EP1851124B1 - Connection system for stackable containers - Google Patents

Connection system for stackable containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1851124B1
EP1851124B1 EP06701088A EP06701088A EP1851124B1 EP 1851124 B1 EP1851124 B1 EP 1851124B1 EP 06701088 A EP06701088 A EP 06701088A EP 06701088 A EP06701088 A EP 06701088A EP 1851124 B1 EP1851124 B1 EP 1851124B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
force
disposed
containers
elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06701088A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1851124A1 (en
Inventor
Hansjörg Dür
Martin Müller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Plaston AG
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Plaston AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1851124A1 publication Critical patent/EP1851124A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1851124B1 publication Critical patent/EP1851124B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0228—Containers joined together by screw-, bayonet-, snap-fit or the like
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/59—Manually releaseable latch type

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a connection system for stackable containers with automatically latching and releasable connecting elements which connect two in the direction of a stacking axis abutting container with each other, wherein the connecting elements are connected to a first container and having a resilient portion with a locking element and the second container holding ribs are arranged for cooperation with these Veniegelungs instituten.
  • Stackable containers of this type are used, for example, as material containers, tool containers or storage and / or transport containers for any goods. Both the individual containers as well as the stacked containers are portable and / or transportable in other ways.
  • the corresponding containers are usually made of plastic, but may also consist of another material, for example metal.
  • Such stackable containers with latching and releasable connecting elements are known in various embodiments.
  • Stackable containers are known for storing and transporting goods in hospitals.
  • the containers described here have on two opposite side walls on connecting elements which automatically engage in the stacking of two containers and can be solved again.
  • connecting elements to U-shaped bent spring elements are present, which are on the one hand attached to the side walls and on the other hand at its free end locking cam exhibit.
  • These locking cams engage in stacked containers in corresponding counterparts on the other container, which adhere the locking cam.
  • the locking cam in this case have an inclined surface, over which a part of the connecting element is resiliently deflected when stacking the container and after reaching the stacked position, the locking cam can engage in the counterparts. To unstack the containers, the locking cams are manually pressed inwards and thereby unlocked.
  • Containers with such connecting elements have the disadvantage that the connecting elements must be mechanically very strong. If two or more containers are stacked and the container stack is raised and transported, for example via a carrying handle on the uppermost container, the load of the lower container is transferred via the connecting elements to the carrying handles on the uppermost container.
  • the whole fasteners and their attachments and brackets must therefore be so strong that they can transmit the whole weight, or corresponding forces. If the containers are filled with heavy goods and several containers are stacked on top of each other, these forces can become very large.
  • Another disadvantage is that the fasteners described can be unintentionally unlocked when the container stack laterally abuts obstacles or protrusions.
  • FIG. 1 Another embodiment of stackable containers is made US-A-5544751 known.
  • the containers described here are made of plastic and the connecting elements are molded integrally on the upper portion of the container. In this case, these connecting elements extend beyond the upper edge of the container and against the interior of the container.
  • the connecting elements have a locking cam on the free end and can be resiliently deflected due to the material elasticity.
  • At the bottom region of each container openings are arranged, in which the connecting elements of an adjacent or lower container can be inserted.
  • In the interior of the upper container holding ribs are arranged in the region of the openings, in which engage the locking cam of the connecting elements.
  • connection system for stackable container in which the weight of the stacked containers including the contents is not transmitted via the connecting elements to the uppermost container in which the connecting elements can not be unlocked unintentionally by external action and at which a container of a stack after unlocking the connecting elements can be raised by means of these connecting elements.
  • the solution should enable a wide range of design solutions and optimum ease of use.
  • the locking elements on the connecting elements on two power transmission surfaces which are spaced apart in the direction of the stack axis and approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the stacking axis of the container.
  • Force-receiving ribs are arranged on the first container and cooperate with a first one of the force-transmitting surfaces in the form of a support surface, and on the second container are arranged the holding ribs which cooperate with a second one of the force-transmitting surfaces in the form of a blocking surface.
  • each of the force receiving ribs on the first container and its associated retaining rib on the second container via the locking element of a Connecting element directly to each other.
  • connection elements between the connecting elements and the container form a mechanical guide without power transmission between the containers and only the locking element and the retaining rib and the power transmission rib are formed for this power transmission.
  • the connecting elements and the associated bearing elements can therefore be designed in a lightweight design, since the forces are transmitted in the direction of the stack axis only via the locking elements and the walls of the container with the holding ribs and power transmission ribs.
  • the simple design results in cost savings.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the subject invention provides that the holding ribs are arranged on the second container on a collar of this second container, this collar overlaps an edge region of the first container in stacked containers and the force receiving ribs are arranged on this edge region of the first container.
  • This arrangement has the advantage that no elements of the connecting element itself protrude beyond the contours of a container, but only the collar with the retaining rib, which can be sufficiently strong.
  • the collar may be a structural projection, a protruding tab, a bracket, or other suitable design.
  • At least one pair of connecting elements is arranged on the first container, wherein the two connecting elements of a pair are positioned on opposite side walls and corresponding pairs of holding ribs are arranged on the second container. If necessary, especially in large containers, corresponding connecting elements and retaining ribs can be arranged on all side walls.
  • a spring element is arranged, which presses the locking cam away from the container wall to the outside.
  • This arrangement makes it possible that when stacking containers, the connecting elements can be deflected about the fulcrum and against the spring force from its rest positions.
  • the spring element pushes the locking cam outward on the connecting element and thus into the locking positions between the force-receiving rib on the first container and the holding rib on the second container. This process is automatic and without additional manual intervention.
  • the spring element pushes the lock back into the starting position and thus again into the provision for the next connection.
  • each connecting element is arranged in a depression on the outer surface of a side wall of a container.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that two or more containers are connected to one another via connecting elements.
  • the system does not set a limit. This is limited only by the height and weight.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides that the locking element consists of a cam, on which the two power transmission surfaces are arranged. But it may also be advantageous if the locking element consists of a C-shaped clasp on which the two power transmission surfaces are arranged.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element consists of a lever and is pivotally mounted on a storage element in the form of a fulcrum on the first container, wherein the locking element is arranged on an outer, pivotable end of this lever. It proves to be particularly advantageous if the connecting element is designed as a two-armed lever, wherein the locking element is formed on the first lever part and a handle element is formed on the second lever part.
  • the configuration of the connecting element as a two-armed lever has the advantage that the first lever part with the locking cam and the second lever part with the grip element can be designed so that the connecting element can not be unlocked by unintentional action from the outside.
  • the connecting elements must be pulled outwards for unlocking via the grip elements and around the pivot point against the force of the spring element and can not be unlocked by pressing.
  • the connecting element is thereby protected against unwanted unlocking that each of the connecting elements in a trough on the outer surface of a Side wall of the first container is arranged. This is also the case with the two-armed version, which in this solution further enhances safety.
  • the connecting element consists of a slider
  • said slide is mounted on guides on the first container and is displaceable approximately transversely to the stacking axis and the locking element is arranged on an edge region of this slider.
  • the slider may have the shape of a push button.
  • connection system is that the connecting elements can be arranged either on the bottom area of a container or also in the area of the upper edge.
  • One of the advantageous embodiments of the subject invention provides that the connecting elements and the force receiving ribs are arranged in the bottom region of side walls of the first container and on the second container, the holding ribs are formed at the upper edge.
  • another advantageous embodiment of the subject invention provides that the connecting elements and the force-receiving ribs are arranged at the upper region of side walls of the first container and the holding ribs are formed in the bottom region of side walls on the second container.
  • the connecting elements are arranged at the bottom region of a container, in the case of adjacent containers stacked one above the other, the first container is the upper container and the second container is the lower container.
  • the first container is analogously the lower container and the second container is the upper container. In terms of that Connection system, this designation of the container continues even if more than two containers are stacked on top of each other.
  • a free gap is formed, which the distance between the force transmission surfaces in the shape of the support surface and the locking surface on the locking element in the Shape of a cam corresponds.
  • the force transmission rib on the first container and the associated holding rib on the second container are arranged directed against each other and are encompassed in the direction of the stack axis by the locking element in the form of a C-shaped clip.
  • the C-shaped clip has an opening, this opening in the direction of the stack axis of the support surface and the blocking surface is limited and the distance between the support surface and the blocking surface of at least the sum of the height of the holding rib and the height of Force absorption rib corresponds.
  • this cam and thus the locking element in the power chain is subjected to pressure.
  • this is charged in the power train to train.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of stackable containers with a connection system according to the present invention, as used by craftsmen, eg plumbing or electrical installers or in the hobby area.
  • a first container 1 is designed as a bucket with a carrying handle 32.
  • a pair of connecting elements 4 is arranged at the bottom region 20 of two opposite side walls 5, 6 of the container 1.
  • a pair of connecting elements 4 is arranged at the bottom region 20 of two opposite side walls 5, 6 of the container 1, a pair of connecting elements 4 is arranged.
  • On the two side walls 5, 6 troughs 9 are formed, which receive the connecting elements 4.
  • mutually parallel ribs 33, 34 are provided, in which bearing elements 37, or bearings 29 for receiving a rotation axis 14 of the connecting element 4, and a slot 31 for the guidance of stop cams 30 are formed on the connecting element 4.
  • This first container 1 is stacked in the direction of the stacking axis 3 via a second container 2, which in this embodiment a lower container represents.
  • a respective collar 19 is arranged on the opposite side walls 7, 8, which projects beyond the upper edge 17.
  • a retaining rib 16 At each of these collars 19 is a retaining rib 16 (see Fig. 2 ) and the collar 19 has recesses 18.
  • locking elements 15 in the form of cams 38 are present, which engage in the recesses 18 on the collar 19 of the second container 2 and thereby engage under the retaining rib 16. This is from the Figures 3 and 4 seen.
  • the locking elements 15, and the cams 38 form at the same time power transmission elements between the containers 1 and 2.
  • the two containers 1, 2 are connected to each other via the locking elements 15 on the engaged fasteners 4.
  • two further connecting elements 4 are arranged on the bottom area of the second container 2 on opposite sides 7, 8. Via these connecting elements 4 on the second container 2, a connection can be made to a further lower container.
  • a multiplicity of containers, with a corresponding connection system according to the invention can be stacked on top of one another and connected to one another in this way. It is possible to connect other system elements instead of a container 1, 2, for example a platform with rollers.
  • a grip element 13 is detected manually on the connecting elements 4 and pulled away from the side walls 5, 6 away.
  • the connecting elements 4 are pivoted about the axis of rotation 14 and the locking elements 15 are pivoted out of the holding ribs 16 on the container 2.
  • the first or upper container 1 can be lifted off the lower or second container 2 by means of the gripping elements 13 on the connecting elements 4. It may be sufficient if only one connecting element 4 is released and lifted. By lateral displacement is a one-handed separation of the container 1, 2 possible.
  • Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the second and lower container 2, wherein the connecting elements 4 are removed.
  • the collar 19, which are arranged at the upper edge 17 of the two side surfaces 7, 8, clearly visible.
  • the collar 19 is formed by a constructive projection. But it can also be configured differently, for example as a protruding tab or holder.
  • the recess 18 on the collar 19 is interrupted in the example shown by a central rib, which serves as a reinforcement.
  • the upward part of the collar 19 forms the retaining rib 16.
  • a retaining rib 26 is formed, which serves to receive a spring element 25 (see Fig. 4 ).
  • a force-receiving rib 21 is formed between the two ribs 33, 34 on the side walls 7, 8.
  • Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a lateral region of a connecting element 4 and a part of the bottom portion 20 of the container 1 and the upper edge portion 17 of the container second Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the same connecting elements 4, but in the central region in which a spring element 25 is arranged.
  • the connecting element 4 is formed in the example shown as a two-armed lever, which is mounted on the axis of rotation 14, as part of the bearing element 37, and pivotable about this.
  • the first lever part 11 has at the free end the locking elements 15 in the shape of the cam 38 and the second lever part 12 is equipped at the free end with a handle element 13.
  • the connecting element 4 is incorporated in a recess 9 on the side wall 5 and is not on the outer contour of the side wall 5 before.
  • the two containers 1 and 2 are stacked and interconnected.
  • the connection takes place via the cams 38 on the connecting element 4, which engage in the recesses 18 on the collar 19 of the container 2.
  • a distance from the locking surface 23 support surface 22 on the locking element 15, or
  • Cam 38 abuts against the force-receiving rib 21 of the container 1.
  • forces acting by the weight of the container 2 in the direction of the arrow 35, from the retaining rib 16 on the side wall 7 of the container 2 directly via the locking element 15, and the cam 38 to the force receiving rib 21 on the side wall 5 of the container 1 The cam 38 is loaded by pressure.
  • the free distance between the retaining rib 16 on the container 1 and the force receiving rib 21 on the container 1 is slightly larger than the distance between the locking surface 23 and the support surface 22 on the locking element 15, or cam 38th
  • the excess is set so that the cam 38 easily engage in the gap or the recesses 18 and also disengage again.
  • the spring element 25 is arranged in the form of a curved leaf spring.
  • the spring 25 is held by the retaining rib 26.
  • the spring 25 presses the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4 away from the side wall 5 outwards and thus the locking element 15, or the cam 38 in the direction of the retaining rib 16.
  • the spring 25 ensures that that the connecting element 4 is completely pivoted into the trough 9 and thus protected.
  • the connecting elements 4 are manually taken on the handle elements 13 and pulled in the direction of the arrows 27 to the outside.
  • the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4 is pivoted against the force of the spring 25 in the direction of the outer surface 10 of the side wall 5.
  • the locking element 15, or the cam 38 is pivoted out of the region of the retaining rib 16 on the container 2 and the connection is released.
  • the first container 1 can now be lifted off the second container 2 by means of the grip elements 13.
  • conical surfaces are present on both containers, which cause a guided touchdown.
  • the described embodiment shows that the inventive connection system for stackable container ensures a secure, automatic connection between two or more containers 1, 2, which can be solved manually again in a simple manner.
  • the connecting elements 4 and the bearing elements 37 are in no way loaded by forces, or the weights of the lower container, which act in the direction of the arrows 35 and must be transmitted to the topmost container during transport.
  • the corresponding chain of action of the force transmission extends directly from the side walls 7, 8 of the lower container 2 via the locking cam 15 on the side walls 5, 6 on the container 1, i. the upper container.
  • This ensures that the connecting elements 4 and their storage elements 37, or their axis of rotation 14 and bearing 29 is not loaded, in particular not overloaded and damaged.
  • the storage elements 37 and the connecting elements 4 can therefore be made relatively easy and their function accordingly and it does not require a strong design to transmit forces.
  • Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the connecting element 4, wherein in a partial cross section of the bottom portion 20 of the first container 1 and the upper edge 17 of the second container 2 are shown in a simplified representation.
  • the Connecting element 4 is designed as a two-armed lever which is pivotable about an axis of rotation 14 in the direction of the arrows 27.
  • the axis of rotation 14 is part of a bearing element 37, via which the connecting element 4 is connected to the first container 1, the connecting element 4 is also arranged here in a trough 9 of the first container 1.
  • the grip element 13 and the second lever part 12 the locking element 15 is formed on the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4, the grip element 13 and the second lever part 12, the locking element 15 is formed.
  • the locking element 15 consists of a C-shaped clip 39, on which the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23 are arranged.
  • the locking element 15 is not loaded on pressure, but to train, when the containers 1, 2 are raised together. Again, the power flow is conducted in a direct action chain of the retaining rib 16 via the locking element 15 to the force receiving rib 21.
  • the storage elements 37 and the connecting element 4 itself are not loaded and therefore can be easily and conveniently formed here as well.
  • a spring element 25 is inserted between the side wall 5 of the first container 1 and the second lever part 12 of the connecting element 4.
  • the stacking and connecting of the containers 1 and 2 takes place automatically by the oblique surface 28 impinges on the holding rib 16 during assembly and thus the connecting element 4 is deflected and pivoted about the axis of rotation 14.
  • the locking element 15 engages due to the restoring force of the spring element 25 in the locked position.
  • Fig. 6 is shown in a partial cross section through the bottom portion 20 of the first container 1 and the upper portion 17 of the second container 2, a further embodiment of the connecting element 4 in a simplified representation.
  • the connecting element 4 consists of a slide 40, which in the direction the arrows 45 can be pressed manually into the trough 9. The provision also takes place in the direction of the arrows 45 by the spring element 25.
  • the bearing elements 37 consist here of lateral guides 41 on the container 1 and corresponding lateral guide grooves 46 on the slider 40. The guides 41 and the guide grooves 46 ensure the desired movement of the slider 40 in Direction of the arrows 45.
  • the locking element 15 is arranged in the form of a C-shaped clip 39.
  • This clip 39 encloses the opening 43, which is bounded by the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23.
  • the holding rib 16 of the second container 2 and the force receiving rib 21 of the first container 1 engage.
  • the blocking position of the connecting element 4, or the slider 40 is formed by the retaining rib 16 via the locking surface 23 and the support surface 22 of the C-shaped clip 39 of the direct power flow to the force receiving rib 21.
  • the slider 40 and the bearing elements 37 are not loaded in this embodiment by forces acting in the direction of the stack axis 3.
  • the slider 40 with a locking element 15 in the form of a cam 38 as in Fig. 3 illustrated form is also possible in a simple manner.
  • the retaining rib 16 and the force receiving rib 21 are according to the arrangement according to Fig. 3 to shape and the burden would be like to the Figures 3 and 4 described to be done on pressure.
  • Fig. 7 shows a partial section through an arrangement in which a first container 1 and a second container 2 are stacked on top of each other and thereby the connecting elements 4 at the upper edge 17 of the side walls 7, 8 of the container 2 are arranged.
  • the retaining rib 16 is arranged on the bottom region 20 of the container 1. Accordingly, the force receiving rib 21 is formed at the upper edge 17 of the lower container 2.
  • the connecting elements 4 are also inserted here in a trough 9 on the side walls 7, 8 of the lower container 2.
  • the connecting element 4 in this example again consists of a two-armed lever, which has bearing elements 37 is pivotable about the axis of rotation 14 in the direction of the arrows 27.
  • the spring element 25 is provided, which is held in retaining ribs 26 on the container 2.
  • the locking element 15, and the cam 38 is arranged.
  • the second lever part 11 with the locking element 15 is directed upward in this case.
  • the power flow is conducted directly from the force receiving rib 21 via the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23 of the cam 38 to the retaining rib 16.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system, which enables several stackable containers 1, 2 ) to be interconnected for storage and transport purposes. Said system is equipped with connection elements ( 4 ), which automatically engage with one another, when the containers ( 1, 2 ) are stacked on top of one another. The connection elements ( 4 ), retaining ribs ( 16 ) and force absorption ribs ( 21 ) on the containers ( 1, 2 ) are configured in such a way that lifting forces are directly transmitted from a second container ( 2 ) to a first container ( 1 ) by means of a locking element ( 15 ) on the connection elements.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verbindungssystem für stapelbare Behälter mit selbsttätig einrastenden und wieder lösbaren Verbindungselementen, welche zwei in Richtung einer Stapelachse aneinander stossende Behälter miteinander verbinden, wobei die Verbindungselemente mit einem ersten Behälter verbunden sind und einen federnden Bereich mit einem Verriegelungselement aufweisen und am zweiten Behälter Halterippen für das Zusammenwirken mit diesen Veniegelungselementen angeordnet sind.The invention relates to a connection system for stackable containers with automatically latching and releasable connecting elements which connect two in the direction of a stacking axis abutting container with each other, wherein the connecting elements are connected to a first container and having a resilient portion with a locking element and the second container holding ribs are arranged for cooperation with these Veniegelungselementen.

Stapelbare Behälter dieser Art finden beispielsweise Verwendung als Materialbehälter, Werkzeugbehälter oder Aufbewahrungs- und/oder Transportbehälter für irgendwelche Güter. Dabei sind sowohl die einzelnen Behälter wie auch die gestapelten Behälter tragbar und/oder in anderer Weise transportierbar. Die entsprechenden Behälter werden zumeist aus Kunststoff hergestellt, können aber auch aus einem anderen Material, beispielsweise Metall, bestehen. Derartige stapelbare Behälter mit einrastenden und wieder lösbaren Verbindungselementen sind in verschiedenen Ausführungsformen bekannt.Stackable containers of this type are used, for example, as material containers, tool containers or storage and / or transport containers for any goods. Both the individual containers as well as the stacked containers are portable and / or transportable in other ways. The corresponding containers are usually made of plastic, but may also consist of another material, for example metal. Such stackable containers with latching and releasable connecting elements are known in various embodiments.

Aus der Publikation DE-U1-7244356 sind stapelbare Behälter zum Aufbewahren und Transportieren von Gütern in Krankenhäusern bekannt. Die hier beschriebenen Behälter weisen an zwei gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden Verbindungselemente auf, welche beim aufeinander Stapeln von zwei Behältern selbsttätig einrasten und wieder gelöst werden können. Als Verbindungselemente sind dazu U-förmig gebogene Federelemente vorhanden, welche einerseits an den Seitenwänden befestigt sind und anderseits an ihrem freien Ende Verriegelungsnocken aufweisen. Diese Verriegelungsnocken greifen bei gestapelten Behältern in entsprechende Gegenstücke am anderen Behälter ein, welche den Verriegelungsnocken haften. Die Verriegelungsnocken weisen dabei eine schräge Fläche auf, über welche beim Stapeln der Behälter ein Teil des Verbindungselementes federnd ausgelenkt wird und nach Erreichen der gestapelten Position die Verriegelungsnocken in die Gegenstücke einrasten lässt. Zum Entstapeln der Behälter werden die Verriegelungsnocken manuell nach innen gedrückt und dadurch entsperrt. Behälter mit derartigen Verbindungselementen weisen den Nachteil auf, dass die Verbindungselemente mechanisch sehr stark ausgebildet sein müssen. Wenn zwei oder mehrere Behälter übereinander gestapelt sind und der Behälter stapel z.B. über einen Traggriff am obersten Behälter angehoben und transportiert wird, so wird die Last der unteren Behälter über die Verbindungselemente an die Traggriffe am obersten Behälter übertragen. Die ganzen Verbindungselemente und deren Befestigungen und Halterungen müssen deshalb so stark ausgebildet sein, dass sie das ganze Gewicht, bzw. entsprechende Kräfte übertragen können. Wenn die Behälter mit schweren Gütern gefüllt und mehrere Behälter übereinander gestapelt werden, können diese Kräfte sehr gross werden. Ein weiterer Nachteil besteht darin, dass die beschriebenen Verbindungselemente unbeabsichtigt entriegelt werden können, wenn der Behälterstapel seitlich an Hindernisse oder Vorsprünge anstösst.From the publication DE-U1-7244356 Stackable containers are known for storing and transporting goods in hospitals. The containers described here have on two opposite side walls on connecting elements which automatically engage in the stacking of two containers and can be solved again. As connecting elements to U-shaped bent spring elements are present, which are on the one hand attached to the side walls and on the other hand at its free end locking cam exhibit. These locking cams engage in stacked containers in corresponding counterparts on the other container, which adhere the locking cam. The locking cam in this case have an inclined surface, over which a part of the connecting element is resiliently deflected when stacking the container and after reaching the stacked position, the locking cam can engage in the counterparts. To unstack the containers, the locking cams are manually pressed inwards and thereby unlocked. Containers with such connecting elements have the disadvantage that the connecting elements must be mechanically very strong. If two or more containers are stacked and the container stack is raised and transported, for example via a carrying handle on the uppermost container, the load of the lower container is transferred via the connecting elements to the carrying handles on the uppermost container. The whole fasteners and their attachments and brackets must therefore be so strong that they can transmit the whole weight, or corresponding forces. If the containers are filled with heavy goods and several containers are stacked on top of each other, these forces can become very large. Another disadvantage is that the fasteners described can be unintentionally unlocked when the container stack laterally abuts obstacles or protrusions.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform von stapelbaren Behältern ist aus US-A-5544751 bekannt. Die hier beschriebenen Behälter sind aus Kunststoff gebildet und die Verbindungselemente sind am oberen Bereich des Behälters einstückig angespritzt. Dabei erstrecken sich diese Verbindungselemente über die Oberkante des Behälters hinaus und gegen den Innenraum des Behälters. Die Verbindungselemente weisen am freien Ende einen Verriegelungsnocken auf und können auf Grund der Materialelastizität federnd ausgelenkt werden. Am Bodenbereich jedes Behälters sind Öffnungen angeordnet, in welche die Verbindungselemente eines benachbarten, bzw. unteren Behälters eingeschoben werden können. Im Innenraum des oberen Behälters sind im Bereiche der Öffnungen Halterippen angeordnet, in welche die Verriegelungsnocken der Verbindungselemente eingreifen.Another embodiment of stackable containers is made US-A-5544751 known. The containers described here are made of plastic and the connecting elements are molded integrally on the upper portion of the container. In this case, these connecting elements extend beyond the upper edge of the container and against the interior of the container. The connecting elements have a locking cam on the free end and can be resiliently deflected due to the material elasticity. At the bottom region of each container openings are arranged, in which the connecting elements of an adjacent or lower container can be inserted. In the interior of the upper container holding ribs are arranged in the region of the openings, in which engage the locking cam of the connecting elements.

Werden derartig ausgebildete Behälter übereinander gestapelt, so greifen die Verbindungselemente eines ersten Behälters selbsttätig in die Halterippen eines zweiten Behälters ein. Eine unbeabsichtigte Entriegelung von gestapelten Behältern durch äussere Einwirkung ist bei dieser Lösung nicht möglich. Dafür besteht aber der Nachteil, dass gestapelte Behälter nur durch einen Eingriff in den Innenraum voneinander getrennt werden können. Auch hier besteht der Nachteil, dass das gesamte Gewicht der gestapelten Behälter über die Verbindungselemente an den obersten Behälter mit dem Traggriff übertragen wird. Dies kann dazu führen, dass die Verbindungselemente abgerissen oder beschädigt werden und damit die Behälter nicht mehr gestapelt werden können.If containers designed in this way are stacked on top of one another, the connecting elements of a first container automatically engage in the holding ribs of a second container. Unintentional unlocking of stacked containers by external action is not possible with this solution. But there is the disadvantage that stacked containers can only be separated from each other by an intervention in the interior. Again, there is the disadvantage that the entire weight of the stacked containers is transmitted via the connecting elements to the uppermost container with the carrying handle. This may cause the fasteners to be torn off or damaged and to make it impossible to stack the containers.

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verbindungssystem für stapelbare Behälter zu schaffen, bei welchem das Gewicht der gestapelten Behälter einschliesslich des Inhalts nicht über die Verbindungselemente an den obersten Behälter übertragen wird, bei welchem die Verbindungselemente nicht unbeabsichtigt durch äussere Einwirkung entriegelt werden können und bei welchem ein Behälter eines Stapels nach der Entriegelung der Verbindungselemente mittels dieser Verbindungselemente angehoben werden kann. Zudem soll die Lösung ein breites Spektrum von Gestaltungslösungen und einen optimalen Bedienungskomfort ermöglichen.It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection system for stackable container in which the weight of the stacked containers including the contents is not transmitted via the connecting elements to the uppermost container in which the connecting elements can not be unlocked unintentionally by external action and at which a container of a stack after unlocking the connecting elements can be raised by means of these connecting elements. In addition, the solution should enable a wide range of design solutions and optimum ease of use.

Beim erfindungsgemässen Verbindungssystem für stapelbare Behälter weisen die Verriegelungselemente an den Verbindungselementen zwei Kraftübertragungsflächen auf, welche in Richtung der Stapelachse voneinander beabstandet sind und etwa parallel zueinander sowie etwa rechtwinklig zur Stapelachse der Behälter verlaufen. Am ersten Behälter sind Kraftaufnahmerippen angeordnet, welche mit einer ersten der Kraftübertragungsflächen in der Form einer Stützfläche zusammenwirken und am zweiten Behälter sind die Halterippen angeordnet, welche mit einer zweiten der Kraftübertragungsflächen in der Form einer Sperrfläche zusammenwirken. Dabei stehen, bei gestapelten Behältern mit eingerasteten Verbindungselementen, jede der Kraftaufnahmerippen am ersten Behälter und deren zugehörige Halterippe am zweiten Behälter über das Verriegelungselement eines Verbindungselementes direkt miteinander in Verbindung. Dadurch ist eine direkte Wirkkette für die Kraftübertragung zwischen den Behältern gebildet. Diese Anordnung bewirkt, dass bei gestapelten Behältern das Gewicht der unteren Behälter und des Inhalts nicht über die Verbindungselemente, sondern direkt über die Seitenwände der Behälter an den obersten Behälter mit einer allfälligen Trageinrichtung übertragen wird. Das Gewicht des zweiten Behälters wird dabei von den am zweiten Behälter befestigten Halterippen direkt an die Kraftaufnahmerippe am ersten Behälter übertragen und zwar allein über die Verriegelungselemente mit den beiden Kraftübertragungsflächen in der Form einer Stützfläche und einer Sperrfläche. Die Halterippen und die Kraftaufnahmerippen sind Bestandteile der Seitenwände der Behälter und in geeigneter Weise ausgebildet. Die übrigen Teile der Verbindungselemente, insbesondere deren Lagerungselemente, werden nicht durch das Gewicht der gestapelten Behälter, bzw. die daraus resultierenden Kräfte belastet. Bei gestapelten Behältern mit eingerasteten Verbindungselementen entsteht von Behälter zu Behälter ein direkter Kraftfluss allein über die Verriegelungselemente.In the inventive connection system for stackable containers, the locking elements on the connecting elements on two power transmission surfaces, which are spaced apart in the direction of the stack axis and approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the stacking axis of the container. Force-receiving ribs are arranged on the first container and cooperate with a first one of the force-transmitting surfaces in the form of a support surface, and on the second container are arranged the holding ribs which cooperate with a second one of the force-transmitting surfaces in the form of a blocking surface. In this case, in stacked containers with latched fasteners, each of the force receiving ribs on the first container and its associated retaining rib on the second container via the locking element of a Connecting element directly to each other. As a result, a direct chain of action for the transmission of power between the containers is formed. This arrangement causes that in the case of stacked containers, the weight of the lower container and the contents is transmitted not via the connecting elements, but directly via the side walls of the container to the uppermost container with a possible carrying device. The weight of the second container is thereby transferred from the retaining ribs attached to the second container directly to the force-receiving rib on the first container and solely via the locking elements with the two force transmission surfaces in the form of a support surface and a blocking surface. The retaining ribs and the force-receiving ribs are components of the side walls of the containers and formed in a suitable manner. The remaining parts of the connecting elements, in particular their storage elements are not burdened by the weight of the stacked containers, or the resulting forces. In stacked containers with latched fasteners creates a direct force flow from container to container alone on the locking elements.

Eine vorteilhafte Lösung ergibt sich dadurch, dass Lagerungselemente zwischen den Verbindungselementen und dem Behälter eine mechanische Führung ohne Kraftübertragung zwischen den Behältern bilden und für diese Kraftübertragung nur das Verriegelungselement sowie die Halterippe und die Kraftübertragungsrippe ausgebildet sind. Die Verbindungselemente und die zugehörigen Lagerungselemente können deshalb in einer leichten Ausführung ausgebildet sein, da die Kräfte in Richtung der Stapelachse nur über die Verriegelungselemente und die Wände der Behälter mit den Halterippen und Kraftübertragungsrippen übertragen werden. Die einfache Ausführung ergibt Kosteneinsparungen.An advantageous solution results from the fact that storage elements between the connecting elements and the container form a mechanical guide without power transmission between the containers and only the locking element and the retaining rib and the power transmission rib are formed for this power transmission. The connecting elements and the associated bearing elements can therefore be designed in a lightweight design, since the forces are transmitted in the direction of the stack axis only via the locking elements and the walls of the container with the holding ribs and power transmission ribs. The simple design results in cost savings.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausbildung des Erfindungsgegenstandes sieht vor, dass die Halterippen am zweiten Behälter an einem Kragen dieses zweiten Behälters angeordnet sind, dieser Kragen bei gestapelten Behältern einen Randbereich des ersten Behälters überlappt und an diesem Randbereich des ersten Behälters die Kraftaufnahmerippen angeordnet sind. Diese Anordnung hat den Vorteil, dass keine Elemente des Verbindungselementes selbst über die Konturen eines Behälters vorstehen, sondern nur der Kragen mit der Halterippe, welcher genügend stark ausgebildet werden kann. Beim Kragen kann es sich um einen konstruktiven Überstand, eine überstehende Lasche, eine Halterung oder eine andere geeignete Ausgestaltung handeln.A further advantageous embodiment of the subject invention provides that the holding ribs are arranged on the second container on a collar of this second container, this collar overlaps an edge region of the first container in stacked containers and the force receiving ribs are arranged on this edge region of the first container. This arrangement has the advantage that no elements of the connecting element itself protrude beyond the contours of a container, but only the collar with the retaining rib, which can be sufficiently strong. The collar may be a structural projection, a protruding tab, a bracket, or other suitable design.

Um eine optimale und sachgerechte manuelle Handhabung der Behälter zu gewährleisten ist es zweckmäßig, wenn am ersten Behälter mindestens ein Paar von Verbindungselementen angeordnet ist, wobei die beiden Verbindungselemente eines Paares an sich gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden positioniert sind und am zweiten Behälter entsprechende Paare von Halterippen angeordnet sind. Bei Bedarf, insbesondere bei grossen Behältern, können an allen Seitenwänden entsprechende Verbindungselemente und Halterippen angeordnet sein.In order to ensure optimum and proper manual handling of the container, it is expedient if at least one pair of connecting elements is arranged on the first container, wherein the two connecting elements of a pair are positioned on opposite side walls and corresponding pairs of holding ribs are arranged on the second container. If necessary, especially in large containers, corresponding connecting elements and retaining ribs can be arranged on all side walls.

Erfindungsgemäss wird weiter vorgeschlagen, dass zwischen jedem Verbindungselement und einer benachbarten Wandung des ersten Behälters ein Federelement angeordnet ist, welche den Verriegelungsnocken von der Behälterwand weg nach aussen drückt. Diese Anordnung macht es möglich, dass beim Stapeln von Behältern die Verbindungselemente um den Drehpunkt und gegen die Federkraft aus ihrer Ruhepositionen ausgelenkt werden können. Sobald zwei benachbarte Behälter korrekt übereinander gestapelt sind, drückt das Federelement den Verriegelungsnocken am Verbindungselement nach aussen und damit in die Sperrpositionen zwischen der Kraftaufnahmerippe am ersten Behälter und der Halterippe am zweiten Behälter. Dieser Vorgang erfolgt selbsttätig und ohne zusätzliche manuelle Eingriffe. Beim Lösen der Behälterverbindung drückt das Federelement die Verriegelung wieder in die Ausgangsstellung und somit wieder in die Bereitstellung für das nächste Verbinden. Die Behälter können durch einfaches Aufstellen, d.h. Aufdrücken oder durch die Gewichtskräfte des oberen Behälters selbstverriegelnd verbunden werden. Hierzu braucht keine Hebelbetätigung zu erfolgen. Um die Verbindungselemente vor ungewollten Entriegelungen und Beschädigungen zu schützen, ist jedes Verbindungselement in einer Mulde an der Aussenfläche einer Seitenwand eines Behälters angeordnet.According to the invention it is further proposed that between each connecting element and an adjacent wall of the first container, a spring element is arranged, which presses the locking cam away from the container wall to the outside. This arrangement makes it possible that when stacking containers, the connecting elements can be deflected about the fulcrum and against the spring force from its rest positions. As soon as two adjacent containers are correctly stacked, the spring element pushes the locking cam outward on the connecting element and thus into the locking positions between the force-receiving rib on the first container and the holding rib on the second container. This process is automatic and without additional manual intervention. When releasing the container connection, the spring element pushes the lock back into the starting position and thus again into the provision for the next connection. The containers can be self-locking connected by simply placing, ie pressing or by the weight forces of the upper container. For this purpose, no lever operation needs to be done. In order to protect the connecting elements against unwanted unlocking and damage, each connecting element is arranged in a depression on the outer surface of a side wall of a container.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass zwei oder mehrere Behälter über Verbindungselemente miteinander verbunden sind. Bezüglich der Zahl der in Richtung der Stapelachse miteinander zu verbindenden Behälter setzt das System keine Grenze. Diese ist allein von der Bauhöhe und vom Gewicht begrenzt.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that two or more containers are connected to one another via connecting elements. With regard to the number of containers to be connected in the direction of the stack axis, the system does not set a limit. This is limited only by the height and weight.

Eine weitere Ausbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass das Verriegelungselement aus einem Nocken besteht, an welchem die beiden Kraftübertragungsflächen angeordnet sind. Es kann aber auch vorteilhaft sein, wenn das Verriegelungselement aus einer C-förnigen Spange besteht, an welcher die beiden Kraftübertragungsflächen angeordnet sind. Diese Lösungen ermöglichen unterschiedliche Ausgestaltungen des Systems und damit einen erweiterten Gestaltungsspielraum. Es sind auch Anpassungen an unterschiedliche Anforderungen möglich.A further embodiment of the invention provides that the locking element consists of a cam, on which the two power transmission surfaces are arranged. But it may also be advantageous if the locking element consists of a C-shaped clasp on which the two power transmission surfaces are arranged. These solutions enable different configurations of the system and thus an extended scope of design. It is also possible to adapt to different requirements.

Eine weitere Ausbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass das Verbindungselement aus einem Hebel besteht und über ein Lagerungselement in der Form eines Drehpunktes am ersten Behälter schwenkbar gelagert ist, wobei das Verriegelungselement an einem äusseren, schwenkbaren Ende dieses Hebels angeordnet ist. Als besonders vorteilhaft erweist es sich, wenn das Verbindungselement als zweiarmiger Hebel ausgebildet ist, wobei am ersten Hebelteil das Verriegelungselement und am zweiten Hebelteil ein Griffelement ausgebildet ist. Die Ausgestaltung des Verbindungselementes als zweiarmiger Hebel hat den Vorteil, dass der erste Hebelteil mit dem Verriegelungsnocken sowie der zweite Hebelteil mit dem Griffelement so gestaltet werden können, dass das Verbindungselement nicht durch unbeabsichtigte Einwirkung von aussen entriegelt werden kann. Dies wird dadurch bewirkt, dass die Verbindungselemente zum Entriegeln über die Griffelemente und um den Drehpunkt gegen die Kraft des Federelementes nach aussen gezogen werden müssen und nicht durch Drücken entriegelt werden können. Bei einer Ausgestaltung des Verbindungselementes als einarmiger Hebel wird das Verbindungselement dadurch vor ungewollten Entriegelungen geschützt, dass jedes der Verbindungselemente in einer Mulde an der Aussenfläche einer Seitenwand des ersten Behälters angeordnet ist. Dies ist auch bei der zweiarmigen Ausführung der Fall, wodurch bei dieser Lösung die Sicherheit noch erhöht wird.A further embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element consists of a lever and is pivotally mounted on a storage element in the form of a fulcrum on the first container, wherein the locking element is arranged on an outer, pivotable end of this lever. It proves to be particularly advantageous if the connecting element is designed as a two-armed lever, wherein the locking element is formed on the first lever part and a handle element is formed on the second lever part. The configuration of the connecting element as a two-armed lever has the advantage that the first lever part with the locking cam and the second lever part with the grip element can be designed so that the connecting element can not be unlocked by unintentional action from the outside. This is effected by the fact that the connecting elements must be pulled outwards for unlocking via the grip elements and around the pivot point against the force of the spring element and can not be unlocked by pressing. In one embodiment of the connecting element as a one-armed lever, the connecting element is thereby protected against unwanted unlocking that each of the connecting elements in a trough on the outer surface of a Side wall of the first container is arranged. This is also the case with the two-armed version, which in this solution further enhances safety.

Eine zweckmässige Ausgestaltung ergibt sich auch, wenn das Verbindungselement aus einem Schieber besteht, wobei dieser Schieber an Führungen am ersten Behälter gelagert und etwa quer zur Stapelachse verschiebbar ist und das Verriegelungselement an einem Randbereich dieses Schiebers angeordnet ist. Auch diese erfindungsgemässe Lösung erweitert die Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten unter Beibehaltung aller anderen Vorteile. So kann beispielsweise der Schieber die Form eines Druckknopfes aufweisen.An expedient embodiment also results when the connecting element consists of a slider, said slide is mounted on guides on the first container and is displaceable approximately transversely to the stacking axis and the locking element is arranged on an edge region of this slider. This solution according to the invention also extends the design options while retaining all other advantages. For example, the slider may have the shape of a push button.

Ein weiterer Vorteil des erfindungsgemässen Verbindungssystems besteht darin, dass die Verbindungselemente entweder am Bodenbereich eines Behälters oder auch im Bereiche des oberen Randes angeordnet sein können. Eine der vorteilhaften Ausbildungen des Erfindungsgegenstandes sieht vor, dass die Verbindungselemente und die Kraftaufnahmerippen im Bodenbereich von Seitenwänden des ersten Behälters angeordnet sind und am zweiten Behälter die Halterippen am oberen Rand ausgebildet sind. Eine andere vorteilhafte Ausbildung des Erfindungsgegenstandes sieht demgegenüber vor, dass die Verbindungselemente und die Kraftaufnahmerippen am oberen Bereich von Seitenwänden des ersten Behälters angeordnet sind und am zweiten Behälter die Halterippen im Bodenbereich von Seitenwänden ausgebildet sind. Mit beiden Lösungen werden alle bisher beschriebenen Vorteile erreicht. Zudem ermöglichen die beiden Lösungsmöglichkeiten die Anwendung der erfindungsgemässen Lösung bei Behältern der unterschiedlichsten Formen und Arten. Wenn die Verbindungselemente am Bodenbereich eines Behälters angeordnet sind, so ist bei benachbarten und übereinander gestapelten Behältern der erste Behälter der obere Behälter und der zweite Behälter der untere Behälter. Sind die Verbindungselemente jedoch am oberen Randbereich eines Behälters angeordnet, so ist sinngemäss der erste Behälter der untere Behälter und der zweite Behälter der obere Behälter. In Bezug auf das Verbindungssystem setzt sich diese Bezeichnung der Behälter auch fort, wenn mehr als zwei Behälter übereinander gestapelt sind.A further advantage of the connection system according to the invention is that the connecting elements can be arranged either on the bottom area of a container or also in the area of the upper edge. One of the advantageous embodiments of the subject invention provides that the connecting elements and the force receiving ribs are arranged in the bottom region of side walls of the first container and on the second container, the holding ribs are formed at the upper edge. In contrast, another advantageous embodiment of the subject invention provides that the connecting elements and the force-receiving ribs are arranged at the upper region of side walls of the first container and the holding ribs are formed in the bottom region of side walls on the second container. Both solutions achieve all the benefits described so far. In addition, the two possible solutions allow the application of the inventive solution in containers of various shapes and types. When the connecting elements are arranged at the bottom region of a container, in the case of adjacent containers stacked one above the other, the first container is the upper container and the second container is the lower container. However, if the connecting elements are arranged at the upper edge region of a container, the first container is analogously the lower container and the second container is the upper container. In terms of that Connection system, this designation of the container continues even if more than two containers are stacked on top of each other.

Erfindungsgemäss wird weiter vorgeschlagen, dass bei gestapelten Behältern zwischen jeder Kraftübertragungsrippe am ersten Behälter und der zugehörigen Halterippe am zweiten Behälter in Richtung der Stapelachse ein freier Zwischenraum ausgebildet ist, welcher dem Abstand zwischen den Kraftübertragungsflächen in der Form der Stützfläche und der Sperrfläche am Verriegelungselement in der Form eines Nockens entspricht. Diese Anordnung gewährleistet die direkte Wirkkette für die Kraftübertragung zwischen den Seitenwänden von zwei aneinander stossenden Behältern, welche in Richtung der Stapelachse übereinander angeordnet sind. Es kann aber auch vorteilhaft sein, wenn bei gestapelten Behältern die Kraftübertragungsrippe am ersten Behälter und die zugehörige Halterippe am zweiten Behälter gegeneinander gerichtet angeordnet sind und in Richtung der Stapelachse vom Verriegelungselement in der Form einer C-förmigen Spange umgriffen sind. Erfindungsgemäss wird weiter vorgeschlagen, dass die C-förmige Spange eine Öffnung aufweist, diese Öffnung in Richtung der Stapelachse von der Stützfläche und der Sperrfläche begrenzt wird und der Abstand zwischen der Stützfläche und der Sperrfläche mindestens der Summe aus der Höhe der Halterippe und der Höhe der Kraftaufnahmerippe entspricht. Bei der Ausführungsform des Verriegelungselementes in der Form eines Nockens oder Sperrschiebers wird dieser Nocken und damit das Verriegelungselement in der Kraftkette auf Druck belastet. Bei der Ausführungsform als C-förmige Spange wird diese in der Kraftkette auf Zug belastet. Dadurch lassen sich Lösungen mit unterschiedlichem Kraftfluss verwirklichen.According to the invention it is further proposed that in stacked containers between each force transmission rib on the first container and the associated holding rib on the second container in the direction of the stack axis, a free gap is formed, which the distance between the force transmission surfaces in the shape of the support surface and the locking surface on the locking element in the Shape of a cam corresponds. This arrangement ensures the direct action chain for the transmission of power between the side walls of two abutting containers, which are arranged one above the other in the direction of the stacking axis. However, it may also be advantageous if, in stacked containers, the force transmission rib on the first container and the associated holding rib on the second container are arranged directed against each other and are encompassed in the direction of the stack axis by the locking element in the form of a C-shaped clip. According to the invention it is further proposed that the C-shaped clip has an opening, this opening in the direction of the stack axis of the support surface and the blocking surface is limited and the distance between the support surface and the blocking surface of at least the sum of the height of the holding rib and the height of Force absorption rib corresponds. In the embodiment of the locking element in the form of a cam or locking slide, this cam and thus the locking element in the power chain is subjected to pressure. In the embodiment as a C-shaped clip this is charged in the power train to train. As a result, solutions with different power flow can be realized.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegenden Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
zwei übereinander gestapelte und miteinander verbundene Behälter mit einem erfindungsgemässen Verbindungssystem,
Fig. 2
eine perspektivischer Ansicht des unteren Behälters gem. Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
einen Teilschnitt durch zwei benachbarte gestapelte Behälter und ein Verbindungselement mit dem Verriegelungsnocken,
Fig. 4
einen Teilschnitt durch zwei benachbarte gestapelte Behälter und ein Verbindungselemente mit der Feder,
Fig. 5
einen Teilschnitt durch zwei benachbarte gestapelte Behälter und ein Verbindungselement mit einem Verriegelungselement in der Form einer C-förmigen Spange,
Fig. 6
einen Teilschnitt durch zwei benachbarte, gestapelte Behälter und ein Verbindungselement in der Form eines Schiebers, und
Fig. 7
einen Teilschnitt durch zwei benachbarte gestapelte Behälter mit den Verbindungselementen am oberen Rand des unteren Behälters.
In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
two containers stacked one above the other and connected to one another with a connection system according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a perspective view of the lower container acc. Fig. 1 .
Fig. 3
a partial section through two adjacent stacked container and a connecting element with the locking cam,
Fig. 4
a partial section through two adjacent stacked containers and a connecting elements with the spring,
Fig. 5
a partial section through two adjacent stacked container and a connecting element with a locking element in the form of a C-shaped clip,
Fig. 6
a partial section through two adjacent, stacked containers and a connecting element in the form of a slider, and
Fig. 7
a partial section through two adjacent stacked container with the connecting elements at the upper edge of the lower container.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht von stapelbaren Behältern mit einem Verbindungssystem gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung, wie sie von Handwerkern, z.B. Sanitär-, bzw. Elektroinstallateuren oder im Hobbybereich verwendet werden. Ein erster Behälter 1 ist dabei als Eimer mit einem Traggriff 32 ausgebildet. Am Bodenbereich 20 von zwei sich gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden 5, 6 des Behälters 1 ist ein Paar von Verbindungselementen 4 angeordnet. An den beiden Seitenwänden 5, 6 sind Mulden 9 ausgebildet, welche die Verbindungselemente 4 aufnehmen. Dazu sind parallel zueinander verlaufende Rippen 33, 34 vorhanden, in welchen Lagerungselemente 37, bzw. Lagerungen 29 für die Aufnahme einer Drehachse 14 des Verbindungselementes 4, sowie ein Langloch 31 für die Führung von Anschlagnocken 30 am Verbindungselement 4 ausgebildet sind. Dieser erste Behälter 1 ist in Richtung der Stapelachse 3 über einen zweiten Behälter 2 gestapelt, welcher in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel einen unteren Behälter darstellt. Am oberen Rand 17 dieses zweiten Behälters 2 ist an den sich gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden 7, 8 je ein Kragen 19 angeordnet, welcher über den oberen Rand 17 vorsteht. An jedem dieser Kragen 19 ist eine Halterippe 16 (siehe Fig. 2) ausgebildet und der Kragen 19 weist Aussparungen 18 auf. An jedem Verbindungselement 4 des ersten Behälters 1 sind Verriegelungselemente 15 in der Form von Nocken 38 vorhanden, welche in die Aussparungen 18 am Kragen 19 des zweiten Behälters 2 eingreifen und dabei die Halterippe 16 untergreifen. Dies ist aus den Figuren 3 und 4 ersichtlich. Die Verriegelungselemente 15, bzw. die Nocken 38 bilden gleichzeitig Kraftübertragungselemente zwischen den Behältern 1 und 2. In der dargestellten gestapelten Position sind die beiden Behälter 1, 2 über die Verriegelungselemente 15 an den eingerasteten Verbindungselementen 4 miteinander verbunden. Um einen Stapel mit weiteren Behältern bilden zu können, sind am Bodenbereich des zweiten Behälters 2 an gegenüberliegenden Seiten 7, 8 zwei weitere Verbindungselemente 4 angeordnet. Über diese Verbindungselemente 4 am zweiten Behälter 2 kann eine Verbindung zu einem weiteren unteren Behälter hergestellt werden. Je nach Ausgestaltung der Behälter kann auf diese Weise eine Vielzahl von Behältern, mit einem entsprechenden erfindungsgemässen Verbindungssystem, übereinander gestapelt und miteinander verbunden werden. Es ist möglich, anstelle eines Behälters 1, 2 andere Systemelemente anzubinden, z.B. eine Plattform mit Rollen. Zum Entstapeln bzw. Trennen der beiden Behälter 1 und 2 wird ein Griffelement 13 an den Verbindungselementen 4 manuell erfasst und von den Seitenwänden 5, 6 weg nach aussen gezogen. Dadurch werden die Verbindungselemente 4 um die Drehachse 14 geschwenkt und die Verriegelungselemente 15 aus den Halterippen 16 am Behälter 2 ausgeschwenkt. Nach dem Lösen der Verbindungselemente 4 kann der erste, bzw. obere Behälter 1 mit Hilfe der Griffelemente 13 an den Verbindungselementen 4 vom unteren, bzw. zweiten Behälter 2 abgehoben werden. Dabei kann es genügen, wenn nur ein Verbindungselement 4 gelöst und angehoben wird. Durch seitliches Verschieben ist eine einhändige Trennung der Behälter 1, 2 möglich. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of stackable containers with a connection system according to the present invention, as used by craftsmen, eg plumbing or electrical installers or in the hobby area. A first container 1 is designed as a bucket with a carrying handle 32. At the bottom region 20 of two opposite side walls 5, 6 of the container 1, a pair of connecting elements 4 is arranged. On the two side walls 5, 6 troughs 9 are formed, which receive the connecting elements 4. For this purpose, mutually parallel ribs 33, 34 are provided, in which bearing elements 37, or bearings 29 for receiving a rotation axis 14 of the connecting element 4, and a slot 31 for the guidance of stop cams 30 are formed on the connecting element 4. This first container 1 is stacked in the direction of the stacking axis 3 via a second container 2, which in this embodiment a lower container represents. At the upper edge 17 of this second container 2, a respective collar 19 is arranged on the opposite side walls 7, 8, which projects beyond the upper edge 17. At each of these collars 19 is a retaining rib 16 (see Fig. 2 ) and the collar 19 has recesses 18. At each connecting element 4 of the first container 1 locking elements 15 in the form of cams 38 are present, which engage in the recesses 18 on the collar 19 of the second container 2 and thereby engage under the retaining rib 16. This is from the Figures 3 and 4 seen. The locking elements 15, and the cams 38 form at the same time power transmission elements between the containers 1 and 2. In the illustrated stacked position, the two containers 1, 2 are connected to each other via the locking elements 15 on the engaged fasteners 4. In order to be able to form a stack with further containers, two further connecting elements 4 are arranged on the bottom area of the second container 2 on opposite sides 7, 8. Via these connecting elements 4 on the second container 2, a connection can be made to a further lower container. Depending on the configuration of the container, a multiplicity of containers, with a corresponding connection system according to the invention, can be stacked on top of one another and connected to one another in this way. It is possible to connect other system elements instead of a container 1, 2, for example a platform with rollers. For unstacking or separating the two containers 1 and 2, a grip element 13 is detected manually on the connecting elements 4 and pulled away from the side walls 5, 6 away. As a result, the connecting elements 4 are pivoted about the axis of rotation 14 and the locking elements 15 are pivoted out of the holding ribs 16 on the container 2. After loosening the connecting elements 4, the first or upper container 1 can be lifted off the lower or second container 2 by means of the gripping elements 13 on the connecting elements 4. It may be sufficient if only one connecting element 4 is released and lifted. By lateral displacement is a one-handed separation of the container 1, 2 possible.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des zweiten, bzw. unteren Behälters 2, wobei die Verbindungselemente 4 entfernt sind. In dieser Darstellung sind die Kragen 19, welche am oberen Rand 17 der beiden Seitenflächen 7, 8 angeordnet sind, gut sichtbar. Im dargestellten Beispiel ist der Kragen 19 durch einen konstruktiven Überstand gebildet. Er kann aber auch anders ausgestaltet sein, beispielsweise als überstehende Lasche oder Halterung. Die Aussparung 18 am Kragen 19 ist im dargestellten Beispiel durch eine Mittelrippe unterbrochen, welche als Verstärkung dient. Der nach oben gerichtete Teil des Kragens 19 bildet die Halterippe 16. Zwischen den Rippen 33 und 34 an den Seitenwänden 7 bzw. 8 ist eine Halterippe 26 ausgebildet, welche der Aufnahme eines Federelementes 25 dient (siehe Fig. 4). Am Bodenbereich dieses Behälters 2 ist zwischen den beiden Rippen 33, 34 an den Seitenwänden 7, 8 eine Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 ausgebildet. Wenn die Behälter 1, 2 übereinander gestapelt werden, überlappt der Kragen 19 einen Randbereich 24 des ersten Behälters 1, wie dies in Fig. 3 erkennbar ist. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the second and lower container 2, wherein the connecting elements 4 are removed. In this illustration, the collar 19, which are arranged at the upper edge 17 of the two side surfaces 7, 8, clearly visible. In the example shown, the collar 19 is formed by a constructive projection. But it can also be configured differently, for example as a protruding tab or holder. The recess 18 on the collar 19 is interrupted in the example shown by a central rib, which serves as a reinforcement. The upward part of the collar 19 forms the retaining rib 16. Between the ribs 33 and 34 on the side walls 7 and 8, a retaining rib 26 is formed, which serves to receive a spring element 25 (see Fig. 4 ). At the bottom region of this container 2, a force-receiving rib 21 is formed between the two ribs 33, 34 on the side walls 7, 8. When the containers 1, 2 are stacked on top of each other, the collar 19 overlaps an edge region 24 of the first container 1, as shown in FIG Fig. 3 is recognizable.

Fig. 3 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch einen seitlichen Bereich eines Verbindungselements 4 sowie einen Teil des Bodenbereichs 20 des Behälters 1 und des oberen Randbereiches 17 des Behälters 2. Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch das gleiche Verbindungselemente 4, jedoch im zentralen Bereich, in welchem ein Federelement 25 angeordnet ist. Das Verbindungselement 4 ist im dargestellten Beispiel als zweiarmiger Hebel ausgebildet, welcher über die Drehachse 14, als Teil des Lagerelementes 37, gelagert und um diese schwenkbar ist. Das erste Hebelteil 11 weist am freien Ende die Verriegelungselemente 15 in der Form des Nockens 38 auf und das zweite Hebelteil 12 ist am freien Ende mit einem Griffelement 13 ausgestattet. Das Verbindungselement 4 ist dabei in eine Mulde 9 an der Seitenwand 5 eingelagert und steht nicht über die Aussenkontur der Seitenwand 5 vor. Im dargestellten Teilschnitt sind die beiden Behälter 1 und 2 übereinander gestapelt und miteinander verbunden. Die Verbindung erfolgt dabei über die Nocken 38 am Verbindungselement 4, welche in die Aussparungen 18 am Kragen 19 des Behälters 2 eingreifen. Dabei liegt eine Sperrfläche 23 am Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. Nocken 38 an der Halterippe 16 des Kragens 19 an. Eine von der Sperrfläche 23 distanzierte Stützfläche 22 am Verriegelungselement 15 , bzw. Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a lateral region of a connecting element 4 and a part of the bottom portion 20 of the container 1 and the upper edge portion 17 of the container second Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the same connecting elements 4, but in the central region in which a spring element 25 is arranged. The connecting element 4 is formed in the example shown as a two-armed lever, which is mounted on the axis of rotation 14, as part of the bearing element 37, and pivotable about this. The first lever part 11 has at the free end the locking elements 15 in the shape of the cam 38 and the second lever part 12 is equipped at the free end with a handle element 13. The connecting element 4 is incorporated in a recess 9 on the side wall 5 and is not on the outer contour of the side wall 5 before. In the partial section shown, the two containers 1 and 2 are stacked and interconnected. The connection takes place via the cams 38 on the connecting element 4, which engage in the recesses 18 on the collar 19 of the container 2. In this case, there is a blocking surface 23 on the locking element 15, and cam 38 on the retaining rib 16 of the collar 19 at. A distance from the locking surface 23 support surface 22 on the locking element 15, or

Nocken 38 liegt an der Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 des Behälters 1 an. Dadurch werden Kräfte, welche durch das Gewicht des Behälters 2 in Richtung des Pfeiles 35 wirken, von der Halterippe 16 an der Seitenwand 7 des Behälters 2 direkt über das Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. den Nocken 38 an die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 an der Seitenwand 5 des Behälters 1 geleitet Der Nocken 38 ist dabei durch Druck belastet. Im gestapelten Zustand der Behälter 1 und 2 ist der freie Abstand zwischen der Halterippe 16 am Behälter 1 und der Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 am Behälter 1 geringfügig grösser als der Abstand zwischen der Sperrfläche 23 und der Stützfläche 22 am Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. Nocken 38. Das Übermass ist dabei so festgelegt, dass sich der Nocken 38 leicht in den Zwischenraum bzw. die Aussparungen 18 einrücken und auch wieder ausrücken lässt. Zwischen dem Verbindungselement 4 und der Aussenfläche 10 der Seitenwand 5 des ersten Behälters 1 ist das Federelement 25 in der Form einer geschwungenen Blattfeder angeordnet. Die Feder 25 wird dabei von der Halterippe 26 gehalten. Dabei drückt die Feder 25 das erste Hebelteil 11 des Verbindungselementes 4 von der Seitenwand 5 weg nach aussen und damit das Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. den Nocken 38 in Richtung der Halterippe 16. Wenn der Behälter 1 einzeln verwendet wird, sorgt die Feder 25 dafür, dass das Verbindungselement 4 vollständig in die Mulde 9 eingeschwenkt und damit geschützt ist.Cam 38 abuts against the force-receiving rib 21 of the container 1. As a result, forces acting by the weight of the container 2 in the direction of the arrow 35, from the retaining rib 16 on the side wall 7 of the container 2 directly via the locking element 15, and the cam 38 to the force receiving rib 21 on the side wall 5 of the container 1 The cam 38 is loaded by pressure. In the stacked state of the container 1 and 2, the free distance between the retaining rib 16 on the container 1 and the force receiving rib 21 on the container 1 is slightly larger than the distance between the locking surface 23 and the support surface 22 on the locking element 15, or cam 38th The excess is set so that the cam 38 easily engage in the gap or the recesses 18 and also disengage again. Between the connecting element 4 and the outer surface 10 of the side wall 5 of the first container 1, the spring element 25 is arranged in the form of a curved leaf spring. The spring 25 is held by the retaining rib 26. The spring 25 presses the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4 away from the side wall 5 outwards and thus the locking element 15, or the cam 38 in the direction of the retaining rib 16. When the container 1 is used individually, the spring 25 ensures that that the connecting element 4 is completely pivoted into the trough 9 and thus protected.

Zum Entriegeln, bzw. Ausrasten der Verbindung zwischen dem ersten Behälter 1 und dem zweiten Behälter 2 werden die Verbindungselemente 4 manuell an den Griffelementen 13 gefasst und in Richtung der Pfeile 27 nach aussen gezogen. Dadurch wird das erste Hebelteil 11 des Verbindungselementes 4 gegen die Kraft der Feder 25 in Richtung der Aussenfläche 10 der Seitenwand 5 geschwenkt. Damit wird auch das Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. der Nocken 38 aus dem Bereich der Halterippe 16 am Behälter 2 ausgeschwenkt und die Verbindung wird gelöst. Der erste Behälter 1 kann nun mittels der Griffelemente 13 vom zweiten Behälter 2 abgehoben werden. Für das Aufsetzen des ersten Behälters 1 auf den zweiten Behälter 2 sind an beiden Behältern nicht dargestellte konische Flächen vorhanden, welche ein geführtes Aufsetzen bewirken. Wird der erste Behälter 1 auf den zweiten Behälter 2 aufgesetzt, bzw. über diesen gestapelt, so trifft die schräge Fläche 28 am Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. Nocken 38 auf die Kante 36 an der Halterippe 16 des Behälters 2, wodurch der Nocken 38 mit dem ersten Hebelteil 11 des Verbindungselementes 4 um die Drehachse 14 geschwenkt wird. Diese Bewegung erfolgt gegen die Kraft des Federelementes 25. Sobald die Behälter 1 und 2 vollständig zusammen geschoben sind, rastet der Verriegelungsnocken 15 als Folge der Kraftwirkung der Feder 25 in die Aussparungen 18 am Kragen 19 ein. Dieser Vorgang erfolgt selbsttätig und bedarf keiner manuellen Unterstützung. Aus den beiden Figuren 3 und 4 ist auch ersichtlich, dass die Verbindungselemente 4 nur durch manuelle Betätigung in Richtung der Pfeile 27 gelöst werden können und unbeabsichtigte Betätigungen durch andere äussere Einwirkungen praktisch unmöglich sind.To unlock, or disengage the connection between the first container 1 and the second container 2, the connecting elements 4 are manually taken on the handle elements 13 and pulled in the direction of the arrows 27 to the outside. As a result, the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4 is pivoted against the force of the spring 25 in the direction of the outer surface 10 of the side wall 5. Thus, the locking element 15, or the cam 38 is pivoted out of the region of the retaining rib 16 on the container 2 and the connection is released. The first container 1 can now be lifted off the second container 2 by means of the grip elements 13. For placing the first container 1 on the second container 2 not shown conical surfaces are present on both containers, which cause a guided touchdown. If the first container 1 placed on the second container 2, or stacked on this, so hits the oblique surface 28 on the locking element 15, and cams 38 on the edge 36 on the retaining rib 16 of the container 2, whereby the cam 38 is pivoted about the axis of rotation 14 with the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4. As soon as the containers 1 and 2 are completely pushed together, the locking cam 15 engages in the recesses 18 on the collar 19 as a result of the force action of the spring 25. This process is automatic and requires no manual assistance. From the two Figures 3 and 4 It can also be seen that the connecting elements 4 can only be released by manual actuation in the direction of the arrows 27 and unintentional actuations by other external influences are practically impossible.

Das beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel zeigt, dass das erfindungsgemässe Verbindungssystem für stapelbare Behälter eine sichere, selbsttätige Verbindung zwischen zwei oder mehreren Behältern 1, 2 gewährleistet, welche in einfacher Weise manuell wieder gelöst werden kann. Dabei werden die Verbindungselemente 4 und die Lagerungselemente 37 in keiner Weise von Kräften, bzw. die Gewichte der unteren Behälter belastet, welche in Richtung der Pfeile 35 wirken und beim Transportieren auf den obersten Behälter übertragen werden müssen. Die entsprechende Wirkkette der Kraftübertragung erstreckt sich dabei direkt von den Seitenwänden 7, 8 des unteren Behälters 2 über die Verriegelungsnocken 15 auf die Seitenwände 5, 6 am Behälter 1, d.h. den oberen Behälter. Damit wird gewährleistet, dass die Verbindungselemente 4 und deren Lagerungselemente 37, bzw. deren Drehachse 14 und Lagerung 29 nicht belastet, insbesondere nicht überbelastet und beschädigt werden. Die Lagerungselemente 37 und die Verbindungselemente 4 können deshalb relativ leicht und ihrer Funktion entsprechend ausgebildet werden und es bedarf keiner starken Ausführung, um Kräfte zu übertragen.The described embodiment shows that the inventive connection system for stackable container ensures a secure, automatic connection between two or more containers 1, 2, which can be solved manually again in a simple manner. The connecting elements 4 and the bearing elements 37 are in no way loaded by forces, or the weights of the lower container, which act in the direction of the arrows 35 and must be transmitted to the topmost container during transport. The corresponding chain of action of the force transmission extends directly from the side walls 7, 8 of the lower container 2 via the locking cam 15 on the side walls 5, 6 on the container 1, i. the upper container. This ensures that the connecting elements 4 and their storage elements 37, or their axis of rotation 14 and bearing 29 is not loaded, in particular not overloaded and damaged. The storage elements 37 and the connecting elements 4 can therefore be made relatively easy and their function accordingly and it does not require a strong design to transmit forces.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine andere Ausführungsform des Verbindungselementes 4, wobei in einem Teilquerschnitt der Bodenbereich 20 des ersten Behälters 1 und der obere Rand 17 des zweiten Behälters 2 in vereinfachter Darstellung gezeigt sind. Das Verbindungselement 4 ist als zweiarmiger Hebel ausgebildet, welcher um eine Drehachse 14 in Richtung der Pfeile 27 schwenkbar ist. Die Drehachse 14 ist Bestandteil eines Lagerungselementes 37, über welches das Verbindungselement 4 mit dem ersten Behälter 1 verbunden ist Das Verbindungselement 4 ist auch hier in einer Mulde 9 des ersten Behälters 1 angeordnet. Am ersten Hebelteil 11 des Verbindungselementes 4 ist das Griffelement 13 und am zweiten Hebelteil 12 ist das Verriegelungselement 15 ausgebildet. Das Verriegelungselement 15 besteht aus einer C-förmigen Spange 39, an welcher die Stützfläche 22 und die Sperrfläche 23 angeordnet sind. Dabei weisen die Stützfläche 22 und die Sperrfläche 23 in Richtung der Stapelachse 3 den Abstand 44 zueinander auf und bilden die Öffnung 43. Diese Öffnung 43 der C-förmigen Spange 39 umgreift in der gesperrten Position des Verbindungselementes 4 die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 des Behälters 1 und die Halterippe 16 des Behälters 2. Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist das Verriegelungselement 15 nicht auf Druck, sondern auf Zug belastet, wenn die Behälter 1, 2 gemeinsam angehoben werden. Auch hier wird der Kraftfluss in einer direkten Wirkkette von der Halterippe 16 über das Verriegelungselement 15 an die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 geleitet. Die Lagerungselemente 37 und das Verbindungselement 4 selbst sind nicht belastet und können deshalb auch hier leicht und zweckmässig ausgebildet werden. Zur Rückstellung und Gewährleistung der Sperrstellung ist zwischen der Seitenwand 5 des ersten Behälters 1 und dem zweiten Hebelteil 12 des Verbindungselementes 4 ein Federelement 25 eingelegt. Das Stapeln und Verbinden der Behälter 1 und 2 erfolgt selbsttätig, indem beim Zusammenfügen die schräge Fläche 28 auf die Halterippe 16 auftrifft und damit das Verbindungselement 4 ausgelenkt und um die Drehachse 14 verschwenkt wird. Nach Erreichen der abschliessenden Stapelposition rastet das Verriegelungselement 15 aufgrund der Rückstellungskraft des Federelementes 25 in die Sperrposition ein. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the connecting element 4, wherein in a partial cross section of the bottom portion 20 of the first container 1 and the upper edge 17 of the second container 2 are shown in a simplified representation. The Connecting element 4 is designed as a two-armed lever which is pivotable about an axis of rotation 14 in the direction of the arrows 27. The axis of rotation 14 is part of a bearing element 37, via which the connecting element 4 is connected to the first container 1, the connecting element 4 is also arranged here in a trough 9 of the first container 1. On the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4, the grip element 13 and the second lever part 12, the locking element 15 is formed. The locking element 15 consists of a C-shaped clip 39, on which the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23 are arranged. In this case, the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23 in the direction of the stacking axis 3, the distance 44 to each other and form the opening 43. This opening 43 of the C-shaped clip 39 engages in the locked position of the connecting element 4, the force receiving rib 21 of the container 1 and Holding rib 16 of the container 2. In this embodiment, the locking element 15 is not loaded on pressure, but to train, when the containers 1, 2 are raised together. Again, the power flow is conducted in a direct action chain of the retaining rib 16 via the locking element 15 to the force receiving rib 21. The storage elements 37 and the connecting element 4 itself are not loaded and therefore can be easily and conveniently formed here as well. For resetting and ensuring the blocking position, a spring element 25 is inserted between the side wall 5 of the first container 1 and the second lever part 12 of the connecting element 4. The stacking and connecting of the containers 1 and 2 takes place automatically by the oblique surface 28 impinges on the holding rib 16 during assembly and thus the connecting element 4 is deflected and pivoted about the axis of rotation 14. After reaching the final stacking position, the locking element 15 engages due to the restoring force of the spring element 25 in the locked position.

In Fig. 6 ist in einem Teilquerschnitt durch den Bodenbereich 20 des ersten Behälters 1 und den oberen Bereich 17 des zweiten Behälters 2 eine weitere Ausgestaltung des Verbindungselementes 4 in vereinfachter Darstellung gezeigt. Dabei besteht das Verbindungselement 4 aus einem Schieber 40, welcher in Richtung der Pfeile 45 manuell in die Mulde 9 eindrückbar ist. Die Rückstellung erfolgt ebenfalls in Richtung der Pfeile 45 durch das Federelement 25. Die Lagerungselemente 37 bestehen hier aus seitlichen Führungen 41 am Behälter 1 und entsprechenden seitlichen Führungsnuten 46 am Schieber 40. Die Führungen 41 und die Führungsnuten 46 gewährleisten die gewünschte Bewegung des Schiebers 40 in Richtung der Pfeile 45. An einem Randbereich 42 des Schiebers 40 ist das Verriegelungselement 15 in der Form einer C-förmigen Spange 39 angeordnet. Diese Spange 39 umschliesst die Öffnung 43, welche durch die Stützfläche 22 und die Sperrfläche 23 begrenzt ist. In die Öffnung 43 greifen die Halterippe 16 des zweiten Behälters 2 und die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 des ersten Behälters 1 ein. In der Sperrstellung des Verbindungselementes 4, bzw. des Schiebers 40 ist von der Halterippe 16 über die Sperrfläche 23 und die Stützfläche 22 der C-förmigen Spange 39 der direkte Kraftfluss zur Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 gebildet. Der Schieber 40 und die Lagerungselemente 37 sind auch bei dieser Ausführungsform nicht durch Kräfte, welche in Richtung der Stapelachse 3 wirken, belastet. Beim Transportieren oder Anheben von mehreren gestapelten Behältern 1, 2 werden die Verriegelungselemente 15, bzw. die C-förmigen Spangen 39 auf Zug belastet. Es ist auch in einfacher Weise möglich, den Schieber 40 mit einem Verriegelungselement 15 in der Form eines Nockens 38 wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt auszubilden. In diesem Fall sind auch die Halterippe 16 und die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 entsprechend der Anordnung gemäss Fig. 3 zu gestalten und die Belastung würde wie zu den Figuren 3 und 4 beschrieben auf Druck erfolgen.In Fig. 6 is shown in a partial cross section through the bottom portion 20 of the first container 1 and the upper portion 17 of the second container 2, a further embodiment of the connecting element 4 in a simplified representation. In this case, the connecting element 4 consists of a slide 40, which in the direction the arrows 45 can be pressed manually into the trough 9. The provision also takes place in the direction of the arrows 45 by the spring element 25. The bearing elements 37 consist here of lateral guides 41 on the container 1 and corresponding lateral guide grooves 46 on the slider 40. The guides 41 and the guide grooves 46 ensure the desired movement of the slider 40 in Direction of the arrows 45. At an edge region 42 of the slider 40, the locking element 15 is arranged in the form of a C-shaped clip 39. This clip 39 encloses the opening 43, which is bounded by the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23. In the opening 43, the holding rib 16 of the second container 2 and the force receiving rib 21 of the first container 1 engage. In the blocking position of the connecting element 4, or the slider 40 is formed by the retaining rib 16 via the locking surface 23 and the support surface 22 of the C-shaped clip 39 of the direct power flow to the force receiving rib 21. The slider 40 and the bearing elements 37 are not loaded in this embodiment by forces acting in the direction of the stack axis 3. When transporting or lifting a plurality of stacked containers 1, 2, the locking elements 15, and the C-shaped clips 39 are loaded on train. It is also possible in a simple manner, the slider 40 with a locking element 15 in the form of a cam 38 as in Fig. 3 illustrated form. In this case, the retaining rib 16 and the force receiving rib 21 are according to the arrangement according to Fig. 3 to shape and the burden would be like to the Figures 3 and 4 described to be done on pressure.

Fig. 7 zeigt einen Teilschnitt durch eine Anordnung, bei welcher ein erster Behälter 1 und ein zweiter Behälter 2 übereinander gestapelt sind und dabei die Verbindungselemente 4 am oberen Rand 17 der Seitenwände 7, 8 des Behälters 2 angeordnet sind. Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist die Halterippe 16 am Bodenbereich 20 des Behälters 1 angeordnet. Dementsprechend ist die Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 am oberen Rand 17 des unteren Behälters 2 ausgebildet. Die Verbindungselemente 4 sind auch hier in einer Mulde 9 an den Seitenwänden 7, 8 des unteren Behälters 2 eingefügt. Das Verbindungselement 4 besteht in diesem Beispiel wiederum aus einem zweiarmigen Hebel, welcher über Lagerungselemente 37 um die Drehachse 14 in Richtung der Pfeile 27 verschwenkbar ist. Zur Rückstellung und Feststellung des Verbindungselementes 4 ist das Federelement 25 vorhanden, welches in Halterippen 26 am Behälter 2 gehalten ist. Am ersten Hebelteil 11 des Verbindungselementes 4 ist das Verriegelungselement 15, bzw. der Nocken 38 angeordnet. Das zweite Hebelteil 11 mit dem Verriegelungselement 15 ist in diesem Fall nach oben gerichtet. Es ist ersichtlich, dass auch bei dieser Ausführungsform der Kraftfluss direkt von der Kraftaufnahmerippe 21 über die Stützfläche 22 und die Sperrfläche 23 des Nockens 38 zur Halterippe 16 geleitet wird. Wenn der obere Behälter 1, bei eingerasteten Verbindungselementen 4, an dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Traggriff 32 gemeinsam mit dem unteren Behälter 2 angehoben wird, erfolgt die Kraftübertragung nur über diese Elemente und das Verbindungselement 4 selbst wird nicht belastet. Auch bei dieser Ausführungsform ergeben sich somit die beschriebenen erfindungsgemässen Vorteile. Fig. 7 shows a partial section through an arrangement in which a first container 1 and a second container 2 are stacked on top of each other and thereby the connecting elements 4 at the upper edge 17 of the side walls 7, 8 of the container 2 are arranged. In this embodiment, the retaining rib 16 is arranged on the bottom region 20 of the container 1. Accordingly, the force receiving rib 21 is formed at the upper edge 17 of the lower container 2. The connecting elements 4 are also inserted here in a trough 9 on the side walls 7, 8 of the lower container 2. The connecting element 4 in this example again consists of a two-armed lever, which has bearing elements 37 is pivotable about the axis of rotation 14 in the direction of the arrows 27. To reset and determination of the connecting element 4, the spring element 25 is provided, which is held in retaining ribs 26 on the container 2. At the first lever part 11 of the connecting element 4, the locking element 15, and the cam 38 is arranged. The second lever part 11 with the locking element 15 is directed upward in this case. It can be seen that also in this embodiment, the power flow is conducted directly from the force receiving rib 21 via the support surface 22 and the blocking surface 23 of the cam 38 to the retaining rib 16. When the upper container 1, with engaged fasteners 4, on the in Fig. 1 shown carrying handle 32 is raised together with the lower container 2, the power is transmitted only through these elements and the connecting element 4 itself is not charged. In this embodiment as well, the described advantages according to the invention thus result.

Claims (17)

  1. Connecting system for stackable containers (1, 2) having connecting elements (4) which latch in automatically and can be detached again and which connect two containers (1, 2), which abut against one another in the direction of an axis of stacking (3), to one another, wherein the connecting elements (4) are connected to a first container (1) and have a resilient region with a locking element (15), and retaining ribs (16) for interacting with the said locking elements (15) are disposed on the second container (2), characterised in that the locking elements (15, 38, 39) on the connecting elements (4) have two force-transmitting faces (22, 23) which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the axis of stacking (3) and extend approximately parallel to one another and also approximately at right angles to the axis of stacking (3) of the containers (1, 2), force-absorbing ribs (21), which interact with a first of the force-transmitting faces in the form of a supporting face (22), are disposed on the first container (1), the retaining ribs (16), which interact with a second of the force-transmitting faces in the form of a stop face (23), are disposed on the second container (2) and under these circumstances, when the containers (1, 2) are stacked with latched-in connecting elements (4), each of the force-absorbing ribs (21) on the first container (1) and its appertaining retaining rib (16) on the second container (2) are directly connected to one another via the locking element (15, 38, 39) of a connecting element (4) and form a direct operating chain for the transmission of force between the containers (1, 2).
  2. Connecting system for stackable containers according to patent claim 1, characterised in that mounting elements (37) between the connecting elements (4) and the container (1) form a mechanical guide without the transmission of force between the containers (1, 2), and only the locking element (15, 38, 39) and also the retaining rib (16) and the force-transmitting rib (21) are constructed for the said transmission of force.
  3. Connecting system for stackable containers according to patent claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the retaining ribs (16) on the second container (2) are disposed on a collar (19) belonging to the said second container (2), the said collar (19) overlaps an edge region (24) of the first container (1) when the containers (1, 2) are stacked, and the force-absorbing ribs (21) are disposed on the said edge region (24) of the first container (1).
  4. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one pair of connecting elements (4) is disposed on the first container (1), the two connecting elements (4) belonging to a pair being positioned on mutually opposite side walls (5, 6) and corresponding pairs of retaining ribs (16) being disposed on the second container (2).
  5. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a spring element (25), which presses the locking element (15, 38, 39) outwards, away from the outer face (10) of the container wall (5, 6), is disposed between each connecting element (4) and an adjacent wall (5, 6) of the first container (1).
  6. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each of the connecting elements (4) is disposed in a trough (9) on the outer face (10) of a side wall (5, 6) of the first container (1).
  7. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 6, characterised in that two or more containers (1, 2) are connected to one another via connecting elements (4).
  8. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the locking element (15) consists of a cam (38) on which the two force-transmitting faces (22, 23) are disposed.
  9. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the locking element (15) consists of a C-shaped clasp (39) on which the two force-transmitting faces (22, 23) are disposed.
  10. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connecting element (4) consists of a lever and is pivotably mounted on the first container (1) via a bearing element (37) in the form of a fulcrum (14), the locking element (15, 38, 39) being disposed on an outer, pivotable end of the said lever.
  11. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connecting element (4) consists of a slide (40), the said slide (40) being mounted on guides (41) on the first container (1) and being displaceable approximately transversely to the axis of stacking (3), and the locking element (15, 38, 39) being disposed on an edge region (42) of the said slide (40).
  12. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connecting elements (4) and the force-absorbing ribs (21) are disposed in the bottom region (20) of side walls (5, 6) belonging to the first container (1) and the retaining ribs (16) are constructed on the second container (2) on the upper edge (17).
  13. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connecting elements (4) and the force-absorbing ribs (21) are disposed on the upper region of side walls (7, 8) belonging to a container (2) and, on the adjacent container (1), the retaining ribs (16) are constructed in the bottom region (20) of side walls (5, 6).
  14. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connecting element (4) is constructed as a two-armed lever and is mounted on the first container (1) via a mounting element (37) in the form of a fulcrum (14), the locking element (15, 38, 39) being constructed on the first part (11) of the lever and a gripping element (13) being constructed on the second part (12) of said lever.
  15. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, when the containers (1, 2) are stacked, a free intervening space, which corresponds to the distance between the force-transmitting faces in the form of the supporting face (22) and the stop face (23) on the locking element (15) in the form of a cam (38), is constructed between each force-transmitting rib (21) on the first container (1) and the appertaining retaining rib (16) on the second container (2), in the direction of the axis of stacking (3).
  16. Connecting system for stackable containers according to one of patent claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, when the containers (1, 2) are stacked, the force-transmitting rib (21) on the first container (1) and the appertaining retaining rib (16) on the second container (2) are disposed so as to be directed towards one another and are encompassed, in the direction of the axis of stacking (3), by the locking element (15) in the form of a C-shaped clasp (39).
  17. Connecting system for stackable containers according to patent claim 9 or 16, characterised in that the C-shaped clasp (39) has an opening (43), the said opening (43) is bounded, in the direction of the axis of stacking (3), by the supporting face (22) and the stop face (23), and the distance (44) between said supporting face (22) and said stop face (23) corresponds at least to the sum of the height of the retaining rib (16) and the height of the force-absorbing rib (21).
EP06701088A 2005-02-18 2006-01-31 Connection system for stackable containers Not-in-force EP1851124B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH2922005 2005-02-18
PCT/CH2006/000060 WO2006086900A1 (en) 2005-02-18 2006-01-31 Connection system for stackable containers

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EP1851124A1 EP1851124A1 (en) 2007-11-07
EP1851124B1 true EP1851124B1 (en) 2008-10-15

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EP06701088A Not-in-force EP1851124B1 (en) 2005-02-18 2006-01-31 Connection system for stackable containers

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US (1) US20080121547A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1851124B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE411226T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502006001833D1 (en)
RU (1) RU2381157C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006086900A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2381157C2 (en) 2010-02-10
EP1851124A1 (en) 2007-11-07
US20080121547A1 (en) 2008-05-29
WO2006086900A1 (en) 2006-08-24
DE502006001833D1 (en) 2008-11-27
RU2007134585A (en) 2009-03-27
ATE411226T1 (en) 2008-10-15

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