EP3363748A1 - Stackable and nestable container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (2, 2 ') has a bottom (4) and side walls (6, 8), wherein the inner cross-section defined by the side walls widens towards the container opening (10). A stacking device, which is movably coupled to the container and in particular formed from two stacking straps (18), releases the opening cross-section in a nest position in order to be able to nest a structurally identical or compatible container in the container (2, 2 '). In the stacking position, it protrudes laterally into the opening cross-section for stacking into an identical or compatible container. The stacker is biased to the stacking position. The container further comprises an actuating element (38, 38 ') coupled to the stacking device, with which the stacking device can be automatically transferred into the nesting position when the container (2, 2') is nesting in a compatible container.

Description

The present invention relates to a container, in particular plastic container, for storing and / or transporting goods, comprising: a, in particular rectangular, bottom; fixed or hingedly connected or connectable and interconnected or connectable sidewalls to the ground, in particular with two long sidewalls and two short sidewalls, which are employed externally or designed such that the inner cross-section defined by the sidewalls widens towards the container opening; and at least one with the container, in particular with at least one, preferably long, sidewalls movably coupled stacking device, in particular two stacking straps, which releases the opening cross-section in a nest position to nest in the container a structurally identical or compatible container, and which in a Stacking position projects laterally into the opening cross-section or spans this to stack a structurally identical or compatible container can, and wherein the stacking device is biased in the stacking position by means of at least one biasing means.

Stackable and nestable containers are known from the prior art in many variants. These can be stacked on top of each other in the filled state and nested in an empty state to save space. In order to allow the nesting of containers into each other, the container side walls must be slightly turned outwards, so that the upper container with its bottom can dip into the container opening of the lower container. However, this also means that the bottom cross-section is smaller than the opening cross-section of the container and you therefore need tools if you do not nest the container into each other, but stacked on top of each other.

As such aids are various stacking devices, in particular stacking, known from the prior art, which from a first position or nest position, in which the stacking bar release the opening cross-section of the container, in a second position or stacking position, in which the stacking in The opening cross-section protrude or span this, bring to thereby to reduce the opening cross-section. The container to be stacked over it can then be placed with its bottom on the stacking brackets, which prevent the upper container is immersed in the lower container. Such stacking brackets are for example from the EP 0 918 694 A1 or the EP 0 802 119 A2 known.

Since it has been shown in practice that it is often forgotten to manually load the stacking bails into their stacking position / second position / inboard position prior to stacking of containers, thus often resulting in unwanted immersion of the upper container into the lower container and concomitantly has come to damage of goods in the lower container, in the prior art, containers with stacking devices are known, which are biased in the stacking position by means of at least one biasing means. For example, in the US 2007/0125779 A1 , of the US 2010/0133266 A1 or the US 2009/0289059 A1 Container disclosed in which a biasing of a stacking device is provided in the stacking position.

The known from the prior art such containers, which have in the stacking position biased stacking devices are advantageous when stacking a plurality of containers, since an accidental immersion of the upper container in the lower container is virtually excluded. However, these containers have the disadvantage that when nesting of several containers into each other, the stacking device of each container must always first be manually moved against the bias of the biasing device in the nest position and held there in order to nest the next / subsequent container therein.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to avoid or at least mitigate these disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a container is to be provided, which can both stack and nest, which minimizes the risk that the stacking of containers, the goods in the containers is damaged and which in comparison with the prior art simpler or more advantageous in identical, nest compatible containers.

This object is achieved in particular by a container having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of dependent claims.

An inventive container, which is made in particular of plastic, is suitable for storing and / or transporting goods. The container has a, in particular rectangular, bottom and a plurality of side walls, in particular two long and two short side walls, which are fixed or hinged to the ground or connectable and interconnected or connectable. The side walls are employed externally or designed such that the inner cross-section defined by the side walls widens toward the container opening.

In addition, the container has at least one, in particular two, with the container, in particular with at least one of the, preferably long, side walls, movably coupled stacking device, in particular two stacking bracket, which releases the opening cross-section in a nest position, in the container of an identical or nesting compatible container, and which protrudes laterally in a stacking position in the opening cross-section or spans this to stack a same or compatible container can on it.

The stacking device is biased into the stacking position by means of at least one biasing device. According to the invention, the container has a preferably positively coupled, coupled to the stacking device, actuating element which is configured to transfer the stacking device in the nest position when nesting the container in a compatible, preferably identical, second container.

The stacking device or the, in particular two, stacking bar of the container according to the invention is / are thus biased in a normal state or initial state of the container in the stacking position, so that when stacking several containers one above the other no unwanted immersion of the container in a compatible / identical second container comes and thereby damage to be located in the second container goods is basically avoided. The stacking device, in particular the stacking bracket, can / according to the invention be linearly displaceable / be displaceable or rotationally displaceable / pivotable attached to the container / arranged / fastened.

If several of the containers according to the invention are not stacked one above the other but are nested in one another, this nesting is considerably simplified according to the invention. Namely, the container according to the invention has, in particular, an actuating element which is coupled to the stacking device and which, when the container is nesting in a compatible or identically constructed second container, transfers the stacking device, preferably automatically, into the nesting position. The stacking device and the actuating element are preferably forcibly coupled, that is, a coupling between the stacking device and the actuating element according to the invention is forcibly present or enforced.

If several containers according to the invention are nested in one another, the stacking device of the lowermost container A must first be manually deflected in order to be able to nest a compatible or identically constructed container B therein. When nesting this container B in the lowermost container A then the stacking device of the container B is automatically transferred by the actuator of the container B in the nest position, so that a container C can be nested without manually deflecting the stacking device of the container B in the container B. Also, the stacking device of the container C is automatically transferred to the nesting position of the container C in the container B by the actuating element of the container C in the nest position. The same applies to all subsequent containers nested on them D, E, F, etc., so that a manual, time-consuming deflection of the stacking device is not necessary for all of these containers. Thus, according to the invention, in particular a faster and easier nesting of several identically constructed or compatible containers A, B, C, D, E, F, etc. is made possible.

The container preferably has a lower edge with a lower (Nestrand-) support surface, hereinafter referred to as Nestrandauflagefläche, and an upper (Nestrand-) support surface, hereinafter referred to as Stapelrandauflagefläche on.

It is useful if the actuating element is formed projecting downwards with respect to a Nestrandauflagefläche and when nesting the container in the compatible second container by the compatible second container, in particular by a stack edge support surface of the second container, is actuated.

After the nesting of a container in a compatible or identical second container, a Nestrandauflagefläche of the container, in particular at least approximately, in contact or in contact with a stacking edge support surface of the second container. Now, if the actuator according to the invention is formed downwardly projecting with respect to the Nestrandauflagefläche the container, the actuating element comes before the Nestrandauflagefläche in contact or in contact with the stack edge support surface of the second container. As soon as according to the present invention, the actuator comes into contact with the stack edge support surface of the second container, the container is not fully nested in the second container, that is, the weight of the container pushes or pulls it further down. Since the stack edge support surface is stationary or static, the actuating element can thus be actuated by the stack edge support surface, thereby realizing the inventive automatic transfer of the stacking device from the stacking position to the nest position.

Advantageously, the actuating element and the stacking device are received in a, preferably circumferential, Nestrand of the container which is slightly protruding from the side walls outwardly, wherein when a nesting of the container in the compatible second container, a lower Nestrandauflagefläche the Nestrands of the container is engageable with an upper stack edge support surface of the lower edge of the compatible second container.

Characterized in that the actuating element and the stacking device are received in the Nestrand of the container, both the available space is used optimally and the actuator and the stacking device protected in a suitable manner from external influences. Further, precisely by making the sea edge slightly projecting outwardly with respect to the side walls, it is possible to bring the sea edge bearing surface into abutment with the upper pile edge bearing surface of the second edge of the second tank. In particular, this also prevents that two nestled nested container jammed.

It may be provided according to the invention that the actuating element is formed projecting downwards in the stacking position stacking device from the circumferential Nestrand or with respect to the Nestrandauflagefläche such that upon a nesting of the container in the compatible second container, the actuating element against a biasing force of the biasing device, in particular against a spring force of a spring, from a lower position to an upper position, in particular linear, is moved and thereby the stacking device is transferred to the nest position.

According to the invention, the actuating element is thus moved or actuated counter to a biasing force of the biasing device when the container is nestled in the second container. In other words, according to the present invention, there is a, in particular space-saving, coupling between pretensioning device on the one hand and actuating element on the other. In particular, the actuating element is therefore formed projecting downwards in the stacking position of the stacking device with respect to the Nestrandauflagefläche just because the biasing device, in particular a spring acts on the actuator or this has pressed down or pulled. When the container is then placed in a second container, the actuating element must be moved against the biasing force of the biasing means or the spring force of the spring, in particular by the weight of the container and the aforementioned actuation by the stacking edge support surface of the second container Transfer stacking device in the nest position.

If in this case in the nesting position stacking device, the actuator is flush with the, in particular lower, Nestrandauflagefläche is formed and received in the Nestrand, then two or more containers of the invention can be nested extremely space to each other, which in particular with respect to the transport of empty Containers is advantageous.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the stacking device, in particular the stacking straps, are accommodated in a slot provided in the edge of the beach and recesses are provided in the edge of the cover such that the stacking device, in particular the Stacking bracket, is formed flush in both the nest position and in the stacking position with the upper stack edge support surface of Nestrands.

A receptacle or an arrangement of the stacking device, in particular the stacking bracket in a slot provided in the edge of the beach, leads to a suitable utilization of the available installation space and at the same time to a suitable protection of the stacking device against external influences. Moreover, if such recesses are provided in the edge of the beach such that the stacking device or stirrups are flush with the upper stacking edge support surface both in the stacking position and in the nesting position, this additionally leads to space savings when nesting containers and is thus advantageous in terms of space the transport of a plurality of empty containers according to the invention.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the actuating element and the stacking device, in particular by means of a rack and pinion drive, are positively coupled to one another such that a translatory movement of the actuating element rotatably mounted, in particular pivotally mounted on the long side walls or the short side walls, Stacking device causes.

The actuating element and the stacking device are thus in an advantageous manner via a rack drive / a rack gear in operative engagement or in other words, the positive coupling between the actuator and the stacking device is realized via this rack drive. By means of the rack and pinion drive, the core idea of the present invention can be implemented in an optimum manner. A rack and pinion drive converts as a transmission element in principle a translational movement in a rotational movement or vice versa. Thus, the translational movement or actuation of the actuating element caused during nesting of the container can be converted via the rack drive into a rotary movement or pivoting of the stacking device or stacking stirrups, so that they can be pivoted from the stacking position into the nesting position ,

Moreover, it is advantageous if the stacking device can be transferred by manually deflecting the same or by actuating the actuating element from the stacking position into the nesting position.

This is particularly advantageous for this reason, since the first time Nesten or when nesting a container B in a single container A, the stacking device of the container A must be manually deflected in order to nest the container B therein. If two containers A, B nested in each other, then according to the invention for each further container C, D, E, etc., which is to be nested on the containers A, B, etc., the stacking device no longer must be manually deflected, as a deflection previously occurred by the actuation of the actuator caused by the nesting of the container.

Advantageously, the biasing means for biasing the stacking device in the stacking position by a spring, in particular a coil spring is formed, which causes a spring-force induced deflection of the actuating element and thereby spends the stacking device via a rack drive in the stacking position, in particular pushes or pulls.

The bias voltage is thus preferably realized via a helical spring, which can be designed in particular as a tension spring or as a compression spring, and thus over an extremely space-saving machine element which is easy to integrate into a container. In particular, a coil spring is suitable for inducing a linear movement of the actuating element, that is to press or pull the actuating element in such a way that a rotational movement of the stacking device is effected via the positive coupling by means of the rack drive and the stacking device thus spring-induced in the Stacking position spent or biased.

It is expedient if the rack drive is formed by a provided on the actuating element rack portion and provided on the stacking gear portion and a translational Movement of the rack portion of the actuating element converts into a rotational movement of the gear portion of the stacking device.

In other words, it is advantageous if the actuating element has a rack section and the stacking device has a gear section, since in particular then a linear movement of the actuating element can be converted into a rotational movement of the stacking device. In particular, thus forming the rack portion of the actuating element and the gear portion of the stacking device together the rack and pinion drive according to the invention.

It is also advantageous if the rack portion of the actuator and the gear portion of the stacking device are engaged even when the stacker is in the stacking position and the actuator is held by the positive coupling caused thereby.

In other words, by having the gear portion and the rack portion engaged even when the stacker is in the stacking position and the actuator is held thereby and need not otherwise be attached to and on the container, a separate fastener for securing the actuator to the Containers are dispensed with. Thus, not only a linear movement of the actuating element is converted into a rotational movement of the stacking device by the positive coupling, which is especially still present in the stacking position befindlicher stacker, but also the actuator to / attached to the container / held, in particular the teeth of the rack section are still engaged with the teeth of the gear section when the stacking device is in the stacking position.

Further, it is advantageous if the stacking device is designed as, in particular two, stacking stirrups, each having on two opposite side walls each have a bearing eye about which the stacking bracket are pivotable, and wherein the gear portion is provided around the bearing eye around.

In other words, the actuating element according to the invention, in particular when the gear portion is provided around the bearing eye of the stacking bracket, engages directly at the bearing point / pivot point of the stacking bracket, so that this can lead to a suitable force transmission between the actuating element and the stacking device.

An advantageous first embodiment is characterized in that the stacking device is designed as two stacking brackets which are each pivotally mounted on two opposite side walls, in particular on the two long side walls, preferably in the vicinity of the container corners, at a total of four bearing points, in particular bearing eyes, and wherein a total of four actuators are provided at the four bearing points of the stacking bracket, and the two stacking straps are biased by four, preferably identically formed, springs in the stacking position.

By providing four actuators, which are preferably arranged in each case in the vicinity of the container edges and thus approximately evenly distributed around the beach, four support points are present when nesting the container, so that there is a uniform distribution of forces, a symmetrical transfer of the two Stacking bar comes into the nest position and no tilting of the container during the nesting process.

An advantageous second embodiment is characterized in that the stacking device is designed as two stacking stirrups, which are each pivotally mounted on two opposite side walls, in particular on the two long side walls, at a total of four bearing points, in particular bearing eyes, and wherein a total of two actuating elements are provided, each having two engagement portions, in particular rack portions, such that each of the two actuators is engaged with both stacking stirrups.

By the provision of two actuating elements, which are guided in each case in the Nesträndern of two opposite side walls, in particular the two long side walls, which are respectively engaged with two stacking brackets and which preferably extend between the two stacking stirrups (longer portion in abutment with the stack edge support surface), a central (at a central portion of the sidewalls) and uniform actuation of the two actuators and thus uniform deflection / pivoting of the stacking stirrups upon actuation of the actuators can be achieved ,

According to the invention, a weight of the empty container is advantageously greater than a predetermined force, in particular greater than a vertical component of a total biasing force of the container provided on the biasing means, which are in particular designed as springs.

Only when the weight of the empty container is greater than the total biasing force provided on the container and in particular designed as springs biasing means, according to the invention actuation of the actuating element / the actuating elements and a transfer of the stacking device can be effected in the nest position. If the weight is not large enough, however, the actuating element / the actuating elements can not be moved against the biasing force of the biasing means / springs, so that it is not on the forced coupling, in particular the rack drive, between the actuator and the stacking device to a Spend the Stacking device comes into the nest position.

Further, it is expedient if the container has at least one, in particular double-T-shaped, guide portion on which the at least one, in particular double U-shaped, actuating element, in particular linear, is guided and is translationally movable, wherein a spring for Biasing the stacking device is arranged in the stacking position between the guide portion and the actuating element.

By providing guide portions on the container, the actuating element is guided linearly and thus it can not come to a tilting during actuation / movement of the actuating element. The guide sections thus allow guidance both during spring-induced deflection of the Actuator down as well as when pressing the actuator against the spring force upwards. In this case, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the actuating element is double-U-shaped and the guide section is double-T-shaped, as will become apparent in particular from the figures.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the stacking device, in particular by a locking and / or locking of the actuating element in an upper position, in the nest position can be locked and / or latched.

Thus, in particular, the nesting of a second container B into a first container A can be simplified, since the stacking device of the lower container A does not have to be held manually against the bias of the pretensioner, but a latching / locking of the actuating element in an upper position by means of a locking element or a locking element can be done. The nesting of several compatible or identical containers is thereby further simplified. Thus, a latching / locking or unlatching / unlocking are preferably achieved in a simple manner by a corresponding position of a latching element or a latching element.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters in einer Stapelposition der Stapelbügel;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht der ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters in einer Nestposition der Stapelbügel;

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte, teilweise freigeschnittene, perspektivische Teilansicht der ersten Ausführungsform des Behälters, insbesondere eines Stapelbügels des Behälters in der Stapelposition;

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte, teilweise freigeschnittene, perspektivische Teilansicht der ersten Ausführungsform des Behälters, insbesondere des Stapelbügels des Behälters in der Nestposition;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des Stapelbügels des Behälters der ersten Ausführungsform in der Stapelposition;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht des Stapelbügels des Behälters der ersten Ausführungsform in der Nestposition;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters in einer Stapelposition der Stapelbügel; und

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte, teilweise freigeschnittene, perspektivische Teilansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform des Behälters, insbesondere eines Stapelbügels des Behälters in der Stapelposition.

The invention will be further explained below with the aid of figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention in a stacking position of the stacking bracket;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in a nest position of the stacking bracket;

Fig. 3

an enlarged, partially cutaway, perspective partial view of the first embodiment of the container, in particular a stacking bracket of the container in the stacking position;

Fig. 4

an enlarged, partially cutaway, perspective partial view of the first embodiment of the container, in particular the stacking bracket of the container in the nest position;

Fig. 5

a side view of the stacking bracket of the container of the first embodiment in the stacking position;

Fig. 6

a side view of the stacking bracket of the container of the first embodiment in the nest position;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention in a stacking position of the stacking bracket; and

Fig. 8

an enlarged, partially cutaway, perspective partial view of the second embodiment of the container, in particular a stacking bracket of the container in the stacking position.

The figures are merely schematic in nature and are for the sole purpose of understanding the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a container 2 according to the invention shown. This is made of plastic and can be produced by injection molding. The container 2 has a substantially rectangular bottom 4 and a first pair of opposite long side walls 6 and a second pair of opposite short side walls 8, which are fixedly connected to the respective outer edges of the bottom 4. The long side walls 6 and short side walls 8 are also integrally connected to each other and the side walls 6 and 8 define on the side facing away from the bottom 4, a container opening 10th

Out Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 It can also be seen that the side walls 6 and 8 are each set at a predetermined angle to the outside, so that the inner cross-section of the container 2 from the bottom 4 to the container opening 10 widens. In this way can be in the configuration of the Fig. 2 two containers 2 nest together to save space. In order to prevent two containers 2 nested in one another from jamming, the container 2 further comprises a circumferential sea edge / stacking edge 12, which is upwardly through an upper (Nestrand-) support surface / stacking edge support surface 14 and down through a lower (Nestrand-) Support surface / Nestrandauffläche surface 16 is limited. When two containers 2 according to the invention are nested inside one another, the edge support surface 16 of the upper container 2 rests on the stack edge support surface 14 of the lower container 2, thereby preventing the outer sides of the side walls 6 and 8 of the upper container 2 with the inner sides of the side walls 6 and 8 of the lower container 2 come into contact and jam.

In order to be able to stack at least two inventive or mutually compatible containers 2 also one above the other and to prevent the bottom 4 of the upper container 2 from dipping into the container opening 10 of the lower container and optionally damaging goods located there, the container 2 also has two stacking brackets 18 each having a (round) stacking bar 20 and two pivotal arms 22 formed at the respective ends. About the pivot arms 22, the stacking bracket 18 are each pivotally mounted in the vicinity of the short side walls 8 at the opposite long side walls 6 such that the two stacking bracket 18, which are each formed parallel to the short side walls 8, from a second position or Internal position or stacking position, which in the Fig. 1 is shown, in which the two stacking bracket 18 each span the opening cross section of the container opening 10, in a first position or outer position or nest position, which in the Fig. 2 is shown, in which they release the container opening 10. In the second position / inner position / stacking position, a second container 2 with its bottom 4 can be placed or stacked on the stacking brackets 18, more precisely on the stacking bars 20.

In order to prevent the upper container 2 placed on the stacking brackets 18 of the lower container 2 from slipping off the stacking brackets 18, transversely extending grooves 24 are formed on the underside of the bottom 4, which receive the stacking bars 20 in the stacked position can and whose distance from one another corresponds to the distance between the two stack bars 20 in the stacking position.

The container 2, in particular the beach edge / stacking edge 12 of the container 2, has a rib structure 26 in order to meet the required strength and stiffness requirements. In addition, a plurality of slot-like recesses 28 in the container 2, both in the bottom 4 and in the side walls 6 and 8 and in the circulating Nestrand / stacking edge 12 are provided, which serve a ventilation of goods contained in the container or transported , Two handle openings 30 are provided in a middle, upper portion of the short side walls 8. Which differ from the bottom 4 to the container opening 10 toward widening side walls 6 and 8 have wave-shaped elevations 32, which serve as horizontal stiffening ribs and reinforce the side walls 6 and 8.

The stacking brackets 18, in particular the pivoting arms 22, are each received and guided in a slot 34 which is provided on the long side walls 6 near the short side walls 8 in the sea edge / stacking edge 12 and extends parallel to the long side walls 6 , In order to reinforce the sea edge / stacking edge 12, particularly in the area in which the slot 34 is provided, there are provided at this point horizontally extending ribs 35 on an outside of the sea edge / stacking edge 12. The stacking brackets 18 are in both the stacking position (see Fig. 1 ) as well as in the nest position (see Fig. 2 ) formed flush with the stack edge support surface 14 and received in the Nestrand / stack edge 12. Bearing eyes 36 of the stacking bracket 18, in particular the pivot arms 22, are in circular recesses 37, which are provided in the Nestrand / stacking edge 12 on an outer side, added. The stacking brackets are pivotable about the bearing eyes 36.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each two actuators 38 are shown. It should be noted at this point that on the opposite long side wall 6, two further actuators 38 are provided and the container 2 thus has a total of four actuators 38. In the stacking position of the stacking bails 18, the actuating elements 38 are formed projecting downwards with respect to the edge of the strip / stack 12 or with respect to the edge support surface 16. In the nest position of the stacking bar 18, however, the actuating elements 38 are flush with the Nestrandauffläche surface 16 / the Nestrand / stack edge 12 formed. Fig. 1 and 2 suggest a present coupling between the actuators 38 and the stacking brackets 18. This coupling according to the invention is based on the Fig. 3 and 4 in more detail.

• In dem Nestrand/ Stapelrand 12 des Behälters 2, insbesondere im Bereich des Schlitzes 34 ist eine Doppel-T-förmige Führungsstruktur 40 vorgesehen, welche aus einem horizontalen Querschenkel 42 und zwei vertikalen Längsschenkeln 44, 46 besteht. Zwischen den zwei vertikalen Längsschenkeln 44, 46 ist eine Schraubenfeder 48 vorgesehen, welche sich an dem Querschenkel 42 abstützt. Das Betätigungselement 38 weist einen Doppel-U-förmigen Abschnitt 50 auf, welcher an der Doppel-T-förmigen Führungsstruktur 40 und der daran angrenzenden Rippenstruktur 26 geführt ist. Insbesondere wird der Doppel-U-förmige Abschnitt 50 durch drei vertikale Schenkel 52, 54, 56 ausgebildet. Dabei sind insbesondere zwei äußere Schenkel 52, 56 an der Doppel-T-förmigen Führungsstruktur 40 bzw. der Rippenstruktur 26 geführt. Auf einem mittleren Schenkel 54 ist die Schraubenfeder 48 aufgesteckt, so dass sich die Schraubenfeder 48 somit auch an dem Betätigungselement 38 abstützt. Die Schraubenfeder 48 drückt das Betätigungselement 38 mit ihrer Federkraft nach unten, so dass ein Vierecksabschnitt 58 des Betätigungselements 38 in Fig. 3 bezüglich der Nestrandauflagefläche 16 nach unten hervorstehend ist.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged, partially cutaway partial perspective view of the first embodiment of the container 2, in particular a stacking bracket 18 of the container 2 in the stacking position. The stacking bracket 18 is in the stacking position while in a V-shaped recess 39 received in the Nestrand / stacking edge 12 and biased in this position. The bias in the Stapelpositon is doing as Fig. 3 is apparent in the first embodiment of the present invention as follows:

• In the Nestrand / stacking edge 12 of the container 2, in particular in the region of the slot 34, a double-T-shaped guide structure 40 is provided, which consists of a horizontal transverse leg 42 and two vertical longitudinal legs 44, 46. Between the two vertical longitudinal legs 44, 46, a helical spring 48 is provided, which is supported on the transverse leg 42. The actuator 38 has a double U-shaped portion 50 which is guided on the double T-shaped guide structure 40 and the rib structure 26 adjacent thereto. In particular, the double U-shaped section 50 is formed by three vertical legs 52, 54, 56. In particular, two outer legs 52, 56 are guided on the double-T-shaped guide structure 40 or the rib structure 26. On a middle leg 54, the coil spring 48 is attached, so that the coil spring 48 is thus also supported on the actuating element 38. The coil spring 48 pushes the actuator 38 with its spring force down, so that a quadrangular portion 58 of the actuator 38 in Fig. 3 with respect to the Nestrandauflagefläche 16 downwardly protruding.

The leg 56 of the actuating element 38 also has on its outer side a rack portion 60 which is in engagement with a provided on the stacking bracket 18 / on the pivot arm 22 / on the bearing eye 36 of the pivot arm 22 gear portion 62. The rack portion 60 and the gear portion 62 together form a rack and pinion drive 64 (see FIG Figure 4 ). According to the invention thus the actuator 38 is pressed by the coil spring 48 down and the resulting translational movement of the actuating element 38 is converted via the rack portion 60 in a rotational movement of the gear portion 62. Since the gear portion 62 is provided around the bearing eye 36 of the pivot arm 22 around, thereby directly a pivoting movement of the entire stacking bracket 18 is induced and thus the stacking bracket, as in Fig. 3 is shown biased in the stacking position.

If the actuator 38 in the in Fig. 3 the stacking bar 20 is manually pushed into the nest position, the actuating element 38 and the stacking bracket 18 are in the in Fig. 4 apparent position. How out Fig. 4 shows, the container system structures 66, with which the stacking bracket 18 and the stacking bar 20 and the pivot arms 22 come into abutment in the nest position. In particular, a stack edge support surface 14 on the short side walls 8 compared to the stack edge support surface 14 on the long side walls 6 is slightly offset down, so that the stacking bracket 18 is formed flush in the nest position with the stack edge support surface 14 of the long side walls 6.

If the actuating element 38 is thus pressed upward against the spring force of the helical spring 48, the translational movement of the actuating element is converted vertically upward via the rack drive 64 into a rotary movement or pivoting movement of the stacking bracket 18 from the stacking position to the nesting position.

If a container 2 is to be nested in a compatible container 2, first the stacking bracket 18 of the lower container 2 must be manually deflected into the nesting position. One or more locking elements (not shown) or latching element (s) can hold the stacking stirrups 18 of the container 2 in the nesting position and / or the actuating element 38 in an upper position. When nesting the upper container 2 in the lower container 2 just before completion of the nesting process then the four actuators 38 in contact with the Stapelrandauflagefläche 14 of the lower container 2. By the weight of the upper container 2, the actuators 38 of the upper container 2 are upwards Pressed down and the Nestrandauflagefläche 16 of the upper container 2 comes into abutment with the Stapelrandauflagefläche 14 of the lower container 2. The upward pressing of the actuators 38 takes place against the spring force of the four coil springs 48. The linear, translational upward movement of the actuators 38 results in that the rack sections 60 of the actuators 38 and the gear portions 62 of the stacking bracket 18, this translational movement is converted into a rotational movement of the stacking bracket 18 and thereby the stacking bails 18 are moved from the stacking position to the nesting position. If two containers 2 are nested in one another, all the following containers 2 can thus be nested on them without manual deflection of the stacking clips 18 being necessary.

Furthermore, in Fig. 5 a side view of a stacking bracket of the container in the stacking position and in Fig. 6 a side view of a stacking bracket of the container shown in the nest position. In Fig. 5 It will be appreciated that even with the stacking bracket 18 in the stacking position, the rack portion 60 of the operating member 38 is engaged with the gear portion 62 of the stacking bracket 18 so that the operating member 38 can not fall downwardly due to gravity. The formation of the double T-shaped guide structure 40 and the double U-shaped portion 50 of the actuating element 38 go out of the FIGS. 5 and 6 even clearer. It also becomes clear that the individual components or the design and construction of the individual components of the container 2 must be precisely coordinated with each other. In particular, the edge of the beach / stacking edge 12, the stacking bracket 18 and the actuating element 38 must be suitably matched to one another. The same applies to the weight of the container 2 and the spring force of the coil springs 48th

In Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 Finally, a second embodiment of a container 2 'according to the invention is shown. The container 2 'of the second embodiment differs from the container 2 of the first embodiment in particular in that not four actuators 38, but only two actuators 38' are provided. The special feature of the second embodiment is that both actuators 38 'with two stacking brackets 18 are engaged.

A bow-shaped (as a bracket) and elongated actuator 38 'of the second embodiment extends completely in an area between the two stacking brackets 18 and has two end rack sections 60 (at the two end portions of the elongated bracket), one of which with a gear portion 62nd the first stacking bracket 18 and one with a gear portion 62 of the second stacking bracket 18 is engaged. Thus, in this embodiment by a central translational actuation / movement of the actuators 38 'both a rotational movement of the first stacking bracket 18 and a rotational movement of the second stacking bracket 18 are induced. A central portion 68 of the actuating element 38 'is ergonomically / wavy shaped as a handle portion. A user in the second embodiment, if he wants to manually move the stacking bails 18 from the stacking position to the nesting position, must operate only two actuators 38 '(and thus not four as in the first embodiment). Alternatively, of course, he can deflect the stacking bracket 18 manually again. An operation for a user is basically simplified by the second embodiment.

For each actuator 38, two coil springs 48 are provided for biasing the actuator 38 into a lower position, or for biasing the stacking stirrups 18 into the stacking position. Both coil springs 48 are provided between (and spaced from) the outer / end rack section 62 and the central section 68 of the actuator 38 ', respectively. The coil springs 48 are preferably arranged axially symmetrical to a center of the long side wall 6 and thus equally spaced from a side center. The coil springs 48 are disposed between a double T-shaped guide structure 40 provided in the sea beach 12 and a double U-shaped section 50 provided on the operating element 38 '. A plurality of further guide structures 70 are provided for guiding the actuating element 38 on the edge of the beach. The guide structures 70 are formed on the one hand by vertical ribs, which are formed on an inner wall 72 of the Nestrands 12, and on the other by portions of an outer wall 74 of the Nestrands 12. Characterized in that the actuating elements 38 are guided on both the inner wall 72 and on the outer wall 74 and extend in sections along the inner wall 72 and the outer wall 74 (actuator 38 'with mutually offset in a Nestrandtiefenrichtung sections), is a suitable Attachment / lateral fixation of the actuators 38 'in the beach 12 reaches. The gear portions 62 of the stacking bracket 18 again prevent falling down.

Compared to the first embodiment according to the invention, when the container 2 'is nested, a longer section comes into contact with a stack edge support surface 14. In addition, the actuation of the actuating element 38 takes place in the second Embodiment centered, so that overall a more uniform operation is achieved. One or more latching element (s) or latching element (s), not shown, can latch / lock the actuators 38 in an upper position and thus the stacking stirrups 18 in the nesting position.

Otherwise, the description of the first embodiment according to the invention is to be applied according to the second embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 2 '

container

4

ground

6

long sidewall

8th

short sidewall

10

container opening

12

Nestrand / stacking edge

14

Stacking rim bearing surface

16

Nest rim bearing surface

18

stacking frames

20

Stacked bar

22

swivel arm

24

groove

26

rib structure

28

slot-like recess

30

grip opening

32

wavy elevation

34

slot

36

bearing eye

37

circular recess

38, 38 '

jig

39

V-shaped recess

40

Double T-shaped guide structure

42

horizontal transverse leg

44, 46

vertical longitudinal legs

48

coil spring

50

Double U-shaped section

52, 54, 56

vertical thighs

58

square section

60

Rack section

62

gear portion

64

Rack and pinion drive

66

investment structure

68

midsection

70

management structure

72

inner wall

74

outer wall

Claims (15)

Container (2, 2 '), in particular plastic container, for storing and / or transporting goods, comprising: a, in particular rectangular, bottom (4); fixed or hingedly connected or connectable and interconnected or connectable side walls (6, 8) to the bottom (4), in particular with two long side walls (6) and two short side walls (8), which are employed externally or designed such that the inner cross-section defined by the side walls (6, 8) widens toward the container opening (10); and at least one, in particular two, with the container (2, 2 '), in particular with at least one of the, preferably long, side walls (6, 8) movably coupled stacking device, in particular two stacking brackets (18) which releases the opening cross section in a nest position, in order to be able to nest in the container (2, 2 ') a structurally identical or compatible container (2, 2') and which projects laterally into the opening cross-section in a stacking position or spans it to form a container of the same or compatible type (2, 2 '). ) to be able to stack on it the stacking device is biased into the stacking position by means of at least one biasing device, marked by a, preferably positively coupled, actuating element (38, 38 ') coupled to the stacking device which is configured to nest the stacking device into the nesting of the container (2, 2') in a compatible, preferably identical, second container (2, 2 ') Nest position to convict. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (38, 38') downwardly with respect to a Nestrandauflagefläche (16) is formed protruding and when nesting the container (2, 2 ') in the compatible second container (2, 2 ') by the compatible second container (2, 2'), in particular by a Stapelrandauflagefläche (14) of the second container (2, 2 '), is operable. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element (38, 38') and the stacking device in an upper, preferably circumferential, Nestrand (12) of the container (2, 2 ') are formed, which is slightly projecting from the side walls (6, 8) outwardly, wherein when a nesting of the container (2, 2') in the compatible second container (2, 2 ') a lower Nestrandauflagefläche (16) of the Nestrands (12) of the container (2, 2') with an upper Stapelrandauflagefläche (14) of the Nestrands (12) of the compatible second container (2, 2 ') into abutment is. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating element (38, 38') in the stacking position of the stacking device from the surrounding Nestrand (12) or with respect to the lower Nestrandauflagefläche (16) so projecting downwardly formed is that when a nesting of the container (2, 2 ') in the compatible second container (2, 2'), the actuating element (38, 38 ') against a biasing force of the biasing device, in particular against a spring force of a spring (48), of a lower position in an upper position, in particular linear, is moved and thereby the stacking device is transferred to the nest position, preferably in the nest position befindlicher stacking device, the actuating element (38, 38 ') flush with the, in particular lower, Nestrandauflagefläche (16 ) is formed and in the Nestrand (12) is received. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the stacking device, in particular the stacking straps (18), are received in a slot (34) provided in the edge of the beach (12) and in the edge of the beach (12) Recesses (39, 66) are provided, that the stacking device, in particular the stacking bracket (18), both in the nest position and in the stacking position is flush with the upper stack edge support surface (14) of the Nestrands (12). Container (2, 2 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (38, 38') and the stacking device, in particular by means of a rack and pinion drive (64), are forcibly coupled together in operative engagement or in such a way that a translational movement of Actuator (38, 38 ') causes a rotational movement of, in particular on the long side walls (6) or the short side walls (8) pivotally mounted, stacking device. Container (2, 2 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking device can be transferred from the stacking position into the nesting position by manually deflecting it or by actuating the actuating element (38, 38'). Container (2, 2 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing means for biasing the stacking device in the stacking position by a spring (48), in particular a helical spring is formed which a spring-force-induced deflection of the actuating element (38, 38 ') and thereby the stacking device via a rack drive (64) spends in the stacking position, in particular pushes or pulls, wherein preferably the rack drive (64) by a on the actuating element (38, 38') provided rack section (60) and one on the Stacking device provided gear portion (62) is formed and a translational movement of the rack portion (60) of the actuating element (38, 38 ') converts into a rotational movement of the gear portion (62) of the stacking device. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 8, characterized in that the rack portion (60) of the actuating element (38, 38') and the gear portion (62) of the stacking device are also in the stacking position befindlicher stacking device in engagement and the actuating element ( 38, 38 ') is maintained by the forced coupling caused thereby. Container (2, 2 ') according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the stacking device as, in particular two, stacking bracket (18) is formed, which on two opposite side walls (6, 8) each have a bearing eye (36) to which the stacking brackets (18) are pivotable, and wherein the gear section (62) is provided around the bearing eye (36). Container (2) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the stacking device is formed as two stacking straps (18), each on two opposite side walls (6, 8), in particular on the two long Side walls (6), at a total of four bearing points, in particular bearing eyes (36) are pivotally mounted and wherein a total of four actuators (38) at the four bearing points of the stacking bracket (18) are provided, and the two stacking bracket (18) by means of four springs ( 48) are biased in the stacking position. Container (2 ') according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the stacking device is designed as two stacking straps (18) which in each case on two opposite side walls (6, 8), in particular on the two long side walls (6), at a total of four bearing points, in particular bearing eyes (36) are pivotally mounted and wherein a total of two actuating elements (38 ') are provided, each having two engagement portions, in particular rack portions (60), such that each of the two actuating elements (38'. ) is engaged with both stacking brackets (18). Container (2, 2 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a weight of the empty container greater than a predetermined force, in particular greater than a vertical component of a total biasing force of the biasing means provided on the container (2, 2'), which are formed in particular as springs (48) is. Container (2, 2 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2, 2') has at least one, in particular double-T-shaped, guide section (40) on which the at least one, in particular double, U-shaped, actuating element (38, 38 '), in particular linear, is guided and is translationally movable, wherein a spring (48) for biasing the stacking device in the stacking position between the guide portion (40) and the actuating element (38, 38') is arranged. Container (2, 2 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking device, in particular by a locking and / or locking of the actuating element (38, 38') in an upper position, locked in the nest position and / or latched is.

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