EP2396232A1

EP2396232A1 - Folding box

Info

Publication number: EP2396232A1
Application number: EP10712689A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gerhard Pittrich
Original assignee: Leisch Beratungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH; Leisch Beratungs und Beteiligungs GmbH
Current assignee: Leisch Beratungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH; Leisch Beratungs und Beteiligungs GmbH
Priority date: 2009-02-12
Filing date: 2010-02-11
Publication date: 2011-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-11
Also published as: PL2396232T3; IL214504A0; RU2011137410A; BRPI1008443A2; PL2396232T5; US20120024846A1; BRPI1008443B1; EP2647580A1; ES2429365T5; JP2012517388A; EP2396232B1; AT507858B1; UA102430C2; EP2396232B2; US8550278B2; AT507858A1; ES2429365T3; RU2508233C2; WO2010091447A1; EP2647580B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding box (1), comprising a bottom and first and second side walls (2,3) which are pivotably connected to the bottom and, together with the bottom, form a box that is open to the top in the folded-open state, further comprising at least one holding element (4) that is disposed on a first side wall (2) and at least one axis (5) that is rotatably supported on a second side wall (3), wherein the at least one axis (5) has a cross-section that deviates from a circular section on at least one axis end (5a, 5b), and the at least one axis end (5a, 5b) locks the first to the second side wall (2, 3) in a first rotational position and unlocks said side walls (2, 3) in a second rotational position.

Description

folding

The invention relates to a folding box with a bottom, with the bottom pivotally connected first and second side walls, which form an upwardly open box with the bottom in an unfolded state, at least one holding element arranged on a first side wall and at least one on a second Side wall rotatably mounted axis.

Folding boxes are practical tools for transporting items, since in an unfolded state, they form an open-topped box or box, and are flat in a folded state and therefore easy to stow. Compared to fixed boxes, this is a significant advantage. However, the use of folding boxes is limited by the usually lower stability or even prevented. In addition, the known locking mechanisms, which lock the side walls against each other and so prevent collapse of the box, often unreliable or very complex.

For example, EP 0 785 142 A1 discloses a plastic box with fold-up side walls, in which two mutually opposite side walls have laterally outstanding pins which engage in grooves in the adjacent side walls and engage in an end position. The disadvantage here is that the box can be relatively easily accidentally collapsed, as a sufficiently high pressure on the side walls with the pins sufficient to unlock the side walls. If a fully loaded box collapses unintentionally, the contained items may fall out, which counteracts the meaning of such a box.

From WO 00/68099 a portable, preferably made of plastic container is known which has a substantially rectangular bottom and two pairs of pivotally mounted side walls. For locking the side walls bolts, which are arranged on two of the side walls, are provided. The bolts can be moved between an unlocking position and a locking position. In the latter, the bolts protrude out of the side wall and engage in a recess of the adjacent side wall. Due to the displacement mechanism of the bolts, the container is technically equally complicated. For many users or applications, such a box is therefore simply too expensive.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a folding box at your disposal, which has an improved protection against accidental folding.

The object of the invention is achieved with a folding box according to claim 1, namely a folding box, comprising a bottom, - pivotally connected to the first and second side walls connected to the bottom

Floor in an unfolded state form an upwardly open box, at least one arranged on a first side wall holding element, at least one rotatably mounted on a second side wall axis, wherein the at least one axis at least one axis end has a deviating from the circular cross-section and the at least one axle end in a first rotational position with the at least one retaining element locks the first with the second side wall and unlocks said side walls in a second rotational position.

According to the invention, therefore, a non-circular, rotatable axle end on a side wall interacts with a retaining element on an adjacent side wall such that the two walls are locked in a first rotational position of the axle end and unlocked in a second rotational direction. This results in some immediate benefits. For example, the folding box is secured against unintentional collapse, as for folding a multi-stage movement (unlocking with a first movement and collapsing with a second movement) is necessary. Furthermore, the folding box comes with relatively simple and therefore robust locking elements, because the pivot bearing of the axis is easier to accomplish than about a bearing that allows a longitudinal displacement of locking elements. For example, a bearing (eg, metal shaft, plastic bearing shell) in the delivery state can be intentionally tight, because the axle and the bearing grind in operation and thus provide an optimal fit of the parts over time. This is made possible by the fact that in the longitudinal direction always the same point of the axis in contact with the same point of storage. Compared to a sliding bearing according to the prior art, this is a clearer Advantage, since - which unfortunately can happen quite easily unintentionally - the rod-shaped locking elements are often bent and thus only a very loose storage of the locking elements is possible. According to the invention, however, can be achieved by simple means as a high-quality, because tight-fitting, storage by the user. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention - when the axis is continuous - in principle with only two bearings, whereas according to the prior art, at least four bearings for the sliding locking elements are necessary. Finally, slidable locking elements tend to catch, such as when stuck dirt or material bumps complicate the movement through storage or prevent. In rotary bearings, however, this phenomenon is largely unknown. The

Invention is therefore simpler, more reliable and with simpler means of high quality to produce than is the case with known solutions.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures of the drawing.

It is advantageous if the at least one axle end has a cross section from the group: rectangular with rounded corners, S-shaped, oval, elliptical, hook-shaped or flattened circular cross-section. These cross sections are comparatively easy to produce and at the same time very well fulfill a locking function.

It when the at least one axis is automatically rotated by means of a spring in the first rotational position is particularly advantageous. In this variant, the axis is thus in the locking position by default. Unintentional unlocking is counteracted - since this requires the overcoming of a spring force. For example, all types of torsion springs, leaf springs as well as helical tension and compression springs can be considered here, whereby the force generated by a leaf or spiral spring should optionally be converted into a torque with suitable measures (levers and the like).

It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the at least one axis is automatically rotated into the second rotational position when the second side wall is opened. In this variant - A - the invention, the axis moves when you open the box so by itself, that is, by the pivotal movement of the side wall in the Entriegelposition so that the side walls can be pivoted into their final positions without special intervention.

Finally, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one axis on reaching the

End position of the second side wall is automatically rotated by means of the spring in the first rotational position. This variant of the invention represents a combination of the two aforementioned embodiments. On the one hand, unfolding of the side walls is possible up to their end position without any special movement sequences (ie without conscious unlocking), on the other hand the side walls, as soon as they have reached their final position, become automatic locked by the spring. Once the box is fully opened, it can not be accidentally closed. The actions required by the user for safe operation of a folding box are thus limited to a minimum.

It is also advantageous if the at least one axis can be rotated by means of a handle in the first and / or second rotational position. Since the rotation of the axle can be quite cumbersome under certain circumstances without additional aids, in this embodiment of the invention, a handle on the axis is provided, which allows the easy turning of the same.

The above embodiments and further developments of the invention can be combined in any manner.

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

Each shows in a highly schematically simplified representation:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a folding box according to the invention;

FIG. 2a shows a first, S-shaped variant of an axle end; FIG.

2b shows a detailed view of how the first variant of the axle end cooperates with a retaining element on the first side wall; FIG. 2c shows the detail view from FIG. 2b only from a different direction; FIG.

3 a shows a second variant of an axle end with a flattened circular cross section;

3b shows a detailed view of how the second variant of the axle end cooperates with a holding element on the first side wall;

FIG. 3 c shows the detailed view from FIG. 3b only from above; FIG.

4a shows a third variant of an axle end with a hook-shaped cross-section;

4b shows a detailed view of how the third variant of the axle end cooperates with a retaining element on the first side wall;

FIG. 4c shows the detailed view from FIG. 4b only from above; FIG.

5 shows a bearing shell for receiving the axle;

Fig. 6 shows a variant of a lever for rotation of the axle;

7 shows a detail from a variant with elliptical axle end in plan view;

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 7 in a side view according to the section line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.

By way of introduction, it is stated that in the differently described embodiments identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or identical component designations, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or identical component names. Also, the position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to a new position analogous to the new situation. You can also continue Represent individual features or combinations of features from the illustrated and described different exemplary embodiments of their own, inventive or inventive solutions. Fig. 1 The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiments of a folding box according to the invention, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments of the same, but also various combinations of the individual embodiments are mutually possible and this variation possibility due to the teaching technical action by objective invention in the skill of working in this technical field expert.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment according to the invention a folding box 1 with a bottom (not shown), with the bottom pivotally connected first and second side walls 2 and 3 and arranged on the first side walls 2 holding elements 4. On the second side wall 3 is an axis 5 with two axle ends 5a and 5b mounted rotatably in bearing shells 6, wherein the bearing shells 6 can be integrated in reinforcing ribs 7. On the axis 5, finally, a lever 8 and two leaf springs 9 are arranged.

Figures 2a to 2c show a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2a shows a side view of the axis 5 with the first axle end 5a, the lever 8 and the leaf springs 9. In this variant of the invention, the axle ends 5a and 5b are S-shaped curved.

Fig. 2b shows how the axle end 5a cooperates with the holding element 4. The axle end 5a is shown in the first rotational position, in which the side walls 2 and 3 are locked. By rotating counterclockwise (indicated by an arrow), the axle end 5a can be moved to a second rotational position, in which the axle end 5a is unlocked by the retaining element 4, so that the side walls 2 and 3 can be pivoted towards the bottom of the folding box 1. This rotation takes place by actuation of the lever 8 against the spring force of the leaf springs 9. If the second side wall 3 is then pivoted in the direction of the ground, then - when the lever 8 is released again - the axle end 5a slowly rotates again due to the widening guide gap in the first rotational position. In this type of lever unlocking is done by pressing the lever 8 inwards. The leaf springs 9 rest against the outside of the second side wall 3 and thus build up a restoring force. It is also conceivable, of course, a mirror-inverted execution, in which the lever 8 is pressed to the outside.

If the side wall 2 is folded up, then the axle end 5a is slowly moved by the tapered guide gap 10 into the second rotational position, the unlocking position. Upon complete folding up of the side wall 2, the axle end 5a now slips into the retaining element 4 and there assumes the first rotational position, the locking position, due to the spring force of the leaf springs 9. The locking takes place automatically when pivoting the second side wall 3 in its end position, the unlocking, however, by pressing the lever 8 against the spring force of the leaf springs 9. An unintentional opening of the folding box 1 can therefore be more or less excluded, without thereby the comfort of Fold up the side walls 2 and 3 would be lost.

Finally, FIG. 2c shows a view of the variant shown in FIG. 2b along the first side wall 2 (see also section BB in FIG. 2b). Good to see here is the shape of the guide gap 10 and its boundary walls, which are flatter in the initial area and higher in the end. Due to the shape of the boundary walls of the guide gap 10 and the relatively large width at the beginning of the same, the axle ends 5 a and 5 b slip when folding the second side walls 3 particularly well in the associated Führungsspal- te 10th

Figures 3 a to 3 c show a second embodiment of the invention. 3 a shows a side view of the axle 5 with the axle end 5 a, the lever 8 and the leaf springs 9. In this variant of the invention, the axle ends 5 a and 5 b are shaped in the form of a flattened circular cross section.

FIG. 3 b shows how the axle end 5 a interacts with the retaining element 4. The axle end 5a is shown in the first rotational position, in which the side walls 2 and 3 are locked. By turning counterclockwise (indicated by an arrow), the axle 5 b can be moved to a second rotational position in which the axle end 5 a is unlocked by the retaining element 4, so that the side walls 2 and 3 can be pivoted towards the bottom of the folding box 1 , This rotation takes place by actuation of the lever 8 against the spring force of the leaf springs 9. If the second side wall 3 is then moved in the direction of the ground. pivots, the axle end 5b rotates again after passing the retaining element 4 in the first rotational position. When folding up the second side wall 3, the axle end 5 a, as soon as it abuts the retaining element 4, automatically rotated because of the eccentric force between the axle end 5 a and retaining element 4 in the second rotational position. As soon as the second side wall 3 reaches its end position, however, the axle ends 5a and 5b are rotated by the leaf springs 9 into their first rotational position and then lock the side walls 2 and 3 with the aid of the retaining elements 4.

Finally, FIG. 3 c shows a plan view of a corner of the folding box 1, in which the first side wall 2 with the holding element 4 and the second side wall 3 with the axis 5 are shown. Good to see here is how the axle 5b interacts with the retaining element 4.

FIGS. 4a to 4c now show a third embodiment of the invention. 4a shows a side view of the axle 5 with the axle end 5a, the lever 8 and the leaf springs 9. In this variant of the invention, the axle ends 5a and 5b are hook-shaped.

4b shows how the axle end 5a cooperates with the retaining element 4. The axle end 5b is shown in the first rotational position, in which the side walls 2 and 3 are locked. By rotating counterclockwise (indicated by an arrow), the axle end 5b can be moved to a second rotational position, in which the axle end 5b is unlocked by the retaining element 4, so that the side walls 2 and 3 can be pivoted towards the bottom of the folding box 1 , This rotation takes place by actuation of the lever 8 against the spring force of the leaf springs 9. If the second side wall 3 is then pivoted in the direction of the ground, then the axle end 5b turns back into the first rotational position after passing through the retaining element 4. When folding up the second side wall 3, the axle end 5a is rotated as in the previous example by the support member 4 in the second rotational position and gerdreht after the complete folding of the second side wall 3 by means of the leaf springs 9 in the first rotational position.

Finally, FIG. 4 c shows a plan view of a corner of the folding box 1, in which the first side wall 2 with the holding element 4 and the second side wall 3 with the axis 5 are shown. Good to see here is how the axle end 5a cooperates with the retaining element 4. In all the above variants of the invention, the Lagerang the axis 5 can be accomplished advantageously by integration of the bearing shells 6 in reinforcing ribs 7 of the second side wall 3. Fig. 5 shows a part of a reinforcing rib 7, in which a bearing shell 6 is arranged (see also section AA in Fig. 1). In this case, the bearing shell 6 advantageously comprises a little more than a semicircle, so that the axis 5 can be simply clipped in the assembly of the folding box 1. Advantageously, cuts are provided in addition to the bearing shell 6, which allow springs of the bearing shell 6 when clipping.

Fig. 6 shows in a side view and a section CC a folding box 1 finally a variant of an axis 5, which is not continuous, but in which the lever 8, the axis 5 in particular divides in the middle, in particular, the lever 8 and the axis 5 in the middle area provided with a pulled down deduction .. The lever 8 and the axis 5 may be constructed in one piece but also in several pieces. This lever 8, which is designed to be pivotable below the handle of the folding box 1, can be used in all mentioned variants of the invention. To unlock the lever 8 is folded outwards. The leaf springs 9 lie on the outside of the second side wall 3 and thus cause a restoring force. Of course, a mirror-inverted embodiment is conceivable in which the lever 8 is pressed inwards, and the leaf springs 9 lie on the inside.

7 and 8, a detail of a further embodiment variant of the invention, which is derived from that of FIG. 1 and differs essentially only by another embodiment of the axle ends 5a and the holding elements 4, shown in plan view and side view. Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a corner of the folding box 1, in which the first side wall 2 with the holding element 4 and the second side wall 3 with the axis 5 is shown. It can again be seen how the axle end 5a interacts with the retaining element 4.

To open the folding box 1, the lever 8 (FIG. 1) on the second, in particular short, side wall 3 of the folding box 1 is pressed inwards (in the direction of the box interior), or, as already described above, the mirror-inverted embodiment variant is also possible , As a result, the axis 8, which is in particular firmly connected to the lever 8, is set in a rotary motion. At the first axis end 5a, as in the embodiment according to FIG. 3c, a taper 11, ie, the axis 5 is formed tapered, arranged in the first side wall 2, that is, the holding element 4, engages and locked. This lock is shaped so that it in the closed state, ie erected state of the side walls 2, 3 of the folding box 1, locked. For this purpose, the holding element 4 is provided with two opposite shells 12 which receive the tapered axle end 5a of the axle 5 (FIG. 8). By the rotation of the axis 5, the lock is released, so that the oval-shaped in cross-section axle end 5 a can be brought out of engagement with the shells 12. Thus, the second side wall 3 can be folded inwards. When folding the second side wall 3 into the retaining element 4, the leaf springs 9 (FIG. 1) in turn ensure that the lever 8 (FIG. 1) is brought back into its starting position or rest position. When closing the side walls 2, 3, the axle end 5a is pressed into the flexible shells 12. The lever 8 remains in its initial position. The folding box 1 is thus locked again. As in the case of the other embodiment variants, the axle 5 can be clipped into the spring openings or the bearing shell 6 (FIG. 5) of the reinforcing rib (s) 7 during the assembly of the lock.

In all variants of the invention, the axis 5 may be made of metal, for example. For example, the lever 8 and / or the leaf springs 9 may also be made of metal and welded to the axis 5. It is also conceivable that the lever 8 and / or the leaf springs 9 are made of plastic and are sprayed for example on the axis 5. Finally, it is also possible to produce axis 5, lever 8 and the leaf springs 9 in one piece from metal or plastic. For the latter variant, in particular cost-effective and in the form almost completely freely selectable injection molded parts into consideration. The axle ends 5a and 5b can be given any desired shape during injection molding, but can also be produced by grinding (for example flattening of a wire that is circular in the raw state) or pressing. Finally, different materials can be used for the axle 5 and its ends 5a and 5b. For example, axle ends 5a and 5b made of plastic can be plugged onto an axle 5 made of metal, but it is also possible to attach axle ends 5a and 5b made of metal to an axle 5 made of plastic.

Although it has always been assumed in the figures that the axle ends 5a and 5b protrude on both sides of the second side wall 3, other variants are conceivable, of course. For example, only a first axle end 5a can protrude on the second side wall 3. In this case, the folding box 1 is locked only on one side. It is conceivable also that on the second side wall 3, two axes 5 are arranged with a total of four axle ends. Advantageously, however, there are four places on the folding box 1, which are locked on, namely on both sides of the two second side walls 3. This results in a lock per corner of the folding box. 1

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the folding box 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 folding box 2 first side wall

3 second side wall

4 retaining element

5 axis 5 a first axis end

5b second axle end

6 bearing shell

7 reinforcing rib

8 levers

9 leaf spring

10 guide gap

11 rejuvenation

12 bowl

Claims

Patent claims

A folding box (1) comprising: a bottom, - first and second side walls (2, 3) pivotally connected to the bottom, which form an open-topped box with the bottom in an unfolded state, at least one on a first side wall ( 2) arranged holding element (4), at least one on a second side wall (3) rotatably mounted axis (5), characterized in that the at least one axis (5) at least one axle end (5a, 5b) deviating from the circular cross-section and the at least one axle end (5 a, 5 b) in a first rotational position with the retaining element (4) locks the first with the second side wall (2, 3) and in a second rotational position said side walls (2, 3) unlocked.

2. folding box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one axle end (2, 3) selected from the group comprising a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, S-fδrmig, oval, elliptical, hook-shaped or flattened circular cross-section.

3. folding box (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one axis (5) by means of a spring (9) is automatically rotatable in the first rotational position.

4. folding box (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one axis (5) during the unfolding of the second side wall (3) is automatically rotatable in the second rotational position.

5. folding box (1) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the at least one axis (5) upon reaching the end position of the second side wall (3) by means of the spring (9) is automatically rotatable in the first rotational position.

6. folding box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one axis (5) by means of a handle (8) is rotatable in the first and / or second rotational position.