Transport containers and transport container configurations

Abstract

The present invention provides a transport container that allows for easy attachment to a support structure and easy removal from the support structure. [Solution] The present invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising: a receiving container (2) for receiving an object inside; a transport handle (25) positioned on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable between an inwardly rotated storage position and an outwardly folded position; and a locking element positioned on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable between a holding position and an unlocked position for detachably connecting the transport container (1) to a support structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport container as described in the general term of claim 1 and a transport container configuration as described in claim 16.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stackable case and a case arrangement in which two identical cases are stacked on top of each other. The stackable case includes a box-shaped lower part and a lid pivotally connected thereto. The lid of the case has hook tabs at its front and rear. Further, the case has a mounting hook that protrudes rearward at the rear of its bottom, and a pivotable pressure plate having a locking hook disposed on the front wall. The front wall of the case is designed as an operation side. In particular, a folding handle pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis is disposed on the front wall of the lower part. The pressure plate is disposed in a recess of the front wall of the case, specifically in the reach-through area of the folding handle. The pressure plate can be operated by pressing or pulling it with the user's hand through the area of the folding handle that can be reached by hand. When two cases are joined together, the mounting hook of the upper case engages with the rear hook tab of the lid of the lower case. Further, the locking hook of the upper case engages with the front hook tab of the lid of the lower case. By the engagement of the mounting hook and the locking hook with the hook tabs, the two cases are firmly connected to each other, and in particular, they are fixed so that they cannot be lifted apart. By the user pressing or pulling the pressure plate, the pressure plate can be flexed, whereby the locking hook is released from the front hook tab and the two cases can be separated from each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, the objective is to provide a transport container that allows the transport container to be easily coupled to and easily detached from the support structure. A further objective is to provide a transport container configuration comprising a transport container and a support structure that can be connected to the transport container.

[0005] This objective is achieved by the transport container described in claim 1 and the transport container configuration described in claim 16. Advantageous embodiments and useful further developments of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] The transport container according to the present invention comprises a receiving container for receiving objects therein, and a transport handle positioned on the receiving container so as to be pivotable between a storage position in which the transport handle is folded inward or swiveled inward and an outward-folded position in which the transport handle is folded outward or swiveled outward. The transport handle is preferably directly attached to the receiving container. The transport handle plays a role in transporting or carrying the transport container, in particular in the outward-folded position, i.e., in a position in which the transport handle preferably protrudes from or extends outward from the receiving container. The inward-swiveled storage position is in particular a position in which the transport handle swings toward the receiving container, so that the grip portion of the transport handle, which is grasped by the user's hand to transport the transport container, is on or close to the receiving container. In contrast, in the outward-folded or outward-swiveled position, the transport handle is swiveled toward the receiving container. The transport container further comprises a locking element positioned on the receiving container so as to be pivotable between a holding position and an unlocked position. The locking element is preferably attached directly to the receiving container. The locking element is a particularly separate component, namely a separate component from the transport handle. Specifically, the locking element functions to detachably connect, in particular to, a support structure to a support structure. The support structure may be, for example, an adapter plate that helps to connect to another container or to mount the transport container to a wall. Furthermore, another transport container may have a support structure preferably on its upper side, particularly on the lid, so that several transport containers can be coupled to each other. The locking element can be connected to a counter-lock element of the support structure, particularly in the holding position, and can be released from the counter-lock element by pivoting the locking element to the unlocked 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 can be spring-biased to the holding position.

[0007] According to the present invention, the transport handle has at least one actuation element, which is particularly used to pivot a locking element to an unlocked position when the transport handle is pivoted to an outward-folded position. In particular, the actuation element pivots with the transport handle when the transport handle is pivoted. The actuation element is preferably fixed to the transport handle, and particularly firmly fixed to the transport handle. In particular, the actuation element may be molded. The transport handle is preferably designed as a single piece. When moving to the outward-folded position, the actuation element preferably acts directly on the locking element or the actuation section of the locking element. When the transport handle is pivoted back to the stowed position, the locking element, which is spring-biased in the holding position, is preferably pivoted back to the holding position. In the above design, the locking element allows the transport container to be easily coupled to the support structure and ensures that the transport container is securely attached to the support structure. Furthermore, by moving the locking element to the unlocked position by pivoting the transport handle to the outward-folded position, the transport container can be easily and quickly separated or removed from the support structure.

[0008] The receiving container is preferably a box-shaped receiving container. Preferably, the receiving container comprises a base or base segment, a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall, specifically a right-side wall and a left-side wall. The walls are positioned on the base and preferably firmly connected to the base. The base and walls enclose a receiving space that is particularly open upward. In an advantageous design, a locking element and a transport handle are positioned on the front wall of the receiving container. Preferably, the locking element is positioned on the inside, i.e., near the receiving container, and the transport handle is positioned on the outside, particularly in front of the locking element. Preferably, the transport handle covers the locking element in several areas, particularly when it is in a stowed position swung inward. The aforementioned arrangement of the locking element and transport handle on the front wall provides, on the one hand, an advantageous design for swung the locking element by the transport handle. Furthermore, the internal arrangement of the locking element, particularly the covering of the locking element in at least several areas by the transport handle positioned in a stowed position swung inward, prevents unintended operation of the locking element and thus the release of the transport container from the support structure. The front wall of the receiving container may also have a receiving area or section for receiving the locking element and the transport handle. In particular, the receiving area may be designed to correspond to the outer contours of the transport handle and the locking element. Specifically, the receiving area may be designed so that the outside of the transport handle is coplanar with the outside of the front wall when the container is swiveled inward, or so that the transport handle does not protrude beyond the outside of the front wall when the container is swiveled inward. This results in an aesthetically pleasing design, particularly advantageous for the use of the transport container. The placement of the swiveled transport handle within a receiving area that does not protrude beyond the outside of the front wall prevents, for example, the user from getting caught on the transport handle.

[0009] The receiving container is preferably designed as a single 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 provides a structurally stable design for the receiving container that is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0010] In actual design, the receiving container, specifically the base of the receiving container, has at least one coupling element for retaining connection with a counter coupling element of the support structure. The coupling element can function, for example, as a shape-fitting connection with a corresponding counter coupling element. At the coupling position of the transport container placed on the support structure, the coupling element preferably engages with or is inserted into the counter coupling element. Preferably, the coupling element is a coupling element that projects in the direction of the rear or rear wall. In particular, the coupling element can be designed as an engaging or coupling tongue, a coupling / engaging bar, or a coupling hook. In actual design, the coupling element can be located on the underside of the base or form part of the underside. It is particularly preferable that the coupling element is located on the rear wall side of the base or on the side of the base facing the rear wall of the receiving container. In particular, the base may have a downwardly projecting ledge or prince on the rear side or on the side facing the rear wall, with at least one coupling element located thereon. The ledge is preferably a (lower) section of the base offset inward with respect to the wall of the receiving container. In particular, the coupling elements may be located on the rear lower edge of the base or on a portion projecting downward from the base. Preferably, the receiving container has two or more coupling elements, in particular coupling elements designed as coupling bars or engagement bars. The engagement bars allow for easy insertion and coupling of the transport container, which is designed in correspondence with the counter coupling elements of the support structure. The counter coupling elements may be, in particular, latch receptacles or latch grooves located on the support structure, into which one or more engagement bars can be inserted and engaged. The support structure may also have several counter coupling elements for coupling with the engagement bars. At least one coupling element, in particular together with a locking element, allows the transport container to be securely attached to the support structure.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has at least one locking hook, particularly in its lower region facing the base, for releasably connecting to a counter-locking element of the support structure. In particular, the locking hook may be located at the lower end of the locking element or may form the lower end of the locking element. The locking hook is preferably a locking hook that projects forward or outward from the receiving container, specifically from its front wall. The locking hook is preferably located on the underside or base of the receiving container, or at least near thereto, particularly when the locking element is in the holding position. The locking element is preferably positioned on the receiving container such that the locking hook moves toward the receiving container when the locking hook pivots from the holding position to the unlocked position. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has two or more locking hooks. The locking hooks(s) allow the transport container to be easily secured to the support structure by engaging with a designed counter-locking element of the support structure. The counter-locking element may be a latch receptacle or latch groove located on the support structure. The counter-locking element for connecting to the locking hook and the counter-connecting element for connecting to the connecting element may be of the same design in particular. The aforementioned design allows the coupling element and locking element to be connected to both the counter-locking element and the counter-coupling element, thereby enabling the transport container to be connected to the support structure at different positions.

[0012] In an advantageous design, at least one locking hook and at least one coupling element of the receiving container face at least substantially opposite directions. This is particularly applicable when the locking element is in the holding position. Specifically, the coupling element faces rearward and the locking hook faces forward. The aforementioned design allows the transport container to be easily attached to a support structure having corresponding counter-coupling elements and counter-locking elements. The locking and coupling elements of the receiving container form a coupling device through which the transport container can be attached to or secured 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 the front wall or front side of the transport container moves downward toward the support structure. This causes the locking hook of the locking element to engage with the counter-locking element of the support structure. Preferably, the locking hook first contacts the counter-locking element, specifically its upper side, temporarily bending the locking element from the holding position toward the unlocked position. As the front of the transport container moves further downward toward the support structure, the locking hook can engage with the counter-locking element of the support structure by pivoting the locking element back to its retaining position. This counter-connection between the connecting element and the locking hook, and the engagement with the counter-locking element, secures the transport container to the support structure. By pivoting the transport handle to its outward-folded position and the locking element to its unlocked position, the locking hook is released from the counter-locking element of the support structure, and the transport container can be removed from the support structure.

[0013] In actual design, the transport handle is positioned on the container so as to pivot around its pivot axis, and the locking element is positioned so as to pivot around its locking pivot axis. The transport handle pivot axis and the locking pivot axis preferably extend parallel to each other. The locking pivot axis and the transport handle pivot axis are particularly offset from each other, thereby the locking pivot axis is preferably further offset downward than the transport handle pivot axis, i.e., towards the bottom of the base or receiving container. The parallel, particularly offset, arrangement of the transport handle pivot axis and the locking pivot axis provides an advantageous configuration for pivoting the locking element by the transport handle's operating element. In particular, the operating element that pivots with the transport handle when pivoted outward around the transport handle pivot axis can directly pivot the locking element to the unlocked position.

[0014] In an advantageous design, the locking element has an actuation section particularly in the upper area, i.e., the area facing the top of the receiving container or lid, with respect to this actuation element acting when the transport handle is pivoted to the outward folded position. Preferably, the locking element has at least one locking hook in an area located below the locking pivot axis, i.e., further away in the direction of the base of the receiving container, and an actuation section above the locking pivot axis. This provides an advantageous lever-like design, where the action of the actuation element on the actuation section in the upper area of ​​the locking element pivots the locking hook in the lower area of ​​the locking element.

[0015] In an advantageous design, the transport handle has at least a substantially U-shaped design. Specifically, the transport handle has a handle portion and two transport handle legs or transport handle sides positioned on the handle portion. The transport handle is pivotably connected to the container, particularly via the transport handle legs. The transport handle pivot axis extends, particularly through the upper end regions of the two transport handle legs. This provides an advantageous design for transporting the transport container via the transport handle and for pivoting the transport handle. Preferably, at least one of the transport handle legs has an actuation element, particularly at the upper end or the end facing outward from the handle portion. The actuation element is rigidly positioned on the transport handle leg, and is particularly preferably molded thereon. Preferably, both transport handle legs have actuation elements. The transport handle is preferably made of a plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). This provides a structurally advantageous and stable design for the transport handle.

[0016] In actual design, at least one actuation element is hook-shaped or designed as an actuation hook. The fastening hook preferably protrudes toward the receiving container when viewed from the rearward, i.e., particularly from the storage position where it is swung inward. The actuation hook is located in particular at the upper end of the essentially U-shaped storage handle or at the end of the storage handle leg, facing outward from the handle portion. Preferably, both storage handle legs have actuation elements designed as actuation hooks. Designing the actuation element as an actuation hook provides an advantageous design for pivoting the locking element, for example, where the actuation hook engages with the locking element and the actuation hook acts toward the locking element from the rear. In particular, this allows for a design in which the storage position where it is swung inward can first pivot toward the outward folded position without the actuation element acting to block the locking element.

[0017] In a more practical design, the locking element has a design that is at least substantially U-shaped. Specifically, the locking element has a base section and two side or leg sections positioned thereon. In a particularly preferred design, the leg sections of the locking element are partially or preferably completely covered by the leg sections of the transport handle when the transport handle is in a stowed position with the handle swung inward. As previously mentioned, this prevents unintended operation of the locking element. The locking element is preferably designed as a single piece. In particular, the locking element can be made of plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene). This provides a stable design for the locking element that is advantageous in terms of manufacturing. The locking element is preferably positioned on the receiving container so that it can pivot via the base section. Thus, the locking pivot axis extends within or through the area of ​​the base section. In particular, the base section is connected to the receiving container in an articulated manner via at least one joint or joint configuration, particularly located in the area of ​​the base section. Preferably, the lower region of the base section facing outward from the legs, specifically the lower end of the base section, has one or more locking hooks for securing the transport container to the support structure. Preferably, one or both legs of the essentially U-shaped locking element, specifically their upper (end) regions, have the aforementioned operating section that interacts with the operating element of the transport handle. When the transport handle is pivoted to the outward folded position, the operating element acts on the operating section of the locking element, thereby pivoting the locking element from a held position to an unlocked position around the locking pivot axis.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking element has at least one engagement opening or engagement recess into which an actuating element engages when the transport handle is pivoted to a folded outward position. The engagement opening may be partially open, particularly towards the rear, i.e., facing the direction of the receiving container. In the aforementioned U-shaped embodiment of the locking element, one or both legs of the locking element may have engagement openings in their upper (end) regions, particularly on their upper sides. In particular, an actuating element designed as an actuating hook can be inserted into the engagement opening when the transport handle is pivoted to a folded outward position and the locking element is pushed from the rear.

[0019] In the actual design, the transport handle can pivot to an outward-folded position via a transport position that is pivoted 90° relative to an inward-rotated storage position. Thus, in the outward-folded position, the transport handle pivots more than 90° relative to the inward-rotated storage position, preferably by about 100° to 120°, and particularly preferably by about 105°. The transport position is preferably the position in which the transport handle is positioned when the user is transporting the transport container. The locking element is preferably pivoted to the unlocked position only when the transport handle is pivoted from the transport position to the outward-folded position. In particular, when the transport handle is pivoted to the transport position, the actuating element of the transport handle does not yet interact with the actuating section of the locking element, but only when the transport handle is pivoted from the transport position to the outward-folded position. Thus, in the transport position, the locking element is not yet flexed to the unlocked position. Specifically, the actuating elements and / or actuating sections are designed to interact only when the transport handle is pivoted outward from the transport position; that is, the locking elements are designed to pivot to the unlocked position only when the transport handle is pivoted outward from the transport position. This ensures, on the one hand, that the transport container is released from the support structure only when the transport handle is intentionally pivoted beyond the transport position. Furthermore, the aforementioned design prevents the locking elements from unnecessarily pivoting to the unlocked position and from unnecessarily holding the locking elements in a bent unlocked position when the transport container is transported via the transport handle positioned in the transport position.

[0020] In an advantageous design, the transport container has a lid positioned on or attached to the receiving container. Preferably, the transport container has a lid attached to the receiving container so as to pivot around a lid pivot axis. In actual designs, the lid pivot axis, the pivot axis of the transport handle, and the lock pivot axis extend parallel to each other. The lid is attached in particular to the rear wall of the receiving container. In particular, the lid is articulated to the rear wall of the receiving container, particularly via a hinge or hinge configuration located on the rear wall of the receiving container. In the closed position, with the lid resting on the wall of the receiving container, the lid, together with the receiving container, encloses the transport container receiving space. The lid can be fixed in the closed position in particular by at least one closing element of the transport container. Preferably, at least one closing element is located on the receiving container, particularly on the front wall of the receiving container. The provision of a lid enables the safe transport of objects placed inside the receiving container.

[0021] The lid is preferably designed as a single 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 provides a stable design for the lid that is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0022] In practical design, the transport container is a stackable transport container, i.e., a transport container that can be coupled with similar transport containers. The transport container has a correspondingly designed support structure, particularly on its upper side, to which another transport container of the same type can be attached. In particular, the transport container may have a lid that is preferably pivotably connected to a receiving container and has a support structure for attaching transport containers of the same type. In particular, the lid has at least one counter-lock element. The counter-lock element is used particularly for a detachable connection to a lock element of a similar transport container. In practical design, the transport container also has at least one counter-coupling element. The counter-coupling element is used particularly for connection to a coupling element of a similar transport container. Coupling two similar transport containers together is achieved, particularly by the coupling element of the upper transport container engaging with the counter-coupling element of the lid of the lower transport container, and by the lock element of the upper transport container engaging with the counter-lock element of the lid of the lower transport container. The counter-coupling element and the counter-locking element may be of the same type, and each may be designed for both coupling with a coupling element and coupling with a locking element. In particular, the counter coupling element and the counter locking element may be a latch receptacle or a latch groove. Specifically, the lid may have a rear or rear edge section having a first, or rear, latch receptacle, and a front edge section having a second, or front, latch receptacle. The edge sections project upward, in particular, through the inner area of ​​the lid located between them. The upper side of the lid may also have a periphery surrounding the aforementioned edge sections. The latch receptacle of the edge section is, in particular, a latch receptacle that opens in the direction of the inner area of ​​the lid, i.e., in the direction of the other edge section. As previously stated, the coupling element may be an engagement bar, and the locking element may have at least one locking hook. To stack or securely attach two identical transport containers to each other, each of the engagement bars and locking hooks of the upper transport container engages with one of the latch receptacles of the lower transport container.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a transport container configuration having at least one of the aforementioned transport containers and a support structure having at least one counter-lock element for coupling with a lock element. Preferably, the support structure also has a counter-coupling element for coupling with a coupling element of the transport container. In particular, the support structure may be part of a further transport container. In particular, the transport container configuration can comprise two identical transport containers having a lid with a support structure.

[0024] These and other features, as well as the advantages and effects of the transport container and transport container configuration according to the present invention, will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a transport container according to the present invention with the lid partially open. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the transport container of FIG. 1 with the lid closed and partially disassembled. [Figure 3] Top view of the transport container of FIG. 1 with the lid closed. [Figure 4] Bottom view of the transport container of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Side view of the transport container of FIG. 1 with the lid closed. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view through the central plane of the transport container of FIG. 1 with the lid closed. [Figure 7a)] Detailed view of the locking mechanism of the transport container of FIG. 1 for fixing the lid. [Figure 7b)] Detailed view of the locking mechanism of the transport container of FIG. 1 for fixing the lid. [Figure 8] Detailed view of the front wall of the transport container according to FIG. 2. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the lock element. [Figure 10] Perspective view of the carrying handle. [Figure 11a)] Perspective view of the lock element and the carrying handle in the inwardly swiveled storage position. [Figure 11b)] This is a perspective view of the locking element and transport handle in the transport position. [Figure 12] Figure 2 is a front view of a transport container without locking elements or transport handles. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a front view with the locking element attached. [Figure 14] This is a front view of Figure 13, showing the transport handle attached in the inwardly rotated storage position. [Figure 15a)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 14 in Area XX. [Figure 15b)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 14 in area YY. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a front view showing the transport handle in a transport position, pivoted 90° upwards. [Figure 17a)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 16 in Area XX. [Figure 17b)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 16 in area YY. [Figure 18] Figure 14 is a front view showing the transport handle in a folded position, pivoted upward by more than 90° and folded outwards. [Figure 19a)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 18 in Area XX. [Figure 19b)] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 18 in area YY. [Figure 20] Figure 1 shows the joining of two similar transport containers. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport container configuration shown in Figure 20 in Area XX. [Figure 22] This is a diagram of the transport container configuration shown in Figure 20 in its combined state. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport container configuration shown in Figure 22 in Area XX. [Figure 24a)] This is a detailed view of the front region of the transport container configuration shown in Figure 22 in the XX cross-section. [Figure 24b)] This is a detailed view of the front region of the transport container configuration in Figure 22 in the YY section. [Figure 25] Figure 22 shows the configuration of the transport container, with the upper transport container's transport handle positioned in a folded outward position. [Figure 26a)] This is a detailed view of the front region of the transport container configuration in Figure 25 in the XX cross-section. [Figure 26b)] This is a detailed view of the front region of the transport container configuration in Figure 25 in the YY cross-section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the transport container 1 according to the present invention is shown in a partially open perspective view in Figure 1 and in a closed, partially disassembled perspective view in Figure 2. The transport container is also shown in a top view in Figure 3, a bottom view in Figure 4, a side view in Figure 5, and a cross-sectional view in Figure 6.

[0027] The transport container 1 comprises a receiving container 2 and a lid 3 positioned on the receiving container 2 so as to be pivotable around a lid pivot axis D. The receiving container 2 has a base 4, a front wall 5, a rear wall 6, and left and right side walls 7 and 8 connecting the front wall 5 and the rear wall 6. The lid 3 is hinged to the receptacle 2. Specifically, the lid 3 is connected to the receiving container 2 via a hinge or hinge configuration 9 located on the rear wall 6 of the receiving container 2. In the closed position of the lid 3 shown in Figure 2, the receiving container 2 and the lid 3 enclose a receiving space of the transport container for receiving objects to be transported into the transport container 1. By pivoting the lid 3 around the lid pivot axis D, the transport container 1 can be opened as shown in Figure 1, and as a result, objects can be removed from or placed into the receiving container 2.

[0028] The lid 3 is secured in the closed position shown in Figure 2 by two closing elements 10 located on the front wall 5 of the receiving container 2. A detailed view of one of the closing elements 10 is shown in Figure 7a) in the closed position and in Figure 7b) in the open position. The closing element 10 comprises an actuator 11 that is pivotable around a closing pivot axis V, and a closing bracket 12 positioned on the actuator 11 so as to be pivotable around a bracket pivot axis B. To secure the lid 3 in the closed position, the closing bracket 12 or its upper bracket section engages with the closing receptacle 13 of the lid 3, as shown in Figure 7a). In the illustrated embodiment, the closing receptacle 13 is specifically a groove in a projection or protruding section of the lid 3. To release the lid 3, the actuator 11 is pivoted upward around the closing pivot axis V, as shown in Figure 7b). This disengages the closing bracket 12 from the closing receptacle 13 of the lid 3. In this unlocked position of the closing element 10, the lid 3 can be pivoted upward, allowing the transport container 1 to be opened.

[0029] In particular, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the base 4, or the lower section of the receiving container 2 forming the base 4, has a pry or ledge 14 that protrudes downward and is slightly offset inward relative to the walls 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the receiving container 2. On the side facing the rear wall 6, the base 4 or ledge 14 has several coupling elements 15 in the form of rearward-projecting engaging webs. Specifically, the coupling elements 15 function to engage with corresponding counter-coupling elements of a support structure designed to match them. In particular, the transport container 1 itself may also have corresponding support structures, as given and described below, so that two identical transport containers 1 can be coupled to each other.

[0030] In particular, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lid 3 of the transport container 1 has a central or inner area 16 and an edge 17 projecting upward relative to the inner area 16. In this case, the edge 17 is the edge 17 surrounding the inner area 16. Specifically, the edge 17 includes a rear edge section 18, a front edge section 19, and left and right side edge sections 22, 22'. The rear edge section 18, i.e., the edge section 18 located on the side of the hinge configuration 9, has a first or rear latch receptacle 20 in the form of a groove. The front edge section 19 opposite the rear edge section 18 has a second or front latch receptacle 21 designed in the form of a groove. The latch receptacles 20, 21 are, in particular, latch grooves that are limited to the upper side and open toward the inner area 16 or the other latch receptacles 21, 20. Therefore, as seen particularly in Figure 6, the rear latch receptacle 20 opens forward and the front latch receptacle 21 opens rearward. The left and right side 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 to different types of containers, not shown here, which have corresponding counter-coupling structures designed to match the coupling structures 23, 23'.

[0031] The transport container 1 further comprises a locking element 24 and a transport handle 25, as shown, for example, in the exploded view of Figure 2. The locking element 24 and the transport handle 25 are positioned or attached to the front wall 5 of the receiving container 2. The front wall 5 has a receiving area 26 in which the locking element 24 and the transport handle 25 are positioned, as will be described in detail below. In this case, the receiving area 26 is specifically a concave area of ​​the receiving container 2 designed to receive the locking element 24 and the transport handle 25. A detailed view of the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 is shown in Figure 8. The locking element 24 and the transport handle 25 are shown separately in Figures 9 and 10, respectively. Figures 11a) and 11b) show rear views of the combination of the locking element 24 and the transport handle 25. Specifically, the transport handle 25 is shown in a stowed position rotated inward adjacent to the locking element 24 in Figure 11a), and in a transport position rotated 90° upward in Figure 11b). Figures 12 to 14 show further front views of the receiving container 2, where Figure 12 shows the receiving container 2 without the locking element 24 and the transport handle 25, Figure 13 shows the receiving container 2 with the locking element 24 attached, and Figure 14 shows the receiving container 2 with the locking element 24 and the transport handle 25 attached.

[0032] The locking element 24 has a roughly U-shaped basic form having a base section or base portion 27 and two upwardly projecting legs 28 (see Figure 9) positioned thereon. The base portion 27 forming the lower part of the locking element 24 has a projection 29 in the form of a forward-projecting section. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the transport handle 25 rests above the projection 29 in its inwardly rotated storage position. Below this projection 29, the locking element 24 has two forward-projecting locking hooks 30. These locking hooks 30 forming the lower part of the locking element 24 help to releasably secure the transport container 1 to the support structure, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 20 to 26. Between the spaced-apart locking hooks 30, the locking element 24 has a guide receptacle 31 in the form of a circumferentially restricted opening. Specifically, the guide receptacle 31 is restricted on its lower side by an edge segment 38. The two legs 28 of the locking element 24 have engagement openings 32 on their upper sides, in this case essentially U-shaped or V-shaped engagement openings 32. The locking element 24 is attached to the receiving container 2 by two fastening elements 33 located in the area of ​​the base portion 27. The fastening elements 33 in this embodiment are specifically fastening pins or fastening studs located in the concave area of ​​the base portion 27. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the receiving container 2, specifically the receiving area 26, has two fastening receptacles 34 designed to receive the fastening elements 33. In this case, the fastening receptacles 34 are fastening clips formed by two spaced-apart webs.

[0033] Figure 13 shows the receiving container 2 with the locking element 24 attached. As also shown in Figures 9 and 11a) and b), the locking element 24 is pivotally attached to the receiving container 2 around a locking pivot axis S that extends through the fastening element 33 or fastening receptacle 34. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 has a web-shaped guide element 35 that projects forward. When the locking element 24 is placed on the receiving container 2, the guide element 35 is guided into the guide receptacle 31 of the locking element 24, as shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, a spring element 36 is positioned on the receiving area 26 of the receiving container 2 (see Figures 8 and 12). Positioned above the guide element 35 and below the fastening receptacle 34, the spring element 36 abuts against the rear side of the locking element 24 when the locking element 24 is attached (see also the cross-sectional view of the receptacle container 2 (Figure 15b)). The spring element 36 specifically presses 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 a guide element 35 guided within the guide receptacle 31. In particular, the guide element 35 has a contact segment 37 in the form of a retaining lug projecting downward at its front end (see Figure 8). Contact between this contact segment 37 and the edge segment 38 of the locking element 24 limits the forward deflection of the lower part of the locking element 24. Under the action of the spring element 36 acting in conjunction with the guide element 35, the locking element 24 is held in the retaining position shown in Figure 15a) or Figure 15b), which is the basic position of the locking element 24.

[0034] The transport handle 25, shown in the perspective view of Figure 10, is essentially U-shaped. In particular, the transport handle 25 has a lower handle portion 39 and two upwardly projecting transport handle legs 40 positioned above it. For material conservation and manufacturing reasons, the transport handle 25 has a recess or cavity, as also shown in Figure 10. Each of the transport handle legs 40 has three connecting bars 41 with a hinge receptacle 42 at its upper end away from the handle portion 39, and serves to attach the transport handle 25 to the receiving container 2, as will be described below. The actuation element 45 is located above the intermediate connecting bar 41. In this case, the actuation element 45 is a rearward projecting actuation hook. For example, as shown in Figure 11b) and described in detail below, the actuation element 45 functions to engage with the engagement opening 32 of the locking element 24. As will be described in detail below, the actuation element 45 flexes the locking element 24 when the transport handle 25 is pivoted.

[0035] To attach the transport 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 bars 43 on the left and right, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 8 and 13. When the transport handle 25 is attached to the receiving container 2 (see Figure 14), each of the retaining bars 43 is positioned between the two connecting bars 41 of the transport handle leg 40. The transport handle 25 is secured to the receiving container 2 by hinge pins 44 inserted into hinge receptacles 42 of the connecting bars 41 and corresponding receptacles of the retaining bars 43. For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 14, the transport handle 25 is attached to the receiving container 2 so that it can pivot about a transport handle pivot axis T extending through the hinge receptacles 42 and hinge pins 44.

[0036] Figures 14 to 19 show different positions of the transport handle 25.

[0037] Figure 14 shows a front view of the transport container 1 in the storage position with the transport handle 25 swung inward. As shown in Figure 14, the lower end of the transport handle 25 is positioned above the projection 29, so that the projection 29 and the transport handle 25 do not come into contact. As can also be seen in Figure 14, the transport 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 transport handle legs 40. Figures 15a) and 15b) show two cross-sectional views passing through the configuration of Figure 14 in area XX (Figure 15a)) and YY (Figure 15b)), respectively. As seen in Figure 15a), when the transport handle 25 is folded inward, the actuation element 45 moves away from the locking element 24 and does not act on the locking element in particular. The spring element 36 and the guide element 35 hold the locking element 24 in the holding position shown in Figures 15a) and 15b).

[0038] Figure 16 shows a front view of the transport container 1 with the transport handle 25 positioned in the transport position and rotated 90° upward around the transport handle pivot axis T relative to the inwardly rotated storage position shown in Figure 14. The transport handle 25 is preferably pivoted to the transport position by the user grasping the handle portion 39 with their hand. In the illustrated transport position, the user can hold the transport container 1 by the handle portion 39 and transport the transport container 1 in a simple and convenient manner. Corresponding cross-sectional views of the configuration shown in Figure 16 are shown in Figures 17a) (XX section) and 17b) (YY section). In particular, as shown in Figure 17a), when the transport handle 25 is pivoted, the actuation element 45 is also pivoted. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17a), the actuation element 45 moves toward the engagement opening 32 of the leg portion 28 of the locking element 24. However, in the transport position of the illustrated transport handle 25, the actuation element 45 does not yet act toward the locking element 24, and as a result, the locking element 24 is not yet pivoted from the holding position.

[0039] Figure 18 shows a front view of the transport container 1 in which the transport handle 25 is positioned in an outward-folded position, pivoting further upward around the transport handle pivot axis T compared to Figure 16. Corresponding cross-sectional views of the configuration shown in Figure 18 are shown in Figures 19a) (XX section) and 19b) (YY section). Specifically, the transport handle 25 pivots upward in the outward-folded position shown by more than 90°, in this case approximately 105°, relative to the inwardly swept storage position shown in Figure 14. In the outward-folded position shown, the transport handle 24 abuts against the stop edge of the upper area of ​​the receiving container 2, and as a result, it is impossible to pivot the transport handle 24 beyond the outward-folded position. Particularly as shown in the detailed view of Figure 19a), the actuation element 45 of the transport handle 24 engages with the locking element 24 via the engagement opening 32 in the outward-folded position, pressing from the rear the upper section of the locking element 24, which functions as the actuation section. As a result, the locking element 24 pivots around the locking pivot axis S against the action of the spring element 36 to the unlocked position shown in Figures 19a) and 19b). Specifically, the portion of the locking element 24 located above the locking pivot axis S moves forward, i.e., outward from the receiving container 2, and the lower part of the locking element 24 with the locking hook 30 moves backward, i.e., toward the receiving container 2. When the transport handle 24 is swung back, the actuating element 45 is released from the engagement opening 32 of the locking element 24, and the locking element 24 is swung back by the spring element 36 to the holding position shown in Figures 14 to 17.

[0040] The joining and unjoining of two identical transport containers 1 and 1' are shown as examples in Figures 20 to 26. For clarity, please note that not all reference numerals are shown here.

[0041] To connect the upper transport container 1 to the lid 3' of the lower transport container 1, first, as shown in Figures 20 and 21 (cross-section through XX in Figure 20), the connecting element 15 of the upper transport container 1, designed as an engagement bar, is inserted into the rear latch receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1'. The upper transport container 1 is specifically positioned at a certain angle with respect to the lower transport container 1' so that the connecting element 15 can be inserted into the rear latch receptacle 20'. Next, the front of the upper transport container 1 is moved downward toward the lower transport container 1', as indicated by the arrow in Figure 21. This moves the upper transport container 1 to the connected position shown in Figures 22 to 24. Here, the base 4 of the upper transport container 1 rests on the lid 3' of the lower transport container 1', and the transport handle 25 is positioned in a stowed position, rotated inward in the connected position. In the coupled position, the locking element 24 pivots back to the holding position under the action of the spring element 36, thereby engaging the locking hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 with the front latch receptacle 21' of the lower transport container 1' (see Figures 24a and 24b in particular). The coupling element 15 of the upper transport container 1 engages with the rear latch receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1', and the locking hook 30 of the upper transport container 1 engages with the front latch receptacle 21' of the lower transport container 1', thereby ensuring that the two transport containers 1, 1' are securely connected to each other. The upper transport container 1 cannot be lifted or detached from the lower transport container 1'.

[0042] Regarding the coupling process described, it should be noted that, in addition to pivoting the upper transport container 1 toward the lower transport container 1' with the transport handle 25 in the outward-folded position, as outlined in Figures 20 and 21, the upper transport container 1 can also be pivoted when the transport handle 25 is in the inward-swept storage position. When the upper transport container 1 is moved toward the lower transport container 1', the lock hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 in this case first rests on the upper part of the leading edge section 19' of the lower transport container 1'. As the upper transport container 1 continues to pivot toward the lower transport container 1', the lock hook 30 is pressed inward against the action of the spring element 36, thereby pivoting the entire locking element 24 toward the unlocked position. The transport handle 25, positioned in the inward-swept storage position, is pivoted slightly outward, for example, by about 10°, as the upper part of the latch element 24 abuts against it. When the upper transport container 1 is fully pivoted toward the lower transport container 1', the locking element 24 is pivoted back to its holding position by the spring element 36, causing the locking hook 30 to engage with the locking receptacle 21'. In the above configuration, the locking element 24 no longer presses against the transport handle 25 and is automatically returned to its stowed position, pivoted inward by gravity, resulting in the configuration shown in Figures 22 to 24.

[0043] The release of the two transport containers 1 and 1' is outlined in Figures 25 and 26. In particular, Figures 26a) and 26b) show a detailed view through areas XX and YY in Figure 25. To release the transport containers 1 and 1' from each other, the transport handle 25 of the upper transport container 1 is pivoted upward around the transport handle pivot axis T from an inwardly swiveled storage position to an outwardly folded position beyond the transport position (90° position). By pressing the actuation element 45 from the rear to the upper rear side of the locking element 24, i.e., against the actuation section, the locking element 24 is pivoted to the unlocked position, particularly as shown in Figures 26a) and 26b). This releases the lock hook 30 of the locking element 24 of the upper transport container 1 from the front latch receptacle 21' of the front edge section 19' of the lower transport container 1', allowing the upper transport container 1 to be removed from the lower transport container 1'. Specifically, in the reversal of the coupling process of the two transport containers 1 and 1' described above, the front of the upper transport container 1 is first pivoted upward away from the lower transport container 1'. Then, the coupling element 15 of the upper transport container 1 can be detached from the rear latch receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1'. The rotation of the upper transport container 1 away from the lower transport container 1' can be performed, in particular, by the transport handle 25 which is moved to an outward-folded position.

[0044] In the coupling process shown as an example, the transport containers 1, 1' are coupled to each other so that they have the same orientation. Specifically, the transport handles 25, 25' of the two transport containers 1, 1' are located on the same side. However, in the illustrated embodiment, it is also possible to couple two transport containers 1, 1' that are rotated 180°. Specifically, the coupling element 15 of the upper transport container 1 can also be coupled to the front latch receptacle 21' of the lower transport container 1', and the lock hook 30 of the upper transport container 1 can also be coupled to the rear latch receptacle 20' of the lower transport container 1'. Reference sign

[0045] 1. Transport container 2 Receiving container 3 Lid 4 base 5 Front wall 6 Back wall 7 Right side wall 8 Left side wall 9. Hinge Configuration 10 Closure elements 11 Actuator 12 Closure bracket 13 Closed receptacles 14 ledge 15 connecting elements 16 Inner Area 17 Edge 18. Trailing edge section 19. Leading edge section 20 Rear latch receptacle 21 Front latch receptacle 22. Lateral edge section 23 Bond structure 24 Rock elements 25 Transport handle 26 Receiving Area 27 Base section 28 Legs 29 Protrusion 30 Lock Hooks 31 Guide Receptacles 32 Engagement opening 33 Fastening Elements 34. Receptacle for connection 35 Guide Elements 36 Spring elements 37 Contact Segment 38 Edge segments 39 Handle section 40 Transport handle legs 41 Connection Bar 42 Hinged receptacles 43 Holding bar 44 Hinge pins 45 Operating elements B Bracket Pivot Axis D Lid pivot axis T-type transport handle pivot shaft V closing pivot axis S Lock Pivot Axis

Claims

1. A transport container (1) comprising: a receiving container (2) for receiving an object inside; a transport handle (25) disposed on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable between an inwardly rotated storage position and an outwardly folded position; and a locking element (24) disposed on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable between a holding position and an unlocked position for detachably connecting the transport container (1) to a support structure, wherein the transport handle (25) has at least one actuation element (45) for pivoting the locking element (24) to the unlocked position when the transport handle (25) is pivoted to the outwardly folded position.

2. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the 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), and the locking element (24) and the transport handle (25) are arranged on the front wall (5).

3. The transport container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the base (4) has at least one coupling element (15) for retaining connection with the counter coupling element of the support structure.

4. The transport container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking element (24) has at least one locking hook (30) for a releasable connection to the counter-locking element of the support structure, particularly in the lower region.

5. The locking element (24) has at least one locking hook (30) for a releasable connection of the support structure to the counter-locking element, particularly in the lower region. The transport container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling element (15) and the lock hook (30) are facing in opposite directions.

6. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport handle (25) is positioned on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable about a transport handle pivot axis (T), and the locking element (24) is positioned on the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable about a locking pivot axis (S) parallel to the transport handle pivot axis (T).

7. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (24) has an operating section, particularly in the upper region, that interacts with the operating element (45) when the transport handle (25) is pivoted to the outward folded position.

8. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by an essentially U-shaped transport handle (25) and / or an essentially U-shaped locking element (24).

9. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the operating elements (45) is designed as an operating hook.

10. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (24) has an engagement opening (32) particularly in its upper region, and the operating element (45) is designed to engage with the engagement opening (32) when the transport handle (25) is pivoted to the outward folded position.

11. The transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport handle (25) can be rotated to the outward folded position via a transport position rotated 90° with respect to the inwardly rotated storage position, and the actuation element (45) is preferably designed to rotate the locking element (24) to the unlocked position when the transport handle (25) pivots from the transport position to the outward folded position.

12. A transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a lid (3) connected to the receiving container (2) so as to be pivotable about a lid pivot axis (D), wherein the lid (3) is preferably articulated to the rear wall (6) of the receiving container (2) and / or can be fixed in a closed position by at least one closing element (10).

13. A transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (3) is connected to the receiving container (2) and is designed to attach a similar transport container (1) thereto, wherein the lid (3) has a counter-locking element for detachably connecting to the locking element of the similar transport container (1).

14. The transport container (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the lid (3) has a counter coupling element for connecting to a coupling element (15) of a similar transport container (1).

15. The transport container (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the lid (3) has a trailing edge section (18) having a first latch receptacle (20) for connecting to the coupling element (15) of a similar transport container (1), and a leading edge section (19) having a second latch receptacle (21) for connecting to the locking element (24) of a similar transport container (1).

16. A transport container configuration comprising the transport container (1) described in claim 1 and a support structure having a counter-lock element for connecting to the lock element.

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