EP3484666B1 - Stackable system container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a stackable system container according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 10 2013 110 496 a stackable system container is known with a bottom part having a storage space open at the top and a cover part which is pivotably attached to the bottom part and delimits the storage space at the top. In addition, the system container has two coupling devices movably attached to opposite side walls of the base part, which are used to couple the system container to other system containers and thus enable such system containers to be stacked securely. The coupling devices are designed and designed to be movable between a rest position, in which the coupling device are disengaged from the further system container, and a coupling position in which the coupling devices can be brought into engagement with the further system container, with a corresponding upward over an upper side of the System container or the cover part protruding coupling elements of a similar container arranged underneath to cooperate holding. The coupling elements are an integral part of the corresponding base part and each comprise at least one latch for engaging the coupling device. The coupling elements are also arranged at opposite ends of the upper side of the system container and allow a plurality of such system containers to be centered, positioned and stacked on top of one another. After aligning several system containers, these can be connected in a dimensionally stable but detachable manner via the coupling devices and the coupling elements. In order to achieve a simple and quick connection of the system container, the coupling devices are each biased into a coupling position, for example via a spring element, so that the coupling devices automatically connect to the coupling elements of the further system container as soon as they are joined together with sufficient pressure. This form and force fit enables several interconnected system containers to be carried comfortably in one hand. The disadvantage here, however, is that, on the other hand, in logistics during transport, the system containers must be able to be separated quickly and easily, especially in large stacks, and therefore an automatic connection of the system containers to one another is precisely disadvantageous.

The EP 1 238 602 A2 discloses a stackable system container with a bottom part, on two opposite side walls of the bottom part each having a coupling device for connection to a further system container movable between a rest position in which the coupling device can be disengaged from another system container, and a coupling position in which the coupling device can be brought into engagement with the further system container, is attached, each coupling device being assigned a locking element which releasably locks the respective coupling device in the rest position.

Other stackable system containers are the subject of the publications EP 1 516 703 A1 , US 2011/139 666 A1 and US 2016/008 972 A1 .

The object of the invention is therefore to create a stackable system container which enables structurally identical system containers to be stacked, with the stacking optionally being rigidly connected or being separated and thus easily separable.

This object is achieved by a stackable system container with the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The stackable system container according to the invention is characterized in that each coupling device is assigned a locking element which releasably locks the respective coupling device in the rest position, the locking element being designed as a slide which positively holds the respective coupling device in the rest position in a locking position. In this way, it is particularly easy to prevent such structurally identical system containers stacked one on top of the other from connecting to one another, which enables easier handling, especially in logistics. In addition, the end customer can freely choose whether or not the system containers should be connected automatically in the stack.

System containers of the same construction or of the same type are to be understood as meaning containers which are designed to interact with the two coupling devices of the holding system container, with different embodiments also being included with regard to the dimensions or the presence of further elements.

In particular, the system containers can advantageously comprise spring elements which act on the coupling devices in the coupling position, which enables a number of structurally identical system containers to be connected independently. Without the locking elements, however, these system containers would automatically be firmly connected to one another during stacking in logistics and also at the end customer without further manipulation, which leads to considerable time delays when the system containers are to be separated again.

The locking element is designed as a slide which, in a locking position, positively holds the respective coupling device in the rest position. The slide can be movably attached to the bottom part of the system container or to the coupling device itself. By means of a translational movement, the slide can then be brought into engagement with the coupling device or the base part located in the rest position, whereby the respective coupling device is locked relative to the base part in the rest position.

For a particularly stable locking of the coupling devices in the rest position, at least one latching lug can be provided on each of the opposite side walls, which can be latched behind by the respective locking element in the locking position. As a result, each coupling device can be locked in the rest position in a releasable, form-fitting manner by the respective locking element.

Particularly preferably, the coupling devices are fastened to the side walls so as to be pivotable between a pivoted-in rest position and a pivoted-out coupling position, which results in easy-to-manufacture storage and handling of the coupling devices. A simple connection of several structurally identical system containers is also achieved in that each coupling device can be pivoted about a pivot axis that is parallel to the side walls, in particular a horizontal pivot axis.

In order to arrange the coupling devices in the rest position in a space-saving manner and also to protect them from damage, the opposite side walls can each have one Have receiving trough in which the coupling devices are arranged in particular in the rest position.

In a preferred embodiment, coupling elements projecting upwards over the top of the cover part can be arranged on the bottom part or a cover part of the system container, which coupling elements are designed to interact with the coupling devices of an identical system container arranged above. The coupling elements are used to position and fix a further container on the top of the cover part and can be designed, for example, as an undercut, protrusion or pocket, which enable a form-fitting connection with a further system container.

Particularly preferably, in the coupling position below each coupling element, a counter-element corresponding to the coupling element is provided on the coupling devices, which is designed as a hook-shaped projection for maintaining cooperation with a similar coupling element of a further system container arranged below it. In this way, a particularly stable, form-fitting connection is achieved between two such system containers, which are stacked on top of one another in the same alignment.

Instead of a slide, the locking element can also be designed as a latching device between the coupling device and the bottom part. Such a locking device can be formed, for example, by a locking ball which, in the rest position of the coupling device, engages positively in a corresponding locking groove and can be overcome by means of a defined force. This can prevent the coupling device from being inadvertently released from the rest position. A corresponding locking element can, however, also be formed by an alternative spring element which does not act on the coupling device in the direction of the rest position, but merely causes a latching in the rest position, for example by engaging in a groove. The locking element designed as a locking ball or spring element can also detachably lock the coupling device in the coupling position, for example via corresponding locking grooves.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines stapelbaren Systembehälters mit einer seitlich angeordneten Koppelungsvorrichtung in einer Koppelungsposition und einem Riegelelement;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht auf den stapelbaren Systembehälter von Figur 1, wobei die Koppelungsvorrichtung in der Ruheposition mittels des Riegelelements arretiert ist;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung des stapelbaren Systembehälters von Figur 1, wobei eine Koppelungsvorrichtung in der Ruheposition mittels eines ersten alternativen Riegelelements arretiert ist;

Fig. 4

eine Detailansicht eines Schnittes durch den Bereich der Koppelungsvorrichtung von Figur 3;

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht eines Schnittes durch den Bereich der Koppelungsvorrichtung von Figur 3 mit der Koppelungsvorrichtung in der Koppelungsposition;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines weiteren stapelbaren Systembehälters, wobei eine Koppelungsvorrichtung mittels eines vierten alternativen Riegelelements in der Ruheposition arretiert ist;

Fig. 7

eine Detailansicht eines Schnittes durch den Bereich der Koppelungsvorrichtung von Figur 6 mit der Koppelungsvorrichtung in der Ruheposition;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines weiteren stapelbaren Systembehälters mit einem fünften alternativen Riegelelements zur Arretierung der Koppelungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 9

eine Detailansicht eines Schnittes durch den Bereich des fünften alternativen Riegelelements von Figur 8 und

Fig. 10

eine Detailansicht eines sechsten alternativen Riegelelements.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a stackable system container with a laterally arranged coupling device in a coupling position and a locking element;

Fig. 2

a side view of the stackable system container from Figure 1 , wherein the coupling device is locked in the rest position by means of the locking element;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the stackable system container of FIG Figure 1 , wherein a coupling device is locked in the rest position by means of a first alternative locking element;

Fig. 4

a detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device of FIG Figure 3 ;

Fig. 5

a detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device of FIG Figure 3 with the coupling device in the coupling position;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a further stackable system container, wherein a coupling device is locked by means of a fourth alternative locking element in the rest position;

Fig. 7

a detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device of FIG Figure 6 with the coupling device in the rest position;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of a further stackable system container with a fifth alternative locking element for locking the coupling device;

Fig. 9

a detailed view of a section through the area of the fifth alternative locking element from FIG Figure 8 and

Fig. 10

a detailed view of a sixth alternative locking element.

In Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stackable system container 1 shown from the side. The system container 1 comprises a lower base part 2 and an upper cover part 3 which is pivotally attached to the base part 2. The base part 2 has a storage space, not shown, which is open at the top and which is delimited at the top by the cover part 3. The cover part 3 is pivotably connected to the base part 2 via a swivel joint 4, which is schematically indicated on a rear side of the cover part 3. In order to releasably attach the lid part 3 to the bottom part 2 and thus securely close the enclosed storage space, two locking devices (not shown) are provided on the front of the system container 1, which are hingedly attached to the lid part 3 and with the lid part 3 in a closed position the bottom part 2 interact in a latching manner.

The system container 1 can be used, for example, for transporting and storing tools and work materials for craftsmen. For this purpose, the base part 2 preferably has a base section and four side walls which delimit a storage space that is only open at the top. However, it is also possible to use the bottom part like the container in the EP 2 703 310 disclosed to perform.

For easy transport of the system container 1, a handle (not shown) is arranged on the front of the system container 1, which is formed by the base part 2 or the cover part 3. In addition, a retaining bracket can also be attached to an upper side 5 of the cover part 3 such that it can pivot between an upwardly protruding position and a pivoted-in position. In the pivoted-in position, this retaining bracket can be sunk in a recessed grip of the lid part 3, so that the additional retaining bracket with the lid part 3 forms the stepless, flat top side 5 of the system container 1.

A coupling device 7 is pivotably attached to a side wall 6 of the base part 2. Likewise, on the side wall of the bottom part 2 opposite the side wall 6, a further coupling device designed in a mirror image of the coupling device 7 is also provided. The features described with regard to this coupling device 7 are thus also present in the opposite coupling device.

The coupling device 7 is between one in Figure 1 The pivoted coupling position shown and a pivoted rest position pivoted about a schematically indicated pivot axis 8 attached to the side wall 6. The pivot axis 8 is parallel to the side wall 6 and formed horizontally. The coupling device 7 is urged into the coupling position shown by means of a spring element (not shown), whereby an automatic connection of the system container 1 with other structurally identical system containers is achieved when stacking.

To accommodate the coupling device 7, in particular in the pivoted-in rest position, the side wall 7 has a receiving trough 11. The receiving trough 11 can also be dimensioned such that the coupling device 7 in the receiving trough 11 also in the in Figure 1 shown pivoted coupling position does not protrude beyond the side wall 6 to the outside. As a result, the coupling device 7 can be arranged in a space-saving manner and also protected from damage.

Furthermore, the coupling device 7 is assigned a locking element 9, which is designed as a slide and is mounted displaceably in a recess in the base part 2. The locking element 9 has a handle section 10 protruding from the side wall 6, which can be gripped from the outside to actuate the locking element 9. By means of the locking element 9, the coupling device 7 can be held positively in the rest position and thus locked, which will be explained in detail with reference to the following figures.

On the cover part 3 of the system container 1, coupling elements 12a, 12b protruding upward are also arranged, which are designed to hold with the coupling device 7 of an identical system container arranged above to work together. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the coupling elements 12a, 12b are designed as recesses, which are formed in a latching web protruding upward over the top 5 of the cover part 3. For the holding connection, the coupling device 7 on the system container 1, like the structurally identical system container (not shown), arranged above it, has a corresponding counter-element 13a, 13b in the vertical direction below each coupling element 12a, 12b. The counter-elements 13a, 13b are designed for holding cooperation with the coupling elements 12a, 12b with a correspondingly corresponding geometry. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the counter-elements 13a, 13b are designed as hook-shaped projections for holding engagement in the coupling elements 12a, 12b designed as recesses.

As with the coupling device 7, on the side wall of the bottom part 2 opposite the side wall 6, the corresponding locking element and the coupling elements are each designed in mirror image, so that two identical devices for the mutual connection of several structurally identical system containers are arranged on the opposite side walls. This results in a particularly stable, but nevertheless easily accessible and thus detachable coupling of the system containers, with the coupling of individual system containers being able to be deliberately released due to the good accessibility, especially in the case of a stack of several structurally identical system containers.

In Figure 2 FIG. 13 is a side view of the stackable system container of FIG Figure 1 shown being in contrast to Figure 1 the coupling device 7 is arranged in the pivoted-in rest position and locked by means of the locking element 9. Here, the locking element 9 is in an extended locking position, which can be achieved, for example, by manually actuating the handle section 10. In this locking position, the locking element 9 protrudes into the receiving trough 11 in such a way that it rests against the coupling device 7 in the rest position and thus prevents a movement of the coupling device 7 in the direction of the pivoted-out coupling position in a form-fitting manner.

In an embodiment not shown, a further spring element can also be provided, which acts on the locking element away from the locking position.

In the locking position shown, the locking element is held frictionally and / or positively by additional elements when the coupling device is acted on from the side. However, as soon as the large-area and therefore easy-to-operate coupling device 7 is moved slightly away from the locking element 9, i.e. pivoted further in the direction from the coupling position to the rest position, the locking element 9 is automatically moved away from the locking position by the further spring element, thereby releasing the coupling device becomes. In this way, the coupling device can be easily released from the rest position with just a single movement.

In Figure 3 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the stackable system container 1 'of FIG Figure 1 shown, in which a coupling device 7 'is locked in the rest position by means of a first alternative locking element 9'. The first alternative locking element 9 ', like the locking element 9 of the embodiment described above, is designed as a slide, in contrast to this, the locking element 9' is movably attached to the coupling device 7 '. By means of the locking element 9 ', the coupling device 7' can also be releasably locked in the rest position shown. The same features are given the same reference symbols below.

In Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device 7 'from FIG Figure 3 shown. As can be seen there, the coupling device 7 ′ is arranged in the pivoted-in rest position, in which the counter-elements 13a, 13b are pivoted away from the side wall 6 into the recess 11. The locking element 9 'designed as a slide is arranged in a continuous recess 14 in the coupling device 7' and has a grip section 10 'with several retaining ribs on the outside facing the side wall 6. On a rear side opposite the outside, a hook-shaped element 15 is provided on the locking element 9 ', which engages behind a latching lug 16 arranged on the bottom part 2 and in particular in the receiving recess 11 in the locking position of the locking element 9' shown and thus positively engages the coupling device 7 ' holds in the resting position.

Again Figure 4 It can also be seen that the side wall 6 with the receiving trough 11 has a closed, flat wall in the direction of an interior 17 of the bottom part 2, so that the interior 17 forms a storage space with straight side surfaces. In addition, the Bottom part 2 has a vertical positioning pin 18 which is arranged between the counter elements 13a, 13b of the coupling device 7 'and is designed to engage in a positioning receptacle 19 arranged between the coupling elements 12a, 12b on the cover part 3. In the vertical direction, the positioning pin 18 and the positioning receptacle 19 are arranged exactly one below the other, so that when identical system containers are stacked, the positioning pin 18 of an upper system container can protrude into the positioning receptacle of a lower container for mutual positioning of the system containers.

In Figure 5 a detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device 7 'is shown, the coupling device 7' being in the pivoted-out coupling position. The locking element 9 'is from the in Figure 4 The lower locking position shown has been moved into an upper opening position, which is easily possible, for example, by the handle portion 10 '. In the position shown, the hook-shaped element 15 on the locking element 9 'no longer engages behind the locking lug 16 on the base part, so that the coupling device 7' together with the locking element 9 'is pressed into the coupling position supported by the spring element (not shown). In the coupling position, the counter elements 13a, 13b are arranged in the direction out of the receiving trough and towards the side surface 6, so that they can protrude into corresponding coupling elements 12a, 12b of an identical system container arranged underneath.

A further spring element can also be provided between the locking element 9 'and the coupling device 7', which biases the locking element 9 'into the locking position or the opening position, so that an automatic opening or locking is optionally enabled when the coupling device 7' is actuated, if by means of corresponding bevels on the hook-shaped element 15 and / or the locking lug 16, an automatic shift takes place upon mutual contact.

In Figure 6 FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of a further stackable system container 1 '''', one associated with the embodiment in FIG Figure 7 identical coupling device 7 '''is locked in the rest position by means of a fifth alternative locking element 9'''''.

As in particular the detailed view of a section through the area of the coupling device 7 '''of Figure 6 in Figure 7 As can be seen, the locking element 9 '''''has a laterally protruding projection 23 which is positioned between the bottom section 2 and the coupling device 7''' in the receiving trough 11, and thereby positively locking the locking element 9 ''''' locked in the rest position shown.

In Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further stackable system container 1 '''''with an alternative locking element 9''''' for locking the with the embodiment in Figure 7 identical coupling device 7 '''shown in the stacked state. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, however, the locking element 9 '''''is attached to the coupling element 12a in such a way that it protrudes upwards from the top 5 of the system container 1''''' and also closes the coupling element 12a designed as a pocket.

Like the detailed view of a section through the area of the fifth alternative locking element 9 '''''from Figure 8 in Figure 9 As can be seen, the locking element 9 '''''thus forms a spacer for a further attached system container and, in the case of a stack of several such system containers, the locking element 9''''' of a system container above it engages with the coupling element 12a of one below arranged system container prevented and the coupling device 7 '''locked in the rest position.

In Figure 10 a detailed view of a sixth alternative locking element 9 ″ ″ ″ is shown, which, in contrast to the aforementioned embodiment, engages laterally in the coupling elements 12a, 12b designed as pockets and is thereby securely fixed.

List of reference symbols

1, 1 ', 1 ", 1' '', 1" ", 1 '' ''

Stackable system container

2

Bottom part

3

Cover part

4th

Swivel joint

5

Top

6th

Side wall

7, 7 ', 7 ", 7' ''

Coupling device

8th

Swivel axis

9, 9 ', 9 "; 9' '', 9 '' '', 9 '' '' '

Locking element

10, 10 ', 10 "

Handle section

11

Receiving recess

12a, 12b

Coupling element

13a, 13b

Counter element

14th

Recess

15th

Hook-shaped element

16

Locking lug

17th

inner space

18th

Positioning pin

19th

Positioning fixture

20th

Holding section

21

Clamping section

22nd

Film hinge

Claims (9)

1. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1"'; 1"", 1''''') with a base part (2), wherein respectively a coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') is attached on two opposite side walls (6) of the base part (2) for connection with a further system container to be movable between a rest position, in which the coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') can be brought out of engagement with a further system container, and a coupling position, in which the coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') can be brought into engagement with the further system container, wherein a bar element (9; 9',9"), which locks the respective coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') to be releasable in the rest position, is assigned to each coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7'''), characterised in that the bar element (9; 9') is designed as a slide bar which in a locking position holds the respective coupling device (7; 7') positively in the rest position.
2. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1''; 1'''; 1'''', 1''''') according to claim 1, characterised in that respectively a spring element is provided which forces the coupling devices (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') into the coupling position.
3. Stackable system container (1; 1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bar element (9; 9') designed as a slide bar is attached on the base part (2) or the respective coupling device (7; 7') to be movable.
4. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 3, characterised in that respectively at least one detent (16), which is engageable behind in latching manner by the respective bar element (9; 9', 9") in the locking position, is provided on the opposite side walls (6).
5. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1"'; 1"", 1''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling devices (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') are attached on the side walls (6) to be pivotable between the pivoted-in rest position and the pivoted-out coupling position.
6. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1"'; 1'''', 1''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') is pivotable about a pivot axis (8) parallel to the side walls (6).
7. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1'''; 1"", 1''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the opposite side walls (6) have respectively a receiver trough (11) in which the coupling devices (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') are arranged.
8. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1'''; 1"", 1''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that upwardly projecting coupling elements (12a; 12b), which are designed to cooperate in holding manner with the coupling devices (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') of a system container (1; 1'; 1''; 1'''; 1'''', 1''''') of identical construction arranged thereabove, are arranged on the base part (2) or a cover part (3) of the system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1'''; 1"", 1''''').
9. Stackable system container (1; 1'; 1"; 1'''; 1"", 1''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that respectively a corresponding counter-element (13a; 13b) is arranged on the coupling device (7; 7'; 7"; 7''') in vertical direction below each coupling element (7; 7'; 7"; 7''').

Images