DE102004012198A1 - Plastic pallet crate has pedestal strips along bases of its walls which fit over pallet when crate is in use and can be folded inside it - Google Patents

Abstract

The plastic pallet crate has pedestal strips (7 - 10) along the bases of its walls (3 - 6). These fit over the pallet (2) when the crate is in use and can be folded inside it. An independent claim is included for the section of the crate which fits on to the pallet.

Description

The Invention relates to a large container made of plastic, especially with pallet layout size, with a transport frame of at least four sidewall elements for placement on a pallet-like Floor element.

at usual Large containers for transport of goods is known, the side walls mounted on a ground unit after form foldable inside. This will ensure that the container is in occupies less space in a folded position of the side walls than in the transport position with erected side walls. This allows a smaller space in the return of the empty container and leads to Saving on transport costs.

Indeed has been found in the use of such large containers that at the transport of one in the container loosely stacked amount of piece goods, these due to their shape, texture and weight pressure into each other and in total in the container can wedge so that the transport cargo is not readily removable.

These Problem occurs in particular in the course of transport or heated when loading the container not yet cooled Material on, as for example, in the transport of rubber waste of the Case is. rubber waste become common processed into so-called flakes, in the still-heated state packed in plastic bags and then stacked in the container become. Depending on the stack height and the consequent weight pressure becomes the flakes deformed so that the plastic bags are packed very tightly in the container are and wedge each other. With the cooling during the transport harden the Flakes, whereby the wedging is reinforced. Because the side walls of the container not outward can be pivoted, the cargo can then hardly damage from the container be removed.

Further It is known to have a four-sided frame on the frame detachable to a pallet-like floor element (standard pallet layout size: approx. 1200 mm × 1000 mm). This has this top and bottom open frame in its four corners as well as in the middle in the two opposite Narrow sides Articulated hinges with pivot axes aligned perpendicular to the floor element on. By means of these at least six joint axes are the narrow sides of the standing on the floor element frame foldable. This can be done the framework is pulled together and pulled apart accordion-like. at a wedging of the charge, the patch frame of the Floor element are lifted so that the cargo is accessible.

in this connection However, there is the disadvantage that for handling such a from frame and floor element combined container several people and a variety of hand movements are required. After discharge The product becomes the still standing frame over the narrow sides provided with joints accordion-like pushed together. Subsequently, the folded-together Frame folded and on the container bottom stored positionally accurate, so that a next floor unit stack-like can be hung up. In addition, the frame due to its Size and the for one sufficient stability required material thickness or strut has a relatively high weight, which is why in usually several people, especially two people to handle of such a container or transport frame are necessary.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a large container or To create a transport frame, the easy removal of the cargo allows requires few steps to reduce its space requirements and as simple as possible is manageable.

These The object is achieved by the Features of the claims 1 and 12 solved. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

Of the The basic idea of the invention is a transport frame to provide, in which each side wall element an inwardly hinged upper side wall portion, so that the upper side wall portions completely, so without side frame sections, saving space inside are foldable. This transport frame can be on the floor element without further changeover measures be folded together to save space. Preferably, each side wall element at least in its lateral edge areas on a wall socket on which the respective side wall inwards in the direction of the bottom element hinged, wherein the wall socket of adjacent side wall elements connected to each other and the transport frame to form the Large container over at least one of the wall socket is fastened to the floor element.

The frame effect can be continuous over one along all side wall elements running wall base or by means arranged only in the frame corners wall bases in operative connection with the mounted on the wall sockets side walls can be achieved. For the latter case, the articulated mounting of the side walls is designed so that the forces occurring in the loaded state of the container during transport can be transmitted to the side walls via the joints on the wall base. Such storage is realized for example by hinges, as they are common for doors. The side walls are thus mounted so articulated that the transport frame is sufficiently stiffened in its plane parallel to the bottom element level. Especially with a continuous circumferential wall socket, other types of articulated storage are possible.

Under The term "wall socket" used here is a section in the foot area the side wall element to be understood. This wall socket is located on the side of the transport frame facing the floor element and will be in the area of the outer marginal strip the pallet-like floor element placed on this and (releasably) attached. In the upper part of the wall base, the side wall is inside to the tank center hinged hinged. In folded up, i. standing position of Sidewall supports These are on the wall socket.

Of the Wall base is therefore preferably as a peripheral, ring anchor-like formed lower end bar of the transport frame and allows next the stiffening of the transport frame the articulated connection of side walls and serves in conjunction with the bottom element to form a Large container. to Connection with the bottom element become known types of connection used. The connection can also be made by the fact that the Attached transport frame sufficiently slip-resistant on the floor element is held.

With the training of the invention of the bulk container it possible in the container to be able to remove wedged cargo by the transport frame detached from the floor element and is lifted off. After lifting the transport frame is the Transport goods then free on the floor element and can be unloaded so well. Furthermore, the transport frame can be immediately picked up by a person. or unfolded. A flipping of the transport frame is not required. In particular, the folding is simplified, because the side walls almost alone or with little effort on the inside, so to speak the floor element fall. Depending on your needs, both the unfolded as well as the folded transport frame optionally of the Floor element to be removed. So can transport frames and floor elements separated or in a combined arrangement to save space on each other be stacked.

One Another advantage of the invention is that even conventional pallet-like floor elements for the large container according to the invention usable or at least retrofittable are. The presented here large container or Transport frame lets advantageous as a reusable container or frame.

A preferred embodiment is that the wall socket only in the lateral edge areas Each sidewall element is present and adjacent wall socket adjacent side wall elements are integrally formed. This allows a rigid design of the frame corners to which hinged the side walls are, but does not require a circumferential socket, thereby saving material can be. With sufficient dimensioning of the articulated storage and the side walls is due to the circumferential connection between wall sockets, joints and sidewalls one stable frame effect achieved.

at a further advantageous embodiment It is envisaged that each sidewall element extends over the whole length comprising the side wall element extending wall base and the Wall socket of all side wall elements are formed as a part. This results in a very stiff ring anchor-like construction with improved Framework effect for reached the transport frame.

to Optimization of the stack height the nested side walls, it is advantageous if the Wall socket opposite Sidewall elements of the same height and the wall socket of adjacent sidewall elements are different high. This allows for a quadrangular Large container the two narrow sides as the lowest layer and then the both long sides with higher Socket over it be placed.

Further proves to be advantageous the wall socket in the lateral Edge regions of the side wall element higher than in the intermediate Form area of the side wall element. The in the frame corners increased Reinforce wall socket sections again the stability the transport frame, whereas the lower intervening wall socket areas allow for folding the side walls a lower height achieved the large container becomes.

In order to achieve good stackability of the large containers or transport frames, it is advantageous when the adjacent wall socket adjacent side wall elements are formed in the same corner areas in the same.

Conveniently, is the at least one wall socket via a pin-groove connection attached to the floor element. Alternatively, the attachment takes place by means of a latching connection. To lift the transport frame slightly to be able to it is appropriate that the attachment between wall base and floor element releasably formed is. If the bulk container for transport used by goods that are not in each other or in the container itself wedging, or for any other reason no Lifting the transport frame is required, the attachment can but also insoluble with the known bonding means (e.g., bonding).

Advantageous it is also when the bottom element in the region of each associated side wall element one over the bottom element has projecting projection, on the inside thereof the transport frame is loosely placed on the floor element and due to the weight of the transported goods in the container held against the projection. For such a combination of transport frame and floor element are also conventional Floor elements, which by subsequent attachment of the projection retrofitted can be.

Regarding the handling when lifting and placing the transport frame is it is appropriate that at least one pair of opposing sidewall elements in each case at least one opening or a mounting bracket exhibit.

following The invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings. Show schematically:

1 a perspective view of a large container according to the invention with separate representation of transport frame and pallet-like bottom element, and

2 a perspective view of the large container according to 1 after placing the transport frame on the pallet-like floor element (transport position), and

3 a perspective view of the large container according to 2 with folded position of the side walls (return position), and

4 a partially sectioned first side view of the large container according to 2 in transport position, and

5 a partially sectioned second side view of the large container according to 2 in transport position, and

6 a partially sectioned side view of the large container according to 2 in return position as well

7 a partial view of another embodiment in section.

In The following figures are the same components with the same Provided with reference numerals.

The 1 to 3 each show a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the large container according to the invention.

As in particular from 1 can be seen, the large container initially consists of a transport frame 1 and a pallet-like floor element 2 together. This includes the transport frame 1 a total of four side wall elements 3 to 6 , Each of these side wall elements 3 to 6 includes a wall socket 7 to 10 and one above it hinged to the pedestal 7 to 10 mounted side wall 11 to 14 , The articulated bearing is designed so that the side walls 11 to 14 only fold inwards. In this case, the pivot axes each extend parallel to the plane of the floor element 2 ,

2 shows the assembled bulk container after placing the transport frame 1 on the pallet-like floor element 2 , In this position are the side walls 11 to 14 in folded up position (transport position). In 3 are the side walls 11 to 14 in folded position, so that the emptied large container is suitable for return transport (return position).

The following are the sidewall elements 3 and 5 or the associated side walls 11 and 13 also as narrow sides and accordingly the side wall elements 4 and 6 or the associated side walls 12 and 14 also referred to as long sides.

Like from the 1 to 3 can be further seen, extend the wall socket 7 to 10 each over the entire length of the respective side wall element 3 to 6 , The wall socket 7 to 10 are further formed as a part, so that a rigid wall base frame is formed.

With regard to the elevation (ie perpendicular to the plane of the floor element 2 ) every wall socket 7 to 10 , like from the 1 to 5 can be seen in its lateral edge regions higher than in the intermediate region between them. Furthermore, the wall socket 8th and 10 respectively. 7 and 9 the opposite side wall elements 4 and 6 respectively. 3 and 5 the same height. At the same time are the wall bases 9 and 10 respectively. 7 and 8th adjacent sidewall elements 5 and 6 respectively. 3 and 4 in the middle areas of different heights. This constellation enables a space-saving overlapping of the side walls 11 to 14 , To hang up other floor elements 2 or transport frame 1 to enable all wall socket 7 to 10 in the areas of the frame corners the same height.

Order from the in 2 shown transport position in the in the 3 and 6 shown return position of the large container to arrive, first the narrow sides and then the long sides are folded. In a first step, the sidewall becomes 11 of the sidewall element 3 folded inwards until this with the free side wall end on the floor element 2 rests on (see 6 ). Subsequently, the opposite narrow side (side wall 13 ) folded up to this with its free side wall end on the side wall 11 rests. Next comes the collapse of the sidewall 12 and then flipping the sidewall 14 in the manner described above. It is essential that the wall socket 10 the side wall 14 has a corresponding height, so that the outside of the side wall 14 when folded, do not over the top of the wall socket 8th protrudes.

On the upper end faces of the raised corner areas of the wall base 7 to 10 can then set another large container in one or unfolded position. The corner areas of the wall base 7 to 10 are designed so that both a floor element 2 as well as a transport frame 1 can be hung up. Thus, floor elements can 2 and transport frame 1 in a combined arrangement or stacked separately.

The inclined upwards or downwards sloping position of the side walls 11 to 14 , like out 6 It is not essential for the stack height of the side walls to be recognized 11 to 14 as by no unnecessary increase of a wall socket 7 to 10 is intended. The stack height of the superimposed side walls 11 to 14 arises as a result of the heightwise position of the bearing axes of the side walls 11 to 14 and thus by the height of the wall socket 7 to 10 as well as the height and thickness of the side walls 11 to 14 per se. Therefore, the height of the wall socket 7 to 10 on the aforementioned factors and in particular on the thickness of the side walls 11 to 14 Voted. The wall base height is usually a multiple of the thickness of the side walls 11 to 14 ,

The following is based on the 3 and 4 to 6 the attachment of the transport frame 1 on the floor element 2 explained. In the illustrated embodiment of the large container for this purpose is a ledge or tenon-groove connection 15 intended. This is indicated by the floor element 2 in the edge region of a circumferential strip-like pin 16 with upwardly tapering trapezoidal cross section. The arrangement of the pin 16 can also be done only in sections in the corner areas and / or in the sections lying between the corners. The floor element 2 is either one-piece including the pin 16 (or the pin sections) made or this is attached later.

In the on the floor element 2 aufzusetzenden wall sockets 7 to 10 are the ones to tap 16 complementarily shaped grooves or recesses introduced. Due to the trapezoidal design of pins 16 and groove is the placement and lifting the Trans port frame 1 facilitated. If the bulk container should be raised or additionally secured, the wall socket 7 to 10 in the area of the introduced recesses and the pins 16 each be provided with a hole arranged at the same height, so as to be able to introduce a fixing bolt. Instead of a strip-like circumferential pin and selectively arranged on the circumference pin can be provided.

The above-described pin-groove connection 15 can also be provided vice versa, ie with arrangement of the pin 16 at the bottom of the wall socket 7 to 10 and associated recesses in the floor element 2 ,

Another embodiment of a transport suitable for fixing the transport frame 1 on the floor element 2 turns out 7 , Instead of the circumferential engagement strip 1b can be a sidebar on the bottom side 18 be provided, which projects beyond the upper bottom surface, wherein the outer side is preferably flush with the side edge of the bottom element 2 concludes. The skirting thus formed serves as an abutment for within the circumferential projection on the bottom element 2 loose transport frame 1 , This is pressed against the protrusion due to the outwardly pressing transport charge and is thus secured against slipping. Alternatively, a trained only in the corner areas projection is conceivable. The bar may be provided over the circumference sections or circumferentially.

The connection of the side walls 11 to 14 below each other (not shown) is carried out with conventional releasable locking mechanisms, such as latching connections. Here are the inwardly directed side edges of the side walls 12 and 14 Latches and on the opposite side edges of the side walls 11 and 13 corresponding recesses available for receiving the latching hook.

Finally, for lifting and placing the transport frame 1 in the upper area of the side walls 11 to 14 openings 17 intended. Their dimensions and mutual position are adapted to the corresponding lifting mechanisms used, such as a forklift. It can also be arranged mounting bracket. The aforementioned tools are preferably arranged coordinated in opposite side walls.

Claims (15)

Large plastic container, in particular with a pallet layout size, with a transport frame comprising at least four side wall elements, which can be placed on a pallet-like bottom element to form the large container, characterized in that each side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) Has an inwardly hinged, preferably full side wall width having side wall portion. Large container according to claim 1, characterized in that each side wall element at least in its lateral edge regions a wall base ( 7 to 10 ), on which the respective side wall ( 11 to 14 ) inwardly towards the floor element ( 2 ) is hinged, wherein the wall base ( 7 to 10 ) of adjacent side wall elements ( 3 to 6 ) and the transport frame ( 1 ) to form the large container via at least one of the wall base ( 7 to 10 ) on the floor element ( 2 ) can be arranged. Large container according to claim 2, characterized in that the wall base ( 7 to 10 ) only in the lateral edge regions of each side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) is present and adjacent wall socket ( 7 to 10 ) adjacent sidewall elements ( 3 to 6 ) are integrally formed. Large container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) extends over the entire length of the side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) extending wall socket ( 7 to 10 ) and the wall base ( 7 to 10 ) of all side wall elements ( 3 to 6 ) are integrally formed. Large container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wall base ( 7 . 9 respectively. 8th . 10 ) of opposing sidewall elements ( 3 . 5 respectively. 4 . 6 ) and the wall base ( 7 . 8th ) of adjacent side wall elements ( 3 . 4 ) are different high. Large container according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the wall base ( 7 to 10 ) in the lateral edge regions of the side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) higher than in the intermediate region of the side wall element ( 3 to 6 ) is trained. Large container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjacent wall base ( 7 to 10 ) of adjacent side wall elements ( 3 to 6 ) are formed in the corner areas equally high. Large container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one wall base ( 7 to 10 ) via a tenon-groove connection ( 15 ) on the floor element ( 2 ) is attachable. Large container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one wall base ( 7 to 10 ) by means of a latching connection to the floor element ( 2 ) is attachable. Large container according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the attachment between wall base ( 7 to 10 ) and floor element ( 2 ) is detachably formed. Large container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom element ( 2 ) in the region of each associated sidewall element ( 3 to 6 ) at least one above the floor element ( 2 ) projecting projection, on the inside of the transport frame ( 1 ) on the floor element ( 2 ) is loosely placed and is held against the protrusion due to the weight of the transported goods in the container, which forms a stop or retaining shoulder for the transport frame. Large container after Claim 11, characterized in that the projection by a strip-like and around the bottom element in sections or continuously encircling frame is formed. Large container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pair of opposing side walls ( 11 to 14 ) each at least one, preferably fork-stackable, opening ( 17 ) or mounting bracket for lifting and placing the transport frame ( 1 ) having. Transport frame ( 1 ) for attachment to a pallet-like floor element ( 2 ) to form a large container having the features of one or more of the preceding claims. Transport frame according to claim 14, characterized that the transport frame is made of impact-resistant plastic.