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

Abstract

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 in that one tab (32) extends from the connecting section (34) in and against a displacement direction (35) and comprises 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 comprises 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] DE 20 2005 009 037 U1 discloses a closure for a loading hatch in a side wall of a transport container. 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 a side edge of the side wall for opening and closing. At least two spaced-apart closures are provided in the loading hatch. These closures have two spaced-apart tabs that form a lock that, when the closure is in the locked position relative to the loading hatch, engages around an inner and an outer wall section of the side wall. This closure has a fastening section on each tab to connect the tabs to form a closure.

[0003] DE 10 2011 014 320 A1 discloses a container with a loading opening that can be closed by a flap. A locking mechanism can hold the flap in a closed position relative to the side wall. The locking mechanism comprises a locking section with two latches. In the open position of the locking mechanism, one of the two latches protrudes beyond the edge of the flap, so that when the loading hatch is closed, the projecting portion of the latch rests against an outer side of the side wall, subsequently closing the latch by a sliding movement. The locking mechanism is designed in two parts, with the two latches being connectable to one another by a latching mechanism.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of proposing a closure for a loading hatch in a side wall of a transport container and a transport container, whereby a cost reduction is made possible.

[0005] This object is achieved by a closure for a loading hatch in a side wall of a transport container, in which two tabs are provided on a connecting section, wherein one tab extends from the connecting section in and against a displacement direction of the closure and the other tab is designed as a shortened tab which extends from the connecting section only in one displacement direction, and wherein the opposing tab sections form a lock. This closure has the advantage that it can be easily inserted into an opening in the loading hatch or in the side wall. The quick assembly can reduce costs. In addition, the manufacture of such a closure can be simplified.The locking mechanism, formed by the shortened tab and the opposing tab, allows the loading hatch to be held in the loading opening of the side wall when the lock is in the locked position, thus closing it. The loading hatch can be opened by simply sliding the lock in the opening opposite to the locked position.

[0006] Preferably, one tab, which extends in and opposite the displacement direction, has a closure section opposite the locking section, which, when the closure is arranged in a locking position, covers the opening in the loading hatch or the side wall. This prevents the interior of the transport container from being freely accessible from the outside, i.e., 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 part made of plastic. This enables cost-effective production. In addition, simple handling and simple positioning of the closure in the opening of the loading hatch or side wall are ensured. Alternatively, it can be provided that the shortened tab can be connected to the connecting section, preferably by a plug-in and / or snap-in connection, with the other tab being formed as a single piece on the connecting section. Furthermore, it can alternatively be provided that the other tab can be connected to the binding section, with the shortened tab being formed as a single piece with the connecting section.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the connecting section has two opposing guide sections, each with a guide surface, through which the connecting section is displaceably guided in the opening in the loading hatch or side wall. This guide surface of the guide section can simultaneously form a rotation lock for the closure in the opening, so that this closure can only be displaced in and against the direction of displacement.

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

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

[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the rotation link, the threading area has a raised portion before the transition into the guide section or in the transition to the guide section. After positioning the closure in an intermediate position and subsequently rotating the closure to transfer it into a use position, increased force is required to rotate the connecting section from the intermediate position into the use position. This prevents the closure from being accidentally turned back. Thus, the closure is held in a self-retaining manner in the use position, allowing it to be displaced toward the opening, in which only a sliding movement within the opening is possible.

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

[0013] Preferably, the shortened tab has at least one corner region adjacent to the connecting portion and protruding therefrom, wherein at least one of the corner regions is reduced in thickness, so that a distance between the inner side of one tab and the corner region of the shortened tab is increased. This enables simplified threading of the twisting link into the edge of the opening when transferring the closure from the intermediate position to the use position.

[0014] Advantageously, a reverse rotation lock is provided on an inner side of the closure section of one tab, so that turning the closure back from the use position to release it from the opening is difficult or even impossible.

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

[0016] Preferably, to install the closure in the opening, the tab of the locking portion, in particular the shortened tab of the locking portion, is first inserted into the opening, and then the closure can be moved into the use position by a rotating movement. This ensures quick, simple, and secure installation. The shortened tab simplifies the easy threading of the closure into the opening.

[0017] After inserting the tab, in particular the shortened tab, into the opening, the closure can be arranged in an intermediate position in the opening in which the connecting section is positioned in the opening, wherein the longitudinal axis of the closure is preferably rotated by 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening. Preferably, the width of the opening in the loading hatch or side wall is narrower than the width of the tabs. Starting from the intermediate position, the closure can preferably be transferred into the use position by a single rotational movement, in particular by 90 degrees.

[0018] The preferred configuration of at least one rotational guide on the connecting section allows for the rotational movement to be carried out in a simple manner. This rotational guide preferably has a threading region and an adjoining guide section, which merge into one another. The threading region preferably has a curved or arcuate profile that merges into the guide section with a linear guide surface. This enables the edge regions of the opening to be easily positioned in the guide sections of the closure by rotating the closure from the intermediate position into the use position.

[0019] Preferably, two opposing rotation guides are arranged on the connecting section, which are preferably aligned point-symmetrically 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, an elevation is provided before a transition of the threading area into the guide section, or in the transition between the threading area and the guide section.

[0021] As a result, the distance, particularly in the area of ​​the two raised portions of the opposing rotation guides, is greater than the width of the opening in the loading hatch or side wall. This allows for a self-retaining alignment of the guide section in the opening of the loading hatch or side wall after applying increased force during the rotational movement of the lock or when rotating the lock from the intermediate position to the operating position.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the closure, it can be provided with a reverse rotation lock on an inner side of the closure portion of the tab. This can make it difficult or impossible for the closure to release itself from the opening in the loading hatch or side wall after the closure has been moved into the use 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 shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a transport container, Fig. 2 a schematic view from the front of a closure of the transport container according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic view from above 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 closure according to Fig. 2, Fig. 6 a schematic view of the back of the closure according to Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a schematic view of an intermediate position of the closure when mounted in an opening, Fig. 8 a schematic view of another working position of the closure during assembly into the opening, Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the closure in a use position in the opening, Fig. 10 a schematic sectional view along the line IX-IX in Fig. 9.

[0024] In Fig. 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 a 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 provided 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 is adjacent to an upper side 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 Fig. 1 into an unloading position 23 shown in dashed lines. The loading hatch 19 is held in the closed position 22, for example, by two locks 24. By sliding the locks 24 according to the arrows shown, the respective lock 24 can be moved into an unlocked position, so that the loading hatch 19 can subsequently be moved from the closed position 22 into the unloading position 23. Retaining elements 29 are provided on the side wall 16, by means of which the loading hatch 19 can be held fixed in the unloading position 23.

[0026] In the Fig. 2 to 6 show different views of the closure 24 which is used in the transport container 11 according to Fig. 1, in particular with a side wall 16 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 arranged in an opening 36 ( Fig. 7). The opening 36 can be provided in the loading hatch 19 or adjacent thereto 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 opposite to the displacement direction 35, so that this tab 32 comprises a locking section 37 and a closure section 38. The other tab 31 extends from the connecting section 34 only in the one displacement direction 35, so that this tab 31 has only one locking section 37. The two locking sections 37 of the tabs 31, 32 form a lock 39 to fix the loading hatch 19 in a closed position 22 relative to the side wall 16.

[0029] The tab 31 is thus designed as a shortened tab compared to the tab 32. The tab 31 preferably 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, 32 can be designed identically. 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 side 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 aligned toward the outside of the side wall 16 in the opening 36.

[0031] The tab 31 and the tab 32 are fixedly spaced apart by the connecting section 34. This allows an edge portion of the opening 36 in the loading hatch 19 or in the side wall 16 to be positioned between the two tabs 31, 32, so that the closure 24 is guided displaceably in the displacement direction 35. The spacing of the tabs 31, 32 is adapted to the thickness of the edge portion of the opening 36.

[0032] The connecting portion 34 has the function of guiding the closure 24 slidably in the opening 36. The connecting portion 34 also has the function of allowing the closure 24 to be easily mounted in the opening 36. For this function, the connecting portion 34 is preferably designed as described below.

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

[0034] The shortened tab 31 has a corner region 48 of reduced thickness on a frontal region of the connecting section 34. In particular, the corner region 48 is provided with a recess on the inside of the shortened tab 31. This facilitates threading into the opening 36, particularly during a rotational movement of the connecting section 34 inserted into the opening 36.

[0035] The tab 32 has a reverse rotation lock 51 on an inner side of the closure portion 38. This reverse rotation lock 51 is preferably wedge-shaped and, starting from a central region or longitudinal center axis of the tab 32, has an increasing elevation toward the edge region or longitudinal side of the tab 32.

[0036] The one in the Fig. The closure 24 shown in Figures 2 to 6 is preferably made of plastic. In particular, this closure 24 is manufactured as a single-piece injection-molded part. The connecting section 34 is designed such that, viewed from the front side of the tab 32, it has a recess, to the bottom of which the shortened tab 31 is attached. Alternatively, it can also be provided that an interface is provided in the region of the connecting section 34, so that the closure is designed 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 latched 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 accommodate a retaining element 29, so that after the loading hatch 19 is opened, the loading hatch can be held fixed to the side wall with the complementary retaining element 29. Such a retaining element 29 can be designed as a magnet or as a fleece or hook-and-loop fastener.

[0038] Further recesses 53 are shown as examples in the shortened tab 31. These can serve to stiffen the sections on the tab 31 in the area of ​​the guide section 44.

[0039] In the Fig. 7 to 9 show exemplary steps for inserting the closure 24 into the opening 36, which can be in the loading 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 to a front side of the opening 36 and the tab 31 to a rear side of the opening 36, so that the closure 24 can then be pushed into the opening 36 according to arrow 55. The wall section of the loading hatch 19 is positioned between the tabs 31, 32. The closure 24 is displaced in the direction of arrow 55 until the connecting section 34 fully engages in the opening 36 or is positioned therein. This arrangement is an intermediate position 56, which in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0040] After threading the closure 24 into the opening 36 and transferring it to the intermediate position 57, the closure 24 is rotated in a subsequent step according to arrow 56, as shown in Fig. 8. This rotational movement of the closure 24 occurs in only one direction of rotation, so that the rotational link 41 engages with the edge of the opening 36. At the same time, the corner region 48 of the tab 31 is threaded in. This rotational movement is smooth in an initial phase until the closure 24 reaches a transition position 58 in which the raised portions 46 rest against the respective edge of the opening 36.

[0041] After applying an increased force in the same direction of rotation according to arrow 56, the edge sections of the opening 36 can be widened at least slightly, so that the rotational movement of the closure 24 is guided over the elevation 46. Subsequently, a preferably automatic transfer of the closure 24 into a use position 59 can be carried out, as shown in Fig. 9. The closure 24 is displaceable by the guide surfaces 45 of the respective guide sections 44 within the opening 36 along the arrow 35.

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

[0043] In Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view along the line IX-IX according to Fig. 9. The closure 24 is arranged in the locking position 61. The locking sections 37 of the tabs 31, 32 engage around an edge region of the side wall 16, whereby the loading hatch 19 is held closed to the side wall 16. This illustration also shows that in the locking 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 contaminants or foreign bodies from easily penetrating the interior of the transport container 11.

[0044] After the closure 24 has been moved into the unlocking position 62, the locking portion 37 of the tab 32 covers the opening 36. Thus, the opening 36 is closed to the outside in every end position of the closure 24. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2005 009 037 U1

[0002] DE 10 2011 014 320 A1

[0003]

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 pivotally 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 comprises a locking section (37) in the one displacement direction (35), and the other tab (31) is designed as a shortened tab, which extends from the connecting section (34) only in the one displacement direction (35) and comprises a locking section (37), wherein the two locking sections (37) of the tabs (31, 32) form a lock (39). [2] Closure according to claim 1, characterized bythat the one tab (32), which extends in and against the displacement direction (35), has a closure section (38) opposite the locking section (37), by means of which the closure (24) covers the opening (36) in the loading hatch (19) or the side wall (16) in a locking position (61). [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 integrally comprises the other tab (32), or that one tab (32) can be connected to the connecting section (34) which is formed in one piece with the shortened tab (31). [4] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connecting section (34) has at least one guide section (44), preferably two opposing guide sections (44), with a guide surface (45) by means of which the connecting section (34) is displaceably guided in the opening (36). [5] Closure according to claim 4, characterized by that the connecting section (34) has at least one twisting link (41) which has a threading area (42) and the one guide section (44), wherein the threading area (42) merges into the guide section (44). [6] Closure according to claim 5, characterized by that two rotational guides (41) are provided on the connecting section (34), which are aligned point-symmetrically to a rotational axis (43) of the connecting section (41) and preferably only release 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 bythat the threading area (42) has a raised portion (46) before the transition into the guide section (44) or in the transition between the threading area (42) and the guide section (44). [8] Closure according to 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 one of the preceding claims, characterized by in 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 opposite the connecting section (34), the wall thickness of which is reduced, so that a distance between the inside of one tab (32) and the corner region (48) of the shortened tab (31) is increased. [10] Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a reverse rotation lock (51) is provided on an inner side of the closure 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 pivotally 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 transferred from a locking position (61) for closing the loading hatch (19) in the side wall (16) into an unlocking position (62) in order to open the loading hatch (19), characterized bythat the closure (24) is designed according to one of the above-described embodiments according to one of claims 1 to 10 and can be arranged in a use position (56) which comprises at least the locking position (61) and the unlocking position (62). [12] Transport container according to claim 11, characterized by that the closure (24) for fastening in the opening (36) in the use position (59) can be transferred by inserting one tab (31, 32), in particular the shortened tab (31), into the opening (36) and a subsequent rotational movement of the closure (24) in the opening (36) into the use position (59). [13] Transport container according to claim 12, characterized by that the closure (24) can be transferred into the use position (59) by a subsequent rotational 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 extent of the opening (36). [15] Transport container according to claim 14, characterized by that, starting from the intermediate position (57), upon a further rotational movement of the closure (24) about the connecting section (41) in the opening (36), the at least one rotational link (41) on the connecting section (34) comes into engagement with the respective edge region of the opening (36). [16] Transport container according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized byin that the connecting section (24) has at least one twisting link (41) which has a raised portion (46) in a threading region (42) or in a transition between the threading region (42) and a guide section (44) of the twisting link (41), and preferably two mutually opposite twisting links (41) are provided on the connecting section (34) and the raised portions (46) of which are spaced apart at a distance greater than a distance between two parallel edge sections of the opening (36). [17] Transport container according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized by that the closure (24) is secured against loosening from the opening (36) by a reverse rotation lock (51) on an inner side of the closure section (38) of the other tab (32). [18] Transport container according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized bythat 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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