EP1091880B1 - Transport container with a connection unit for removably connecting side walls - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport container (2), in particular made from a synthetic material, having a base (3) and at least two side walls (6) pivotally joined to the base (3) by hinge mechanisms (11), and having a connecting mechanism (12) arranged in an overlap region between an end face (26) of a side wall (6) and an internal face (7) of the other side wall (6) for detachably connecting the side walls (6), acting against the automatic release of the connecting mechanism (12), the locking mechanism (16) being provided as a latching element (18) mounted so as to be displaceable in a side wall (6) and joined to the side wall (6) by at least one elastically deformable retaining arm (17) and displaceable thereby from a locking into a releasing position in the connecting mechanism (12).

Description

The invention relates to a container as described in the preamble of claim 1 is.

Such containers are preferably designed to be dismantled or foldable in order to to take the smallest possible transport volume when transporting in an empty state.

Several finished transport containers are already arranged with their side walls Locking elements known. These locking devices are mostly formed by locking elements, which results in that a projection in this engages the intended handle opening and is fixed in this, so that when fixing the side walls to each other a relatively high effort is required. Furthermore is it is not possible with such holding elements to make one of the two holding elements elastic to deform and thus easier closing or opening of the locking devices to enable.

Furthermore, in DE 91 13 549 U a folding box according to the preamble of claim 1, with a swivel stop for foldable Side walls, which are connected to the floor by hinges, are described. This folding box has elastically deformable locking elements on two of its side walls on which to hold the side walls in their position of use or in their erected position are trained. The disadvantage of this training is that it elastically deformable locking elements only for operation from the interior of the container are formed and so this process when the container is full designed very difficult.

The object of the invention is to provide a container in which the side walls through elastically deformable locking elements, which are used in the construction of the side walls are integrated, these side walls against pivoting relative to the other Lock the side wall and this locking as easily as possible or by one-hand operation to be able to solve again.

This object of the invention is achieved by the characterizing part of claim 1 reproduced characteristics achieved. The surprising advantage here is that the Locking device by an elastically deformable holding arm, which is adjustable is mounted in a side wall, and the locking or the opening between two Side walls through an elastic Adjustment of the holding arm or by moving the holding arm along one level made possible by the side wall.

Another advantageous embodiment is described by claim 2, whereby the Holding arm with the one-piece molded locking element formed as a single component is through which the locking and also the elastic deformability will be realized.

The development according to claim 3 has the advantage that the blocking area by their alignment lies flat against the other side wall and so the Locking between two side walls is realized.

Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 4, wherein the holding arm between the inner surface and an outer surface in an angular position to the floor can run, and so adapted to stability-increasing conditions in the side walls can be.

The development according to claim 5 has the advantage that 2 side walls each can be locked without play to the other side walls, making a more stable training of the transport container can be realized.

Another advantageous embodiment describes claim 6, wherein the locking device is formed by a one-piece component and this in one piece on the container wall is molded and by its design, the locking between allows two side walls.

An embodiment according to claim 7 is advantageous, thereby ensuring secure storage the locking device or the holding arm in the stiffening ribs by one breakthrough arranged in the stiffening ribs is ensured.

Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 8, wherein the arrangement of an opening in the side wall receiving the locking device a sufficient mobility or elastic adjustment of the locking element can be realized is.

Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 9, which thereby sufficient part of the holding arm is available for deformation and so a secure release of the locking between the side walls can be carried out can.

The development according to claim 10 results in the advantage that the together side walls to be locked an image area without projecting parts of the Form side walls and also the side walls are locked together so that a loosening of the locking can be ensured.

Further advantageous developments describe claims 11 and 12, because this execution of two openings stiffening ribs one Linear guide for the holding arm or the locking element is realized, so one Conversion of a force acting perpendicular to the side wall plane into a force parallel can be effectively converted to the longitudinal extent of the side wall.

In the advantageous embodiments of claims 13 and 14, preferred processes described to release the lock between the two side walls.

A further development according to claims 15 and 16 is also advantageous, whereby a play-free locking of the locking device is guaranteed.

By an embodiment according to claims 17 and 18, a deformation of the Locking device or the holding arm perpendicular to the side wall plane allows and at the same time a deformation of the locking device or the holding arm in parallel Avoid running secured to the side wall level.

In claims 19 to 22 are further advantageous designs for the locking element Forming webs described, so that a sufficiently stable training Ridges or the holding arm reached.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be described with reference to the figures Exemplary embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

einen Transportbehälter mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Arretiervorrichtung in schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2

zwei zueinander arretierte Seitenwände des Transportbehälters in Draufsicht geschnitten;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der zueinander arretierten Seitenwände des Transportbehälters gemäß Pfeil III in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der Arretiervorrichtung in Draufsicht geschnitten;

Fig. 5

die Arretiervorrichtung nach Fig. 4 gemäß einer Ansicht nach Pfeil V in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der Arretiervorrichtung in der Draufsicht geschnitten.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a transport container with a locking device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

Fig. 2

cut two mutually locked side walls of the transport container in plan view;

Fig. 3

a representation of the mutually locked side walls of the transport container according to arrow III in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

a further embodiment variant of the locking device cut in plan view;

Fig. 5

the locking device of Figure 4 according to a view according to arrow V in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6

cut a further embodiment of the locking device in plan view.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments same parts with the same reference numerals or same component names provided with the disclosures contained throughout the description analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names can be transferred. Also are those chosen in the description Location information, such as top, bottom, side, etc. to the one described immediately as well as the figure shown and are analogous to a change in position transfer new location.

1, a container 1 is, in particular, a tray-like transport container 2 shown. This rise-like transport container 2 consists of a bottom 3, two opposite longitudinal side walls 4 and two perpendicular to these Longitudinal side walls 4 and transverse side walls arranged opposite one another 5, which form side walls 6 which can be pivoted relative to one another. The clarity for the sake of that, the representation of the second parallel to the first transverse side wall 5 extending transverse side wall 5 is omitted. The long side walls 4 and the transverse side walls 5 and the side walls 6 face each other Inner surfaces 7, which are pivoted in an angular position to the floor 3 Side walls 6 or an inner space 8 located at right angles to the floor 3 train them to accommodate various transport goods. The inner surfaces 7 opposite form the side walls 6 through their outer surfaces 9 a parallel to the side walls 6 extending side wall level 10. Basically, it should be noted here that the transverse side walls 5 and the longitudinal side walls 4 and the side walls 6 in no way must be arranged at right angles to each other and by at least can form three side walls 6 delimited interior 8.

The longitudinal side walls 4 and the transverse side walls 5 and, respectively, the side walls 6 are over the hinge assemblies 11 pivotally connected to the floor 3 in an angular position. This joint arrangement 11 can in this case by any possible from the Known prior art articulation arrangement 11 can be formed with the Pivoting the side walls in a range from 0 ° to 270 ° can be realized.

To fix the side walls 6 in their perpendicular to the floor 3 A connection device 12 is located in the end regions of the side walls 6 arranged to fix the side walls 6 in their upright filling position is trained. These connecting devices 12 comprise on side walls 6 or, in this case, coupling receptacles 13 arranged on transverse side walls 5, which with coupling elements 14, which in the other side walls 6 and, respectively the longitudinal side walls 4 are arranged, correspond. The clutch pocket 13 is formed by three mutually perpendicular webs and is in one piece with an end wall, with the side wall 5 formed in this case as transverse sides 6, connected. With this design, the webs of the coupling receptacle are bounded 13 with the end wall of the side wall 6 an interior, which for Receiving the coupling element 14 is used for locking purposes. The sidewalls 6 are used to increase their bending stiffness over their entire extent Stiffening ribs 15 provided, the stiffening ribs 15 in a horizontal or vertical direction can be arranged.

In two side walls 6 and in the longitudinal side walls 4 there are now locking devices 16 arranged, which is adjustable via an elastically deformable holding arm 17 have mounted locking elements 18. This locking device 16 or the holding arm 17 runs parallel to a longitudinal extension of the side wall receiving it 6 and is on a stiffening rib running perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the side wall 6 15 molded in one piece. One to this first stiffening rib 15 in Direction of the locking element 18 spaced and parallel to the first stiffening rib 15 extending further stiffening rib 15 has an opening 19 for moving Storage of the holding arm 17 on. Furthermore, the breakthrough 19 of the others Stiffening rib 15 extends through the holding arm 17 and the opening 19 forms a guide arrangement for an end region of the locking element 18 forming the Holding arms 17 out. Furthermore, the side wall 6 points in the area between the wall bar and the stiffening rib 15 having the opening 19 has an opening on which the free mobility of the locking element 18 in perpendicular to the side wall plane 10 aligned direction allows. As from the illustration in FIG. 1 can be seen, the locking device 16 is completely in the structure of the longitudinal side wall 4 or the side wall 6 accommodating them, so that an undesirable Projecting beyond the side wall planes 10 formed by the side walls 6 is avoided and so space-saving stacking of the transport containers 2 in the filling position side by side is made possible.

Basically, it should be noted here that the coupling receptacle 13 or the locking device 16 can be arranged on all side walls 6 of the transport container 2 can and so a fixation of the side walls 6 in an upright at an angle to the floor 3 Filling position is made possible.

Furthermore, all side walls 6 can have openings distributed over their extension Have 20, which contribute to adequate ventilation of the cargo can. Basically, a width 21 of the transverse side wall 5 is the same size or slightly smaller than an opening width 22, which two with a vertical position spaced from the floor 3 of upright side walls 4. This enables that when pivoting the transverse side wall 5 also in perpendicular to Floor upright position by slight deformation of the longitudinal side walls 4 penetration the coupling receptacles 13 in the locking devices 16 is made possible.

As shown in Fig. 1 it is shown that the locking device 16 a in a side wall 6 and / or the bottom 3 via an elastically deformable holding arm 17 has an adjustable locking element 18, which is in the filling position Side walls at least one of the side walls 6 against pivoting locked relative to another side wall 6. The locking element 18 is at least an elastically deformable holding arm 17 is connected to the side wall 6 and is via this from a blocking position to a release position to release the pretensioning force adjustable in the connecting device 12. The holding arm basically runs 17 between the inner surface 7 and the outer surface 9 and parallel to these and parallel to the floor 3 and the connection device 12 expands towards Locking element 18. Furthermore, it can be seen here that the locking element 18 on a the end region of the holding arm 17 facing away from the stiffening rib 15 is arranged and the locking element 18 is formed by webs. Furthermore is in the side walls 6 at least one perpendicular to the holding arm 17 and with the opening 19 provided stiffening rib 15 for receiving or guiding the elastically deformable Holding arms 17 arranged. There are also 18 openings in the area of the locking elements or openings in the side walls 6, through which freedom of movement of that on the further side wall 6 facing end region Holding arms 17 arranged locking element is made possible, the coupling element 14 in this opening or in this breakthrough parallel to the longitudinal extent of the side wall and in the direction of the locking element 18.

In the jointly described FIGS. 2 and 3 there is now a partial area of the transport container 2, which has the coupling receptacle 13 and the locking device 16, cut in plan view or shown in side view. This shows that in the locked position in the filling position of two side walls 6 the Coupling seat 13 which extends in the direction of the locking device 16 Coupling element 14 completely engages. In addition is on the coupling element 14, a material elevation 23 is arranged, which with a material elevation 23 corresponding recess 24 in the coupling receptacle 13 corresponds. This Material elevation 23 or the recess 24 are formed such that when they are applied the coupling receptacle 13 snaps onto the coupling element 14 and thus an independent release of the fixation of the transverse side wall 5 from the longitudinal side wall 4 secured is avoided. At a distance 25 from an end face 26 the edge strip of the longitudinal side wall 4 is now a locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 arranged. The locking element 18 is integrally formed on the holding arm 17 and forms facing the connecting device 12 is one for the longitudinal extension of the holding arm 17 approximately perpendicular blocking surface 27. This distance 25 corresponds in a thickness of the transverse side wall 5 in order to prevent the protruding Avoid transverse side wall 5 over the end face 26 of the longitudinal side wall 4. On the locking element 18 now closes in the direction of the first stiffening rib 15 elastically deformable holding arm 17, which on its facing away from the locking element 18 End area in one piece on the perpendicular to the longitudinal extent to the first in the Sidewall 6 extending stiffening rib 15 is formed.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a second over the longitudinal extent of the holding arm 17 having an opening 19 for receiving or for guiding the holding arm 17 and also perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the holding arm 17 Stiffening rib 15 is arranged. This second stiffening rib 15 is one Distance 28 from the first stiffening rib 15 spaced, the distance 28 such should be chosen so that pivoting of the locking element 18 upon deformation of the holding arm 17 is ensured. It is advantageous if the distance 28 between the stiffening ribs 15 in about 2/3 of a total length of the holding arm 17 between a connection point with the stiffening rib 15 and the locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 corresponds. Furthermore, there is a distance between the End face 26 and side wall 6 and the locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 in about a thickness of the side wall 6.

Of course, it is also possible that the holding arm 17 in its locking element 18 can be arranged in any angular position with respect to the floor 3 can, in order to improve the stability-increasing conditions in the To be able to adjust side walls 6.

The locking element 18 is formed by webs 29 and has a perpendicular to the side wall plane 10 measured thickness 30, which is larger than a thickness 31 of the holding arm 17. The locking element 18 is now by at least one surface of the support arm 17 projecting web, the web 29 via side webs is supported on the holding arm 17, the web 29 and the side webs on the holding arm 17 are integrally formed. The thickness 30 of the locking element 18 is selected such that that an end region of the locking element facing the coupling element 14 18 protrudes over the inner surface 7 of the side wall 6 or the longitudinal side wall 4 and so a locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 on the inner surface 7 of the other Side wall 6 or the transverse side wall 5 is applied to achieve a biasing force and so the locking between the two side walls 6 is realized.

Of course, it is also possible between the locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 and the inner surface 7 of the side wall 6 to form a distance to the Side wall 6 to allow a slight possibility of movement.

The holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 has a parallel to the side wall plane 10 measured width 32, which is slightly smaller than an opening width 33 of Breakthrough 19 is. Furthermore, an opening thickness 34 of the opening 19 is slight greater the thickness 31 of the holding arm 17. This advantageous design it is possible that the holding arm 17 having the locking element 18 is movable in the second stiffening rib 15 is arranged or stored.

As already briefly mentioned, that which is integrally formed on the first stiffening rib 15 and the locking element 18 facing away from the first stiffening rib 15 Holding arm 17 is designed to be elastically deformable and so is in the case of application of force - According to arrow 35 - a deformation of the holding arm 17 possible, which is shown by the dashed line of the holding arm 17. For this reason is to choose an opening thickness 34 such that when a force is applied in the Between region of two stiffening ribs 15 - according to arrow 35 - pivoting of the locking element 18 in the direction of the outer surface 9, which the locking device 16th receiving side wall 6 is made possible. By pivoting the locking element 18 becomes the further side wall 6 or the transverse side wall 5 by the locking device 16 released and so is a pivoting of the transverse side wall 5 in Direction of the holding arm 17 possible. The solution of the connection between the two Side walls 6 is now achieved in that the transverse side wall 5 by one Amount which corresponds to a length 36 of the coupling element 14 to the outside is pivoted, whereby the coupling receptacle 13 from a coupling element 14 encompassing position is moved into a releasing position. The longitudinal side wall 4 can then be moved away from the transverse side wall 5, whereby the transverse side wall 5 is completely released and a pivoting the transverse side wall 5 in a flat position with the bottom 3 or in any other desired position angular position to the floor 3 can be pivoted. Through the application of force - According to arrow 35 - there is an increase in length between the stiffening ribs 15 arranged section of the holding arm 17, whereby the distance 25 enlarged and thus an unimpeded pivoting of the locking element 18 in one the transverse side wall 5 releasing position is made possible.

Adjacent to the holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 extend in parallel to the side wall plane 10 extending direction two projections 37, end edges 38 spaced a short distance 39 from narrow sides 40 of the holding arm 17 are. This advantageous arrangement of the projections 37 results in an additional Guidance of the locking element 18 allows, and so an unwanted pivoting of the holding arm 17 secured in the direction parallel to the side wall plane 10 avoided.

The mounting of the holding arm 17 in the side wall 6 is now implemented as follows. The Holding arm 17 runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the side wall 6 in the direction a further side wall 6. In this end region facing the side wall 6 the holding arm has a greater thickness 30, whereby this locking element 18 the inner surface 7 of the first side wall 6 protrudes, thus locking the others Side wall 6 allows. In the end area facing away from the locking element 18 the holding arm 17 is in one piece on a perpendicular to the longitudinal extent formed on the side wall 6 extending first stiffening rib 15. A parallel to the first stiffening rib 15 and at a distance 28 in the direction of the connecting device 12 arranged second stiffening rib 15 is an opening 19 arranged for movable mounting of the holding arm 17, the dimensions of the Holding arms 17 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the locking element 18 receiving or leading breakthrough 19. Furthermore, the breakthrough is 19th formed such that the holding arm 17 from a first side wall 6 or Transverse or longitudinal side wall 5, 4 fixing position in a second the transverse or Longitudinal side wall 5, 4 releasing position can be moved elastically deformable can. As a result, the second stiffening rib 15 forms a bearing point parallel to it a pivotable bracket formed by the side wall 6 side wall 10 of the holding arm 17.

4 and 5 is a further embodiment variant of the connecting device 12 between two side walls 6 of the transport container 2, wherein for the same parts the same reference numerals as used in the previous figures become.

The connecting device 12 in turn provides the transverse side wall 5 with the Longitudinal side wall 4 is locked position, the coupling receptacle 13 Coupling element 14 completely engages and the material elevation 23 of the coupling element 14 engages in the recess 24 of the coupling receptacle 13. The final locking of the transverse side wall 5 in the longitudinal side wall 4 is also at this embodiment variant realized by the locking device 16, which in turn one in one piece on a perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the side wall 6 has first stiffening rib 15 integrally formed holding arm 17. On this one End portion of the holding arm 17 facing away from the connection is in turn the locking element 18 arranged, the thickness 30 is greater than a thickness 31 of the holding arm 17. This locking element 18 has an extension 41 on its blocking surface 27, which within the interior delimited by the webs of the coupling receptacle 13 projects.

In this embodiment variant, the blocking surface 27 does not come on the inner surface 7 the transverse side wall 5 to the system, but in this special case lies on one Front edge 42 of the coupling receptacle 13. For storage of the holding arm 17 in the Sidewall 6 is in turn a second stiffening rib 15 which is arranged around the distance 28 is spaced from the first stiffening rib 15.

The webs 29 of the locking element 18 extend in this embodiment in the direction of the side wall plane 10 and not in the direction of the transverse side wall 5, whereby the locking element 18 with its locking surface 27 touches the coupling receptacle 13 and locked it in place. Of course it is also possible to arrange a distance between the locking surface 27 and coupling receptacle 13 in order to to facilitate the pivoting of the locking element 18. Furthermore, can also on the Arrangement of the extension 41 can be dispensed with, because the locking by the blocking surface 27 can be realized alone.

In the construction of the side wall 6 is now additionally one for the longitudinal guidance of the holding arm 17 running parallel and adjacent to the second stiffening rib 15 a further stiffening rib 43 arranged. This stiffening rib 43 also has like the second stiffening rib 15 on the opening 19, which is also guided Storage of the locking element 18 having the holding arm 17 is arranged is. This stiffening rib 43 is now at a distance 44 from the second stiffening rib 15 spaced, this distance 44 depending on an overall length 45 of the holding arm 17 can be chosen freely. By building the Side wall 6 is parallel to the stiffening rib having the opening 19 15 immediately adjacent another with an opening 19 for the holding arm 17th provided stiffening rib 43 arranged, whereby the immediately adjacent Stiffening ribs 15, 43 a guide track 46 for linear guidance of the locking element 18 having the end region of the holding arm 17.

Through the design of the holding arm 17 or through the one-piece molding the first stiffening rib 15 and by the storage in the second stiffening rib 15 and the further stiffening rib 43 is the holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 via a guideway 46 formed by the stiffening ribs 15, 43 parallel to the side wall plane 10 formed by the side wall 6 linearly displaceable stored. If now a force - according to arrow 35 - on the holding arm 17 between the first stiffening rib 15 and the second stiffening rib 15 are applied, it deforms in the direction due to its elastic properties the interior 8 of the transport container 2.

By forming the guideway 46 through the two reinforcing ribs 15, 43 becomes a pivoting of the locking element 18 in the direction of the side wall plane 10 avoided and the holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 in a by Linear motion caused by positive guidance. This training results the advantage that the locking element 18 when releasing the lock or when elastic deformation of the holding arm 17 does not protrude beyond the side wall plane 10 and so an undesirable interlocking of the locking element 18 or the holding arm 17 can be avoided with adjacent containers. The release of the lock is realized in that when a compressive force is applied to the holding arm 17 - according to arrow 35 - in the area between two stiffening ribs 15 of the locking element 18 having end region of the holding arm 17 in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the holding arm 17 linearly adjusted and the distance 25 between the end face 26 and the blocking area 27 is increased.

The holding arm 17 is advantageously in one of the inner surface 7 of the side wall 6 parallel plane rigid, which causes undesirable deformation secured in the direction of the side wall plane 10 of the holding arm 17 avoided can be. It should also be noted here that a total length 45 and a width 32 of the holding arm 17 is a multiple of a thickness 31 of the holding arm 17.

Due to the deformation of the holding arm 17 in the area between the first stiffening rib 15 and the second stiffening rib 15 should be the length of a holding arm section 47 change or enlarge such that the locking element 18 by the Linear movement into a coupling receptacle 13 of the connecting device 12 releasing position is moved. This is achieved in that an adjustment path 48 of the locking element 18 from the position shown in full lines to the in dashed lines Lines shown position equal to or greater than a width 49 of the coupling receptacle 13 is.

The linear adjustment of the locking element 18 or a section of the holding arm 17 is made possible because the holding arm 17 is perpendicular to that through the side wall 6 formed side wall plane 10 is deformable, and by this deformation an extension of the holding arm section 47 of the holding arm 17 is realized and on the mounting of the holding arm 17 in the second stiffening rib 15 and the Stiffening rib 43 this elastic deformation in a linear adjustment of the Bolt element 18 is converted.

For better guidance of the holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 is on one inner portion 50 of the longitudinal side wall 4, an extension 51, one End face 52 of the extension 51 bears against the holding arm 17 or is slightly distanced and so is the holding arm 17 or the locking element 18 in the vertical direction is guided to the longitudinal extent of the side wall 6.

6 shows a further embodiment variant of the connecting device 12 for Connecting side walls 6 of the transport container 2 cut in plan view shown, here one side wall 6 as the longitudinal side wall 5, and the other Side wall 6 is referred to as the longitudinal side wall 4. Basically, it should be noted here that the arrangement of the connecting device 12, or the holding arm 17, in any side wall 6, d. H. in the longitudinal side wall 4 or in the transverse side wall 5, can be arranged.

As can be seen from the illustration, the longitudinal side wall 4 faces one of the transverse side wall 5 facing away from end region 53 one over the inner surface 7 of the longitudinal side wall 4 protruding projection 54. An outer surface is advantageous 55 of the projection 54 with the end face 26 of the longitudinal side wall 4 in the same Level, so that a disturbing protrusion of the projection 54 over the transverse side wall 5 is avoided. The projection 54 is formed in one piece on the longitudinal side wall 4, and has a web 56 projecting in the direction of the interior 8, which in this embodiment variant of the connecting device of the coupling receptacle 13 trains. By forming a distance 57 between the inner surface 7 of the longitudinal side wall 4 and the web 56 or the coupling receptacle 13 is in in this area a receiving chamber 48 for a coupling element that may have to be accommodated 14 trained.

On an end region 59 of the transverse side wall 5 facing the longitudinal side wall 4 is now also a web 60 to form the coupling element 14, wherein the orientation of this web 60, or the coupling element 14, opposite the web 56, or the coupling receptacle 13. With such training of the coupling element 14, or of the web 60, it is possible for the coupling element 14 protrudes into the receiving chamber 58 and thus the transverse side wall 5 and the longitudinal side wall 4 against stresses in the longitudinal directions of the transverse side wall 5 and the longitudinal side wall 4 are secured. Training the Coupling receptacle 13, or the coupling element 14, can be in any one Form take place, these forms must fulfill the purpose or the benefit.

The elastically deformable is now in turn in a recess in the longitudinal side wall 4 Holding arm 17, with the locking element 18 formed thereon in one piece, the holding arm 17 in turn being arranged in one piece on a in the longitudinal side wall 4 Stiffening rib 15 is integrally formed. From this connection area on the stiffening rib 15, the holding arm 17 extends in the direction of the end region 53 of the Longitudinal side wall 4, wherein the holding arm in this longitudinal direction in the direction of Interior 8 widens, so that the locking element 18 via an inner surface 7 of the Longitudinal side wall 4 protrudes. This advantageous training will solve the Transverse side wall 5, or the coupling element 14 from the projection 54 of the longitudinal side wall 4, or from the coupling receptacle 13, avoided, whereby the transverse side wall 5 against folding in the direction of the interior 8 of the transport container 2 is secured. Between the inner surface 7 of the transverse side wall is advantageous 5 and the locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 a short distance 61, to brace the locking element 18 or the holding arm 17 opposite the transverse side wall 5 to avoid. Of course, it is also possible that the blocking surface 27 comes to rest on the inner surface 7 of the transverse side wall 5, and exerts a certain preload on them, thereby ensuring a secure posture of the Transverse side wall and thus a low-noise use of the transport container 2 achieved becomes.

To solve the connection between the two side walls 6, or between the Longitudinal side wall 4 and the transverse side wall 5 is made by the elastically deformable Properties of the material of the support arm 17 allows. In about the holding arm 17 bisecting position preferably approximates the locking element 18, the inner surface 7 of the longitudinal side wall 4, a support web 62 is arranged in one piece, whereby this extends only over a portion of the thickness of the longitudinal side wall 4. Now a force according to arrow 35 via finger pressure or etc, applied to the holding arm, so thanks to its elastically deformable properties, it deforms in the direction of the Interior 8 of the transport container 2, wherein the holding arm 17 on the support web 62nd supported. This support on the other hand, the locking element 18 of the Holding arms 17 in the direction of the outer surface 10 of the longitudinal side wall 4 and so adjusted from a blocking position to a release position of the connecting device 12. Due to the deformation of the holding arm 17 between the support web 62 and the stiffening rib 15 also occurs in the end region 53 of the end wall 4 Section of the holding arm 17 a change in length with respect to the support web 62, whereby also a suspension on the transverse side wall 5 or the connecting device 12, acting preload occurs, or the distance 61 between the locking surface 27 of the locking element 18 and the inner surface 7 of the transverse side wall 5 enlarged, whereby a pivoting of the holding arm 17, or the locking element 18, in the position shown in dashed lines is made possible.

In addition, it is also possible on the outer surface 10 facing away from the support web 62 to arrange a limiting web 63, and thus swiveling out the entire holding arm 17 beyond the outer surface 10 of the transverse side wall 4 in undetectable situations should be effectively prevented. Of course it is due to the elastic Properties of the material of the transport container 2 or its individual parts also possible to connect the holding arm 17 in one piece or in one piece to the support web 62, without the freedom of movement of the locking element 18 being restricted. In this case, the formation of the limiting web 63 can be dispensed with. since an unavoidable emergence of the holding arm 17 over the outer surface 10 of the longitudinal side wall 4 is prevented.

The holding arm 17 extends in the direction of the locking element 18 and has in Area of the locking element 18 on an angular course of the stairs 29, whereby an angular plane, or inclined plane 64, between the locking element 18 and the holding arm 17 is formed. The particular advantage of this training is that when the connecting device 12 is released, or when the connection device is folded in the direction of the interior Transverse side wall 5, when the transverse side wall 5 is re-erected into its use position, no force has to be applied to the holding arm 17. this will realized in that when the transverse side wall 5 is pivoted into its position of use the web 60 or the coupling element 14 on this inclined plane 64 System comes, and so the locking element 18 by sliding along this oblique Level 64 moves in the direction of the outer surface 10 of the longitudinal side wall 4 until the coupling element 14 has passed the locking element 18 and into the receiving chamber 58 is engaged. After the coupling element 14 has been introduced into the receiving chamber 58, the holding arm 17, or the locking element 18, arises through its elastic properties back to its original position, and realized the invention Connection device, or the locking device 16. This advantageous Training is a particularly economical handling of the transport container 2 guaranteed and a significant time saving when folding the Transport container 2, or when brought into its use position, realized become.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for better understanding of the construction of the connecting device 12 this or parts thereof were shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

container

2

transport container

3

ground

4

Longitudinal side wall

5

Transverse side wall

6

Side wall

7

Inner surface

8th

inner space

9

outer surface

10

Sidewall level

11

joint arrangement

12

connecting device

13

Kupplungsaufnahme

14

coupling member

15

stiffening rib

16

locking device

17

holding arm

18

locking element

19

breakthrough

20

opening

21

width

22

opening width

23

material elevation

24

recess

25

distance

26

face

27

blocking surface

28

distance

29

web

30

thickness

31

thickness

32

width

33

opening width

34

opening thickness

35

arrow

36

length

37

head Start

38

front edge

39

distance

40

narrow side

41

extension

42

front edge

43

stiffening rib

44

distance

45

overall length

46

guideway

47

Haltearmabschnitt

48

adjustment

49

width

50

section

51

extension

52

face

53

end

54

head Start

55

outer surface

56

web

57

distance

58

receiving chamber

59

end

60

web

61

distance

62

supporting web

63

limiting web

64

level

Claims (22)

1. Transport container (2), in particular made from plastics, having a base (3) and at least two side walls (4, 5) pivotably joined to the base by means of hinge fittings (11), with a connection unit disposed in the overlap region between an end face of a side wall (5) and an internal face of another side wall (4) for removably connecting the side walls in a packing position extending substantially perpendicular to the base, and having means to prevent the connection unit from inadvertently working loose, a locking device being provided in the form of a latch element (18) displaceably mounted in a side wall, which is joined to the side wall by means of at least one elastically deformable retaining arm (17) by which it is displaceable in the connection unit from a locking into a release position, characterised in that, extending parallel with a stiffening rib (15) on which the retaining arm is integrally moulded and spaced at a distance (28) therefrom towards the latch element (18), another stiffening rib (15) is provided and the retaining arm (17) projects through an orifice (19) of the other stiffening rib (15).
2. Transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the retaining arm (17) extends between the internal face (7) and an external face (9) and parallel therewith and parallel with the base (3) and the latch element (18) facing the connection unit (12) is widened.
3. Transport container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the latch element (18) is integrally moulded on the retaining arm (17) and forms a lock surface (27) opposite the connection unit (12) extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the retaining arm (17).
4. Transport container as claimed in claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the retaining arm (17) extends between the internal face (7) and an external face (9) in an angled position relative to the base (3).
5. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining arm (17) and the latch element (18) exert a clamping force on a coupling catch (13).
6. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, at its end region opposite the latch element (18), the retaining arm (17) is moulded onto a stiffening rib (15) of the side wall (6) extending substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal extension.
7. Transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the orifice (19) forms a guide system for an end region of the retaining arm (17) constituting the latch element (18).
8. Transport container as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the side wall (6) has an orifice in the region between the peripheral edge and the stiffening rib (15).
9. Transport container as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the distance (28) between the stiffening ribs (15) corresponds to approximately 2/3 of a total length (45) between a connecting point with the stiffening rib (15) and the lock surface (27) of the latch element (18).
10. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a distance (25) between an end face (26) of the side wall (6) and the lock surface (27) of the latch element (18) corresponds to approximately a thickness of the side wall (6).
11. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 7 to 10, characterised in that, parallel with and immediately adjacent to the stiffening rib (15) having the orifice (19), another stiffening rib (43) with an orifice (19) for the retaining arm (17) is provided in the side wall (6).
12. Transport container as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the immediately adjacent stiffening ribs (15, 43) form a guide track (46) for linearly guiding the end region of the retaining arm (17) with the latch element (18).
13. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when a compression force is applied to the retaining arm (17) in the region between two stiffening ribs (15) in the direction of an interior (8) of the transport container (2) - in the direction of arrow (35) - the end region of the retaining arm (17) with the latch element (18) is pivoted out of the plane of the side wall (6) in the direction towards the external face (9).
14. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that when a compression force is applied to the retaining arm (17) in the region between two stiffening ribs (15) in the direction towards the interior (8) - in the direction of arrow (35) - the end region of the retaining arm (17) with the latch element (18) is linearly displaced in the direction of the linear extension of the retaining arm (17) and the distance (25) between the end face (26) and the lock surface (27) is increased.
15. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lock surface (27) of the latch element (18) of the first side wall (6) acts on a coupling catch (13) of the other side wall (6) engaging in a bow-shaped arrangement round a coupling element (14) of the side wall (6).
16. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a peripheral edge constituting the end face (26) of the side wall (6) lying opposite the lock surface (27) of the latch element (18) forms an abutment surface of the connection unit.
17. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining arm (17) is elastically flexible in the direction perpendicular to the internal face (7) of the side wall (6).
18. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining arm (17) is bending-resistant in a plane extending parallel with the internal face (7) of the side wall (6).
19. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a total length (45) and a width (32) of the retaining arm (17) is a multiple of a thickness (31) of the retaining arm (17).
20. Transport container as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latch element (18) comprises at least one land (29) projecting beyond a surface of the retaining arm (17).
21. Transport container as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that the land (29) is supported by means of side lands on the retaining arm (17).
22. Transport container as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that the land (29) and the side lands are integrally formed on the retaining arm (17).

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