EP3658338B1 - Storage box for small parts - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a storage box for small parts, in particular screws, with a base and at least two side walls which extend from the base and lie opposite one another, wherein the base and/or the side walls have at least one support flange for stacking a plurality of similar storage boxes, wherein in the stacked state of two storage boxes, a lower end region of the first side wall of an upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the first side wall of a lower storage box and a lower end region of the second side wall of the upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the second side wall of the lower storage box.

From the international disclosure document WO 2017/098513 A1 A storage box for small parts is known which has a base and a total of four side walls which extend from the base and are arranged opposite one another in pairs. Opposite side walls each have a support flange for stacking several similar storage boxes, whereby when two storage boxes are stacked, a lower end region of the first side wall of an upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the first side wall of a lower storage box and a lower end region of the second side wall of the upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the second side wall of the lower storage box. A latch is provided on each of the two opposite side walls, which can be moved between a release position and a locking position and which secures two stacked storage boxes to one another in the locking position and releases them in the release position. The latches are designed as sliding latches and are arranged so as to be displaceable by means of a guide on the upper end region of the first and second side walls.

From the US patent US8,590,704 B2 A storage box for small parts with four side walls is known, which extend from a base and are arranged opposite each other in pairs. The base is designed as a support surface so that when two storage boxes are stacked, they can rest on the lid of another storage box. On the front side of the lid there is a rotating, T-shaped toggle lock provided. In a first rotation position, the toggle lock locks the lid of a storage box to the body of the storage box. In a second rotation position of the toggle lock, the toggle lock releases the lid of the storage box so that it can be opened. In a third rotation position of the toggle lock, the toggle lock secures both the lid of the lower storage box to the body of the lower storage box so that the lid of the lower storage box cannot be opened, and in addition the toggle lock secures the body of the lower storage box to the body of the upper storage box.

The invention aims to improve a storage box for small parts, particularly with regard to their stackability.

According to the invention, a storage box with the features of claim 1 is provided for this purpose. Advantageous further developments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims. A storage box for small parts, in particular screws, is provided with a base and at least two side walls that extend from the base and lie opposite one another, wherein the base and/or the side walls have at least one support flange for stacking several similar storage boxes, wherein in the stacked state of two storage boxes, a lower end region of a first side wall of an upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the first side wall of a lower storage box and a lower end region of the second side wall of the upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the second side wall of the lower storage box, in which at least one latch is provided on at least one of the side walls, which can be moved between a release position and a locking position and which secures two storage boxes stacked on top of one another in the locking position and releases them in the release position.

By means of such a latch, two or more storage boxes stacked on top of each other can be secured together in the stacked state. This is a considerable relief, especially for the transport of such storage boxes. This is because the storage boxes according to the invention are manufactured in different sizes and small storage boxes in particular can of course be stacked when loaded, due to the small base area of these However, such stacks quickly become unstable when used with storage boxes, especially when they are loaded with heavy small parts, such as screws. But even with large storage boxes, the latch provided according to the invention ensures that a stack of several storage boxes is stable. Such stacks can then be transported without any problem, without having to worry about the storage boxes in the stack coming apart from one another. In particular, additional separate transport locks can be omitted. This is a significant advantage, for example, when the storage boxes according to the invention are arranged in a vehicle that contains, for example, mobile workshop equipment. Since the storage boxes can be secured to one another when stacked, additional security measures can be omitted if necessary.

In a further development of the invention, the latch engages behind an undercut at a lower end region of one of the side walls or in the upper end region of one of the side walls in the locking position and releases the undercut in the release position.

In this way, a very stable connection between two stacked storage boxes can be achieved by means of a simple movement of the latch, which can be carried out, for example, as a rotating movement or as a sliding movement.

In a further development of the invention, the undercut is formed by means of at least one projection arranged parallel to the ground.

The undercut can be formed by one or more projections or slots in the base wall or side wall that protrude parallel to the floor. The latch is then moved, for example pushed, onto the projection(s), thereby blocking the projections. This means that two storage boxes can be securely secured to one another with a very short movement of the latch. When blocked, this connection is positive and therefore extremely stable. The latch can also, for example, grip around the projection and be designed as a sliding latch or rotary latch.

According to the invention, the latch is designed as a sliding latch and is arranged displaceably by means of a sliding guide in the upper end region of the first and/or second side wall or in the lower end region of the first and/or second side wall.

Slide guides in the side walls can be easily manufactured, even in complicated shapes, especially when the storage boxes are made of injection-molded plastic.

A sliding bolt can be secured in a very stable manner in such a guide rail. The sliding bolt itself is also advantageously manufactured using plastic injection molding.

In a further development of the invention, the slotted guide is formed by means of at least one slot in the first side wall and/or the second side wall and at least one undercut projection on the sliding latch.

In this way, easy movement and at the same time easy manufacturability can be achieved.

In a further development of the invention, the undercut projection on the sliding latch is designed as a locking element.

For example, the sliding bolt can be snapped or locked into the slotted guide. The locking element or elements on the sliding bolt can be designed in such a way that non-destructive disassembly of the sliding bolt is no longer possible. This can prevent manipulation of filled and, for example, sealed storage boxes.

In a further development of the invention, the first side wall has a first base wall extending below the bottom and the second side wall has a second base wall extending below the bottom and the first and second base walls are provided with projections which project outwards parallel to the bottom and away from the interior of the storage box and which form the undercut, and a latch is provided in the upper end region of the upper end of the first and second side walls in order to engage behind them.

In this way, the two latches, which are preferably designed as sliding latches, can be arranged in an easily accessible manner at the upper end and the outside of the respective side wall. In this case, the first and second base walls lie on the inside of the first and second side walls when the storage boxes are stacked. The projections and the latch that engages them in the locking position can be arranged in such a way that the elements that effect the locking are protected and tamper-proof on the inside of the side walls and only one operating element of the latch is easily accessible on the outside of the side wall.

According to the invention, the latch locks a lid of the storage box in the locking position.

Such a dual function of the latch means that the contents of a storage box can be secured in a captive manner by locking the lid. At the same time as locking two or more storage boxes together when stacked, the lids of the individual storage boxes can also be secured. This further increases safety when transporting the storage boxes according to the invention.

In a further development of the invention, the latch has a first and a second locking position, wherein in the first locking position the lid of the storage box can be locked and in the second locking position both the lid can be locked and two stacked storage boxes can be locked together.

In this way, for example, two storage boxes stacked on top of each other can be separated from each other without having to remove the lid of the storage boxes. This also significantly increases safety during transport and especially when separating and stacking several storage boxes.

In a further development of the invention, a sealing plug is provided which can be inserted through the latch and which limits or blocks a movement of the latch.

Using such a seal, several storage boxes can be stacked together and secured against tampering. Above all, the lid of a storage box can also be secured against unauthorized opening.

Advantageously, the sealing plug has a predetermined breaking point and can only be released after being inserted into the latch by destroying the sealing plug.

In this way, it is immediately apparent whether the storage box has already been opened and small parts may have been stolen without authorization.

In a further development of the invention, the sealing plug can be inserted through the latch into the lid.

In this way, a structurally simple, stable and tamper-proof arrangement of the sealing plug can be achieved.

In a further development of the invention, when the sealing plug is inserted, the latch can only be moved between the first and the second locking position.

This makes it possible to stack several storage boxes on top of each other when the sealing plug is inserted and then secure them together when stacked. However, it is not possible to open the lid without removing the sealing plug. To do this, the sealing plug and the latch must be designed in such a way that the sealing plug blocks the release position for the lid, but the locking position for stacking the storage boxes and the release of this lock is possible.

In a further development of the invention, a lid is provided for the storage box, wherein the lid, in the closed state, is arranged below an imaginary plane defined by the upper edges of the side walls and wherein the lid has at least one handle projection extending in the direction of the imaginary plane.

Because the lid is positioned below an imaginary plane defined by the upper edges of the side walls when closed, the containers can be stacked and, if necessary, coupled regardless of whether a lid is attached or not. The handle projection on the lid makes it easier to handle the lid and also the storage box when closed.

In a further development of the invention, the bottom of the storage box has a groove or stops running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box for forming a groove-like receptacle running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box.

Such a groove or groove-like receptacle running in the lengthwise direction of the storage box can be used for the arrangement of a retaining strap that wraps around the storage box or for the lengthwise guidance of the storage box by means of a projection on a shelf base. When arranging a retaining strap in the groove or groove-like receptacle, it is very advantageous that the retaining strap does not protrude beyond the base contour and therefore does not hinder the stacking of several storage boxes.

In a further development of the invention, a lid is provided for the storage box, wherein the lid is provided with a further groove or stops running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box for forming a further groove-like receptacle running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box.

Such an additional groove or additional groove-like receptacle on the lid is also used to arrange a retaining strap. The retaining strap then presses the lid against its support on the storage box. By arranging the retaining strap in a groove, the retaining strap does not interfere when stacking several containers. The additional groove is advantageously located in the handle of the lid and has a longitudinally curved shape. This means that even and high pressure can be exerted on the lid using the retaining strap.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Aufbewahrungskastens von schräg oben,

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht des Aufbewahrungskastens der Fig. 1 von schräg hinten,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht des Aufbewahrungskastens der Fig. 1 von schräg unten,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht eines Verschieberiegels des Aufbewahrungskastens der Fig. 1 von schräg oben,

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht des Verschieberiegels der Fig. 4 von schräg unten,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht eines Siegelsteckers für den Aufbewahrungskasten der Fig. 1,

Fig. 7

zwei der Aufbewahrungskästen der Fig. 1 im gestapelten Zustand,

Fig. 8

eine geschnittene Ansicht der beiden gestapelten Aufbewahrungskästen der Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine erste vergrößerte Einzelheit der Schnittansicht der Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

eine zweite vergrößerte Einzelheit der Schnittansicht der Fig. 8,

Fig. 11

eine vergrößerte Einzelheit des Aufbewahrungskastens der Fig. 1 zur Verdeutlichung der Verriegelung des Deckels und

Fig. 12

eine abschnittsweise, vergrößerte Schnittansicht des Aufbewahrungskastens der Fig. 1 zur Verdeutlichung der Verriegelung des Deckels.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. Individual features of the embodiments shown and described can be combined with one another in any way and even without the further features described in conjunction with these individual features, without exceeding the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

Fig.1

a view of a storage box according to the invention from above,

Fig.2

a view of the storage box of the Fig.1 from behind,

Fig.3

a view of the storage box of the Fig.1 from below,

Fig.4

a view of a sliding latch of the storage box of the Fig.1 from above,

Fig.5

a view of the sliding bolt of the Fig.4 from below,

Fig.6

a view of a sealing plug for the storage box of the Fig.1 ,

Fig.7

two of the storage boxes of the Fig.1 when stacked,

Fig.8

a cutaway view of the two stacked storage boxes of the Fig.7 ,

Fig.9

a first enlarged detail of the sectional view of the Fig.8 ,

Fig.10

a second enlarged detail of the sectional view of the Fig.8 ,

Fig. 11

an enlarged detail of the storage box of the Fig.1 to clarify the locking of the lid and

Fig. 12

a sectioned, enlarged sectional view of the storage box of the Fig.1 to clarify the locking of the lid.

The representation of the Fig.1 shows a storage box 10 according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment.

The storage box 10 has a base body 12 with a Fig.1 not visible bottom, a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 16 opposite the first side wall 14 and a rear wall 18 arranged perpendicular to the two side walls 14, 16. The side walls 14, 16 and the rear wall 18 together form an approximately U-shaped support flange 20 which defines an upper edge of the side walls 14, 16, 18 and on which a further storage box rests in the stacked state.

The position of the bottom of the storage box 10 is shown in the illustration of Fig.1 can only be recognized by a base flange 22 which extends outwards from the first side wall 14 and which is at the same height as the invisible base. Below the base, the side wall 14 has a first base wall 24.

Opposite the rear wall 18, a front wall 28 is provided, which extends from the floor only to about half the height of the interior of the storage box 10. This front wall 28 is also not perpendicular to the floor, but at an angle of less than 90° to the floor and runs in Fig.1 thereby slanting inwards and upwards. A label field is usually arranged on the front wall 28, which contains a designation of the small parts contained in the storage box 10. This label field is therefore very easy to read due to the slanting arrangement of the fourth side wall 28.

In an area 30 of the front wall 28, a slide is provided which is arranged between two Fig.1 only schematically indicated positions. By means of such a slider, for example, different color markings can be revealed or covered, which then indicate, for example, whether the storage box 10 is empty, whether the small parts in the storage box 10 have already been reordered or other features.

A window 32 in the form of a transparent plastic flap extends from the upper end of the fourth side wall 28 to the upper edge of the side walls 14, 16. The window 32 makes it possible, in the closed state of the storage box 10, which is in Fig.1 shown, to take a look into the interior. The window 32 can be opened from the Fig.1 shown, closing the interior position, can be folded down by approximately 180° until it lies approximately parallel to the front wall 28. In this folded-down state, an operator can then reach into the storage box 10 and remove small parts.

The storage box 10 is further provided with a lid 34, which Fig.1 closes the interior of the storage box 10. The lid 34 is arranged below an upper edge of the side walls 14, 16 and the rear wall 18 and thus also below the support flange 20. Several storage boxes 10 can therefore be easily stacked on top of one another even when the lid 34 is inserted.

A sliding bar 36, 38 is arranged in the upper area of the opposing side walls 14, 16. The sliding bars 36, 38 can each be arranged between a Fig.1 shown release position and a locking position not shown. In this release position, several storage boxes 10 can be stacked on top of each other and also lifted off from each other again. In this Fig.1 The cover 34 can also be removed in the release position shown. Starting from the position shown in Fig.1 In the release position shown, the sliding bolts 36 can be moved forwards, towards the front wall 28. In this locking position, the sliding bolts 36, 38 then block another stacked on the storage box 10 and in Fig.1 storage box (not shown), so that the two storage boxes can then no longer be separated from each other. In addition, the sliding locks 36, 38 block the lid 34 in the locking position, so that it can no longer be removed from the storage box 10.

To close the cover 34 in the Fig.1 In order to block the device in the mounted position shown, the sliding latch 38 locks a snap hook 40 provided in the upper area of the second side wall 16. The snap hook 40 is spring-connected to the second wall 16. The sliding latch 38 lies in the locking position on the Fig.1 hidden back of the snap hook 40 and thus prevents it from Fig.1 diagonally to the left upwards, i.e. away from the cover 34. This will be explained in more detail below. In the locking position, the sliding latch 36 also blocks a Fig.1 invisible snap hooks in the upper area of the first side wall 14. In the illustrated release position of the sliding latches 36, 38, the snap hooks 40 can move sideways when an attempt is made to lift off the lid 34, thereby releasing the lid 34.

From the sliding bolt 38, in the view of the Fig.1 only three locking projections 42 can be seen, which protrude through slot-shaped guide rails 44 in the upper area of the second side wall 16. All three slot-shaped guide rails 44 are identically designed and arranged at the same height in the upper area of the second side wall 16. The three locking projections 42 are also identical to one another. In order to secure two stacked storage boxes 10 to one another, the locking projections 42 are arranged starting from the Fig.1 shown position to the respective left end of the guide rails 44. In this displaced state, they are then arranged above projections 50 which extend outwards from the base walls of the further storage box. Such projections 50 are in Fig.1 at the lower end of the first base wall 24.

In Fig.1 It can also be seen that the cover 34 has recesses 52 on its edge, which are each designed to match the locking projections 42. In the release position of the sliding latches 36, 38, the cover can thus be lifted upwards past the locking projections 42.

On the sliding bolt 36 is in the front, in Fig.1 A through hole 54 can be seen in the area on the left. This through hole 54 is for inserting a Fig.1 not shown sealing plug is provided. The sealing plug then passes through the sliding bolt 36 and the first side wall 14 at a through opening 56 provided in the side wall 14 and is then inserted into a suitable recess in the cover 34. The sealing plug, which is shown below using the Fig.6 will be explained below, can thereby not only block the sliding latch 36 in its locking position, but at the same time also secure the cover 34 in the closed position.

In the area of the rear wall 18, Fig.1 a hook-shaped formation 58 can be seen. By means of this hook-shaped formation 58, the storage box 10 can be hung on a suitable holding rail, which is arranged, for example, on a workbench. The Storage box 10 can thus be arranged in a simple manner and very easily accessible, for example above the work surface of a workbench.

The representation of the Fig. 2 shows the storage box 10 of the Fig.1 in a view from behind. The view goes into Fig. 2 thus to the rear wall 18 with the hook-shaped formation 58. In this view, the first base wall 24 can be seen on the first side wall 14 below the base flange 22. The base wall 24 has a total of three projections 50 protruding outwards from the interior of the storage box 10. These projections 50 each form an undercut and, as already explained, are intended to be engaged behind by the locking projections 42 of a sliding bolt in the locking position. The locking projections 42 are in Fig. 2 can be recognized by the sliding bolt 38. If in Fig.2 the storage box 10 is arranged on another, similar storage box, the left sliding bolt of the other storage box would have to be in Fig.2 forward, into the drawing plane of the Fig.2 inwards, so that the locking projections 42 would be located above the projections 50 of the base wall 24, thereby securing the storage box 10 to the lower storage box. It is in Fig.2 It can be seen that the projections 50 are each provided with a starting slope in order to facilitate the sliding and engaging by the locking projections 42 of a sliding bolt.

In Fig.2 a first groove 60 can be seen on the bottom of the storage box 10, which runs in the transverse direction. This first groove 60 serves to enable the storage box 10 to be tilted if, for example, a projection at the front end of a shelf engages in this first groove 60. In this case, the storage box 10 would then be tilted around this projection or around the groove 60 until the support flange 20 rests against the underside of an upper shelf at least in the area of the third side wall 18.

A second groove 62 extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage box 10 can be seen on the bottom of the storage box 10. This second groove 62 is intended, on the one hand, to ensure, in conjunction with a projection on a shelf of a shelf, a lateral guide of the storage box 10 when it is pushed into a shelf and pulled out of a shelf. In addition, the second groove 62 is intended for the arrangement of a retaining strap 64, shown in sections, which is looped around the storage box 10 in order to secure the lid 34 in its position on the storage box 10. The retaining strap 64 therefore runs above a lower end of the storage box 10 and thus does not hinder the stacking of several storage boxes 10.

A U-shaped recess 66 is provided in the top of the rear side wall 18, which is also intended for the arrangement of the retaining strap 64. The retaining strap 64 is thus fixed laterally and then does not protrude beyond the support flange 20, so that stacking several storage boxes 10 is not hindered.

The cover 34 is provided with a handle 68 in the form of a strip-shaped projection running in the longitudinal direction. This handle 68 is provided on its upper side with a third groove 70 which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction and in which the retaining strap 64 can be arranged. It is Fig.2 It can be seen that the top of the handle 68 and thus the base of the groove 70 is slightly curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The highest point of the base of the groove 70 is therefore in the middle of the storage box 10 when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The retaining strap 64 can therefore exert uniform pressure on the lid 34 and can therefore also lie completely flat against the base of the groove 70.

The window 32 on the front of the storage box 10 is provided with a U-shaped recess 72 in the middle, which is aligned with the groove 70 and the recess 66 in the rear side wall 18. The retaining strap 64 can thus be looped around the storage box 10 and is then secured against slipping in the sideways direction in the recesses 66, 72 and in the groove 70 as well as the recess 62. At the same time, the storage boxes 10 can also be easily stacked with the retaining strap.

The representation of the Fig.3 shows the storage box 10 of the Fig.1 from below at an angle. In this view, the underside of the base 74 can be seen, which is provided with numerous reinforcing ribs. Also clearly visible are the first groove 60, which runs on the underside of the base 74 in the transverse direction of the storage box 10, and the second groove 62, which runs on the underside of the base 74 in the longitudinal direction.

The base 74 has the two base flanges 22 on the sides, which, when two storage boxes 10 are stacked, rest on the top of the side walls of a lower storage box and thus on its support flange 20. From the base flange 22 downwards, in Fig.3 i.e. upwards, the first base wall 24 extends in extension of the first side wall 14 and the second base wall 26 extends in extension of the second side wall 16. Both base walls 24, 26 are each provided with three projections 50 which protrude outwards from the respective base wall 24, 26 and, as already explained, are intended to interact with the locking projections 42 on the sliding latches 36, 38 of a respective lower storage box in the stacked state of two storage boxes 10.

The representation of the Fig.4 shows the sliding bolt 38 of the Fig.1 in an isolated view from above, i.e. in a state removed from the storage box 10.

The locking projections 42 can be seen, see Fig.1 , are intended to be guided through the slot-shaped guides 44 of the side wall 16. The locking projections 42 each have a groove guide 78 between two guide projections. A section of the side wall 16 is arranged in this groove guide 78 when the locking projections 42 are in the Fig.1 shown position in the slot-shaped guides 44. The Fig.4 The guide projections on the right are provided with a starting slope so that the sliding bolt 38 can be pressed or snapped into the slot-shaped guide rails 44 in the side wall 16. The slot-shaped guide rails 44 have, see Fig.1 , a middle section with a higher height, into which the locking projections 42 can then be snapped. To the left and right of the middle section with a higher height, sections with a lower height are arranged on all of the guide rails. When the locking projections 42 are in the sections with a lower height, the sliding bolt takes up the Fig.1 shown release position or the locking position. In these sections with a low height, it is no longer possible to move the locking projections 42 out of the slot-shaped guide rail 44 without causing damage or to snap them into the guide rail 44.

In Fig.4 On one side of the sliding latch 38, which is on the outside when mounted, there is also a ribbing 80 as well as symbols and arrows to indicate a specific function, namely locking or releasing, as well as the direction of movement required for this purpose.

The function of the through opening 54, which is intended for inserting a sealing plug, has already been explained.

The representation of the Fig.5 shows the sliding bolt 38 of the Fig.4 from behind. In this view, a blocking projection 82 can be seen, which extends inwards in the same direction as the locking projections 42. This blocking projection 82 is provided, the snap hook 40, see Fig.1 , in the upper area of the two side walls from behind. If the blocking projection 82 is located behind a respective snap hook 40, this can be seen in the illustration of the Fig.1 no longer deflect backwards when an attempt is made to lift the lid 34 from the storage box 10. The blocking projection 82 is located behind the snap hook 40 when the sliding latch 38 or the sliding latch 36 is in the locking position.

The sliding bolt 38 is designed as a plastic injection-molded part and has on its Fig.5 The back side facing the viewer has numerous stiffening ribs.

Fig.6 shows a sealing plug 84 for the storage box 10, which, see Fig.1 , is intended to be inserted into the through hole 54 on the sliding bolt 36 or 38.

The sealing plug 84 has a locking projection 86 with two opposing undercuts. These undercuts are dimensioned such that the sealing plug 84 can be pushed through the opening 54 in the sliding bars 36, 38, but can only be pushed or pressed into the opening 56 in the side walls 14, 16 with greater pressure. As soon as the locking projection has been pushed through the opening 56 with its widest point, the locking projections formed on the sides spring back up a little so that the sealing plug 84 can no longer be pulled out of the opening 56 and the opening 54 without destroying the sealing plug 84. For this purpose, the locking projection 86 can be provided with a weaker than in the illustration of the Fig.6 formed predetermined breaking point 88. The predetermined breaking point 88 is in Fig.6 only indicated schematically by a dashed line. The two lateral undercuts on the locking projection 86 can also be designed in a different way, for example as spring-loaded locking hooks.

When inserted, the sealing plug 84 engages through the opening 54 in the sliding latch 36, through the opening 56 in the side wall 14 and then into a recess in the cover 34. This recess is located at the two lateral ends of a bead 90 on the cover 34, see Fig.1 . The sealing plug 84 can be used to block the sliding bolt 36 and, with another sealing plug, the sliding bolt 38 in its locking position. It is then no longer possible to move the sliding bolts 36, 38 into the release position. At the same time, the sealing plug 84 extends a little into the recess in the bead 90 on the cover 34 and thereby ensures a further, additional blocking of the cover 34. At its On the side opposite the bead 90, which rests against the inside of the third side wall 18, the lid is held in a hinge-like manner and can be Fig.1 This means that it cannot be removed upwards anyway. This is only possible when the cover 34 is opened a little.

The representation of the Fig.7 shows two stacked storage boxes 10a, 10b, each of which is designed in the same way as the storage box 10 of the Fig.1 . It can be clearly seen in this view that the upper storage box 10a rests with the underside of its base flange 22 on the upper side of the support flange 20 of the lower storage box 10b, which is arranged on the upper side of the side walls 14, 16 of the lower storage box 10b.

The base walls 24, 26 of the upper storage box 10a each extend only as an extension of the side walls 14, 16 of the upper storage box 10a. The front wall 28 of the upper storage box 10a, however, ends at floor level. This means that there is some space available below the front wall 28 to grasp the window 32 of the lower storage box 10b at its upper edge and, if desired, to fold it down. Even when the two storage boxes 10a, 10b are stacked, the interior of the lower storage box 10b can also be reached by folding down the window 32.

The representation of the Fig.8 shows a sectional view of the two stacked storage boxes 10a, 10b. Here, too, the base flange 22 of the upper storage box 10a and the support flange 20 of the lower storage box 10b can be seen.

In addition, it can be seen that the base wall 24 and the base wall 26 extend a little into the space formed between the upper areas of the side walls 14, 16 of the lower storage box 10b. This stacking arrangement of the two storage boxes 10a, 10b can also be adopted if, as in Fig.8 is shown, the lower storage box 10b is provided with the lid 34. This is because the lower edges of the base walls 24, 26 are either still above the top of the lid 34 or on the top of the lid 34.

Fig.9 shows an enlarged detail of the representation of the Fig.8 , namely the Fig.8 The area shown on the left with the sliding bolt 38. Fig.9 firstly, that the base wall 26 in the stacked state of the two storage boxes 10a, 10b is so is arranged such that the projections 50 are located with their underside just above the top of the lid 34 of the lower storage box 10b or slightly above the top of the lid 34. The tops of the projections 50 are thereby below the guides 44 in the Fig.9 left side wall 16 of the lower storage box 10b. This allows the locking projections 42 on the sliding latch 38, which extend through the slot-shaped guides 44 to the inside of the side wall 16, to be pushed over the projections 50. In the illustration of the Fig.9 the release position of the sliding bolt 38 is shown. In this state, the locking projections 42 are still behind the projections 50, so that the upper storage box 10a could still be lifted upwards. Starting from the position shown in Fig.9 However, if the sliding latch 38 is moved forwards, i.e. out of the plane of the drawing, in the release position shown, the locking projections 42 move into a position above the projections 50. This blocks upward movement of the projections 50 and thus also of the upper storage box 10a. The two storage boxes 10a, 10b are then secured to one another and can be transported as a unit.

The representation of the Fig.10 shows a Fig.8 detail shown on the right, namely in the area of the sliding bolt 36. In this illustration it can also be seen that in the Fig.10 shown release position, the projections 50 of the base wall 24 extend outwards, but the sliding projections 42 of the sliding bolt 36 are still arranged next to the projections 50. Only when the sliding bolt 36 is in Fig.10 is displaced forward out of the plane of the drawing, the displacement projections 42 move into a position above the projections 50 of the base wall 24 and thereby prevent the upper storage box 10a from being lifted off the lower storage box 10b.

The representation of the Fig. 11 shows an enlarged section of the Fig.1 . The snap hook 40 can be seen in the upper area of the side wall 16, which holds the lid 34 in its closed position. The snap hook 40 is arranged in a spring-loaded manner in the side wall 16 by being arranged within a U-shaped recess 94 in the side wall 16. The snap hook 40 is thus surrounded on three sides by the recess 94 and is thus only connected to the remaining material of the side wall 16 by a web-like section of the side wall 16. The snap hook 40 can thus spring back and be deflected out of the plane of the side wall 16, in Fig. 11 for example outwards, into the plane of the drawing. Such a movement of the snap hook 40 is necessary when the lid 34 is placed on the storage box 10 is placed on. When the lid is placed on, a side edge 96 of the lid comes into the area of a run-on bevel 98 of the snap hook 40. This run-on bevel 98 causes the snap hook 40 to be deflected outwards when the lid is pressed down. As soon as the lid is in the Fig. 11 shown position, the snap hook 40 springs forward again and thereby reaches a certain distance over the lid 34. The lid 34 is thereby held on the storage box 10. However, the lid below the snap hook 40 is provided with a run-on slope, see Fig. 12 , so that the lid can be lifted off the storage box 10 again against slight resistance when the snap hook 14 can still spring. The lid 34 will therefore not fall off the storage box 10 by itself when the storage box 10 is transported with the lid 34 attached.

In order to secure the lid 34 to the storage box 10 in such a way that the lid 34 can no longer be lifted off without causing damage, the sliding latch 38 is moved into its locking position. In the illustration of the Fig. 11 this would be a movement of the sliding projections 42 to the left within the slot-shaped guides 44.

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of the storage box 10 in the area of the sliding latch 38, wherein the section is placed through the snap hook 40 of the side wall 16. Fig. 12 shows the release state of the sliding latch 38. A ramp 100 can be seen on the cover 34 below the snap hook 40. It can be seen that in the state of Fig. 12 When the lid 34 is lifted over the ramp 100, it pushes the snap hook 40 outwards and can thus be lifted off the storage box 10.

If the sliding bolt 38 is moved into its locking position, Fig. 12 i.e. pushed to the right, the blocking projection 82, see also Fig.5 , arranged directly behind the snap hook 40. If necessary, the blocking projection 82 can also rest on the back of the snap hook 40. Once this position is reached, the snap hook 40 can no longer move backwards when the cover 34 is lifted off. The cover 34 is thus securely held in the Fig. 12 shown and placed on the storage box 10.

Claims (14)

1. Storage box (10) for small parts, in particular screws, comprising a bottom (74) and at least two lateral walls (14, 16), which extend from the bottom (74) and lie opposite each other, wherein the bottom (74) and/or the lateral walls (14, 16) have at least one support flange (20) for stacking multiple identical storage boxes (10), wherein, when two storage boxes (10) are in the stacked state, a lower end region of the first lateral wall (14) of an upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the first lateral wall (14) of the lower storage box, and a lower end region of the second lateral wall (16) of an upper storage box is arranged parallel to an upper end region of the second lateral wall (16) of the lower storage box, wherein at least one of the lateral walls (14, 16) is provided with at least one bar (36, 38), which is movable between a release position and a locking position and which, in the locking position, secures together two storage boxes stacked one on top of the other and, in the release position, releases them, characterized in that the bar is designed as a slide bar (36, 38) and is arranged slidably, by means of a sliding-block guide (44), on the upper end region of the first and/or second lateral wall (14, 16) or on the lower end region of the first and/or second lateral wall (14, 16), and wherein the bar (36, 38), in the locking position, locks a lid (34) of the storage box (10).
2. Storage box according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bar (36, 38), in the locking position, engages behind an undercut on at least one lower end region of one of the lateral walls (14, 16) or on at least one upper end region of one of the lateral walls (14, 16), and, in the release position, releases the undercut.
3. Storage box according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding-block guide (44) is formed by means of at least one slit in the first and/or second lateral wall (14, 16) and by means of at least one undercut projection on the slide bar (36, 38).
4. Storage box according to Claim 3, characterized in that the undercut projection (42) on the slide bar (36, 38) is designed as a latch element.
5. Storage box according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral wall (14) has a first base wall (24) extending underneath the bottom (74), and the second lateral wall (16) has a second base wall (26) extending underneath the bottom (74), and in that the first and the second base wall (24, 26) are provided with projections (50) which are parallel to the bottom (74) and which protrude outward from the interior of the storage box (10) and form the undercut, and in that a respective bar (36, 38) is provided on the upper end region of the upper end of the first and second lateral wall (14, 16) in order to engage behind same.
6. Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bar has a first and a second locking position, wherein, in the first locking position, the lid of the storage box can be locked, and, in the second locking position, the lid can be locked and also two stacked storage boxes can be locked onto each other.
7. Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing plug (84) is provided which can be pushed through the bar (36, 38) and which limits or blocks a movement of the bar (36, 38).
8. Storage box according to Claim 7, characterized in that the sealing plug (84) has a predetermined breaking point (88) and, after being pushed into the bar (36, 38), can be released only by destruction of the sealing plug (84) .
9. Storage box according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sealing plug (84) can be pushed through the bar (36, 38) into the lid (34).
10. Storage box according to Claims 6 to 7 and in particular Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, with the sealing plug pushed in, the bar can be moved only between the first and second locking position.
11. Storage box according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid (34) is provided for the storage box (10), wherein, in order to secure the lid (34), resilient latch elements are provided at least on the first lateral wall (14), and wherein the resilient latch elements, in the locking position of the bar (36, 38), are blocked in a holding position by the bar (36, 38).
12. Storage box according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid (34) is provided for the storage box (10), wherein the lid (34), in the closed state, is arranged underneath an imaginary plane defined by the upper edges of the lateral walls (14, 16), and wherein the lid (34) has at least one gripping projection extending in the direction of the imaginary plane.
13. Storage box according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (74) has a groove (62) running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box (10) or has abutments for forming a groove-like recess running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box.
14. Storage box according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid (34) is provided for the storage box (10), wherein the lid (34) is provided with a further groove (70) running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box (10) or with abutments for forming a further groove-like recess running in the longitudinal direction of the storage box (10) .

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