DE102005031526A1 - Transport container and palette base has folded wall ring on a palette base with offset outer contour at junction between lower thin-walled and upper thick-walled wall regions - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport container (1) comprises a palette base (2) with a folded wall ring (3) that can be erected on a support edge of the base. The ring comprises an essentially linear inner contour and a displaced outer contour where a stepped offset of the outer contour is formed in a junction between an under, thin-walled plug region and an upper thick-walled region. An independent claim is also included for a palette base for the above.

Description

The The invention relates to a transport container with a pallet base and with a Faltwandungsring, wherein the Faltwandungsring in erect Condition detachable on a support edge the pallet floor is placed.

such Transport containers are known in practice. Such a transport container has a pallet floor, as a double-shell plastic component produced in a twinsheet process. The pallet floor points a circumferential support edge on top of a floor surface protrudes upwards at about a right angle, thus forming a tray for the pallet floor. or box-like receiving surface achieved. The transport container also has a Faltwandungsring on, which is provided with four substantially flat side walls, which at their flush close together longitudinal edges integrally connected in the manner of film hinges are. If necessary, you can even more film hinges be provided. In erect condition the Faltwandungsring is provided with a square hollow cross-section. The dimensions of the Faltwandungsringes are dimensioned so that the Faltwandungsring can be placed on the pallet base, where the Faltwandungsring edge with its lower end edge inside the support edge supported on the pallet floor. The Faltwandungsring is as a plastic component in the twinsheet process produced. Such, known from practice transport container can also have a pallet lid, which on an upper edge area the Faltwandungsringes placed in its erected state is.

Similar transport containers are from the US 5,862,917 or the US 5,722,328 known. These transport containers also have a pallet base, a pallet lid and a wall ring, which is arranged between the pallet base and the pallet lid. The wall rings, however, are not designed foldable.

The known transport containers are used in the assembled state for storage Transport goods within the respective transport container. For one repatriation the empty shipping container, the wall rings are removed and the respective pallet lid directly on the respective pallet floor put on so that for the return transport the empty transport container requires a reduced loading volume. In the transport containers with the Faltwandungsringen the Faltwandungsringe folded in a simple manner and in the Pallet floor can be inserted so that the entire transport container including folding wall ring save space to be transported back can.

Problematic in the transport containers known from practice, it is that the Faltwandungsringe limit an area in the erected state, which is smaller than a required footprint in standardized lattice boxes Metal.

task The invention is therefore a transport container of the beginning to create a species that is designed to be of his own Dimensions can replace standardized lattice boxes.

This object is achieved in that the Faltwandungsring has a longitudinal section seen in the vertical direction, which has a substantially rectilinear inner contour and a stepped outer contour, wherein a step-like shoulder of the outer contour in a transition between a lower, thin-walled plug-in area and an attaching above the plug-in area, thick walled wall area is formed. Characterized in that the Faltwandungsring is designed to be thin-walled in its lower part, this plug-in area is at least largely inserted flat into the circumferential support edge of the pallet base, so that almost no space is consumed for the interior of the pallet base. The plug-in region preferably has planar plug-wall wall surfaces which lie parallel and flat against corresponding inner walls of the support rim. The volume of the pallet base is thus reduced only by the wall thickness of the plug-in area of the Faltwandungsringes, as soon as this Faltwandungsring is inserted in the erected state in the support edge of the pallet base. The support edge protrudes at a right angle from a bottom surface of the pallet bottom upwards. The mating wall surfaces of the Faltwandungsringes correspond in height to the height of the support edge and are preferably substantially flush over its entire length and flat against the corresponding inner wall of the support edge. The support edge is rectangular. The Faltwandungsring is also rectangular - seen in cross section - executed. The fact that the Faltwandungsring has a rectilinear inner contour in its seen in the vertical direction longitudinal section, the limited by the Faltwandung cross section remains the same over the entire height of the Faltwandungsringes. Since this free cross-section or receiving cross-section for cargo thus almost does not differ from the limited by the support edge base, it is possible with the solution according to the invention by the Faltwandungsring and the pallet base To limit transport volume, which corresponds to that of a metal grid box, without the external dimensions of the pallet base must be increased. The transport container according to the invention can therefore replace with respect to its available transport volume and with respect to its external dimensions known standardized metal mesh boxes. This is advantageous because an existing plastic transport container, as provided for in the invention, is much lighter than a metal grid box. In addition, it is possible to transport the transport container folded when empty by the Faltwandungsring is inserted in a simple manner in the support edge of the pallet base, so that, for example, in a transport on a truck, a ship or a train significantly more empty transport containers can be transported as empty grid boxes whose volume can not be reduced.

In Embodiment of the invention is the Faltwandungsring in cross section multi-layered. In a further embodiment of the invention the Faltwandungsring zweischalig from an inner and an outer skin built up. Preferably, the Faltwandungsring is in a twinsheet method made of a suitable plastic. Twin Sheet process for producing double-shell plastic components are general known. This two plastic plates are simultaneously in one common tool, but opposite to each other deep-drawn and welded together at their abutting connecting surfaces. This takes place in a common manufacturing process. Further details The twinsheet process is well known in the art removable.

In Another embodiment of the invention, a pallet lid is provided the on a support edge the pallet floor or on an upper edge region of the Faltwandungsringes can be placed, wherein the upper edge region of the Faltwandungsringes for placing the pallet cover with a thin-walled edge profiling is provided in their barrel and their dimensions at least largely an upper edge profiling of the support edge of the pallet base equivalent. This makes it possible the pallet lid either in the erected state on the Faltwandungsring or with Faltwandungsring removed directly to the support edge of the Put on pallet floor. The Faltwandungsring can for this Case housed folded inside the pallet floor be. The upper edge region is in the same way by means of a recessed Stufenabsatzes of the thick-walled wall region of the Faltwandungsringes discontinued, as is the case in the lower plug-in area. Because of it it is ensured that the pallet lid with its outer contour does not over the outer contour of the folding wall ring and the supporting edge of the pallet floor protrudes, leaving an equivalent replacement of metal wire boxes allows is.

In Another embodiment of the invention, the pallet floor is double-shelled made of plastic in a twinsheet process and is the support edge by on side edges of the pallet floor by means of film hinges molded side parts formed, forming the support edge swung up and at their adjacent edge areas are firmly connected. Preferably, the side parts at their edge areas over the entire height of the Sützrand welded together. But it is also possible the side parts in the swung-up state in another way to be secured against each other at their edges. Especially Preferably, however, the edge regions are welded together flush.

In Another embodiment of the invention is in the pallet floor reinforcing frame integrated. This will continue the bottom surface of the pallet floor strengthened.

In Another embodiment of the invention is the reinforcing frame constructed as a composite of dimensionally stable hollow profiles. The hollow profiles are preferably made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. The hollow sections can by mating, by releasable or unsolvable Fasteners or by cohesive connection means to joined together the composite become.

In Further embodiment of the invention consist of the hollow profiles Steel and are to the reinforcing frame welded together. This is a particularly stable and durable embodiment.

In Another embodiment of the invention are in a bottom of the Pallet bottom channel or groove-like recesses provided, the in their course and in their dimensions so on a contour of reinforcing frame are tuned that the reinforcement frame is embedded flush in the recesses in the assembled state. Thereby is the reinforcement frame form-fitting integrated into the pallet floor, so that is a particularly advantageous Stiffening of the pallet base results without the reinforcing frame over a outer contour protrudes from the pallet floor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the pallet base releasable foot parts, which are positioned relative to the recesses so that they secure the embedded reinforcing frame form-fitting in the assembled state. This will separate backup or Befestigungsmit tel for the reinforcing frame avoided. Preferably, the foot parts engage over the reinforcement frame at its corner regions. The detachable arrangement of the foot parts advantageously allows for damaged foot parts, the simple replacement of these foot parts, without the entire pallet base must be replaced. The feature of providing the pallet base with detachable foot parts is therefore also advantageous in the case of a pallet base which is not provided with a reinforcing frame.

Further Advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated by the drawings.

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport container according to the invention,

2 the transport container 1 in vertical longitudinal section,

3 in an enlarged view of the section III of the transport container after 2 .

4 in an enlarged, perspective view of a pallet floor of the transport container after 1 , seen from below,

5 the pallet bottom of the transport container after the 1 to 4 omitting the support feet,

6 in an enlarged view the section VI of the pallet floor after 5 .

7 in a perspective view of the pallet floor 5 .

8th in perspective the transport container after 1 omitting the Faltwandungsringes,

9 a sectional view of the transport container after 8th .

10 similar in a sectional view 2 the Faltwandungsring for the transport container after 2 .

11 in an enlarged view of the cutout XI of Faltwandungsringes after 10 and

12 in perspective view the Faltwandungsring after 10 in an upright functional condition.

A transport container 1 after the 1 to 12 has a pallet floor 2 , a folding wall ring 3 and a pallet lid 4 on. All three components are made of thermoformable plastic materials in so-called twinsheet process and are thus each clamshell executed by an inner skin and by an outer skin. The inner skin and the outer skin are welded together at suitable areas, so that the corresponding dimensionally stable sections, film hinges, stiffening ribs, Aus- and indentations and the like arise. The folding wall ring 3 and the pallet lid 4 are each designed as one-piece components. The pallet floor 2 is designed in several parts, as will be explained in more detail below.

The pallet floor 2 on the one hand four support feet also made of corresponding plastic materials by the twinsheet method 6 on, which are fastened by means of releasable fastening means such as in particular screw with a bottom of the pallet base to corresponding preformed receiving portions of the corner regions of the pallet base.

The pallet floor 2 has a substantially planar base plate on all sides of a perpendicular to a base surface of the base plate projecting upstanding support edge 8th is surrounded. The base plate has a rectangular shape in the illustrated embodiment. On all longitudinal sides of the base plate, a support edge portion is provided as the side part, which extends over the entire length of the respective longitudinal side. Each support edge portion is by means of a film hinge 16 ( 5 and 6 ) in one piece on the respective longitudinal edge of the base plate of the pallet base 2 formed. The preparation of the support edge portions together with the base plate in a corresponding twinsheet method by means of a tool in which the support edge portions are aligned with a surface of the base plate horizontally outward. The upright to the base plate erecting the support edge portions is carried out after completion of the pallet base, in which the support edge portions are pivoted about the hinge formed by the respective hinge hinge up until the mutually adjacent side edges of each support edge portion are aligned adjacent to each other. By positive, non-positive or material-locking fastening means, which according to the present embodiment ( 7 ) as fastening screws 15 are executed, the support edge portions are connected together in the region of their adjacent side edges, so that the circumferential support edge 8th results.

In a particularly preferred, but not shown in detail embodiment, the support edge portions of the support edge 8th welded together in the area of their abutting side edges, so that over the entire height of the support edge 8th in the respective corner regions, at which the support edge portions abut each other, results in a continuous cohesive connection. As a result, a particularly good rigidity of the support edge is achieved by the permanent and continuous connection of the support edge 8th with the base plate through the film hinges 16 Overall, a high rigidity of the pallet base 2 leads.

As based on the 4 is visible in a bottom of the pallet floor 2 a reinforcing frame 14 integrated. These are in the bottom of the pallet floor 2 , Namely, in the bottom of the base plate, groove-like recesses are provided, which are dimensioned such that the reinforcing frame 14 can be inserted flush in the groove-like depressions. The reinforcement frame 14 consists of metal profiles, preferably of steel profiles, which are connected to the frame construction in particular by welding together. The reinforcement frame 14 extends into the corner areas of the pallet floor 2 , The reinforcement frame 14 gets through the support feet 6 positively in the groove-like depressions of the bottom of the pallet base 2 held. These are the detachable support feet 6 dimensioned such that they at least with a portion of its base corner portions of the reinforcing frame 14 as shown 4 spread. The support feet 6 are detachable with fixing screws to the pallet bottom 2 connected. Preferably, corresponding threaded nuts made of metal are integrated between the inner and outer shell of the pallet base, so that a secure attachment of the support legs 6 is guaranteed and in particular a tearing of the internal thread in the range of the pallet base 2 reliably prevented.

As based on the 2 and 3 is recognizable, the Faltwandungsring 3 in the raised support edge 8th of the pallet floor 2 used. When inserted, the Faltwandungsring 3 with the help of locking devices 11 in his in the pallet floor 2 secured state inserted. The locking devices 11 have manually operable slide, which in corresponding receiving slots of a lower edge 7 of the folding wall ring 3 intervention. The receiving slots are shown in the figures, but not specified.

The folding wall ring 3 is also bivalve produced in a Twinsheetverfahren of a plastic inner skin and a plastic outer skin, wherein the Faltwandungsring 3 is produced in a corresponding twinsheet tool not in an annular state, but rather in quasi unwound, flat state. In the production of corresponding corner regions of the Faltwandungsringes 3 Created film hinges along which the individual wall sections of the Faltwandungsringes 3 can be kinked. The open end faces that are open after production are overlapped with one another when the ring is set up in its rectangular cross-sectional contour and in the overlapping region over the entire height of the folding wall ring 3 firmly connected. Based on 1 it can be seen that the connection in the overlapping area is made by riveting. But it is also possible to weld the overlapping faces over their height together or to connect in a different way. The folding wall ring 3 has film hinges not only in its corner areas, but also in intermediate areas, around a folding of the Faltwandungsringes 3 to allow for a flat folding component, that within the through the support edge 8th bounded receiving volume of the pallet base 2 can be accommodated. In addition, in the Faltwandungsring 3 provided corresponding free cuts to create flap or door sections, which also in the erected functional state of the Faltwandungsringes 3 an accessibility to the interior of the transport container 1 enable. The corresponding flap or door sections 5 are preferably on a vertical or horizontal longitudinal side by means of a corresponding film hinge with the remaining Faltwandungsring 3 connected.

The transport container 1 is also with a pallet lid 4 provided, which is also designed clam shell by an inner skin and an outer skin, which are joined together in a two-sheet method of suitably deep-drawing plastic materials to the one-piece component cohesively. The pallet lid 4 is in the erected functional state of the folding wall ring 3 from above on this attachable, as based on the 2 is recognizable. The pallet lid 4 is provided with a peripheral edge on an upper edge profiling 10 of the folding wall ring 3 can be placed flush. Also in the upper edge area 10 of the folding wall ring 3 are corresponding receiving slots provided for a positive securing the pallet cover 4 on the folding wall ring 3 serve. These are also in the pallet cover 4 corresponding locking devices 11 provided, which is analogous to the locking devices 11 of the pallet floor 2 are designed as manually operable locking slide. The locking slides are in corresponding recesses of the pallet cover 4 inserted and displaceable in the pallet lid 4 stored.

To prevent by inserting the Faltwandungsringes 3 in the support rim 8th the usable internal volume of the transport container 1 is appreciably affected, is the Faltwandungsring 3 in a lower plug-in area 7 opposite to its other wall areas 9 thin-walled. The wall thickness of the lower plug-in area 7 is slightly less than half the wall thickness of the thick-walled wall area 9 ( 3 ), in each case in the section of Faltwandungsringes 3 seen. An inner contour of the Faltwandungsringes 3 is from a lower edge of the plug-in area 7 up to an upper edge of the Faltwandungsringes 3 designed in a straight line, so that the usable internal volume of the Faltwandungsringes 3 in its erected and in the support edge 8th inserted state does not change over its entire height. The transition of the thin-walled plug-in area 7 to the thick-walled wall area 9 via a stepped shoulder 13 that of the inner contour of the Faltwandungsringes 3 is directed away to the outside and extends at least substantially rechtwink lig outward. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided, the stepped shoulder 13 relative to the mating area 7 to be oriented at an acute angle, which is preferably slightly smaller than 90 °. As a result, a Zentrierungsmöglichkeit the Faltwandungsringes 3 relative to the support rim 8th of the pallet floor 2 achieved. The support edge 8th has at its upper edge region a thin-walled, web-like edge profiling 12 on top of that through the stepped heel 13 formed inner edge can dip at least slightly and so the centering and securing the Faltwandungsringes 3 relative to the support rim 8th allows. The edge profiling 12 the support edge 8th is also chosen so that as an alternative to the placement of the Faltwandungsringes 3 also the pallet lid 4 with its corresponding peripheral edge directly on this edge profiling 12 can be put on. This makes it possible to the pallet cover 4 omitting the Faltwandungsringes 3 directly on the pallet floor 2 sit up. This variant is advantageous if the transport container 1 must be transported in an empty state to save space. For this purpose, the Faltwandungsring in a simple manner 3 folded and inside the support edge 8th be filed. By placing the pallet cover 4 becomes the support edge 8th covered and the folded folding wall ring 3 inside the pallet floor 2 secured.

The edge profiling 12 jumps from the wall section 9 in the same way by means of a stepped paragraph back, as in the lower plug-in area 7 the Faltwandungsringes is the case. As a result, the pallet cover with its outer contour flush and in alignment with the upper edge region of the Faltwandungsringes 3 be aufgegesezt without the pallet cover 7 beyond the outer contour of the Faltwandungsringes protrudes to the outside. The same applies to placing the pallet cover 4 on the support rim 8th of the pallet floor 2 ,

The pallet lid 4 is provided with pile profiling on its top to ensure safe stacking of another pallet base 2 to enable. Also the edge profiling 12 the support edge 8th can be provided with receiving slots to the positive securing the pallet cover 4 directly on the support rim 8th of the pallet floor 2 by means of appropriate locking devices 11 to enable.

Also the folding wall ring 3 has in the region of its upper edge a circumferential, thin-walled edge profiling 10 which is dimensioned such that they with respect to their outer dimensions and outer contour of the edge profiling 12 the support edge 8th equivalent. This allows the pallet lid 4 alternatively to the placement on the support edge 8th also in the erected state of the Faltwandungsringes 3 on the Faltwandungsring 3 be put on. The peripheral edge of the pallet lid 4 is with the reference numeral 17 Mistake.

Claims (13)

Transport container with a pallet base and with a Faltwandungsring, wherein the Faltwandungsring is releasably placed in the erected state on a support edge of the pallet base, characterized in that the Faltwandungsring ( 3 ) - referred to a longitudinal section seen in the vertical direction - has a substantially rectilinear inner contour and a stepped outer contour, wherein a step-like paragraph ( 13 ) of the outer contour at a transition between a lower, thin-walled plug-in area ( 7 ) and one above the plug-in area ( 7 ), thick walled wall area ( 9 ) is formed. Transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that the Faltwandungsring ( 3 ) is constructed multi-layered in cross-section. Transport container according to claim 2, characterized in that the Faltwandungsring ( 3 ) is built with two shells from an inner and an outer skin. Transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that a pallet cover ( 4 ) is provided, which on a support edge ( 8th ) of the pallet floor ( 2 ) or on an upper edge area ( 10 ) of the Faltwandungsringes ( 3 ), wherein the upper edge region ( 10 ) of the Faltwandungsringes ( 3 ) for placing the pallet cover ( 4 ) with a thin-walled edge profiling is provided, which in its course and its dimensions at least largely an upper edge profiling ( 12 ) of the support edge ( 8th ) of the pallet floor ( 2 ) corresponds. Transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallet base ( 2 ) is made of plastic in a twin-sheet process, and in that the support edge ( 8th ) by on side edges of the pallet floor ( 2 ) by means of film hinges ( 16 ) molded side parts is formed, forming the support edge ( 8th ) are swung and firmly connected to each other at their adjacent edge regions. Transport container according to claim 5, characterized that the edge areas are flush with each other welded are. Transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that in the pallet floor ( 2 ) a reinforcing frame ( 14 ) is integrated. Transport container according to claim 7, characterized in that the reinforcing frame ( 14 ) is constructed as a composite of dimensionally stable hollow profiles. Transport container according to claim 8, characterized in that the hollow profiles are made of steel and to the reinforcing frame ( 14 ) are welded together. Transport container according to claim 7, characterized in that in an underside of the pallet base ( 2 ) groove-like or depressions are provided, which in their course and their dimensions in such a manner to a contour of the reinforcing frame ( 14 ) that the reinforcing frame ( 14 ) is embedded flush in the recesses in the assembled state. Transport container according to claim 10, characterized in that the pallet bottom ( 2 ) detachable foot parts ( 6 ) having. Transport container according to claim 11, characterized in that the foot parts ( 6 ) are positioned relative to the recesses in such a way that, when assembled, they enclose the embedded reinforcement frame (FIG. 14 ) secure in a form-fitting manner. Pallet floor for a transport container, in particular according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the pallet floor according to the characteristics of one or more the claims 5 to 12 is configured.