective Position 35 is the inner first connection means 22 '' into a one that simultaneously effects the sliding guide Recess 38 completely submerged, which like in the other embodiments to the upper outer surface 8 is open. For moving into the effective Position 34, the slide element is detected manually and pulled out of the recess 38 until in the effective position 34, the locking means 42 take effect.

In the case of inner first connecting means designed as swivel elements 22 '' are resilient locking means 42 above all then expedient if this connecting means according to FIG. 1 and 2 is designed so that it is in the active position 34 a simultaneous interaction with the second Connection means 23 two adjacent on adjacent Mounting surfaces 9, 9 'arranged additional container 3 enables. 2, the inner first Connection means 22 '' on opposite one another Pages have first connector 28, which for example from two sack openings or from one continuous opening are formed and that of are accessible from both mounting surfaces 9, 9 '. The inner first connecting means 22 ″ are located here in a narrow, strip-like intermediate area between the two mounting surfaces 9, 9 '. Are two additional containers 3 fixed on the upper outer surface 8, attack them from opposite sides inner first connecting means 22 '' in the above already described way. 2 is a second additional container 3 indicated by dash-dotted lines.

In addition or as an alternative to the latching means 42 Stop means 44 may be provided to the effective position the inner first connecting means 22 ″ exactly and to specify stably. This is illustrated by the in Fig. 4 embodiment shown, in which each Mounting surface 9, 9 'own inner first connecting means 22 '' are assigned, which operate independently of one another and that are adjacent to each other in one strip-like extending transversely to the upper outer surface 8 Intermediate area between the side by side Mounting surfaces 9, 9 'are provided. they are in this embodiment again as the second Main container part 5 articulated swivel parts executed, whose effective position 34 is predetermined by the fact that arranged in the swivel path and in particular in one piece trained with the second main container part 5 Stop means 44 come to the system, which in the embodiment of boundary surfaces of the recesses 38 are formed. The lifting means expediently act 44 on the opposite of the coupled additional container 3 Inner lanyard side 22 '' together, so that at the same time a holding force is exercised, the swivel parts and thus the coupled additional container 3 stabilized in position.

It is understood that also in the other embodiments alternatively or in addition to the locking means 42 slings 44 are possible to a certain position of the movable inner first connecting means 22 '' predefined.

1 and 2 and 4 to 7 the individual inner first connecting means 22 '' actuated separately and independently of each other. For clarification 1 shows the more arranged in the foreground inner first connection means 22 ″ in the effective Position and the more arranged in the background ineffective, sunk in the assigned lid recess arranged position. However, the second Outline section 18 of the mounting surfaces 9, 9 'assigned inner first connecting means 22 '' also motion-coupled be, as exemplified in Fig. 3 is shown. There are two across the top Outer surface 8 spaced inner first connecting means 22 ″ via a rigid, for example rod-like coupling element 45 in particular in one piece combined into a single unit that can be handled. In this case, the entire assembly sits in the inactive position 35 shown in a recess or recess 38 of the upper outer surface 8, a common pivot axis 36 is provided to which is the unit for pivoting into the effective Can fold down position. It is understood that the Coupling of motion also with a sliding movement actuatable inner first connecting means 22 '' can be.

The selective distribution chosen in the exemplary embodiment the first connecting means 22 along the outline the mounting surface 9 is selected so that on the two longitudinal first outline sections 17, 17 '' each outer first connecting means 22 'is arranged, the itself in the vicinity of the narrow-sided first outline section 17 'is located, the liaisonless itself is executed. In the area of the second outline section 18, each mounting surface 9, 9 'are two in Transverse direction of the upper outer surface 8 spaced inner first connecting means 22 '' are provided, which expediently near the long sides of the upper outer surface 8 are placed.

As already mentioned, it is advantageous if the closure means 7 of the main container 2 in a unit with outer first connecting means 22 'are designed so that There are elements with a double function. To do this ensure, it is provided according to FIG. 1 that the outer first connecting means 22 'optionally in at least two working positions 46, 47 can be positioned, whereby positioning in particular by relocation Double arrow 48 takes place relative to the first main container part 4, on which the outer first connecting means 22 ' are stored.

In Fig. 1, the right-hand closure means 7 of the upper main container 2, the first working position. It is shifted so far down on the first main container part 4, that it no longer has the upper outer surface 8 protrudes. Here you can now double arrow 26 between the shown closed position and an open position shift what is expedient by pivoting about the pivot axis 27 already mentioned. The two main container parts are in the closed position 4, 5 interlocked so that the second main container part 5 can no longer swing up. The closure means 7 or outer first connecting means 22 'work here on the second main container part 5 arranged third connecting means 52 together. In the open position, the locking means are 7 forming outer first connecting means 22 ' out of engagement with the third connecting means 52, see that the second acting here as a cover part Main container part 5 can swing up to the main container interior to make it accessible.

The closure means 7 can be in the open position from the first working position 46 according to the double arrow 48 shift up until they are above the top Extend outer surface 8 and the second working position 47 take in the manner described above optionally in a release position or a coupling position positioned with respect to an additional container 3 can be.

In this way, the main container 2 can be easily Use conventionally if no additional container 3 is connected is, even when the additional container 3 a secure closure of the main container 2 is guaranteed can be.

The main container 2 is preferably designed such that there are several main containers 2 in the one shown in FIG. 1 Put them together and detachably firmly to a transport unit get connected. For this, the main container 2 put together so that from the second main container part 5 facing away from the lower outer surface 53 of a upper main container 2 'on the upper outer surface 8 of the second main container part 5 of the underlying main container 2 '' sits. The outer surfaces 8, 53 are here preferably contoured identically. The present one Stack arrangement can be fixed in that the outer first connecting means 22 'of each lower main container 2 '' in the second working position 47 are spent where they are using fourth lanyards 54 can be coupled, which on the first main container part 4 of the main container 2 'arranged above it are provided.

The design of these fourth connecting means 54 and their arrangement on the first main container part corresponds to that of the second connecting means 23 on the first additional container part 12 the additional container 3. In this way can the outer first connecting means 22 'accordingly the respective circumstances either for coupling two main containers 2 ', 2' 'or for coupling one Use main container 2 with an additional container 3.

Before two main containers 2 ', 2' 'are placed on top of each other are provided on the lower main container 2 '' inner first connecting means 22 '' in the in the second main container part 5 sunken ineffective position spent so that they put on the top main tank 2 'do not hinder.

The additional container 3 can also be advantageously carried out in this way be that several additional containers stack on top of each other and by connecting means of the type described let it couple firmly. It can be provided be that an additional container 3 in turn a main container for coupling a smaller additional container allowed, so that overall the possibility consists of providing a system that is coordinated by Pitch dimensions the possibility of coupling differently large container allowed.

The individual containers expediently also have Handles 55, 56. They are located near the main containers 2 preferably on the front outer surface and with the additional containers 3 on the upper outer surface.

Claims (18)

Container arrangement, with a case-like main container (2) the main container interior when closed delimiting first and second main tank parts (4, 5), wherein the from the first main container part (4) facing away from the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) with respect to at least one this upper outer surface (8) smaller in area Mounting surface (9, 9 ') for an additional container (3) Defined with a base (16) on the mounting surface (9, 9 ') applicable and through the cooperation of am Main container (2) provided first connecting means (22) and the second connecting means provided on the additional container (3) (23) releasably attachable to the main container (2) is characterized in that the mounting surface (9, 9 ') is arranged so that at least a first section (17, 17 ', 17' ') of their outline from one Part of the outline of the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) is formed and at least a second section (18) of its outline over the upper Outer surface (8) extends away, the first connecting means (22) punctually along the outline the mounting surface (9, 9 ') are distributed that at least a first outline section (17, 17 '') assigned outer first connecting means (22, 22 ') outside the outline of the upper outer surface (8) and at least one second outline section (18) assigned inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') lie within the outline of the upper outer surface (8). Container arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) to enable simultaneous Fixing several additional containers (3) several next to each other Mounting surfaces (9, 9 ') defined. Container arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the upper outer surface (8) of the second Main container part (5) an elongated rectangle-like Has an outline, at least one mounting surface (9, 9 ') such at one of the two narrow end regions of the upper outer surface (8) is provided that its outline over from a narrow side and from two adjoining Longitudinal sections of the two long sides of the upper Outer surface (8) formed first outline sections (17, 17 '. 17 '') and one between the two lengths trending and doing the upper outer surface (8) crossing second outline section (18). Container arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that two narrow end areas of the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) a mounting surface (9, 9 ') is assigned, the second outline sections (18) of the two mounting surfaces (9, 9 ') have a parallel course or collapse. Container arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the two second outline sections (18) of the two mounting surfaces (9, 9 ') in the area of the center length the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) are provided. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer first connecting means (22, 22 ') on the transverse to the upper outer surface (8) of the second main container part (5) extending lateral outer surfaces (25) of the main container (2) arranged are. Container arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer first connecting means (22, 22 ') on the first main container part (4) are fixed, so that at established connection the second main container part (5) from the outer first connecting means (22, 22 ') and / or of the second connecting means interacting with these (23) is bridged. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer first connecting means (22, 22 ') at least in part between two Working positions (46, 47) movable on the first main container part (4) are arranged in the first Working position (46) a connection between the two Main container parts (4, 5) and in the second working position (47) a connection between the first main tank part (4) and one to the assigned mounting surface (9, 9 ') allow the additional container (3) to be attached. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first main container part (4) from a box-like or shell-like lower part and the second main container part (5) from one of the opening of the Lower part associated with the cover part is formed. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the additional container (3) is case-like is executed and the one to attach to a Mounting surface (9, 9 ') serving base (16) containing first additional container part (12) and one together with this first additional container part (12) an additional container interior defining second additional container part (13) having. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by several attachable and main container (2, 2 ', 2 ''). Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') via first plug connection means (28), with the fixed additional container (3) provided on this second connector means (29) are in such engagement that in the normal direction the mounting surface (9, 9 ') has a positive fit. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') between one in the second main container part (5) sunken ineffective position (35) and one transverse to the plane of expansion of the upper outer surface (8) movable from this above operative position (34) are. Container arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') at least partially pivotable on the second main container part (5) stored and by a pivoting movement between the ineffective and the effective position are relocatable. Container arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') at least in part transversely to the plane of expansion of the upper outer surface (8) slidably on the second main container part (5) stored and by a sliding movement between the ineffective and the effective Position are shiftable. Container arrangement according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by lifting means (44) and / or Latching means (42) for specifying the effective position (34) the inner first connecting means (22, 22 ''). Container arrangement according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that a plurality of inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') are motion-coupled, for example via a rigid coupling element (45), the in one piece with the relevant inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') can be executed. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the inner first connecting means (22, 22 '') at least partly so are that they interact with each other at the same time second connecting means (23) at least two on the the same upper outer surface (8) positioned additional container (3) enable.

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