GB2562404A

GB2562404A - Box having joint device

Info

Publication number: GB2562404A
Application number: GB1811518.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ellis Rothenberger Richard; Ruscher Gerhardt; Ott Toni; Naumann Reiner
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2016-10-24
Publication date: 2018-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-24
Also published as: CN108886878A; DE102016201426A1; GB2562404B; GB201811518D0; WO2017129278A1; CN108886878B; GB2562404A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a box (1), in particular for use in an explosion-risk area, comprising a box lower part (2) and a cover part (6) mounted such that, by means of a joint device (3), it can be raised and pivoted relative to said lower part between at least one open position (4) and a closed position (5), wherein the joint device (3) has a lower joint part (7) mounted such that it moves slidingly in the box lower part (2), and an upper joint part (8) in particular detachably secured on the cover part (8), said joint parts (7, 8) being pivotally connected to one another. In addition, the lower joint part (7) has a locking element (11) which can be preferably elastically adjusted between a retracted position (9) and a locking position (10), which is in locking contact with a locking recess (12) in the locking position (10), for fixing a movement position (13) of the lower joint part (7) relative to the box lower part (2), and can slidingly move together with the lower joint part (7) in the retracted position (9).

Description

Box with hinge device

The invention relates to a box for use, in particular, in an explosion-risk area(ex-area). Such a box is used, for example, for accommodating terminals, switches, plugs or the like, which are used in the explosion-risk area. Further electrical and electronic devices can also be arranged in the box. The box comprises at least a box lower part and a cover part which is mounted such that it is raiseable and pivotable relative to the box lower part by use of a hinge device between at least an open position and a closed position. Such a box is described for example in DE 10 2012 023 991. The hinge device comprises a lower hinge member which is mounted slidingly displaceable in the box lower part and an upper hinge member which is attached to the cover part, in particular in a detachable manner. The respective hinge members are pivotably connected to each other.

According to this known prior art, a connection between the cover part and the box lower part is maintained even when the cover part is raised and pivoted to access the box lower part. In the respective closed position, the cover part rests on the box lower part. The cover part is raised, for example, due to the sliding displaceability of the lower hinge member in the box lower part, while pivoting the cover part relative to the box lower part is possible due to the relative pivotability between the lower and the upper hinge member.

The present invention is based on the object of improving a box and a corresponding hinge device of the type mentioned above in that at least the raised position of the cover can be maintained automatically by the hinge device, while, for example, pivoting the cover part relative to the box lower part is possible.

This is to be possible for a user of the box, in particular in a simple and design-based manner and without further tools.

This object is solved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. The invention is characterized, in particular, by the fact that the lower hinge member comprises a locking element which is preferably elastically adjustable between a retracted position and a locked position and which in the locked position is in locking contact with a locking receptacle for securing a displacement position of the lower hinge member relative to the box lower part and in the retracted position is slidingly displaceable together with the lower hinge member.

This means that, for example, when the lower hinge member is pulled out from the box lower part to a certain displacement position, the locking element automatically assumes the locked position. As a result, it is prevented without additional intervention that the lower hinge member slides back into the box lower part. Pivoting the cover part relative to the box lower part by way of the pivot connection between the lower and upper hinge member in this locked position of the locking element is then possible in a simple manner. If the engagement of the locking element and the locking receptacle is released, then the lower hinge member can again accordingly be pushed into the cover lower part. In order to then also be able to securely accommodate the locking element in the cover lower part, the former in the retracted position is slidingly displaceable together with the lower hinge member, i.e. can be slid together with the lower hinge member into a corresponding displacement bore of the box lower part. This applies similarly at least to a portion of the upper hinge member.

In order to be able to attach the upper hinge member to the cover part in a simple manner, the upper hinge member can have a securing section that can be arranged in the cover part, in particular releasably. This securing section is arranged substantially at an upper end of the upper hinge member, where this upper end is insertable, for example, into a corresponding bore of the cover part. In order to facilitate an attachment in a simple manner, a knurling can be formed on the securing section and can extend, for example, as a longitudinal knurling in the longitudinal direction of the securing section.

This means, the respective securing section is simply pressed into the corresponding cover bore and is held there due to the knurling both in a rotationally fixed and a non-displaceable manner.

In order to enable the respective attachment in a simple manner, at least the securing section and/or its knurling can be formed from material that is harder than that of the cover part. This means in this context, that not the entire cover part must be produced from respectively softer material, but in particular the portion of the cover part which interacts with the knurling or the securing section, respectively. This pertains, for example, to an inner surface of the respective cover bore.

Like in DE 10 2012 023 991, the lower hinge member is at the same time mounted longitudinally displaceable in a corresponding displacement bore in the box lower part.

Different embodiments of the locking element and the corresponding locking receptacle are conceivable. For example, the locking element could be a spring-loaded engagement member which engages in a corresponding engagement opening in the interior of the displacement bore of the box lower part and thereby determines the locked position. If the engagement lock is released, the lower hinge member is again displaceable along the displacement bore.

Another embodiment can be given where the locking element is a spring element attached, in particular, externally on the lower hinge member. Within the displacement bore, it can be in abutment with the latter and respectively engage in the locking receptacle once the locked position has been reached.

An advantageous embodiment of a locking element can be given where it comprises an attachment portion for the attachment to the lower hinge member and a deflection portion that is adjustable between the locked position and the retracted position. The attachment portion is attached on the outside to the hinge member in a releasable manner, for example, by use of screws or in other ways. The deflection portion extends away from the attachment portion and is connected to the latter in an elastically deflectable manner. The lower hinge member is displaceable as long as the deflection portion abuts from the inside against the displacement bore. Once the deflection portion engages in the locking receptacle, the locked position has been assumed and the lower hinge member is disposed in its respective extension position in which the upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member. A simple embodiment of a respective deflection portion can be given where the latter is formed to be substantially L-shaped, where a first L-leg is movably mounted in a leg receptacle of the lower hinge member and a second L-leg in the locked position extends substantially downwardly and outwardly obliquely away from the attachment portion. From this oblique position, the second L-leg can be pressed out mechanically and, in particular, manually by a user, where in this context the first L-leg is pressed into the leg receptacle of the lower hinge member.

In order to determine the locked position more precisely, there is the option that an abutment portion is arranged between the first and the second leg and in the locked position abuts, in particular, against an upper opening edge of a displacement bore in the box lower part. This means that the lower hinge member is pulled out from the displacement bore until the second L-leg is completely exposed and, due to its elasticity, projects obliquely outwardly and downwardly. At the same time, the first L-leg is at least partially moved out of the leg receptacle of the lower hinge member and the abutment portion abuts against a corresponding point of the upper opening edge of the displacement bore.

In order to be able to again press the lower hinge member back into the displacement bore, the second L-leg is pressed, for example manually, in the direction of the lower hinge member, so that the first L-leg slides into the leg receptacle and the abutment portion is pushed away from the upper opening edge, so that it is disposed within the displacement bore and the lower hinge member can be slid into the displacement bore in this manner.

In a simple embodiment, the lower hinge member can be shaped conically on its outer surface and preferably have an outwardly projecting and at least partially circumferentially extending edge flange at a lower flange end. Similarly to DE 10 2012 023 991, this edge flange serves to determine a maximum extension position of the lower hinge member.

In this context, the respective edge flange can have two, in particular, partially circular curved end portions between which the edge flange has substantially rectilinearly extending side portions.

The lower hinge member can comprise the respective locking element in the course of an end portion. There is also the option that, for example, two such locking elements are arranged on opposite sides of the lower hinge member and respectively associated with the two end portions. In this case, the locked position is determined by two corresponding locking elements which must both be pressed in the direction of the lower hinge member, similarly to the insertion of the lower hinge member into the displacement bore. In this context, it is advantageous to have the two locking elements be arranged at the same height position of the lower hinge member. However, it is also conceivable that the locking elements have different height levels, for example, in order to determine two locking positions.

The respective displacement bore can comprise an edge flange stop adjacent to its upper end, where a contact of the edge flange stop and the edge flange of the lower hinge member is established when the maximum extension position has been reached and the locking element is there arranged in the locked position.

To determine the lower hinge member relative to the displacement bore, it can prove to be advantageous to have the lower hinge member be arranged non-rotatable, but slidingly displaceable in the displacement bore. A simple way to obtain such an arrangement can be to have not only the lower hinge member, but also the displacement bore be shaped in a conical manner.

It can prove to be advantageous to have a motion of the locking element in the locked position be prevented until the cover part is pivoted relative to the box lower part. This means, only when the cover part is pivoted relative to the box lower part is the locking element respectively to be released to be able to assume its locked position. This can be done, for example, in that a locking element holding member protrudes from the upper hinge member in the direction toward the lower hinge member with which the locking member, in the lower hinge member in a respective displacement arrangement, is held in its retracted position, where the locking element holding member together with the lower hinge member is insertable into the vertical bore. This means, when the lower hinge member is pulled out from the displacement bore, the locking element holding member is likewise pulled out, but holds the locking element in its retracted position until the upper hinge member is pivoted relative to the lower hinge member. Only then is the locking element released by the locking element holding member and can assume its locked position. A simple embodiment of such a locking element holding member can be given where it is configured substantially as a holding arm with locking hooks at its free end. The holding arm extends from the upper hinge member in the direction towards the lower hinge member, at least when both hinge members are in displacement arrangement relative to one another, i.e. are aligned in a substantially colinear manner. As long as this displacement arrangement is given, the locking hook holds the locking element in its retracted position. The locking hook can there be curved analogously to the lower hinge member, so that it abuts substantially flat thereon from the outside and, for example, holds the locking element. If the cover part is then pivoted relative to the box lower part, then he upper hinge member is likewise pivoted relative to the lower hinge member and the locking hook releases the locking element.

In order to prevent fingers of a user or the like from getting trapped when the cover part is released in the pulled-out and pivoted position, it can prove advantageous to have a corresponding gap be maintained between the box lower part and the cover part. This can be done, for example, in that the lower hinge member has an engagement member which projects upwardly in the direction of the cover part and which in the displacement arrangement of the hinge members is insertable in an outwardly open receiving recess of the upper hinge member.

It can furthermore be considered favorable in this context to possibly have the engagement member protrude in the direction of the cover part beyond a hinge axis for pivotable connections of the cover part and the box lower part or for pivotable connection of the lower and upper hinge member.

In order to prevent self-activated pivoting of the cover part in the displacement arrangement, the engagement member can comprise a holding element which can be brought into engagement with a counter-holding element in the receiving recess. In this holding engagement, the cover part is first held relative to the box lower part at a certain position but can be released from the holding engagement by a user in a simple manner, so that the cover part and the box lower part are then pivotable relative to each other.

Simple embodiments of the holding element and the counter-holding element can be given where, for example, the holding element is a gap and the counter-holding element is a key projection. The gap is arranged, for example, in the upper end of the holding element and with the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member in the displacement arrangement is in engagement with the respective key projection.

In order to improve the holding force in this context, there is the option to have the key projection have a double key shape, where a key tip in the key tip longitudinal direction is also key-shaped. This means that the key projection tapers to its free end and there comprises the key tip. The latter extends in the key tip longitudinal direction and itself has a key shape, where the key shape increases in its extension in the direction of motion of the holding element with the gap.

According to the invention, there is the option that lower and the upper hinge members of different hinge devices on one box have, in particular, different lengths depending on, for example, a height contour of an opening edge of the cover part and/or the box lower part.

In order to pivotably connect the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member to each other in a simple manner, the upper hinge member can comprise two mounting brackets spaced apart from each other, and the lower hinge member can comprise a mounting flange which can be arranged therebetween, which are pivotably connected to one another by way of the hinge axis. Of course, there is also the option that the arrangement of the mounting brackets and the mounting flange is reversed with respect to the lower and the upper hinge member.

The invention also relates to a corresponding hinge device as described above, i.e. with the lower and the upper hinge member which are pivotably connected to one another, where the lower hinge member is configured to be slidingly displaceable and the upper hinge member to be mounted at least releasably. The further features of the hinge device arise from the foregoing explanations and from the detailed description.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further explained below by use of the figures appended in the drawing, where

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a box in an open position of a cover part with two hinge devices;

Fig. 2 shows a hinge device according to Figure 1 in a separate view;

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through a lower hinge member of the hinge device according to Figure 2;

Fig. 4 shows a representation similar to Figure 1 with, in particular, locking elements on the hinge devices;

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the locking element on the lower hinge member according to Figure 4;

Fig. 6 shows a hinge device in the closed position of the cover part;

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement of the hinge device in the open position of the cover part.

Fig. 8 shows an open position of the cover part in a pivoted arrangement in a second embodiment of the hinge device;

Fig. 9 shows the hinge device according to Figure 8 in a displacement arrangement;

Fig. 10 shows an arrangement of a locking element in the locked position;

Fig. 11 shows the hinge device according to Figure 9 in the pivoted state of the cover part and in a further embodiment;

Fig. 12 shows the hinge device according to Figure 11 in a displacement arrangement of the hinge device;

Fig. 13 shows the hinge device similar to Figure 12 with the cover part raised;

Fig. 14 shows an enlarged view of the hinge device according to Figures 12 and 13 in an engagement position of the holding element and the counter-holding element;

Fig. 15 shows an enlargement of Figure 14, and

Fig. 16 shows an enlarged view of a respective key-shaped counter-holding element for the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a box 1 according to the invention composed of box lower part 2 and cover part 6. Cover part 6 is arranged in an open position 4 and raised and pivoted relative to box lower part 2. Disposed between box lower part 2 and cover part 6 are at least two hinge devices 3. Each hinge device 3 comprises a lower hinge member 7 and an upper hinge member 8. Upper hinge member 8 comprises a securing section 15, see also Figure 2, which on its outer side has a knurling 14. The latter is formed, in particular, from longitudinal knurls extending in the longitudinal direction of securing section 15. Securing section 15 is pressed into a corresponding bore on an underside of cover part 6 and held there by way of knurling 14. A respective material of the securing section and/or the knurling is harder than material in the region of the corresponding bore in the cover part or of cover part 6 itself. Disposed between upper hinge member 8 and lower hinge member 7 is a hinge axis 39 for pivoting them relative to one another.

In a respective open position 4 according to Figure 1, a respective locking element 11 of lower hinge member 7 is disposed in a locked position. The respective locked position corresponds substantially to a maximum displacement position 13 of lower hinge member 7 in an associated displacement bore 24, see also Figure 6.

In the embodiment illustrated, locking element 11 is composed of an attachment portion 17 and a deflection portion 18. Deflection portion 18 projects outwardly from attachment portion 17 and downwardly in the direction of box lower part 2. In particular, the deflection portion with the attachment portion forms a spring element 16 which is elastically deflectable, see in particular the respective positions of locking element 11 in Figures 1 and 2. The deflection portion 18 is composed of a first L-leg 19, see also Figure 5, and a second L-leg 21. Attachment portion 17 of locking element 11 is attached, for example, by screwing or the like, from the outside onto lower hinge member 7.

In open position 4 of cover part 6 according to Figure 1, locking element 11 in the respective locking position 10 is disposed outside corresponding displacement bore 24 and from above in abutment with a locking receptacle 12, where said locking receptacle 12 is formed by an upper opening edge 23 of displacement bore 24.

Self-active lowering of lower hinge member 8 from the position in Figure 1 is prevented in locked position 10 by locking element 11. Only when a user respectively presses deflection portion 18 in the direction of lower hinge member 7 is the abutment between the locking element and locking receptacle 12 released and lower hinge member 7 can again be inserted together with locking element 11 into displacement bore 24.

It is in particular also evident in Figures 1 to 3 that lower hinge member 7 has a conical cross-section and that displacement bore 24 likewise has a conical cross-section, see also Figure 6. Disposed on an outer side of lower hinge member 7 is locking element 11 which is arranged according to Figure 6 in its respective displacement position 13 in which lower hinge member 7 is displaceable within displacement bore 24. Lower hinge member 7 comprises at least one circumferential edge flange 26 at its lower flange end 25. The edge flange has in particular partially circular curved end portions 27, see also Figure 3, between which rectilinear side portions 28 extend. The corresponding locking element 11 is arranged in the region of curved end portion 27 above edge flange 26, see also Figure 2.

Due to the respective cross-sections of lower hinge member 7 and displacement bore 24, lower hinge member 7 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner but slidingly displaceable in displacement bore 24.

Figure 5 shows a side view of lower hinge member 7, in particular in the region of locking element 11. The latter is arranged in its locked position 10 in Figure 5, i.e. protruding elastically outwardly. Second L-leg 21 in Figure 5 extends from the left to the right obliquely upwardly, where first L-leg 19 is inserted at least in a respective leg receptacle 20 of lower hinge member 7. If second L-leg 21 is pressed in the direction toward the outer side of lower hinge member 7, then first L-leg 19 slides deeper into corresponding leg receptacle 20, so that locking element 11 can be moved from its locked position 10 to a respective retracted position 9.

Different displacement positions 13 of hinge device 3 are possible, in particular with respect to lower hinge member 7, where a maximum extension position 31 is assumed when arranging locking element 11 in locked position 10, see also Figure 1 or Figure 7. In such a maximum extension position, edge flange 26 abuts within displacement bore 24 at its upper end 29 from below against an edge flange stop 30, see Figure 7.

In a respective closed position 5 of cover part 6, see Figure 6, also upper hinge member 8 is at least in part pushed into displacement bore 24. Figure 5 also shows that an abutment portion 22 is formed between the first L-leg and second L-leg 21 and extends in a bent manner relative to first L-leg 1 and in particular in locked position 10, see for example Figures 1 and 4, provides an abutment surface for abutment against the respective upper opening edge 23 of displacement bore 24. This is also shown, for example, in Figure 7.

It is to be noted at this point that respective lengths 46 of lower hinge member 7 as well as upper hinge member 8 can be configured differently depending on hinge device 3, see for example Figure 1. The respective lengths depend, for example, on a surface contour of opening edges 47 both of cover part 6 as well as box lower part 2. For example, the distance between open cover part 6 and box lower part 2 for hinge device 3 shown on the right-hand side in Figure 3 is smaller than for hinge device 3 shown on the left-hand side in Figure 1. This arises from the course of the surface contour of opening edge 47. As a result, for example, the length of lower hinge members 7, or also the length of upper hinge members 8 of the two hinge devices 3 shown differs.

This applies analogously to the illustration according to Figure 4.

Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of a respective hinge device 3 which is composed substantially only of lower hinge member 7, upper hinge member 8 and respective locking element 11. Figures 8 to 10 and Figures 11 to 16 show two further embodiments of a respective hinge device 3. They are configured substantially similar to hinge device 3 according to Figures 1 to 7, so that reference shall be made below only to the respective differences.

In hinge device 3 according to Figure 8, a locking element holding member 32 is additionally provided which protrudes from upper hinge member 8 in the direction toward lower hinge member 7. Locking element holding member 32 comprises a holding arm 34 and a locking hook 35 at its free end 36.

In the representation according to Figure 8, cover part 6 is arranged pivoted relative to box lower part 2, so that locking element holding member 32 points to the right in Figure 8 and is arranged spaced from lower hinge member 7. In Figure 9, lower hinge member 7 and upper hinge member 8 are arranged in a respective displacement arrangement 33, i.e. arranged and aligned in a substantially collinear manner, so that hinge device 3 can be raised or lowered overall within displacement arch 24. In this displacement arrangement 33, holding arm 34 abuts against lower hinge member 7 from the outside, and locking hook 35 engages over at least deflection portion 18 of locking element 11 in order to hold it in its retracted position 9.

In this position, first L-leg 19 is pressed into corresponding leg receptacle 20, see also Figure 5.

Only with a further effort by a user of the box is the possibility given to pivot upper hinge member 8 relative to lower hinge member 7, whereby locking hook 35 is then released and, for example, cover part 6 is pivotable to the position shown in Figure 8. In addition, cover member 6 can be arranged in the position of Figure 10 and, for example, be only slightly pivoted, see also the corresponding arrangement according to Figure 13.

Also in the embodiments according to Figure 8 et. seqq., the respective maximum extension position 31 of lower hinge member 7 relative to displacement bore 24 is determined by locked position 10 of locking element 11. Although it is possible that maximum extension position 31 is also disposed higher, for example, in Figure 7, it is always determined by the respective abutment of edge flange 26 from below against edge flange stop 30 of displacement arch slide 24, where locked position 10 can possibly also be arranged such that this abutment between edge flange 26 and edge flange stop 30 has not yet been established. As a result, lower hinge member 7 in one embodiment can also be pulled out of displacement bore 24 beyond the respective locked position 10 of locking element 11.

Furthermore, there is the option that a respective locking element 11 is arranged not only on one side on lower hinge member 7, see for example Figure 2, but preferably on opposite sides of lower hinge member 7 such that, for example, locked position 10 is determined by two locking elements 11. It is then also conceivable that, for example, two different locking positions 10 are defined by the use of two locking elements 11 and arranged at different heights along lower hinge member 7. However, the configuration of respective locking elements 11 can be done analogously to the accompanying figures.

With regard to the embodiment according to Figures 8 et. seqq., it is also to be pointed out that holding arm 34 and in particular locking hook 35 can both have a curved outer contour, so that they can abut against the corresponding curvature of lower hinge member 7. This applies in particular to locking hook 35, see Figures 8, 9 or also 11. A further embodiment is shown in Figures 11 et. seqq. It differs, for example, from the embodiment according to Figures 8 to 10, in particular, in that lower hinge member 7 has an engagement member 37 projecting upwardly in the direction toward upper hinge member 8. The engagement member is substantially rod-shaped and projects upwardly in particular beyond the hinge axis. In Figure 11, cover member 6 is shown in a raised and pivoted position relative to box lower part 2. In this position, engagement member 37 is free and not in engagement with a corresponding Receiving recess 38 in upper hinge member 8, see instead Figure 12 with lower hinge member 7 and upper hinge member 8 in displacement assembly 33. Receiving recess 38 is configured such that engagement member 37 is completely received by the former and completes the outer contour of upper hinge member 8 in the respective receiving position.

Engagement member 37 and receiving recess 38 are used in particular to secure to a certain extent a raised position of cover part 6 relative to box lower part 2 without a respective pivoting, see for example Figure 13. For this purpose, engagement member 3 comprises a holding element 40 and receiving recess 38 a counter-holding element 41 which are in holding engagement with each other when lower hinge member 7 and upper hinge member 8 are in displacement arrangement 33. In the embodiment illustrated, see in particular Figures 15 and 16, holding element 40 is configured as a gap 42 and counter-holding element 41 as a key projection 43. Respective gap 42 is arranged at an upper end of engagement member 37, so that the gap slides into receiving recess 38 on key projection 43 when engagement member 37 is pivoted and establishes the respective holding engagement. Key projection 43 is there configured in a special manner, where a respective key tip 44 in the key tip longitudinal direction 45 is likewise formed to be key-shaped, see Figure 16. The respective key projection 43 is disposed approximately centrally between mounting brackets 48 of upper hinge member 8, where a respective mounting flange 49 of lower hinge member 7 is pivotally mounted between these mounting brackets 48. When engagement member 37 is pivoted from the position in Figure 11 to the position in Figure 12, then gap 42 engages with key projection 43 along key tip 44 until the final position according to Figure 12 has been reached, i.e. displacement arrangement 33 of lower hinge member 7 and upper hinge member 8.

According to the invention, a hinge device 3 for a box composed of cover part 6 and lower part 2 arises in which hinge member 7 is prevented by locking element 11 in locked position 10 from sliding back in a self-active manner into corresponding displacement bore 24. Lower hinge member 7 be completely pushed into displacement bore 24 only after respective deflection portion 18 has been pressed in. The elastic configuration of deflection portion 18 or of locking element, respectively, as a spring element 16 ensures that this locked position is assumed automatically when reached. As a result, cover part 6 is held in an at least raised position relative to box lower part 2. Respective spring element 16 is with its attachment portion 17 securely attached at the outside of lower hinge member 7, while deflection portion 18 is accordingly elastically deflectable. It is ensured with the conical shapes of displacement bore 24 and lower hinge member 7 as well as the formation of edge flange 26 that a rotation of lower hinge member 7 in displacement bore 24 is no longer possible, at least after a certain displacement position of lower hinge member 7 has been reached. At the same time, production is simplified by this conical design as compared to cylindrical, rectangular or other forms of cross-sections.

In the further embodiments of the hinge device, additional advantages arise, such as holding deflection portion 18 in a respective retracted position by way of the locking element holding member. As a result, for example, pressing deflection portion 18 from the inside onto displacement bore 24 is prevented as long as respective holding arm 34 is not pulled out of displacement bore 24 and then releases outer steering portion [sic] 18 by pivoting cover part 6. This applies similarly also when pushing lower hinge member 7 into displacement bore 24. In the further embodiment, it is ensured by the engagement member and the receiving recess that, for example, pivoting of cover part 6 relative to box lower part 2 is not possible without additional effort, see the arrangement of the cover part in Figure 13. There, the holding elements and the counter-holding elements of the engagement member and the receiving recess are in holding engagement with each other.

Claims

1. Box (1) for use, in particular, in an explosion-risk area, with a box lower part (2) and a cover part (6) which is mounted such that it is raiseable and pivotable relative to said box lower part by use of a hinge device (3) between at least an open position (4) and a closed position (5), where said hinge device (3) comprises a lower hinge member (7) which is mounted slidingly displaceable in said box lower part (2) and an upper hinge member (8) which is attached to said cover part (6), in particular in a detachable manner, said hinge members (7, 8) being pivotally connected to each other, characterized in that said lower hinge member (7) comprises a locking element (11) which is preferably elastically adjustable between a retracted position (9) and a locked position (10) and which in said locked position (10) is in locking contact with a locking receptacle (12) for determining a displacement position (13) of said lower hinge member (7) relative to said box lower part (2) and in said retracted position (9) is slidingly displaceable together with said lower hinge member (7).

2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper hinge member (8) comprises a securing section (15) that can be arranged in said cover part (6) and is formed, in particular, with a knurling (14) for releasable attachment.

3. Box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least said securing section (15) and/or its knurling (14) is made of material that is harder than that of said cover part (6).

4. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking element (11) is a spring element (16) attached, in particular, externally on said lower hinge member (7).

5. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking element (11) comprises an attachment portion (17) for attachment to said lower hinge member (7) and a deflection portion (18) that is adjustable between said locked position and said retracted position.

6. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deflection portion (18) is formed substantially L-shaped, where a first L-leg (19) is movably mounted in a leg receptacle (20) of said lower hinge member (7) and a second L-leg (21) at least in said locked position (10) extends downwardly and outwardly obliquely away from said attachment portion (17).

7. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an abutment portion (22) is arranged between said first and second legs L-legs [sic] (19, 21) and in said locked position (10) abuts against an upper opening edge (23) of a displacement bore (24) in said box lower part (2).

8. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower hinge member (7) is shaped conically and comprises an at least partially circumferential and outwardly projecting edge flange (26) preferably at a lower flange end (25).

9. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said edge flange (26) comprises two, in particular, partially circularly curved end portions (27) between which said edge flange has substantially rectilinear side portions (28).

10. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said displacement bore (24) comprises an edge flange stop (30) adjacent to its upper end (29), where contact of said edge flange stop (30) and said edge flange (26) of said lower hinge member (7) is established when the maximum extension position has been reached and/or said locking element (11) is arranged in said locked position (10).

11. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower hinge member (7) is arranged non-rotatable, but slidingly displaceable in said displacement bore (24), where said displacement bore (24) is formed in particular to be conical.

12. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking element holding member (32) projects from said upper hinge member (8) in the direction toward said lower hinge member (7) with which said locking member (11), with said lower and said upper hinge member in displacement arrangement, is held in its retracted position (9), where said locking element holding member (32) together with said lower hinge member (7) is insertable into said displacement bore (24).

13. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking element holding member (32) is configured substantially as a holding arm (24) with locking hooks (25) at its free end (36).

14. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower hinge member (7) has an engagement member (37) which projects upwardly in the direction toward said cover part (6) and which in the displacement arrangement of said hinge members (7, 8) is disposed in an outwardly open receiving recess (38) of said upper hinge member (8).

15. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement member (37) projects in the direction toward said cover part (6) beyond a hinge axis (39) for the pivotal connecting of said cover part (6) and said lower box part (2).

16. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement member (37) comprises a holding element (40) which can be brought into engagement with a counter-holding element (41) in said receiving recess (38).

17. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holding element (40) is a gap (42) and said counter-holding element (41) is a key projection (43).

18. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said key projection (43) has a double key shape, where a key tip (44) in key tip longitudinal direction (45) is configured to be key-shaped.

19. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that lower and/or upper hinge members (7, 8) of different hinge devices (3) of a box (1) have, in particular, different lengths (46) depending on a contour of an opening edge (47) of a cover part (6) and/or a box lower part (2).

20. Box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper hinge member (8) comprises two mounting brackets (48) spaced apart from each other and said lower hinge member (7) comprises a mounting flange (49) arranged therebetween, which are pivotally connected to one another by way of said hinge axis (39).

21. Hinge device (3) according to one of the preceding claims with a lower and an upper hinge member (7,8) which are pivotably connected to each other, where said upper hinge member (8) is connected to said cover part (6), in particular releasably, and said lower hinge member (7) is mounted in said box lower part (2) in a slidingly displaceable manner.