EP2617655B1 - Transport container with locking device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a transport container for the transport or storage of goods, in particular of bulk material, according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 295 03 254 U1 Such transport containers are known. These consist of a bottom, which is preferably designed as a pallet. On this pallet, a sleeve or ring is provided which consists of a plurality of side walls. On this sleeve a lid to the closure of the transport container can be attached. These transport containers have the advantage that the sleeves or the ring are collapsible. The folded ring is placed on the floor and covered by the lid, so that this transport container folded together with a reduced transport volume can be transported back.

Such a transport container is also from the DE 103 11 593 A1 known. For fixing a lid on the ring fasteners are provided fastened to the lid, which have a latch which engage the side wall. Furthermore, goes from the DE 103 11 593 A1 a closure in which a locking mechanism is integrated into a side wall. This locking mechanism controls a rolling pin, which can be transferred at a first actuation by pressure on the lid of the transport container in a locking position to fix the lid to the side wall. In a further pressure on the lid, the locking mechanism is released so that the roller pin is free from an undercut on a locking element and the lid can be lifted freely.

In this arrangement, the lock can be released in the event of unintentional application of pressure to the cover. Furthermore, the stacking of containers is problematic because the latch after lifting a previously on the bottom Transport container patch container can solve independently.

From the EP 2 065 309 A1 a transport container is known which comprises an L-shaped latch in a side wall of the container top, which is performed in an opening in the bottom of the base to engage behind the ground. In this case, a flat clamping surface is provided, which bears against an outer side of the container lower part in a closed position. Due to this L-shaped configuration of the bolt, the risk of autonomous loosening exists in such transport containers.

From the JP 2007-153339 A Furthermore, a transport container is known, in which a bolt is integrated in a side wall which can be inserted into a slot-shaped opening in the bottom. By rotation of the cross-sectionally T-shaped bolt about its longitudinal axis, the closure is transferred to a locking position. Analog goes out of the US 5,862,917 A out.

The invention has for its object to propose a multi-part transport container, wherein at least one side wall to a container base or a container shell in a simple manner lockable and an independent release is prevented.

This object is achieved by a transport container, in which a latch of the closure in the plane of the side wall is pivotable and can be operated from an outer side of the at least one side wall and from an open position into a self-holding closed position. For this purpose, the latch of the closure has a hook-shaped latching lug, on which a recess for receiving a latching body of a locking element is provided. Such a transport container allows the closure can be easily opened or closed by an operator from the outside. In addition, a stackable container is provided which maintains a closed position of the closure regardless of a load case. In addition, this transport container has the advantage that is given from the outside a simple visual inspection even with stacked containers, whether the at least one side wall with the container base or container top is locked before the transport container, for example, with a transporting good, in particular bulk material, filled or provided for transport.

In a closed position of the latch, the hook-shaped latching nose engages behind the latching body of the locking element, so that at the same time a self-retaining arrangement is created by the return to the latching lug. By this self-holding arrangement of the closure in a closed position is further ensured that during occurring vibrations of a transport, an independent release is prevented.

The bolt of the closure is preferably designed to be pivotable in an axis perpendicular to the plane of the side wall and has a gripping element arranged opposite the gripping element. As a result, a simple operation due to a between the latching lug and the pivot axis on the one hand and a lever arm between the pivot axis and the handle member formed on the other hand be given lever arm for opening and closing.

The bolt is pivotally mounted according to a preferred embodiment in a closure housing which engages at least partially on an inner or outer wall portion of the side wall. This allows integration of the closure into the side wall, so that the closure neither builds up to the interior of the transport container nor to the outside and beyond the outer dimensions of the container base and container top is also.

Furthermore, the closure housing preferably has a recess facing the locking element, in which the locking element is arranged in a closed position of the bolt. As a result, no additional space for attaching the shutter is required, and a conventional structure of the collapsible transport container can be maintained.

The locking element is preferably provided in a groove or depression running around on the container lower part or container upper part, into which the side wall engages and is positioned. As a result, the closure housing, as well as the side wall sections immediately adjacent thereto, are at least partially surrounded by the depression or the channel. By fixing the position of a pointing to the recess of the container shell or the container base end side of the side edge can be ensured after the transfer of the closure in a lock that both the closure and the adjoining end face of the side wall rests in the depression on the ground and is supported. This can be formed at the same time a protection for damage from the outside, since the recess is preferably greater than the height of the locking element.

The closure housing is preferably formed from a rear wall and a front plate with an access opening for the latch, which are connectable to each other. As a result, a simple mounting of the closure housing on the side wall can be given by the front plate and the back plate are interconnected with the interposition of the bolt.

A preferred embodiment provides at least the access opening of the closure adjacent or the access opening of the closure forming on the rear wall and the front plate facing each other locking elements, which form a releasable latching connection after merging the rear wall and the front panel. This can be given a simple and quick installation. After the assignment of the front panel and the rear wall to the recess in the side wall can be given a fastening of the closure to the side wall. The detachable latching connection allows easy replacement when damaged.

The side wall is preferably provided to the front side with an open-edged recess into which the closure can be inserted, wherein in the region of the pivot axis of the bolt a constriction and subsequently in the region of the access opening is given an enlarged recessed area. As a result, a recess is formed with an undercut, through which the closure is secured in position after its merging and connecting the locking elements on the front panel and rear wall of the closure housing. Thereby, a positive engagement can be achieved, which allows easy fixation and alignment of the closure to the side wall.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the narrowed region of the recess in the side wall restricts the pivotal movement of the bolt in the open position and the closed position. Thereby, a secure receipt of the open and closed positions can be simplified in a self-holding position.

Preferably, the front panel and the rear wall are fixed by the locking elements under clamping on the side wall. This allows a firm and stable connection to the side wall. In addition, rattling noises are avoided.

Preferably, the front panel and the rear wall are interconnected by at least one hinge joint. As a result, for example, the closure housing can be formed as a one-piece component, whereby the handling is simplified.

The housing of the closure is preferably made of plastic, and the hinge joints are made as bending surfaces or film hinges. Thus, a one-piece closure housing in particular as an injection molded part can be produced. As a result, a simple assembly is made possible, for example by the rear wall of the recess in the side wall is assigned. After a subsequent pivotal movement of the front panel and the front edge of the side wall to the front of the side wall it is aligned parallel to the rear wall. By releasable latching connection can be given a self-locking arrangement and fixation of the closure housing on the side wall. The film hinges further have the advantage that a closed end face is given with respect to the closure, whereby an increased strength for the closure of the housing is created.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the rear wall of the closure housing is completely closed. As a result, a watertight transport container can be created despite the accessibility of the bolt from the outside. Any water or moisture which may penetrate through the access opening runs along the rear wall into the circumferential recess of the container lower part and is discharged to the outside via this, without the water or moisture being able to enter the container interior.

A preferred embodiment of the closure provides that the front plate and the rear plate in the pivot axis of the bolt by a fastener, in particular a screw to each other are attached. As a result, an additional increase in the strength due to this mechanical connection of the front plate to the rear wall, on the one hand, and an increased tensile force effect on the latch, on the other hand, can be achieved.

For self-holding arrangement of the bolt in an open position or a closed position, a releasable positioning is preferably provided between a rear wall and the bolt. This can for example be a latching cam, which engages in a complementary recess.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Transportbehälters,
• Figur 2 eine schematisch vergrößerte Ansicht eines Details "A" gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Vorderansicht eines Verschlusses gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht von hinten auf den Verschluss gemäß Figur 3,
• Figuren 5a und b schematische Seitenansichten eines Riegels des Verschlusses gemäß Figur 3,
• Figuren 6a und b schematische Ansichten eines Verriegelungselementes des Verschlusses gemäß Figur 3,
• Figur 7 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Verschlussgehäuses gemäß Figur 3,
• Figur 8 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 3,
• Figur 9 eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B in Figur 3,
• Figur 10 eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Linie D-D in Figur 3,
• Figur 11 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Aussparung in einer Seitenwand des Transportbehälters gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 12a einen schematischen Teilschnitt des Verschlusses entlang der Linie D-D in Figur 7 mit einem Riegel in einer Offenstellung und
• Figur 12b einen schematischen Teilschnitt des Verschlusses entlang der Linie D-D in Figur 7 mit einem Riegel in einer Schließstellung.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of a transport container,
• FIG. 2 a schematically enlarged view of a detail "A" according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a schematic front view of a closure according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 4 a perspective view from behind the closure according to FIG. 3 .
• FIGS. 5a and b schematic side views of a bolt of the closure according to FIG. 3 .
• FIGS. 6a and b schematic views of a locking element of the closure according to FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 7 a schematic side view of the closure housing according to FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 8 a schematic sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 9 a schematic sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 10 a schematic sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 11 a schematic side view of a recess in a side wall of the transport container according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 12a a schematic partial section of the closure along the line DD in FIG. 7 with a latch in an open position and
• FIG. 12b a schematic partial section of the closure along the line DD in FIG. 7 with a latch in a closed position.

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport container 11 is shown. This transport container 11 is formed at least in three parts and has a container base 12, at least one side wall 14 or a ring 15 with a plurality of side walls 14 and a container top 16. The ring 15 consists for example of four side walls 14 which are collapsible. In this case, a so-called "M-folding" be provided, in which the narrow side walls connected by a film hinge with the long sides and, for example, the narrow side walls are divided into two, so that they can be folded inwards. The container base 12 is formed for example as a pallet. The container upper part 16 preferably has an upper side which comprises recesses which are provided for fixing the position of a container lower part of a further transport container 11 arranged thereon. Such transport containers 11 are preferably made of recyclable plastic. The side walls 14 may be formed of two-, three- or multi-layer plastic films or plates. Similarly, the container upper part 16 and the container base 12 may be made of two- or multi-layer plastic plates, in particular by the twin-sheet method.

In FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a closure 18 of the transport container 11 according to the detail "A" in FIG. 1 shown. This closure 18 is arranged in the side wall 14 and partially integrated. From this view, it can be seen that a latch 19 of the closure can be operated via an access opening 21 of a closure housing 22 that is only partially visible from the outside. This will be explained below with reference to Figures 12a and 12b still explained.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the closure 18th shown. The FIG. 4 shows in perspective a rear view of the closure 18 according to FIG. 3 , The closure 18 consists of the latch 19, which is pivotable in the closure housing 22 about a pivot axis 26 which is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the side wall 14. The closure housing 22 has a front panel 27 with the access opening 21 and a fully closed rear wall 28, as shown in FIG FIG. 4 is shown. The front panel 27 and rear wall 28 are preferably connected to each other by at least one hinge joint 29, in particular by two film hinges. Thereby, a one-piece closure housing 22 can be formed in particular as an injection-molded component, which preferably consists of plastic, which has a U-shaped cross-section in an installed state on the side wall 14. Between the front plate 27 and the rear wall 28 of the bolt 19 is pivotally guided about the pivot axis 26. The front panel 27 and rear wall 28 are preferably formed equal in size with respect to the outer dimensions.

In the FIGS. 5a and 5b schematic side views of the bolt 19 are shown. At one end of the bolt 19, the grip element 24 is arranged, which has two mutually facing recessed grips 31, between which an engagement recess 32 (FIG. FIG. 3 ) is trained. On a rear side of the engagement recess 32, a positioning element 34, in particular a locking cam, is formed, which in accordance with a complementary recess 35 in the rear wall 28 FIG. 3 a self-retaining latching connection is received to the latch 19 in an open position 80 and with another, not shown. Recess in a closed position 82 to fix self-holding ( Figures 12a, 12b ). On the handle element 24, a hook-shaped latching lug 37 is formed on the latch 19, which has a recess 39 with respect to a first clamping surface 38.

The latch 19 is preferably also integrally formed as an injection molded part and has a reinforced outer contour in order to transmit the tensile forces from the locking lug 37 to the pivot axis 36. Adjacent to the pivot axis 26 are surface portions 41 as rectilinear Surface portions formed which a stop for a in the Figures 12a and 12b to be discussed opening and closing position 80, 82 form.

In FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a locking element 45 and in FIG. 6b a schematic sectional view of the locking element 45 according to FIG. 6a shown. This locking element 45 is a part of the closure 18 according to the FIGS. 3 and 4 , The locking element 45 has a contact surface 46, by which it is attached to a bottom 47 of the container base 12 or container top 16. In the embodiment, the bottom 47 is provided in a circumferential recess 48 or channel, as exemplified in the FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown. The locking element 45 has between two holding portions 49 a latching body 50, which is preferably designed as an axle. Between the holding portions 49 and the latching body 50 opposite a curved portion 52 is formed, whose curvature is adapted to pivotal movement of a free end portion 53 of the latching lug 37 of the bolt 18 so that a movement space is created to the latching lug 37 in the locking element 45 from a Open position 80 to convert into a closed position 82.

In FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the valve closure housing 22 according to FIG. 3 shown. In the upper region of the valve closure housing 22, a U-shaped recess can be seen. This recess extends from a left side along an upper side to the right side of the closure and straps both from the outside and the inside of the side wall 14. At the same time, these portions 55 of the U-shaped recess are preferably under clamping on the outside and Inside the side wall 14, as shown in the FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown.

In FIG. 8 is a schematic side view along the line AA in FIG. 3 shown. From this sectional view, a latching connection 58 with the latching elements 59 between the front plate 27 and the rear wall 28 can be seen. This latching connection 58 is preferably releasable and has at least one latching element 59 on the rear wall 28, which engages in a complementary latching element 59 on the front panel 27. These locking elements 59 of the locking connection 58 are in FIG. 3 can be seen and lie within an access opening 21. By the latching connection 58 is given by the succession-to-pivoting of the front panel 27 and the rear wall 28 a mutual fixing on the locking connection 58, so that the shutter 18 to the side wall 14 in a simple manner and quickly fixed is. This results between the front panel 27 and the rear wall 28, an interior in which the latch 18 is guided.

The height of the locking element 45 is preferably such that it lies within the recess 48 of the container lower part 12 or container upper part 16, so that after fastening the side wall 14 with the closure 18 to the container lower part 12 or container upper part 16, the locking element 45 itself is not visible and is covered. As a result, an orientation of the closure 18 or the side wall 14 to the recess 48 or the locking element 45 may be simultaneously made possible.

In FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line B-.B in FIG. 3 shown. On the rear wall 28, a bearing pin 61 is preferably integrally formed, which engages in a bearing opening 62 of the bolt 18. At the bearing pin 61 of the latch 19 is pivotally mounted. In addition, the bearing pin 61 receives a fastening element 63, which is made of plastic, in particular of metal. Preferably, a countersunk screw made of metal is used. As a result, the stability of the closure housing 22 can be increased and the bearing axis for the latch 19 can be reinforced.

In FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 3 shown. Again, this sectional view shows that the U-shaped recess on the outer circumference of the closure 18 extends both on a right and left longitudinal side and along an upper side, as in conjunction with FIG. 7 becomes clear.

In FIG. 11 a recess 71 is shown in the side wall 14, which for receiving the closure housing 22 according to FIG. 3 is provided. This recess 71 has a first region 72, which corresponds to the size of the access opening 21. Subsequently, a constriction 73 is formed, in which after insertion of the closure 18, the pivot axis 26 of the bolt 19 is located. Due to the constriction 73 in cooperation with the surface portions 41 of the bolt 19, the pivoting movement of the bolt 19 is limited. An expansion 74 adjoins this constriction 23 up to the end face 75 of the side wall 14. The recess 71 is formed as an edge-open recess 71 facing the end face 75. This recess 71 may be formed by a simple punching.

The FIG. 12a shows a schematic sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 7 , where in FIG. 12a the latch 19 in an open position 80 and in FIG. 12b is arranged in a closed position 82.

After placing the side wall 14 in the recess 48 of the container base 12 or container shell 16 is carried out by an open-edged recess 84 in the closure housing 22 an orientation of the closure housing 22 to the locking member 45 via the holding portions 49, which are adapted in the contour of the recess 48. This ensures at the same time that the locking element 45 is aligned with the closure housing 22 before the latch 19 is transferred from the open position 80 into the closed position 82. In the open position 80, the area 41 abuts against the constriction 73 of the recess 71. The latch 19 is held on the positioning member 34 in the recess 35 of the rear wall 28. The latch 19 is then actuated by the user via the gripping element 24 and pivoted within the access opening 21, so that the first clamping surface 38 first engages the latching body 50 and slides along it, in the correct position in the recess 48 of the container upper part 16 or 16 around the side wall 14 Tray lower part 12 to pull before the recess 39 of the locking lug 37 engages the locking body 50. This allows a secure arrangement of the bolt 19 for Ratchet 50 be given. At the same time, this closed position 82 is additionally fixed by the positioning element 34 in a further recess 35 of the rear wall 28.

Thus, in a region immediately adjacent to the detent body 50 a secure guidance of the bolt 19 is provided by a closure housing 22 and a pivoting or rotation of the clamping surface 38 is prevented at the locking lug 37, for example, on the front panel 27 and the rear wall 28 is a sliding or Guide surface 86 is formed. These guide surfaces 86 are also held by the closed U-shaped connecting portion between the front panel 27 and the rear wall 28 to measure.

Such a closure 18 allows both a simple operation from the outside via the access opening 21 and a secure arrangement of the bolt 19 in an open position 80 and a closed position 82. In addition, integration in the side wall 14 is preferably provided without the closure 18 protrudes from the side wall 14. For thicker side walls 14, an integration of the closure housing in the side wall 14 may be given.

Claims (14)

1. A transport container (11) for transporting or storing goods, in particular bulk goods, said transport container having a container top part (16), a container bottom part (12), and at least one side wall (14) disposed therebetween, with the at least one side wall (14) capable of being placed onto the container bottom part (12) and the container top part (16) capable of being placed onto the at least one side wall (14), said transport container having a closure (18) which is arranged within the side wall (14) and is provided with a bolt (19) pivoting in the plane of the side wall (14), and having a locking member (45) which is fastened to the container bottom part (12) or the container top part (16) and with which said bolt (19) engages when in a closed position (82), said bolt (19) of the closure (18) being operable from an outer side of the side wall (14) and transferable from an open position (80) to a self-locking, closed position (82), characterised in that the bolt (19) has a hook-shaped engagement tab (37) on which a retreat (39) for receiving an engagement body (50) of the locking member (45) is provided.
2. The transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the bolt (19) is pivotable about an axis (26) perpendicular to the plane of the side wall (14) and has a handle member (24) disposed opposite the engagement tab (37).
3. The transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the bolt (19) is pivotably arranged within a closure housing (22) which is applied at least partially to a wall outer portion or a wall inner portion of the side wall (14), and in that preferably said closure housing (22) has a recess (84) that faces towards the locking member (45) and in which the locking member (45) is arranged when the bolt (19) is in a closed position.
4. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking member (45) is fastened within a recess (48) provided on the circumference of the container bottom part (12) or of the container top part (16), and is fastened in particular to the bottom of said recess (48).
5. The transport container as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said closure housing (22) consists of a rear wall (28) and a front plate (27) with an access opening (21) for the bolt (19) which may be connected to each other.
6. The transport container as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that on the rear wall (28) and on the front plate (27), engaging elements (59) are provided which are disposed at least adjacent to the access opening of the closure (18) or which form the access opening (21) of the closure (18) and which are oriented towards each other so as to form an engaging joint (58) once the rear wall (28) and the front plate (27) have been assembled together.
7. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side wall (14) is provided with a cutout (71) having an open edge facing towards the end face (75) of the side wall (14) and at which the closure housing (22) may be inserted, and preferably in that said cutout (71) has a first region (72) which transitions into a narrowing (73) wherein the pivot axis (26) of the bolt (19) may be arranged.
8. The transport container as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the narrowed portion (73) of the recess (71) in the side wall limits the pivotal movement of the bolt (19) in the open position (80) and the closed position (82).
9. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the front plate (27) and the rear wall (28), while exposed to clamping, are fastened to the side wall (14) by means of engaging elements of the engaging joint (58).
10. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the front plate (27) and the rear wall (28) are connected to each other by means of at least one hinge joint (29).
11. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9, characterised in that the closure housing (22) is made of plastic material and the at least one hinge joint (29) is preferably realised as a bending surface or a living hinge.
12. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that the rear wall (28) is entirely closed.
13. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11, characterised in that the front plate (27) and the rear wall (28) are fixed relative to each other in the pivot axis (26) of the bolt (19) by means of a fastener.
14. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bolt (19) may be disposed in a self-locking manner in both the open position (80) and the closed position (82) by means of at least one positioning element (34), in particular an engagement cam, that engages with a complementary recess (35) provided in the rear wall (28).

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