Folding container

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a collapsible container (2) with a base plate (4) and side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4), which are pivotable between a folded transport position and an erect operating position, wherein the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height bottom edge (14) and the side walls (6, 8) are located completely inside and completely below the bottom edge (14) in the folded transport position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The disclosure relates to a collapsible container with a base plate and side walls pivotally attached to the base plate, which can be pivoted between a folded transport position and an upright usable position. Background of the Revelation

[0002] Collapsible containers / boxes / crates for transporting goods or merchandise are known in the prior art. These boxes conventionally have a base and several foldable or collapsible side walls, which can be pivoted between the unfolded usable position and the folded transport position.

[0003] In their operating position, these collapsible containers can be used to transport goods, such as fruits or vegetables, from a producer to a customer. For convenient loading and thorough cleaning, it is advantageous to keep the side walls in the open operating position. Locking mechanisms for the side walls are known from the prior art. For example, EP 2 431 287 A1 describes a collapsible container with a locking mechanism that engages two side walls and can be released using a release lever. The release lever is mounted on the collapsible container in such a way that it can move vertically and releases the lock when a user moves the release lever over an upper edge of the container.

[0004] For reuse, the collapsible containers must be transported back to the producer after unloading at the customer's location. It is crucial that the containers, when folded for transport, occupy the smallest possible volume, as this allows for the transport of as many containers as possible in a single return shipment.

[0005] Since collapsible containers are typically used multiple times, they must also possess sufficient stability. To prevent the side walls from buckling in the unfolded position, for example when stacking several filled collapsible containers, stiffening of the side walls is known. For example, WO 2010 / 119 068 A1 shows a collapsible box with collapsible side walls, in which the side walls have spherical, convex wall sections and webs and ribs extending between these wall sections.

[0006] While such reinforcements do improve stability in the unfolded working position, the problem remains that the folded containers can be damaged in the folded transport position due to their minimized volume and the resulting low torsional rigidity. Summary of Revelation

[0007] Based on this prior art, the present disclosure aims to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide an improved folding container which ensures the smallest possible or minimized volume in the folded transport position while providing sufficient stability in all positions.

[0008] The tasks and objectives with regard to a collapsible container of the generic type are solved, as disclosed, by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0009] The collapsible container is configured according to the disclosure such that the base plate has a closed, fully circumferential and preferably constant height bottom edge, and the side walls are completely inside and completely below the bottom edge in the folded transport position.

[0010] That is, as disclosed, the base plate of the collapsible container has a base rim that extends around its entire circumference. This base rim is closed, meaning it has no openings or perforations. Furthermore, the base rim has a constant height around its entire circumference, so that there are no depressions or undercuts, nor any raised areas or projections. In other words, an upper edge of the base rim, facing away from the base plate, is essentially equidistant from a lower edge. A base rim designed in this way, extending perpendicular to the base surface and completely circumferential, contributes to an increase in the torsional rigidity of the base and the collapsible container as a whole, both in the open and folded transport positions. A completely circumferential rim, i.e.,An edge without interruption and without abrupt differences or jumps in height ensures that the ground resists torsional stress and does not buckle at any point.

[0011] The height of the base edge is, as disclosed, chosen such that the side walls do not protrude beyond the base plate or the base edge when the container is folded for transport. This means that the dimensions of the collapsible container in the folded transport position are defined solely by the base plate and the base edge.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained below.

[0013] According to the disclosure, preferably a first pivot axis, about which the at least one first side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, and a second pivot axis, about which the at least one second side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, can be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the collapsible container. That is, the pivot axes about which the first and second side walls can be pivoted are formed at different levels in the vertical direction of the collapsible container, so that the first and second side walls can be folded flat on top of each other, and thus the collapsible container can be made particularly flat in the folded transport position. In other words, the volume of the collapsible container can be further reduced in the folded transport position. It can be particularly advantageous if the first pivot axis is arranged below the second pivot axis in the vertical direction of the collapsible container.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, at least one first side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the base plate, and at least one second side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the edge of the base plate. It can be particularly advantageous if at least one first hinge for pivoting the at least one first side wall is arranged directly on the base plate, and at least one second hinge for pivoting the at least one second side wall is arranged directly at the edge of the base plate. That is, the first side wall can preferably be hinged to the base plate via the first hinge, whereas the second side wall can be hinged to the edge of the base plate via the second hinge.

[0015] According to the disclosure, at least one first side wall and at least one second side wall can be aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, two first side walls and two second side walls can be arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably rectangular, base plate.

[0017] According to an additional aspect, which may be separately protected, the folding container as disclosed may have a base plate and side walls pivotally hinged to the base plate, which are pivotable between a folded transport position and an upright operating position, wherein the folding container is configured such that at least one side wall in corner areas where two side walls meet in the upright operating position has a reinforcement matrix / stiffening matrix / reinforcement pattern with alternating positive reinforcement projections and negative reinforcement recesses in a vertical and a longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall.

[0018] It may be advantageous if the reinforcement matrix extends along the entire, or at least one, side wall in the vertical direction of the side wall.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to have at least two positive reinforcing projections and / or at least two negative reinforcing recesses arranged along the longitudinal direction of at least one side wall, or to have at least one vertical row of alternating positive reinforcing projections and negative reinforcing recesses, and at least one vertical row of offset, alternating positive reinforcing projections and negative reinforcing recesses. The reinforcing matrix leads to improved stability of the collapsible container without the addition of extra material. In other words, the side walls can be stabilized by providing the reinforcing matrix, allowing them to be made with a thinner wall, which in turn reduces the weight of the collapsible container.

[0020] According to an additional aspect, which may be separately protected, the collapsible container as disclosed may have a base plate and side walls pivotally hinged to the base plate, which can be pivoted between a folded transport position and an upright operating position, wherein at least one side wall has at least one arc-shaped positive or negative reinforcing profile, in particular two adjacent positive and negative reinforcing profiles.

[0021] Preferably, the arc-shaped reinforcing profile can extend in a longitudinal direction along the entire length of at least one side wall.

[0022] Furthermore, the arched reinforcing profile can be bent upwards from the base plate in the manner of a vault strut. The apex of the arch can be located in a central section of the side wall, i.e., at the center of the side wall. Particularly preferably, the apex of the arch can also be arranged in the vertical direction of the hinged container directly above the handle opening or recess.

[0023] To further increase the stiffness of at least one side wall, the at least one side wall can have opposing, arc-segment-shaped positive or negative reinforcing geometries, in particular reinforcing ribs or grooves. These can be formed in such a way that they are curved downwards from an upper edge of the side wall. Furthermore, the apex of the arc can advantageously be located in the center of the side wall, in particular directly below the handle opening or recess.

[0024] According to an advantageous aspect, which may be separately protected, the collapsible container according to the disclosure can have a base plate and side walls pivotally attached to the base plate, which are pivotable between a folded transport position and an erect working position, wherein the collapsible container is configured such that the first and second side walls can be detachably locked together in the working position. The collapsible container according to the disclosure can have a locking mechanism with two spatially separate and differently acting functional sections to release the locking of the first and second side walls, on the one hand by striking the first or second side walls, and on the other hand by manually unlocking the locking mechanism. Typically, the container is manually folded by a user, and the locking mechanism is also manually unlocked.However, the container must also be able to be folded automatically, for example in a car wash. Therefore, the container must also be foldable without manual operation. By providing two geographically separate and differently functioning functional sections, these can be configured independently for manual or automated unlocking, depending on the specific requirements.

[0025] It can be advantageous if the locking mechanism includes a locking element, particularly one made of a single piece of material, arranged on one side wall, which blocks the folding movement of the other side wall from the operating position to the transport position. Alternatively, the locking element can also be a separate component received in a receiving opening in one side wall.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element can be elastically mounted or designed to allow movement in two mutually perpendicular directions, in particular in a first direction of movement perpendicular to one side wall and in a second direction of movement perpendicular to the other side wall, thus releasing the locking of the side walls in both the first and the second direction of movement.

[0027] Preferably, the locking element can comprise a main body section, a locking section, a first spring section, and a second spring section, wherein the first spring section elastically preloads the main body section and the locking section together against the first side wall, and the second spring section elastically preloads the main body section and the locking section relative to each other. It may be advantageous if the second spring section is a curved or U-shaped end section of the locking element adjoining the main body section, which, in the operating position, rests against the inside of the other side wall and yields inwards when a predetermined (impact) force directed from the outside onto the other side wall is exceeded.Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the first spring section to preload the main body section and the locking section outwards and to yield by pressing the main body section from the outside inwards. Brief description of the characters

[0028] The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a collapsible container according to a preferred embodiment in an unfolded usable position; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in a folded transport position; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a base plate of the collapsible container according to the preferred embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the folded transport position; Fig. 5 a perspective detail view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the unfolded usable position; Fig. 6 a first, lateral top view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the unfolded usable position; Fig. 7 a second, lateral top view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the unfolded usable position; Fig. 8 a perspective detail view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the unfolded usable position; Fig. 9 a schematic partial sectional view of the collapsible container according to the preferred embodiment; and Fig. 10 a detailed view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the unfolded usable position;

[0029] The figures are schematic and serve only to aid in understanding the revelation. Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0030] Figur 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a collapsible container 2 according to a preferred embodiment. The collapsible container 2 is preferably made of plastic, particularly by injection molding. The collapsible container 2 has a rectangular base plate 4, to the edges of which first (short) side walls or end walls 6 and second (long) side walls or longitudinal walls 8 are pivotally hinged. The first side walls 6 are arranged at the short edges of the base plate 4, whereas the second side walls 8 are attached to the long edges of the base plate 4.

[0031] As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally hinged to the base plate 4, allowing them to pivot between a folded-in transport position and an unfolded (vertical) operating position. In the folded-in transport position, the side walls 6 and 8 lie on top of each other on the base plate 4. That is, the side walls 6 and 8 are arranged parallel to the base plate 4. In the unfolded operating position, the side walls 6 and 8 are aligned perpendicular to the base plate 4 and, together with the base plate 4, define an interior space 10 that can be filled or loaded with goods to be transported.

[0032] To enable the folding container 2 to be carried / grasped in the unfolded operating position, handle openings 12 are formed centrally on the first side walls 6 and on the second side walls 8. In the folding container 2 according to the preferred embodiment, a handle opening 12 is formed on each of the four side walls 6, 8.

[0033] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the collapsible container 2 according to the preferred embodiment in the folded transport position. It can be seen that in the folded transport position, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are completely enclosed within and, in one vertical direction, completely below a bottom edge 14 of the base plate 4, with the second side walls 8 being folded over the first side walls 6.

[0034] For this purpose, base plate 4, as shown in Fig. 3 The closed, fully circumferential, and constant-height base rim 14 is shown. That is, the base plate 4 has the base rim 14, which extends in the form of a strip without openings along the four edges of the base plate 4. Furthermore, the base rim 14 has a constant extent in the vertical direction of the hinged container 2, such that an upper end edge 16 of the base rim 14 is at substantially the same distance from a lower end edge 18 of the base rim 14 at every point on the base plate 4.

[0035] As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally mounted on the base plate 4 and the base edge 14, respectively. For this purpose, at least one first hinge 20 is arranged or formed directly on the base plate 4 for pivoting the first side wall 6. According to the preferred embodiment, four first hinges 20 are formed directly on the base plate 4 for each of the two first side walls 6. The first hinges 20 define a first pivot axis 22 about which the first side wall 6 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

[0036] Since the first side walls 6 are hinged to the base plate 4 via the first hinge 20, the base edge 14 on the short sides is not intended to accommodate the hinges 20, but to increase the torsional stiffness of the base plate 4.

[0037] Furthermore, at least one second hinge 24 is provided for the pivotable connection of at least one second side wall 8. As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, at least one second hinge 24 is arranged or formed directly at the bottom edge 14. In the preferred embodiment of the folding container 2, four second hinges 24 are provided for each of the two second side walls 8. The second hinges 24 define a second pivot axis 25 about which the second side wall 8 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

[0038] The base edge 14 on the long sides has two functions. It serves both to accommodate the hinges 24 and to increase the torsional rigidity of the base plate 4.

[0039] As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the first pivot axis 22 and the second pivot axis 25 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the folding container 2. In particular, the first pivot axis 22 is located below the second pivot axis 25. That is, the first pivot axis 22 is located closer to the base plate 4 than the second pivot axis 25.

[0040] The hinges of the first side walls 6 by means of the first hinges 20 directly on the base plate 4 and the hinges of the second side walls 8 by means of the second hinges 24 directly on the base edge 14 allow the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 to be folded in the transport position, as shown in Fig. 4 The first hinges 20 are shown schematically completely within and, in the vertical direction, entirely below the base edge 14 of the folding container 2. By placing the first hinges 20 directly on the base plate 4, the first pivot axis 22 can be positioned lower than if it were located within the base edge 14. If the first pivot axis 20 can be positioned lower, the second pivot axis 25 can also be positioned lower, relatively speaking. Thus, the height of the base plate 4, including the base edge 14, can be reduced.

[0041] This allows the height of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position to be determined by the height of the base edge 14. In other words, the hinged connection of the side walls 6, 8 via the hinges 20, 24 as disclosed enables a reduction in the height of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position.

[0042] Due to its closed and circumferential geometry, the bottom edge 14 also ensures sufficient torsional rigidity of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position.

[0043] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a corner region of the collapsible container 2 according to the preferred embodiment. It can be seen that the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 8 each have a stiffening matrix 26 in corner / edge regions where they abut each other in the upright operating position. The stiffening matrix 26 is formed from reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30. The reinforcing projections 28 project outwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a positive profile, whereas the reinforcing recesses 30 recede inwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a negative profile, i.e., into the interior of the container 10.

[0044] As in Fig. 5 As can be seen, the reinforcing projections 28 and the reinforcing recesses 30 are arranged alternately both in the vertical direction of the folding container 2 and in the corresponding longitudinal and lateral directions of the side walls 6, 8. That is, in both the vertical and longitudinal directions, each reinforcing projection 28 is followed by a reinforcing recess 30, and so on. The reinforcing matrix 26 is therefore designed in the form of a checkerboard pattern.

[0045] According to the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement matrix 26 extends in the vertical direction of the collapsible container 2 over the entire side walls 6, 8. In the longitudinal direction, two reinforcement recesses 30 and one reinforcement projection 28 are formed on each side wall 6, 8.

[0046] In other words, the reinforcement matrix 26 is formed from the reinforcement projections 28 and the reinforcement recesses 30, which are arranged alternately in rows (horizontal rows) and columns (vertical rows). That is, next to a reinforcement projection 28 (in the vertical and horizontal directions) a reinforcement recess 30 is provided, and vice versa. In the longitudinal direction, three columns of the reinforcement matrix 26 are formed on each of the side walls 6, 8, whereas the reinforcement matrix 26 extends over the entire height of the hinged container 2.

[0047] In the Fig. 6 is a side view of the collapsible container 2 according to the preferred embodiment, in particular of one of the second side walls 8, whereas Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a side view of one of the first side walls 6. As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment of the collapsible container 2, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 each have a handle opening 12. In addition, the reinforcement matrix 26 is formed in the corner regions of the collapsible container 2 on both the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8.

[0048] To increase the stability of the side walls 6, 8, particularly against buckling when a force is applied in the vertical direction of the collapsible container 2, each of the side walls 6, 8 has at least one positive reinforcing profile 32 and at least one negative reinforcing profile 34. The positive reinforcing profile 32 is designed in the form of a groove, which is open towards the interior of the container 10. The negative reinforcing profile 34 is further designed such that it is open towards an outer surface of the container.

[0049] As in Fign. 6 und 7 As can be seen, the positive reinforcing profile 32 and the negative reinforcing profile 34 are formed directly next to each other on the side walls 6, 8 and extend longitudinally over the entire length of the respective side wall 6, 8. Furthermore, the positive reinforcing profile 32 and the negative reinforcing profile 34 are curved, with the reinforcing profiles 32, 34 being bent upwards from the base plate 4 and one apex of the arc being located in a central area of ​​the side wall 6, 8, i.e., in the middle of the side wall. In the case of the collapsible container 2, the apex of the curved reinforcing profiles 32, 34 is located, as shown in the Fig. 6 und 7 shown, directly above the side handle opening 12. In this way, a force acting on the respective side wall 6, 8 in the upright operating position can be directed via the arc-shaped reinforcing profiles 32, 34 into the corner areas reinforced by means of the reinforcing matrix 26, resulting in increased stability of the side walls 6, 8. It can also be advantageous if, as shown in Fig. 6 und 7 As shown, the reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30 of the reinforcing matrix 26 in the corner regions approximate the shape of the arc-shaped reinforcing profiles 32, 34. In other words, the reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30 can be configured as a multitude of arc-segment-shaped positive or negative reinforcing profile sections.

[0050] Furthermore, as in the Fign. 6 und 7 To further improve the (torsional) stiffness of the side walls 6, 8, arc-segment-shaped, positive reinforcing ribs 36, i.e., projecting onto the outside of the container, are formed on the side walls 6, 8. These reinforcing ribs 36 can alternatively also be designed as negative reinforcing geometries, for example, reinforcing grooves projecting into the interior of the container 10.

[0051] The reinforcing ribs 36 are arranged in the opposite direction to the reinforcing profiles 32, 34. That is, the reinforcing ribs 36 are bent downwards from the upper edge of the side wall 6, 8 in the vertical direction of the hinged container 2, so that the apex of the bend is located in the middle of the side wall, in particular directly below the handle opening 12. According to the preferred embodiment, it is advantageous that the reinforcing ribs 36 and the reinforcing profiles 32, 34 intersect or overlap.

[0052] To lock the side walls 6, 8 together in the unfolded operating position, a locking mechanism is required in each of the four corner areas of the folding container 2, as shown in Fig. 8 As shown, a locking mechanism 38 is provided. In the preferred embodiment of the folding container 2, the locking mechanism 38 has a Fig. 9 The locking element 40 shown is located on the second side wall 8. The locking element 40 is fixedly arranged on the second side wall 8. In particular, the locking element 40 can be integrally formed with the second side wall 8. Alternatively, the locking element 40 can also be received as a separate component in a receiving opening 42 of the second side wall 8.

[0053] As mentioned above, the locking element 40 is arranged on the second side wall 8 in order to prevent a folding movement of the first side wall 6 from the unfolded operating position to the folded transport position (in Fig. 9 (to the right) to block / lock.

[0054] For this purpose, the locking element 40 has a main body section 44, a first spring section 46, a second spring section 48, and a locking section 50. The first spring section 46 tensions the main body section 44 and the locking section 50 against the second side wall 8. In particular, the first spring section 46 pushes the main body section 44 of the locking element 40 against the second side wall 8 or through the receiving opening 42 of the second side wall 8 towards the outside of the container (in Fig. 9 upwards). Accordingly, the first spring section 46 pushes the locking section 50 towards the interior of the container 10, so that the locking section 50 rests against the first side wall 6 in the unfolded usable position and thereby blocks the folding movement into the folded transport position.

[0055] The second spring section 48, on the other hand, pre-tensions the main body section 44 and the locking section 50 relative to each other in a spring-elastic manner.

[0056] To release the locking mechanism 38, a manual force F1 can now be applied from the outside, i.e., from the outside of the container towards the interior of the container 10 (in Fig. 9 downwards), is applied to the main body section 44. This force F1 acts against the spring force of the first spring section 46, which allows the locking section 50 to pivot away from the interior of the container 10, thus releasing the folding movement of the first side wall 6.

[0057] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 38 can also be released by applying a force F2 from the outside to the first side wall 6, for example by striking the first side wall 6. This force F2 acts against the spring force of the second spring section 48. The second spring section 48 is thereby compressed, so that the locking section 50 moves towards the main body section 44 (in Fig. 9 can move to the right) in order to enter the receiving opening 42 and thus release a path of movement for the folding movement of the first side wall 6.

[0058] The locking of the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 8 with the locking mechanism 38 can therefore be released on the one hand by driving in the first side wall 6 and on the other hand by manually unlocking the locking mechanism 38. Reference symbol list

[0059] 2 Folding container 4 Base plate 6 First side wall 8 Second side wall 10 Container interior 12 Handle opening 14 Bottom edge 16 Upper end edge 18 Lower end edge 20 First hinge 22 First pivot axis 24 Second hinge 25 Second pivot axis 26 Reinforcement matrix 28 Reinforcement projection 30 Reinforcement recess 32 Positive reinforcement profile 34 Negative reinforcement profile 36 Reinforcement ribs 38 Locking mechanism 40 Locking element 42 Receiving opening 44 Main body section 46 First spring section 48 Second spring section 50 Locking section

Claims

1. Folding container (2) with a base plate (4) and side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4), which can be pivoted between a folded transport position and an upright usable position, characterized by the fact that the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height base edge (14) and the side walls (6, 8) are completely within the base edge (14) and completely below an upper edge of the base edge (14) in the folded transport position.

2. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a first pivot axis (22), about which at least a first side wall (6) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), and a second pivot axis (25), about which at least a second side wall (8) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the collapsible container (2).

3. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatthe first pivot axis (22) is arranged in the vertical direction of the folding container (2) below the second pivot axis (25).

4. Collapsible container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that which at least one first side wall (6) is pivotally hinged directly to the base plate (4) and at least one second side wall (8) is pivotally hinged directly to the bottom edge (14).

5. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that which at least one first side wall (6) and at least one second side wall (8) are aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container (2).

6. Collapsible container (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, furthermore characterized by two first side walls (6) and two second side walls (8), each of which are arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably right-angled, base plate (4).

7. Collapsible container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that at least one side wall (6, 8) in the corner areas where two side walls (6, 8) meet in the upright usable position has a reinforcement matrix (26) with positive reinforcement projections (28) and negative reinforcement recesses (30) arranged alternately in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8), which are located completely below the upper edge of the bottom edge (14) in the folded transport position.

8. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the reinforcement matrix (26) extends in the vertical direction of at least one side wall (6, 8) over the entire, at least one side wall (6, 8).

9. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact thatin the longitudinal direction of at least one side wall (6, 8) at least two positive reinforcing projections (28) and / or at least two negative reinforcing recesses (30) are arranged.

10. Collapsible container (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that at least one side wall (6, 8) has at least one arc-shaped positive or negative reinforcement profile (32, 34), in particular two adjacent positive and negative reinforcement profiles (32, 34).

11. Folding container (2) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the arc-shaped reinforcement profile (32, 34) extends in a longitudinal direction of the side wall (6, 8) over the entire length of at least one side wall (6, 8).

12. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact thatthe arc-shaped reinforcing profile (32, 34) is bent upwards from the base plate (4) in the manner of an arch strut, wherein preferably an apex of the arc-shaped reinforcing profile (32, 34) is arranged in the vertical direction of the folding container directly above a handle opening or recess (12).

13. Folding container (2) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the at least one side wall (6, 8) has opposing, arc-segment-shaped positive or negative reinforcement geometries, in particular reinforcement ribs (36) or reinforcement grooves, which are preferably formed in such a way as to be oppositely arranged on the at least one side wall (6, 8) that they are bent downwards from an upper edge of the side wall (6, 8), in particular such that an arc apex of the opposing reinforcement geometries is arranged directly below the handle opening or recess (12).

14. Collapsible container (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by a locking mechanism (38) with two locally separate and differently acting functional sections (46, 48) to release the locking of the first and second side walls (6, 8) on the one hand by striking in the first or second side walls and on the other hand by manually unlocking the locking mechanism.

15. Collapsible container (2) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact thatThe locking mechanism (38) comprises a locking element (40) arranged on a side wall (8), in particular a one-piece locking element, which blocks the folding movement of the other side wall (6) from the operating position to the transport position, wherein the locking element (40) is elastically spring-mounted or designed in two mutually perpendicular directions of movement, in particular in a first direction of movement perpendicular to one side wall (6) and in a second direction of movement perpendicular to the other side wall (8), and thus releases the locking of the side walls (6, 8) in both the first and the second direction of movement.

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