LID STAY FOR A TRANSPORT CONTAINER

Abstract

A lid stay for a transport container. The lid stay has at least one bearing unit, at least one guide unit and at least one swivel bracket. The lid stay can be moved at least between a locking position and a transport position. Furthermore, the guide unit has at least one latching element. In the locking position, the swivel bracket interacts with the latching element in such a way that the lid stay is held in the locking position. The latching element causes at least a temporary elastic deformation of the swivel bracket when the lid stay is moved between the locking position and the transport position.

Claims

1. A lid stay for a transport container, with at least one bearing unit, at least one guide unit, and at least one swivel bracket, wherein the lid stay is movable at least between a locking position and a transport position, wherein the guide unit has at least one latching element, wherein the swivel bracket is pivotably mounted on the bearing unit and guided on the guide unit, and the swivel bracket interacts with the latching element in the locking position in such a way that the lid stay is held in the locking position, wherein at least the latching element causes at least a temporary elastic deformation of the swivel bracket when the lid stay is moved between the locking position and the transport position.

2. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the latching element and the swivel bracket interact in a force-fit manner in the locking position.

3. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the latching element has at least one guide contour arranged laterally on the latching element (10) in plan view, and that during a movement of the lid stay between the locking position and the transport position, the guide contour causes an elastic deformation of a swivel bracket leg of the swivel bracket.

4. The lid stay according to claim 3, wherein the guide contour has at least one indentation, and in that the swivel bracket leg, is at least partially accommodated in the indentation in the locking position.

5. The lid stay according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the indentation is a negative shape of the outer contour of the swivel bracket leg in the locking position.

6. The lid stay according to claim 4, wherein the indentation has at least one support projection, and in that the support projection extends in an edge region of the indentation.

7. The lid stay according to claim 3, wherein the guide contour has at least one insertion section that is at least partially curved.

8. The lid stay according to claim 3, wherein in the locking position, the swivel bracket is arranged at least partially between an edge of the guide unit and the guide contour, so that the swivel bracket deforms elastically at least partially in the direction of the edge of the guide unit during a movement between the locking position and the transport position.

9. The lid stay according to claim 3, wherein the guide contour projects at least partially from a lateral edge of the guide unit, and in that the latching element points towards the swivel bracket so that the swivel bracket deforms elastically away from the lateral edge of the guide unit during a movement between the locking position and the transport position.

10. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit has at least one collar, and that the latching element is arranged in a collar recess.

11. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit has a guide element and that the latching element is designed as a component different from the guide element, in that the latching element is detachably connected or riveted to the guide element, or that the latching element is formed in one piece with the guide element.

12. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the swivel bracket formed in one piece.

13. The lid stay according to claim 11, wherein the swivel bracket has at least one opening, provided on a swivel bracket base, which is arranged between the guide element and the latching element, and/or the latching element is arranged within the opening.

14. The lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the lid stay further comprises at least one hinge, and that the hinge is arranged laterally adjacent to the bearing unit and the guide unit, and/or that the hinge is arranged between the bearing unit and the guide unit, and/or that the latching element is arranged at least partially between the hinge and the guide unit or between the hinge and the bearing unit.

15. A transport container comprising: at least one transport container body, at least one transport container lid, and at least one lid stay according to claim 1, wherein the lid stay connects the transport container body and the transport container lid, with the bearing unit being attached to the transport container lid and the guide unit being attached to the transport container body.

16. The lid stay according to claim 4, wherein the swivel bracket leg is only accommodated in the indentation in the locking position.

17. The lid stay according to claim 7, wherein preferably the swivel bracket moves at least partially along the curved insertion section during a movement between the locking position and the transport position.

18. The lid stay according to claim 11, wherein the latching element has at least one latching element base unit and at least one latching unit.

19. The lid stay according to claim 11, wherein in the locking position the swivel bracket is in latching engagement with the latching unit.

20. The lid stay according to claim 12, wherein the swivel bracket is formed with rounded corners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a transport container according to the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a lid stay according to the invention;

[0014] FIG. 3a shows a view of the lid stay in the transport position from the front at an angle;

[0015] FIG. 3b shows a view of the lid stay in the locking position from the front at an angle;

[0016] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a lid stay with a hinge according to a second embodiment in the transport position;

[0017] FIG. 4b shows a perspective view of the lid stay according to the second embodiment in the locking position; and FIGS. 5a to 5c shows detailed views of a latching element of a lid stay according to a third embodiment example in different positions.

[0018] The drawings are provided herewith for purely illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the description, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0020] The present disclosure generally provides a storage container having a first, outer container part and a second, inner container part, wherein the two parts have a cuboidal shape and are connected in a corner region via a bearing such that the second part is pivotable between open and closed positions with respect to the first part and is lockable in these positions. In order to connect the container parts, an assembly pin is used as bearing, which passes through coaxially arranged passage openings in the container parts. Alternatively, balls are arranged rotatably in the second part that bear against a side wall of the first part from the inside and, to lock positions, engaging in a bearing slot in the first part, and/or providing a positioning aid in the second part on an inner side and projecting into the interior, acting in a clamping manner on the card(s) and consisting of an elastomer.

[0021] Advantageously, the latching element causes the swivel bracket to undergo an elastic deformation at least when the lid stay is in the locking position. In particular, alternatively, the swivel bracket undergoes the temporary elastic deformation only during the movement, at least during a temporal section of the movement, between the locking position and the transport position and is essentially in its initial shape in the locking position and in the transport position. Overall, it is possible to release the locking of the swivel bracket and thus the locking of the lid in a simple manner that requires only a small amount of force. It is also provided that the elastic deformation is present both during movement and in the locking position.

[0022] In the sense of the present disclosure, elastic deformation is present if the swivel bracket, when used as intended, is present both in a deformed state and-at another point in time-in an undeformed state. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the undeformed state of the swivel bracket is always essentially identical even after a large number of elastic deformations. In particular, the deformation is reversible. The elastic deformation is temporary or temporal if, during the movement from the transport position to the locking position and/or during the movement from the locking position to the transport position, both the elastic deformation is generated and the elastic deformation is reversed during this movement.

[0023] The movement between the locking position and the transport position is either the movement from the locking position to the transport position or from the transport position to the locking position or a combination of the two.

[0024] Regardless of the exact design of the bearing unit and the guide unit, the swivel bracket is mounted in the bearing unit. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the bearing unit has at least one bearing element. In particular, it is advantageous if the swivel bracket is pivotably mounted in the bearing element, for example in a bearing.

[0025] It is advantageous if the swivel bracket has at least two swivel bracket legs, in particular if the swivel bracket legs are connected to each other by at least one swivel bracket base. A corner is preferably arranged between a swivel bracket leg and a swivel bracket base. For example, the swivel bracket has a substantially rectangular shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape. Preferably, the swivel bracket has a tapered shape, in particular a shape that tapers towards the latching element. For example, it is possible for the two swivel bracket legs to taper towards each other, preferably in the direction of the latching element. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the profile of all swivel bracket legs is essentially the same and/or constant. In particular, if the swivel bracket has an essentially circular cross-section, it is advantageous if the diameter of all swivel bracket legs is essentially the same, preferably constant. If the swivel bracket has two swivel bracket legs, it is advantageous if the latching element is symmetrical to a central axis of the lid stay, with the central axis preferably extending in a longitudinal direction. This enables synchronous movement of the swivel bracket legs.

[0026] Alternatively, it is particularly provided that the swivel bracket is essentially designed as a pin or a hook.

[0027] In order to avoid unwanted noise development, for example jangling or rattling of the swivel bracket, it is preferred that the swivel bracket is mounted essentially free of play in the bearing unit. In the context of the present invention, play-free means that movement in the direction of an outer contour is at least partially prevented. For this purpose, it is particularly provided that a distance between the swivel bracket and the bearing unit is substantially less than 0.1 mm, preferably substantially less than 0.05 mm. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the swivel bracket is arranged, preferably secured, to the guide unit by means of a spacer. It is further preferred that the spacer is arranged in a recess in the guide unit. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the spacer surrounds the swivel bracket at least partially, preferably completely, at least in one section. It is advantageous if it is provided that the spacer is manufactured using a plastic, preferably at least partially made of plastic.

[0028] The transport container is, for example, a flight case and/or is suitable for transporting fragile goods, such as musical instruments, measuring instruments or sound equipment. The transport container has at least one transport container lid, also known as a cover, and at least one transport container body.

[0029] The lid stay can advantageously be attached to the transport container, in particular in such a way that the bearing unit can be attached to the transport container lid and the guide unit to the transport container body. Reverse attachment is also possible, so that the bearing unit can be attached to the transport container body and the guide unit to the transport container lid. The bearing unit and the guide units are separate units that can be moved relative to each other, in particular pivoted, at least between the transport position and the locking position. In particular, the bearing unit and the guide unit can be moved relative to each other in such a way that they form an angle in the locking position, for example an angle of approximately 120 to 60, preferably substantially 70 or substantially 80 or substantially 90 or substantially 100.

[0030] In a standard design, the guide unit and the bearing unit have essentially the same dimensions, in particular the same extension in a transverse direction. In particular, the transverse direction extends essentially parallel along a swivel axis, whereby the swivel bracket can swivel about the swivel axis. A longitudinal direction extends at right angles to the transverse direction. Material can be saved if the bearing unit has a shorter extension in the longitudinal direction than the extension of the guide unit in the longitudinal direction. Of course, it is also possible for the guide unit to have a shorter extension in the longitudinal direction than the bearing unit in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, it may be provided that the absolute extension of the lid stay in the transverse direction and longitudinal direction can be determined as a function of the dimensions of the transport container and/or the weight of at least the transport container lid. Furthermore, the extensions in the transverse or longitudinal direction of the lid-stay depend on the force required to lock and hold the lid of the transport container.

[0031] The transport position corresponds to the position of the lid-stay that the lid-stay assumes when the transport container is closed, i.e. preferably when the lid rests completely on the transport container body. The locking position corresponds to the position that the lid stay assumes when the transport container is open for loading and unloading, preferably fully open. In addition, the transport container lid is held or locked in an open position in the locking position, making it easier to load and/or unload the transport container.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the lid stay, the bearing unit and the guide unit are arranged at an angle to each other in the locking position. Advantageously, the swivel bracket connects the bearing unit and the guide unit. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the swivel bracket forms a first angle with the bearing unit and a second angle with the guide unit in the locking position. In particular, the second angle is smaller than the first angle.

[0033] In the transport position, the bearing unit and the guide unit are essentially in one plane. If the lid of the transport unit with the lid stay attached to it is opened, the unit attached to the lid, the guide unit or preferably the bearing unit, moves with the lid. Here, the swivel bracket undergoes a swivel movement relative to the bearing unit. At the same time, the swivel bracket moves relative to the guide unit, whereby the locking element elastically deforms the swivel bracket at least temporarily. In particular, the swivel bracket moves along the latching element. In doing so, the latching element presses the swivel bracket into a deformed shape. The at least temporary elastic deformation of the swivel bracket causes the swivel bracket to be moved into a position in which the swivel bracket interacts with the latching element in such a way that the lid stay is held in the locking position.

[0034] Advantageously, the swivel bracket is partially elastically deformed in the locking position, especially compared to the transport position. In this case, the swivel bracket is also deformed in the locking position. Alternatively or additionally, the swivel bracket undergoes the elastic deformation only or also during the movement between the locking position and the transport position. In other words, in this case the swivel bracket exhibits the same deformation in the locking position and in the transport position; in particular, the swivel bracket exhibits an initial shape, for example an undeformed shape, in the transport position and in the locking position.

[0035] If the transport container is now closed again, the swivel bracket undergoes a swivel movement relative to the bearing unit. In particular, the elastic deformation of the swivel bracket is released by the latching element and the swivel bracket is preferably converted into essentially the same shape as before the movement from the transport position to the locking position. The movement of the swivel bracket ends at the latest when the lid stay reaches the transport position. In particular, the swivel bracket moves along the locking element back into the transport position. Preferably, the transport container is closed by moving, in particular pulling, the lid in the direction of the transport container body.

[0036] In the event that the swivel bracket is in the initial shape both in the transport position and in the locking position, it is provided in particular that during the movement from the locking position to the transport position, the swivel bracket is elastically deformed by the locking element and then returned to the initial shape, for example by reversing the elastic deformation.

[0037] It is also provided that the swivel bracket is elastically deformed in the transport position and deforms elastically during the movement from the transport position to the locking position by returning to its undeformed starting position.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be provided that the guide unit and/or the bearing unit has/have at least one recess. In particular, it may be provided that the swivel bracket is arranged in the recess in the transport position and/or that the latching element is arranged at least partially in the recess. This reduces the required installation space.

[0039] In particular, it is provided that the latching element and the swivel bracket interact with each other at least partially in a force- and form-fit manner in the locking position.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latching element and the swivel bracket interact in a force- and form-fit manner in the locking position. The force- and form fit interaction between the swivel bracket and the latching element holds the swivel bracket in its position and thus indirectly holds the transport container lid open. It is therefore possible to dispense with additional components, further minimizing the complexity of the lid stay.

[0041] In order to facilitate the movement of the swivel bracket, in a preferred embodiment of the lid stay the locking element has at least one guide contour. When the lid stay is moved between the locking position and the transport position, the guide contour causes elastic deformation of the swivel bracket. In particular, the latching element has a guide contour arranged laterally on the latching element in plan view. If the swivel bracket has at least one swivel bracket leg, the guide contour, in particular the guide contour arranged laterally on the latching element, causes an elastic deformation of at least one swivel bracket leg of the swivel bracket.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the latching element has at least two guide contours. Preferably, it is provided that the two guide contours are each arranged on one side of the latching element, and further preferably that the two guide contours are arranged axially symmetrically to a latching element center axis, for example in plan view.

[0043] When the lid stay is moved from the transport position to the locking position, the swivel bracket leg is elastically deformed by the guide contour. In other words, the guide contour generates the deformation of the swivel bracket, in particular the elastic deformation of the swivel bracket. For example, the elastic deformation of the swivel bracket is such that at least one swivel bracket leg undergoes a lateral deformation in the plan view, for example outwards in the direction of an edge of the guide unit. If two swivel bracket legs are provided, the latching element preferably pushes the two swivel bracket legs apart.

[0044] It should be noted that in the top view, when the lid stay is in the transport position, the lid stay can be seen in one plane.

[0045] In particular, it is provided that the latching element has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Preferably, it is provided that the guide contour, for example in plan view, protrudes at least partially from the substantially rectangular shape. Preferably, it is provided that a respective guide contour extends from opposite sides of the latching element. Preferably, the guide contours are arranged opposite each other or offset from each other. Alternatively, it is preferable that the guide contour is designed as a recess, for example in the plan view, of the essentially rectangular shape.

[0046] In order to additionally stabilize the hold of the swivel bracket and thus improve the hold of the lid stay in the locking position, it is preferred that the guide contour has at least one indentation and that the swivel bracket is at least partially accommodated in the indentation in the locking position. In particular, the swivel bracket leg is at least partially accommodated in the indentation in the locking position. To reduce complexity, it is further preferred that the swivel bracket, in particular the swivel bracket leg, is only at least partially received in the indentation in the locking position.

[0047] If the shape of the indentation is a negative shape of the outer contour of the swivel bracket leg in the locking position, the interaction between the swivel bracket and the latching element in the locking position of the lid stay can be further improved. The shape of the indentation can be seen in the top view, for example. If, for example, the swivel bracket, in particular the swivel bracket leg, has a circular profile in cross-section, the indentation has a circular segment shape, at least in plan view. For example, the indentation may have a semi-circular shape. Furthermore, the swivel bracket has an inclined shape in the side view when the lid stay is in the locking position. It is therefore advantageous if the shape of the indentation extends at an angle in the side view. In other words, it is advantageous if the shape of the indentation extends obliquely through a plane that extends parallel to the top view. Preferably, the indentation extends along an edge of the latching element. It should be noted at this point that the profile of the swivel bracket preferably has a constant cross-section.

[0048] Unintentional movement of the swivel bracket out of the locking position can be prevented if the indentation has at least one support projection and if the support projection extends in an edge region of the indentation. In one embodiment, the support projection is designed such that a force for moving the lid stay from the locking position into the transport position is greater than a force for moving the lid stay from the transport position into the locking position. The swivel bracket, in particular the swivel bracket leg, rests at least partially on the support projection, for example, in the locking position of the lid stay; in particular, the swivel bracket engages on the support projection. To make it easier for the swivel bracket to enter the indentation, it is preferable for the support projection to have a rounded outer edge.

[0049] In order to further simplify the entry of the swivel bracket into the guide contour, in particular into the indentation, it is provided that the guide contour has at least one insertion section. In particular, it is advantageous if the insertion section is at least partially curved. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the insertion section is at least partially designed as an insertion slope. The insertion section makes it possible for the swivel bracket to slide along the insertion section, at least when the lid stay moves from the transport position to the locking position. This prevents collisions between the swivel bracket and the latching element, in particular the guide contour, and/or damage to the swivel bracket and/or the guide contour. It is further preferred that the swivel bracket moves at least partially along the insertion section during a movement between the locking position and the transport position. In particular, it is provided that the insertion section at least partially prepares and/or causes an elastic deformation of the swivel bracket. Advantageously, the guide projection is arranged adjacent to the insertion section. In particular, the guide projection is at least partially in contact with the swivel bracket in the locking position. It goes without saying that it is also possible for the guide projection to lie completely against the guide projection in the locking position.

[0050] When the lid stay moves from the transport position to the locking position, the swivel bracket, in particular a swivel bracket leg, moves along the guide contour, with the swivel bracket preferably undergoing at least partial elastic deformation. At the same time, the swivel bracket changes its position in relation to the guide unit and swivels around the bearing (the bearing) of the swivel bracket in the bearing unit. This causes the swivel bracket to stand up.

[0051] If the support projection is present, the swivel bracket passes over the guide projection after a movement along the insertion section. The guide projection guides the movement of the swivel bracket at least partially during a movement of the lid stay from the transport position to the locking position. It is possible that the elastic deformation of the swivel bracket remains essentially constant or is at least partially canceled at the guide projection and/or after passing the guide projection.

[0052] In particular, it is provided that the guide unit has an edge. Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in the locking position, the swivel bracket is arranged at least partially between the edge of the guide unit and the latching element, in particular the guide contour, so that the swivel bracket deforms elastically at least partially in the direction of the edge of the guide unit during a movement between the locking position and the transport position. Thus, the swivel bracket is at least partially pushed away from the latching element by the latching element, at least when the lid stay is moved from the transport position to the locking position. It may be provided that the swivel bracket deforms elastically at least partially in the direction of the edge of the guide unit. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space required for the lid stay. If two swivel bracket legs are provided, it is advantageous for the two swivel bracket legs to be deformed away from each other during the elastic deformation, for example to be pressed apart.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the latching element, in particular the guide contour, projects at least partially from a lateral edge of the guide unit, and that the latching element points towards a swivel bracket, so that the swivel bracket deforms elastically away from the lateral edge of the guide unit during a movement between the locking position and the transport position. In particular, it is intended that the swivel bracket deforms elastically at least partially in the direction of an inner space of the guide unit. If two swivel bracket legs are provided, it is advantageous if the two swivel bracket legs are deformed towards each other, for example by being pressed together.

[0054] In order to simplify the assembly of the lid stay as such, a lid stay can be provided in which the guide unit has at least one collar and the latching element is arranged on the collar. In particular, it can be provided that the collar has a collar recess and that the latching element is arranged on the collar. In this way, slippage of the locking element within the guide unit can be reduced or completely prevented. Preferably, the latching element is arranged in the collar recess in a substantially form-fitting manner. The fact that a collar is provided makes it possible to simplify the attachment of the lid stay to the transport container. For this purpose, the lid stay can have at least one fastening means on the collar. For example, the fastening means is a hole that is designed to accommodate a screw or a rivet.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the guide unit has at least one guide element and that the latching element is designed as a component different from the guide element. In particular, it is provided that the latching element is connected to the guide element. For example, the connection is designed in such a way that the latching element is detachably connected to the guide element or is riveted. In the present context, detachably connected means that it is possible to separate two components, in this case the latching element and the guide element, without destroying them. This makes it easier to replace the latching element, for example due to wear of the latching element. Preferably, the lid stay is designed such that the latching element has at least one latching element base unit and at least one latching unit. For example, it is possible that the latching element base unit is made of a different material than the latching unit. For example, it is possible that the latching element base unit is made of a metal and/or is coated with a material, in particular galvanized. The latching unit is preferably manufactured using a non-corrodible material, for example a plastic, and/or is at least partially coated with plastic. According to an exemplary embodiment, the latching element base unit is at least partially overmolded with the latching unit. An injection molding process, for example a plastic injection molding process, is therefore preferably used to produce the latching element. In particular, it is provided that the guide contour is formed from a plastic or coated with a plastic. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the swivel bracket is coated with a plastic at least in the areas in which it interacts with the latching element.

[0056] Preferably, in the locking position, the swivel bracket engages with the latching unit. The swivel bracket thus engages with the latching unit so that the swivel bracket is locked. The lid stay is thus in the locking position. In general, the lid stay is held in the locking position by the swivel bracket. In particular, the swivel bracket is locked by a swivel bracket leg latching with the latching unit.

[0057] Alternatively, it is proposed that the latching element is formed in one piece with the guide element. The latching element is therefore part of the guide element. This reduces the assembly effort.

[0058] The assembly effort can be further reduced if the swivel bracket is designed as a single piece, preferably with rounded corners. In principle and irrespective of the shape of the swivel bracket, it is possible for the swivel bracket to be made of a metal and/or coated with a material, in particular galvanized. In particular, it is intended that the swivel bracket is manufactured as a bent part.

[0059] It is further preferably proposed that the swivel bracket has at least one opening. In particular, it is provided that the opening is formed on a swivel bracket base, which is arranged on the guide unit. Advantageously, it is provided that the opening is arranged between the guide element and the latching element. This reduces the manufacturing effort of the swivel bracket.

[0060] Preferably, the latching element is arranged within the opening of the swivel bracket base. In particular, the swivel bracket base has two end faces arranged opposite each other. The end faces are preferably moved away from each other at least temporarily by the latching element. Preferably, the end faces are at an identical distance from each other in the starting position and in the locking position. For example, during a movement from the starting position to the locking position, one end face interacts with a guide projection in order to elastically deform the swivel bracket. The two guide protrusions push the end faces away from each other, for example. In the locking position, the end faces interact with the guide projections in a force- and form-fit manner, for example, in particular to lock the swivel bracket. Because the latching element is arranged within the opening of the swivel bracket base, the swivel bracket is expanded through the opening during movement between the locking position and the transport position and the swivel bracket undergoes elastic deformation.

[0061] So that the lid stay can not only hold the lid of the transport container in the locking position, but also facilitates the opening and closing of the transport container, it is proposed in particular that the lid stay also has at least one hinge. Furthermore, it is proposed that the hinge is arranged laterally adjacent to the bearing unit and the guide unit. Additionally or alternatively, in order to reduce the required installation space, it is proposed that the hinge is arranged between the bearing unit and the guide unit.

[0062] In particular, it is provided that the latching element is arranged at least partially between the guide unit and the hinge. Alternatively, it is provided in particular that the latching element is arranged at least partially between the bearing unit and the hinge. Due to the fact that the hinge is located above the latching element in plan view, the latching element is protected against environmental influences by the hinge.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the invention, a transport container is provided. The transport container has at least one transport container body, at least one transport container lid and at least one lid stay according to the present disclosure. The lid stay connects the transport container body and the transport container lid. The embodiments and advantages of the lid stay according to the invention described above apply equally to the transport container according to the present disclosure and vice versa. In particular, the bearing unit is attached to the transport container lid and the guide unit is attached to the transport container body.

[0064] For an even distribution of force and load, it is advantageous if the transport container has at least two lid stays, with the lid stays in particular being evenly distributed on one side of the transport container lid and one side of the transport container body adjacent to the transport container lid.

[0065] Further advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the following description of the figures. In the various figures in the drawing, identical parts are always marked with the same reference numerals.

[0066] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and thereby not limited to all or several features of described feature combinations, rather each individual partial feature of the/each embodiment is also of significance for the object of the present disclosure independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith, and also in combination with any features of another embodiment.

[0067] As FIG. 1 shows a transport container according to the invention, which is generally provided with the reference sign 1. The transport container 1 has a transport container body 2 and a transport container lid 3. The transport container body 2 and the transport container lid 3 are connected to each other via two lid stays 4.

[0068] The lid stays 4 each have a bearing unit 5 and a guide unit 6. The respective bearing unit 5 is attached to the transport container lid 3 and the guide unit 6 is attached to the transport container body 2, in particular screwed or riveted. The lid stays 4 can be moved between a transport position shown in FIG. 3a and a locking position shown in FIG. 3b.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, each lid stay 4 has a swivel bracket 7 in addition to the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6. The swivel bracket 7 is mounted in a bearing element 5a of the bearing unit 5, namely in a bearing 8. In the present embodiment, the bearing 8 is designed as a separate component and is connected to the bearing element 5a of the bearing unit 5 via rivets 9.

[0070] The guide unit 6 has a guide element 6a and a latching element 10. In the locking position, the locking element 10 interacts with the swivel bracket 7 in such a way that the lid stay 4 is held in the locking position (see FIG. 3b). To this end, the latching element 10 causes at least a temporary deformation of the swivel bracket 7 when the lid stay 4 is moved between the locking position and the transport position. In particular, the latching element 10 and the swivel bracket 7 interact in a force- and form-fit manner in the locking position, so that the lid stay 4 can be released from the locking position by a force applied to the bearing unit 5 that exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0071] The swivel bracket 7 has two swivel bracket legs 7a and at least one swivel bracket base 7b. The swivel bracket legs 7a are connected to each other via the swivel bracket base 7b.

[0072] The latching element 10 has a guide contour 11 on each side. In a plan view, the guide contours 11 are arranged opposite each other and laterally on the latching element 10, as shown in FIG. 3a. When the lid stay 4 is moved between the locking position and the transport position, the swivel bracket 7 moves along the guide contours 11 respectively the swivel bracket legs 7a move along the guide contours 11. In the present embodiment, the swivel bracket legs 7a each move essentially synchronously along a corresponding guide contour 11.

[0073] The latching element 10 is essentially axially symmetrical to a central axis M of the lid stay 4, with the central axis M extending through both the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6. The central axis M divides the lid stay 4 into two symmetrical halves. In the following, the lid stay 4 and, in particular, the latching element 10 and the guide contour 11 are described essentially for an axially symmetrical half. It goes without saying that the description applies equally to the other half of the lid stay 4.

[0074] When the lid stay 4 is moved from the transport position to the locking position, the swivel bracket 7 is positioned with its swivel bracket leg 7a so that an angle a (FIG. 3b) is created between the guide element 6a and the swivel bracket 7a, more precisely between a plane in which the guide element 6a essentially extends and a longitudinal axis 7d of the swivel bracket leg 7a. The angle a reaches its greatest value in the locking position. When the lid stay 4 is moved from the locking position to the transport position, the angle a is reduced again until the angle a reaches its smallest value, preferably 0, in the transport position.

[0075] When the lid stay 4 is moved from the transport position to the locking position, the swivel bracket leg 7a moves along the latching element 10. The swivel bracket leg 7a is guided by the guide contour 11. The guide contour 11 causes an elastic deformation of the swivel bracket leg 7a. In the present embodiment, the guide contour 11 presses the swivel bracket leg 7a outwards in the direction of an edge 6b of the guide unit 6.

[0076] Furthermore, the guide contour 11 has an indentation 12. As shown in FIG. 3b, in the locking position, a swivel bracket leg 7a is partially received in an indentation 12. Here, the indentation 12 has a shape that is a negative shape of an outer contour 7a1 of the swivel bracket leg 7a. The swivel bracket 7 and thus also the swivel bracket leg 7a has a circular cross-section. Therefore, the indentation 12 has an essentially circular segment shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 3a, the indentation 12 extends in a side view S at an angle that corresponds to the angle a in the locking position. Thus, in the locking position, the swivel bracket leg 7a engages with the indentation 12 in a force- and form-fit manner.

[0077] The guide contour 11 has an insertion section 14. The insertion section 14 is partially curved. During the movement of the lid stay 4 between the transport position and the locking position, the swivel bracket 7, namely the swivel bracket leg 7a, moves at least partially along the insertion section 14. The curved shape of the insertion section 14 facilitates the movement into the recess 12 and the swivel bracket leg 7a is successively deformed. The two swivel bracket legs 7a undergo maximum elastic deformation at an apex 13 of the insertion section 14.

[0078] Due to the shape of the insertion section 14, the swivel bracket leg 7a reaches its maximum deformation during a movement from the transport position to the locking position, shortly before the swivel bracket leg 7a reaches the indentation 12. When the lid stay 4 is in the locking position, the swivel bracket 7 is elastically deformed in the present embodiment example, but with a lower degree of deformation than in the case of maximum deformation.

[0079] In the locking position, the swivel bracket 7 is arranged at least partially between the edge 6b of the guide unit 6 and the locking element 10. As shown in FIG. 3b, the swivel bracket leg 7a is arranged between the edge 6b of the guide unit and the guide contour 11 in the locking position. Thus, the swivel bracket 7, namely the swivel bracket leg 7a, deforms elastically at least partially in the direction of the edge 6b of the guide unit 6 during a movement from the transport position into the locking position.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the latching element 10 can have at least one section which projects from a lateral edge 6c of the guide unit 6, the latching element 10 at least in this section pointing towards the swivel bracket 7, so that the swivel bracket 7 deforms elastically away from the lateral edge 6c of the guide unit 6 during a movement between the locking position and the transport position.

[0081] Furthermore, the guide unit 6 has a collar 6d, whereby the latching element 10 is arranged on the collar 6d, namely in a collar recess 6e. Even though it is possible in principle for the latching element 10 and the guide element 6a to be formed in one piece, in the present embodiment the latching element 10 and the guide element 6a are formed as components that are different from one another. The latching element 10 is connected to the guide element 6a via rivets 15 (in FIG. 2 via three rivets 15, whereby only one rivet 15 is provided with a reference sign as an example). To attach the lid stay 4 to the transport container 1, the collar can have holes 6f (in FIG. 2, only one hole 6f is provided with a reference sign).

[0082] In addition, the latching element 10 has a latching element base unit 10a and a latching unit 10b. In the present embodiment, the latching element base unit 10a and the latching unit 10b are formed in one piece. However, the latching element base unit 10a and the latching unit 10b can also be designed as components that are different from one another, whereby it is preferred if at least the latching unit 10b is made of plastic.

[0083] When the lid stay 4 is in the locking position, the latching unit 10b is in latching engagement with the swivel bracket 7, in particular with the swivel bracket leg 7a.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the swivel bracket 7 is formed in one piece, with the/each swivel bracket leg 7a having two corners 7c and being connected to the swivel bracket base 7b on one side, which is arranged facing the bearing 8. The corners 7c have a rounded shape. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the swivel bracket 7 has a tapered shape, in which the two swivel bracket legs 7a converge in the direction of the guide element 6a, starting from the bearing element 5a. The swivel bracket 7 is essentially trapezoidal in shape.

[0085] When moving from the transport position to the locking position, the swivel bracket legs 7a are moved away from each other by the guide contours 11, so that the opening 16 is at least temporarily enlarged. When the swivel bracket legs engage in the indentations 16, the swivel bracket legs 7a move at least partially towards each other again.

[0086] In addition, the swivel bracket 7 has an opening 16. Since the opening 16 is arranged between the guide element 6a and the latching element 10, i.e. is part of the swivel bracket base 7b, which is arranged on the guide unit 6, the swivel bracket base 7b and thus the opening 16 is only shown in FIG. 2 by means of a dashed line.

[0087] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the lid stay 4 also has hinges 17, in this case two. In the present case, these hinges 17 are arranged adjacent to the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6. In particular, each hinge 17 has two hinge halves 17a, one hinge half 17a being arranged adjacent to the bearing unit 5 and the other hinge half 17a being arranged adjacent to the guide unit 6.

[0088] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a lid stay 4 according to a second embodiment. Just like the lid stay 4 according to FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b, the lid stay 4 according to FIGS. 4a and 4b also has a bearing unit 5 and a guide unit 6. With regard to the design of the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6, it is referred to the description in FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b.

[0089] Furthermore, the lid stay 4 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b has a swivel bracket 7. The swivel bracket 7 is pivotably mounted in the bearing unit 5 so that the lid stay 4 can be moved between a transport position (see FIG. 4a) and a locking position (see FIG. 4b).

[0090] The lid stay 4 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b also has a hinge 17 with two hinge halves 17a. As can be seen from FIG. 4a, the hinge halves 17a can have different extensions in a longitudinal direction L.

[0091] The hinge 17 is partially arranged between the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6. The swivel bracket 7 is arranged partly between the hinge 17 and the bearing unit 5 and partly between the hinge 17 and the guide unit 6. A merely indicated bearing element 5a is arranged between the bearing unit 5 and a hinge half 17a. Furthermore, the hinge 17 is arranged such that the latching element 10 (not shown) is arranged at least partially between the guide unit 6 and the hinge 17, in particular a hinge half 17a. The hinge 17 covers the latching element 10, so that the latching element 10 is protected from environmental influences.

[0092] For attachment to a transport container 1, the lid stay 4 according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b also has a collar 6d with holes 6f (here only one hole 6f is provided with a reference sign). Furthermore, the hinge 17 also has several hinge holes 17b. When the hinge 17 is correctly attached to the bearing unit 5 and the guide unit 6, a hinge hole 17b is aligned with a hole 6f, so that a fastening element (not shown), for example a rivet or screw, fastens the hinge 17 and the bearing unit 5 or the guide unit 6 together to a transport container.

[0093] The latching element 10 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b is designed, for example, in accordance with the embodiment of a latching element 10 described below with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5c. In particular, it is also provided that the latching element is designed in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3b.

[0094] A further embodiment of a lid stay 4 is shown in detailed views in FIGS. 5a to 5c. In this embodiment, the latching element 10 is arranged in an opening 16 of a swivel bracket 7 (see FIGS. 5a to 5c). The latching element 10 is arranged between two opposing end faces of the swivel bracket base 7b or between two swivel bracket base end sections 7f.

[0095] Starting from the transport position as shown in FIG. 5a, a swivel bracket 7, namely at least one (here two) swivel bracket base end section 7f of a swivel bracket base 7b of the swivel bracket 7, moves along a guide contour 11 of the latching element 10. In the process, the swivel bracket 7, in particular at least one (here two) swivel bracket legs 7a, undergoes an elastic deformation away from the guide contour 11. The movement of the swivel bracket 7 is facilitated by the provision of an insertion section 14. At an apex 13 of the insertion section 14, the swivel bracket legs 7a undergo maximum deformation (see FIG. 5b). The swivel bracket legs 7a are elastically deformed in the direction of an edge 6b of the guide unit 6.

[0096] After passing the apex 13, the swivel bracket legs 7a move towards each other again, so that the elastic deformation is at least partially reversed again (see FIG. 5c). In the locking position, the swivel bracket base end sections 7f rest against the locking element 10 and interact at least partially with the locking element 10 or its guide contours 11 in a force- and form-fit manner in order to lock the swivel bracket 7.

[0097] The latching element 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c has an axially symmetrical structure with respect to a latching element center axis R (see FIG. 5b).

[0098] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 5a to 5c, the latching element 10 has connecting means 18, in this case two (see FIG. 5b), for example screws or rivets. The latching element 10 and the guide unit 6 can be connected with the connecting means 18. In this embodiment, it is also provided in particular that the latching element 10 is covered by a hinge 17, as in FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0099] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also includes all embodiments having the same effect in the sense of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual subfeature can also have an inventive significance in its own right independently of all other subfeatures. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in any specific embodiment, but can also be defined by any other combination of certain features of all the individual features disclosed. This means that, in principle, practically any individual feature of any specific embodiment can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.