STORAGE BOX AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING A CLOSING TAB

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage box with a base and a lid for closing the base and with at least one locking tab pivotable relative to the base and / or the lid for locking the base and lid in the closed state, wherein the locking tab is pivotally connected to the base or the lid about a pivot axis, wherein the locking tab has at least one first pivot axis locking element which is engaged with a second pivot axis locking element on the base or the lid, and wherein a locking mechanism is provided with a first locking element on the locking tab and a second locking element on the base or the lid. The invention also relates to a method for attaching a locking tab of a storage box according to the invention.

[0002] For the purposes of this invention, storage boxes are defined as boxes for storing objects, such as small parts like screws or nails, tools (e.g., power tools, calipers, tool sets), or boxes for storing documents, food, and the like. Typically, such storage boxes are also used for transporting objects. Known storage boxes have a base and a lid for closing the base. The base and lid are locked together in the closed position by means of a locking tab. Such locking tabs are generally manufactured as separate components and clipped onto the lid or the base so that they can pivot between an open and a closed position. With forceful actuation of the locking tab, it can detach from the base or the lid in the same way as it was originally mounted.When open, the closure flap can rattle during use, which does not give a high-quality impression.

[0003] International Patent Application WO 2006 / 065151 A1 discloses a storage box, according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a pot-shaped base and a lid. The lid has a total of three pivotable locking tabs which can engage with a circumferential rim on the base, featuring a recessed shoulder.

[0004] US Patent 4,331,257 discloses a storage box with a base and a lid, in which a pivotable locking tab is arranged on the base. In the closed position, this tab engages the lid and is thus secured to the base. To prevent accidental opening of the container, a pin extending through the locking tab and fitted with a cable tie may be provided. The cable tie prevents the locking tab from pivoting from the closed to the open position.

[0005] The invention aims to improve a storage box and a method for attaching a closure flap of a storage box.

[0006] According to the invention, a storage box with the features of claim 1 and a method for attaching a closure flap with the features of claim 11 are provided. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] In a storage box with a base and a lid for closing the base and with at least one locking tab pivotable relative to the base and / or the lid for locking the base and lid in the closed state, wherein the locking tab is pivotally connected to the base or the lid about a pivot axis, wherein the locking tab has at least one first pivot axis locking element which is engaged with a second pivot axis locking element on the base or the lid, wherein a locking mechanism with a first locking element on the locking tab and a second locking element on the base or the lid is provided, it is provided that stop means for limiting the opening angle of the locking tab relative to the base or the lid are provided, which have a first stop element on the locking tab and a second stop element on the base or the lid.wherein, in the closed state of the lower part and lid and with the locking mechanism engaged, viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the stop means and the locking mechanism are arranged on the same side of the pivot axis.

[0008] By arranging the stop elements and the locking mechanism on the same side of the pivot axis, it is no longer possible to forcefully open the locking flap and thereby detach the first pivot axis locking element from the second, thus preventing the locking tab from the base or lid. The lever arm between the stop elements and the locking mechanism no longer exerts force on the first and / or second pivot axis locking element. Unintentional release of the locking tab is therefore no longer possible. While excessive force could still tear the locking tab off, this would result in material damage.

[0009] Typically, two locking tabs are provided, arranged so that a first locking tab is operated with the left hand and a second locking tab with the right hand of an operator.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, the first stop element is arranged between the first pivot axis locking element and the first locking element on the locking tab.

[0011] In this way, the first stop element and the second stop element can be designed compactly, since the deflection of the locking tab in the area of ​​the stop means is smaller than in the area of ​​the latch.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the second pivot axis locking element and the second stop element are provided on the lid.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the second pivot axis locking element and the second stop element are provided on the lower part.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the first stop element and the second stop element are each designed in a hook-like manner.

[0015] In this way, the stop elements can limit the deflection of the locking tab away from the upper part or the lid. Using hook-like stop elements, the stop elements can also form stops in two directions, thus limiting not only outward deflection of the locking tab, but also inward movement of the locking tab towards the lower part or the lid.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, the stop means define a detent position in which the locking tab is held in the open or partially open state.

[0017] This locking mechanism allows the locking tab to be held securely in the open or partially open position without rattling. After opening, the locking tab can remain in the locking position. When the storage box is to be closed again, the lid can be moved towards its closed position on the base without the locking tab obstructing this movement.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the detent position is defined by means of a raised or recessed area on the first or second stop element.

[0019] A raised or recessed area creates a defined detent position, while allowing the device to be released from this position with minimal force. This improves ease of use. For example, the edges of the raised or recessed area can be rounded to facilitate easy engagement and release from the detent position.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, the locking flap, the lid and / or the lower part have at least one chamfer to pivot the locking flap into the open position when the lid is closed, if the locking flap is in a position folded against the lid or the lower part.

[0021] By incorporating at least one chamfered edge, the locking tab is automatically pressed into the open position when the lid is closed. This prevents the locking tab from becoming jammed between the partially opened lid and the base. As a result, the closing process of the storage box is always smooth and uninterrupted.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, a first ramp is arranged on a side of the first locking element facing away from the pivot axis.

[0023] In this way, the locking tab can be reliably pressed down and moved into the open or partially open position when closing the lid.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, a second ramp is arranged on one side of the second locking element facing the pivot axis.

[0025] This also ensures that the locking tab can be reliably pressed down and pivoted into the open or partially open position when the lid is closed.

[0026] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method for attaching a locking flap to a storage box according to the invention, comprising the steps of placing or hooking the first stop element onto or into the second stop element and subsequently locking the first pivot axis locking element and the second pivot axis locking element.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a section view of a storage box according to the invention in the closed and locked state, Fig. 2 a view of the locking flap of the storage box Fig. 1 From a rear oblique angle, Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the storage box. Fig. 1 , wherein the storage box is in the closed position and the locking flap is in the open position, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of the storage box of the Fig. 1 , wherein the storage box is in the closed state and the locking flap is in the closed position, Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of the storage box of the Fig. 1 , wherein the storage box is in a partially open state and the locking flap is completely separated from the storage box, Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of the storage box in a state which, when the locking flap is attached, corresponds to the state of the Fig. 5 The following is shown in Fig. 7, a schematic sectional view of the storage box in a state that corresponds to the state of the box when the locking flap is attached. Fig. 6 follows.

[0028] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows, in section, a storage box 10 according to the invention, comprising a base 12 and a lid 14. In the illustrated embodiment, both the base 12 and the lid 14 are trough-shaped and serve, for example, for the enclosed storage of an electric hand tool, such as a drill. Within the scope of the invention, for example, only the base can be trough-shaped and the lid plate-shaped, or the base can have a bottom and at least one side wall, and the lid can have a lid plate and also at least one side wall. In the illustrated state, the lid 14 closes the base 12. In the [illustration] Fig. 1 In the closed state shown, the lower part 12 and the lid 14 are held in place by a locking tab 16. According to the invention, the storage box 10 has at least one locking tab 16, but two or more locking tabs 16 can also be provided, for example.

[0029] The locking tab 16 is pivotally connected to the lid 14 by means of a pivot bearing 18. According to the invention, the pivot bearing could also be located between the locking tab and the lower part. The pivot bearing 18 is formed by a first pivot axis locking element 20 on the locking tab 16 and a second pivot axis locking element 22 on the lid 14. The second pivot axis locking element 22 has a pivot axis carrier 24 and a circular cylindrical pivot axis pin 26. The first pivot axis locking element 20 has two locking arms that define a segment-shaped gap between them and are engaged on the pivot axis pin 26. The segment-shaped gap is open towards the lid 14, allowing the locking arms to move laterally and thus engage with and disengage from the pivot axis pin 26.

[0030] Opposite the lower part 12, a first locking element 28 is arranged on the closure flap 16, which is engaged in a second locking element 30 on the lower part. The first locking element 28 and the second locking element 30 form a locking mechanism with which the closure flap is held in its position. Fig. 1 can be held in the closed position shown. When the latch is closed and the locking tab is in the Fig. 1 In the closed position shown, the lid 14 and the base 12 are held together and locked in this closed state of the storage box 10.

[0031] To release the locking mechanism, the locking tab 16 must be moved from the side in Fig. 1 The closed position shown can be swung outwards, in Fig. 1 to the upper left, whereby the locking tab 16 is pivoted about a pivot axis defined by the pivot axis pin 26, until the first locking element 28 on the locking tab 16 releases from the second locking element 30 on the lower part. For this to happen, a clamping lug on the first locking element 28 must be moved out from under a circular cylindrical clamping pin on the second locking element 30.

[0032] A pivoting movement, in other words an opening angle, of the locking flap about the pivot axis defined by the pivot axis pin 26 is limited by stop means 32, wherein a first stop element 34 of the stop means 32 is provided on the locking flap 16 and a second stop element 36 on the cover 14. Both the first stop element 34 and the second stop element 36 are hook-shaped, with the first stop element 34 and the second stop element 36 interlocking. At a certain opening angle of the locking flap 16, the stop means 32, i.e., the mutually engaging stop elements 34 and 36, block any further opening movement of the locking flap 16.

[0033] The stop means 32 for limiting the opening angle of the locking flap 16 are, viewed parallel to the pivot axis of the locking flap 16, arranged on the same side as the latch and between the pivot axis and the latch. This not only limits the opening movement of the locking flap 16, but also prevents forces from acting between the first pivot axis locking element 20 on the locking flap 16 and the second pivot axis locking element 22 on the cover 14, which could disengage the first pivot axis locking element 20 from the second pivot axis locking element 22. Even with a very large force, with which the Fig. 1 When the lower end of the locking tab 16 is pulled upwards and to the left, the stop elements 32 limit the opening angle of the locking tab 16 and prevent it from detaching from the lid 14. Only when the force with which the locking tab 16 is pulled upwards and to the left is so great that the stop elements 32 break or deform can the locking tab 16 be detached from the lid 14 when opened. Within the scope of the invention, this force is selected to be so great that it does not occur during normal operation or even during a forceful, jerky opening of the locking tab 16.

[0034] It is in Fig. 1 to recognize that if the stop means 32 were not present, the locking flap 16 could be opened until an inner side 40 of the upper edge of the locking flap 16 abuts the cover 14. A lever arm between side 40 and the first pivot axis detent element 20 on the locking flap 16 would then be sufficient to open the flap with very little actuating force. Fig. 1 The lower end of the locking tab 16 is intended to lever the first pivot axis locking element 20 off the pivot axis pin 26. This is prevented by the stop means 32.

[0035] Fig. 2 The closure flap 16 shows the Fig. 1 In a view from a rear oblique angle, two first pivot axis locking elements 20 are visible, arranged side by side at a distance from each other. Each element has two locking arms that are aligned with each other and can interact with two second pivot axis locking elements 22 on the cover 14. Within the scope of the invention, either only one first pivot axis locking element 20 or more than two first pivot axis locking elements 20 can be provided.

[0036] The locking tab 16 also features two first locking elements 28 arranged side by side at a distance from each other, which can interact with two second locking elements 30 on the lower part 12. According to the invention, either only one first locking element 28 or more than two first locking elements 28 can be provided.

[0037] Furthermore, three first stop elements 36 can be seen, which are arranged side by side at a distance and which, viewed particularly in the direction of a pivot axis, are offset from the first pivot axis locking elements 20 and the first locking elements 28. As explained, the first stop elements 36 are each hook-shaped and have a Fig. 2 The upper right side features a raised, ridge-like projection 42. This raised, ridge-like projection defines a detent position for the locking tab 16, which will be explained later.

[0038] One underside of the middle first stop element 34 is equipped with several, in Fig. 2 Four support strips 44 are provided. The support strips 44 stabilize the central first stop element 34. The underside of each of the first two locking elements 28 is also provided with support strips 50. These support strips 50 stabilize the first locking elements 28 and can also act as chamfers to bring the locking tab 16 into the open position when the lid is closed, as will be explained later.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of storage box 10 of the Fig. 1 , wherein the locking tab 16 is in the open position, but the lid 14 rests on the lower part 12 in the closed position. In this open position of the locking tab 16, the hook-shaped first stop elements 34 on the locking tab 16 engage with the hook-shaped stop elements 36 on the lid 14. Starting from the open position of the Fig. 3 This prevents it from pivoting further away from the lid 14. At the same time, the ridge-like elevation 42 on the first stop elements 34 ensures that the locking tab 16 remains in the open position and cannot pivot towards the lid 14. This keeps the locking tab 16 in the open position and prevents it from rattling.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows another schematic sectional view of storage box 10 of the Fig. 1 , wherein the locking tab 16 is in the closed position, accordingly Fig. 1 The snap lock is engaged by the first snap lock elements 28 on the locking tab 16 engaging the second snap lock elements 30 on the lower part 12. This securely holds the lid 14 to the lower part 12 in the closed position. The storage box 10 is thus closed and locked in the closed position.

[0041] The effect of the chamfers or movement chamfers on the underside of the first locking elements 28 is determined by the Fig. 4 The underside of the first locking elements 28 is explained. See below. Fig. 4 and Fig. 2 , formed by two support strips 50 each, which run obliquely towards the plate-shaped base body of the locking flap 16 and can thus form chamfers. If the locking flap 16 is in the closed position and consequently folded against the lid, but the lid 14 is folded upwards and thus open, then when the lid is closed, the chamfer of the support strip 50 on the underside of the first locking element 28 abuts the upper side of the second locking element 30 on the lower part 12. The chamfer then causes the locking flap 16 to be pushed to the left, i.e., from the closed, folded position into the open position, as the lid 14 is moved further towards the lower part 12. When the lid 14 then rests on the lower part 12, the locking flap 16 automatically assumes the open position of the Fig. 3 one and can then, by pivoting towards the lower part 12 and the lid 14, into the closed position of the Fig. 4 be brought in such a way that the lid 14 and the base 12 are locked together.

[0042] The Fig. 5 bis 7 show several successive steps of a procedure for attaching the locking tab 16 to the storage box 10.

[0043] In the state of Fig. 5 The locking tab 16 is completely separated from the lid 14 and the base 12. The lid 14 is slightly open relative to the base 12.

[0044] In the state of Fig. 6 The first stop elements 34 on the locking tab 16 have been hooked into the second stop elements 36 on the lid 14. The respective hooks of the first stop elements 34 and the second stop elements 36 are in contact with each other. There is no further connection between the locking tab 16 and the lid 14 or the base 12.

[0045] In the state of Fig. 7 Is the closure flap 16 starting from the state of the Fig. 6 The first stop elements 34 and the second stop elements 36 are pivoted towards the lid 14, with the first stop elements 34 and the second stop elements 36 remaining engaged. This pivoting movement continues until the first pivot axis locking elements 20 on the locking tab 16 engage with the second pivot axis locking elements 22 on the lid 14. In the illustrated embodiment, this occurs when the two locking arms of the first pivot axis locking element 20 snap onto the pivot axis pin 26. The locking tab 16 is now pivotably held on the lid 14, with the stop elements 34 and 36 limiting the opening angle of the locking tab 16 relative to the lid 14.

Claims

1. Storage box (10) with a lower part (12) and a lid (14) for closing the lower part (12), and with at least one locking tab (16) which is pivotable relative to the lower part (12) and / or to the lid (14) for locking the lower part (12) and lid (14) when in the closed state, wherein the locking tab (16) is articulated on the lower part (12) or on the lid (14) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the locking tab (16) has at least one first pivot axis latching element (20), which is latched with a second pivot axis latching element (22) on the lower part (12) or on the lid (14), wherein a latching closure is provided with a first latching closure element (28) on the locking tab (16) and a second latching closure element (30) on the lower part (12) or on the lid (14), characterized in that detent means (32) for limiting the opening angle of the locking tab (16) to a maximum opening angle relative to the lower part (12) or relative to the lid (14) are provided, which detent means have a first detent element (34) on the locking tab (16) and a second detent element (36) on the lower part (12) or on the lid (14), wherein the locking tab (16) at the maximum opening angle is located in the opened position, wherein in the closed state of the lower part (12) and the lid (14) and with a latched latching closure, when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the detent means (32) and the latching closure are disposed on the same side of the pivot axis.

2. Storage box according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first detent element (34) is disposed between the first pivot axis latching element (20) and the first latching closure element (28) on the locking tab (16).

3. Storage box according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second pivot axis latching element (22) and the second detent element (36) are provided on the lid.

4. Storage box according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second pivot axis latching element and the second detent element are provided on the lower part.

5. Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first detent element (34) and the second detent element (36) are in each case designed in the manner of a hook.

6. Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detent means (32) define a latching position in which the locking tab (16) is held in the opened or a partially opened position.

7. Storage box according to Claim 6, characterized in that the latching position is defined by means of an elevation (42) or depression on the first or the second detent element (34, 36).

8. Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking tab (16), the lid (14) and / or the lower part (12) have at least one ramp so as to, when closing the lid (14), pivot the locking tab (16) to the opened position when the locking tab (16) is located in a position folded toward the lid (14) or the lower part (12).

9. Storage box according to Claim 8, characterized in that a first ramp is disposed on a side of the first latching closure element (28) that faces away from the pivot axis.

10. Storage box according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a second ramp is disposed on a side of the second latching closure element (30) that faces the pivot axis.

11. Method for fastening a locking tab (16) to a storage box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by placing or hooking the first detent element (34) onto or into the second detent element (36), and subsequently latching the first pivot axis latching element (20) and the second pivot axis latching element (22).