EP0786412B1 - Transport and storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

The container has a rectangular base (30) and four side walls (10, 20). When the container is empty, the top of each wall is folded inwards about a pivot axis parallel to the base edges. Two opposite first walls have curved corner sections (11). These, and the second side walls, have overlapping connection sections (12, 22) of a thickness, which is reduced by approx. 50%. The base has plinth parts (31), with rounded corner sections. Two opposite second side walls (20) have sideward projecting shoulders (21), which are positioned between the base and the round wall corners, when the walls are upright.

Description

a) im leeren Zustand des Behälters ist zumindest der obere Teil der Seitenwände um zu den Kanten des Bodens parallele Schwenkachsen nach innen und zum Boden hin einklappbar,

b) zwei einander gegenüberliegende erste Seitenwände sind mit eckumgreifenden Wandendbereichen ausgebildet,

c) die eckumgreifenden Wandendbereiche der ersten Seitenwände und die zweiten Seitenwände sind mit im aufgerichteten Zustand einander überlappenden Verbindungs-Wandbereichen ausgebildet, in denen die Wandungsstärke jeweils um etwa 50 % reduziert ist und von denen die Teil der ersten Seitenwände bildenden Verbindungs-Wandbereiche außen liegen, und

d) die Schwenkachsen der ersten Seitenwände sind in einem größeren vertikalen Abstand über dem Boden angeordnet als die Schwenkachsen der zweiten Seitenwände.

The invention relates to a transport and storage container with a substantially rectangular bottom and with four side walls, with the following features:

a) when the container is empty, at least the upper part of the side walls can be folded inwards about pivot axes parallel to the edges of the base and towards the base,

b) two mutually opposite first side walls are formed with wall end regions encompassing corners,

c) the wall end regions encompassing the corners of the first side walls and the second side walls are formed with connecting wall regions which overlap one another in the erected state, in which the wall thickness is in each case reduced by approximately 50% and of which the connecting wall regions forming part of the first side walls are on the outside, and

d) the pivot axes of the first side walls are arranged at a greater vertical distance above the floor than the pivot axes of the second side walls.

Transport and storage containers are in a wide variety Versions known, in particular containers Plastic is increasingly being used as a reusable container and replace disposable packaging. To empty reusable containers to be able to transport and store in a space-saving manner it is appropriate and already known, these containers to be carried out with foldable side walls.

DE 81 19 990 U1 is a transport and storage container known with the above characteristics. It deals a collapsible transport case, consisting of a base plate, four foldable inwards, arranged in pairs opposite each other Side walls and a plurality of hinges for articulation the side walls to the bottom plate, preferably two side walls arranged opposite each other immediately and the other two facing each other arranged side walls over substantially perpendicular Edges directed towards the base plate indirectly on the base plate are hinged and the side walls for connection with each other in the opened state with guide pins, corresponding to the guide pin Guide recesses and locking elements are provided. It is further provided in this known transport box that the hinged to the base plate over the edges Side walls on their vertically when opened to the bottom plate with essentially running edges Stop strips running along the entire length of the edges for those directly linked to the base plate Side walls are provided. In this well-known Transport box will be a good diminution of Height of the box by folding in the side walls reached, however, the box is due to the design its side walls little load-bearing and only slightly through put on additional transport boxes resilient. In order to this transport box lacks the necessary Security for economical use in practice Commitment. It is also considered disadvantageous that the locking of the side walls in relation to each other unfolded state is unreliable and therefore the Stability of the container is not sufficiently guaranteed is. Finally, the assembly of the container very complex, which is particularly due to the large Number of hinges is caused.

A second collapsible transport case is out known from DE 29 00 857 A1. This transport box exists from a rectangular base plate and four articulated ribbed side walls connected to the floor, which can be folded inwards. there becomes a pair of opposite side walls with it attached cams in circular-shaped guide slots in the other pair of opposite side walls guided. The dividing line between the neighboring ones Side walls run directly in the corner area of the Transport box. The disadvantage of this is known Transport box viewed that its manufacture through the guided in circular arc-shaped guide slots Cam is comparatively complex and that the Cam represent parts that are sensitive to damage if improperly handled, break off easily or become deformed be so that the function of the transport box is impaired. Since the dividing line between the adjacent side walls directly in the corner area runs, each of the four side walls provides one for itself a flat plate, which despite the intended Stiffening ribs is relatively easily deformable. In order to is this transport box for storage and for the Transporting heavier loads is unsuitable, especially when stacking several loaded transport boxes on top of each other.

EP 0 655 392 A2 is also a collapsible Container known, the four side walls also are collapsible. The pivot axes of this container are for the side walls in pairs in different Heights arranged, with the highest arranged Pivot axes of a pair of side walls arranged so high are that a height reduction of the collapsed Container to only about a third of the original Achieve height with the sidewalls upright leaves.

Furthermore, EP 0 385 914 B1 is a collapsible Container known, the lower part and four side walls comprises, wherein the side walls can also be folded inwards are. One pair of side walls is included trained with encompassing wall areas so that the container has a comparatively high stability and Resilience, especially when stacking several loaded Containers on top of each other. However, there is the disadvantage of this known container that in collapsed state only a limited height reduction is reached because the remaining container height with the side walls folded in still about 40% of the initial height of the container with erect Sidewalls.

Finally, from WO95 / 18048 is a collapsible Container known, which is also essentially one rectangular bottom and four pivotally connected, has collapsible side walls. It is essential in this known container that the Side walls are formed with flange areas that in an erect state with each other in a toothed Intervention. This interlocking intervention requires a relatively complicated form of the connection areas the side walls with each other and leads to an elaborate Manufacturing. Also, when connecting the side walls with each other in their upright position precise positioning of the connection areas necessary to to make the intervention. Next is known in this Container considered disadvantageous that he stacked of several loaded containers one above the other has high resilience since the side walls essentially are formed by flat rectangles in are not very rigid. For storage and the transport of relatively heavy goods is known Containers not very suitable.

It is therefore the task of a transport and To create storage containers that have a high durability and stability, even when stacking several loaded ones Containers on top of each other, which is easy to manufacture and is manageable and with a larger one Reduction in height in comparison between the height at erected side walls and the height when folded Side walls is reached.

e) der Boden ist mit zwei einander gegenüberliegenden, den unteren Teil der ersten Seitenwände bildenden Wandsockelbereichen ausgebildet, die an ihren Stirnenden eckumgreifende Sockelendbereiche aufweisen, wobei die eckumgreifende Länge der Sockelendbereiche kleiner ist als die eckumgreifende Länge der Wandendbereiche,

f) zwei einander gegenüberliegende zweite Seitenwände sind in ihrem unteren Bereich mit in Höhe der Wandsockelbereiche liegenden seitlich vorspringenden Verbreiterungen ausgebildet, die im aufgerichteten Zustand der Seitenwände in Vertikalrichtung betrachtet zwischen den eckumgreifenden Wandendbereichen und dem Boden liegen, und

g) der vertikale Abstand der Schwenkachsen der ersten Seitenwände von der Oberseite des Bodens stimmt im wesentlichen mit der im aufgerichteten Zustand in Horizontalrichtung von der Schwenkachse aus gemessenen Länge der eckumgreifenden Wandendbereiche überein.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a transport and storage container with the features specified above, which is characterized by the following additional features:

e) the floor is formed with two wall base regions which lie opposite one another and form the lower part of the first side walls and which have base end regions encompassing corners at their ends, the length of the base end regions encompassing the corner being smaller than the length of the wall end regions encompassing the corner,

f) two opposing second side walls are formed in their lower region with laterally projecting widenings lying at the height of the wall base regions, which in the erected state of the side walls are viewed in the vertical direction between the corner-encompassing wall end regions and the floor, and

g) the vertical distance of the pivot axes of the first side walls from the top of the base essentially coincides with the length of the corner-encompassing wall end regions measured in the erected state in the horizontal direction from the pivot axis.

Through the corner end wall areas of the first side walls and through the base end areas that also encompass corners of the bottom, the container becomes particularly stable and to accommodate both high content loads as well also suitable for high stacking loads. The ones provided on the floor Wall plinth areas under the first side walls ensure a high stability of the floor, so that this does not deflect even under high loads. The side protruding widenings of the second side walls ensure uninterrupted forwarding from the top to the bottom in the vertical direction stack loads acting on the first side walls. At the same time, these broadening allow the Arrangement of the swivel axes as close to the outside as possible the edge of the container bottom without the retractability the first side walls with the wall end areas encompassing the corner to hinder. The arrangement of the swivel axes the first side walls and the second side walls in different Heights allow for easy stacking of the folded side walls, the second Folded sidewalls under the first Side walls. Characteristic g) of the claim 1 the main advantage is achieved that the Wall end areas with their lateral ones when erected Front edges when folded on the floor of the container rest, so that a very large reduction in height between the initial height of the container with erected side walls and the height with the folded Side walls is reached.

An alternative embodiment of the container is in the claim 2 specified. In this embodiment, even achieved an even greater reduction in height, since here the in the erected state, lateral front edges of the corner encompassing Wall end areas in the folded state in Height of the underside of the floor.

Further advantageous refinements and developments of the container according to the invention are in claims 3 to 31 specified. The claims 3 and 4 describe Designs of the floor and the side walls. The Claims 5 to 9 describe the articulated connection between the side walls on the one hand and the floor on the other by means of hinges provided between them as well as protective measures against damage to these articulated Connection. In claims 10 to 21 are concrete Refinements of the locking means in the form of Bars set out. In claims 21 and 23 are means for centering the side walls their erection and locking explained against each other. Claims 24 to 30 in turn relate to further training and configurations of the bottom and the side walls of the container. The claim 31 finally calls Features of the container according to the invention, the Stacking together with conventional rigid containers allow.

Figur 1

einen Boden, eine erste Seitenwand und eine zweite Seitenwand eines Behälters vor deren Verbindung miteinander, in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung,

Figur 2

den Boden, die erste Seitenwand und die zweite Seitenwand des Behälters nach deren Verbindung miteinander, jeweils in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung, wobei in beiden Figuren die zwei weiteren Seitenwände aus Übersichtlichkeitsgründen weggelassen sind,

Figur 3

einen Behälter in Ansicht auf den linken unteren Teil einer seiner Stirnseiten, wobei die Zeichnungsebene parallel zur Ebene der zweiten Seitenwände in deren aufgerichteter Stellung verläuft,

Figur 4

eine zweite Seitenwand eines Behälters in einer Teilansicht auf ihren linken oberen Eckbereich, mit einem Riegel zur Arretierung zweier benachbarter Behälterseitenwände gegeneinander,

Figur 4a

den Riegel aus Figur 4 in einer Teil-Draufsicht,

Figur 5

einen Behälter in einer Teilansicht auf den linken oberen Bereich seiner Stirnseite, mit einem in Verriegelungsstellung befindlichen, gegenüber Figur 4 geänderten Riegel,

Figur 6

den Behälter aus Figur 5 im Teil-Horizontalschnitt entlang der Linie VI - VI in Figur 5,

Figur 7

den Behälter in gleicher Darstellung wie in Figur 5, aber nun mit in Entriegelungsstellung befindlichem Riegel,

Figur 8

eine zweite Seitenwand eines Behälters in einer Teilansicht auf ihren linken unteren Bereich und

Figur 9

eine erste Seitenwand eines Behälters in einer Teilansicht auf den mittleren unteren Bereich ihrer Außenseite vor Verbindung der Seitenwand mit dem Boden,

Figur 10

die Seitenwand aus Figur 9 in einem Teil-Querschnitt entlang der Linie X - X in Figur 9 und

Figur 11

einen Behälter in einem Vertikal-Teilschnitt parallel zur Ebene der aufgerichteten zweiten Seitenwände, wobei die erste Seitenwand eingeklappt ist und die zweite Seitenwand zeichnerisch nicht dargestellt ist.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to a drawing. The figures in the drawing show:

Figure 1

a bottom, a first side wall and a second side wall of a container before their connection to one another, in a schematic perspective illustration,

Figure 2

the bottom, the first side wall and the second side wall of the container after their connection to one another, in each case in a schematic perspective illustration, the two further side walls being omitted in both figures for reasons of clarity,

Figure 3

a container in view of the lower left part of one of its end faces, the plane of the drawing running parallel to the plane of the second side walls in their upright position,

Figure 4

a second side wall of a container in a partial view of its upper left corner area, with a latch for locking two adjacent container side walls against each other,

Figure 4a

4 in a partial top view,

Figure 5

4 shows a container in a partial view of the top left area of its end face, with a bolt located in the locked position and modified compared to FIG. 4,

Figure 6

5 in partial horizontal section along the line VI - VI in FIG. 5,

Figure 7

the container in the same representation as in Figure 5, but now with the bolt in the unlocked position,

Figure 8

a second side wall of a container in a partial view of its lower left area and

Figure 9

a first side wall of a container in a partial view of the middle lower region of its outside before connecting the side wall to the bottom,

Figure 10

the side wall of Figure 9 in a partial cross-section along the line X - X in Figure 9 and

Figure 11

a container in a vertical partial section parallel to the level of the erected second side walls, the first side wall being folded and the second side wall not being shown in the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, the container 1 a floor 30 with a substantially rectangular outline and with an underside 33, which is not visible here and a top 35. On the two longitudinal edges a base region 31 protrudes from the base 30 above, which is in one piece with the bottom 30 and the its two ends each have a base end area encompassing a corner 312. On the two faces of the Floor 30 is also another wall base area 32 provided, but its amount compared to the first-mentioned wall base areas 31 essential is lower. In addition, the second wall base area 32 the wall thickness measured in the horizontal direction only about half the wall thickness of the first wall base areas 31.

Furthermore, the container 1 comprises a total of four side walls 10, 20, of which only one in FIG. 1 of the drawing is presented for a clearer presentation to obtain. In Figure 1, the left rear is above of the wall base area 31 located there is the first side wall 10 before it is connected to the floor 30 is. The side wall 10 has on its side Each end ends with a wall area 11 encompassing a corner, in the course of which the wall thickness differs from the original Value reduced to about half in one step. The wall area with the reduced thickness forms one Connecting wall area 12, to which later on is received. The two corner-encompassing wall areas 11 with the connecting wall areas 12 end in a vertical end edge 16.

There are several on the lower edge 13 of the side wall 10 Hinge elements 14 attached, which protrude downwards. These hinge elements 14 are in matching hinge receiving openings 314 in the top of the associated Wall base area 31 can be used and is preferably there lockable.

The right side in FIG. 1 is the second side wall 20 shown, each on their lower side areas has a widening 21, each after protrudes outside. The top of each widening 21 forms a footprint 27, on each of which one of the corner regions 11 of the first side walls 10 stands up in its upright position. Farther can be seen in the second side wall 20 that these in their lateral edge areas above each of the widenings 21 one to about half of the original Wall thickness reduced wall thickness having. As a result, connecting wall areas 22 formed with the connecting wall portions 12 of the correlate first side walls 10.

The second side wall 20 has on its underside 23 also several hinge elements 24, which also protrude down here and into corresponding hinge receiving openings 324 in the second wall base area 32 of the bottom 30 can be used. Both the hinge receiving openings 314 as well as the hinge receiving openings 214 are expediently open at the bottom as well - as far as it does not disturb the function - with a relative large game allowing dimensions to run any dirt particles that may penetrate do not get stuck and can collect. The folding mechanism is thereby very insensitive to dirt.

Both the first side wall 10 and the second side wall 20 is up through a smooth top edge 15 or 25 limited.

Figure 2 of the drawing shows the container with side walls 10 and 20 in the state connected to the floor 30. The two other side walls are also off here Omitted for reasons of clarity; to form the complete container 1, of course to. The execution and arrangement of not here drawn two side walls is mirror-symmetrical too the drawn side walls 10, 20, so that a separate Presentation and explanation not required is.

In the state of the container 1 shown in FIG. 2 the hinge elements on the underside of the first side wall 10 and second side wall 20 in the associated Hinge receiving openings 314, 324 latched and not visible anymore. This will apply to each side wall 10, 20 formed a pivot axis 18 and 28 which in the Figure 2 are shown by dash-dotted lines. The pivot axes 18, 28 run within the wall base areas 31 parallel to the edges of the container bottom 30, but at different heights. It is the pivot axis 18 at a greater vertical distance arranged from the floor 30 as the pivot axis 28.

As indicated by the swivel arrows 19, 29 are the side walls 10, 20 about their associated pivot axes 18, 28 can be folded inwards towards the floor 30. At a Collapse the container 1 from its use position with erected side walls 10, 20 are the shorter side walls on the front side 20 folded inwards in the sense of the swivel arrow 29, until they rest on the floor 30. After that you can also the longer side walls 10 in the sense of Swivel arrow 19 can be folded inwards. By appropriate Selection of the dimensions of the wall areas surrounding the corner 11 and the height of the pivot axis 18 above the ground 30 is achieved in that in the folded position Side walls 10 the front edges 16 of the corner encompassing Wall areas 11 substantially at the level of the floor 30 come lie in the present embodiment exactly at the level of the bottom of the bottom 33. On this Way is in the collapsed state of the container 1st ensures the minimum possible remaining height, that is possible at all. A limitation of the folding path the first side walls 10 is formed that the step at the beginning of the connecting wall areas 12th on the top of the second wall base regions 32 hangs up.

It can also be seen from FIG. 2 how the two Connecting wall regions 12, 22 of the first side wall 10 and second side wall 20 cooperate. Im erected State of the side walls 10, 20 are these connecting wall areas 12, 22 overlapping each other, whereby their wall thicknesses again become the total wall thickness in the area of the side walls 10, 20 outside complement the connecting wall areas 12, 22. In these Connecting wall areas 12, 22 are also locking means provided that manually or by automatic handling devices are releasable to the side walls 10, 20 on the one hand in their erect To be able to lock position against each other and on the other hand detach from each other with little effort and then to be able to fold.

Finally, Figure 2 also illustrates the function the widenings 21 and the contact surfaces 27 the second side wall 20. As can be seen on the far right in FIG. 2 , the contact surfaces 27 are in one Level with the upper edge of the wall base areas 31. You together form a constant contact surface for the lower edge 13 of the second side wall 10 the side wall 10 is highly resilient, which is the stacking of several loaded containers 1 one above the other without any problems and allowed with sufficient security.

The height of the side walls 10, which is the longer side of the Form container 1 is dimensioned so that in the folded Condition the two long ones opposite each other Side walls 10 with their upper edges 15 in front of each other come to rest. In this state, the two then take first side walls 10 a horizontal position, the the stacking of several unloaded, folded ones Containers 1 without the risk of stacking uncertainties allowed.

The container 1 is preferably made of plastic, wherein expediently the bottom 30 and the four side walls 10, 20 each manufactured as plastic injection molded parts are. In addition, the bottom 30 and the side walls 10, 20 expediently designed as ribbed parts on the outside, to ensure high stability with low weight achieve. If necessary, the floor 30 and / or the Side walls 10, 20 also with ventilation and / or drainage openings or slots. Moreover are at least on the two second side walls 20 Handle openings provided, but in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing are not shown separately.

As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown, too the second side walls the longer sides of the container and the first side walls the shorter sides of the Form container.

Figure 3 of the drawing shows the lower part of a corner area of the foldable transport and storage container 1, here in the lower part of the illustration the bottom 30 with the wall base areas made in one piece with it 32 and 31 is visible. In the right part of the figure 3 is the left one above the wall base area 32 End region of one of the second side walls 20 visible; in the left part of Figure 3 is above the wall base area 31 the corner wall area 11 of one of the two first side walls 10 visible. Sidewall 20 has on its underside 23 the hinge elements 24, into the hinge receiving openings 324 in the wall socket area 32 are used. Because both the hinge elements 24 as well as the associated hinge receiving openings 324 are not visible from the outside they are shown in Figure 3 in dashed lines. In the side wall 10 is also corresponding connected to the associated wall base area 31, wherein also one of the concealed ones in the wall base area 31 lying hinge elements 14 shown in dashed lines is. The side wall 10 is pivotable about the axis 18; the side wall 20 can be pivoted about the axis 28, each towards the inside of the container.

The floor 30 is with a circumferential, web-like below stacking edge 331 executed, the opposite the outer contour of the wall base regions 31, 32 jumps back a bit. The extent of this return is here slightly larger than the thickness of the side walls 10, 20, so that a safe stacking of the container 1 with similar Containers with erected side walls 10, 20 is possible. Also a stack with conventional, rigid Containers of corresponding dimensions are possible.

At the lower left corner of the side wall 20 is one the widenings 21 recognizable, which are in the direction extends to the wall base area 31 and to the side wall 10. With erected side walls 10, 20 as shown are shown in Figure 3, the broadening 21 between the corner wall area 11 of the first side wall 10 and the bottom 30, more precisely the one piece with this, lower wall socket area 32. The top the widening 21 forms a footprint 27 for the underside of the wall area surrounding the corner 11 of the first side wall 10. Additionally is on the widening 21 an outwards, i.e. in Figure 3 boom 211 projecting to the left is provided, the The top is aligned with the contact surface 27. To record this boom 211 is on top of the front of the Wall base area 31 provided a suitable depression 321, so that the boom 211 when the side walls are erected between the bottom of the corner encompassing Wall area 11 of the first side wall 10 and the wall base area 31 lies. As a result, the association of Side walls 10, 20 with each other and with the floor and its Wall base areas 31, 32 with erected side walls 10, 20 and especially when loaded from above improved by stacking additional containers 1.

In the upper part of Figure 3 it is shown that in the Areas in which the side walls 10, 20 against each other border, both overlapping wall end areas 12, 22 have, the wall end region 12 of the first Side wall 10 lies on the outside of the container 1, thus facing the viewer, while the wall end area 22 of the second side wall 20 on the inside of the container 1 and is thus for the viewer the wall end area 12 is covered. In the overlap area the wall end regions 12, 22 are each approximately executed half as thick as the side walls 10, 20 in their remaining areas, so that the wall end areas 12, 22 again to the total thickness of the side walls 10, 20 complete.

As already mentioned, several containers 1 can be stacked to be stacked; for this do not form in Figure 3 visible upper sides 15, 25 of the side walls 10, 20 a circumferential upper stack edge, the contour of which is designed so that the lower stack edge 331 at surrounds stacked containers 1.

In the embodiment of the Container 1, the side walls 10, 20 as surfaces with ribs 100 and 200 projecting outwards, which are both vertical and horizontal run. With the horizontal ribs 100 the first side wall 10 can be seen on the far left in FIG Levels 131 are provided. When folded of the side walls 10, these steps 131 form a vertical one Offset in the surface of the folded Container 1. Serve container 1 in this state the steps 131 to an additional container 1 against slipping transversely to the longitudinal direction of the first Secure side walls 10. The stacking edge is used for this 331 on the underside of the container placed on top 1 behind steps 131, creating the desired backup against horizontal displacement is achieved. Corresponding steps 131 are at all four corners of the Container 1 provided so that when folded Side walls 10 on two opposite one another End faces of the container 1 continuous steps in the Contour of the top.

Finally, it can be seen from FIG. 3 that the Wall base area 31 at least over part of the length its top with one from the inside of the container to the outside sloping down slope 311 is executed. The first Side wall 10 is at the bottom in the corresponding Areas with a matching slope 311 Run slant 101. Through these slopes 101, 311 is achieved that when the container 1 is loaded, especially from the first side wall 10, from above the Tendency of the lower end of the side wall 10 to emigrate is counteracted towards the inside of the container. In addition, these contours underside the bottom of the first side walls 10 and the top of the associated Wall base areas 31 achieved that, starting from the upright position of the side walls 10 when folding a certain amount of frictional resistance towards the inside of the container must be overcome. This resistance serves to erect the first side walls 10 to hold automatically in this position, even if the second side walls 20 not yet erected and with the first side walls 10 are connected. Hereby will in particular the transfer of the container 1 its condition with collapsed side walls 10, 20 in his condition with erected side walls 10, 20 relieved and accelerated since the first erected first side walls 10 without further measures in their Position remain so that the operator who the Open container 1, both hands for a simultaneous Erection of the two second side walls 20 has free.

To lock the side walls 10, 20 against each other in their erect state are in the container 1 in total four latches 4 are provided, in pairs on the two second side walls 20 are provided. Figure 4 the drawing shows a section of one of the side walls 20 with a bolt 4. Each bolt 4 consists from a flat elongated base body 40, the outer, i.e. each to the side wall, not shown here 10 facing end forms a locking end 44. In the state shown in Figure 4, the bolt takes 4 its locking position and the locking end 44 is in its outer position for engagement with the adjacent side wall, not shown 10th

In addition to the base body 40, each bolt 4 includes an actuating end 42 with an operating handle 43, the here as an eyelet for a human thumb or fingers is executed. The base body also carries 40 two V-shaped spring arms that diverge 41, which are located on the side wall 20, more precisely on ribs 200 or a step 241 of the container 1 executed therein support.

The latch 4 is displaceable in its longitudinal direction performed in perforations 204 in several of the ribs 200 on the outside facing the viewer the side wall 20 lie. The spring arms 41 load the Bolt 4 with one acting in the locking direction Force, causing the bolt 4 in its locked position is held as long as no other external Powers are exerted on him.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows in the connecting wall area 22 a centering means for mutual centering of the foldable side walls 10, 20 when erected. The Centering means here consists of one of the connecting wall area 22 outwardly projecting centering cams 222, for the one in the side wall 10 receiving this Opening 122 is provided.

Two bars are mirror-symmetrical on each of the two side walls 20 to the central perpendicular of the side wall 20 arranged. Below the actuating ends 42 with the Operating handle 43 is a handle opening 201 in the side wall 20, which is used to grip the container 1 serves with erected side walls 10, 20. The Operating handles 43 of the two bolts 4 are immediate arranged above the handle opening 201 and point such a distance from each other that a simultaneous actuation of the two bolts 4 by thumb and an operator's index finger is easily possible. It is sufficient to release the lock it, the bolt 4 by exercising an appropriate Force on the actuation handles 43 towards each other move, thereby engaging the locking ends 44 the latch 4 with the side walls 10 is lifted.

Thereafter, the container 1 can be folded. Another pair of two bars 4 is on the in the background provided second side wall 20, the arrangement being mirror-symmetrical. To this Way, simultaneous actuation of total four bars 4 by the two hands of an operator done easily.

Finally, the example shown in Figure 4 of the bolt 4 still an engagement element 48 on the The observer facing the top of the basic bar body 40 provided. This engagement element 48 consists of a V-shaped web that extends to the locking end 44 opens. With the engagement element 48 is in particular an actuator of an automatic Handling device, for example an automatic Container washing system, in operation bringable to e.g. the container within a washing process 1 from its condition with erected side walls 10, 20 in a state with the side walls folded 10, 20 to be able to transfer without manual Interventions are required.

The attachment of the bolt 4 on the carrying and leading side wall 20 is very easy to accomplish: The bolt 4 is 44 with its locking end first according to Figure 4 from right to left one after the other inserted into the openings 204 until the spring arms 41 through the opening 204 on the right in FIG. 4 have stepped through. Snaps in this position finally also a displacement stop 46, which by the back of the latch base body 40 protrudes, in the associated slot 246 of the side wall 20, after which then the bolt 4 the position shown in Figure 4 occupies. In this state, the bolt 4 is captive connected to the side wall 20. Because when attaching the bolt 4 an assembly movement only in one Direction is required, this assembly process also relatively easy to automate what contributes to low manufacturing costs of the container 1. The side walls 20 are already preferred equipped with their associated latches 4 before they be connected to the bottom 30 of the container 1.

In order to avoid that the bolt 4 over its in Figure 4 shown locking position can be moved further can, the bolt 4 has at the transition from his Base body 40 to the locking end 44 a widening 46 ', which acts as a stop and which is shown in the Locking position of the bolt 4 against that there extending rib 200 of the side wall 20 abuts.

At the same time, there is still the possibility of a replacement of the bolt 4 if necessary, especially when it Damage, which is why the displacement stop 46 with elastic-flexible deformation of the bolt 4 must be pushed out of its slot 246.

FIG. 4a shows the bolt 4 from FIG. 4 in a partial top view. On the left is the locking end 44 of the bolt 4 recognizable, that towards the right in the basic body 40 passes. In the transition area between the locking end 44 and the base body 40 is the widening 46 ', the stop to limit the displaceability of the bolt 4 in the direction of the locking position causes. On the back, not visible in FIG. 4, 4a, the displacement stop lies 46. As FIG. 4a clearly shows, the displacement stop 46 is wedge-shaped, wherein the flat end faces the locking end 44. With this design is achieved in particular that the Bolt 4 when installed in the associated side wall 20 in the openings 204 in the Ribs 200 can be inserted. The higher side of the Displacement stop 46 forms the stop Limitation of the displaceability of the bolt 4 in the unlocking direction.

FIG. 5 illustrates the shape and function of the bolt 4 based on a second version, now also the adjacent Side wall 10 is shown with. Links in Figure 5 is initially the side wall 10 with its corner encompassing Wall area 11 and its connecting wall area 12 recognizable. This is followed by the Side wall 20 with its ribs 200 and its handle opening 201 on.

The bolt 4 is with its base body 40 and Actuating end 42 is axially displaceable in the openings 204 guided, the openings 204 each are provided in the ribs 200. Because the main body 40 and the actuating end 42 of the bolt 4 relative can be formed flat, a relatively small is sufficient Height of the openings 204, which the function of Ribs 200 for stiffening and stabilization the side wall 20 practically not affected.

FIG. 5 shows the bolt 4 in its locked position, in which it is its maximum to the associated side wall 10 assumes a shifted position. In this position engages the locking end 44 of the bolt 4 in one Matching, slot-shaped transom mount 104 in the side wall 10 a. The side wall 20 can in this state relative to the side wall 10 not towards the interior of the container to be folded down because of such movement due to the intervention between the bolt 4 and the side wall 10 prevented becomes.

In its position described, the bolt 4 is through the two spring arms 41 held in one piece with the remaining parts of the bolt 4 are executed and the are supported on support webs 241, which are integral with the side wall 20 are formed.

At the right end of the bolt 4 shown in FIG. 5 the actuating handle 43 can be seen, which on the inside End of the actuating end 42 of the bolt 4 above the Handle opening 201 of the side wall 20 is located here Shape of a right-angled turn.

Figure 6 illustrates with the section along the Line VI - VI in Figure 5 especially the flat and space-saving Execution of the bolt 4 and its guidance in the openings 204 in the ribs 200 of the side wall 20. In the left margin of Figure 6 is again the side wall 10 with its wall area encompassing a corner 11 and the connecting wall area 12 visible. Behind, i.e. in FIG. 6 above the connecting wall area 12 lies the associated connecting wall area 22 of the side wall 20. Locking also takes place in this area the side walls 10, 20 against each other through the bolt 4, more precisely by its locking end 44th figure 6 shows the engagement of the locking end particularly clearly 44 in the latch receptacle 104 of the side wall 10. To automatically assume the locking position to ensure when the side wall 20 is connected also raised to the uprighting of the side wall 10 is, the wall area 11 encompassing the corner the side wall 10 with an inlet slope 105 and that Locking end 44 with a wedge-shaped tip 45 educated. This ensures that in the manner of a Lock the door latch when raising the side wall 20 slides back without further actuation, i.e. 6 is moved to the right until the locking end 44 automatically under the action of the spring arms 41 snaps into the bolt receptacle 104.

To limit the displacement of the bolt 4 in its assembled state is on the side wall 20 facing bottom or back of the body 40 a displacement stop 46 is provided, which in a suitably shaped slot 246 engages in the side wall 20.

On the right in FIG. 6 is the actuating end 42 with the actuating handle 43 of the bolt 4 visible. To seize the operating handle 43 by an operator is easier with this version of the Bolt 4 the actuating end 42 opposite the plane of the Sidewall 20 bent slightly outwards. This turn is achieved in that below the actuation end 42 of the bolt 4 one from the plane of the side wall 20 outwardly projecting, short side wall rib 205 is attached.

In the background is in Figure 6 within the side walls 10, 20 still a small part of the bottom 30 of the container visible.

Figure 7 of the drawing shows the bolt 4 in the same representation like Figure 5, but now in its unlocked position. To transfer the bolt 4 into this Unlocking position is an operating force on this exercised, preferably by gripping the operating handle 43 with your thumb or forefinger Hand of an operator and shift towards the movement arrow drawn on the operating handle 43. As a result, the bolt 4 against the force the spring arms 41 moved until its locking end 44 out of engagement with the latch receptacle 104 in the side wall 10 arrives. If at the same time as that in FIG not visible, attached to the right on the side wall 20 Latch 4 performed the same unlocking process the side wall 20 can be relative to the side walls 10 can be folded towards the inside of the container. After a short stretch of the folding path, you can open it the operating handle 43 applied operating force be canceled again; the latch 4 then migrates under the effect of the spring force of the spring arms 41 back in its locked position, in which he the further Folding the side wall 20 but not hindered.

Figure 8 of the drawing shows one of the second side walls 20 in a partial view, the lower part of the left Margin as well as the left and also the middle Part of the lower edge of the side wall 20 is shown is.

The lower part of the connecting wall area is at the top left in FIG 22 recognizable, in its lower end region a centering cam 222 is arranged. The connecting wall area 22 interacts with the corresponding 1 and 2 already explained connection wall area 12 of the adjacent first side wall 10 together; the centering cam 222 also acts with a Centering opening in the adjacent side wall 10 centering together.

The widening is below the connecting wall area 22 21 recognizable, the top of which is the footprint 27 forms. Aligned with this stretches boom 211 to the left.

Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows two of several ones the lower edge 23 of the side wall 20 extending downward Hinge elements 24 in the illustrated embodiment each by a pair of protruding downwards Webs 248 are formed, which in turn one Hinge axis through two stub axles pointing outwards 249 is formed, wear. The outer ends the stub axles 249 are tapered towards the bottom beveled. This bevel is for relief the assembly of side walls 10, 20 and floor 30, here only by exercising an appropriate Force the hinge elements 24 into the corresponding Hinge receiving openings 314, 324 of the bottom 30 pressed in and thereby engaged. This Connecting the side walls 10, 20 to the floor 30 by mutual locking in the area of the hinge elements 14, 24 is expediently in the folded position of the side walls, because such a good mutual guidance is given, which facilitates the assembly. In addition, the hinge receiving openings can in this way 314, 324 in the bottom 30 in their upward-pointing Direction narrower and so greater forces absorb, which improves the load-bearing capacity of the container 1, especially if it is in the area of its side walls 10, 20 is detected and raised.

Between two hinge elements 24 are in the in Figure 8 illustrated embodiment of the side wall 20 wings projecting downward from the lower edge 23 247 provided that in the erected state of the Side walls 10, 20 each on the outside at the upper edge of the associated wall base area 31, 32 of the in FIG 8 not shown bottom 30 come to rest. This Wing 247 prevent external influences Forces the side wall 20 in its lower part in the Interior of the container by disengaging the hinge elements 24 can be pressed. The same goes for that accordingly configured first side walls 10.

Finally, Figure 8 shows in its right part two essentially parallel to each other Bars 209, which together form a holder for a container label or form container documents. The label or the accompanying documents can be inserted from above are and are thereby for a transport or a Storage kept sufficiently secure on the container.

Figure 9 of the drawing shows a section of the first Side wall 10, namely the central lower region the outside, the side wall 10 here in a state separated from the ground is shown. To down the side wall 10 through the lower edge 13 limited. One extends from the inside full apron 147 down.

Finally, in the middle lower part of Figure 9 one of the hinge elements 14 recognizable by the Lower edge 13 of the side wall 10 starting from the bottom extends, its extension also essential is greater than the length of the apron 147 in the vertical direction. The hinge element 14 according to FIG. 9 also consists of two parallel webs running downwards 148, each of which has an axle stub 149 on the outside wear. These stub axles 149 serve to work together with the hinge receptacles 314 in the not shown here Floor 3 for pivoting the side wall 10.

To pivot the side wall 10 over its erected Position relative to the floor towards the outside prevent the apron 147 is attached. This apron 147 strikes the side wall when erected 10 on the inside to the upper edge area of the associated Wall base area 31 of the floor 3. To continue one undesired automatic falling back of the erect Prevent side walls 10 before the second Side walls 20 are also erected on the two webs 148 above the stub axle 149 locking cams 148 'attached, which protrude sideways. In erect Position of the side wall 10 act these locking cams 148 'as a lock by using accordingly trained areas of the hinge receptacles 314 on Engage floor 3 with a click.

In Figure 10 is the design of the lower edge area the first side wall 10 with one of the associated hinge elements 14 on average along the line X - X shown in Figure 9. On the top left is part of the first Side wall 10 recognizable by a in the background lying rib 100 is reinforced. Right of the Side wall 10 is the lower part of the corner encompassing Wall area 11 visible. Further to the right closes in Figure 10 to the corner-encompassing wall end area 11 of the connecting wall area 12, which in the free edge 16 ends. Within the connecting wall area 12 is one of the centering openings 122 recognizable.

The side wall 10 is downward through its lower edge 13, of which the hinge element 14 extends downward. Is facing the viewer here one of the webs 148, from which the centering cam 148 'and below the stub axle 149 for formation the pivot axis 18 raise.

Is to the right below the lower edge 13 of the side wall 10 finally the apron 147 can be seen in section, to limit the pivoting of the side wall 10 serves beyond their erected position.

Figure 11 of the drawing shows a partial section the state of the container 1 with the first folded Sidewall 10, for reasons of clarity the illustration, the second side wall 20 is not shown here is.

In the lower part of FIG. 11 there is first the floor 30 with the lower stack edge formed in one piece on it 331 recognizable. Also in one piece with the floor 30 is the wall base area 31, the right is shown in Figure 11. With this wall base area 31, the first side wall 10 is articulated by means of of the hinge elements 14, one of which is connected here is visible. The hinge element 14 is in the appropriate Hinge receiving opening 314 of the wall base area 31 used. Runs in its folded state the side wall 10 parallel to the floor 30 above this. In the one between the inside of the first side wall 10 and the top of the bottom 30 remaining Space is the second folded first Side walls 20, which are not shown here. The Side walls 20 are articulated with the one in the background here visible wall base area 32 connected, what this the hinge receiving openings 324. The hinge receiving openings 324 are each with the inside of the container pointing and widening in this direction Inlet bevels 324 'formed which are the insertion the hinge elements 24 when assembling the side wall 20 and floor 30 lighten. Also the hinge receiving openings 314 for the first side walls 10 are corresponding executed. Both the first side walls 10 and the second side walls 20 are also shown in the here Embodiment of the container 1 in their folded or lying position with the floor 3 connected. For this reason, the run-in slopes are also 324 'and the corresponding entry slopes for the first side walls arranged so that they face the inside of the container 1 point.

As already described above, the wall base area 31 on the upper side at least over part of it Length with a slope 311, as in Figure 11 is visible at the top right. Below is in FIG. 11 shows that the wall base area 31 is also on its underside with a parallel to the slope 311 underside 311 'is executed. This bevel 311 'serves another container 1 ', which is indicated here in dashed lines, at collapsed side walls 10, 20 fit and secure against displacement stack on the lower container 1. At the same time, the wall base areas 31 have a such height and contour of their top that the attached further container 1 'with its underside Stack edge 331 'from the wall base areas 31 is embraced on the outside, so that a mutual displacement of the individual containers 1, 1 'within the stack transversely to the wall base areas 31 excluded is. Securing the container 1, 1 'against displacement relative to each other in a direction parallel to the Wall base area 31 is through the steps 131 in the Ribs 100 of the first side wall 10 prevented. In figure 11 is on the folded-in first side wall 10 one of the ribs 100 now pointing upwards is visible, at the end facing away from the viewer, the previously stage 131 explained with reference to FIG. 3. Like figure 11 further shows, this stage 131 becomes the lower one Reached behind stack edge 331 'of the upper container 1'. Reaching behind takes place in the same way on the opposite one Front side of the container 1, whereby a shift in both directions parallel to the wall base area 31 is excluded.

At the same time, Figure 19 illustrates that when stacking of containers 1, 1 'with the side walls folded 10, 20 the folded side walls 10, 20 one above the other not be loaded vertically. Hereby will damage the side walls 10, 20, in particular on their hinge elements 14, 24 excluded.

Claims (31)

1. Transport and storage container with an essentially rectangular floor (30) and with four side walls (10, 20) with the following characteristics:

   a) when the container (1) is empty, at least the upper part of the side walls (10, 20) can be folded inwards and to the floor (30) around swivelling axes (18, 28) parallel to the edges of the floor (30),

   b) two opposing first side walls (10) are formed with corner-enclosing wall end areas (11),

   c) the corner-enclosing wall end areas (11) of the first side walls (10) and the second side walls (20) are formed with upright overlapping connecting wall areas (12; 22) in which the wall thickness is reduced in each case by approximately 50% and of which the connecting wall areas (12) forming part of the first side wall (10) are outside, and

   d) the swivelling axes (18) of the first side walls (10) are arranged in a larger vertical distance above the floor (30) than the swivelling axes (28) of the second side walls (20),
   characterised by
   the following additional characteristics:

   e) the floor (30) is formed with two opposing wall socle areas (31) forming the lower part of the first side walls (10), with corner-enclosing socle end areas (312) at their front ends, whereby the comer-enclosing length of the socle end areas (312) is smaller than the corner-enclosing length of the wall end areas (11),

   f) two opposing second side walls (20) are formed in their lower area with laterally protruding enlargements (21) at the level of the wall socle areas (31), which when viewed in a vertical direction with the side walls (10, 20) in an upright position lie between the corner-enclosing wall end areas (11) and the floor (30), and

   g) the vertical distance of the swivelling axes (18) of the first side walls (10) from the upper side (35) of the floor (30) essentially matches the upright length of the comer-enclosing wall end areas (11) measured in a horizontal direction from the swivelling axis (18).
2. Container as per Claim 1, characterised in that it is provided that instead of characteristic g, the vertical distance of the swivelling axes (18) of the first side walls (10) from the lower side (33) of the floor (30) essentially matches the upright length of the comer-enclosing wall end areas (11) measured in a horizontal direction from the swivelling axis (18) and that it is additionally provided that the external edge of the floor (30) in the area of the second side walls (20) springs back by an amount that essentially corresponds to the wall thickness of the corner-enclosing wall end areas (11) of the first side walls (10).
3. Container as per Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the external edge of the floor (30) in the area of the second side walls (20) springs back by an amount that essentially corresponds to the reduced wall thickness of the connecting wall areas (12) of the first side walls (10) and that each of these two edges of the floor (30) that spring back has a second wall socle area (32) extending upwards from them, the height of which essentially corresponds to the upright length, measured in a horizontal direction, of the connecting wall end areas (12) of the first side walls (10).
4. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the upright length measured in a horizontal direction of each comer-enclosing wall end area (11) of the first side walls (10) corresponds to between 5 and 15%, preferably between 8 and 10% of the length of the side wall (10) between its wall end areas (11).
5. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that in order to form the swivelling axes (18, 28), the side walls (10, 20) each have hinge elements (14, 24) on their lower edges (13, 23) protruding downwards, which can be engaged in appropriate seat openings (314, 324) in the wall socle areas (31, 32) or in the floor (30).
6. Container as per Claim 5, characterised in that the hinge elements (14, 24) are each formed by protuberant frames (148, 248) with lateral axle stubs (149, 249).
7. Container as per Claim 6, characterised in that the axle stubs (149, 249) have a wedge-shaped bevel at their front ends and that the hinge seat openings (314, 324) are designed with diametrically opposed wedge-shaped lead-in bevels (324').
8. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that a continuous or interrupted skirt (147) protrudes from the lower edge (13) of each of the first side walls (10), which sits inside on the upper edge of the associated wall socle area (31) when the first side walls (10) are in an upright position.
9. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that several wings (247) protruding downwards from the lower edge (13, 23) of the first and/or second side walls (10, 20) are provided, which sit outside on the upper edge of the associated wall socle area (31, 32) when the side walls (10, 20) are in an upright position.
10. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the side walls (10, 20) are provided with detachable, mutually engageable or lockable or hooking or clamping securing devices in the areas (12, 22) that are immediately adjacent to one another in an upright position.
11. Container as per Claim 10, characterised in that the fixing devices are formed by at least two pairs of bars (4), whereby one pair of bars (4) is arranged and guided on each of two opposing side walls (20) and whereby each bar (4) can be slid between a locking position in which it secures two adjacent side walls (10, 20) and an unlocking position in which securing is disengaged.
12. Container as per Claim 11, characterised in that each bar (4) is loaded with a force that is effective in the locking direction outside the locking position.
13. Container as per Claim 12, characterised in that the forms can be generated by at least one spring element per bar (4) or pair of bars.
14. Container as per Claim 13, characterised in that a spring element in the form of at leach one elastic-flexible spring arm (41) is provided on each bar (4), the free end of which arm is supported on the side wall (20) guiding the bar (4).
15. Container as per Claim 14, characterised in that the spring element is formed from two V-shaped diverging spring arms (41).
16. Container as per one of Claims 11 to 15, characterised in that each bar (4) has a tongue-like, wedged-shaped pointed locking end (44) and that the other side wall (10) that interacts with each locking end (44) and is to be secured has a slit-shaped bar seat (104) with a lead-in bevel (105).
17. Container as per one of Claims 11 to 16, characterised in that at least the side walls (20) guiding the bar (4) have stiffening ribs (200) on the outside and that the bars (4) are guided in openings (204) in the ribs (200) such that they cannot be lost.
18. Container as per one of Claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the two bars (4) of the pair of bars for a side wall (20) are designed identically and are arranged symmetrically to the centre verticals of the side wall (20).
19. Container as per Claim 18, characterised in that the ends (42) of the bars that point towards one another and to the centre of the side wall (20) are designed with activation handles (43) and that the activation handles (43) are arranged at such a distance from one another that they can both be activated simultaneously by one operator using the thumb and index finger on one hand.
20. Container as per one of Claims 11 to 19, characterised in that the side walls (10) that do not have bars (4) can automatically be held completely or almost completely in their upright position through sufficiently great frictional forces and/or through locking elements (148') with the floor (30).
21. Container as per one of Claims 11 to 20, characterised in that at a distance from the activation handle (43), each bar (4) has at least one contact element (48) with which an activation body for an automatic operation device, in particular an automatic container washing system, can be introduced into the activation contact.
22. Container as per one of Claims 10 to 21, characterised in that in addition to the securing devices, centring devices (122, 222) that come into contact with one another when the side walls (10, 20) are brought upright and connected are provided in the connecting wall areas (12, 22).
23. Container as per Claim 22, characterised in that the centring devices are formed each by at least one centring body (222) protruding outwards per internal connecting wall area (22) and per external connecting wall area (12) by at least one centring depression or opening (122) that will accept the centring body (222) when the side walls (10, 20) are in an upright position.
24. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the internal connecting wall areas (22) each have at least one reinforcing rib (223) extending outwards to the full wall thickness at the top edge and that, when the side walls (10, 20) are in an upright position, the external connecting wall areas (12) each have a step-shaped recess or depression (123) to accept the reinforcing rib (223).
25. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the upper side of the wall socle areas (31) is formed in each case with a slope (311) descending to the exterior of the container at least at the corner areas and that the lower side of the first side walls (10) that can be folded in is formed with slopes (101) that are diametrically opposed to the slopes (311).
26. Container as per Claim 25, characterised in that the slopes (101, 311) are inclined at an angled between 4° and 8°, preferably 6°, to the level of the floor (30).
27. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the wall socle areas (31) have a height in excess of that of the folded in side walls (10, 20) measured vertically to the level of the floor (30) and that when the side walls (10, 20) are folded in, the upper side of the wall socle areas (31) forms a supporting surface for another container (1') with a stacking edge (311') on its lower side.
28. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the enlargements (21) are formed with low, laterally protruding brackets (211), the upper side of which runs flush with the upper side of the enlargements (21) and that the wall socle areas (31) are each formed with a step-shaped depression (321) at their socle end areas (131) to accept the brackets (211) when the side walls (10, 20) are upright.
29. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that the floor (30) is formed with a stacking edge (331) on its lower side running round the edge and that the first side walls (10) have a vertical step (131) in their contour near the front end on the side that is uppermost when the wall is folded in, which interlocks with the stacking edge (331) on the lower side of another container (1') that is placed on top.
30. Container as per Claim 29, characterised in that the stacking edge (331) on the lower side is interrupted in each case in the longitudinal centre of the floor (30) whereby the length of the interruption corresponds to at least double the wall thickness of one of the side walls (10, 20).
31. Container as per one of the previous Claims, characterised in that it is designed with a stacking edge (331) on the lower side and a stacking edge (332) on the upper side and with surface dimensions that are compatible with those of conventional, rigid stackable transport and storage containers.

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