Container with coupling elements arranged in a point-symmetric manner for coupling to another container

Abstract

Container (1) for storing and transporting objects, wherein the container (1) has a bottom (2) and at least two opposing side walls (3, 4) extending upwards from the bottom (2), wherein a set (10, 20) of coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) is arranged on each of the side walls (3, 4), and functionally equivalent sections of the sets (10, 20) of coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are arranged point-symmetrically to each other in a plane (30) parallel to the bottom (2) with respect to a point of symmetry (23) in the plane (30), wherein the sections of the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are for mechanical coupling with further coupling elements (111, 112, 121, 122) of another container (100), which is identical in construction to the container (1), are designed in such a way that a tensile force can be transmitted from the container (1) to the further container (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container for storing and transporting objects.

[0002] It is common practice to store containers for storing and transporting items, such as tools, intermediate products from a manufacturing process, or goods to be shipped, in a warehouse. These containers can also be stored one behind the other in a row, for example, branching off laterally from a main transport route.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved container for storing and transporting objects. This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Variants of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0004] A container for storing and transporting objects is proposed. The container has a base and at least two opposing side walls extending upwards from the base. A set of coupling elements is arranged on each side wall. Functionally equivalent sections of the sets of coupling elements are arranged point-symmetrically to each other in a plane parallel to the base, with respect to a point of symmetry in that plane. Furthermore, the sections of the coupling elements are designed for mechanical coupling with further coupling elements of another container, which is structurally identical to the container in question, such that a tensile force can be transmitted from the container to the other container. It is self-evident that the tensile force can be transmitted when the coupling elements are coupled to the other coupling elements, i.e., when the coupling elements are in a coupled state.

[0005] The proposed container with the coupling elements could have the advantage that the container, when stored in a shelf compartment designed for the storage of the container and another container in a row behind each other, could be more easily removed from the shelf, for example, by a storage and retrieval machine. When the container is coupled to the other container using the coupling elements, the container can be moved within the shelf compartment simply by pulling on the other container, provided the container is positioned behind the other container in the shelf compartment.

[0006] Because the functionally equivalent sections are arranged symmetrically to each other, the container can be coupled to another container regardless of its orientation within the shelf compartment. This is particularly important for most applications where the shelf compartment width is less than the container length, as the container can always be coupled to another container regardless of how it is inserted into the shelf compartment. This eliminates the need to track the container's orientation in a storage system with multiple, for example, several hundred, shelf compartments. Such tracking would be especially complex if the container is transported multiple times within the storage system.

[0007] The phrase "arranged point-symmetrically to each other" means, in particular, that the positions of the functionally equivalent sections of the coupling elements are arranged point-symmetrically to each other in the plane. The positions of the sections can, for example, each be specified by a region in the plane in which the centroid of a cross-sectional area of ​​the respective section of the respective coupling element lies within the plane. The respective cross-sectional area lies within the plane. The respective region in which the respective centroid is located can, in particular, be bounded by a circle with a radius. The radius of the respective circle is, for example, at most one-tenth of the total length of the respective section within the plane.It goes without saying that the position of each section can also be specified solely by the centroid of the cross-sectional area of ​​the respective section within the plane.

[0008] The phrase "functionally equivalent" refers in particular to the effect of the coupling element sections when establishing and / or maintaining a mechanical coupling between the coupling elements and other coupling elements. For example, the coupling element sections can each comprise a first section designed such that at least a second section of the coupling element is supported by the respective first section at a distance from the respective side wall.

[0009] The first section can be understood as a support for the second section. Specifically, the second section is attached to the side wall at a distance from the side wall using the first section.

[0010] The container, particularly due to the spacing between the second sections and the side wall, has an upwardly open space between the side wall and each second section. In this disclosure, the bottom of the container is located at the bottom, with the side walls extending upwards away from the bottom. One lower side of the bottom forms the underside of the container, e.g., with a running ring, on which the container can be placed for use.

[0011] The second sections, or at least part of the second sections, of the further coupling elements can be inserted into the upward-opening spaces to establish the coupling between the coupling elements and the further coupling elements. A function of the first sections can be described as providing the open spaces into which the second sections of the further coupling elements can be inserted.

[0012] According to one variant, the coupling elements are designed such that the second sections of the additional coupling elements can be inserted into the opened spaces by lifting the additional container relative to the first container, then bringing the two containers closer together, and finally lowering the additional container. Once the additional coupling elements are inserted into the opened spaces, the coupling between the first container and the additional container is established.

[0013] The second sections each have, for example, at least one wall that forms an angle of at least 5 degrees, e.g., at least 15 or 30 degrees, to a perpendicular of the respective side wall. The second sections of the coupling elements thus each form an obstacle for the further coupling elements of the second container when the two containers, i.e., the container and the second container, are coupled together and the container is moved away from the second container in a direction perpendicular to the side walls.

[0014] Because the second sections act as obstacles, compressive stresses can arise between the second sections of the coupling elements and the second sections of the other coupling elements when the container moves away from the first. This is primarily due to the fact that the walls extend at the aforementioned angle to the perpendicular of the respective side wall. The compressive stresses on the surfaces of the second sections can be transformed into tensile stresses within the second sections, since the second sections are mechanically connected to the respective side wall via the first sections and are therefore held in place by the respective side wall.

[0015] Tensile stresses can be transferred from the second sections to the first sections because each second section is mechanically connected to its corresponding first section. Furthermore, the tensile stresses can be transferred via the first sections to the respective side wall. In particular, one form of the second sections within the plane is designed such that the compressive stresses on the surfaces of the second sections, which can arise when the container is pulled away from the other container, can be converted into tensile stresses in the respective side wall.

[0016] Integrating the tensile stresses across a cross-section of the first section located at the transition to the respective side wall yields a single tensile force that can be transferred to the respective side wall via this first section. The sum of the individual tensile forces of the first sections of each set of coupling elements on the respective side wall results in the aforementioned tensile force that can be transferred from the container to the next container.

[0017] As can be seen from the description of the generation of the tensile force, a function of the second sections is characterized in particular by the fact that the second sections generate the tensile force between the container and the further container when the containers are pulled away from each other.

[0018] For practical purposes, each first section is rigidly connected to its respective second section to transfer tensile stresses as directly as possible. However, it is also possible for the first and second sections to be connected via a hinge. In this case, the first sections are, for example, mounted to their respective side walls by a hinge, allowing them to rotate. This enables the connecting elements to be folded away when not needed, thus saving storage space.

[0019] The definition of point symmetry described above, based on the positions of the functionally equivalent sections, particularly using the centroids of the sections' cross-sectional areas, implies that the shapes of the cross-sectional areas of the functionally equivalent sections may differ from one another, yet the functionally equivalent sections are still arranged with point symmetry relative to each other. It is intended that, preferably in general, the functionally equivalent sections of the coupling elements can exert their effect for establishing and maintaining the coupling in those areas of the container that are arranged with point symmetry relative to each other in the plane. In this way, it can be ensured that the coupling of the container with the other container can occur independently of the container's orientation.

[0020] In a further development, the coupling elements of one side wall of the side walls are arranged in a manner that is offset from each other in a direction parallel to the plane and parallel to the side walls. This offset of the opposing coupling elements allows, for example, a container to be coupled to another container, while still ensuring that other side walls of the first container, oriented perpendicular to the aforementioned side walls, align with other side walls of the second container. This offset enables the two containers to be positioned "exactly" in a line behind one another in the shelf compartment. This reduces the width of the shelf compartment. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of the containers becoming jammed against the edge of the shelf compartment when they are removed as a single unit.The point of symmetry is usually located above the centroid of the base to allow the containers to be arranged in a line. This assumes the base is rectangular.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the coupling elements of at least one (or all) of the side walls are identical in shape. This could simplify the manufacture of the container. In principle, this embodiment also allows the coupling elements to be aligned in the same way with respect to the respective side wall. For example, these coupling elements can be aligned with each other in such a way that there is not necessarily a mirror symmetry between the coupling elements of the respective side wall with respect to another plane that runs perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the side walls.

[0022] In another example, the coupling elements are designed to be point-symmetric with respect to the point of symmetry. This means that the shapes of the coupling elements in the plane are point-symmetric with respect to the point of symmetry. For example, those coupling elements whose positions are point-symmetric with respect to the point of symmetry are of the same shape. The point-symmetric design of the coupling elements represents a particularly simple variant of the container to manufacture.

[0023] In a further development process, it is stipulated that each side wall has more than two coupling elements. This stabilizes the mechanical coupling of the coupling elements with the other coupling elements. Specifically, for example, the sets of coupling elements each have three coupling elements. This makes it possible, for example, to establish the coupling of the coupling elements with the other coupling elements simultaneously in two outer, opposing areas and in a central area of ​​the respective side wall. The two outer areas are each located, for example, in the outer third of the respective side wall, and the central area in the middle third.The point-symmetric design of the coupling elements described above allows sets of coupling elements to have an odd number of elements while still enabling them to be coupled to each other. In practice, three coupling elements per side wall has proven particularly efficient, ensuring both sufficient coupling stability and minimizing material usage. The point-symmetric design of the coupling elements allows for precisely this number of elements.

[0024] In one possible variant, the coupling elements have a T-shaped or L-shaped cross-section parallel to the plane. In this variant, when the coupling elements are coupled, their ends can abut the ends of other coupling elements as the container is pulled away from the other container, thus generating the tensile force.

[0025] In another possible variant, the coupling elements have a Y-shaped cross-section parallel to the plane. This Y-shaped configuration is further defined by the fact that the second sections each have the aforementioned wall at an angle of at least 5 degrees (e.g., at least 15 or 30 degrees) to a perpendicular to the respective side wall. In addition to this wall, each second section also has another wall at an angle of at least 30 degrees to a perpendicular to the respective side wall to complete the Y-shaped configuration.

[0026] The respective wall and the respective second wall of each section can also be considered legs. As described above, each second section can be supported by a first section, thus creating the distance between the respective side wall and the respective second section in the Y-shaped form. The respective first section can be designed as a web extending vertically from the respective side wall to the respective second section to form the Y-shaped structure.

[0027] The length of the web, measured in the cross-section where the coupling elements have the Y-shaped form, is practically at least as long as the length of the legs, and in particular at least twice as long. This would allow for easy insertion of the further coupling elements of the other container into the open spaces at the top.

[0028] In a further embodiment, each coupling element has a web extending from the respective side wall and a head section. The head section has a cross-section that runs parallel to the plane and is wider than the web. The head section can be considered the second section of the respective coupling element. The web can be understood as the first section of the respective coupling element, by which the second section is supported at a distance from the respective side wall.

[0029] The head section can, in particular, include an end wall that features those points of the coupling element furthest from the respective side wall. For this purpose, the end wall can be concave. Furthermore, viewed in the plane, the end wall can connect outer zones of the head section that are located on opposite sides with respect to a center line of the bridge. Compared to the Y-shaped form, the outer zones of the head section could be better protected against breakage than the free ends of the legs of the Y-shaped form.

[0030] Furthermore, the head section can have a top surface that limits the upper boundary of its internal volume. This could allow for a more secure coupling of the coupling elements of the container with the coupling elements of the second container compared to the Y-shaped configuration. For example, if the second container is lifted, moved towards the first container, and then lowered, the coupling elements in the Y-shaped configuration might be incorrectly positioned relative to the other coupling elements. Nevertheless, in this case, the second container could still be lowered to the level of the first container in a position where the legs of the coupling elements lie directly next to the legs of the other coupling elements. However, the container would not be coupled to the second container to transmit the tensile force.This could now be avoided with the upper surface of the head section. If the additional coupling elements are incorrectly aligned with the coupling elements, the additional container cannot be lowered to the same level as the container, provided that the additional coupling elements are at least partially positioned above the coupling elements before lowering. Within the scope of this disclosure, it is specifically assumed that the additional coupling elements are identical in construction to the coupling elements, since the additional container is identical in construction to the container.

[0031] The Y-shaped supports, as well as those in the configuration with the head section of the coupling elements, could allow the additional container to be tilted or lifted, followed by tilting or lowering it back to insert the additional coupling elements into the upward-opening spaces. Due to the supports, the upward-opening spaces provide sufficient room in a direction perpendicular to the side walls to insert the additional coupling elements, particularly if the additional container is initially tilted relative to the first container and then tilted down, or if the additional container is lifted relative to the first container and then lowered.

[0032] Practically speaking, the connecting elements, and in particular their length, are dimensioned such that, in a coupled state between the container and the other container, where the other container can transmit the tensile force to the container, there is play between the coupling elements in a direction perpendicular to the respective side wall, i.e., in a direction in which the tensile force can be transmitted. This could facilitate coupling the two containers. Above all, it could make manual coupling of the two containers possible in the first place. Without such a provided play, the other coupling elements might have to be pressed into the connecting elements with a tool in order to couple the two containers together.

[0033] The height of the coupling elements, measured perpendicular to the floor, can be less than one-third, and in particular less than one-quarter or one-tenth, of the height of the side walls, according to one variant. This could allow for even easier insertion of the additional coupling elements into the upward-opening spaces. Generally, a lower height of the coupling elements can result in reduced frictional forces when coupling the two containers.

[0034] Conveniently, the coupling elements are arranged in the lower third, or more specifically, the lower quarter, of each side wall. This would allow the second container to be tilted forward and then back again relative to the first, thus enabling the two containers to be coupled. The lower the coupling elements are positioned on the respective side wall, the easier such coupling of the two containers would be. In one variant, the coupling elements could be located at a distance of approximately 0.5 to 2 centimeters, or more specifically, approximately 1 centimeter, from the lowest point of the container where the bottom of the container touches a surface.

[0035] Furthermore, the Y-shaped design or the head sections of the coupling elements could allow the aforementioned pressure forces to increase as the two containers are pulled further apart. This is advantageous because the coupling between the two containers is strengthened when a greater degree of coupling is required. Additionally, the webs of the Y-shaped design, as well as the design with the head section of the coupling elements, could allow the two containers to move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to their side walls, even when the coupling elements are coupled. This could be achieved by a degree of play between the coupled containers in a direction perpendicular to their side walls, which, according to one variant as described above, could be provided by the webs.This allows the two containers to travel at different speeds, at least briefly, on a conveyor belt of the storage system, while the coupling elements still remain in a coupled state.

[0036] In a further development, the respective coupling element has a mushroom-like shape in the cross-section parallel to the plane. In this development, the head section forms a mushroom cap and the web a mushroom stem. The mushroom-like shape refers only to the cross-section, not to a three-dimensional view. Typically, the respective coupling element is not designed as a solid of revolution, as is the case with mushrooms. The mushroom cap has the advantage that the coupling elements have no edges in their front region, i.e., in the area furthest from the side wall. The mushroom cap is characterized by a completely rounded shape.Since edges can usually cause tilting with the breaking off of one or more protruding parts of the coupling elements that might have these edges, the mushroom head could reduce the risk of such tilting and breaking off in the front area.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the length of the connecting element is dimensioned such that, in the coupled state between the container and the other container, in which the other container can transmit the tensile force to the first container, a gap is formed between the head section, in particular the mushroom head, and a side wall of the other container facing the head section, in particular the mushroom head. This gap allows the aforementioned play of the coupling elements relative to the other coupling elements in the direction perpendicular to the respective side wall, i.e., in the direction in which the tensile force can be transmitted. This could facilitate the manual coupling of the two containers.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the cross-section, which runs parallel to the plane, has a web length ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 times the web width and a maximum head section width ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 times the web width. This embodiment represents the most compact design possible for the respective coupling element, which could reduce leverage forces that can occur when the coupling elements collide during the coupling of the two containers. Therefore, this compact design could achieve the highest possible stability of the coupling elements.

[0039] In a further embodiment, it is provided that an upper surface of the bridge and an upper surface of the head section, as well as side walls extending downwards from these upper surfaces, define an internal volume of the respective coupling element, and that this internal volume is open at the bottom. This downward-opening volume could reduce the weight of the coupling elements.

[0040] In a further development of this design, each coupling element can have a stabilizing wall within its inner volume, running perpendicular to both the respective side wall and the base. This stabilizing wall could prevent the coupling element from colliding with another coupling element. Practically speaking, the stabilizing wall runs along a center line of the web in the cross-section that is parallel to the plane. This would achieve the highest possible stabilizing effect from the wall.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the container has a support element on each side wall above the respective coupling element, extending perpendicular to the respective side wall and perpendicular to the base. The support element abuts a top surface of the respective coupling element, in particular the top surface of the web and the top surface of the head section.

[0042] The respective support element is designed to withstand an upward force that can be exerted by the respective coupling element when the two containers are coupled. For this purpose, the respective support element is connected to the respective side wall and to the top surface of the respective coupling element, in particular to the top surface of the web and the top surface of the head section.

[0043] The upward force could arise if the respective coupling element collides with one of the other coupling elements when the two containers are coupled. In this scenario, the coupling process can involve first lifting or tilting the container, then moving it closer to the other container, and finally lowering or tilting it back. It is understood that coupling can be achieved by moving the container relative to the other container or vice versa. Because the support element can counteract the upward force, the coupling elements could be prevented from breaking during the coupling process.

[0044] In one variation, the respective support element can have a triangular cross-section, perpendicular to both the side wall and the base. This could reduce the risk of the support element breaking off. Furthermore, it could reduce the weight of the container. Additionally, the triangular shape could provide a kind of "compression bar" in the form of an upper edge of the support element, extending diagonally downwards from the side wall. This compression bar could counteract an upward torque generated by the upward force acting as a lever. This could further reduce the risk of the coupling elements breaking off.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the container has a mounting plate for each set of coupling elements, to which the coupling elements of that set are arranged. The mounting plate is located on the respective side wall. The mounting plate can be attached to the respective side wall using rivets. Alternatively, the mounting plate can be glued to the respective side wall. According to another possibility, the coupling elements, particularly together with the support walls, can be injection-molded onto the respective side wall. In this case, the mounting plate could be omitted.

[0046] In a further development, the coupling elements have an insertion aid on their upper surface. Additionally, the coupling elements may have a further insertion aid on their underside. The insertion aid, and in particular the further insertion aid, has at least one surface that is inclined relative to the plane. The inclination, in particular the angle of the surface of the insertion aid relative to the plane, can change, and in particular decrease, with increasing distance from a vertical outer edge of the respective coupling element. Thus, the surface of the insertion aid, and in particular the further insertion aid, can, for example, be designed as part of a cylindrical surface. The inclination of the surfaces of the coupling elements results in rounded edges between the upper surfaces of the coupling elements and vertical sections of the coupling elements, and between the lower surfaces of the coupling elements and vertical sections of the coupling elements.

[0047] The surfaces, with their respective inclinations, especially the rounded edges, could have the advantage that the lower ends of the coupling elements of the second container are guided into the open spaces when, during the lowering process described above, these lower ends meet the upper ends of the coupling elements. This reduces the necessary precision with which the container and the second container must be aligned to couple them. The insertion aid can be understood as a self-centering element for the container in a direction parallel to the side walls and parallel to the plane.

[0048] In another variant, the coupling elements are positively connected to the side walls, particularly by a snap-fit ​​or click connection. In this variant, the positive fit is reversibly detachable. This variant allows the coupling elements to be mounted to the side walls when needed. The reversible positive fit enables the coupling elements to be disassembled to save space in the storage system when they are not required. According to one possible variant, the side walls have, for example, recesses into which the snap-fit ​​elements of the coupling elements can engage. In a further development of this variant, a snap-fit ​​element of the respective coupling element, together with a corresponding recess in the respective side wall, can form a snap-fit ​​connection.It is also possible that the coupling elements are arranged on a respective support and that the respective support has at least locking elements that can snap into place on the respective side wall.

[0049] Furthermore, a storage system with one container and another container is proposed. It goes without saying that the storage system includes, for example, several hundred additional containers, all identical in construction to the first container. The storage system specifically includes the aforementioned shelf compartment on which the first container and the other container are located. Furthermore, the storage system includes, for example, a control unit that monitors and controls the positions of the containers. For example, the control unit is configured to couple the first container with the next container using at least one actuator.

[0050] Examples of the proposed container are explained in more detail using the following figures. These schematically illustrate: Figure 1 shows a container for transporting objects with coupling elements arranged symmetrically on opposite side walls; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of coupling elements in a cross-section; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a variant of coupling elements in a cross-section; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of another variant of coupling elements in a cross-section; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one side, in particular of the container. Figur 1 container shown with Y-shaped coupling elements; Figure 6 shows a variant, in particular of the one shown. Figur 5 The variant of the container shown has a larger ratio between the web length of the coupling elements and the distance to a support wall for bracing the container against another container; Figure 7 shows variants of cross-sectional shapes of the coupling elements in a cross-section parallel to a base, in particular of the one shown. Figur 1 shown container; Figure 8 a further variant of the coupling elements with webs and widened head pieces; Figure 9 a sectional view of the container and another container in a plane parallel to a bottom of the container shown in Figur 8 The container shown is in a coupled state of the two containers.

[0051] Similar elements are marked with the same reference symbols below.

[0052] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a container 1 for storing and transporting objects. The container 1 has a base 2 and at least two opposing side walls extending upwards from the base 2. The opposing side walls comprise a first side wall 3 and a second side wall 4. A first set 10 of coupling elements is arranged on the first side wall 3. The first set 10 of coupling elements comprises a first coupling element 11 and a second coupling element 12. A second set 20 of coupling elements is arranged on the second side wall 4. The second set 20 comprises a first coupling element 21 and a second coupling element 22. Fig. 1 The diagram continues to show a plane 30 that runs parallel to the floor 2. Plane 30 is located at the point where... Fig. 1 In the illustrated variant of container 1, the coupling elements 11 and 12 are positioned at a distance from the base 2 that corresponds to approximately half the height 5 of container 1. Other distances are possible, in particular a position in the lower third of container 1. This applies especially to variants of container 1 in which the coupling elements 11 and 12 can be arranged in the lower third of container 1. Fig. 1 continues to show a length of 6 for container 1 and a width of 7 for container 1.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows sections of exemplary coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, in particular the Figur 1 . This shows Fig. 2 schematically a first section 11.1 and a second section 11.2 of the first coupling element 11 of the first sentence 10 and a first section 12.1 and a second section 12.2 of the second coupling element 12 of the first sentence 10. Fig. 2 Figure 1 further schematically shows a first section 21.1 and a second section 21.2 of the first coupling element 21 of the second sentence 20 and a first section 22.1 and a second section 22.2 of the second coupling element 22 of the second sentence 20. Figure 2 further shows Fig. 2 a symmetry point 23, which is located in the plane 30. The symmetry point 23 can be constructed as the intersection of perpendicular bisectors, each of which runs perpendicular to the side walls of the container 1 and lies within the plane 30.

[0054] Fig. 2 The diagram further shows the centroids of the sections of coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, represented by filled dots. As described above, the centroids can be used to describe the location of the respective section of each coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22. The diagram in Fig. 1 and 2The plane 30, shown with the help of dashed lines, extends infinitely in its two dimensions. Accordingly, the planes in Fig. 2 shown areas of focus within plane 30.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a centroid 11.10 of the first section 11.1 of the first coupling element 11 of the first set 10, a centroid 11.20 of the second section 11.2 of the first coupling element 11 of the first set 10, a centroid 12.10 of the first section 12.1 of the second coupling element 12 of the first set 10 and a centroid 12.20 of the second section 12.2 of the second coupling element 12 of the first set 10.

[0056] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2 a centroid 21.10 of the first section 21.1 of the first coupling element 21 of the second set 20, a centroid 21.20 of the second section 21.2 of the first coupling element 21 of the second set 20, as well as a centroid 22.10 of the first section 22.1 of the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20 and a centroid 22.20 of the second section 22.2 of the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20.

[0057] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a further container 100, which is identical in construction to container 1. Coupling elements 111, 112, 121, 122 of the further container 100 are referred to as further coupling elements. All in Fig. 2 The parts of the further container 100 shown are provided with reference numerals such that a reference numeral of that part of the further container which corresponds to an identical part of container 1 is equivalent to a reference numeral of the identical part increased by one hundred. For example, a first coupling element of a first set of coupling elements of the further container 100 is marked with the reference numeral 111. Similarly, the figure shows... Fig. 2 a first section 111.1 and a second section 111.2 of the first coupling element 111 of the first set of coupling elements of the further container, a first section 112.1 and a second section 112.2 of a second coupling element 112 of the first set of coupling elements of the further container 100, a first section 121.1 and a second section 121.2 of a first coupling element 121 of a second set of coupling elements of the further container 100 and a first section 122.1 and a second section 122.2 of a second coupling element 122 of a second set of coupling elements of the further container 100.

[0058] The sections of the coupling elements of the first sentence 10 and the second sentence 20 are in Fig. 2 schematically represented by rectangles. In the Fig. 3 bis 5 Various variants of cross-sectional shapes of coupling elements, in particular the sections of the coupling elements of the first set 10 and the second set 20 within the plane 30, are shown.

[0059] Fig. 2 clarifies that functionally equivalent sections of sentences 10, 20 of coupling elements in the plane 30 are arranged point-symmetrically to each other with respect to the symmetry point 23.

[0060] It is assumed that the first section of one of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 has the same functional effect as the first section of any other coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22. A primary function of the first sections of the coupling elements of the two sets 10, 20 can be to support the respective second section of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22. The first sections ensure that the second sections are positioned at a distance from the respective side wall 3, 4.

[0061] A point symmetry of the functionally equivalent first sections of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 is characterized in particular by the fact that the centroid 11.10 of the first section 11.1 of the first coupling element 11 of the first set 10 is arranged point-symmetrically to the centroid 21.10 of the first section 21.1 of the first coupling element 21 of the second set 20 in relation to the point of symmetry 23. Furthermore, the point symmetry of the functionally equivalent first sections of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 is characterized in particular by the fact that the centroid 12.10 of the first section 12.1 of the second coupling element 12 of the first set 10 is arranged point-symmetrically to the centroid 22.10 of the first section 22.1 of the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20 in relation to the point of symmetry 23.

[0062] A point symmetry of the functionally equivalent second sections of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 is characterized in particular by the fact that the centroid 11.20 of the second section 11.2 of the first coupling element 11 of the first set 10 is arranged point-symmetrically to the centroid 21.20 of the second section 21.2 of the first coupling element 21 of the second set 20 in relation to the point of symmetry 23. Furthermore, the point symmetry of the functionally equivalent second sections of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 is characterized in particular by the fact that the centroid 12.20 of the second section 12.2 of the second coupling element 12 of the first set 10 is arranged point-symmetrically to the centroid 22.20 of the second section 22.2 of the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20 in relation to the point of symmetry 23.

[0063] A second function of the second sections of the coupling elements of sets 10 and 20 includes, for example, generating a holding force between the coupling elements of container 1 and the further coupling elements of the additional container 100 when the two containers 1 and 100 are pulled apart. The holding force can result, for example, as described above, from the generation of compressive forces between the surfaces of the second sections of the coupling elements of sets 10 and 20 and the surfaces of the second sections of the additional coupling elements. In one variant, the holding force can be generated if a first force acts on the additional container 100 in a first direction 101 and a second force acts on container 1 in a second direction 102, which is oriented opposite to the first direction 101.

[0064] According to one variant, the holding force can also be generated by a connection mechanism. The respective connection mechanism has, in particular, first parts on the second sections of the coupling elements of sets 10 and 20, and second parts on the second sections of the further coupling elements. Since the further container 100 is identical in construction to container 1, the first and second parts of the connection mechanism are identical. The first and second parts of the respective connection mechanism can, for example, together form a respective snap-fit ​​or click connection.

[0065] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the container 1 in which the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 have an L-shaped cross-section parallel to the plane 30. To form the L-shaped coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, the first sections 11.1, 12.1, 21.1, 22.1 can extend perpendicularly from the respective side walls 3, 4. Furthermore, the second sections 11.2, 12.2, 21.2, 22.2, which extend perpendicularly to the first sections 11.1, 12.1, 21.1, 22.1, can adjoin the first sections 11.1, 12.1, 21.1, 22.1. The second sections 11.2, 12.2, 21.2, 22.2 run parallel to the respective side wall 3, 4. The first sections 11.1, 12.1, 21.1, 22.1 form feet of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, which stand perpendicular to the respective side wall 3, 4.

[0066] The L-shaped form of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 could allow the second sections of the coupling elements of the first sentence 10 to engage behind the second sections of the further coupling elements of a further second sentence 120 of the further coupling elements, as in Fig. 3 This is shown. The coupling elements of the first set 10 are thus coupled to the further coupling elements of the second set 120 in such a way that they block movement of the second container 100 in the first direction 101 when container 1 is held stationary. It is self-evident that such a blocking action allows the two containers 1 and 100 to be pulled together as a single unit either in the first direction 101 or in the second direction 102.

[0067] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment, in particular of container 1, in which the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 have a Y-shaped cross-section parallel to plane 30. The first sections 11.1, 12.1, 21.1, 22.1 form a base of the "Y" and are shown in Figure 1. Fig. 4 The depicted variant of container 1 is formed in the form of a respective rib extending perpendicularly from the respective side wall 3, 4. At the end of each rib, two legs of the respective second section 11.2, 12.2, 21.2, 22.2 branch off in a direction away from a center line of the respective rib. For example, Fig. 4 A center line 43 of the bridge of the first coupling element 21 of the second set 20 is shown. The respective legs can be arranged according to the in Fig. 4 The depicted configuration extends in a straight line from the end of the respective bridge. The two legs of the respective second section 11.2, 12.2, 21.2, 22.2 form the head of the "Y".

[0068] The Y-shaped form will be described below using the first coupling element 21 of the second sentence 20. The first section 21.1 of the first coupling element 21 is in Fig. 4 separated from the second section 21.2 of the first coupling element 21 by a dashed reference line 40. In the image plane of the Fig. 4 The first section 21.1 is located to the right of the reference line 40, and the second section 21.2 is located to the left of the reference line 40. The second section 21.2 of the first coupling element 21 has a first leg 41 and a second leg 42. The first leg 41 forms an angle 44 with the center line 43, which is, for example, 30 degrees. Likewise, the second leg 42 forms an angle with the center line 43 that is greater than 30 degrees. The two legs 41 and 42, together with the first section 21.1 of the first coupling element 21, which is designed as a web, form a "Y". The center line 43 runs perpendicular to the second wall 4 and within the plane 30. For the sake of simplicity, in Fig. 4 No wall thicknesses of the coupling elements are shown.

[0069] Optionally, in addition to the first and second coupling elements 11, 12, the first set 10 has a third coupling element 13, which is configured similarly to the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 12. The third coupling element 13 is, for example, arranged centrally between the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 12 of the first set 10. Similarly, the second set 20 has a third coupling element 23, which is configured similarly to the first coupling element 21 and the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20. The third coupling element 23 is, for example, also arranged centrally between the first coupling element 21 and the second coupling element 22 of the second set 20. Analogous to the in Fig. 2 and 3 The described variants can be used with the additional container 100 in the Fig. 4 The variant shown is also identical in construction to the first container 1. Accordingly, the further coupling elements of the additional container 100 in plane 30 also have a Y-shaped cross-section.

[0070] Fig. 4 Figure 1 further shows that the webs of the coupling elements 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23 are arranged at a regular interval 45, hereinafter referred to as web spacing 45, in directions parallel to the plane 30 and parallel to the side walls 3, 4. The web spacing 45 is, for example, less than 1.5 times the distance between the ends of the respective two legs branching off from the respective web in a direction parallel to the plane 30 and parallel to the side walls 3, 4, hereinafter referred to as leg opening width 54 or, in short, opening width 54. This ensures that the legs of those coupling elements which have at least one adjacent coupling element on both sides of the respective web in directions parallel to the side walls 3, 4 can contact the legs of two of the other coupling elements of the further container 100.

[0071] In general, an exemplary variant of container 1 is given by the fact that the second section of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 13, when coupled, can collide with at least one of the first of the further coupling elements when container 1 is moved in a third direction 103, parallel to the side walls 3, 4, relative to the further container 100, and can collide with a second of the further coupling elements when container 1 is moved in a fourth direction 104, opposite to the third direction 103, relative to the further container 100. Thus, the coupling elements 11, 12, 13 can block relative movement of the two containers 1, 100 in the third direction 103 and in the fourth direction 104 when the coupling elements are coupled with the further coupling elements.Such a positive fit can be achieved in particular by means of the Y-shaped cross-sectional form of the coupling elements 11, 12, 13 within plane 30, if the web spacing 45 is less than 1.5 times the opening width 54. If the two containers 1, 100 are pulled apart, the Y-shaped cross-sectional form could optionally cause the coupling elements 11, 12, 13 and the other coupling elements to deform, thereby generating compressive stresses and thus frictional forces that act between the surfaces of the coupling elements 11, 12, 13 and the other coupling elements. In this case, the positive fit can be supplemented by a frictional fit, whereby the frictional fit can block relative movement of the containers 1, 100 to each other that is perpendicular to the side walls 3, 4.

[0072] Those coupling elements which have an adjacent coupling element on both sides of their respective web are referred to below as centrally located coupling elements. In the case of the Fig. 4 In the illustrated configuration, coupling elements 13 and 23 are each centrally located coupling elements.

[0073] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a variant, in particular of container 1, with a plurality of Y-shaped coupling elements 50 arranged on the side wall 3. The coupling elements 50 comprise a first outer coupling element 51 and a second outer coupling element 52, and coupling elements 53 located centrally between them. Since the further container 100, like all embodiments of container 1 shown in the figures, is structurally identical to container 1, the further container 100 also exhibits the following features in Figure 1: Fig. 5 The variant shown features a multitude of Y-shaped additional coupling elements 150, which are arranged on a side wall of the additional container 100. The additional coupling elements 150 comprise a first outer additional coupling element 151 and a second outer additional coupling element 152, and centrally located additional coupling elements 153.

[0074] The centrally located coupling elements 53, for example, ensure that when the containers 1, 100 are pulled apart, the displacement of the centrally located coupling elements 50 in a direction parallel to the side wall 3 and the plane 30 by the other centrally located coupling elements 153, to which the centrally located coupling elements 50 are coupled, is reduced and potentially completely prevented. In particular, the large number of centrally located coupling elements 53 and other coupling elements 153 allows forces that run parallel to the side wall 3 and the plane 30 and could cause a displacement of the legs of the centrally located coupling elements 53 to be distributed more effectively. This allows the coupling elements 50 to be significantly smaller.

[0075] The web spacing of 45 is used in the Fig. 5 In the illustrated configuration of container 1, the opening width is approximately equal to 54, although other variations are also possible. This reduces the relative movement between container 1 and the other container 100 in the third direction 103 and the fourth direction 104, thus enabling the two containers 1 and 100 to be transported more efficiently as a single unit within the storage system.

[0076] The length of the webs 56, hereinafter referred to as web length 56, is preferably at least greater than the maximum extension of the legs in a direction perpendicular to the respective side wall 3, 4, i.e., the height of the head of the "Y". This maximum extension is hereinafter referred to as head height 57 and is shown in Fig. 4 shown. The bridge length 56 is, for example, at least 1.5 times greater than the head height 57, in order to facilitate the insertion of the legs of the further coupling elements 150 into the opened spaces 55.

[0077] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 5 Optional upper rounded edges 58 of the coupling elements 50. For example, the coupling elements 50 have lower rounded edges, which are in Fig. 5 are not visible. The upper and lower rounded edges can be present on the coupling elements regardless of their cross-sectional shape. The upper rounded edges 50 and the lower rounded edges can prevent the lower edges of the additional coupling elements 150 from remaining on the upper edges 58 of the coupling elements 50 when the additional coupling elements 150 are placed onto the coupling elements 50 after the additional container 100 has been raised relative to container 1 in order to couple the additional container 100 to container 1.When the lower rounded edges of the additional coupling elements 150 meet the upper edges 58 of the coupling elements 50, the rounded edges cause the additional container 100 to be centered relative to the container 1 such that the additional container 100 is moved in the first direction 103 or the second direction 104 and the additional coupling elements 150 can slide into the upwardly open spaces 55.

[0078] Fig. 5 Figure 1 further shows an optional retaining wall 59 of the container 1. The retaining wall 59 extends at least partially parallel to the side wall 3 at a distance from the side wall 3 approximately equal to the web length 56. In particular, the distance between an outer surface of the side wall 3 and an outer surface of the retaining wall 59 is equal to the web length 56. The outer surface of the side wall 3 and the retaining wall 59 is the side visible to an observer located at a distance from the container 1. The retaining wall 59 is supported by a further web, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 5 The connecting element 50 is shown to run parallel to its webs. The legs extend from the webs of the connecting element 50 to form the Y-shaped structure of the connecting element 50. The retaining wall 59 with the additional web is optional; that is, in one possible embodiment, the container 1 does not have the retaining wall 59 or the additional web supporting the retaining wall 59.

[0079] The retaining wall 59 supports, for example, the further container 100 in such a direction perpendicular away from the side wall 3 that the legs of the further coupling elements 153 permanently touch the legs of the coupling elements 50 when the coupling elements 50 are coupled with the further coupling elements 150.

[0080] ZB, container 1 has another identical supporting wall on the opposite side wall 4, which is in Fig. 5 not shown, the further retaining wall is also arranged at least partially parallel to the side wall 4 and at a distance from the side wall 4 which corresponds approximately to the web length 56.

[0081] Fig. 6 shows a difference compared to the in Fig. 5 The variant shown features a modified design of container 1 and the further container 100. Here, the distance between the support wall 59 and the side wall 3 is less than the web length 56. This allows containers 1 and 100 to still be moved relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 3 when the coupling elements are connected. However, the coupling between the coupling elements 50 and the further coupling elements 150 is not released. The advantage of the Fig. 6 shown variant compared to the one in Fig. 5 The design shown could be such that the additional coupling elements 150 can be more easily inserted into the open spaces 55.

[0082] A height of 60 for the coupling elements 50 or the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 and / or the coupling elements 13, 23 can generally be used, as e.g. in Fig. 5 The height 60 is shown to correspond to approximately half the height 5 of container 1. However, it is also possible that the height 60 corresponds to approximately one-third or one-quarter of the height 5 of container 1, or is less than one-third of the height 5 of container 1. In most cases, the greater the height 60 of the coupling elements, the more stable the coupling between container 1 and the other container 100, since friction between the coupling elements 50 and the other coupling elements 150 increases with the height 60 of the coupling elements. The smaller the height 60, the easier it is to couple and uncouple containers 1 and 100.

[0083] Fig. 7 In addition to the Y-shaped cross-sectional form of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, 13, 23, 50 described above, which are also referred to as coupling elements below and above, the figure shows further possible cross-sectional forms of the coupling elements in a cross-section that runs parallel to the plane 30. Fig. 7a The Y-shaped cross-sectional form of the first coupling element 21 of the second set, as described above, is shown as representative of the coupling elements.

[0084] Fig. 7b shows further training of the in Fig. 7a The cross-sectional shape shown. Fig. 7b The cross-sectional shape shown, in addition to the two legs 41, 42, has a pair of further straight walls 71, 72 oriented perpendicular to the plane 30. The first ends of the further walls 71, 72 are each firmly connected to an outer end of the legs 41, 42. The further walls 71, 72 extend from the outer ends of the legs 41, 42 in such a way that the two further walls 71, 72 touch each other at their respective second ends. This construction of the further walls 71, 72 stabilizes the two legs 41, 42. Under certain circumstances, free-standing edges of walls, such as those formed by the two outer ends of legs 41, 42, can easily break off. This can be prevented by the further walls 71, 72. According to one variant, the further walls 71, 72 extend from the outer ends of the legs 41, 42 in such a way that the two further walls 71, 72 together with the legs 41, 42 form a rhombus.

[0085] Fig. 7c, 7d und 7e Each figure shows a further variant of how the risk of the two legs 41, 42 breaking off can be reduced. Instead of the additional straight walls 71, 72, in the variant according to Fig. 7c a convex wall 73 the free ends of the legs 41, 42. The convex wall 73 has the advantage that a free end of the respective coupling element cannot so easily get caught on a vertical edge within the bearing system.

[0086] Fig. 7d Figure 1 shows a variant in which a straight wall 74 connects the two freestanding ends of the legs 41, 42. The ends of the legs 41, 42 can be positioned differently compared to those shown in the Figuren 7a, 7b, 7c und 7e The cross-sectional shape variants shown move the least relative to each other. Therefore, this variant results in a particularly stiff coupling of the coupling elements 50 with the other coupling elements 150.

[0087] Fig. 7e Figure 1 shows another variant in which the free ends of the legs 41, 42 are connected to each other by a concave wall 75. The closer a lowest point of the concave wall 75 is to an end 76 of the web of the coupling element 21, the more easily the legs 41, 42 can be deformed. The stiffness of the coupling of the coupling elements 50 with the further coupling elements 150 can therefore be determined by selecting the lowest point of the concave wall 75.

[0088] Both the concave wall 75, as well as the convex wall 73 and the further walls 71, 72 have the advantage that the ends of the two legs 41, 42 can still be pressed together slightly, which can, for example, facilitate coupling the further coupling elements 150 with the coupling elements 50, especially if the web length 56 is smaller, for example 0.1 to 0.5 mm smaller, than the distance of the support wall 59 to the side wall 3.

[0089] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows another possible embodiment of the container 1, in which the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 can have a web extending from the respective side wall 3, 4 and a head section. The head section can be wider than the web in a cross-section that runs parallel to the plane 30. Fig. 8 shows the first section 11.1 of the first coupling element 11, which can be designed in the form of a first bridge. Similarly, shows Fig. 8 the first section 12.1 of the second coupling element 12, which can be designed in the form of a second web. The second section 11.2 of the first coupling element 11 can be in the Fig. 8 The illustrated variant of the container 1 can be designed in the form of a first head section, wherein the first head section in the cross-section running parallel to the plane 30 can be wider, for example at least 1.5 times wider, than the first web. Similarly, the second section 12.2 of the second coupling element 12 can be designed in the form of a second head section, wherein the second head section can be wider than the second web.

[0090] Fig. 8 Figure 1 further shows an optional variant in which the first set 10 of coupling elements can include additional coupling elements 80 that are identical in construction to the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 12. The number of coupling elements in the first set 10 can, for example, be five, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 8 As shown, a number of coupling elements on the respective side walls 3, 4, which lies within a range between 4 and 7, has proven particularly practical. Such a number of coupling elements could, on the one hand, enable a reliable transmission of the tensile force between the two containers 1, 100, and on the other hand, allow for relatively easy coupling of the two containers 1, 100. In general, a higher number of coupling elements allows for a more reliable transmission of the tensile force; however, a lower number of coupling elements usually simplifies the coupling of the two containers 1, 100.

[0091] Fig. 8 Figure 1 further shows a variant of container 1 in which the container 1 can have a support element extending upwards from the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 to the side wall 3, above the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22, and in particular perpendicular to the respective side wall 3, 4 and perpendicular to the base 2. The respective support element adjoins an upper surface of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22. Fig. 8 only the first side wall 3 shows, are in Fig. 8 A first support element 81 for supporting an upward force exerted by the first coupling element 11 and a second support element 82 for supporting a further upward force exerted by the second coupling element 12 are shown. The first additional coupling elements 80 can be supported by further support elements 83. The support elements 81, 82 and the further support elements 83 can be moved during the process described in Fig. 8 The variant shown is triangular in shape. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 8 One possible embodiment in which the coupling elements 11, 12 and the first additional coupling elements 80, as well as the support elements 81, 82 and the further support elements 83, are arranged on a common fastening element 84. The common fastening element 84 can, for example, be in the form of a fastening plate. The fastening element 84 can be arranged, and in particular attached, to the first side wall 3.

[0092] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows container 1 and the other container 100 in the cross-section that runs parallel to plane 30, from below. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows... Fig. 9 Container 1 and the other container 100 are in a coupled state, in which a tensile force 90 can be transmitted from the other container 100 to container 1. The tensile force 90 is directed in a direction 91 that runs perpendicular to the first side wall 3. Fig. 9 shows the first coupling element 121 of the second set of coupling elements of the further container 100 and the second coupling element 122 of the second set of coupling elements of the further container 100.

[0093] If the additional container 100 is moved away from container 1 in direction 91, the head sections of the additional coupling elements 121, 122 abut the head sections of the coupling elements 11, 12. As soon as the additional coupling elements 121, 122 are in contact with the coupling elements 11, 12, the tensile force 90 can act from the additional container 100 onto container 1. Within the scope of this disclosure, the coupling state between container 1 and the additional container 100 can also exist if the coupling elements 11, 12 together with the additional coupling elements 121, 122 block free movement of container 1 relative to the additional container 100 in a direction of movement opposite to the direction in which the tensile force 90 acts. In this context, free movement is understood to mean movement of container 1 without an obstruction in the direction of movement.This means that in the coupled state, the further coupling elements 121, 122 do not yet have to touch the coupling elements 11, 12. Rather, in the coupled state of the two containers 1, 100, a clearance can be provided between the coupling elements 11, 12 and the further coupling elements 121, 122 in direction 91, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the first side wall 3. This allows, as described above, the container 1 to be easily coupled to the further container 100, particularly manually.

[0094] The clearance between the coupling elements 11, 12 and the further coupling elements 121, 122 in the coupled state of the containers 1, 100 can be specified by a first distance 190 in a direction perpendicular to the first side wall 3 between the coupling elements 11, 12 and a side wall of the further container 100 facing the coupling elements 11, 12. If the coupling elements 11, 12 touch the further coupling elements 121, 122, the largest value for the clearance is obtained in Fig. 9 The first distance 190 shown. The larger the first distance 190, the larger the open spaces created by the webs of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22. The larger the open spaces, the easier it is to couple the containers 1, 100 together. The length of the webs is dimensioned such that the first distance 190 is maintained when the two containers 1, 100 are coupled. For example, the length of the webs can be at least half the length of the head sections of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, which can be measured in the cross-section parallel to the plane 30 and perpendicular to the respective side wall 3, 4.

[0095] Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 further show a variant of container 1 in which the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 is located in the cross-section that runs parallel to the plane 30 and in Fig. 9 As shown, it has a mushroom-like shape. The head section of each coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 forms a mushroom cap of the mushroom-like shape, and the rib of each coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 forms a mushroom stem of the mushroom-like shape. In Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 The mushroom-shaped coupling elements 21 and 22 are not shown. However, the mushroom shape is optional, and elements 81, 82, and 83 can also be combined with other forms of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, and 22, which are described in Figur 7a) bis 7e ) are shown.

[0096] It is generally possible that the length of the webs lies in a range of 0.8 to 1.2 times the width of the webs and that the width of the head sections lies in a range of 1.8 to 2.2 times the width of the webs. Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 This shows an exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned compact design of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22. Fig. 8 Figure 1 further shows a variant of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, in which side walls of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22 can extend downwards from a top surface of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22, and the side walls together with the top surface can define an internal, in particular air-filled, volume of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22. Figure 1 shows an example. Fig. 8 a first top surface 181 of the first coupling element 11. Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which an inner, in particular air-filled, volume of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 is open at the bottom. The inner volume of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 is bounded by the top and side walls of the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22.

[0097] Fig. 9 Figure 1 further shows an embodiment of the container 1 in which the respective coupling element 11, 12, 21, 22 can have a stabilizing wall within its inner volume, which can run, in particular, perpendicular to the respective side wall 3, 4 and perpendicular to the bottom 2. An example is shown in Figure 1. Fig. 9 A first stabilizing wall 191 of the first coupling element 11 and a second stabilizing wall 192 of the second coupling element 12 are shown. The first stabilizing wall can run along a first centerline 291 of the first web, and the second stabilizing wall 192 along a second centerline 292 of the second web. In an optional variant, the lowest points of the stabilizing walls 191, 192 can be located above the lowest points of the side walls of the coupling elements 11, 12, 21, 22. This could reduce the risk of the stabilizing walls 191, 192 breaking off when the two containers 1, 100 are coupled.

Claims

1. Container (1) for storing and transporting objects, wherein the container (1) has a bottom (2) and at least two opposing side walls (3, 4) extending upwards from the bottom (2), wherein a set (10, 20) of coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) is arranged on each of the side walls (3, 4), and functionally equivalent sections of the sets (10, 20) of coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are arranged point-symmetrically to each other in a plane (30) parallel to the bottom (2) with respect to a point of symmetry (23) in the plane (30), wherein the sections of the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are for mechanical coupling with further coupling elements (111, 112, 121, 122) of another container. (100), which is identical in construction to the container (1), are designed in such a way that a tensile force can be transmitted from the container (1) to the further container (100).

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12) of one side wall (3) of the side walls (3, 4) are arranged offset from each other in a direction parallel to the plane (30) and parallel to the side walls (3, 4) with respect to the coupling elements (21, 22) of the other side wall (4).

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling elements of at least one of the side walls (3, 4) are of the same shape.

4. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (3, 4) each have more than two of the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22).

5. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are designed to be point-symmetric to each other with respect to the point of symmetry (23).

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) have a T-like or an L-like shape in a cross-section that runs parallel to the plane (30).

7. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) have a Y-shaped cross-section which is parallel to the plane (30).

8. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22) has a web extending from the respective side wall (3, 4) and a head section, wherein the head section is wider than the web in a cross-section that runs parallel to the plane (30).

9. Container (1) according to claim 8, wherein a length of the web is dimensioned such that in a coupling state between the container (1) and the further container (100), in which the further container (100) can transmit the tensile force to the container (1), a distance (190) is formed between the head section and a side wall of the further container (100) facing the head section.

10. Container (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) have an inner volume open downwards, wherein in particular a top surface of the web and a top surface of the head section and side walls extending downwards from the top surfaces of the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22) define the inner volume of the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22) and the inner volume is open downwards.

11. Container (1) according to claim 10, wherein the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22) has a stabilizing wall in the inner volume which extends perpendicular to the respective side wall (3, 4) and perpendicular to the bottom (2), wherein in particular the stabilizing wall extends along a center line of the web in the cross-section which extends parallel to the plane (30).

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) has a support element (81, 82) on the respective side wall (3, 4) above the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22) which extends perpendicular to the respective side wall (3, 4) and perpendicular to the bottom (2) and which adjoins a top surface of the respective coupling element (11, 12, 21, 22).

13. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) have an insertion aid on their upper side, wherein the insertion aid has at least one surface which has an inclination relative to the plane (30).

14. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling elements (11, 12, 21, 22) are positively connected to the side walls (3, 4), in particular by a snap-fit ​​connection or click connection, wherein the positive fit is in particular reversibly releasable.

15. Storage system with a container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the storage system comprises the further container (100) which is identical in construction to the container (1).

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