EP3572350A1 - Transport unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A rolling conveyable transport unit (1) has a container casing (10) and an interior (28) provided inside the container casing for receiving a product (90) to be packaged. The container shell comprises two or more shell parts (11, 12), which are reversibly positively connected to each other by closure means.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to transport units having a container casing and an interior space provided within the container casing for receiving a product to be packaged, and to processes for producing such transport units.

Technological background

The ever-increasing volumes of e-commerce require merchants, suppliers and logistics companies to deal effectively with the goods being processed, particularly with regard to the manufacture, supply and storage of the items, as well as the picking and transport of the items to the customer.

Many goods, such as Household appliances, consumer electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, clothes, shoes, books, media storage media such as CDs and DVDs, etc. are already provided by the manufacturer with their own packaging and possibly combined into larger units that are provided for example on pallets. These pallets are usually moved by fork-lift trucks, loaded onto trucks or unloaded from trucks and stored at a dealer and outsourced if necessary.

In certain areas of intralogistics automated high-bay warehouses are used, which are operated by automated loading devices and unloading devices in the aisles between the individual shelves. Elaborate is in this type of camps that usually at a storage place the last stored goods, such as a whole range, must first be outsourced again, because the shelves can usually be filled and emptied only from one side. The storage and Outsourcing of the goods is also slow and inefficient, since a corresponding operating device has to travel over long distances in the horizontal and vertical direction in order to store or outsource an article.

If the goods are transported in larger units on standardized pallets, such a larger unit must be resolved to provide individual copies of the goods for further processing, for example in storage containers of an automated small parts warehouse.

WO 2014/191106 A1 discloses an automated storage system for rollable body transport units, with storage devices for storing a plurality of rollable transport units, storage devices for receiving and loading transport units into the storage devices, and storage devices for retrieving the transport units stored in the storage devices. Such a storage system allows, for example, the construction of an efficient small parts warehouse, in which the occasionally packaged in rollable transport units goods can be efficiently processed, managed and picked.

The use of rollable transport units offer the particular advantage that they can be gravity-driven over long distances without active drive. In addition, the shape of a rolling body facilitates automatic processing in conveyor systems and storage systems.

WO 2014/191107 A1 discloses a rollable transport unit in which the center of gravity of the transport unit filled with the product can be centered in order to optimize the rolling movement during conveying.

US 6050438 discloses a spherical, thin-walled, split capsule for receiving an article. The capsule can be separated without destruction, which parts have interlocking closure elements, which cause a stable connection of the parts, so that the capsule is suitable for use in vending machines.

WO 2014/191105 A1 shows a further rollable transport unit, wherein the storage space of the packaging body shape is adapted to the shape of a male in the packaging body Guts or can be adjusted.

There is a general need for improvement in this area.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a transport unit of the type mentioned, which does not have the above-mentioned and other disadvantages. In particular, such a transport unit should be easy to produce from individual parts. Advantageously, the transport unit should be reusable. It should have a long life, and should be inexpensive to produce.

Such a transport unit should advantageously without damaging influences on the transport unit or its content by physical or chemical conditions, in particular without the action of elevated temperatures, be mounted or lockable. Such a package should be able to be closed without external or temporary holding means or fixing means, such as staples or presses.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method with which transport units can be produced efficiently.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method with which transport units can be mounted and locked gently and efficiently, without damaging influences on the transport unit or its contents by physical or chemical conditions, in particular without the action of elevated temperatures.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method by which transport units can be closed without external or temporary holding means or fixing means such as staples or presses.

These and other objects are achieved by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various configurations which are advantageous in each case and, if not stated otherwise, can be combined with one another as desired. These embodiments and the advantages associated with them will be discussed below.

In this description, the term good or goods is used interchangeably, and may in particular include individual piece goods and singles or individually manageable items in general, so for example, already packed in a closed packaging goods.

In the following description, the term outer space is understood to mean the general environment of a transport unit in which normal atmospheric pressure prevails, as well as ambient temperature, in particular room temperature.

One aspect of the invention relates to a rolling conveyable transport unit having a container casing and an interior space provided within the container casing for receiving a product to be packaged, wherein the container casing comprises two or more casing parts which are reversibly connected in a reversible manner by means of closing means.

Advantageously, in such a transport unit, the closing means are arranged inside the container casing. The arrangement of the closing elements within the container casing has, inter alia, the advantage that they are not directly accessible from the outside. Unintentional opening of the transport unit by uncontrolled acting on the shell external forces can be avoided.

The shell elements can be made, for example, from a suitable dimensionally stable plastic and / or metal.

In an advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, the interconnected shell parts form a pressure-tight sealed volume in the interior of the transport unit. At least one valve element is provided with which the said pressure-tight sealed volume can be reversibly fluidically connected to an outer space.

Advantageously, the at least one valve element is arranged on a casing element.

In another advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, the container casing comprises two casing parts, which are fluidically sealed to a sealing element and form a pressure-tight closed volume.

In the aforementioned embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous to have at least one further interior, which is not pressure-tightly sealed against the outside atmosphere; or there is at least one further interior, which is fluidly connected to the first interior space.

Advantageously, in a transport unit according to the invention, the closing means comprise magnetic elements which reversibly connect the at least two shell parts to one another in a force-fitting manner.

On the inner wall of two or more shell elements of the transport unit, a hollow cylinder may be arranged.

In an advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, an adapter device can be provided with which the goods can be fixed in a form-fitting and / or force-locked manner within the container casing.

Particularly advantageously, the adapter device comprises a film around the good.

Alternatively or additionally, in such a transport unit, the adapter device comprises two hollow cylinders, which are each arranged on the inner wall of a sleeve element, and two flexible and / or elastic layers, each covering an opening of a hollow cylinder.

Advantageously, the container shell substantially has the shape of a rollable body.

Advantageously, the container shell has a spherical, cylindrical, barrel-shaped or biconical outer shape.

Advantageously, two or more of the envelope elements of the transport unit are identical to one another.

In the interior of the container shell of a transport unit advantageously a positive and / or non-positive and / or frictionally fixed Good is arranged.

Particularly advantageous in such a transport unit, the good is fixed by means of an adapter device in the container shell.

In another advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, the container casing is substantially closed, so that the transport unit is buoyant, in particular in water. Such a variant allows in particular, the promotion of such a transport unit in or on a fluid stream, for example in a pneumatic tube system or on flowing water.

Advantageously, portions of the envelope or the entire envelope are transparent. This allows, inter alia, to identify and inspect the contents of the package without having to open the transport unit.

The transport unit can be equipped with identification means, for example an optical code such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, or an RFID (radio-frequency identification) element, in particular an NFC (Near Field Communication) RFID element.

An identification means may be integrated in the container casing, or it may also be arranged reversibly in the casing interior. For example, the packaged goods can also be enclosed with an RFID element or accompanying note with a barcode that can be read from the outside.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising at least one roll-transportable transport unit as discussed above and at least one adapter device for fixing a property in the interior of a rolling conveyable transport unit.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a kit for producing a roll-transportable transport unit as discussed above, comprising two or more shell parts, which are connectable by closing means reversibly non-positively with each other to a container shell.

• Bereitstellen einer rollend förderbaren Transporteinheit wie vorangehend diskutiert mit zwei oder mehr Hüllenteilen;
• Bereitstellen eines in der Transporteinheit zu verpackenden Guts;
• Einbringen des zu verpackenden Guts in einen Innenraum der Transporteinheit; und
• kraftschlüssiges Verbinden der Hüllenteile zu einer Behälterhülle.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a roll-transportable transport unit having a product packaged therein, comprising the steps of:

• Providing a roll-transportable transport unit as discussed above having two or more shell parts;
• Providing a product to be packed in the transport unit;
• Introducing the goods to be packaged into an interior of the transport unit; and
• frictional connection of the shell parts to a container shell.

In such a method according to the invention, the transport unit is advantageously a rolling conveyable transport unit, in which the interconnected shell parts form a pressure-tight sealed volume in the interior of the transport unit, and at least one valve element is provided, with which said pressure-tight volume can be reversibly fluidically connected to an outside space is; the shell parts are connected to a container shell to form a pressure-tight sealed volume inside the transport unit; and a pressure difference between the pressure-tight closed volume and the outside space is generated.

Alternatively, the transport unit may also be assembled in an environment with reduced pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure, for example a vacuum chamber. If the composite transport unit is then removed from the environment with reduced pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure, the shell parts are held together by the now existing pressure difference between the pressure-sealed volume and the outside space. Such a method makes it possible, for example, to dispense with valve elements on the transport units.

In the production of the transport unit, in particular when closing the transport unit, the temperature in the interior of the transport unit remains particularly advantageous. The temperature is advantageously at ambient temperature, more preferably below about 60 ° C, and most preferably below about 40 ° C.

Instead of air, the interior of the transport unit can also be filled with another gas or gas mixture, for example with an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide. This has the advantage that even goods can be packed, which must be stored, for example, dry or under a protective atmosphere.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (1a) mit getrennten Hüllenteilen und (1b) mit einem Detail im Bereich der Dichtung.

Figur 2

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt die vorteilhafte Transporteinheit aus Figur 1, (2a) mit zusammengefügten Hüllenteilen und (2b) mit einem Detail im Bereich der Dichtung.

Figur 3

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines Ventilelements zur Verwendung in einer erfindungsgemässen Transporteinheit.

Figur 4

zeigt eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines Ventilelements zur Verwendung in einer erfindungsgemässen Transporteinheit, links in einer Aufsicht auf die Aussenseite eines Hüllenteils, in dem die Ventileinheit angeordnet ist, und rechts in einem Querschnitt entlang der Schnittebene A-A.

Figur 5

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt eine andere mögliche Ausführungsform einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (5a) in einer Explosionsdarstellung und (5b) im zusammengebauten Zustand.

Figur 6

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (6a) in einer Explosionsdarstellung und (6b) im zusammengebauten Zustand.

Figur 7

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt noch eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (7a) mit einem ersten Hüllenteil und darauf platzierten Gut, (7b) mit dem ersten Hüllenteil und dem zweiten Hüllenteil vor dem Zusammenfügen, (7c) nach dem Zusammenfügen der Hüllenteile, vor dem Evakuieren des druckdicht abgeschlossenen Volumens, und (7d) nach dem Evakuieren des druckdicht abgeschlossenen Volumens.

Figur 8

zeigt schematisch im Querschnitt noch eine andere mögliche Ausführungsform einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (8a) mit zusammengefügten Hüllenteilen, vor dem Evakuieren des druckdicht abgeschlossenen Volumens, (8b) nach dem Evakuieren des druckdicht abgeschlossenen Volumens, und (8c) ein Detail im Dichtungsbereich.

Figur 9

zeigt schematisch eine Ausführungsvariante einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (9a) im Querschnitt mit zusammengefügten Hüllenteilen und fixiertem Gut, und (9b) in einer Aufsicht auf das untere Hüllenteil und das darauf abgelegte Gut.

Figur 10

zeigt schematisch noch eine Ausführungsvariante einer vorteilhaften Transporteinheit, (10a) im Querschnitt mit zusammengefügten Hüllenteilen und fixiertem Gut, und (10b) in einer Aufsicht auf das untere Hüllenteil und das darauf abgelegte Gut.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made to the drawings. These merely show embodiments of the subject invention, and are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein. The same or similar reference numerals are used in the following figures and the associated description for the same or equivalent parts.

FIG. 1

shows schematically in cross section a possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, (1a) with separate shell parts and (1b) with a detail in the region of the seal.

FIG. 2

schematically shows in cross-section of the advantageous transport unit FIG. 1 , (2a) with assembled shell parts and (2b) with a detail in the region of the seal.

FIG. 3

shows schematically in cross section a possible embodiment of a valve element for use in a transport unit according to the invention.

FIG. 4

shows a possible embodiment of a valve element for use in a transport unit according to the invention, left in a plan view of the outside of a shell part in which the valve unit is arranged, and right in a cross section along the cutting plane AA.

FIG. 5

shows schematically in cross-section another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, (5a) in an exploded view and (5b) in the assembled state.

FIG. 6

shows schematically in cross-section another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, (6a) in an exploded view and (6b) in the assembled state.

FIG. 7

shows schematically in cross-section yet another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, (7a) with a first shell part and placed thereon, (7b) with the first shell part and the second shell part before joining, (7c) after the assembly of the shell parts before evacuating the pressure-sealed volume, and (7d) after evacuating the pressure-tight sealed volume.

FIG. 8

shows schematically in cross-section still another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, (8a) with assembled shell parts, before evacuating the pressure-tight sealed volume, (8b) after evacuating the pressure-tight sealed volume, and (8c) a detail in the sealing area.

FIG. 9

shows schematically a variant of an advantageous transport unit, (9a) in cross-section with assembled shell parts and fixed Good, and (9b) in a plan view of the lower shell part and the good deposited thereon.

FIG. 10

schematically shows a variant of an advantageous transport unit, (10a) in cross-section with assembled shell parts and fixed Good, and (10b) in a plan view of the lower shell part and the good deposited thereon.

Ways to carry out the invention

A possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 1 is in the FIGS. 1 and 2 shown. The transport unit consists of two hemispherical shell parts 11, 12, which collide at a parting plane 33 and together form a spherical container shell 10. The two shell parts 11, 12 each have on the inside of the shell a circumferential support structure 19, 20 with a centering ring 21, 22, which in the assembled state ( FIG. 2 ) are arranged flush with each other, and in particular to ensure a correctly aligned alignment of the two shell parts. Furthermore, the centerings can also absorb any shearing forces acting on the shell parts. The support structures 19, 20 may, for example, be configured as a multiplicity of inwardly directed ribs distributed along the circumference.

In the first shell part 11, a groove 24 is provided on the support structure 19, in which a sealing element in the form of a circumferential sealing ring 17 is arranged with an O-shaped cross section. The sealing ring may for example consist of a suitable elastomeric plastic material. In the second casing element 12, a sealing flange 26 is provided on the support structure 20, so that in the assembled state of the transport unit, the sealing element 17 between the groove 24 and sealing flange 26 is elastically deformed, and so a fluidic seal between the interior 28, 29 of the transport unit 1 and the outside space 27 is reached.

The shell parts are advantageously made of plastic, in particular of a transparent plastic. Likewise conceivable are shell parts made of metal,

In the illustrated embodiment of a transport unit is for a non-positive connection of the two shell parts 11, 12 to a closed container shell 10 in the interior 28 of the container shell 10, which forms a pressure-sealed volume 29, generates a negative pressure. For this purpose, a (only schematically shown) valve member 15 is provided in the first shell part 11, through which gas (usually air) can be removed from the volume 29 of the composite transport unit 1, for example by means of a corresponding pumping device. Due to the remaining after closing the valve negative pressure inside the transport unit 1 creates a perpendicular to the parting plane 33 acting on the two shell parts 11, 12 closing force Fs, which compresses the two shell parts 11, 12. The shell parts are non-positively connected along the parting plane 33.

If, for example, a spherical transport unit has a radius of r = 0.10 m as discussed above, which corresponds to a cross-sectional area of approx. A = 0.031 m ² , a pressure difference of Δp = 10 kPa (0.1 bar) already leads to a closing force of approx. F _S = 314 N. This corresponds to a weight of about 32 kg. By a suitable choice of the internal pressure, the pressure difference to the external pressure, and thus the closing force, can be set to the desired value.

The partial evacuation of the pressure-tight closed internal volume 29 thus allows the generation of a large closing force, which keeps the transport unit securely closed without a complicated mechanism. If the transport unit is to be opened again, only the pressure difference between inner volume 29 and outer space 27, ie atmospheric pressure, has to be canceled again, for example by opening valve 15. Alternatively, the two halves may also be mechanically separated, for example by providing engagement means on the shell parts which allow the shell elements to be gripped and forced apart with a force greater than the closing force Fs, thereby aerating the interior volume and the closing force is lifted. In another variant, the sealing device can be manipulated to ventilate the internal volume.

Instead of the centering rings of the abovementioned embodiment of a transport unit, it is also possible to use other means for the aligned alignment of the two casing elements relative to one another. For example, two or more centering pins or projections may be provided on one or both shell parts, which can be brought into operative connection with corresponding holes or recesses of the opposite shell part.

Instead of an O-ring can be used as a sealing member and a sealing ring with a rectangular cross-section, or it can be provided two or more concentrically arranged sealing rings, or a sealing tape, a sealing film, a sealing washers etc ..

In the FIG. 2 is arranged in the transport unit Good 90 shown only schematically. In order to fix the good positively within the shell, for example, adapter devices can be used, as shown in the WO 2014/191107 A1 ( FIGS. 1 . 2 or 8th ) are known. Likewise, adapter devices can be used which hold the goods and are supported on the inside of the container casing, or are fixed to the container casing.

Advantageously, in a transport unit as discussed above, the valve is designed as a one-way valve, which allows fluid flow only from the inside of the envelope to the outside. This has the advantage that at a given negative pressure of the inner volume 29, the valve is automatically in the closed state. When closing the transport unit so eliminates the step of closing the valve, which simplifies the closing process.

One possible embodiment of a suitable valve 15 is shown in FIG FIG. 3 shown. In the shell 10, a valve opening 15b is arranged, to which on the inside of the shell a molded onto the shell valve holder 15c connects. In the interior of the holder, a valve body 15a is arranged in a form-fitting manner, which closes the internal volume 29 fluidly sealing separated from the outer space 27. The valve body 15a is designed as a beak valve and advantageously made of a suitable elastomer.

If the pressure is lowered in the area of the valve opening 15b with an external suction device (not shown), then the beak valve opens as soon as the suction pressure is lower than the internal pressure. With the suction device air is sucked out of the inner volume 29, and the internal pressure drops below the atmospheric pressure in the outer space 27. After removal of the suction device, the beak valve closes due to the now negative pressure difference between the inner volume 29 and the outer space 27, as shown in the figure.

Another possible embodiment of a suitable one-way valve 15 is shown in FIG. In the shell 10, a cylindrical valve housing 15 f is fitted with four openings 15 b in an outer space 27 facing the outer wall 15 j and four openings 15 g in the inner volume 29 facing inner wall 15 h. Inside the valve housing 15f, a disc-shaped valve body 15d is disposed. On the inside of the inner wall 15h of the valve housing 15f, a valve seat in the form of an annular lip 15e is provided. In the closed state of the valve 15 shown in the figure, the valve body 15d is pressed sealingly against the valve seat 15e by an overpressure in the outer space 27. The valve is closed.

In order to obtain a negative pressure difference between inner volume 29 and the outer space 27 (atmospheric pressure), a negative pressure is generated on the outside of the valve as in the preceding example, and air is drawn off from the inner volume. The air flows through the openings 15g past the valve body 15d through the valve housing and the openings 15b to the outside. Spacers (not shown) such as ribs, lands, nubs, protrusions or other suitable means prevent blocking of the openings 15b by the valve body 15d.

Another embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 101 is shown in FIG FIG. 5 shown. The spherical container shell 110 in turn consists of two hemispherical shell parts 111, 112, which can be joined together along a parting plane 133. Both shell parts are equipped with a valve device 115, 115 '. A first shell part 111 has a centering recess 121 with a conical lateral surface, which is supported on a support structure 119 of the shell part. On a support structure 120 of the second shell part 112, a centering ring 122 is arranged with a conical outer circumferential surface. The lateral surfaces of the two elements 121, 122 correspond, so that they interact during the joining of the two shell parts as centering, which ensure the aligned alignment of the shell parts to each other.

In order to fix the product 90 to be packaged in the container casing 110, said material 90 is provided with a coating 140, which in the example shown consists of two plastic films 141a, 141b lying one on top between which the product is positively enclosed. The superimposed films 141a, 141b define a Folierungssebene 142. In the area around the estate, the films can be firmly welded together, glued or otherwise connected to each other, so that a common film layer 140 results. The film 140 and the material held therein are then arranged between the two shell parts 111, 112 ( FIG. 5a ) and the shell parts 111, 112 are joined so that the film 140 is clamped between the shell parts 111, 112. The foliation thus acts as an adapter device for fixing the Guts within the container shell.

The foliation plane 140 coincides with the parting plane 133 of the shell parts. In the region of the conical centering elements 121, 122, the film is clamped between the conical, opposite lateral surfaces. The annular region of the foiling between said clamping surfaces acts as a sealing element 117. The result is a fluid-tight closure of the two half-spaces 128a, 128b, and two pressure-tight sealed volumes 129a, 129b (FIG. FIG. 5b ).

By the two valve devices 115, 115 'as in the transport unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 the two pressure-tight sealed volumes 129a, 129b at least partially evacuated. Due to the resulting negative pressure difference between inner volume 129a or 129b and outer space 27, the shell parts 111, 112 are pressed together and securely held together without further mechanical fastening means. A remainder of the coating 140 projecting beyond the outer surface can subsequently be cut off and removed, so that the rolling ability of the transport unit 101 is not hindered by the coating 140.

Advantageously, the internal pressure in the two volumes 129a, 129b is chosen to be the same, so that no mechanical force acts on the foil within the ball shell 110. This can be achieved, for example, by evacuating both volumes with the same suction system, wherein, for example, a pressure compensation via the line system of the suction device is ensured between the two volumes 129a, 129b.

Alternatively, the pressure in one internal volume 129a, 129b can be set slightly higher than in the other internal volume 129b, 129a, for example with a pressure difference of 100 Pa (1 mbar) or 1000 Pa (10 mbar). Due to the pressure difference, the film 140 is kept slightly taut in the container casing 110, so that the mechanical fixation of the product within the transport unit 101 is enhanced.

The film 140 may advantageously with the from WO 2014/191107 A1 Known methods are applied to the estate so that the center of gravity of Guts 90 lies in the foliation level. Since the foliation plane coincides with the parting plane 133 of the shell elements, the foliation plane extends through the center of the shell. By moving the foiled material in the foliation level / parting plane, the center of gravity of the material can be shifted with respect to the container shell. Advantageously, the center of gravity of the material 90 is finally close to the geometric center of the Container shell 110. This optimizes the rollability of the transport unit, especially with respect to a smooth rolling motion.

Advantageously, the conical lateral surfaces of the centering elements 121, 122 made of an elastic material, such as an elastomer, so as to optimize the sealing effect between foliation and lateral surface.

FIG. 6 represents another embodiment variant of a transport unit 101 '. The transport unit 101' largely corresponds to the transport unit 101 FIG. 5 , However, the second shell part 112 does not have its own valve device. In order to be able to partially evacuate the pressure-tightly closed volume 129b, at least one opening 144 is provided in a region of the filming later inside the container casing, through which a pressure equalization (shown as arrows) takes place between the two volumes 129a, 129b. Accordingly, a single valve 115 suffices for generating a negative pressure in both volumes.

The at least one opening provided foiling 140 'as discussed above can also with the transport unit 101 of the FIG. 5 be used, in which case the openings mainly serves to compensate for smaller pressure differences. The evacuation of the interior can be completed faster with two valves, one valve per internal volume, since the openings 144 allow only a limited flow rate.

In FIG. 7 another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 201 is shown. The container shell 210 consists of two hemispherical shell parts 211, 212, which collide at a parting plane 233. Along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 211 are analogous to FIGS. 1 and 2 a support structure 219, a groove 224, a sealing element 217 arranged in the groove 224 in the form of a circumferential sealing ring 217 and a centering ring 221 are provided. The second sheath portion 212 includes a support structure 220, a sealing flange 226 supported thereon and a centering ring 222. Depending on a cylindrical partition wall 247a, 247b is placed at both shell parts 211, 212 aligned with the axis of symmetry on the inside of the shell wall. At their circumferential edges 248 facing the interior, the two cylindrical partition walls 247a, 247b are closed with a flexible, gas-tight layer 240a, 240b, for example with a flexible and / or elastic plastic film.

The cylindrical walls 247a, 247b and flexible layers 240a, 240b divide the interior of the container shell 210 in the assembled state into a first substantially cylindrical interior 228a, a second substantially cylindrical interior 228b, and a third substantially toroidal interior 228c. The volume area between the two flexible layers 240a, 240b defines a fourth interior 228d. In the region of the first inner space 228a and the second inner space 228b, a ventilation opening 245a, 245b is provided in each of the shells which fluidly connects the first inner space 228a and the second inner space 228b to the outer space 27. In the assembled state of the transport unit 201 (see. FIGS. 7c, 7d The third inner space 228 together with the fourth inner space 228d forms a pressure-tight closed volume 229. In the region of the third inner space 228c, a valve device 215 is arranged in the shell, via which the pressure in the pressure-tightly closed volume 229, as in the previously discussed exemplary embodiments, is opposite to that discussed above Atmospheric pressure in the outer space 27 can be lowered.

In order to pack a product 90 in the transport unit 201 shown, the product is arranged in the region of the flexible layers 240a, 240b between the two casing parts 211, 212. For example, as in Figure 7a shown the Good 90, for example, a cuboid packaging with a specific content, are stored on the flexible layer 240a of a first shell part 211. Subsequently, the second shell part 212 is joined to the first shell part 211 ( FIG. 7b ), so that is a closed Container shell 210 with pressure-tight closed volume 229 forms (Figure 7c). The material 90 is now positively enclosed between the two flexible layers 240a, 240b. While the sheath 210 is pressure-sealed in the region of the sealing element 217, the two cylindrical partition walls 247a, 247b do not touch, or only so far as to leave a fluidic connection between the third inner space 228c and the fourth inner space 228d, and thus a common pressure-tight closed volume 229 results. For non-positive connection of the two shell parts 211, 212, the volume is now partially evacuated via the valve unit 215, for example by means of a suction device (not shown), thus creating a negative pressure difference between the inner volume 229 and the outer space. Due to the pressure difference, the two shell parts 211, 212 are compressed, and remain securely in the closed state, without further mechanical closure elements.

Since the first inner space 228a and the second inner space 228b are connected to the outside atmosphere via the vent openings 245a, 245b, during the lowering of the pressure in the volume 229, the flexible layers 240a, 240b collapse, so that the material 90 between the two flexible layers 240a, 240b is reversibly foiled, so is positively and non-positively fixed ( FIG. 7d ). The cylindrical partition walls 247a, 247b and the flexible layers 240a, 240b thus form an adapter device, with which the product 90 is fixed within the container casing 210.

For the resulting closing force Fs due to the pressure difference Δp, in the embodiment shown, only the annular cross-sectional area of the third, toroidal interior 228c is relevant, since the flexible layers 240a, 240b lie substantially completely directly or indirectly (via the material 90 enclosed therein), and so no force is transmitted to the shell parts 211, 212. If, for example, the spherical transport unit has an outer radius of r1 = 0.10 m, and the cylindrical partition walls has an inner radius of r2 = 0.07 m, this corresponds to an active cross-sectional area of approximately A = 0.016 m 2. By a suitable choice of Internal pressure, the pressure difference to the external pressure, and thus the closing force can be adjusted to the desired value. By a suitable choice of the pressure difference, the closing force can be set to the desired value. For example, a pressure difference of Δp = 10 kPa (0.1 bar) results in a closing force of approx. Fs = 160 N. This corresponds to a weight of approx. 16 kg.

In order to remove the packaged product 90 again from the transport unit 201, the volume 229 of the transport unit 201 is re-aerated and brought to atmospheric pressure, whereby both the contact pressure between the shell parts and the positive and non-positive fixation between the flexible layers is canceled. The shell parts can be separated along the parting plane 233 and the material 90 can be removed.

In FIG. 8 Yet another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 301 is shown. With the exception of the outer sealing region between the shell parts, the structural elements essentially correspond to those of FIG FIG. 7 ,

The container shell 310 consists of two hemispherical shell parts 311, 312, which collide at a parting plane 333 and form a container shell 310. Along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 311, a support structure 319 is arranged with a sealing flange 326a. On the flange 326a a sealing ring 317a is arranged with a flat, rectangular cross-section. The second sheath portion 312 includes an analogous support structure 320 having a sealing flange 326b supported thereon. On the flange 326b, in turn, a sealing ring 317b is arranged with a flat, rectangular cross-section. On opposing positions are in the support structures 319, 320 of the two shell parts 311, 312 in pairs opposite magnet elements 350a, 350b, 350a ', 350b' arranged, which by the mutual pairwise Magnetic attraction ensure an aligned centering of the two shell parts. For this purpose, two, advantageously three, four or more pairs of magnetic elements are distributed at equal intervals along the circumference.

In addition to the centering function, the mentioned pairs of magnetic elements additionally fulfill the secondary purpose of provisionally fixing the two casing elements together before evacuating the internal volume, which facilitates handling.

On the inside of the shell wall, a cylindrical partition wall 347a, 347b is placed on each shell part. These are closed at their peripheral edge with a flexible, gas-tight layer 340a, 340b, for example a flexible and / or elastic plastic film.

The cylindrical partition walls 347a, 347b and flexible layers 340a, 340b divide the interior of the container shell 310 analogous to the exemplary embodiment in FIG FIG. 7 into a first interior 328a, a second interior 328b, and a third interior 328c. In the region of the first inner space 328a and the second inner space 328b, a ventilation opening 345a, 345b is provided in the shell, which fluidly connects the first inner space 328a and the second inner space 328b, respectively, to the outer space 27. The third interior 328 forms in the assembled state of the transport unit 301 together with the fourth interior 328d between the two flexible layers 340a, 340b a pressure-tight closed volume 329. In the region of the third interior 328c in the shell 310, a valve device 315 is arranged, via which the pressure-tight closed volume 329 is evacuated and the pressure in said volume 329 relative to the atmospheric pressure in the outer space 27 can be lowered.

The assembly and disassembly of the transport unit 301 is analogous to the embodiment in FIG. 7 ,

The pairs of magnetic elements may each be pairs of permanent magnets, advantageously strong permanent magnets such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets. Alternatively, a pair of magnetic elements may be formed of a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic iron counterpart or the like. consist. Also possible is the use of electromagnets, but this requires the use of an external or internal energy source.

Another embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 401 is shown in FIG FIG. 9 shown. The container shell 410 consists of two hemispherical shell parts 411, 412, which collide at a parting plane 433. Along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 411, a support structure 419 with a flange 426a is arranged. The second shell portion 412 includes an analogous support structure 420 having a flange 426b supported thereon. On opposite positions eight pairs of magnetic elements 450a, 450b are arranged in the support structures 419, 420 of the two shell parts 411, 412. Due to the mutual pairwise magnetic attraction these magnetic elements ensure an aligned centering of the two shell parts. Above all, however, the cumulative magnetic attraction force results in a closing force which securely holds together the two shell parts in the assembled state of the container shell 410, without the use of additional mechanical closure means.

With strong permanent magnets can be easily create closing forces of several hundred Newton. For example, with a single neodymium N45 type magnet 8 mm in diameter and 8 mm in height, an adhesion force of 25 N can be achieved. By the number, the dimensioning and the choice of material of the magnetic elements so the desired closing force can be adjusted.

The surface of the superposed in the closed state of the transport unit flanges 426a, 426b is advantageously designed so that the highest possible static friction results in order to hold high shear forces along the parting plane can.

Alternatively or additionally, additional centering elements such as centering rings analogous to FIG. 1 or conical elements like in FIG. 5 be provided to absorb shear forces. Another possibility is in the parting plane positive connections such as interlocking teeth and other structures that prevent displacement of the shell elements to each other in the parting plane.

The advantage of the magnetic closing force used in this embodiment of a transport unit is analogous to the closing force due to the negative pressure in the preceding embodiments, in which the venting of the pressure-tight closed internal volume quickly drops the contact pressure to zero, that the closing force acts substantially only effectively when the sheath elements are joined together. If the shell elements are separated from each other by targeted external force, or if the magnetic elements are brought out of their respective area of effect by twisting around the normal of the parting line, the magnetic closing force drops rapidly to negligible levels.

On the inside of the shell wall, a cylindrical wall 447a, 447b is integrally formed on both shell parts 411, 412, which in turn is closed at the peripheral edge 448 with an elastic layer 440a, 440b, for example an elastic plastic film or an elastic net or braid. The cylindrical walls and the flexible layers in turn divide the interior of the container shell 410 into a first inner space 428a, a second inner space 428b, a third inner space 428c and a fourth inner space 428d, which, however, in this embodiment, has no special function with respect to the generation of the closing force to have.

In order to pack a product 90 in the illustrated transport unit 401, the material is arranged between the two casing elements 411, 412 and the two casing elements together. The pairs of magnetic elements 450a, 450b ensure correct alignment and, after assembly, hold the sheath parts together non-positively. When joining the sheath elements 411, 412, the elastic layers 440a, 440b are elastically stretched. The corresponding resulting clamping force fixes the material between the two elastic layers 440a, 440b and within the container shell 410.

In order to reopen the transport unit, the magnetic elements are spatially separated from each other by the action of force, so that the closing force drops rapidly to zero with increasing distance of the magnetic elements. This can be done, for example, by a pressing apart by means of wedge elements, which are pressed in the parting plane radially into openings provided for the shell. Such an opening process can be carried out very well automatically.

In an alternative advantageous variant, the two casing elements are designed such that flat ramps are arranged along a circle in the parting plane, which engage flush in the assembled state. Optionally, further structures, for example a circumferential bead or two mutually offset rows of ramps, can prevent a shift in the parting plane. If the shell parts are rotated by the normal of the parting plane to each other, the ramps slide on each other and press the shell elements apart. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a power transmission results, so that a smaller force must be used for opening than the actual closing force perpendicular to the parting plane, At the same time prevents the type of necessary manipulation of the shell parts to open the transport unit unintentional opening by external forces acting how they can act with the collision of the transport unit with an obstacle, for example.

A modification of the previous embodiment of a transport unit 501 is shown in FIG FIG. 10 can be seen, in which the magnetic elements are arranged on the cylindrical walls within the container shell.

Two hemispherical shell parts 511, 512 collide at a parting plane 533 and form a container shell 510. Along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 511, a support structure 519 with a circumferential centering groove 521 is arranged. The second shell part 512 comprises a support structure 520 with a centering ring 522 which fits the centering groove 521. Centering groove 521 and centering ring 522 ensure the correct aligned alignment of the shell parts when assembling the transport unit.

On the inside of the shell wall, a cylindrical wall 547a, 547b is integrally formed in each of the two shell parts 511, 512. At the circumferential edge, the corresponding opening is closed with an elastic layer 540a, 540b, for example an elastic plastic film or an elastic net or braid. On opposite sides, four pairs of magnetic elements 551a, 551b are arranged on the edge 548 of the two cylindrical walls 547a, 547b of the two shell parts 411, 412. The cumulative magnetic attraction force results in a closing force which securely holds the two shell parts together in the assembled state of the container shell 510, without the use of additional mechanical means.

The handling of such a transport unit is analogous to that FIG. 9 ,

In yet another embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, the transport units discussed above are the FIG. 1 and 2 or the FIG. 7 , modified so that the circumferential sealing element is designed as a separate sealing ring with a rectangular cross section, which is positioned between two arranged on the respective support structures sealing flanges.

Particularly advantageously, said sealing ring is made of an elastic material and provided with an outwardly projecting tab. To open the transport unit, a user can exert tension on the tab, which leads to elastic deformation and in particular to reducing the height of the sealing ring, so that the sealing effect is released and gas can flow. The inner volume is vented and the vacuum is released. The transport unit can now be opened and the packaged goods removed.

Alternatively, such a sealing ring also consist of a moldable plastic compound, as used for example for reversible adhesive attachment of suspension hooks on walls use. By pulling on the tab, this sealant is deformed so that the sealing effect is canceled. The interior volume is ventilated and the transport unit can be opened.

In yet another embodiment of an advantageous transport unit, the transport units discussed above are the FIGS. 1 . 2 . 5 to 10 modified so that the two shell parts are pivotally connected by at least one hinge. Such a variant has the advantage that the two shell parts can not be unintentionally separated during processing.

The aforementioned embodiments can be realized instead of spherical shell shapes with other shell shapes, such as other rollable outer shapes, but also with non-rollable outer shapes such as blocks.

The present invention is not limited in scope to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, for the skilled person from the description and the associated figures, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, various other modifications of the present invention, which also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference in the description.

Claims (15)

Rollingly conveyable transport unit (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) having a container shell (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and an interior provided within the container shell interior for receiving a product to be packaged (90), wherein the container casing comprises two or more casing parts (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412, 511, 512), which are reversibly connected to each other in a force-locking manner by closing means. Transport unit according to claim 1, wherein the closing means are arranged within the container casing. Transport unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interconnected shell parts (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312) form a pressure-sealed volume (29, 129, 229, 329) in the interior of the transport unit; and wherein at least one valve element (15, 115, 215, 315) is provided, with which said pressure-tight sealed volume is reversibly fluidically connectable to an outer space (27). Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one valve element (15, 115, 215, 315) on a sheath part (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312) is arranged. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container casing (10, 110, 210, 310) comprises two casing parts (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312) which are provided with a sealing element (17, 117, 217 , 317a, 317b) are fluidically sealingly connected and form a pressure-tight closed volume (29, 129, 229, 329). Transport unit according to claim 5, wherein at least one further interior space is present, which is not sealed pressure-tight against the outside atmosphere is; or wherein at least one further interior is present, which is fluidically connected to the first interior space. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing means comprise magnetic elements (350a, 350b, 450am, 450b, 551a, 551b) which reversibly connect the at least two shell parts (311, 312, 411, 412, 511, 512) to one another in a non-positive manner. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hollow cylinder is arranged on the inner wall of two or more casing elements. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adapter device is provided, with which the good (90) is positively and / or non-positively fixed within the container shell, and wherein the adapter device comprises two hollow cylinders, which are each arranged on the inner wall of a shell element, and two flexible and / or elastic layers, each covering an opening of a hollow cylinder. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more of the envelope elements of the transport unit are identical to each other. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, with a in the interior of the container shell (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) positively and / or non-positively and / or frictionally fixed Good (90). Kit comprising at least one roll-transportable transport unit according to one of claims 1 to 11 and at least one adapter device for fixing a Guts (90) in the interior of a rolling conveyable transport unit. Kit for creating a rolling conveyable transport unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising two or more shell parts, which are reversibly frictionally non-positively connectable by closing means to a container shell. A method of manufacturing a rolling conveyable transport unit having a product packaged therein, comprising the steps of: Providing a rolling conveyable transport unit according to one of claims 1 to 11 with two or more shell parts; Providing a product to be packed in the transport unit; Introducing the goods to be packaged into an interior of the transport unit; and frictional connection of the shell parts to a container shell. Method according to claim 14,
wherein the transport unit is a rolling conveyable transport unit with reference to one of claims 3 or 4;
the shell parts are connected to a container shell to form a pressure-tight sealed volume inside the transport unit; and
a pressure difference between the pressure-tight closed volume and the outside space is generated.

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