Closure for a loading hatch of a transport container as well as transport containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure for a loading hatch of a transport container and to a transport container, wherein the loading hatch (19) closes a loading opening in the side wall (16) and is pivotably connected to the side wall (16), with a connecting section (34) on which two spaced-apart tabs (31, 32) are provided, wherein one tab (32) extends from the connecting section (34) in and against a displacement direction (35) and includes a locking section (37) in one displacement direction (35), and the other tab (31) is designed as a shortened tab which extends from the connecting section (34) only in one displacement direction (35) and includes a locking section (37), wherein the two locking sections (37) of the tabs (31, 32) form a locking mechanism (39).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure for a loading hatch of a transport container and to a transport container.

[0002] From DE 20 2005 009 037 U1, a closure for a loading hatch in the side wall of a transport container is known. In a closed position, the loading hatch forms a section of the side wall and is connected to the side wall by a hinge along one edge for opening and closing. At least two closures, spaced apart from each other, are provided in the loading hatch. These closures have two spaced-apart tabs that form a locking mechanism. In the locked position of the closure relative to the loading hatch, this locking mechanism engages an inner and an outer section of the side wall. Each tab of this locking mechanism has a fastening section to connect the tabs to form a closure.

[0003] From DE 10 2011 014 320 A1, a container with a loading opening that can be closed by a flap is known. A locking mechanism allows the flap to be held in a closed position against the side wall. The locking mechanism comprises a locking section with two bolts, wherein, in the open position of the locking mechanism, one of the two bolts projects beyond the edge of the flap, so that when the loading hatch is closed, the projecting portion of the bolt rests against an outer surface of the side wall, and subsequently, by a sliding movement, the locking mechanism is closed. The locking mechanism is designed in two parts, with the two bolts being connectable to each other by a latching action.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a closure for a loading hatch in a side wall of a transport container as well as a transport container, thereby enabling a reduction in costs.

[0005] This task is solved by a closure for a loading hatch in the side wall of a transport container, in which two tabs are provided at a connecting section. One tab extends from the connecting section in and against one direction of movement of the closure, while the other tab is a shortened tab extending from the connecting section only in one direction of movement. The opposing tab sections form a locking mechanism. This closure has the advantage of allowing for easy insertion into an opening in the loading hatch or side wall. The rapid assembly results in cost reduction. Furthermore, the manufacturing of such a closure can be simplified.The locking mechanism, formed by the shortened tab and the opposing tab, holds the loading hatch in the side panel's opening when the latch is in the locked position, thus closing it. The loading hatch can be opened by simply sliding the latch within the opening in the opposite direction to the locked position.

[0006] Preferably, one of the tabs, which extends in and against the direction of movement, has a closure section opposite the locking section, by which the opening in the loading hatch or the side wall is covered when the closure is in a locking position. This ensures that the interior of the transport container is not freely accessible from the outside, i.e., that in the locking position of the closure the opening is at least covered by the closure section.

[0007] Preferably, the tabs and the connecting section are formed as a single piece. In particular, the closure is formed as an injection-molded plastic part. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing. Furthermore, it enables easy handling and positioning of the closure in the opening of the loading hatch or side wall. Alternatively, the shortened tab can be connected to the connecting section, preferably via a plug-in and / or snap-fit ​​connection, with the other tab being formed as a single piece on the connecting section. Alternatively, the other tab can also be connected to the binding section, with the shortened tab being formed as a single piece on the connecting section.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the connecting section has two opposing guide sections, each with a guide surface, by which the connecting section is slidably guided in the opening in the loading hatch or side wall. This guide surface of the guide section can simultaneously form an anti-rotation device for the closure in the opening, so that this closure can only be moved in and against the direction of movement.

[0009] In particular, it is provided that the connecting section has at least one rotational cam, which comprises a threading area and the guide section, wherein the threading area transitions into the guide section. This has the advantage that the closure can initially be arranged in an intermediate position for fixing in the opening and subsequently moved by a rotational movement into a working position in the opening, in which the closure only performs the sliding movement.

[0010] In particular, it is provided that two rotation cams are designed point-symmetrically to a rotation axis of the connecting section, which allow rotational movement of the breechblock in the opening in only one direction. This ensures that the breechblock is installed correctly in the opening of the loading hatch or the side wall.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the twist mechanism, the threading area has a raised section before or during the transition to the guide section. After positioning the closure in an intermediate position and subsequently rotating it to move it into its operating position, increased force is required to rotate the connecting section from the intermediate position into the operating position. This prevents the closure from unintentionally rotating back. Thus, the closure is held in a self-locking position within the operating position, allowing only sliding movement within the opening.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the guide section is limited in width by an inner side of the tabs. This allows for simple design and guidance.

[0013] Preferably, the shortened tab is adjacent to and protrudes from the connecting section, having at least one corner region, wherein at least one of the corner regions is reduced in thickness, thus increasing the distance between the inside of one tab and the corner region of the shortened tab. This facilitates the insertion of the twisting mechanism into the edge of the opening when moving the closure from the intermediate position to the operating position.

[0014] Advantageously, a back-rotation lock is provided on the inside of the locking section of one of the tabs, so that it is difficult or even impossible to turn the lock back from the operating position to release it from the opening.

[0015] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a transport container which has a loading hatch in a side wall for closing a loading opening, which is pivotably connected to the side wall, wherein at least one closure according to one of the embodiments described herein is arranged in an opening in the loading hatch or the side wall. This closure allows for easy installation in the opening. At the same time, the required ease of operation and locking function are provided.

[0016] Preferably, the latch is installed in the opening by first inserting the tab of the locking section, particularly the shortened tab, into the opening. The latch is then rotated into its operating position. This ensures quick, easy, and secure installation. The shortened tab simplifies threading the latch into the opening.

[0017] After the tab, particularly the shortened tab, has been inserted into the opening, the closure can be positioned in an intermediate position within the opening, in which the connecting section is positioned. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the closure is rotated 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening. It is preferred that the width of the opening in the loading hatch or side wall is narrower than the width of the tabs. From this intermediate position, the closure can preferably be moved into its operating position by a single rotation, particularly by 90 degrees.

[0018] The preferred design of at least one rotation cam on the connecting section allows for a simple rotational movement. This rotation cam preferably has a threading area and an adjoining guide section that transition seamlessly into one another. The threading area preferably has a curved or arc-shaped profile that transitions into the guide section with a straight guide surface. This allows for the simple positioning of the opening's edge regions within the guide sections of the closure by rotating the closure from its intermediate position to its operating position.

[0019] Preferably, two opposing rotation cams are arranged on the connecting section, preferably aligned point-symmetrically with respect to a rotation axis of the connecting section. This allows the guide sections to be threaded simultaneously into the respective edge region of the opening.

[0020] Preferably, a raised section is provided before the transition from the threading area to the guide section, or in the transition between the threading area and the guide section.

[0021] This results in a greater distance, particularly in the area of ​​the two raised sections of the opposing rotation guides, than the width of the opening in the loading port or side wall. This ensures that, after applying increased force during the rotation of the bolt or when rotating the bolt from the intermediate position to the operating position, the guide section subsequently retains a self-locking alignment in the opening of the loading port or side wall.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the closure, it may be provided that it has a back-rotation safety device on the inside of the closure section of the tab. This makes it more difficult or impossible for the closure to detach itself from the opening in the loading hatch or side wall after it has been moved into the operating position.

[0023] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a transport container, Fig. 2 a schematic front view of a closure of the transport container according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the closure according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the closure according to Fig. 2, Fig. 5. Perspective rear view of the shutter according to Fig. 2, Fig. 6 a schematic view of the back of the closure according to Fig. 2, Fig. 7 a schematic view of an intermediate position of the closure during installation in an opening, Fig. 8 a schematic view of another working position of the closure during assembly into the opening, Fig. 9 a schematic view of the closure in a working position in the opening, Fig. 10 a schematic sectional view along line IX-IX in Fig. 9.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a transport container 11. For example, the transport container 11 is designed as a collapsible container. The transport container 11 comprises a base 12, which is, for example, pallet-shaped. The base 12 accommodates a sleeve or ring 14, which, for example, comprises four side walls 16. This ring 14 is preferably foldable. A lid 17 is provided on the ring 14, which closes the transport container 11. The lid can be hood-shaped. Such an embodiment of the transport container 11 has the advantage that the folded ring 14 is placed on the base 12 and then covered by the lid 17, so that a small volume is available in the packed state for return transport. The transport container 11 is preferably made of plastic, in particular recyclable plastic.The side walls 16 can be made of two- or three-layer plastic films.

[0025] The side wall 16 has a loading hatch 19 which adjoins an upper surface of the side wall 16. The loading hatch 19 can be formed on the side wall 16 via a hinge, so that the loading hatch 19 can be opened from the side wall 16. Fig. The loading hatch 19 can be moved from the closed position 22 shown in Figure 1 to the unloading position 23 shown in dashed lines. For example, the loading hatch 19 is held in the closed position 22 by two latches 24. By sliding the latches 24 in the direction of the arrows shown, each latch 24 can be moved into an unlocked position, allowing the loading hatch 19 to then be moved from the closed position 22 to the unloading position 23. Retaining elements 29 are provided on the side wall 16, which hold the loading hatch 19 securely in the unloading position 23.

[0026] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows different views of the closure 24, which is used on the transport container 11 according to Fig. 1, in particular when a side wall 16 is used with a loading hatch 19. The side wall 16 does not have to be part of a ring 14.

[0027] The closure 24 has two tabs 31, 32 which are provided on a connecting section 34. The closure 24 is positioned in and against a displacement direction 35 in an opening 36, as indicated by the double arrow shown. Fig. 7) movable. The opening 36 can be provided in the loading hatch 19 or adjacent to it in the side wall 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the opening 36 is provided in the loading hatch 19.

[0028] One tab 32, arranged on the connecting section 34, extends in and against the direction of movement 35, such that this tab 32 comprises a locking section 37 and a closing section 38. The other tab 31 extends from the connecting section 34 only in the direction of movement 35, so that this tab 31 has only one locking section 37. The two locking sections 37 of the tabs 31 and 32 form a locking mechanism 39 to fix the loading hatch 19 in a closed position 22 against the side wall 16.

[0029] The tab 31 is thus designed as a shortened tab compared to the tab 32. Preferably, the tab 31 extends over the entire area of ​​the connecting section 34, as well as along the locking section 37. The locking section 37 of the tabs 31 and 32 can be identical. Alternatively, the locking section 37 of the tab 31 can also be shortened compared to the locking section 37 of the tab 32, so that in an open position of the closure 24, the locking section 37 of the tab 32 rests against an outer surface of the side wall 16, and the shortened locking section 37 of the tab 31 can be guided past it.

[0030] The shortened tab 31 is preferably narrower in width than the tab 32. The tab 32 is preferably oriented towards the outside of the side wall 16 in the opening 36.

[0031] The tabs 31 and 32 are fixedly arranged at a distance from each other by the connecting section 34. This allows an edge section of the opening 36 in the loading hatch 19 or in the side wall 16 to be positioned between the two tabs 31 and 32, so that the closure 24 is guided slidably in the direction of movement 35. The distance between the tabs 31 and 32 is adapted to the thickness of the edge section of the opening 36.

[0032] The connecting section 34 serves to guide the closure 24 slidably within the opening 36. The connecting section 34 also allows the closure 24 to be easily mounted within the opening 36. For this purpose, the connecting section 34 is preferably designed as described below.

[0033] The connecting section 34 can, for example, have a rectangular or trapezoidal contour. At least one rotation cam 41 is provided on the connecting section 34. Preferably, two opposing rotation cams 41 are provided, which are preferably point-symmetrical about a rotation axis 43 or about a central axis of the connecting section 34. This rotation cam 41 comprises a threading area 42, which transitions into a guide section 44 with a guide surface 45. The threading area 42 is curved or arc-shaped. The guide surface 45 is preferably straight. A raised section 46 is preferably provided in a transition area between the threading area 42 and the guide section 44, or in the threading area 42 before the transition area to the guide section 44.The distance between the two superelevations 46 of the opposing rotation cams 41 is greater than the width of the opening 36.

[0034] The shortened tab 31 has a corner region 48 on an end face of the connecting section 34, which is reduced in thickness. In particular, the corner region 48 on the inside of the shortened tab 31 is provided with a recess. This facilitates insertion into the opening 36, especially when the connecting section 34 inserted into the opening 36 is rotated.

[0035] The tab 32 has an anti-rotation feature 51 on an inner side of the locking section 38. This anti-rotation feature 51 is preferably wedge-shaped and has an increasing elevation from a central area or longitudinal axis of the tab 32 towards the edge area or longitudinal side of the tab 32.

[0036] The one in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. The closure 24 shown in Figure 6 is preferably made of plastic. In particular, this closure 24 is manufactured as a single injection-molded part. The connecting section 34 is designed such that, viewed from the front of the tab 32, it has a recess to the bottom of which the shortened tab 31 is attached. Alternatively, an interface can be provided in the area of ​​the connecting section 34, so that the closure is formed in two parts. It can also be provided that the tab 31 can be clipped onto the connecting section 34 or that the tab 32 can be snapped onto the connecting section 34.

[0037] Additionally, a recess 52 is provided on the outside of the tab 32 in the area of ​​the locking section 37. This recess 52 can serve to receive a retaining element 29, so that after the loading hatch 19 is opened, the loading hatch can be held fixed to the side wall by the complementary retaining element 29. Such a retaining element 29 can be designed as a magnet or as a hook and loop fastener.

[0038] In the shortened tab 31, further recesses 53 are shown as an example. These can serve to stiffen the sections on the tab 31 in the area of ​​the guide section 44.

[0039] In the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows exemplary work steps for inserting the closure 24 into the opening 36, which can be located in the cargo hatch 19 or in the side wall 16. At the beginning of the assembly of the closure 24 into the opening 36, an edge section of the opening 36 is positioned between the tab 31 and the tab 32. In other words, the tab 32 is positioned towards the front of the opening 36 and the tab 31 towards the back of the opening 36, so that the closure 24 can then be pushed into the opening 36 in the direction of arrow 55. The wall section of the cargo hatch 19 is positioned between the tabs 31 and 32. The closure 24 is moved in the direction of arrow 55 until the connecting section 34 is fully engaged in or positioned within the opening 36. This arrangement is an intermediate position 56, which is described in Figure 9. Fig. 7 is shown.

[0040] After threading the fastener 24 into the opening 36 and moving it to the intermediate position 57, the fastener 24 is rotated in a subsequent step according to arrow 56, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this. This rotational movement of the closure 24 occurs in only one direction, so that the rotational cam 41 engages with respect to the edge of the opening 36. Simultaneously, the corner section 48 of the tab 31 is threaded into place. This rotational movement is initially smooth until the closure 24 reaches a transition position 58, in which the protrusions 46 rest against the respective edge of the opening 36.

[0041] After applying an increased force in the same direction of rotation as indicated by arrow 56, the edge sections of the opening 36 can be widened, at least slightly, so that the rotational movement of the shutter 24 is guided over the protrusion 46. Subsequently, the shutter 24 can preferably be moved automatically into a service position 59, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows that the closure 24 can be moved along the arrow 35 within the opening 36 by means of the guide surfaces 45 of the respective guide sections 44.

[0042] The anti-rotation device 51, which is positioned within the opening 36 in the operating position 56 of the closure 24, prevents the closure 24 from being rotated back into a position according to Fig. 7 or Fig. 8. Thus, the lock 24 remains secured in its operating position 59.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view along line IX-IX according to Fig. Figure 9 shows the closure 24 in the locked position 61. The locking sections 37 of the tabs 31, 32 engage an edge region of the side wall 16, thus keeping the loading hatch 19 closed to the side wall 16. This illustration also shows that in the locked position 61 of the closure 24, the locking section 38 of the tab 32 extends such that the opening 36 is closed when viewed from the outside. This prevents the easy ingress of contaminants or foreign objects into the interior of the transport container 11.

[0044] After the locking mechanism 24 is moved into the unlocking position 62, the locking section 37 of the tab 32 covers the opening 36. Thus, the opening 36 is closed to the outside in every end position of the locking mechanism 24.

Claims

[1] Closure for a loading hatch (19) in a side wall (16) of a transport container (11), wherein the loading hatch (19) closes a loading opening in the side wall (16) and is pivotably connected to the side wall (16), with a connecting section (34) on which two spaced-apart tabs (31, 32) are provided, characterized by , that one tab (32) extends from the connecting section (34) in and against a displacement direction (35) and includes a locking section (37) in one displacement direction (35), and the other tab (31) is designed as a shortened tab which extends from the connecting section (34) only in one displacement direction (35) and includes a locking section (37), wherein the two locking sections (37) of the tabs (31, 32) form a locking (39). [2] Closure according to claim 1, characterized by, that one tab (32), which extends in and against the direction of movement (35), has a closing section (38) opposite the locking section (37), through which the closure (24) in a locking position (61) covers the opening (36) in the loading hatch (19) or the side wall (16). [3] Closure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the tabs (31, 32) and the connecting section (34) are formed in one piece, or that the shortened tab (31) can be connected to the connecting section (34) which forms the other tab (32) in one piece, or that one tab (32) can be connected to the connecting section (34) which forms the shortened tab (31) in one piece. [4] Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connecting section (34) has at least one guide section (44), preferably two opposing guide sections (44), with a guide surface (45) through which the connecting section (34) is slidably guided in the opening (36). [5] Closure according to claim 4, characterized by , that the connecting section (34) has at least one twisting cam (41) which has a threading area (42) and a guide section (44), wherein the threading area (42) transitions into the guide section (44). [6] Closure according to claim 5, characterized by , that two rotation cams (41) are provided on the connecting section (34) which are oriented point-symmetrically to a rotation axis (43) of the connecting section (41) and preferably only allow one direction of rotation of the closure (24) for assembly in the opening (36). [7] Closure according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by, that the threading area (42) has a raised section (46) before the transition to the guide section (44) or in the transition between the threading area (42) and the guide section (44). [8] Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide section (44) of the connecting section (41) is limited in width by an inner side of the tabs (31, 32). [9] Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shortened tab (31) adjoins the connecting section (34) in the opposite direction to the locking section (37) and preferably does not extend beyond it, and has at least one corner region (48) projecting laterally from the connecting section (34) whose wall thickness is reduced, so that the distance between the inside of one tab (32) and the corner region (48) of the shortened tab (31) is increased. [10] Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a back-rotation safety device (51) is provided on an inside of the locking section (38) of the other tab (32). [11] Transport container, in particular a collapsible transport container, which has a loading hatch (19) in a side wall (16) for closing a loading opening, which is pivotably connected to the side wall (16), with at least one closure (24) which is arranged in an opening (36) in the side wall (16) or the loading hatch (19) and can be moved from a locking position (61) for closing the loading hatch (19) in the side wall (16) to an unlocking position (62) in order to open the loading hatch (19), characterized by, that the closure (24) is designed according to one of the embodiments described above in accordance with one of claims 1 to 10 and can be arranged in a use position (56) which includes at least the locking position (61) and the unlocking position (62). [12] Transport container according to claim 11, characterized by , that the closure (24) can be moved into the operating position (59) for fastening in the opening (36) by inserting one of the tabs (31, 32), in particular the shortened tab (31), into the opening (36) and subsequently rotating the closure (24) in the opening (36) into the operating position (59). [13] Transport container according to claim 12, characterized by , that the closure (24) can be moved into the operating position (59) by a subsequent rotation movement after the insertion of one tab (31) into the opening (36) and the positioning of the connecting section (34) in the opening (36). [14] Transport container according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the closure (24) is aligned in an intermediate position (57) after the insertion of one tab (31) into the opening (36) and the positioning of the connecting section (41) in the opening (36) with the locking section (39) offset by 90 degrees to the longitudinal extension of the opening (36). [15] Transport container according to claim 14, characterized by , that starting from the intermediate position (57) during a further rotational movement of the closure (24) around the connecting section (41) in the opening (36) at least one rotation cam (41) on the connecting section (34) engages with the respective edge area of ​​the opening (36). [16] Transport container according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized by, that the connecting section (24) has at least one twisting cam (41) which has a raised section (46) in a threading area (42) or in a transition between the threading area (42) and a guide section (44) of the twisting cam (41), and preferably two opposing twisting cams (41) are provided on the connecting section (34) and whose raised sections (46) are formed at a distance greater than a distance between two parallel edge sections of the opening (36). [17] Transport container according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized by , that the closure (24) is secured against removal from the opening (36) by a back-rotation safety device (51) on an inside of the closure section (38) of the other tab (32). [18] Transport container according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized by, that one tab (32) is aligned to an outside of the loading hatch (19) or side wall (16) and the other tab (31) is aligned to an inside of the loading hatch (19) or side wall (16).

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