EP4026970A1 - Container with closure device - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (1), in particular in the form of a suitcase, comprises a first container part (10) and a second container part (11) which can be moved towards the first container part (10), the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) allow access to an interior (100) of the container (1) in an open position and close the interior (100) in a closed position. A closure device (2, 2A, 2B) is used to lock the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) together in the closed position, the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) being arranged on the first container part (10), first closure part (41) and a second closure part (31) arranged on the second container part (11), which in the closed position assume a connected position and for opening the container (1) along an actuating direction (B) from the connected one position are movable relative to each other to detach the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) from each other,. It is provided that the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) has a blocking device (43) which is designed to prevent a backward movement along the actuating direction (B ) in the interconnected position.

Description

The invention relates to a container, in particular a suitcase, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Such a container comprises a first container part and a second container part which can be moved towards the first container part. The first container part and the second container part enable access to an interior of the container in an open position and close this interior in a closed position, so that the interior cannot be easily accessed from the outside (i.e. from outside the container).

A locking device is used to lock the first container part and the second container part together in the closed position. The closure device has a first closure part arranged on the first container part and a second closure part arranged on the second container part, which assume a connected position in the closed position and can be moved relative to one another to open the container along an actuation direction from the connected position to release the first closure part and the second closure part from each other.

Such a container can be a suitcase, for example. In this case, the container parts are realized by suitcase halves or a suitcase body and a lid arranged thereon, which make up the suitcase and can be opened to allow access to the suitcase, but can be connected to one another by closing them in such a way that the interior of the suitcase is closed to the outside.

With such a container, there is a fundamental need to be able to transfer the container parts into their closed position in a simple manner, so that the container can be closed easily. However, the container parts should be held together securely and reliably in their closed position in order to adequately protect objects inside the container. In addition, the container should be able to be opened by a user in a simple, convenient manner, so that overall operation is simple and pleasant for the user.

The object of the present invention is to provide a container that allows for easy operation, in particular for convenient opening and closing of the container.

This object is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the closure device has a blocking device which is designed to block a return movement along the actuation direction into the interconnected position after the first closure part and the second closure part have been moved relative to one another.

To close the container, the container parts can be brought into contact with one another in such a way that the container parts can be locked to one another via the locking device. For this purpose, the closure device has two closure parts which, in a connected position, create a connection between the container parts and thereby lock the container parts to one another. To open the container, the closure parts are to be adjusted relative to one another along an actuation direction in order to disengage the closure parts from one another and thus release them from one another.

The closure device is thus opened by a relative movement of the closure parts to one another along the actuation direction. For example, the first closure part can be moved along the actuating direction on the first container part, while the second closure part is arranged stationary on the second container part, so that the relative movement between the closure parts is caused by a movement of the first closure part on the first container part.

In order to prevent the closure device from being able to return immediately to its closed position, in which the closure parts are connected to one another, after opening, the blocking device is provided, which prevents the closure parts from moving back relative to one another for opening of the closure parts can take place. After opening the closure device, a user does not have to hold the closure device open in a cumbersome manner, but can release an actuating element of the closure device if necessary. Only after the container parts have been opened can the closure parts return to such a position relative to one another that they can be closed again.

The provision of the blocking device thus simplifies the operation of the container, in that in particular opening can take place in a simplified manner. In particular, opening is not made more difficult by the fact that a closure device can move back into a closed position after opening, but the closure device is kept open at least temporarily until the container parts of the container have been opened.

In one embodiment, the first closure part and the second closure part can be attached to one another along a closing direction that differs from the actuating direction. The fact that the closing direction differs from the actuating direction means in the present case that the closing direction is directed at an angle to the actuating direction. In particular, the closing direction should not be collinear with the direction of actuation, in particular not opposite to the direction of actuation.

In particular, the actuation direction can be directed perpendicularly to the closing direction. The closure parts are attached to one another along the closing direction and are thereby connected to one another, so that the container parts face one another locked and thus held together when the container is in the closed position.

The closing direction corresponds in particular to the direction along which the container parts are attached to one another in order to close the container. The container parts can, for example, as is often the case with a suitcase, be connected to one another in an articulated manner, with the container parts being pivotable relative to one another between the open position and the closed position. In the closed position, circumferential border sections of the container parts are in contact with one another, so that the container is closed and an interior space of the container is sealed off from the outside.

If the container is closed, the closure parts of the closure device preferably automatically engage with one another, so that the container parts are automatically locked with one another. A simple closing process results, which can be carried out comfortably for a user.

In one embodiment, the first closure part has a first magnetic element and the second closure part has a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element act together in a magnetically attractive manner when the first closure part and the second closure part are attached along the closing direction. The closure parts are thus pulled toward one another and brought into engagement with one another by the magnetic effect of the magnet elements. A particularly simple closing process results, which can run largely automatically.

The magnetic elements can each be formed by permanent magnets, which point to one another with opposite poles when they are closed and are therefore magnetically attractive. A magnetic force of attraction arises between the closure parts, so that the establishment of the connection between the closure parts is supported magnetically and can preferably take place automatically, with the closure parts being found automatically.

Each closure part can have an arrangement of one or more permanent magnets. If, for example, several magnetic poles are offset from each other along the direction of actuation for each closure part, moving the closure parts relative to one another along the direction of actuation can reverse the magnetic attraction force into magnetic repulsion, so that this also Opening the closure device in a magnetically assisted manner and thus can be done comfortably for a user.

However, the magnetic elements can also be realized on the one hand by a permanent magnet and on the other hand by a magnetic armature. For example, a closure part can have an arrangement of one or more permanent magnets, while a magnetic armature in the form of a ferromagnetic element is arranged on the other closure part, which interacts magnetically with the magnet arrangement.

In one configuration, the closure device has a first closure assembly which is arranged on the first container part and has a first housing, with respect to which the first closure part can be displaced along the actuation direction. The first closure part is thus arranged displaceably on the first container part and can be displaced on the container part in the actuation direction in order to thereby release the connection between the closure parts of the closure device and thus open the container. In this case, the housing can specify a rectilinear displacement path. Optionally, the displacement path can also be curved.

In one embodiment, the first closure part has a first latching element and the second closure part has a second latching element. In the connected position of the first closure part and the second closure part, the first latching element and the second latching element are positively engaged with one another. By moving the first closure part and the second closure part along the actuation direction relative to one another, the latching elements can be disengaged from one another, so that the positive connection between the closure parts is canceled and the closure device is thus opened.

The latching elements can be formed, for example, on the one hand by a latching projection rigidly formed on a body and on the other hand by a resilient locking element. For example, the first closure part can have one or more resilient locking elements, while the second closure part forms rigid latching projections. In the closed position, the latching elements are in engagement with one another in such a way that the closure parts are positively locked to one another counter to the closing direction.

It is conceivable to form exactly one latching element on each closure part. However, it can be advantageous that a plurality of latching elements are formed on each closure part.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first closure part has a plurality of first latching elements that are offset from one another along the actuation direction, and the second closure part has a plurality of second latching elements that are offset from one another along the actuation direction. In the connected position of the first closure part and the second closure part, the first latching elements and the second latching elements are positively engaged with one another. By moving the first closure part and the second closure part along the actuation direction relative to one another, the latching elements can be released from one another by the latching elements being disengaged from one another and the form fit between the latching elements thus being canceled.

The locking elements are advantageously extended longitudinally along the direction of actuation. While closing takes place along the closing direction (advantageously perpendicular to the direction of actuation) by bringing the latching elements into engagement with one another in a latching manner, the closure device is opened by pushing the closure parts tangentially away from one another by moving the latching elements tangentially along the direction of actuation to one another and thus disengaging from one another to be brought.

The latching elements offset from one another along the direction of actuation are preferably offset from one another along the closing direction perpendicular to the direction of actuation. In the interconnected position of the closure parts, each first latching element is positively engaged with an associated second latching element. In this case, however, adjacent latching elements along the actuation direction are arranged at different heights, viewed along the closing direction (perpendicular to the actuation direction, for example). This makes it possible to open the closure device in that the closure parts do not have to be displaced relative to one another over their entire length (viewed along the actuation direction), but only over the length of a single latching element. This can further facilitate the opening process.

If the latching elements that are offset relative to one another along the direction of actuation are each (roughly) of the same length (measured along the direction of actuation), this results in a significantly shorter opening path and thus a particularly simple opening process. Are For example, two latching elements offset from one another along the actuation direction are provided on each closure part, the opening path can be roughly halved (compared to a single latching element with the total added length of the two offset latching elements).

In one embodiment, the closure device has a second closure assembly which is arranged on the second container part and has a second housing to which the second closure part can be moved. The second closure part is accommodated in a passive position in the second housing. In an active position, on the other hand, the second closure part is moved out of the second housing in order in this way to enable a connection to the first closure part. The result is a closure device in which the second closure part is completely or at least largely covered in the housing in the passive position, so that in the passive position the second closure part does not or only slightly protrudes outwards beyond the housing and thus handling of the container is not possible or only slightly disabled. If the container is moved into the closed position by closing the container parts, the second closure part moves from the passive position into the active position and can thus engage with the first closure part in order to lock the container parts together.

The transfer of the second closure part from the passive to the active position can be effected magnetically, in particular, in that a magnetic attraction force between the closure parts pulls the second closure part out of the housing and thus transfers it to the active position if the closure parts move sufficiently far when the container parts are closed have been brought closer to each other. There is a self-acting, automatic operation for closing the container, which can be done at least largely without user intervention.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second closure part is prestressed in the direction of the passive position relative to the second housing. Such a preload can be brought about, for example, via a spring element which acts between the housing and the second closure part and keeps the second closure part in the passive position when the container is opened. However, such a preload can also be effected magnetically, for example, by the second closure part being loaded in the direction of the passive position, for example via a magnetic element on the housing, with the magnetic attraction force of the first closure part advantageously counteracting the magnetic effect of the closure device when the closure device is closed Magnetic element exceeds the housing and thus the second closure part is transferred from the passive position to the active position.

In one embodiment, the second closure part is movably mounted on the second housing perpendicular to the direction of actuation, preferably along the closing direction along which the closure parts are to be attached to one another to close the closure device.

In one configuration, the blocking device is designed to block the backward movement of the first closure part and the second closure part relative to one another along the actuation direction, but not a movement perpendicular to the actuation direction. The blocking device preferably acts in such a way that moving back is blocked as long as the container parts are still attached to one another in their closed position. If the container parts are moved towards one another and the container is thus opened, the blocking device no longer locks, so that the closure parts can move back into such a position relative to one another that the closure device can be closed again.

While the blocking device blocks a backward movement along the direction of actuation, a relative movement of the closure parts perpendicular to the direction of actuation is not blocked, so that the closure parts can be removed from one another and the container can be opened. The blocking device thus acts exclusively in the direction of actuation, and then only as long as the container parts are still in their closed position and the container has therefore not been opened.

In one embodiment, the blocking device acts in a positive, non-positive, magnetic manner or, for example, through the effect of a vacuum. The blocking device can thus cause the closure parts to move back by means of a form-fitting effect between assemblies assigned to the closure parts, by a non-positive effect between assemblies assigned to the closure parts or by a magnetic effect between assemblies assigned to the closure parts. A negative pressure effect can be provided, for example, by a blocking element in the form of a suction cup.

In one embodiment, the locking device has at least one locking element and one engagement element. The at least one locking element and the engagement element can move relative to the first closure part and the second closure part are moved past one another along the actuation direction, with a return movement being blocked by the interaction of the at least one blocking element with the engagement element. A blocking effect results in that a movement in the direction of actuation is made possible, but a backward movement counter to the direction of actuation is blocked. Only when the engagement element has been moved out of the area of the at least one blocking element in a different way - i.e. by a movement in a direction different from the direction of actuation, namely when the container is opened - can the closure parts return to their initial position in order to close them again to allow the locking device.

In one configuration, the at least one blocking element or the engagement element is arranged on the first container part and is operatively connected to the first closure part in such a way that the at least one blocking element or the engagement element is moved together with the first closure part when the closure part is moved along the actuation direction. The respective other element, ie the engagement element or the at least one blocking element, is then arranged on the second container part. For example, the at least one blocking element can be arranged on the first container part, while the engagement element is arranged on the second container part. In another configuration, however, the engagement element can also be arranged on the first container part, while the at least one locking element is arranged on the second container part.

While the engagement element can be designed as a fixed pin on the respective container part, the at least one blocking element can be designed as a movable element, for example in the manner of a spring tongue, an articulated arm, a sliding part or the like. The at least one blocking element can, for example, be elastically deflectable, for example relative to an associated body of a closure part.

For example, two locking elements can be arranged relative to one another in the manner of elastic spring tongues such that the engagement element in the form of a pin can be moved in the actuation direction between the locking elements with elastic deflection of the locking elements, but the locking elements prevent the engagement element from moving back.

In another embodiment, a single blocking element can be provided, which is arranged in an elastically resilient or articulated manner on an associated housing.

In one configuration, the at least one blocking element has a magnetic element for magnetic interaction with the engagement element, which is made of a ferromagnetic material for this purpose or has a magnetic element, for example in the form of a permanent magnet. There is a blocking effect (also) due to magnetic attraction between the blocking element and the engagement element.

In one embodiment, the engagement element has an engagement opening with which the at least one locking element can be brought into locking engagement. The engagement between the engagement opening and the blocking element can take place in particular transversely to the direction of actuation, so that the blocking element can be brought into engagement with the engagement opening transversely to the direction of actuation, in order in this way to prevent the engagement element from moving relative to the blocking element along the direction of actuation.

In one embodiment, the container is in the form of a suitcase, for example. Such a case can have container parts in the form of rigid or flexible case halves.

In one embodiment, the container parts of the container are connected to one another in an articulated manner and can thus be pivoted relative to one another in order to move the container parts between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the container parts rest against one another with circumferential border sections, the container parts being locked in relation to one another in this position via one or more locking devices and thus being held together.

In one embodiment, the attachment of the container parts to one another to close the container is assisted by the effect of gravity, magnetically, mechanically or also pneumatically (by a pneumatic spring).

The closure of the container can be supported magnetically, for example, by magnetic elements of the closure device. Additionally or alternatively, magnetic elements can also be integrated, for example, into the container parts, for example in the area of the border sections to be attached to one another container parts. Magnetic elements can in particular also be part of the blocking device.

In addition or as an alternative, the container parts can be spring-mechanically prestressed towards one another, for example via a spring element which acts in the area of the hinge axis or in some other way between the container parts.

In one embodiment, the container has two or more closure devices, each with a first closure part and a second closure part (in particular of the type described above). Each closure device can have a blocking device. However, it is also conceivable that only one of the closure devices has a blocking device which is designed to block a return movement along the actuation direction into the interconnected position after the first closure part and the second closure part have been moved relative to one another. If the closure devices are coupled to one another in a suitable manner, for example via an actuating linkage or the like, the blocking effect of the blocking device of an individual closure device can also cause the other closure devices to be blocked.

In one embodiment, the container has an operating device for actuating the at least two closure devices together. Such an operating device can have an operating element to be moved, pressed or twisted, which is coupled to the closure devices via suitable coupling strands, for example in the form of rods or cable pulls or the like, and can thus cause the closure devices to be actuated jointly, in particular for opening.

A container of the type described here can be designed as a suitcase, for example. In general, however, such a container can also be realized by other devices for storing or transporting objects, for example in the manner of a box.

Fig. 1A

eine Ansicht eines Behältnisses in Form eines Koffers, in einer Öffnungsstellung;

Fig. 1B

eine Seitenansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 1C

eine Frontalansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 1D

eine vergrößerte Ansicht im Ausschnitt I gemäß Fig. 1A;

Fig. 1E

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß Fig. 1B;

Fig. 1F

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C gemäß Fig. 1C;

Fig. 1G

eine gesonderte Ansicht von Verschlussteilen an einer Verschlussvorrichtung des Behältnisses, in der Öffnungsstellung;

Fig. 1H

eine andere Ansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, in der Öffnungsstellung;

Fig. 2A

eine Ansicht des Behältnisses, in einer Schließstellung;

Fig. 2B

eine Seitenansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 2C

eine Frontalansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 2D

eine vergrößerte Ansicht im Ausschnitt I gemäß Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2E

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß Fig. 2B;

Fig. 2F

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C gemäß Fig. 2C;

Fig. 2G

eine gesonderte Ansicht der Verschlussteile, in der Schließstellung;

Fig. 2H

eine andere Ansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, in der Schließstellung;

Fig. 3A

eine Ansicht des Behältnisses, beim Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 3B

eine Seitenansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 3C

eine Frontalansicht des Behältnisses;

Fig. 3D

eine vergrößerte Ansicht im Ausschnitt I gemäß Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3E

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß Fig. 3B;

Fig. 3F

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C gemäß Fig. 3C;

Fig. 3G

eine gesonderte Ansicht der Verschlussteile, beim Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 3H

eine andere Ansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, beim Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 4A

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß Fig. 3B, beim weiteren Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 4B

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C gemäß Fig. 3C, beim weiteren Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 4C

eine gesonderte Ansicht der Verschlussteile, beim weiteren Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 4D

eine andere Ansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, beim weiteren Öffnen der Verschlussvorrichtung;

Fig. 5A

eine Schnittansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, entsprechend der Schnittansicht gemäß Fig. 1E;

Fig. 5B

eine Schnittansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, entsprechend der Schnittansicht gemäß Fig. 2E;

Fig. 5C

eine Schnittansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, entsprechend der Schnittansicht gemäß Fig. 3E;

Fig. 5D

eine Schnittansicht der Verschlussvorrichtung, entsprechend der Schnittansicht gemäß Fig. 4A;

Fig. 6A

eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Behältnisses in einer Schließstellung, mit einer Bedieneinrichtung zum gemeinsamen Betätigen zweier Verschlussvorrichtungen;

Fig. 6B

eine Ansicht des Behältnisses gemäß Fig. 6A, in einer geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 7A

eine Ansicht eines Behältnisses in einer Schließstellung, mit einer Bedieneinrichtung zum gemeinsamen Betätigen zweier Verschlussvorrichtungen nach einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 7B

eine Ansicht des Behältnisses gemäß Fig. 7A, in einer geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung zum Sperren eines Zurückbewegens der Verschlussteile der Verschlussvorrichtung relativ zueinander;

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 10

eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 13

eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 14

eine Ansicht einer wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung;

Fig. 15

eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sperreinrichtung; und

Fig. 16A-16D

Ansichten der Sperreinrichtung gemäß Fig. 15 bei Betätigung und bei einem Zurückbewegen.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

Figure 1A

a view of a container in the form of a suitcase, in an open position;

Figure 1B

a side view of the container;

Figure 1C

a front view of the container;

Figure 1D

an enlarged view in detail I according to Figure 1A ;

Figure 1E

a sectional view along the line BB according to FIG Figure 1B ;

Figure 1F

a sectional view along the line CC according to FIG Figure 1C ;

Figure 1G

a separate view of closure parts on a closure device of the container, in the open position;

Figure 1H

another view of the closure device, in the open position;

Figure 2A

a view of the container in a closed position;

Figure 2B

a side view of the container;

Figure 2C

a front view of the container;

2D

an enlarged view in detail I according to Figure 2A ;

Figure 2E

a sectional view along the line BB according to FIG Figure 2B ;

Figure 2F

a sectional view along the line CC according to FIG Figure 2C ;

Figure 2G

a separate view of the closure parts in the closed position;

Figure 2H

another view of the closure device, in the closed position;

Figure 3A

a view of the container when opening the closure device;

Figure 3B

a side view of the container;

Figure 3C

a front view of the container;

3D

an enlarged view in detail I according to Figure 3A ;

Figure 3E

a sectional view along the line BB according to FIG Figure 3B ;

Figure 3F

a sectional view along the line CC according to FIG Figure 3C ;

Figure 3G

a separate view of the closure parts when opening the closure device;

Figure 3H

another view of the closure device when opening the closure device;

Figure 4A

a sectional view along the line BB according to FIG Figure 3B , upon further opening of the locking device;

Figure 4B

a sectional view along the line CC according to FIG Figure 3C , upon further opening of the locking device;

Figure 4C

a separate view of the closure parts, upon further opening of the closure device;

Figure 4D

another view of the closure device, with further opening of the closure device;

Figure 5A

a sectional view of the closure device, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG Figure 1E ;

Figure 5B

a sectional view of the closure device, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG Figure 2E ;

Figure 5C

a sectional view of the closure device, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG Figure 3E ;

Figure 5D

a sectional view of the closure device, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG Figure 4A ;

Figure 6A

a view of an embodiment of a container in a closed position, with an operating device for jointly actuating two closure devices;

Figure 6B

according to a view of the container Figure 6A , in an open position;

Figure 7A

a view of a container in a closed position, with an operating device for jointly actuating two closure devices according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 7B

according to a view of the container Figure 7A , in an open position;

8

a schematic view of an embodiment of a blocking device for blocking a backward movement of the closure parts of the closure device relative to one another;

9

a view of another embodiment of a locking device;

10

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device;

11

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device;

12

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device;

13

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device;

14

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device;

15

a view of yet another embodiment of a locking device; and

16A-16D

Views of the locking device according to 15 upon actuation and upon retraction.

Figures 1A-1H until Figures 5A-5D show an embodiment of a container 1, which has two container parts 10, 11, which in an open position ( Figure 1A ) allow access to an interior 100 of the container 1 and in a closed position ( Figure 2A ) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the interior space 100 is closed to the outside and objects in the container 1 can thus be safely stored and possibly transported.

Such a container 1 can be designed, for example, as a suitcase, in which the container parts 10, 11 are realized by suitcase halves or by a body part and a lid connected to the body part.

The container parts 10, 11 can be connected to one another in an articulated manner, for example, and can therefore be pivoted relative to one another. However, this is not limiting.

The container parts 10, 11 can be designed as (largely) rigid molded shells or also (completely or partially) flexible, for example with sections made of fabric or a tarpaulin material, for example a rubber material.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container 1 has two closure devices 2 which, in the closed position, lock the container parts 10, 11 in relation to one another. In the closed position, shown in Figures 2A to 2H , the container parts 10, 11 rest against one another with circumferential bordering sections 110 and thus close the interior space 100 within the container 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking devices 2 are formed by magneto-mechanical locks.

Like this for example Figures 1G and 1H in synopsis with the sectional view according to Figure 1E As can be seen, each closure device 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown has a closure assembly 4 assigned to the container part 10 and a closure assembly 3 assigned to the container part 11 . The closure assembly 3 comprises a closure part 31 which is accommodated in a housing 30 which is stationary relative to the container part 11 . The shutter assembly 4 includes in contrast, a closure part 41 which is slidably mounted on a housing 40 associated with the container part 10 .

The closure parts 31, 41 each have two magnet elements 32, 42 in the form of permanent magnets which interact in a magnetically attractive manner. To close the closure device 2, the closure parts 31, 41 are brought closer together in a closing direction S, as shown in FIG Figure 1E can be seen, this attachment being magnetically supported by the magnetic effect of the magnet elements 32, 42 and the closure parts 31, 41 thus at least largely automatically engage with one another.

Before closing, the closure part 31 of the closure assembly 3 is at least largely accommodated in the housing 30 in a passive position, as shown in FIG Figure 1E is evident. The closure part 31 is thus retracted into the housing 30 and does not protrude from the housing 30 or only insignificantly so that the closure part 31 does not protrude beyond the border section 110 and does not make handling more difficult when the container 1 is open.

If the closure parts 31, 41 approach one another when the container 1 is closed, the closure part 31 is transferred from the passive position in an activation direction A to an active position due to the magnetic interaction with the closure part 41, as shown in FIG Figure 2E is evident. In the active position, the closure part 31 is extended out of the housing 30 with a plug-in section 310 and can thus engage with the closure part 41 of the closure assembly 4 on the side of the container part 10, as shown in FIG Figure 2E in synopsis with Figures 2G and 2H is evident.

The closure parts 31, 41 each have locking elements 312, 313, 412, 413, which are used to produce a positive connection between the closure parts 31, 41 (see in particular Figures 1G and 1H ).

The latching elements 312, 313 of the closure part 31 are formed on the plug-in section 310, with two latching elements 312, 313 being arranged on both sides of the plug-in section 310, which are axially offset from one another along an actuation direction B and also along the closing direction s perpendicular to the actuation direction B on different Heights H1, H2 are arranged to each other.

While the latching elements 312, 313 of the closure part 31 are formed as rigid latching projections, the closure part 41 has latching elements 412, 413 in the form of elastically resilient locking elements on a body 410. Two pairs of latching elements 412, 413 are offset from one another axially along the actuation direction B, analogously to the latching elements 312, 313 on the closure part 31, with the latching elements 412, 413 forming latching projections for positive engagement with the latching elements 312, 313 of the closure part 31 at different heights , analogous to the arrangement of the locking elements 312, 313 of the closure part 31.

In the closed position, shown in Figures 2A to 2H , The closure parts 31, 41 are positively connected to one another by the locking elements 312, 313, 412, 413 being positively engaged with one another, as can be seen in particular from a synopsis of Figure 2E With Figures 2G and 2H results. The closure parts 31, 41 are thus held together in a form-fitting manner counter to the closing direction, so that the container parts 10, 11 are locked to one another and thus locked to one another in the closed position.

The magnetic interaction between the closure parts 31, 41 results in a simple closing process in which the container parts 10, 11 only have to be closed in the closing direction S, with the closure devices 2 closing with the closure parts 31, 41 independently connecting and thus creating a lock between the container parts 10, 11 produce.

To open each closure device 2, the closure part 41 of the closure assembly 4 is to be displaced in the actuation direction B toward the housing 40, as shown in FIG Figures 3A to 3H is evident. As a result, the latching elements 312, 313, 412, 413 of the closure parts 31, 41 are moved tangentially, i.e. along their longitudinal extension, to one another and thus pushed out of engagement, breaking the form fit, so that the closure parts 31, 41 can be released from one another.

Because the latching elements 312, 313, 412, 413 are offset in pairs along the actuation direction B and are arranged at different heights H1, H2, a displacement path of the actuating element 41 corresponding to the length of a single latching element 312, 313, 412, 413 is sufficient, such as this out Figures 3G and 3H is evident. This is due to the fact that based on the closing direction S, the locking elements 312, 412 to the locking elements 313, 413 are leading, the engagement between the Locking elements 312, 412 thus below the locking elements 313, 413 is. If the closure part 41 is moved in the actuation direction B relative to the closure part 31, the latching elements 412 are pushed under the latching elements 313 on the plug-in section 310 of the closure part 31, so that the form fit between the latching elements 312, 412 is canceled and the latching elements 412 also not with it interact with the locking elements 313. Likewise, the form fit between the locking elements 313, 413 is canceled, as shown in FIG Figures 3G and 3H can be seen, so that after the closure part 41 has been actuated, the positive connection between the closure parts 31, 41 is canceled and the closure parts 31, 41 can thus be detached from one another counter to the closing direction S.

An actuator 44 accessible from the outside of the case portion 10 (see, for example 2D ), is operatively connected to the closure part 41, so that the closure part 41 can be moved in the direction of actuation B by actuating the actuation part 44 and can thus be actuated.

Locking elements 430, 431 in the form of spring tongues of a locking device 43 are formed on the closure part 41 of the closure assembly 4 of the container part 10, as shown in FIG Figures 2G and 2H in synopsis with Figure 3E and 3H is evident. In addition, in the area of the housing 30 of the closure assembly 3 of the container part 11, there is a fixed engagement element 33 in the form of a pin, which lies between the locking elements 430, 431 in the closed position and is moved between the locking elements 430, 431 by actuating the closure part 41. like this in transition from Figure 2E to Figure 3E is evident.

The locking device 43 serves to enable the closure part 41 to be displaced in the actuation direction B relative to the closure part 31, but to prevent it from moving back after the closure device 2 has been opened, so that the closure device 2 does not immediately return to its closed, locked position can. This is caused by the fact that the engaging element 33, like this Figure 3E as can be seen, after the locking part 41 has been displaced, is arranged beyond the locking elements 43, whereby the engaging element 33 interacts with and is blocked by heads 432, 433 of the locking elements 430, 431 and thereby the locking part 41 is held in position (see in particular 3D ).

If the form fit between the closure parts 31, 41 is removed, the closure part 31 can be rotated in one of the closing direction S and the activation direction A opposite direction of collection C are retracted into the housing 30, like this Figures 4A to 4D is evident. By moving the closure parts 31, 41 relative to one another along the direction of actuation B, the magnetic elements 32, 42 are also moved tangentially to one another, which (particularly when the polarity of the magnetic elements 32, 42 of the closure parts 31, 41 alternates along the direction of actuation B) causes the same Poles are approached to each other and thus there is a magnetic repulsion between the closure parts 31, 41, so that the closure part 31 is pressed into the housing 30 by magnetic action.

Like this for example Figure 4A As can be seen, the closure part 31 is guided along the retraction direction C on the housing 30 via a guide device 311 in the form of a rod. A spring element arranged, for example, on the guide device 311 can also be used to apply a spring preload between the housing 30 and the closure part 31 in the direction of the retracted, passive position, so that the spring preload keeps the closure part 31 in the passive position even after the container 1 has been opened becomes.

As long as the container parts 10, 11 are still in contact with one another in their closed position, the locking device 43 prevents the closure part 41 from being returned to the non-actuated initial position. Only after the container 1 has been opened by pivoting the container parts 10, 11 in the opposite direction to the closing direction S is the engagement element 33 removed from the area of the locking elements 430, 431, so that the closure part 41 can return to its initial position in the opposite direction to the actuating direction B (corresponding to the position according to Figure 1E ). The closure parts 31, 41 are thus in turn located opposite one another, so that the closure device 2 can be closed again.

The process for closing and opening each closure device 2 in the embodiment described above is shown in FIG Figures 5A to 5D shown in different positions.

Before closing, the closure parts 31, 41 are located opposite one another ( Figure 5A ). The closure part 31 is in its passive position and is thus drawn into the housing 30 on the side of the container 11 .

While closing ( Figure 5B ) the closure part 31 moves out of the housing 30 due to the magnetic interaction of the magnetic elements 32, 42 of the closure parts 31, 41. The engagement element 33 is also moved between the locking elements 430, 431 of the locking device 43. In the locked position of the closure device 2, the closure parts 31, 41 are positively engaged with each other due to the connection via the latching elements 312, 313, 412, 413.

If the closure device 2 is to be opened, the closure part 41 is moved in the actuation direction B, as a result of which the blocking elements 430 , 431 are moved past the engagement element 33 . The engagement element 33 thus reaches a position beyond the heads 432, 433 of the blocking elements 430, 431, as a result of which the closure part 41 is blocked from moving back counter to the actuating direction B ( Figure 5C ).

In the actuated position according to Figure 5C the form fit between the closure parts 31, 41 is repealed. By moving the magnetic elements 32, 42 relative to each other, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements 32, 42 has been reversed into a magnetic repulsion, so that the closure part 31 is moved into the housing 30 in the retraction direction C and thus reaches its passive position ( Figure 5D ). The container parts 10, 11 can thus be opened.

Both closure devices 2 of the container 1 preferably have the same effect, although this is not mandatory.

In the embodiment according to Figures 1A to 5D the closure devices 2 are to be actuated separately from one another, with a user being able to grip one closure device 2 each with his hands, for example, in order to actuate it.

in a Figures 6A and 6B In the exemplary embodiment shown, an operating device 5 is provided for jointly actuating the closure devices 2A, 2B. The operating device 5 has operating elements 50A, 50B, which are coupled via coupling strands 500A, 500B to one actuating element 44 of the closure devices 2A, 2B. The operating elements 50A, 50B can be actuated by a user with one hand, for example by a user pressing the operating elements 50A, 50B towards one another with his fingers, as is the case in the transition from Figure 6A towards Figure 6B can be seen in order to synchronously unlock the locking devices 2A, 2B in this way.

The operating elements 50A, 50B can be blocked via a lock 51 in such a way that the operating elements 50A, 50B can only be actuated after the lock 51 has been unlocked, for example using a key.

In another embodiment, shown in Figures 7A and 7B , the operating device 5 has an operating element 50 in the form of a rotary knob which is connected to the actuating element 44 of the closure devices 2A, 2B via coupling strands 500A, 500B. Again, a user can actuate the closure devices 2A, 2B together with one hand by actuating the operating element 50 in order to unlock the closure devices 2A, 2B and to open the container 1 .

The blocking device 43 can be designed in very different ways.

in a 8 illustrated embodiment, the functional according to the embodiment Figures 1A to 5D correspondingly, the blocking device 43 has blocking elements 430, 431 in the form of spring tongues, which can be adjusted elastically to a body 410 of the associated closure part 41, between which the engagement element 33 can be moved and which, via heads 432, 433, block the engagement element 33 after actuation.

In another, in 9 In the illustrated embodiment, only one blocking element 430 in the form of a spring tongue is provided, which is arranged elastically on a body 410 of the closure part 41 and blocks the engagement element 33 via a head 432 after the blocking element 430 has been moved past the engagement element 33 .

In yet another embodiment, shown in 10 , The engagement element 33 has an engagement opening 330 into which the blocking element 430 (again shaped in the manner of an elastic spring tongue) can engage with a head 432 transversely to the direction of actuation B.

at a in 11 illustrated embodiment, a blocking element 430 is articulated about a joint 434 on the body 410 of the closure part 41, wherein a head 432 of the blocking element 430 has a magnetic element 435 for magnetic interaction with the likewise magnetically acting engagement element 33. If the blocking element 430 has been moved past the engagement element 33, the blocking element 430 and the engagement element 33 interact magnetically, so that the locking element 430 is held in position to the engaging element 33 and reverse movement of the engaging element 33 blocks.

at a in 12 illustrated embodiment, the blocking element 430 is configured by a slide that can be adjusted transversely to the direction of actuation B. The blocking element 430 interacts with the engagement element 33 via a magnet element 435 , with a backward movement of the engagement element 33 being blocked by a head 432 of the blocking element 430 .

a in 13 illustrated embodiment corresponds approximately to the embodiment according to 10 , wherein engagement of a head 432 of the locking member 430 with an engaging hole 330 on the engaging member 33 is made by a magnetic member 435 and magnetic attraction with the engaging member 33.

at a in 14 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the engagement element 33 is held in position relative to the locking device 43 after the closure part 41 has been actuated, in that the engagement element 33 interacts magnetically with a magnetic element 435 of the locking device 43 . In this case, a blocking effect is thus brought about exclusively magnetically.

In other exemplary embodiments, a locking effect can be brought about magnetically, positively or non-positively, for example as a result of friction.

at a in Figures 15 and 16A-16D In the illustrated embodiment, a blocking device 43 is implemented by a vacuum element in the form of a suction cup. In this case, the blocking device 43 is used, for example, for a defined delay in resetting the closure part 41 counter to the direction of actuation B, in that the closure part 41 is held in position relative to a housing section 400 of the housing 40 after actuation via the vacuum element, as was the case in the transition from 16A towards Figure 16B is evident. The vacuum element can be configured, for example, in such a way that air can flow between the vacuum element and the housing section 400 in a defined manner, so that the vacuum effect decreases in a defined manner over time and the blocking effect is thus lifted after a delay time determined by the dimensioning and design of the vacuum element and the closure part is 41 in a reset direction D against the direction of actuation B returns to its initial position ( Figure 16D ).

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in a different way.

One or more closure devices can be provided in a container, which can be actuated separately or together. In particular, more than two closure devices can also be provided, which are coupled to one another, for example, via a suitable linkage and can therefore be actuated together.

The closure devices can each be designed in the same way. However, this is not mandatory. In particular when the closure devices are coupled, for example via a linkage, it is conceivable to provide a blocking device only on one or on a subgroup of the closure devices, so that a blocking effect is only effected on one or on a subgroup of the closure devices, but this blocking effect is also effected via the coupling on the is transferred to other closure devices.

Reference List

1

container

10

Body

100

inner space

11

lid

110

border section

2

locking device

3

shutter assembly

30

Housing

31

locking part

310

mating section

311

guide device

312, 313

locking element

32

magnetic element

33

engagement element

330

access opening

4

shutter assembly

40

Housing

400

housing section

41

locking part

412, 413

locking element

42

magnetic element

43

locking device

430,431

blocking element

432,433

head

434

joint

435

magnetic element

44

actuator

5

operating device

50, 50A, 50B

control panel

500A, 500B

coupling strand

51

lock

A

activation direction

B

operating direction

C

feeding direction

D

return direction

H1, H2

Height

S

closing direction

Claims (15)

Container (1), in particular case, with a first container part (10), a second container part (11) that can be moved towards the first container part (10), the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) enabling access to an interior (100) of the container (1) in an open position and in a Close the interior (100) in the closed position, and a closure device (2, 2A, 2B) for locking the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) together in the closed position, the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) being a first container part (10) arranged on the first closure part (41) and a second closure part (31) arranged on the second container part (11), which assume a connected position in the closed position and for opening the container (1) along an actuating direction (B) from the connected position are movable relative to one another in order to detach the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) from one another, characterized in that the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) has a locking device (43) which is designed, after the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) have moved relative to one another, to prevent a backward movement along the actuation direction (B) to lock in the connected position. Container (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) can be attached to one another along a closing direction (S) which differs from the actuating direction (B), the actuating direction (B ) is directed in particular perpendicularly to the closing direction (S). Container (1) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first closure part (41) has a first magnetic element (42) and the second closure part (31) has a second magnetic element (32), the first magnetic element (42) and the second magnetic element (32) co-operate in a magnetically attractive manner when the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) are placed on one another. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) has a first closure assembly (4) which is arranged on the first container part (10) and has a first housing (40). which the first closure part (41) along the direction of actuation (B) is displaceable. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure part (41) has a first latching element (412, 413) and the second closure part (31) has a second latching element (312, 313), the first latching element ( 412, 413) and the second latching element (312, 313) in the interconnected position of the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) are positively engaged with one another and by moving the first closure part (41) and the second closure part ( 31) can be disengaged from one another relative to one another along the actuation direction (B). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure part (41) has a plurality of first latching elements (412, 413) offset relative to one another along the direction of actuation (B) and the second closure part (31) has a number along the direction of actuation (B ) have second latching elements (312, 313) offset relative to one another, the first latching elements (412, 413) and the second latching elements (312, 313) having a positive fit when the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) are in the connected position are in engagement with one another and can be disengaged from one another by moving the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) along the actuation direction (B) relative to one another, in particular with the first latching elements (412 , 413) perpendicular to the direction of actuation (B) are spaced apart from one another and along the direction of actuation (B) to each other nder offset, second latching elements (312, 313) perpendicular to the direction of actuation (B) are spaced from each other. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (2, 2A, 2B) has a second closure assembly (3) which is arranged on the second container part (11) and has a second housing (30). wherein the second closure part (31) is movable, the second closure part (31) being received in a passive position in the second housing (30) and in an active position relative to the passive position the second housing (30) for connection with the first closure part (41) is moved out, in particular - wherein the second closure part (31) is biased towards the passive position relative to the second housing (30) and / or - Wherein the second closure part (31) is movable perpendicular to the direction of actuation (B) to the second housing (30). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking device (43) is designed to block the backward movement of the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) relative to one another along the actuating direction (B), but not a movement perpendicular to the direction of actuation (B). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking device (43) blocks the backward movement in a positive, non-positive or magnetic manner. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking device (43) has at least one blocking element (430, 431) and one engagement element (33), the at least one blocking element (430, 431) and the engagement element (430 , 431) can be moved past one another when the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) move relative to one another along the actuation direction (B), a return movement through the interaction of the at least one locking element (430, 431) with the engagement element (33) but is blocked. Container (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the at least one locking element (430, 431) or the engagement element (33) is arranged on the first container part (10) and is operatively connected to the first closure part (41) in such a way that the at least a locking element (430, 431) or the engagement element (33) is moved together with the first locking part (41) when the first locking part (41) is moved along the actuation direction (B), in particular the other of the at least one locking element (430, 431) and the engagement element (33) is arranged on the second container part (11). Container (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one blocking element (430, 431) can be elastically deflected and/or has a magnet element (435) for magnetic interaction with the engagement element (33). Container (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the engagement element (33) has an engagement opening (330) with which the at least one locking element (430, 431) can be brought into engagement for locking. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) are connected to one another in an articulated manner and/or the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) for closing the Container (1) can be attached to one another, the attachment being assisted by the effect of gravity, magnetically or mechanically by a spring. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two closure devices (2, 2A, 2B) each having a first closure part (41) and a second closure part (31), wherein at least one of the at least two closure devices (2, 2A, 2B) has a blocking device (43) which is designed to block a return movement along the actuating direction (B) into the connected position after the first closure part (41) and the second closure part (31) have been moved relative to one another, the container (1) has in particular an operating device (5) for actuating the at least two closure devices (2, 2A, 2B) together.

Images