CH715012A1 - Rolling conveyable 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

Description Technical Field The invention relates to transport units with a container casing and an interior space provided within the container casing for receiving an item to be packaged, as well as methods for producing such transport units.

Technological background The steadily increasing volumes in online trading require dealers, suppliers and logistics companies to deal efficiently with the goods to be processed, in particular with regard to the manufacture, provision and storage of the articles, as well as the picking and transportation of the articles to the customer.

Many goods such as Household appliances, consumer electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, clothes, shoes, books, media data carriers such as CDs and DVDs, etc. are already provided with their own packaging by the manufacturer and, if necessary, combined into larger units, which are provided on pallets, for example. These pallets are usually moved with forklifts, loaded onto trucks or unloaded from trucks and stored at a dealer and relocated 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. It is expensive with this type of warehouse that the goods last stored, for example an entire pallet, usually have to be removed first at a storage location because the shelves can usually only be filled and emptied from one side. The storage and retrieval of the goods is also slow and inefficient, since a corresponding operating device has to travel long distances in the horizontal and vertical direction in order to store or remove an article.

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

WO 2014/191 106 A1 discloses an automatable storage system for transport units designed as rollable bodies, with storage devices for storing a plurality of rollable transport units, storage devices for receiving and inserting transport units into the storage devices, and removal devices for removing 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 goods, which are individually packed in rollable transport units, 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 2014/191 107 A1 discloses a rollable transport unit in which the center of gravity of the transport unit filled with the goods can be centered in order to optimize the rolling movement during the conveyance.

US 6 050 438 discloses a spherical, thin-walled, split capsule for receiving an article. The capsule can be separated without being destroyed, the parts having interlocking closure elements which bring about a stable connection of the parts, so that the capsule is suitable for use in vending machines.

[0010] WO 2014/191 105 A1 shows a further rollable transport unit, in which the storage space of the packaging body shape is adapted or can be adapted to the shape of a good to be accommodated in the packaging body.

[0011] There is a general need for improvements in this area.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a transport unit of the type mentioned at the outset which does not have the above-mentioned and other disadvantages. In particular, such a transport unit should be easy to manufacture from individual parts. The transport unit should advantageously be reusable. It should have a long service life and should be inexpensive to manufacture.

Such a transport unit should advantageously be mountable or closable without harmful influences on the transport unit or its contents due to physical or chemical framework conditions, in particular without the effect of elevated temperatures. Such packaging should be able to be closed without external or temporary holding means or fixing means, such as clips or presses.

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

CH 715 012 A1 It is a further object of the invention to provide a method with which transport units can be assembled and locked gently and efficiently, without damaging influences on the transport unit or its contents due to physical or chemical framework conditions, in particular without an increased effect temperatures.

[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method with which transport units can be closed without external or temporary holding means or fixing means, such as clamps or presses.

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

[0018] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various configurations which are advantageous in each case and, unless otherwise stated, can be combined with one another as desired. These embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

In this description, the term good or commodity is used synonymously, and can in particular comprise individual piece goods and items that can be separated or handled individually in general, for example goods already packaged in closed packaging.

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

One aspect of the invention relates to a transportable transport unit with a container shell and an interior provided inside the container shell for receiving a good to be packed, the container shell comprising two or more shell parts which are non-positively reversibly connected to one another by closing means.

In such a transport unit, the closing means are advantageously arranged within the container shell. The arrangement of the closing elements within the container shell has the advantage, among other things, that they are not directly accessible from the outside. An unintentional opening of the transport unit due to external forces acting on the cover in an uncontrolled manner can thus be avoided.

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

In an advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, the interconnected shell parts form a pressure-sealed volume inside the transport unit. At least one valve element is provided, by means of which the said pressure-tightly closed volume can be reversibly fluidly connected to an outside space.

[0025] The at least one valve element is advantageously arranged on a sleeve element.

In another advantageous embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, the container shell comprises two shell parts, which are fluid-tightly connected to a sealing element and form a pressure-sealed volume.

[0027] In the aforementioned embodiment of a transport unit according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if at least one further interior space is present, which is not sealed against the outside atmosphere in a pressure-tight manner; or there is at least one further interior which is fluidly connected to the first interior.

In a transport unit according to the invention, the closing means advantageously comprise magnetic elements which reversibly connect the at least two shell parts to one another in a non-positive manner.

A hollow cylinder can be arranged on the inner wall of two or more shell elements of the transport unit.

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 non-positive manner within the container shell.

[0031] The adapter device particularly advantageously comprises a film around the material.

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

[0033] Advantageously, the container casing essentially has the shape of a rollable body.

[0034] The container casing advantageously has a spherical, cylindrical, barrel-shaped or double-conical outer shape.

[0035] Two or more of the casing elements of the transport unit are advantageously identical to one another.

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

CH 715 012 A1 In such a transport unit, the goods are particularly advantageously fixed in the container shell with the aid of an adapter device.

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

[0039] Partial areas of the casing or the entire casing are advantageously transparent. Among other things, this allows the contents of the packaging to be identified and inspected 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 bar code, or an RFID (radio-frequency identification) element, in particular an NFC (Near Field Communication) RFID element.

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

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

Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit for creating a transportable transport unit as discussed above, comprising two or more shell parts which can be reversibly non-positively connected to one another by a closing means to form a container shell.

[0044] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a transport unit that can be conveyed by rolling, with a product packed therein, comprising the steps:

- Provision of a transport unit that can be conveyed in a rolling manner, as previously discussed, with two or more shell parts;

- Providing a good to be packed in the transport unit;

- Introducing the goods to be packaged into an interior of the transport unit; and

- Non-positive connection of the shell parts to form a container shell.

In such a method according to the invention, the transport unit is advantageously a transport unit that can be conveyed on a rolling basis, in which the interconnected shell parts form a pressure-sealed volume inside the transport unit, and at least one valve element is provided with which the said pressure-sealed volume is reversible with an outside space is fluidly connectable; the shell parts are connected to form a container shell to form a pressure-tightly sealed volume inside the transport unit; and a pressure difference is generated between the pressure-tight sealed volume and the outside space.

[0046] Alternatively, the transport unit can also be assembled in an environment with a pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure, for example a vacuum chamber. If the assembled transport unit is then removed from the environment at a pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure, the shell parts are held together by the pressure difference now present between the pressure-tightly sealed volume and the outside space. Such a method makes it possible, for example, to dispense with valve elements on the transport units.

The temperature in the interior of the transport unit remains particularly advantageous during the manufacture of the transport unit, in particular when the transport unit is closed. The temperature is advantageously at ambient temperature, more advantageously below approximately 60 ° C., and particularly advantageously below approximately 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 goods can also be packed that need to be stored dry or in a protective atmosphere, for example.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These only show exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention and are not suitable for restricting the invention to the features disclosed herein. The same or similar reference numerals are used for identical or identically acting parts in the following figures and the associated description.

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 area of the seal.

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

CH 715 012 A1

3 schematically shows 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, on the left in a top view of the outside of an envelope part in which the valve unit is arranged, and on the right in a cross section along the sectional plane A-A.

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.

6 schematically shows in cross section a further 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 envelope part and material placed thereon, (7b) with the first envelope part and the second envelope part before assembly, (7c) after assembly of the Shell parts, before the evacuation of the pressure-sealed volume, and (7d) after the evacuation of the pressure-tight volume.

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

FIG. 9 schematically shows an embodiment variant of an advantageous transport unit, (9a) in cross section with assembled shell parts and fixed goods, and (9b) in a top view of the lower shell part and the goods placed thereon.

FIG. 10 schematically shows another embodiment variant of an advantageous transport unit, (10a) in cross section with assembled shell parts and fixed goods, and (10b) in a top view of the lower shell part and the goods placed thereon.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION A possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The transport unit consists of two hemispherical shell parts 11, 12 which collide 33 at a parting plane and together form a spherical container shell 10. The two shell parts 11, 12 each have a circumferential support structure 19, 20 with a centering ring 21, 22 on the inside of the shell, which in the assembled state (FIG. 2) are arranged flush with one another, and in particular ensure a correctly aligned alignment of the two shell parts. Furthermore, the centerings can also absorb shear forces acting on the shell parts, if necessary. The support structures 19, 20 can be configured, for example, as a plurality 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 with an O-shaped cross section is arranged. The sealing ring can for example consist of a suitable elastomeric plastic material. In the case of the second casing element 12, a sealing flange 26 is provided on the support structure 20, so that when the transport unit is in the assembled state, the sealing element 17 is elastically deformed between the groove 24 and the sealing flange 26, and thus a fluidic seal between the interior 28, 29 of the transport unit 1 and the outer space 27 is reached.

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

In the illustrated embodiment of a transport unit, a negative pressure is generated for a 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. For this purpose, a valve element 15 (only shown schematically) is provided in the first shell part 11, through which gas (usually air) can be removed from the volume 29 of the assembled transport unit 1, for example by means of a corresponding pump device. Due to the vacuum remaining inside the transport unit 1 after the valve has been closed, a closing force F _s acts on the two shell parts 11, 12 perpendicular to the parting plane 33 and presses the two shell parts 11, 12 together. The shell parts are non-positively connected along the parting plane 33.

If, for example, a spherical transport unit as discussed above has a radius of r = 0.10 m, which corresponds to a cross-sectional area of approximately A = 0.031 m ² , a pressure difference of Δρ = 10 kPa (0.1 bar) already leads to a closing force of approx. F _s = 314 N. This corresponds to a weight of approx. 32 kg. By a suitable one

CH 715 012 A1

Selection of the internal pressure allows the pressure difference to the external pressure, and thus the closing force, to be set to the desired value.

The partial evacuation of the inner volume 29, which is closed in a pressure-tight manner, thus allows a large closing force to be generated in a simple manner, 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 the inner volume 29 and the outer space 27, that is to say atmospheric pressure, has to be canceled again, for example by opening the valve 15. Alternatively, the two halves can also be separated mechanically by, for example, engagement means being provided on the shell parts, which allow the shell elements to be gripped with the appropriate tool and pulled apart or pressed with a force greater than the closing force F _s , as a result of which the internal volume ventilated and the closing force is released. In another variant, the sealing device can be manipulated to ventilate the internal volume.

Instead of the centering rings of the aforementioned embodiment of a transport unit, other means for aligning the two shell elements with one another can also be used. For example, two or more centering pins or projections can be provided on one or both shell parts, which can be brought into operative connection with corresponding bores or depressions in the opposite shell part.

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

2, the material 90 arranged in the transport unit is only shown schematically. In order to fix the material in a form-fitting manner, adapter devices can be used, for example, as are known from WO 2014/191 107 A1 (FIGS. 1, 2 or 8). Adapter devices can also be used, which hold the goods and are supported on the inside of the container shell, or are fixed to the container shell.

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

A possible embodiment of a suitable valve 15 is shown in FIG. 3. A valve opening 15b is arranged in the casing 10, to which a valve holder 15c molded onto the casing connects on the inside of the casing. A valve body 15a, which separates the inner volume 29 from the outer space 27 in a fluid-sealing manner, is arranged in the interior of the holder. The valve body 15a is designed as a beak valve and advantageously made of a suitable elastomer.

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

Another possible embodiment of a suitable one-way valve 15 is shown in FIG. 4. A cylindrical valve housing 15f is fitted in the casing 10, with four openings 15b in an outer wall 15j facing the outer space 27 and four openings 15g in an inner wall 15h facing the inner volume 29. A disc-shaped valve body 15d is arranged inside the valve housing 15f. A valve seat in the form of an annular lip 15e is provided on the inside of the inner wall 15h of the valve housing 15f. 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 the inner volume 29 and the outer space 27 (atmospheric pressure), a negative pressure is generated on the outside of the valve, as in the previous example, with a suction device, and air is drawn off from the inner volume. The air flows out through the openings 15g past the valve body 15d through the valve housing and the openings 15b. Spacers (not shown) such as ribs, webs, knobs, projections or other suitable means prevent the openings 15b from being blocked by the valve body 15d.

Another embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 101 is shown in FIG. 5. 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 outer surface, which is supported on a support structure 119 of the shell part. A centering ring 122 with a conical outer surface is arranged on a support structure 120 of the second shell part 112. The lateral surfaces of the two elements 121, 122 correspond, so that when the two shell parts are joined together they interact as centering means, which ensure that the shell parts are aligned with one another.

CH 715 012 A1 In order to fix the goods 90 to be packaged in the container casing 110, the said goods 90 are provided with a film 140, which in the example shown consists of two adjoining plastic films 141a, 141b, between which the goods are positively enclosed is. The superimposed foils 141a, 141b define a foiling plane 142. In the area around the material, the foils can be firmly welded, glued or otherwise connected to one another, so that a common foil layer 140 results. The foil 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 together, so that the foil 140 is clamped between the shell parts 111, 112. The film thus acts as an adapter device for fixing the goods within the container shell.

The foiling plane 140 coincides with the parting plane 133 of the shell parts. In the area of the conical centering elements 121, 122, the film is clamped between the conical, opposite jacket surfaces. The ring-shaped area of the foil between the clamping surfaces mentioned acts as a sealing element 117. The two half-spaces 128a, 128b are sealed in a fluid-tight manner, and two volumes 129a, 129b which are sealed off in a pressure-tight manner (FIG. 5b).

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

The internal pressure in the two volumes 129a, 129b is advantageously chosen to be the same, so that no mechanical force acts on the film within the spherical shell 110. This can be achieved, for example, by evacuating both volumes using the same suction system, for example ensuring pressure compensation between the two volumes 129a, 129b via the line system of the suction device.

Alternatively, the pressure in an inner volume 129a, 129b can be set slightly higher than in the other inner volume 129b, 129a, for example with a pressure difference of 100 Pa (1 mbar) or 1000 Pa (10 mbar). The film 140 is kept slightly tensioned in the container casing 110 by the pressure difference, so that the mechanical fixation of the goods within the transport unit 101 is reinforced.

The film 140 can advantageously be attached to the good using the method known from WO 2014/191107 A1 such that the focus of the good 90 lies in the film level. Since the foiling plane coincides with the parting plane 133 of the shell elements, the foiling plane runs through the center of the container shell. The center of gravity of the good can be shifted in relation to the container cover by moving the foiled good in the foiling plane / parting plane. Finally, the center of gravity of the good 90 is advantageously close to the geometric center of the container casing 110. This optimizes the rolling ability of the transport unit, in particular with regard to a uniform rolling movement.

The conical outer surfaces of the centering elements 121, 122 advantageously consist of an elastic material, for example an elastomer, so as to optimize the sealing effect between the foil and the outer surface.

6 shows another embodiment variant of a transport unit 101 '. The transport unit 101' largely corresponds to the transport unit 101 in FIG. 5. However, the second sleeve part 112 does not have its own valve device. In order to also be able to partially evacuate the pressure-tight closed volume 129b, at least one opening 144 is provided in an area of the foil later lying within the container shell, through which opening a pressure equalization (shown as arrows) between the two volumes 129a, 129b takes place. Accordingly, a single valve 115 is sufficient to generate a negative pressure in both volumes.

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

A further possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 201 is shown in FIG. 7. The container shell 210 consists of two hemispherical shell parts 211, 212 which collide at a parting plane 233. 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 along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 211. The second shell part 212 comprises a support structure 220, a sealing flange 226 supported thereon and a centering ring 222. A cylindrical partition wall 247a, 247b is placed flush with the two shell parts 211, 212 on the inside of the shell wall in relation to the axis of symmetry. 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 subdivide the interior of the container casing 210 into a first substantially cylindrical interior 228a, a second substantially cylindrical interior 228b, and a third substantially toroidal interior when assembled

CH 715 012 A1

228c. The volume area between the two flexible layers 240a, 240b defines a fourth interior 228d. In the area of the first interior 228a and the second interior 228b, a ventilation opening 245a, 245b is provided in the shell, which fluidically connect the first interior 228a and the second interior 228b to the exterior 27. In the assembled state of the transport unit 201 (cf. FIGS. 7c, 7d), the third interior 228 forms a pressure-tight closed volume 229 together with the fourth interior 228d. In the area of the third interior 228c, a valve device 215 is arranged in the casing, via which analog With the previously discussed exemplary embodiments, the pressure in the pressure-tight closed volume 229 can be reduced compared to the atmospheric pressure in the outer space 27.

To pack a good 90 in the transport unit 201 shown, the good is arranged in the region of the flexible layers 240a, 240b between the two shell parts 211, 212. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 a, the good 90, for example a cuboid packaging with a certain content, can be deposited on the flexible layer 240 a of a first envelope part 211. The second shell part 212 is then joined to the first shell part 211 (FIG. 7b), so that a closed container shell 210 with a pressure-tight volume 229 is formed (FIG. 7c). The good 90 is now enclosed in a form-fitting manner between the two flexible layers 240a, 240b. While the casing 210 is closed in a pressure-tight manner in the area of the sealing element 217, the two cylindrical partition walls 247a, 247b do not touch, or only to the extent that a fluidic connection remains between the third interior 228c and the fourth interior 228d, and so on common pressure-tight closed volume 229 results. For the 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), and a negative pressure difference is thus generated between the inner volume 229 and the outside space. Because of the pressure difference, the two shell parts 211, 212 are pressed together and remain securely in the closed state without further mechanical closure elements.

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

For the resulting closing force F _s due to the pressure difference Δρ, only the annular cross-sectional area of the third, toroidal interior 228c is relevant in the embodiment shown, since the flexible layers 240a, 240b essentially completely directly or indirectly (via the material 90 enclosed therein) ) rest on each other, and so no force is transmitted to the shell parts 211, 212. For example, if the spherical transport unit has an outer radius of r1 = 0.10 m and the cylindrical partition walls have an inner radius of r2 = 0.07 m, this corresponds to an active cross-sectional area of approx. A = 0.016 m ² . The pressure difference from the outside pressure, and thus the closing force, can be set to the desired value by a suitable choice of the internal pressure. The closing force can be set to the desired value by a suitable choice of the pressure difference. For example, a pressure difference of Δρ = 10 kPa (0.1 bar) leads to a closing force of approx. F _s = 160 N. This corresponds to a weight of approx. 16 kg.

In order to remove the packaged goods 90 again from the transport unit 201, the volume 229 of the transport unit 201 is ventilated again and brought to atmospheric pressure, as a result of which both the contact pressure between the shell parts and the positive and non-positive fixing between the flexible layers are eliminated becomes. The shell parts can be separated along the parting plane 233 and the material 90 can be removed.

Another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport unit 301 is shown in FIG. 8. With the exception of the outer sealing area between the shell parts, the structural elements essentially correspond to those from 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. A support structure 319 with a sealing flange 326a is arranged along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 311. A sealing ring 317a with a flat, rectangular cross section is arranged on the flange 326a. The second shell part 312 comprises an analog support structure 320 with a sealing flange 326b supported thereon. A sealing ring 317b with a flat, rectangular cross section is in turn arranged on the flange 326b. Magnetic elements 350a, 350b, 350a ’, 350b’ are arranged opposite one another in the support structures 319, 320 of the two shell parts 311, 312, which ensure aligned centering of the two shell parts by the mutual pairwise magnetic attraction. 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 above-mentioned pairs of magnetic elements also fulfill the secondary purpose of temporarily fixing the two shell elements to one another before the inner volume is evacuated, which facilitates handling.

CH 715 012 A1 [0083] A cylindrical partition wall 347a, 347b is placed on the inside of the shell wall for each of the shell parts. 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 casing 310 analogously to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7 into a first interior 328a, a second interior 328b and a third interior 328c. In the area of the first interior 328a and the second interior 328b, a ventilation opening 345a, 345b is provided in the shell, which fluidically connect the first interior 328a and the second interior 328b to the exterior 27. In the assembled state of the transport unit 301, the third interior 328 forms, together with the fourth interior 328d between the two flexible layers 340a, 340b, a volume 329 which is closed in a pressure-tight manner. In the region of the third interior 328c, a valve device 315 is arranged in the casing 310, via which the pressure-tight closed volume 329 can be evacuated and the pressure in the said volume 329 can be reduced compared to the atmospheric pressure in the outer space 27.

The assembly and disassembly of the transport unit 301 takes place analogously to the embodiment variant in FIG. 7.

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

Another embodiment variant of an advantageous transport unit 401 is shown in FIG. 9. The container shell 410 consists of two hemispherical shell parts 411, 412 which collide 433 at a parting plane. A support structure 419 with a flange 426a is arranged along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 411. The second shell part 412 comprises an analog support structure 420 with a flange 426b supported thereon. Eight pairs of magnetic elements 450a, 450b are arranged in the support structures 419, 420 of the two shell parts 411, 412 at opposing positions. Due to the mutual magnetic attraction in pairs, 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 the two shell parts together in the assembled state of the container shell 410 without the use of additional mechanical closure means.

With strong permanent magnets, clamping forces of several hundred Newtons can be easily generated. For example, a single neodymium magnet of type N45 with a diameter of 8 mm and a height of 8 mm can achieve an adhesive force of 25 N. The desired closing force can thus be set by the number, the dimensioning and the material selection of the magnetic elements.

The surface of the flanges 426a, 426b lying against one another in the closed state of the transport unit is advantageously designed in such a way that the highest possible static friction results in order to be able to maintain high shear forces along the parting plane. As an alternative or in addition, additional centering elements such as centering rings analogous to FIG. 1 or conical elements as in FIG. 5 can also be provided in order to absorb shear forces. Another possibility are form-fitting connections in the parting plane, such as interlocking gears and other structures, which prevent displacement of the shell elements relative to one another in the parting plane.

The advantage of the magnetic closing force used in this embodiment of a transport unit, analogous to the closing force due to the negative pressure in the preceding exemplary embodiments, in which the venting of the pressure-tightly closed inner volume rapidly reduces the contact pressure to zero, that the closing force essentially only then acts effectively when the shell elements are assembled. If the sleeve elements are separated from one another by targeted external force, or by moving the magnetic elements out of their respective effective range by turning the normal of the parting plane, the magnetic closing force drops very quickly to negligible values.

On the inside of the shell wall, a cylindrical wall 447a, 447b is formed on each of the shell parts 411, 412, which in turn is closed at the circumferential 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 subdivide the interior of the container casing 410 into a first interior 428a, a second interior 428b, a third interior 428c and a fourth interior 428d, which, however, in this embodiment variant has no special function with regard to the generation of the closing force to have.

In order to pack a good 90 in the transport unit 401 shown, the good is arranged between the two shell elements 411, 412 and the two shell elements are joined together. The pairs of magnetic elements 450a, 450b ensure the correct alignment and hold the sleeve parts together after the assembly. When the sleeve elements 411, 412 are joined together, 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 casing 410.

In order to open the transport unit again, the magnetic elements are spatially separated from one another 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 pressing apart using wedge elements, which are arranged radially in front of it in the parting plane

CH 715 012 A1 seen openings of the shell are pressed. Such an opening process can very well be carried out automatically.

In an alternative advantageous variant, the two shell elements are designed in such a way that flat ramps are arranged along a circle in the parting plane, which engage flush in the assembled state. Optionally, other structures, for example a circumferential bead or two rows of ramps offset from one another, can prevent displacement in the parting plane. If the shell parts are rotated relative to each other around the normal of the parting plane, the ramps slide on each other and push the shell elements apart. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a force transmission results, so that a lower force has to be applied for opening than the actual closing force perpendicular to the parting plane. At the same time, the type of manipulation of the shell parts required to open the transport unit prevents unwanted opening by external forces acting on it how they can work, for example, when the transport unit collides with an obstacle.

A modification of the previous embodiment of a transport unit 501 can be seen in FIG. 10, 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. A support structure 519 with a circumferential centering groove 521 is arranged along the surrounding edge of the first shell part 511. The second cover part 512 comprises a support structure 520 with a centering ring 522 that matches the centering groove 521. Centering groove 521 and centering ring 522 ensure the correct aligned alignment of the cover parts when assembling the transport unit.

A cylindrical wall 547a, 547b is integrally formed on the inside of the shell wall for both shell parts 511,512. At the peripheral edge, the corresponding opening is closed with an elastic layer 540a, 540b, for example an elastic plastic film or an elastic net or braid. Four pairs of magnetic elements 551a, 551b are arranged in mutually opposite positions 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.

Such a transport unit is handled analogously to that from FIG. 9.

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

The sealing ring mentioned is particularly advantageously made of an elastic material and provided with a tab projecting outwards. To open the transport unit, a user can exert a pull on the tab, which leads to elastic deformation and in particular to a reduction in the height of the sealing ring, so that the sealing effect is canceled and gas can flow in. The inner volume is ventilated and the suppression is released. The transport unit can now be opened and the packaged goods removed.

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

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

The above-mentioned embodiments can also be implemented with other shell shapes instead of spherical shell shapes, for example other rollable outer shapes, but also with non-rollable outer shapes such as Ouaders.

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

Claims (22)

claims 1. Rolling transportable transport unit (1,101,201,301, 401,501) with a container shell (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and an interior space provided within the container shell for receiving a good (90) to be packed, the container shell having two or more shell parts (11,12,111,112, 211,212,311,312,411,412,511,512), which are reversibly non-positively connected to each other by locking means. CH 715 012 A1 2. Transport unit according to claim 1, wherein the closing means are arranged within the container shell. 3. 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 at least one valve element (15, 115, 215, 315) is provided, with which said pressure-sealed volume can be reversibly fluidly connected to an outside space (27). 4. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one valve element (15, 115, 215, 315) is arranged on a shell part (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312). 5. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container shell (10, 110, 210, 310) comprises two shell parts (11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312), which with a sealing element (17, 117 , 217, 317a, 317b) are connected in a fluid-tight manner and form a volume (29, 129, 229, 329) which is closed in a pressure-tight manner. 6. Transport unit according to claim 5, wherein at least one further interior is present, which is not sealed pressure-tight against the outside atmosphere. 7. Transport unit according to claim 5, wherein at least one further interior is present, which is fluidly connected to the first interior. 8. 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. 9. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hollow cylinder is arranged on the inner wall of two or more shell elements. 10. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adapter device is provided with which the material (90) can be fixed positively and / or non-positively within the container shell. 11. Transport unit according to claim 10, wherein the adapter device comprises a film (140) around the good (90). 12. Transport unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein 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 of which covers an opening of a hollow cylinder. 13. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container casing (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) has essentially the shape of a rollable body. 14. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container casing (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) has a spherical, cylindrical, barrel-shaped or double-conical outer shape. 15. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more of the shell elements of the transport unit are identical to one another. 16. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, with a positively and / or non-positively and / or frictionally fixed good (90) in the interior of the container shell (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). 17. Transport unit according to claim 16, wherein the material (90) is fixed with the aid of an adapter device in the container shell (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). 18. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container shell is essentially closed, so that the transport unit is buoyant, in particular in water. 19. Kit comprising at least one transport unit that can be conveyed in a rolling manner according to one of claims 1 to 17 and at least one adapter device for fixing a good (90) in the interior of a transportable unit that can be conveyed in a rolling manner. 20. Kit for creating a transportable transport unit according to one of claims 1 to 17, comprising two or more shell parts which are reversibly non-positively connected to each other to form a container shell by closing means. 21. A method for producing a transport unit that can be conveyed in a rolling manner with a product packed therein, comprising the steps: Provision of a transportable transport unit according to one of claims 1 to 17 with two or more shell parts; Providing goods to be packaged in the transport unit; Bringing the goods to be packaged into an interior of the transport unit; and non-positive connection of the shell parts to form a container shell, 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the transport unit is a transportable transport unit with reference to one of claims 3 or 4; the shell parts are connected to form a container shell to form a pressure-tightly sealed volume inside the transport unit; and CH 715 012 A1 a pressure difference between the pressure-tight closed volume and the outside space is generated. CH 715 012 A1 P100160CH / 882