EP3670102A1 - Stackable case, arrangement with two cases placed one on top of the other and use of a case - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a case (1) for stacking with another case (1a), with a mounting surface (13) for stacking the other case (1a), at least one coupling part (10; 11), which with a counter coupling part (28a; 29a ) of the further case (1a) can be brought together to form a plug connection, the coupling part (10; 11) being aligned such that the plug connection with the counter coupling part (28a; 29a ) is formed. At least one locking element (18; 38) is provided for securing the plug connection against loosening, the locking element (18; 38) being movable from a starting position (A) into an intermediate or end position and in the starting position (A) a receiving area (8) for the additional case (1a), which is used when the additional case (1a) is placed on the attachment surface (13). The invention further relates to an arrangement with at least two suitcases (1, 1a) stacked on top of one another and a method for stacking at least two suitcases (1, 1a).

Description

The invention relates to a case for stacking with another case. The invention further relates to an arrangement with at least two suitcases stacked one above the other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for stacking at least two suitcases.

Cases usually serve to transport and / or store objects, such as tools. The cases are often designed to be stackable, so that several cases can be stacked one above the other, for example. Such cases usually have fasteners to hold a stacked case.

An embodiment of the invention is based on the object of proposing at least one possibility of making it possible to stack a suitcase onto another suitcase and to fasten the suitcases in a stacked state in a manner which is easy to use and handle.

This object is achieved with a suitcase which has the features of claim 1. Furthermore, an arrangement with at least two suitcases stacked one above the other is proposed to achieve the object, which has the features of claim 17. In addition, a method for stacking at least two suitcases with the features of claim 18 is proposed to achieve the object.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims, the following description and the figures.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a case for stacking with another case is provided. The case has a mounting surface for stacking the further case and at least one coupling part which can be brought together with a counter-coupling part of the further case to form a plug connection. The coupling part is aligned such that the plug connection with the counter-coupling part is formed by moving the further case along the mounting surface.

Furthermore, the case has at least one locking element for securing the plug connection against loosening, in particular arbitrary loosening. In particular, the locking element is movably mounted on the case, in particular fastened or formed on the case, for example molded on. It is provided that the locking element can be moved from an initial position into an intermediate or end position, in particular can be moved in a positively guided manner, and in the initial position is located in a receiving area for the additional case, the receiving area being placed on or when the additional case is put on the contact area is used.

With such a case, the additional case can be stacked up in a manner that is easy to use and handle, and the stacked additional case can be fastened in a manner that is easy to use and handle. Because by the provided coupling part for forming a plug connection a coupling connection of the case with the further case can be achieved by simply plugging or plugging the coupling part into or onto the counter-coupling part of the further case. The formation of the plug connection is facilitated by the special design of the coupling part, which supports the ease of use and handling. This is because it is permitted, in particular exclusively, that the plug connection of the coupling part with the counter-coupling part is achieved by a deliberate movement, in particular a guided movement, namely by moving the further case along the mounting surface. The coupling part can be an insertion receptacle. In this respect, the counter-coupling part can be a plug-in element, preferably a corresponding plug-in element, which can be plugged into the plug-in receptacle. Conversely, the coupling part can form a plug-in element and the counter-coupling part can form the plug-in receptacle for the plug-in element.

The locking element provided makes it possible to effectively secure the plug connection of the coupling part with the countercoupling part of the further case against divergence, in particular pulling apart against the plugging direction. By having the locking element in the starting position in the receiving area for the further case, it is achieved that the further case comes into contact with the locking element and actuates the locking element and thus causes a movement of the locking element when the further case has a touchdown movement in the direction of the Contact surface and thereby arrives in the receiving area. This will make the other Suitcase carried out placement movement also used to actuate the locking element. A separate manual operation by an operator is saved. This measure therefore also aims to support the ease of use and handling.

In a technically simple manner, contacting of the locking element with the further case in the course of its placement movement can be achieved if, in the starting position, the locking element projects beyond a bottom surface of the receiving area and / or in the starting position the locking element extends over the bottom surface and / or in the Starting position, the locking element is raised to a bottom surface of the receiving area.

For example, it is provided that in the starting position one end of the locking element projects beyond a bottom surface of the receiving area and in the intermediate or end position one end of the locking element is lowered relative to the starting position. In the intermediate or end position, the locking element is then brought, for example, outside of the receiving area and thus enables the additional case to be placed on the attachment surface and / or the additional case to be moved to form the plug connection.

It can be provided that the bottom surface of the receiving area forms at least part of the mounting surface. As a result, the receiving area serves as the area in which the additional case is placed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking element can be moved in a spring-loaded manner. As a result, the energy from a movement of the locking element can be stored in a technically simple manner.

For example, it is provided that the locking element can be moved from the starting position against a spring force into the intermediate or end position. As a result, the locking element is automatically moved back from the intermediate or end position in the direction of the starting position and / or into the starting position by the spring force. This measure also supports ease of use and handling.

It can also be provided that the locking element is held spring-loaded in the starting position. The locking element is thus held in the initial position under spring preload. This counteracts a possible unwanted wobbling of the locking element in the starting position.

In order to be able to move the locking element in a spring-loaded manner, for example a spring element or another energy store is provided. A compression spring can be used. Elastomer springs, leaf springs, spiral springs or general springs can also be used. Torsion or disc springs can also be used.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking element as a locking slide is formed, which is displaceable from the starting position into the intermediate or end position, in particular is translationally displaceable. Such a locking element can be implemented in a technically relatively simple manner.

The locking element, which is designed as a locking slide, can have or consist of a holding part or base part fixed to the housing with respect to the case and a sliding part, in particular a sliding bolt, movably mounted thereon. The holding part is arranged on the case, in particular fastened or formed on it, such as molded or shaped.

The locking slide can be implemented in a technically simple manner if the holding part and the sliding part are U-shaped in cross-section and are turned into one another in opposite directions, a compression spring being arranged between the legs of the parts, which on the one hand rests against a bottom surface of the one holding part and on the other hand supports against a bottom surface of the slide part. Due to the legs of the holding part and the sliding part, a guided movement of the sliding part relative to the holding part is ensured in a simple manner in this embodiment of the locking slide.

It is advisable that the slide part can be displaced relative to the stop in a stop-limited manner. This ensures that the displacement movement of the locking slide is covered within predetermined limits and remains therein.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking element is designed as a pivot lever which can be pivoted from the starting position into the intermediate or end position about a pivot axis, in particular pivot axis fixed to the housing. The locking element can also be designed as a rotary lever which can be rotated from the starting position into the intermediate or end position about an axis of rotation, in particular an axis of rotation fixed to the housing. In principle, it is also possible for the locking element to have a twist lock or to be formed by a twist lock which can be rotated from the starting position into the intermediate or end position for rotation relative to a base part, in particular a base part fixed to the housing.

According to a possible embodiment, the case has an upper side, a lower side, a front side and a rear side, the extension of the case forming a longitudinal extension from the front side to the rear side. In particular, the top and the bottom are opposite one another and form flat sides or flat sides, for example. In particular, the front and the back are opposite one another and form narrow sides, for example. In particular, the upper side and the lower side are each arranged transversely with respect to the front side and the rear side, in particular arranged at right angles to one another.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the attachment surface is assigned to the top and a handle is arranged on the front of the case, so that when carrying the case on the handle the back is facing down. The case is set up when the case is held by the handle. The coupling part of the case and the negative coupling part of the other case are then to be hooked up against one another to form the plug connection, since the mounting surface is present as a lateral side surface. In this respect, the plug connection forms a hook-in connection.

For example, it is provided that the hook-in connection is formed by a hook-in attachment with a hook-in opening and a tab-like hook-in tab that can be brought into engagement with the hook-in opening. The coupling part can form the hanging attachment and the counter-coupling part can form the hanging tab. The coupling part can also form the hanging tab and the counter coupling part the hanging attachment.

The hanging tab can be chamfered. The hook-in opening or the hook-in attachment can also have at least one insertion slope in order to enable a hook-in connection which is secured against displacement and is relatively free of play between the suitcases or case surfaces assigned to one another.

A possible embodiment of the invention is that the case has a lower part and a lid part pivotably arranged thereon, the top of the case being formed by the underside of the lid part and the bottom of the case by the underside of the bottom part and the carrying handle being arranged on the bottom part . The locking element is then assigned to the cover part, for example.

A further embodiment of the invention consists in that the coupling part is directed towards the carrying handle, so that the plug connection with the counter-coupling part of the further case is formed by moving the further case away from the front towards the rear of the case. As a result, the plug connection supports the coupling of the case to the additional case when the case is carried on the handle, since the weight of the additional case acts in the plugging direction on the coupling part of the case. Because the weight acts in the direction of insertion, which is directed in the direction away from the handle towards the back of the case.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving area for the further case is assigned to the upper side and the locking element is arranged in the area of the front side and protrudes from the upper side in the starting position.

It is advisable that the top of the case has at least one transverse rib, which runs transversely to the longitudinal extent of the case and has a side surface that faces outwards and faces the front. The side surface can be used as a stop for the further case, for example if the case is held by its handle and the top of the case is laterally positioned due to its upright position. In this case, the further case can then be supported with a counter surface against the side surface of the transverse rib, so that in this way the plug connection between the Coupling part and the negative coupling part is relieved of force.

It can be provided that the coupling part is fastened or molded onto the transverse rib. This improves the stability of the coupling part itself, since forces acting on the coupling part are absorbed by the transverse rib.

It can further be provided that the top of the case has two transverse ribs, each of which runs transversely to the longitudinal extent of the case and has an outwardly facing side surface facing the front, the transverse ribs delimiting a transverse groove running between them. This measure also aims to be able to absorb a weight of the further case acting on the case and to relieve the plug connection when the case is carried on the handle. Because of the two transverse ribs, two side surfaces are available on which the additional case can be supported with a corresponding counter surface.

There is also a high degree of stability if the case should be carried in the opposite direction, for example, in which the handle then faces downward. Because the provided transverse groove allows a projection of the further case to be brought into engagement, so that the further case is supported against the case both with the handle turned downward and with the handle turned upward.

It is advisable to design the underside of the case corresponding to its upper side, so that the underside of the case can be stacked on another case which has an upper side which is designed to match the case. In particular, the underside of the case is designed corresponding to the underside of the further case. This makes it possible to stack any number of cases in a simple manner, since the cases are designed as identical parts and thus the case can be stacked downwards and upwards, starting from a cover case, for example.

For reasons of stability, according to a further embodiment of the invention, two coupling parts are provided, each of which can be brought together with an associated countercoupling part of the further case to form a plug connection and are aligned such that the plug connection is formed with the countercoupling part by moving the further case along the mounting surface, wherein the coupling parts are arranged side by side with respect to the insertion direction or insertion direction for establishing the plug connection.

The measure aims in the same direction, according to which, according to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one further coupling part is provided, which can be brought together with an associated countercoupling part of the further case with the formation of a plug connection and is oriented such that by moving the further case along the mounting surface the plug connection is formed with the negative feedback part, the further Coupling part and the coupling part are arranged one behind the other with respect to the insertion direction for producing the plug connection.

For example, the coupling part is arranged in the region of the edge of the upper side facing the front side. For example, the further coupling part is arranged in the region of the edge of the upper side facing the rear side. The coupling part and / or the further coupling part can also be arranged in a central region of the top of the case.

Only one locking element can be provided. The locking element can also be provided several times. In this case, the locking elements can be arranged one behind the other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the case.

The at least one locking element can be integrated in the case itself, for example, be flush with the case outer surfaces or be flush or lie or end behind it. Provision can also be made for the at least one locking element to be present as a separate part or unit and, in particular, to be connected in one piece or in several pieces to the associated case surfaces. In addition, the locking element can be connected as a separate part or unit to an outer wall of the case. This makes it easier to retrofit a case with the locking element.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is an arrangement with at least two suitcases stacked one above the other provided, of which at least one of the cases has a mounting surface and at least one coupling part, the other case being placed on the mounting surface and the coupling part with a counter-coupling part of the other case forming a plug connection, which can be moved along and / or on the other by moving the other case Contact surface is formed. At least one locking element is also provided, which is in a locking position securing the plug connection against loosening, in particular arbitrary loosening. In the locking position, the locking element is located in a receiving area for the other case, which is used when the other case is placed on the mounting surface. For example, by placing the other case on the attachment surface, the locking element has been moved from the locking position into an unlocking position with regard to securing the plug connection and / or into a release position in which pushing together the cases to form the plug connection between the cases is permitted. The locking position can be a starting position, for example the starting position described above.

The at least one case with the attachment surface and the at least one coupling part can be the case described above. The case of the arrangement stacked thereon can be the further case described above. In this case, the locking position corresponds to the starting position of the case described above and the unlocking position and / or the release position corresponds to the intermediate or end position described above.

For example, in the case attached, a surface or a surface section is used or usable as a stop surface, which in the locking position of the locking element is brought into abutment against the locking element or can be brought. The stop surface can be provided on an end face, for example the case stacked on the front side, in particular be formed there. The stop surface can also be formed by a recessed surface or a surface provided with an insertion bevel in order to thereby achieve an additional pre-tensioning of the locking element on the plug-in connection or hook-in connection between the stacked cases.

The locking element can be profiled essentially in a rectangular shape in order to secure the plug connection between the coupling part and the counter coupling part with some play, so that the coupling part and the counter coupling part still have a play in relation to one another when the plug connection is formed, for example a play in the plug-in direction of, for example, approximately 1 up to 2 mm is present without the plug connection coming apart, for example being manually decoupled.

It can further be provided that the locking element itself or the stop surface on which the locking element rests in the locking position or can be used as a stop is wedge-shaped, so that the locking element additionally pretensions the plug connection in the plugging direction or plugging direction and secures against the movement of the two stacked cases relative to each other in the direction of insertion.

The invention also includes a method for stacking at least two suitcases. At least one of the cases can be the case described above. The two cases, in particular all cases, can also be formed by the case described above.

In the method, it is provided that one of the cases is placed on a contact surface of the other case and then the case is moved via a displacement path and along the contact surface into a plug connection with the other case, by placing the case on the other case a movable locking element is actuated by the case moving the locking element from a starting position into an intermediate or end position. In the starting position, the locking element is in a locking position or locking position, in which the locking element engages in the displacement path for the further case. In the intermediate or end position, the locking element is in a release position or release position, in which the locking element releases the displacement path.

It is thereby achieved that the case comes into contact with the locking element and actuates the locking element and thus causes a movement of the locking element when the case executes an attachment movement in the direction of the attachment surface and thereby reaches the receiving area. It becomes the one carried out by the suitcase Touchdown movement also used to actuate the locking element. A separate manual operation by an operator is saved. This results in advantages in terms of operation and handling.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a use of the case described above for the transport and / or storage of tools and / or crafts material.

In the course of the invention, the term "suitcase" is to be understood within wide limits. In particular, the case is a container. The case can be, for example, a container which is closed on all sides and provided with a lid. The lid can be pivoted on the container. The container and the lid can also be present without such a connection. The case that can be placed on the case can be designed in the same way. It is also possible that the attachable case is designed as a half-open shell or as a plate, in particular an adapter plate.

The case is particularly suitable for transporting and / or storing objects. For example, the case is a tool case, which is used or can be used for storing and / or transporting tools, material and / or devices.

The invention makes it possible for two suitcases stacked one above the other to be brought into a coupling connection, for example a plug-in connection or a hanging connection, the bottom surface of the upper suitcase being placed on the ceiling surface of the lower suitcase and one Movement of the two suitcases is made in the hook connection or coupling between the suitcases.

The invention enables the plug connection or coupling connection to be secured by at least one locking element, such as a spring-loaded locking slide, which is arranged, for example, on the lower case and which can be actuated by the bottom surface of the upper case. The invention can also be used to ensure that after actuation, the locking element bears against a stop surface of the upper case and thus secures the hook-in connection or plug-in connection between the two cases against unintentional unhooking.

By means of the invention, the locking element can be arranged in the front area of the respective lower case and can be designed, for example, by a locking element which can be moved out of the top or ceiling surface in such a way that the locking element in a locking position or in a securing state on an associated stop surface on the one above it Suitcase fits and secures against decoupling of one case from the other case. To release this secured hook-in connection or plug-in connection, the locking element can be operated manually in order to bring the locking element from the starting position or locking position or securing position into an intermediate or end position and / or unlocking position and / or opening position and thus out of engagement with the associated one Bring the stop surface on the opposite part of the case.

Further objectives, advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention result from the following description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. All of the described and / or illustrated features, alone or in any meaningful combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their relationship.

Fig. 1

eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines stapelbaren Koffers in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben,

Fig. 2

der Koffer gemäß der Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von unten,

Fig. 3

eine Abwandlung des Koffer gemäß der Figuren 1 und 2, auf welchen ein weiterer Koffer aufgestapelt wird, in einem ersten Montagezustand bezüglich des Aufstapeln, dargestellt in einer Schnittdarstellung der beiden Koffer,

Fig. 4

die beiden Koffer gemäß der Figur 3 in einem zweiten Montagezustand, in dem der weitere Koffer auf dem Koffer aufgestapelt ist,

Fig. 5

die beiden Koffer gemäß der Figur 3 in einem dritten Montagezustand, in dem der weitere Koffer auf dem Koffer aufgestapelt und in eine Befestigungsposition gegen den Koffer gebracht ist,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung des Verriegelungsprinzips, wie es aus den Figuren 3 bis 5 ersichtlich ist,

Fig. 7

das Verriegelungsprinzip nach der Figur 6 im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 8

eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform eines stapelbaren Koffers mit einem als Schwenkhebel ausgebildeter Verriegelungselement in schematisierter Darstellung und

Fig. 9

eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform eines Koffers, auf welchen ein weiterer Koffer aufgestapelt wird, in einem ersten Montagezustand bezüglich des Aufstapeln, dargestellt in einer Schnittdarstellung der beiden Koffer.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a possible embodiment of a stackable case in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 2

the suitcase according to the Figure 1 in a perspective view from below,

Fig. 3

a modification of the case according to the Figures 1 and 2nd , on which another case is stacked, in a first assembly state with respect to the stacking, shown in a sectional view of the two cases,

Fig. 4

the two suitcases according to the Figure 3 in a second assembly state, in which the further case is stacked on the case,

Fig. 5

the two suitcases according to the Figure 3 in a third assembly state, in which the further case stacked on the case and brought into a fastening position against the case,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of the locking principle, as it from the Figures 3 to 5 it can be seen

Fig. 7

the locking principle according to the Figure 6 in the locked state,

Fig. 8

another possible embodiment of a stackable case with a locking element designed as a pivot lever in a schematic representation and

Fig. 9

a further possible embodiment of a case, on which another case is stacked, in a first assembly state with respect to the stacking, shown in a sectional view of the two cases.

Figures 1 and 2nd show - in a schematic representation - a possible embodiment of a stackable case 1 in a perspective view from above ( Figure 1 ) and a perspective view from below ( Figure 2 ). The case 1 can be used for transporting and / or storing objects. For example, the case 1 is a tool case, which is used, for example, to transport and / or store tools and / or material and / or devices of a craftsman or technician.

The case 1 has an upper side 41, a lower side 42, a front side 43 and a rear side 44. The extension of the case 1 from the front side 43 to the rear side 44 preferably forms a longitudinal extension, which in the Figure 1 is also specified as the Y direction. Preferably, the extent of the case 1 from the bottom 42 to the top 41 forms a height extension, which in the Figure 1 is specified as the Z direction. The extent of the case 1 transverse to the longitudinal extent is in the Figure 1 specified as the X direction.

The case 1 preferably has a cover part 2 and a lower part 4 which can be covered by the cover part 2. The upper side 41 of the case 1 is preferably formed by the upper side of the cover part 2 and the lower side 42 of the case 1 by the lower side of the lower part 4. The cover part 2 can be pivotally connected to the lower part 4, for example pivotably mounted on the lower part 4 via a hinge axis 3, in particular a horizontal hinge axis 3, which is assigned to the rear side 44, for example. To secure the cover part 2 against unintentional opening relative to the lower part 4, locking elements 16, such as locking bolts, can be provided. The closure elements 16 are preferably assigned to the front side 43.

The case 1 preferably has a handle 19. The handle 19 is preferably arranged on the front 19, so that when the case 1 is carried on the handle 19, the back 44 faces downward. The handle 19 is preferably pivotally mounted on the front 43. The handle 19 can be assigned to the lower part 4 or the cover part 2, in particular be arranged thereon. The case 1 can have a contact surface on the front 43 have, to which the handle 19 is applied or can be applied. The contact surface is preferably offset to the rear in the Y direction. In principle, at least one additional handle can also be provided, which is assigned to the top 41, for example.

The case 1 is suitable for stacking with at least one other case. For this purpose, the case 1 has a mounting surface 13 for the further case and at least one, preferably at least two coupling parts 10, 11, which can each be brought together with an associated counter-coupling part of the further case to form a plug connection. Figure 3 shows an example of a further case 1a, which can be stacked on the case 1. The further case 1a has at least two counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, which can be brought together with the coupling parts 10, 11 of the case 1 to form a plug connection. In the course of the further description of the case 1 with regard to the intended functions for stacking a further case, the case 1a is already shown below Figure 3 used.

In the case 1, it is provided that the plug connection with the further case 1a can only be carried out after the additional case 1a has been placed on the mounting surface 13. For this purpose, the coupling parts 10, 11 are aligned such that the plug connection with the respectively assigned counter-coupling part 28a or 29a is formed by moving the further case 1a along and / or on the mounting surface 13.

The coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction or Y direction in such a way that the push-in connection is formed by moving the further case 1a away from the front side 43 towards the rear side 44 of the case 1. For example, the coupling parts 10, 11 are each designed as a plug-in receptacle and the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a as a plug-in element which can be plugged into the associated plug-in receptacle through an insertion opening 12. For example, the insertion receptacle forms a hanging attachment and the insertion element forms a hanging tab, which can be attached to the insertion attachment through the insertion opening 12 designed as a insertion opening. For example, the hanging tab is formed by an extension or tab that protrudes on one side.

The plug-in elements or hook-in tabs are preferably wedge-shaped in the plug-in direction, so that the plug-in elements can be plugged into the associated plug-in receptacles without play and the plug connection is thus secured against displacement in the X direction and Y direction. The insertion receptacles or suspension attachments are preferably profiled in a wedge shape corresponding to the insertion elements. The plug-in connection also secures the respective plug-in element and the associated plug-in receptacles relative to one another against lifting off in the Z direction.

The contact surface 13 is preferably assigned to the top 41, in particular formed on the top 41. The coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably assigned to the top 41, in particular formed on the top 41. The case 1 preferably has at least on the top 41 one, preferably two transverse ribs 6, 7, each of which runs transversely to the longitudinal extent of the case 1, in particular in the X direction, and each have an outwardly facing side surface 45 facing the front side 43.

The transverse ribs 6, 7 preferably delimit a transverse groove 5 running therebetween. For example, the cover part 2 has an essentially flat part on its upper side, which has the transverse groove 5 in its central region and is laterally delimited by the raised transverse ribs 6, 7. Through the transverse groove 5, a further case can be stacked, which is shorter than the case 1a in the longitudinal direction, then in the transverse groove 5 and / or against the side surface 45 of the transverse rib 7 of the further case with its rear end, which is the rear 44 of the case 1 faces, can intervene or support.

The coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably arranged at a distance from one another in the transverse direction or X direction. The coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably each connected to the transverse rib 6 or molded onto the transverse rib 6. Two further coupling parts 10 ', 11' are preferably provided, each of which can be brought together with an associated further counter-coupling part 24a or 25a of the further case 1a to form a plug-in connection and are aligned such that by moving the further case 1a along and / or the plug connection with the associated counter-coupling part 24a or 25a is formed on the contact surface 13. The further coupling parts 10 ′, 11 ′ and the coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably arranged one behind the other with respect to the insertion direction for establishing the plug connection, that is to say in the Y direction.

The coupling parts 10, 11 are preferably arranged adjacent to a receiving area 8 for the further case 1a, in particular in the Y direction adjacent to the receiving area 8. The further coupling parts 10 ', 11' are preferably arranged adjacent to a further receiving area 9 for the further case 1a, in particular in the Y direction adjacent to the further receiving area 9. The receiving area 8 is preferably arranged on the top 41 in the front area, which is located, for example, in the edge area to the front 43. The further receiving area 9 is preferably arranged on the top 41 in the rear area, which is located, for example, in the edge area to the rear 44.

For receiving in the receiving area 8 and the further receiving area 9, the further case 1a preferably has a corresponding baseboard 22a, which extends, for example, in the transverse direction or the X direction and protrudes downward. The skirting board 22a can protrude downwards so far that the additional case 1a is placed on the bottom surface 14 of the receiving areas 8 and 9 via the skirting boards 22a. The bottom surface 14 then forms the attachment surface 13. Alternatively, the baseboard 22a can protrude downwards in such a way that the further case 1a attaches to the transverse ribs 6, 7 and the baseboards 22a are at a distance from the bottom surface 14 of the receiving areas 8 and 9 or also place on the bottom surface 14 of the receiving areas 8 and 9. In this case, the top of the transverse ribs 6, 7 at least partially forms a mounting surface for the further case 1a.

The skirting boards 22a preferably run transversely to the longitudinal extent of the further case 1a and delimit an exemption 21a running between them, which is designed, for example, as a transversely running groove. The exemption 21a is provided, for example, for receiving the transverse ribs 6, 7 of the case 1. The skirting boards 22a preferably terminate approximately with the rear wall 23a and the front side 43a of the further case 1a. The baseboards 22a are preferably formed continuously. Basically, the baseboards 22a can also be present only in parts or can be omitted entirely.

The underside 42 of the case 1 is preferably designed corresponding to the underside of the case 1a, so that the case 1 itself can be used for stacking on a case. For this purpose, the underside 42 of the case 1 is preferably designed to correspond to its top 41. For this purpose, at least some of the components described with respect to the further case 1a are preferred, namely the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, the further counter-coupling parts 24a, 25a, the clearance 21a and the rear wall 23a in the case 1 as counter-coupling parts 28, 29, further counter-coupling parts 24, 25 , Exemption 21 and rear wall 23 are provided.

Furthermore, the case 1 has at least one locking element 18 for securing the plug connection which can be formed by the coupling parts 10, 11 and counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a against loosening. The locking element 18 is from a starting position A or rest position, which in the Figure 1 is shown, is movable into an intermediate or end position and is in the starting position A in the receiving area 8 for the further case 1a. That’s it possible that the locking element 18 is actuated by the additional case 1a when the additional case 1a is placed on the attachment surface 13. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the locking element 18 projects in the starting position A with one end 15 from the bottom surface 14 of the receiving area 8. In the intermediate or end position, the end 15 is preferably lowered relative to the starting position A.

The locking element 18 is preferably assigned to the upper side 41 and arranged in the region of the front side 43 of the case 1, for example the cover part 2. For example, the locking element 18 is arranged in a recess 17 on the front 43.

The locking element 18 is preferably movable in a spring-loaded manner. For example, the locking element 18 can be moved from the starting position A against a spring force into the intermediate or end position, so that, for example, the locking element 18 automatically moves back from the intermediate or end position into the starting position A by spring force.

The Figure 3 shows a modification of the case 1 in a sectional view. As can be seen from this, the locking element 18 can be designed as a locking slide which can be displaced from the starting position A into the intermediate or end position. For this purpose, a holding part 32 or base part can be provided, which is assigned to the cover part 2, in particular is connected to it or shaped. The holding part 32 can be profiled in a U-shape or can be cup-shaped, in whose upwardly open recess a compression spring 31 can be arranged. The compression spring 31 can be supported on the inside of a sliding part 30, in particular a sliding bolt, which is slidably guided on the holding part 32.

Stops are preferably provided in order to prevent the sliding part 30 from being pushed completely out of the U-shaped profiled holding part 32 by the force of the compression spring 31. The sliding part 30 is preferably U-shaped or cup-shaped and, with its opening coming first, is inserted into the holding part 32, the compression spring 31 being supported against the bottom surface of the sliding part 30.

The Figure 3 shows a possible first assembly state with respect to the stacking of the further case 1a on the case 1. Figure 4 shows a possible second assembly state and Figure 5 shows a possible third assembly state. Components of the further case 1a, which are identical or functionally identical to components of the case 1, are provided with the same reference numerals and the addition "a". The further case 1a can be a case which is identical in construction to the case 1.

In the first assembly state according to the Figure 3 the further case 1a is brought into a position in relation to the case 1 in order to place the further case 1a on the mounting surface 13 of the case 1 and to accommodate the further case 1a in the receiving areas 8, 9. In order to make it possible to place the additional case 1a on the case 1, the additional case 1a is positioned so far in relation to the case 1 in the direction of the Y-axis that a collision of the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, 24a, 25a of the further case 1a is avoided with the coupling parts 10, 11, 10 ', 11' of the case 1.

The locking element 18 is still in its starting position A, in which it is located in the receiving area 8 for the further case 1a. In the starting position A, the locking element 18 engages in a displacement path or a displacement distance W, by means of which the further case 1a can be displaced relative to the case 1 in order - in the attached state - to form the plug connection. In this respect, the locking element 18 assumes a locking position S with respect to the displacement path W in the starting position A.

In the course of a mounting movement of the further case 1a in the direction of arrow 33, the locking element 18 is actuated by the further case 1a, in which the further case 1a presses, for example with the one baseboard 22a, onto the locking element 18 and out of the starting position A. is moved into the intermediate or end position against the force of the compression spring 31. In the intermediate or end position, the locking element 18 is in a release position F, in which the locking element 18 releases the displacement path W, so that displacement of the further case 1a relative to the case 1 is permitted to form the plug connection. In the second assembly state according to the Figure 4 the locking element 18 is brought into the release position F by the further case 1a.

The further case 1a is then positioned relative to the case 1 in the direction of arrow 34, that is to say in the Y direction, moved and the coupling parts 10, 11, 10 ', 11' of the case 1 with the negative coupling parts 28a, 29a, 24a, 25a brought together or plugged together to form the plug connection. In the course of this displacement movement, the locking element 18 is released from the further case 1a and, due to the restoring force of the compression spring 31, automatically moves back preferably into the starting position A. In the reset position, in particular the starting position A, the locking element 18 assumes a locking position V, in which the locking element 18 secures the plug connection against moving apart or unhooking against the merging direction, ie against the direction of the arrow 34. In the third assembly state according to the Figure 5 the cases 1, 1a are in the stacked state and with the plug connection formed, the locking element 18 having assumed the locking position V.

In the locking position V, the locking element 18 thus serves as a stop for the further case 1a. The corresponding stop surface 20a in the further case 1a is, for example, the area of the front side 43a, which can be offset for example in the Y direction to the rear. On this stop surface 20a, the handle 19, as in the Figure 1 described, create or be guided there.

In the course of the displacement movement of the further case 1a relative to the case 1 to form the plug connection, the locking element 18 lies against the stop surface 20a, for example. In the locking position V after the Figure 5 the sliding part 30 thus lies against the front side 43a of the case 1a and secures the coupling connection between the cases 1 and 1a against unintentional unhooking.

In order to bring this coupling connection or plug connection out of engagement again, it is necessary, for example, to push the sliding part 30 down by hand in order to move the locking element 18 into the release position F according to FIG Figure 4 bring to. The further case 1a can then be moved relative to the case 1 in the opposite direction of the arrow 34 and the existing hook-in connection or plug connection can thus be opened.

Figures 6 and 7 show in an enlarged view the locking slide 18 of the case 1 together with a section of the further case 1a. As from the Figure 7 it can be seen that the plug connection or hook-in connection is pretensioned in that either the sliding part 30 and / or the front side 43a have associated wedge surfaces 36 in the area where the sliding part 30 is in contact, so that the hook-in connection or plug connection in the direction of arrow 34 to additionally preload. The preload is spring-loaded by the compression spring 31. It can always be used as the actuating surface for the locking element 18, a bottom-side stop surface or actuating surface 35 of the further case 1a. However, the actuating surface 35 is not necessarily a floor surface. The actuating surface 35 can be designed as an offset stop surface or the like or as a baseboard or the like.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged representation of a further embodiment of the case 1 'and a locking element 38. The locking element 38 is designed there as a pivot lever which can be pivoted about a pivot axis 39 from the starting position A into the intermediate or end position. The locking element 38 can be pivoted in the arrow directions 40 by means of the pivot axis 39. The compression spring required for spring preloading is not shown.

Figure 9 shows yet another embodiment of a case 1 "with a further embodiment of a further case 1a". The Figure 9 is based on the representation in the Figure 2 on. The cases 1 "and 1a" differ from the cases 1 and 1a in that a projection 46 is provided on the underside 42, which engages in the transverse groove 5 or is provided for engaging.

Reference symbol list

1, 1a

suitcase

1'

suitcase

1 ", 1" a

suitcase

2, 2a

Cover part

3, 3a

Hinge axis

4, 4a

Lower part

5, 5a

Cross groove

6, 6a

Cross rib

7, 7a

Cross rib

8, 8a

Recording area

9, 9a

Recording area

10, 10a

Coupling part

11, 11a

Coupling part

10 ', 10'a

further coupling part

11 ', 11'a

further coupling part

12, 12a

Insertion opening

13, 13a

Contact area

14, 14a

Floor area

15, 15a

The End

16

Closure element

17th

Recess

18, 18a

Locking element

19th

Handle

20, 20a

Abutment surface

21, 21a

exemption

22, 22a

Baseboard

23, 23a

Back wall

24, 24a

Negative feedback part

25, 25a

Negative feedback part

28, 28a

Negative feedback part

29, 29a

Negative feedback part

30, 30a

Sliding part

31, 31a

Compression spring

32, 32a

Holding part

33

Arrow direction

34

Arrow direction

35

Operating area

36

Wedge surface

38

Locking element

39

Swivel axis

40

Arrow direction

41

Top

42

bottom

43, 43a

front

44

back

45

Side surface

46, 46a

head Start

A

Starting position

S

Blocking position

F

Release position

V

Locking position

W

Displacement

Claims (15)

Case (1) for stacking with another case (1a), with a placement surface (13) for stacking the further case (1a), with at least one coupling part (10; 11) which can be brought together with a counter coupling part (28a; 29a) of the further case (1a) to form a plug connection, the at least one coupling part (10; 11) being aligned such that after the additional case (1a) has been placed on the attachment surface (13), the plug connection is formed by moving the additional case (1a) along the attachment surface (13), and with at least one locking element (18; 38) for securing the plug connection against loosening. Case according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element (18; 38) is present as a separate component or as a separate structural unit. Case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one locking element (18; 38) is movable in a spring-loaded manner and is held in a locking position (V) by a spring force. Case according to claim 3, wherein in the locking position (V) the at least one locking element (18; 38) has a bottom surface (14) of a receiving area (8) for the tower over another case (1a). Case according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one locking element (18) is designed as a locking slide which is displaceable against the spring force from the locking position (V) into an unlocking position. Case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one locking element (18; 38) is movable from an initial position (A) in which the plug connection is locked to an intermediate or end position in which the plug connection is unlocked, in which Starting position (A) the at least one locking element (18; 38) is located in a receiving area (8) for the further case (1a). Case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the case (1) has an upper side (41), an opposite lower side (42), a front side (43) and an opposite rear side (44),
wherein the mounting surface (13) and the at least one coupling part (10; 11) are assigned to the upper side (41). Case according to claim 7, wherein the case (1) has a lid part (2) and a lower part (4) which can be covered by the lid part (2) and the top (41) of the case (1) through the top of the lid part (2) and the underside (42) of the case (1) is formed by the underside of the lower part (4). Case according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the bottom (42) corresponds to the top (41) of the case (1), so that the case (1) with its underside (42) can be stacked on another case, which one to the case (1) has an appropriately trained top. Case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the case (1) is designed for stacking with an identical case, which forms the further case (1a). Case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two coupling parts (10, 11) are provided, each with an associated counter-coupling part (28a, 29a) of the further case (1a) can be brought together to form a plug-in connection and are aligned such that by moving the a further case (1a) along the attachment surface (13) the plug connection with the counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) is formed, the coupling parts (10, 11) being arranged next to one another with respect to the insertion direction for producing the plug connection. Case according to claim 11, wherein the at least one locking element (18; 38) between the two coupling parts (10, 11) is arranged. Case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one further coupling part (10 ';11') is provided which can be brought together with an associated counter-coupling part (24a; 25a) of the further case (1a) to form a plug connection and is aligned in such a way that the plug connection with the associated counter-coupling part (24a; 25a) is formed by moving the further case (1a) along the mounting surface (13), the further coupling part (10 ';11') and the coupling part ( 10; 11) are arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of insertion for establishing the plug connection. Arrangement with at least two suitcases (1, 1a) stacked one above the other, in particular suitcases of identical construction, of which at least one suitcase (1) has a mounting surface (13) and at least one coupling part (10; 11), wherein the other case (1a) is placed on the mounting surface (13) of one case (1) and the coupling part (10; 11) of the one case (1) with a counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) of the other case (1a) Forms plug connection, which is formed by moving the other case (1a) along and / or on the mounting surface (13), and at least one locking element (18; 38) is provided, which is in a locking position (V) securing the plug connection against loosening. Use of a suitcase (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for the transport and / or storage of tools and / or handicraft material.

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