Transport container and transport container arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a receiving container (2) for receiving objects therein, a carrying handle (25) pivotably arranged on the receiving container (2) between a pivoted storage position and an unfolded position, and a locking element (24) pivotably arranged on the receiving container (2) between a holding position and an unlocked position for releasably connecting the transport container (1) to a support structure. The objective of providing a transport container (1) that allows for easy coupling of the transport container (1) to a support structure and easy detachment of the transport container (1) from the support structure is achieved by the fact that the carrying handle (25) has at least one actuating element (45) for pivoting the locking element (24) into the unlocked position when the carrying handle (25) is pivoted into the unfolded position.The invention further relates to a transport container arrangement comprising a transport container (1) and a support structure connectable to the transport container (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport container according to the preamble of claim 1 and a transport container arrangement according to claim 15.

[0002] From DE 10 2015 013 053 B4, a stackable case and a case arrangement with two identical cases stacked on top of each other are known. The stackable case comprises a box-shaped base and a lid pivotally connected to it. The lid of the case has a hook-in tab at both its front and rear. Furthermore, the case has a rearward-projecting hook-in hook at its bottom and a pivotable pressure plate with a locking hook on the front wall. The front wall of the case is designed as the operating side. Specifically, a folding handle pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis is arranged on the front wall of the base. The pressure plate is located in a recess on the front wall of the case, specifically in the area through which the folding handle passes.The pressure plate can be operated through the opening of the folding handle, specifically by pushing or pulling it with a user's hand. When two cases are coupled together, the hooks of the upper case engage with the rear mounting tab on the lid of the lower case. Simultaneously, the locking hooks of the upper case engage with the front mounting tab on the lid of the lower case. By engaging the mounting hooks and locking hooks, the two cases are firmly connected and, in particular, secured against separation. By pushing or pulling the pressure plate, the user can deflect it so that the locking hooks are released from the front mounting tab, allowing the two cases to be separated.

[0003] Based on this, the task is to provide a transport container that allows for easy coupling of the transport container to a support structure as well as easy detachment of the transport container from the support structure. Furthermore, the task is to provide a transport container assembly comprising a transport container and a support structure connectable to the transport container.

[0004] This problem is solved with a transport container according to claim 1 and by a transport container arrangement according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] The transport container according to the invention comprises a receiving container for receiving objects and a carrying handle pivotably arranged on the receiving container between a folded or pivoted storage position and an unfolded or pivoted open position. The carrying handle is preferably attached directly to the receiving container. The carrying handle serves, particularly in an unfolded position where it preferably projects away from or outwards from the receiving container, for carrying or transporting the transport container. The pivoted storage position is, in particular, a position in which the carrying handle is pivoted towards the receiving container, with a grip portion of the carrying handle, which is grasped by a user's hand to carry the transport container, lying on or near the receiving container. In contrast, the carrying handle is in the unfolded position...The transport container is pivoted away from the receiving container in the release position. The transport container further comprises a locking element pivotably arranged on the receiving container between a holding position and an unlocked position. The locking element is preferably attached directly to the receiving container. In particular, the locking element is a separate component, i.e., separate from the carrying handle. The locking element serves specifically for the detachable connection of the transport container to a support structure or for the detachable attachment of the transport container to a support structure. The support structure can, for example, be an adapter plate, which serves, for instance, for connecting to another container or for attaching the transport container to a wall.Furthermore, another transport container, preferably on its upper side, particularly on a lid, can also have the support structure, so that several transport containers can be coupled together. The locking element is, in particular, connectable to a counter-locking element of the support structure in the holding position and can be released from the counter-locking element by pivoting the locking element into the unlocking position. The holding position is preferably the default position of the locking element. In particular, the locking element can be held in the holding position by a spring or be spring-loaded in the holding position.

[0006] According to the invention, the carrying handle has at least one actuating element specifically designed to pivot the locking element into the unlocked position when the carrying handle is pivoted into the unfolded position. The actuating element pivots along with the carrying handle. The actuating element is preferably fixed, and in particular rigid, to the carrying handle. It may, in particular, be an integrally formed actuating element. Preferably, the carrying handle is formed in one piece. When moving into the unfolded position, the actuating element preferably acts directly against the locking element or an actuating section of the locking element. When the carrying handle is pivoted back into the storage position, the locking element, which is spring-loaded, particularly in the holding position, preferably pivots back into the holding position.In this design, the locking element allows for easy coupling of the transport container to a support structure and ensures reliable attachment of the transport container to the support structure. Furthermore, by moving the locking element into the unlocked position and pivoting the carrying handle into the unfolded position, the transport container can be easily and quickly decoupled or detached from the support structure.

[0007] The receiving container is preferably a box- or bowl-shaped container. Preferably, the receiving container comprises a base or base segment, a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls connecting the front and rear walls, specifically a right and a left side wall. The walls attached to the base are preferably rigidly connected to the base. The base and the walls enclose, in particular, a receiving chamber open at the top. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element and the carrying handle are arranged on the front wall of the receiving container. Preferably, the locking element is located internally, i.e., closer to the receiving container, and the carrying handle is located externally, particularly in front of the locking element. Preferably, the carrying handle, especially when arranged in its pivoted position, partially covers the locking element.The aforementioned arrangement of the locking element and the carrying handle on the front wall provides, firstly, an advantageous design for pivoting the locking element by the carrying handle. Furthermore, the internal arrangement of the locking element, and in particular the at least partial concealment of the locking element by the carrying handle in its pivoted bearing position, prevents unintentional actuation of the locking element and thus the release of the transport container from the support structure. The front wall of the receiving container can also have a receiving area or section for accommodating the locking element and the carrying handle. Specifically, the receiving area can be designed to correspond to the outer contour of the carrying handle and the locking element.In particular, the receiving area can be designed such that the outer surface of the carrying handle, in its pivoted storage position, is flush with the outer surface of the front wall, or at least that the carrying handle, in its pivoted storage position, does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the front wall. This provides not only an aesthetically pleasing design but also a particularly advantageous configuration for the use of the transport container. For example, the arrangement of the pivoted carrying handle within the receiving area, and its absence of protruding beyond the outer surface of the front wall, prevents a user from bumping into the handle.

[0008] The receiving container is preferably formed in one piece. In particular, the receiving container can be made of plastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). The receiving container can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. This results in a manufacturing-efficient and stable design of the receiving container.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving container, specifically its base, has at least one coupling element for a secure connection to a corresponding coupling element of the support structure. The coupling element serves, in particular, for a positive-locking connection with a correspondingly designed coupling element. In a coupled position of the transport container on the support structure, the coupling element preferably engages with the coupling element or is inserted into it in an engaging manner. Preferably, the coupling element projects to the rear or towards the back wall. In particular, the coupling element can be designed as an engagement tongue, a coupling / engagement lug, or a coupling hook. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element can be arranged on the underside of the base or form part of the underside.The coupling element is preferably arranged on the rear wall of the base or on a side of the base facing the rear wall of the receiving container. Specifically, the base can include a downwardly projecting step or plinth, on the rear side of which, or on the side facing the rear wall, the at least one coupling element is arranged. The step is preferably a lower section of the base that is set inwards relative to the walls of the receiving container. In particular, the coupling element can be arranged on the rear lower edge of the base or the downwardly projecting step of the base. Preferably, the receiving container has two or more coupling elements, in particular coupling elements designed as coupling webs or engagement webs. The engagement web(s) enable easy insertion and coupling of the transport container with correspondingly designed mating coupling elements of the support structure.The counter-coupling element can be, in particular, a snap-fit ​​receptacle or slot arranged on the support structure into which the engagement lug(s) can be inserted. The support structure can also have several counter-coupling elements for coupling with the engagement lug(s). The transport container can be securely attached to the support structure by means of at least one coupling element, particularly in conjunction with the locking element.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element, particularly at its lower portion facing the floor, has at least one locking hook for releasable connection with a counter-locking element of the support structure. Specifically, the locking hook can be located at or form the lower end of the locking element. The locking hook is preferably a forward-projecting locking hook, extending away from the receiving container, specifically its front wall. The locking hook is preferably located at or at least near the underside or bottom of the receiving container, particularly when the locking element is in the holding position.The locking element is preferably pivotably arranged on the receiving container such that, when pivoted from the holding position to the unlocking position, the locking hook is moved towards the receiving container. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has two or more locking hooks. The locking hook(s) enable the transport container to be easily secured to a support structure by engaging with correspondingly designed counter-locking elements of the support structure. The counter-locking element can, in particular, be a snap-fit ​​receptacle or snap groove arranged on the support structure. The counter-locking element for connecting to the locking hook and the counter-coupling element for connecting to the coupling element can, in particular, be of the same design.The aforementioned design makes it possible to connect the coupling element and the locking element to both the counter-locking element and the counter-coupling element, and thus to connect the transport container to the support structure in different positions.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking hook and the at least one coupling element of the receiving container point in essentially opposite directions. This applies particularly when the locking element is in the holding position. Specifically, the coupling element points rearward and the locking hook forward. This embodiment allows for easy attachment of the transport container to a support structure that has corresponding counter-coupling and counter-locking elements. The locking element and the coupling element of the receiving container form a coupling device by means of which the transport container can be attached or fastened to the support structure. Preferably, the transport container is first positioned at an angle to the support structure, and the coupling element is inserted into the counter-coupling element of the support structure.The transport container is then pivoted such that its front wall moves downwards towards the support structure. This engages the locking hook of the locking element with the counter-locking element of the support structure. Preferably, the locking hook initially rests against the counter-locking element, specifically its upper surface, causing the locking element to briefly deflect from its holding position towards the unlocked position. As the front of the transport container continues to move downwards towards the support structure, the locking hook can then engage the counter-locking element of the support structure by pivoting the locking element back into its holding position. This engagement of the coupling element and the locking hook with the counter-locking element...The transport container is securely attached to the support structure by a counter-locking element. By pivoting the carrying handle into the unfolded position and pivoting the locking element into the unlocked position, the locking hook is released from the counter-locking element of the support structure, and the transport container can then be removed from the support structure.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the carrying handle is pivotably mounted on the receiving container about a carrying handle pivot axis, and the locking element is pivotably mounted about a locking pivot axis. The carrying handle pivot axis and the locking pivot axis preferably run parallel to each other. In particular, the locking pivot axis and the carrying handle pivot axis are arranged offset from each other, with the locking pivot axis preferably being offset below the carrying handle pivot axis, i.e., further towards the bottom or underside of the receiving container. The parallel and, in particular, offset arrangement of the carrying handle pivot axis and the locking pivot axis provides an advantageous configuration for pivoting the locking element by the actuating element of the carrying handle.In particular, the actuating element, which is pivoted around the carrying handle pivot axis together with the carrying handle when pivoted into the unfolded position, can directly cause the locking element to pivot into the unlocked position.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has an actuating section, specifically in an upper region, i.e., in particular a region pointing towards the top of the receiving container or towards the lid, against which the actuating element acts when the carrying handle is pivoted into the unfolded position. Preferably, the locking element has at least one locking hook below the locking pivot axis, i.e., in a region further towards the bottom of the receiving container, and the actuating section above the locking pivot axis. This results in an advantageous lever-like design, whereby the actuating element, acting against the actuating section in the upper region of the locking element, causes the locking hook to pivot in the lower region of the locking element.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the carrying handle has a shape that is at least substantially U-shaped. Specifically, the carrying handle comprises a handle section and two handle legs or side sections arranged on the handle section. The carrying handle is pivotably connected to the container, particularly via the handle legs. The pivot axis of the carrying handle runs, in particular, through an upper end region of the two handle legs. This provides an advantageous design for carrying the container by the handle and for pivoting the carrying handle. Preferably, at least one of the handle legs has the actuating element, especially at the upper end or the end extending away from the handle section. Particularly preferably, the actuating element is rigidly arranged on the handle leg, and in particular, integrally molded onto it.Preferably, both handle arms have an actuating element. The handle is preferably made of plastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). This results in a manufacturing-friendly and stable design of the handle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least one actuating element is designed in the shape of a hook or as an actuating hook. The fastening hook preferably projects rearward, i.e., specifically when viewed from the carrying handle in its pivoted bearing position, toward the receiving container. The actuating hook is arranged, in particular, at the upper end, or the end of the handle leg that deflects away from the handle part, of a substantially U-shaped carrying handle. Preferably, both handle legs have an actuating element designed as an actuating hook. The design of the actuating element as an actuating hook provides an advantageous configuration for pivoting the locking element, in which, for example, the actuating hook engages the locking element and acts against it from behind.In particular, this makes it possible to design the carrying handle in which the carrying handle can first be pivoted from the pivoted bearing position to the unfolded position without the actuating element obstructing the locking element.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking element has a shape that is at least substantially U-shaped. Specifically, the locking element comprises a base section and two side sections or legs attached to it. In a particularly preferred embodiment, when the carrying handle is in the pivoted bearing position, the legs of the locking element are partially or preferably completely covered by the carrying handle legs. As described above, this prevents unintentional actuation of the locking element. The locking element is preferably formed in one piece. In particular, the locking element can be made of plastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). This results in a manufacturing-advantageous and stable design of the locking element.Preferably, the locking element is pivotably arranged on the receiving container via the base section. The locking pivot axis therefore runs in or through the base section. Specifically, the base section is articulated, in particular via at least one joint or joint arrangement located in the base section. The lower portion of the base section, facing away from the legs, and especially its lower end, preferably has the locking hook(s) for securing the transport container to a support structure. Preferably, one or both legs of the essentially U-shaped locking element, and especially their upper (end) portion, have the aforementioned actuating section, which interacts with the actuating element of the carrying handle.By means of the action of the actuating element when the carrying handle is pivoted into the unfolded position against the actuating section of the locking element, the locking element can be pivoted around the locking pivot axis from the holding position to the unlocking position.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking element has at least one engagement opening or recess into which, in particular, the actuating element engages when the carrying handle is pivoted into the unfolded position. The engagement opening can be partially open, especially towards the rear, i.e., in the direction of the receiving container. In the aforementioned U-shaped embodiment of the locking element, one or both legs of the locking element can have an engagement opening at their upper (end) region, specifically on their top surface. In particular, an actuating element designed as an actuating hook can be inserted into the engagement opening when the carrying handle is pivoted into the unfolded position and press against the locking element from behind.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the carrying handle can be pivoted from a transport position, which is pivoted by 90° relative to the pivoted storage position, into the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the carrying handle is therefore pivoted by more than 90°, preferably by about 100° to 120°, and particularly preferably by about 105°, relative to the pivoted storage position. The transport position is preferably the position in which the carrying handle is arranged when the transport container is being carried by a user. The pivoting of the locking element into the unlocked position preferably only occurs when the carrying handle is pivoted from the transport position to the unfolded position.In particular, when the carrying handle is pivoted into the transport position, the actuating element of the carrying handle does not yet interact with the actuating section of the locking element. This interaction only occurs when the carrying handle is pivoted from the transport position to the unfolded position. Consequently, in the transport position, the locking element is not yet deflected into the unlocked position. Specifically, the actuating element and / or the actuating section are designed such that they only interact when the carrying handle is pivoted from the transport position to the unfolded position, meaning the locking element only pivots into the unlocked position when the carrying handle is pivoted from the transport position to the unfolded position. This ensures that a transport container is only detached from its support structure when the carrying handle is deliberately pivoted beyond the transport position.Furthermore, the aforementioned design avoids unnecessary pivoting of the locking element into the unlocking position as well as unnecessary holding of the locking element in the deflected unlocking position when carrying the transport container by the carrying handle arranged in the transport position.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the transport container has a lid attached to or connected with the receiving container. Preferably, the transport container has a lid pivotably connected to the receiving container about a lid pivot axis. In a suitable embodiment, the lid pivot axis, the carrying handle pivot axis, and the locking pivot axis are parallel to each other. The lid is attached, in particular, to the rear wall of the receiving container. Specifically, the lid is pivotally connected to the rear wall of the receiving container, especially via a hinge or hinge assembly located on the rear wall of the receiving container. In the closed position, where the lid rests on the walls of the receiving container, it encloses a transport container receiving space together with the receiving container.The lid can be secured in the closed position, in particular by at least one locking element of the transport container. Preferably, the at least one locking element is arranged on the receiving container, especially on the front wall of the receiving container. Providing a lid enables, in particular, the safe transport of items placed in the receiving container.

[0020] The lid is preferably formed in one piece. In particular, the lid can be made of plastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). The lid can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. This results in a manufacturing-efficient and stable design of the lid.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the transport container is a stackable transport container, i.e., a transport container that can be coupled to another similar transport container. The transport container has, particularly on its upper surface, a suitably designed support structure to which another similar transport container can be attached. Specifically, the transport container can include a lid, preferably pivotably connected to the receiving container, which has the support structure for attaching another similar transport container. The lid specifically has at least one locking element. This locking element serves specifically for a detachable connection with the locking element of another similar transport container. In a preferred embodiment, the transport container further has at least one coupling element.The counter-coupling element is specifically designed for connection with a coupling element of a similar transport container. The coupling of two similar transport containers is achieved, in particular, by the coupling element of the upper transport container engaging with a counter-coupling element on the lid of the lower transport container, and by the locking element of the upper transport container engaging with the counter-locking element on the lid of the lower transport container. The counter-coupling element and the counter-locking element can be of the same type and each be designed for coupling with either the coupling element or the locking element. In particular, the counter-coupling element and the counter-locking element can be a snap-fit ​​receptacle or snap-fit ​​groove. Specifically, the lid can have a rear edge section with a first or second edge section.The containers have a rear locking receptacle and a front edge section with a second or front locking receptacle. These edge sections project upwards, in particular over an inner area of ​​the lid located between them. The top of the lid may also have a circumferential rim that encompasses these edge sections. The locking receptacles of the edge sections are, in particular, open towards the inner area of ​​the lid, i.e., towards the other edge section. As described above, the coupling element may be an engagement lug, and the locking element may have at least one locking hook. For stacking or securely attaching two identical transport containers to one another, the engagement lug and the locking hook of the upper transport container are brought into engagement with a locking receptacle of the lower transport container.

[0022] The invention further relates to a transport container arrangement comprising at least one transport container as described above and a support structure with at least one counter-locking element for coupling with the locking element. Preferably, the support structure further comprises a counter-coupling element for coupling with a coupling element of the transport container. In particular, the support structure can be part of another transport container. Specifically, the transport container arrangement can comprise two identical transport containers with a lid that includes the support structure.

[0023] These and other features, advantages, and effects of the transport container and transport container arrangement according to the invention will become apparent from the following embodiment described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a transport container according to the invention with a partially open lid; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the transport container made of Fig. 1 with the lid closed and in a partially disassembled state; Fig. 3 a top view of the transport container Fig. 1 with the lid closed; Fig. 4 a bottom view of the transport container made of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 a side view of the transport container Fig. 1 with the lid closed; Fig. 6 a cross-section through the middle plane of the transport container Fig. 1 with the lid closed; Fig. 7 a, b Detailed views of the locking mechanism of the transport container from Fig. 1 to secure the lid; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the front wall of the transport container according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the locking element; Fig. 10 a perspective view of the carrying handle; Fig. 11 a, b Perspective views of the locking element and the carrying handle in the swung-in storage position ( Fig. 11 a) ) and in transport position ( Fig. 11 b) ); Fig. 12 a front view of the transport container according to Fig. 2 without a locking element and without a carrying handle; Fig. 13 a front view according to Fig. 12 with attached locking element; Fig. 14 a front view according to Fig. 13 with attached carrying handle in swivelled storage position; Fig. 15 a, b Detailed views of a cross-section through the transport container made of Fig. 14 in area XX ( Fig. 15 a) ) and YY ( Fig. 15 b) ); Fig. 16 a front view according to Fig. 14 with the carrying handle in a transport position swivelled upwards by 90°; Fig. 17 a, b Detailed views of a cross-section through the transport container made of Fig. 16 in area XX ( Fig. 17 a) ) and YY ( Fig. 17 b) ); Fig. 18 a front view according to Fig. 14 with the carrying handle in a folded-out position swivelled upwards by more than 90°; Fig. 19 a, b Detailed views of a cross-section through the transport container made of Fig. 18 in area XX ( Fig. 19 a) ) and YY ( Fig. 19 b) ); Fig. 20 the coupling of two identical transport containers according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 21 a cross-section through the transport container arrangement Fig. 20 in area XX; Fig. 22 the transport container arrangement Fig. 20 in a coupled state; Fig. 23 a cross-section through the transport container arrangement Fig. 22 in area XX; Fig. 24 a, b Detailed views of the front area of ​​the transport container arrangement from Fig. 22 in area XX ( Fig. 24 a) ) and YY ( Fig. 24 b) ); Fig. 25 the transport container arrangement Fig. 22 with the carrying handle of the upper transport container in the unfolded position; Fig. 26 a, b Detailed views of the front area of ​​the transport container arrangement from Fig. 25 in area XX ( Fig. 26 a) ) and YY ( Fig. 26 b) ).

[0024] An embodiment of the transport container 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1 in a partially open perspective view and in Fig. 2 shown in a closed and partially disassembled perspective view. Furthermore, the transport container is in Fig. 3 in a top view, in Fig. 4 in a view below, in Fig. 5 in a side view and in Fig. 6 shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0025] The transport container 1 comprises a receiving container 2 and a lid 3 arranged on the receiving container 2 so as to be pivotable about a lid pivot axis D. The receiving container 2 has a base 4, a front wall 5, a rear wall 6, and right and left side walls 7, 8 connecting the front wall 5 and the rear wall 6. The lid 3 is hinged to the receiving container 2. Specifically, the lid 3 is connected to the receiving container 2 via a hinge or hinge assembly 9 arranged on the rear wall 6 of the receiving container 2. In the Fig. 2 In the closed position of the lid 2 shown, the receiving container 2 and the lid 3 enclose a transport container receiving space for receiving items to be transported in the transport container 1. By pivoting the lid 3 about the lid pivot axis D, the transport container 1 can be opened, as exemplified in Fig. 1 It is shown that objects can be removed from or placed into the receiving container 2.

[0026] Securing the lid 3 in the Fig. 2 The closed position shown is achieved by two locking elements 10 arranged on the front wall 5 of the receiving container 2. A detailed view of one of the locking elements 10 is shown in Fig. 7 a) in closed state and in Fig. 7 b) shown in the open position. The locking element 10 comprises an actuating body 11 pivotable about a locking pivot axis V and a locking bar 12 pivotable about a bracket pivot axis B on the actuating body 11. To secure the cover 3 in the closed position, the locking bar 12, or its upper bracket section, engages, as shown in Fig. 7 a) As shown, the locking mechanism engages in a locking receptacle 13 of the cover 3. The locking receptacle 13 of the illustrated embodiment is specifically a groove in a projection or a protruding section of the cover 3. To unlock the cover 3, the actuating element 11 is inserted, as shown in the figure. Fig. 7 b) The locking element 10 is shown pivoted upwards around the locking pivot axis V. This releases the locking lever 12 from the locking receptacle 13 of the lid 3. In this unlocked position of the locking element 10, the lid 3 can be pivoted upwards and the transport container 1 opened.

[0027] As especially in Fig. 4 bis Fig. 6 As shown, the base 4, or the lower section of the receiving container 2 forming the base 4, has a downwardly projecting plinth or step 14 that is set slightly inwards relative to the walls 5, 6, 7, 8 of the receiving container 2. On the side facing the rear wall 6, the base 4, or the step 14, has several coupling elements 15 in the form of rearwardly projecting engagement webs. The coupling elements 15 serve specifically to engage with a correspondingly designed counter-coupling element of a support structure. In particular, the transport container 1 itself can also have a corresponding support structure, as described here and below, so that two identical transport containers 1 can be coupled together.

[0028] The lid 3 of the transport container 1 shows, as particularly in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The figure shows a central or inner region 16 and an edge 17 projecting upwards from the inner region 16. In this case, the edge 17 is a circumferential rim 17 surrounding the inner region 16. Specifically, the edge 17 comprises a rear edge section 18, a front edge section 19, and right and left lateral edge sections 22, 22'. The rear edge section 18, i.e., the edge section 18 located on the side of the hinge assembly 9, has a first or rear locking receptacle 20 designed in the form of a groove. The front edge section 19, opposite the rear edge section 18, has a second or front locking receptacle 21 designed in the form of a groove. The detent receptacles 20, 21 are in particular detent grooves that are limited on the upper side and open towards the inner area 16 or towards the other detent receptacle 21, 20.The rear locking mechanism 20 is therefore, as in particular in . Fig. 6 As can be seen, the front locking receptacle 21 is open to the front and to the rear. The right and left lateral edge sections 22, 22' also have coupling structures 23, 23' which are not described in detail here. These coupling structures 23, 23' serve to couple the transport container 1 with a different type of container (not shown here) which has corresponding counter-coupling structures designed to match the coupling structures 23, 23'.

[0029] Transport container 1 further comprises, as shown for example in the partially disassembled illustration in Fig. 2 A locking element 24 and a carrying handle 25 are shown. The locking element 24 and the carrying handle 25 are arranged or attached to the front wall 5 of the receiving container 2. The front wall 5 specifically has a receiving area 26 in which the locking element 24 and the carrying handle 25 are arranged, as described in detail below. In this case, the receiving area 26 is specifically a recessed area of ​​the receiving container 2 designed to receive the locking element 24 and the carrying handle 25. A detailed view of the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 is shown in Fig. 8 The locking element 24 and the carrying handle 25 are shown separately in Fig. 9 or Fig. 10 shown. Fig. 11 a) und Fig. 11 b) The figures show a rear view of the combination of locking element 24 and carrying handle 25. The carrying handle 25 is specifically designed in Fig. 11 a) in a pivoted bearing position adjacent to the locking element 24 and in Fig. 11 b) arranged in a transport position tilted upwards by 90°. Fig. 12 bis Fig. 14 Further front views of the receiving container 2 are shown, whereby Fig. 12 the receiving container 2 without locking element 24 and without carrying handle 25, Fig. 13 the receiving container 2 with attached locking element 24 and Fig. 14 The container 2 with attached locking element 24 and attached carrying handle 25 is shown.

[0030] The locking element 24 has an approximately U-shaped basic form with a base section or base part 27 and two upwardly projecting legs 28 arranged on this (cf. Fig. 9 The base part 27, which forms the lower part of the locking element 24, has a projection 29 in the form of a forward-projecting section. As, for example, in Fig. 14 As shown, the carrying handle 25 comes to rest above the projection 29 in the pivoted storage position. Below this projection 29, the locking element 24 has two forward-projecting locking hooks 30. These locking hooks 30, which form the lower part of the locking element 24, serve to releasably secure the transport container 1 to a support structure, as shown below with reference to Fig. 20 bis Fig. 26 is described in more detail below. Between the spaced-apart locking hooks 30, the locking element 24 has a guide receptacle 31 in the form of a circumferentially bounded opening. Specifically, the guide receptacle 31 is bounded on its underside by an edge segment 38. The two legs 28 of the locking element 24 have an engagement opening 32 on their upper side, in this case a substantially U- or V-shaped engagement opening 32. The locking element 24 is attached to the receiving container 2 by means of two fastening elements 33 arranged in the area of ​​the base part 27. The fastening elements 33 of the present embodiment are specifically fastening pins or fastening studs arranged in a recessed area of ​​the base part 27. As described in Fig. 8 and Fig. 12 As shown, the receiving container 2, specifically the receiving area 26, has two mounting receptacles 34 designed to receive the fastening elements 33. In this case, the mounting receptacles 34 are a fastening clamp formed by two spaced-apart webs.

[0031] Fig. 13 shows the receiving container 2 with the locking element 24 attached to it. As also in Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 a) und b) As indicated, the locking element 24 is pivotably mounted on the receiving container 2 about a locking pivot axis S extending through the fastening elements 33 or the fastening receptacles 34. As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 12 As shown, the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 has a forward-projecting, rib-like guide element 35. When the locking element 24 is arranged on the receiving container 2, the guide element 35 is Fig. 13 The guide receptacle 31 of the locking element 24 is shown. Furthermore, a spring element 36 is arranged on the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 (see figure). Fig. 8 and Fig. 12 The spring element 36, arranged above the guide element 35 and below the mounting receptacles 34, rests against the rear side of the locking element 24 when the locking element 24 is attached to the receiving container 2 (see also sectional view according to Fig. 15 b) The spring element 36 presses specifically against the lower part of the locking element 24, i.e., the section of the locking element 24 below the locking pivot axis S. This pushes the lower part of the locking element 24 forward away from the receiving container 2. The forward movement of the lower part of the locking element 24 is limited by the guide element 35 guided in the guide receptacle 31. Specifically, the guide element 35 has a contact segment 37 at its front end in the form of a downwardly projecting retaining lug (see figure). Fig. 8 By bearing against the edge segment 38 of the locking element 24, the forward deflection of the lower part of the locking element 24 is limited. Under the action of the spring element 36 in conjunction with the guide element 35, the locking element 24 is thereby held in the position indicated by the spring element 36. Fig. 15 a) or Fig. 15 b) The holding position shown, the basic position of the locking element 24, is maintained.

[0032] The in Fig. 10 The carrying handle 25, shown in a perspective view, is essentially U-shaped. Specifically, the carrying handle 25 has a lower handle section 39 and two upward-projecting handle arms 40 attached to it. For material savings and for production-related reasons, the carrying handle 25 has recesses or cavities, as also shown in Fig. 10 The carrying handle legs 40 each have three connecting webs 41 at their upper end, furthest from the handle part 39. These webs are provided with a hinge receptacle 42 and serve to attach the carrying handle 25 to the container 2 as described below. Actuating elements 45 are arranged on the upper side of the middle connecting webs 41. In this case, the actuating elements 45 are rearward-projecting actuating hooks. The actuating elements 45 serve, as for example in Fig. 11 b) As indicated and described in detail below, the actuating elements 45 cause the locking element 24 to deflect when the carrying handle 25 is pivoted.

[0033] For attaching the carrying handle 25 to the receiving container 2, the receiving container 2, specifically the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2, has two forward-projecting retaining ribs 43 on each side, as shown for example in Fig. 8 and Fig. 13 The retaining bars 43 are located on the carrying handle 25 arranged on the receiving container 2 (see figure). Fig. 14 ) each is arranged between two connecting webs 41 of the carrying handle legs 40. The carrying handle 25 is fixed to the receiving container 2 by means of hinge pins 44 inserted into the hinge receptacles 42 of the connecting webs 41 and into corresponding receptacles of the retaining webs 43. The carrying handle 25 is, for example, Fig. 10 as well as Fig. 14 indicated, to be pivotably attached to the receiving container 2 via a carrying handle pivot axis T running through the joint mounts 42 and the joint pins 44.

[0034] In Fig. 14 bis Fig. 19 Different positions of the carrying handle 25 are sketched.

[0035] Fig. 14 Figure 1 shows a front view of the transport container 1, with the carrying handle 25 in the swung-in storage position. As shown in Figure 2. Fig. 14 As shown, the lower end of the carrying handle 25 lies above the projection 29, with the projection 29 and the carrying handle 25 preferably not touching. Fig. 14 As can be further seen, the carrying handle 25 covers the locking element 24 above the projection 29. In particular, the legs 28 of the locking element 24 are covered by the carrying handle legs 40. Fig. 15 a) und Fig. 15 b) Two sectional views through the arrangement are shown. Fig. 14 in area XX ( Fig. 15 a) ) or YY ( Fig. 15 b) ). As in Fig. 15 a) As can be seen, the actuating element 45 is spaced away from the locking element 24 when the carrying handle 25 is folded in, and in particular does not act against it. The spring element 36 and the guide element 35 hold the locking element 24 in the position shown. Fig. 15 a) und Fig. 15 b) The indicated holding position was maintained.

[0036] Fig. 16 shows a front view of the transport container 1, with the carrying handle 25 in a position opposite the pivoted storage position. Fig. 14 The transport position is arranged pivoted upwards by 90° about the carrying handle pivot axis T. Pivoting the carrying handle 25 into the transport position is preferably achieved by a user gripping the handle part 39 with their hand. In the transport position shown, holding the transport container 1 via the handle part 39 and transporting the transport container 1 by a user is possible in a simple and convenient manner. A corresponding sectional view of the [figure] is shown in [reference]. Fig. 16 The arrangement shown is in Fig. 17 a) (section through XX) and in Fig. 17 b) (Section through YY) shown. As shown in particular in Fig. 17 a) As shown, when the carrying handle 25 is pivoted, the actuating elements 45 are also pivoted. The actuating elements 45 move specifically as shown in Fig. 17 a) The leg 28 of the locking element 24 is shown in the direction of the engagement opening 32. In the transport position of the carrying handle 25 shown, however, the actuating elements 45 do not yet act against the locking element 24, so that the locking element 24 does not yet pivot from the holding position.

[0037] Fig. 18 shows a front view of the transport container 1, with the carrying handle 25 positioned opposite. Fig. 16 further arranged in the unfolded position, pivoted upwards around the carrying handle pivot axis T. Corresponding sectional view of the in Fig. 18 The arrangement shown is in Fig. 19 a) (section through XX) and in Fig. 19 b) (Section through YY) shown. Specifically, the carrying handle 25 in the shown unfolded position is angled by more than 90° compared to the one in Fig. 14 The carrying handle 24 is pivoted upwards in the pivoted storage position shown, in this case by approximately 105°. In the unfolded position shown, the carrying handle 24 rests against a stop edge in the upper area of ​​the receiving container 2, so that pivoting the carrying handle 24 beyond the unfolded position is not possible. As can be seen in particular in the detailed view from Fig. 19 a) As shown, the actuating elements 45 of the carrying handle 24, in the unfolded position, engage the locking element 24 via the engagement opening 32 and press from behind against the upper section of the locking element 24, which serves as the actuating section. This causes the locking element 24 to be moved against the action of the spring element 36 about the locking pivot axis S into the Fig. 19 a) und Fig. 19 b) The unlocking position shown is pivoted. Specifically, the part of the locking element 24 located above the locking pivot axis S is moved forward, i.e., away from the receiving container 2, and the lower part of the locking element 24, which has the locking hooks 30, is moved backward, i.e., towards the receiving container 2. When the carrying handle 24 is pivoted back, the actuating elements 45 are again removed from the engagement receptacles 32 of the locking element 24, and the locking element 24 is returned to its position by the spring element 36. Fig. 14 bis Fig. 17 The shown holding position has been swivelled.

[0038] The coupling and uncoupling of two identical transport containers 1, 1' is exemplified in Fig. 20 bis Fig. 26 sketched. It should be noted that not all reference symbols are shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0039] To couple an upper transport container 1 onto the lid 3' of a lower transport container 1, first, as in Fig. 20 as in Fig. 21 (Section through XX from Fig. 20 As shown in Figure 1, the coupling elements 15 of the upper transport container 1, designed as engagement ribs, are inserted into the rear locking receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1'. The upper transport container 1 is specifically aligned at an angle to the lower transport container 1' to allow the coupling elements 15 to be inserted into the rear locking receptacle 20'. Subsequently, the front part of the upper transport container 1 is, as shown in Figure 1, Fig. 21 As indicated by the arrow, the upper transport container 1 moves downwards towards the lower transport container 1'. The upper transport container 1 thereby enters the space provided. Fig. 22 bis Fig. 24 The coupling position shown is in which the base 4 of the upper transport container 1 rests on the lid 3' of the lower transport container 1', with the carrying handle 25 in the pivoted storage position. In the coupling position, the locking element 24 is pivoted back into the holding position by the action of the spring element 36, whereby the locking hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 engages in the front detent 21' of the lower transport container 1' (see in particular the figure). Fig. 24 a) und Fig. 24 b) By engaging the coupling elements 15 of the upper transport container 1 with the rear locking receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1' and by engaging the locking hook 30 of the upper transport container 1 with the front locking receptacle 21' of the lower transport container 1', the two transport containers 1, 1' are securely connected to each other. Lifting or detaching the upper transport container 1 from the lower transport container 1' is not possible.

[0040] Regarding the described coupling process, it should be noted that in addition to the one described in Fig. 20 und Fig. 21 The upper transport container 1 pivots towards the lower transport container 1' as shown, with the carrying handle 25 in the extended position. Pivoting can also occur when the carrying handle 25 is in the pivoted storage position. During the movement of the upper transport container 1 towards the lower transport container 1', the locking hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 initially rests against the upper side of the front edge section 19' of the lower transport container 1'. As the upper transport container 1 continues to pivot towards the lower transport container 1', the locking hook 30 is pressed inwards against the force of the spring element 36, thus pivoting the entire locking element 24 towards the unlocked position.The carrying handle 25, which is arranged in the pivoted storage position, is pivoted slightly outwards, for example by about 10°, by the upper part of the locking element 24 pressing against it. When the upper transport container 1 is fully pivoted towards the lower transport container l', the locking hooks 30 engage in the detent receptacle 21' due to the locking element 24 pivoting back into the holding position via the spring element 36. In this arrangement, the locking element 24 no longer presses against the carrying handle 25, which then automatically moves back into the pivoted storage position due to gravity. Fig. 22 bis Fig. 24 The arrangement shown is present.

[0041] The separation of the two transport containers 1, 1' is in Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 outlined. Specifically show Fig. 26 a) und Fig. 26 b) Detailed views through areas XX and YY from Fig. 25 To separate the transport containers 1, 1', the carrying handle 25 of the upper transport container 1 is pivoted upwards from the pivoted storage position beyond the transport position (90° position) around the carrying handle pivot axis T into the unfolded position. By pressing the actuating elements 45 from behind against the rear of the upper part of the locking element 24, i.e., against the actuating section, the locking element 24 is released, as shown in particular in Fig. 26 a) und Fig. 26 b) As shown, the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 is pivoted into the unlocked position. This releases the locking hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 from the front detent 21' of the front edge section 19' of the lower transport container 1', and the upper transport container 1 can be removed from the lower transport container 1'. Specifically, in this process – reversing the coupling process of the two transport containers 1 and 1' described above – the front part of the upper transport container 1 is first pivoted upwards away from the lower transport container 1'. Subsequently, the coupling elements 15 of the upper transport container 1 can be released from the rear detent 20' of the lower transport container 1'. This pivoting of the upper transport container 1 away from the lower transport container 1' can be accomplished, in particular, by means of the carrying handle 25, which is in the unfolded position.

[0042] In the coupling process shown as an example, the transport containers 1, 1' are coupled to each other such that they have the same orientation. Specifically, the carrying handles 25, 25' of both transport containers 1, 1' are located on the same side. However, in the illustrated embodiment, a coupling of the two transport containers 1, 1' rotated by 180° is also possible. Specifically, the coupling elements 15 of the upper transport container 1 can also be coupled to the front locking receptacle 21' of the lower transport container 1', and the locking hooks 30 of the upper transport container 1 can also be coupled to the rear locking receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1'. Bezugszeichen

[0043] 1 Transport container 2 Receiving container 3 Lid 4 Base 5 Front wall 6 Rear wall 7 Right side wall 8 Left side wall 9 Joint assembly 10 Locking element 11 Actuating body 12 Locking bracket 13 Locking receptacle 14 Step 15 Coupling element 16 Inner area 17 Edge 18 Rear edge section 19 Front edge section 20 Rear locking receptacle 21 Front locking receptacle 22 Side edge section 23 Coupling structure 24 Locking element 25 Carrying handle 26 Receiving area 27 Base part 28 Leg 29 Projection 30 Locking hook 31 Guide receptacle 32 Access opening 33 Fastening element 34 Fastening receptacle 35 Guide element 36 Spring element 37 Mounting segment 38 Edge segment 39 Handle part 40 Carrying handle leg 41 Connecting bridge 42 Joint mount 43 Retaining bridge 44 Joint pin 45 Actuating element B Handle pivot axis D Cover pivot axis T Carrying handle pivot axis V Lock pivot axis S Locking pivot axis

Claims

1. Transport container (1) comprising a receiving container (2) for receiving objects therein, a carrying handle (25) pivotably arranged on the receiving container (2) between a pivoted storage position and an unfolded position, and a locking element (24) pivotably arranged on the receiving container (2) between a holding position and an unlocking position for releasably connecting the transport container (1) to a support structure, characterized by the fact that the carrying handle (25) has at least one actuating element (45) for pivoting the locking element (24) into the unlocking position when the carrying handle (25) is pivoted into the unfolded position.

2. Transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe receiving container (2) comprises a base (4), a front wall (5), a rear wall (6), and side walls (7, 8) connecting the front wall (5) and the rear wall (6), wherein the locking element (24) and the carrying handle (25) are arranged on the front wall (5).

3. Transport container (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the floor (4) has at least one coupling element (15) for holding connection with a counter-coupling element of the support structure.

4. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the locking element (24), in particular at a lower area, has at least one locking hook (30) for a releasable connection with a counter-locking element of the support structure.

5. Transport container (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that the coupling element (15) and the locking hook (30) point in opposite directions.

6. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the carrying handle (25) is pivotable about a carrying handle pivot axis (T) and the locking element (24) is pivotable about a locking pivot axis (S) parallel to the carrying handle pivot axis (T) on the receiving container (2).

7. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the locking element (24), in particular at an upper area, has an actuating section which interacts with the actuating element (45) when the carrying handle (25) is pivoted into the unfolded position.

8. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a substantially U-shaped carrying handle (25) and / or a substantially U-shaped locking element (24).

9. Transport container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthat at least one actuating element (45) is designed as an actuating hook and / or the locking element (24), in particular at its upper area, has an engagement opening (32) and the actuating element (45) is designed to engage in the engagement opening (32) when the carrying handle (25) is pivoted into the unfolded position.

10. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The carrying handle (25) can be pivoted into the unfolded position via a transport position pivoted by 90° relative to the pivoted bearing position, wherein preferably the actuating element (45) for pivoting the locking element (24) into the unlocking position is only formed when the carrying handle (25) is pivoted from the transport position into the unfolded position.

11. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya lid (3) pivotable about a lid pivot axis (D) connected to the receiving container (2), wherein the lid (3) is preferably pivotally connected to the rear wall (6) of the receiving container (2) and / or can be secured in a closed position by means of at least one locking element (10).

12. Transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lid (3) connected to the receiving container (2) and designed for attaching a similar transport container (1) to it, wherein the lid (3) in particular has a counter-locking element for detachable connection with the locking element of a similar transport container (1).

13. Transport container (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the lid (3) has a counter-coupling element for connection with a coupling element (15) of a similar transport container (1).

14. Transport container (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact thatthe lid (3) has a rear edge section (18) with a first locking receptacle (20) for connection with the coupling element (15) of a similar transport container (1) and a front edge section (19) with a second locking receptacle (21) for connection with the locking element (24) of a similar transport container (1).

15. Transport container arrangement comprising a transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a support structure with a counter-locking element for connection with the locking element.

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