DE102021102195B4 - Frame for a transport and storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) for a transport and storage unit (1) for securely receiving at least one partial layer (TLA) of packaging materials (2) and/or packaging material groups, having at least a first side wall (11) and one of the first side walls ( 11) oppositely arranged second side wall (12) and at least one front wall (13) arranged transversely to the side walls (11, 12) with opposite ends (13.1, 13.2), the front wall (13) extending over its ends (13.1, 13.2) is connected to the first and second side walls (11, 12) and wherein the side walls (11, 12) and the front wall (13) form an open partial frame (20) which defines a frame interior (21), further comprising at least one partition (14) which can be inserted between the side walls (11, 12) of the open partial frame (20) and which can be connected to the side walls (11, 12), the partition (14) being variably positionable between the side walls (11, 12) and wherein the partition (14) in an inserted state connected to the side walls (11, 12) extends transversely to the side walls (11, 12) and at least a compartment (22) of the frame interior (21) defined by the open partial frame (20) in this way delimited so that the partial layer (TLA) of packaging (2) and / or packaging groups can be safely accommodated in the compartment (22).

Description

The invention relates to a frame for a transport and storage unit for supporting, securing or stabilizing at least one partial layer of packaging and/or groups of packaging and to a transport and storage unit with at least one such frame.

It is known that packaging or packaging units filled with a product (filling material), for example bottles, cardboard-like containers or packaging, in particular beverage cans, are put together loosely or in outer packaging, for example in cartons, trays, beverage crates, etc., into large containers and temporarily stored in this form or in to bring the trade.

It is also known to stack, i.e. to palletize, the individual packaging materials filled with products, for example beverages, and sealed when they are combined to form the large bundles in several layers with several packaging materials per layer on transport or storage units, in particular pallets.

For this purpose, the individual packaging materials are first aligned in a grouping station, possibly rotated and/or positioned in such a way that a certain number of individual packaging materials or bundles can be combined to form a complete layer. The packaging or bundles are then fed in a single layer to a palletizing station or palletizing machine and stacked one on top of the other in layers on a transport and storage unit, with intermediate layers of cardboard or cardboard resting as a plate on the packaging of the respective underlying layer to stabilize the individual layers.

In connection with this compilation of large containers, namely transport and storage units, for example in the form of can pallets, which can either be sold in this form or are intended for interim storage in company or plant-internal warehouses or interim storage facilities, there is a disadvantage again and again to an increased disposal of properly filled packaging. If, for example, a production plant has to be run empty, in particular due to a change in production, there are residual quantities of filled packaging that accumulate in such a number of packaging that they no longer form a complete layer for the transport and storage units, such as pallets can.

Further processing of incomplete layers or partial layers is difficult with the previously known devices and methods. Assembling large packs starting from incomplete layers, in particular partial layers, namely palletizing the incomplete layer or partial layer is not readily possible. During the palletizing process and/or during further transport, there are often major problems when processing partial layers due to packaging materials falling over or falling over. It is also often not possible for an operator to intervene manually or manually set up or pick up the packaging. Furthermore, it has previously led to problems that required cover frames or pallet covers can only be placed securely, in particular secured against slipping, if the top layer of the pallet is a complete layer.

One object of the invention is to provide a safety device, in particular a frame for a transport and storage unit for accommodating at least one partial layer of packaging materials and/or packaging material groups, by means of which partial layers can also be safely further processed and palletized in a simple and cost-effective manner can.

This object is achieved by a multi-part, adjustable frame for a transport and storage unit for receiving at least one partial layer of packaging and/or packaging groups according to the features of independent claim 1 in a secure manner. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous or preferred developments of the invention.

The present invention provides a multi-part, adjustable frame for a transport and storage unit for receiving at least one partial layer of packaging materials and/or packaging material groups in a secure manner. The frame has at least a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall, as well as at least one front wall arranged transversely to the side walls with opposite ends, the front wall being connected, in particular detachably, via its ends to the first and to the second side wall connected is. The side walls and the front wall form an open partial frame that defines a frame interior. The frame also has at least one partition that can be inserted between the side walls of the open partial frame and connected to the side walls. The partition wall can be variably positioned between the side walls. In an inserted state, connected to the side walls, the partition wall extends transversely to the side walls and delimits at least one compartment of the frame interior defined by the open partial frame in such a way that the partial layer of packaging materials and/or of the packaging groups can be securely accommodated in the compartment.

“Securing the packaging” is to be understood here in particular as meaning that the packaging or packaging groups of the partial layer are secured against falling over and are thus stabilized in a stable manner or also fixed in position or fixed in position. The packaging means are preferably secured in their respective position within the partial layer, so that by securing, for example, an existing layer order in the partial layer can also be maintained.

In the understanding of the present invention, a “partial layer” is to be understood as an incomplete or incompletely populated layer of packaging materials or packaging material groups, with a layer being defined as a grouping or combination or arrangement of packaging materials and/or packaging material groups in a predetermined layer order, preferably in several adjacent rows of packaging and are put together in a defined number in order to be able to be further processed for the creation of transport and storage units, in particular for palletizing. The layers are in turn preferably arranged in layers stacked on top of one another to form layer stacks. In a partial layer, the number of individual packaging materials or packaging material groups assembled, grouped, arranged to form the partial layer is correspondingly smaller than the number of packaging materials that is intended to form a complete layer. A partial layer therefore only occupies part of the area of a layer.

With the present multi-part, adjustable frame, it is particularly advantageously possible to further process the residual quantities of packaging materials that occur when a production plant is run empty, for example when production is changed over, and which, for example, can no longer form a complete layer during a palletizing process that is taking place, in such a way that this residual quantity of packaging can be easily and safely transferred to a transport and storage unit. With the present invention, residues, namely incomplete layers or partial layers, can thus also be palletized and advantageously do not have to be disposed of. The present frame according to the invention can therefore also be understood as a push-off or push-over frame or push-off or push-over frame to be used during the palletizing process, or also as a safety or stand-safety frame in a transport and storage unit formed by palletizing. The frame has a simple structure and can be produced in particular at low cost.

Since the number of packaging materials that make up the incomplete layer or partial layer is not known in advance and can vary greatly, the present frame can be adjusted and adjusted and, as a result, can be variably adapted to different numbers of packaging materials safe partial layer formation as well as a safe arrangement and further processing of the partial layer in the transport and storage unit possible. Regardless of the number of packaging items in the partial layer, the frame safely and without manual intervention by an operator prevents packaging items from falling over or falling off the pallet during the palletizing process and/or during further transport. As a result, the present frame enables safe, simple palletizing of partial layers present as an incomplete layer.

"Packaging" within the meaning of the invention is a product (e.g. drink) filled and sealed packaging or containers, in particular such packaging or containers that are commonly used in the food sector and especially in the beverage sector, preferably containers such. B. bottles, cans, including disposable bottles or cans, soft packaging, such as those made of cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil. “Packaging material groups” within the meaning of the invention are packaging materials assembled into groups and connected to one another, for example bundles made from such packaging materials.

Depending on the size of the sub-layer and thus depending on the positioning of the partition wall, the frame is stable enough in the manner specified to adequately secure the sub-layer, in particular the packaging of the sub-layer, and on the other hand it is designed to be used in a palletizing system using the tools provided there or units, to be moved, in particular by being pushed or pushed over, and to be able to withstand the push-off or push-over movements provided during the palletizing process.

For further improved stability and an additionally improved push-off or push-over behavior, according to a preferred embodiment variant, the frame can additionally have a rear wall with opposite ends. In this case, the rear wall can be connected via its ends to the first and to the second side wall and, in a state connected to the side walls, extends transversely to the side walls and parallel or essentially parallel to the front wall. In particular, the rear wall is positioned such that the inserted partition wall is arranged between the front wall and the inserted rear wall. Preferably the rear wall closes the partial frame in a state connected to the side walls in such a way that the rear wall, the side walls and the front wall completely enclose the frame interior laterally or run around it.

In this embodiment variant, the rear wall forms, together with the side walls and the front wall, an essentially rectangular frame body which delimits an area which can approximately accommodate a complete layer of packaging means. A surface area of the base area described by the frame is largely the same or approximately the same as the area of a pallet provided for receiving layers of packaging material in a supporting manner.

Furthermore, the side walls advantageously have a large number of insertion positions for receiving the partition wall, with the partition wall being able to be inserted variably at the respective insertion positions and connected to the side walls. This allows the frame to be adapted to the most varied sizes of part layers.

The large number of insertion positions of the side walls very particularly preferably defines a predetermined grid, the partition wall being freely positionable and insertable in the predetermined grid. Due to the free positionability, the variability, adaptability and adjustability of the frame depending on the number of packaging materials in the partial layer to be accommodated is additionally improved.

The insertion positions are also advantageously distributed along the side walls in such a way that a predetermined distance is formed between respectively adjacent insertion positions. The distance between the adjacent insertion positions can, for example, be equal or essentially equal to a packaging diameter of the packaging to be accommodated in the frame. Alternatively, the distance between the adjacent insertion positions can be smaller than the packaging diameter of the packaging to be accommodated in the frame. This ensures in particular that in the case of a partial layer composed of one or more rows of packaging, regardless of the number of rows of packaging, the dividing wall can be positioned immediately after the last row of packaging, thereby effectively securing the packaging.

The dividing wall can preferably be releasably connected to the side walls, with the connection being able to be established, detached and reestablished many times. Alternatively or additionally, the front wall and the side walls are also detachably connected to one another, in particular in such a way that the connection can be established, repeatedly detached and restored. As an alternative or in addition, the rear wall can also be releasably connected to the side walls, with the connection being able to be made, broken and restored multiple times. In such an embodiment, the frame can be disassembled, preferably completely disassembled and assembled if necessary. In this variant, the frame is therefore also to be understood as a kit for a frame or as a modular kit. In the unconnected, disassembled state, the frame can be stored or stored in a space-saving manner and, in particular, can be transported easily.

According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, the side walls are equipped with a plurality of receiving means for receiving the partition wall, at least on their respective inner side facing the frame interior, the receiving means preferably being distributed regularly along the side walls. The plurality of insertion positions is preferably defined or predetermined by the plurality of receiving means.

Very particularly preferably, each receiving means of the first side wall is assigned a receiving means of the second side wall that is directly opposite relative to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The receiving means which are associated with one another and are located opposite one another act together in pairs to hold the partition wall.

The receiving means can preferably be slit-shaped receiving openings, in particular insertion slits. The dividing wall is equipped at both ends with corresponding connection sections, in particular plug-in sections, so that the connection between the dividing wall and side walls can be realized by a plug-in connection and can be produced by simply plugging them together.

The frame preferably has a height which is at least equal to or essentially equal to a predetermined packaging height of the packaging and/or packaging groups to be accommodated in the frame.

The front wall and/or the partition wall and/or the rear wall preferably has an angled cover section on an upper wall edge. This cover section is to be regarded as a section protruding at a predetermined angle from the actual wall section, which--when in use, namely in a state connected to the side walls--is a vertically protruding section. The Deckab section protrudes, for example, at a right angle or essentially a right angle from the wall section and, as a horizontally oriented section, extends approximately parallel to a bearing surface on which the frame rests. The cover section is designed and aligned in such a way that it can preferably cover or cover packaging at least partially on the top side if this packaging is in the immediate vicinity, in particular adjacent to the respective front wall and/or partition and/or rear wall in the interior of the frame, e.g. in the separated compartment , are arranged.

Advantageously, the frame is somewhat higher than the specified packaging height, in particular so much higher than the packaging height that the cover section of the front wall and/or the partition and/or the rear wall can cover or cover the packaging and is flush with the side walls at the top.

The front wall and/or the partition wall and/or the rear wall also preferably has an angled base section on a lower wall edge, which, like the cover section, is essentially to be regarded as a section protruding at an angle. Preferably, the top section and the bottom section project in opposite directions relative to the upstanding wall section, which is vertically oriented when in use.

The angle between the base section and the respective upstanding wall section is preferably slightly less than 90° (in particular between 80° and 90°). The resulting inclined position of the bottom section improves the behavior of the frame at transitions and prevents it from getting caught.

The front wall, the rear wall and the partition wall are particularly preferably designed to be structurally identical to one another and form identical transverse wall components.

The first and the second side wall are also preferably designed to be structurally identical to one another and form identical longitudinal wall components.

The invention also relates to a transport and storage unit. The transport and storage unit comprises at least one base plate for accommodating layers and/or partial layers of packaging and/or packaging groups. In addition, the transport and storage unit comprises at least one partial layer of packaging and/or packaging groups and a multi-part, adjustable frame according to the invention, in which the partial layer of packaging and/or packaging groups is received and secured.

Preferably, the transport and storage unit also has at least one layer of packaging and/or packaging groups or several layers of packaging and/or packaging groups arranged one on top of the other in a stack. The layer or the stack of layers rests on the base plate and the partial layer accommodated and secured in the multi-part, adjustable frame is arranged on the layer or the stack of layers.

The invention also relates to a method for pushing over a partial layer of packaging materials and/or packaging material groups to form a transport and storage unit. In the method, in a system for assembling layers or partial layers of packaging and/or packaging groups and for forming transport and storage units, an open partial frame comprising a first and a second side wall and a front wall connected to the side walls and positioned. The packaging and/or packaging groups are then fed to the grouping table and thereby introduced into a frame interior of the open partial frame and grouped there in a region adjoining the front wall to form a partial layer. A partition wall is then inserted in a suitable position such that the partition wall delimits a compartment of the frame interior defined by the open partial frame behind the partial layer in such a way that the packaging of the partial layer accommodated in the compartment is secured. A multi-part, adjustable frame is formed from the partial frame and the partition wall. Finally, the secured partial layer received in the frame is pushed over onto a base plate or a layer already placed thereon or a stack of layers already formed by means of a layer transfer and layer stacking station to form the transport and storage unit.

The expression “substantially” or “approximately” means deviations from the exact value in each case by up to +/-10%, preferably by up to +/-5%, and/or deviations in the form of for the function insignificant changes.

Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All of the features described and/or illustrated are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, regardless of their combination in the claims or their back reference. Furthermore, the features or feature combinations of the claims are declared to be part of the description.

• 1 eine beispielhafte Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Rahmens mit aufgenommener Teillage in einer Draufsicht,
• 2 eine Schnittdarstellung des Rahmens gemäß 1 entlang der Schnittlinie A-A aus 1,
• 3a eine perspektivische Darstellung des Rahmens der 1, jedoch ohne aufgenommene Teillage an Packmitteln,
• 3b den Rahmen gemäß 3a in Draufsicht,
• 3c eine Schnittdarstellung des Rahmens gemäß 3a und 3b entlang der Schnittlinie B-B aus 3b, und einen mit X gekennzeichneten Ausschnitt in einer vergrößerten Darstellung,
• 4 einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt des Rahmens gemäß 1 im Bereich der Verbindung zwischen Trennwand und erster Seitenwand (Teil A) und im Bereich der Verbindung zwischen Trennwand und zweiter Seitenwand (Teil B),
• 5a grob schematisch und stark vereinfacht in einer Draufsicht eine Ausführungsvariante des Rahmens in einem nicht vollständig verbundenen Zustand,
• 5b grob schematisch und stark vereinfacht in einer Draufsicht eine Ausführungsvariante des Rahmens in einem vollständig verbundenen Zustand,
• 5c grob schematisch und stark vereinfacht in einer Draufsicht eine alternative Ausführungsvariante des Rahmens in einem vollständig verbundenen Zustand,
• 6 eine grob schematische Darstellung einer Anlage zum Zusammenstellen von Lagen aus Packmitteln sowie zur Bildung von Transport- und Lagereinheiten.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 an exemplary embodiment variant of a frame according to the invention with recorded partial layer in a plan view,
• 2 according to a sectional view of the frame 1 along the cutting line AA 1 ,
• 3a a perspective view of the frame 1 , but without picked up partial layer of packaging,
• 3b according to the framework 3a in top view,
• 3c according to a sectional view of the frame 3a and 3b along the cutting line BB 3b , and a section marked with an X in an enlarged view,
• 4 according to an enlarged section of the frame 1 in the area of the connection between the partition wall and the first side wall (part A) and in the area of the connection between the partition wall and the second side wall (part B),
• 5a Roughly schematic and greatly simplified in a top view, an embodiment variant of the frame in a not fully connected state,
• 5b Roughly schematic and greatly simplified in a top view, an embodiment variant of the frame in a fully connected state,
• 5c Roughly schematic and greatly simplified in a top view, an alternative embodiment variant of the frame in a fully connected state,
• 6 a roughly schematic representation of a system for assembling layers of packaging and for the formation of transport and storage units.

Where appropriate, identical reference symbols are used in the figures for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numbers that are required for the description of the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain the mode of operation. In particular, the representations in the figures only serve to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, all components of the device have not been shown.

The 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a multi-part, adjustable frame 10 according to the invention with a partial layer TLA of packaging means 2 held by the frame 10 to secure and stabilize it, the packaging means 2 being formed by beverage cans in the example shown. In 2 is a sectional view of the frame 10 in a section along the in 1 indicated section line AA, which coincides with a longitudinal axis LA of the frame 10.

The frame 10 serves in particular to receive and enclose the partial layer TLA of packaging means 2, namely the packaging means or the beverage cans 2 of the partial layer TLA, in a secure and stabilizing manner. In particular, the packaging or beverage cans 2 grouped together to form the partial layer TLA and grouped in a predefined layer order are secured against falling over by the frame 10, the predefined layer order of the packaging devices 2 preferably being maintained at the same time.

In particular, the frame 10 is used to secure the packaging 2 grouped into the partial layer TLA in the predetermined layer order during the formation of a transport and storage unit 1 and also—after its formation—on or in the transport and storage unit 1. A corresponding transport and storage unit 1, as well as a roughly schematic outline of the process of forming such a transport and storage unit 1 by means of a corresponding device or system 100 for assembling layers LA from packaging 2 and for forming transport and storage units 1 the 6 refer to.

In the 6 System designated by the reference number 100 is designed for assembling layers LA or partial layers TLA from packaging means 2 and for forming transport and storage units 1 from at least one of these layers LA and/or at least one partial layer TLA. Alternatively, the system 100 can also be designed for depalletizing individual layers LA or partial layers TLA from the transport and storage unit 1, ie as an unpacker and/or repacker. The system 100, which is indicated only roughly schematically, has at least one station 101 for arranging and/or grouping the packaging means 2, in particular filled beverage cans. The station 101 is preferably designed as a grouping station and can also be understood as a layer preparation and layer supply station. The station 101 includes before preferably a so-called grouping table, on whose level grouping table surface the packaging means 2 are assembled and grouped to form a layer LA or partial layer TLA with the aid of push and stop elements provided.

The system 100 also includes a layer transfer and layer stacking station 102 which is operatively connected to the station 101 and which can be designed, for example, as a palletizing station. The layers LA or partial layers TLA of the packaging materials 2 formed on the grouping table of the station 101 are transferred to a base plate 1.2 provided in the layer stacker 102 by means of a transfer unit of the layer transfer and layer stacking station 102 while maintaining the respective layer order to form the transport and storage unit 1. preferably a pallet, or pushed onto a layer LA already placed thereon or onto a stack of layers LA already formed.

The transport and storage unit 1 formed in this way thus comprises at least one partial layer TLA of packaging means 2 arranged on the base plate 1.2, in particular the pallet, and secured by the present frame 10. The transport and storage unit 1 preferably comprises at least one on the base plate 1.2 arranged layer LA, preferably several layers LA stacked one on top of the other, and at least one part layer TLA of packaging means 2 arranged on the layer LA or the stack of several layers LA and secured by the present frame 10 The stabilized partial layer TLA secured to the frame 10 forms, for example, the uppermost layer of packaging means 2 and thus also the layer or layer that closes the transport and storage unit 1 on the top side. For reasons of better identification are in the transport and storage unit 1 in the example of 6 the packaging means 2 of the partial layer TLA, which are arranged within the frame 10 and are therefore not visible in a side view, are shown in dashed lines.

In the present understanding, a complete layer LA of packaging means 2 is a group of packaging means 2 assembled in a plurality of rows or columns in the specified layer arrangement. The packaging means 2 are preferably assembled close together in the specified layer arrangement. Packaging 2 with a round cross-section, such as beverage cans, are grouped or put together in particular in a "interwoven" arrangement, with the individual rows being offset from one another and the individual beverage cans in a particular row therefore "staggered" with the lined-up beverage cans in the adjacent row stand in rows. The packaging means 2 are grouped together in a number such that the packaging means 2 of the complete layer LA occupy an area which approximately corresponds to a carrying and receiving area of the base plate 1.2, in particular a pallet. A sub-layer TLA accordingly occupies a portion of this area. The number of packaging 2 in a complete layer LA is fixed for each type of packaging and depends, among other things, on the order of the layers and on the carrying and receiving surface of the base plate 1.2. The number of packaging 2 in a partial layer TLA is variable and depends on the size of the partial layer TLA.

In the following, the multi-part, adjustable frame 10 with reference to the 1 until 3c described in more detail. The in the 1 and 2 Frame 10 shown as an example with a recorded partial layer TLA of beverage cans 2 is shown in FIGS 3a and 3b also in an empty state, ie without picked up partial layer TLA from packaging 2, in a perspective view ( 3a) or in plan view ( 3b) shown. 3c shows a sectional view of a section along the in 3b indicated section line BB and an enlarged partial section X thereof.

The multi-part, adjustable frame 10 has a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12 arranged opposite the first side wall 11 . The two side walls 11, 12, which can also be referred to as longitudinal members here, extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis LA of the rectangular frame 10 and are oriented essentially parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The essentially strip-shaped side walls 11, 12 have approximately the shape of a flat cuboid, which is formed with a narrow underside and an opposite narrow upper side and with an inner side surface facing a frame interior 21 and an outer side surface opposite this.

Arranged transversely to the side walls 11, 12, in particular oriented essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis LA, the frame 10 has a front wall 13 with opposite ends 13.1, 13.2, namely with a first and a second end 13.1, 13.2. The front wall 13 is detachably connected to a front section of the first side wall 11 via its first end 13.1 and to a front section of the second side wall 12 via its second end 13.2.

The frame 10 also has a rear wall 15 opposite the front wall 13 and oriented essentially parallel to it of the opposite ends 15.1, 15.2, namely with a first and a second end 15.1, 15.2. The rear wall 15 is detachably connected to the side walls 11, 12 and is detachably connected to a rear section of the first side wall 11 via its first end 15.1 and to a rear section of the second side wall 12 via its second end 15.2.

In the example shown, the side walls 11, 12 and the front and rear walls 13, 15 form the four sides of an essentially closed rectangle adjoining one another at right angles and enclose the frame interior 21 laterally or run around it. The frame 10 has a length L and a width b, which are in particular so large that the surface area of the area enclosed by the frame 10 corresponds approximately to the area covered by the packaging 2 of a complete layer formed in the system 100 described above Occupy LA from packaging 2. This means that the area enclosed by the frame 10 corresponds approximately to a carrying and receiving area of the base plate 1.2, in particular a pallet, of the transport and storage unit 1. The frame 10 has a height h, which is approximately the height of the packaging 2 , in this example beverage cans.

In the example shown, the front and rear walls 13, 15 of the frame 10 are each equipped with a horizontally aligned cover section 13a, 15a, which protrudes essentially perpendicularly from the upstanding wall section on a respective upper side of the front and rear walls 13, 15 extends in a horizontal plane. The horizontally aligned cover sections 13a, 15a each point in the direction of the interior space 21 of the frame. In particular, the cover section 13a of the front wall 13 forms a partial cover for the packaging 2 of the received partial layer TLA, namely a partial cover for the packaging 2 immediately adjacent to the front wall 13. The cover section 13a can therefore also be understood as a cover strip or retaining strip or as a cover frame section become.

In the example shown, the front and rear walls 13, 15 of the frame 10 are also each equipped with a likewise approximately horizontally aligned base section 13b, 15b, which protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the respective upstanding wall section on a respective underside of the front and rear walls 13, 15 , each in a direction away from the frame interior 21. The bottom portions 13b, 15b extend in an approximately horizontal plane. The floor sections 13b, 15b can also be understood as base sections, floor strips or as support sections.

The frame 10 further comprises a partition 14 inserted between the side walls 11, 12 and detachably connected to the side walls 11, 12, which extends transversely to the side walls 11, 12 and is oriented substantially parallel to the front and rear walls 13, 15. The partition wall 14 can be variably positioned between the side walls 11, 12 and is in the example shown 1 until 3c exemplarily arranged at a middle position PM, which is approximately in the middle between the front and rear walls 13, 15.

The position for inserting the partition 14 is variable and can be selected as required, in particular depending on the size of the partial layer TLA of packaging means 2 to be received or received and secured, i.e. depending on the number of individual packaging means 2 arranged in a partial layer TLA are.

The partition wall 14 used is positioned and arranged in such a way that it adjoins the packaging means 2 of a partial layer TLA, which is accommodated in a front area of the frame 10 facing the front wall 13 . The partition wall 14 that is used preferably adjoins the packaging means 2 of the partial layer TLA directly, in particular in a manner that touches the packaging means 2 of the partial layer TLA. The partial layer TLA corresponds to the example 1 in about half a layer LA and the partition wall 14 arranged in the middle position PM therefore directly adjoins the packaging means 2 of the partial layer TLA.

The corresponding positioning of the partition wall 14 leads to a closure or delimitation or to a stable and firm lateral or laterally circumferential delimitation of a compartment 22 of the frame interior 21, in which the packaging 2 of the partial layer TLA is accommodated and finally stabilized with the aid of the partition wall 14 and are thus kept in their position and secured against falling over. The size of the compartment 22 can be selected and adjusted depending on the size or the areal extent of the partial layer TLA.

For variable positioning and insertion of the partition 14, the side walls 11, 12 have a plurality of insertion positions 16 for receiving the partition 14, the partition 14 being insertable and releasably connected to the side walls 11, 12 at any of the insertion positions 16. The large number of insertion positions 16 defines a predetermined grid in which the partition wall 14 can be freely positioned. The grid, namely the distribution of the individual insertion positions 16 in the side walls 11, 12, namely their Ver Division along the longitudinal axis LA, is selected such that the distance between the insertion positions 16 to one another is less than or equal to a packaging width or a packaging diameter of the packaging 2 grouped in the partial layer TLA and thus less than or equal to a width of a packaging row R1, R2-Rn of the partial layer TLA is.

This has the advantage that, regardless of the size of the sub-layer TLA, i.e. regardless of the number of rows of packaging R1, R2-Rn in the sub-layer TLA, the partition 14 in one of the packaging 2 of the last row of packaging is immediately after the last row of packaging Rn Rn can be inserted in a touching manner, whereby the inserted partition wall 14 provides a stable and firm boundary. The separated, delimited compartment 22 extends over exactly the area of the frame interior 21 that the partial layer TLA occupies.

With a like in 1 The grouping or arrangement of layers of the partial layer TLA shown, in which the packaging means 2 have a round cross-section and in which the individual rows of packaging means R1, R2-Rn are offset from one another, namely arranged "honeycomb" or indented "with a gap" to one another, corresponds to one Width of several adjacent rows of packaging R1, R2-Rn not a whole multiple of the packaging diameter. The mutual distance between the insertion positions 16 in the side walls 11, 12 is therefore particularly advantageously smaller than the width of an individual row of packaging means R1, R2-Rn or than the diameter of the packaging means. This ensures that the partition 14 can be inserted between the side walls 11, 12 immediately after the last row of packaging Rn, regardless of the size of the partial layer TLA, and optimally secures the packaging 2 of the partial layer TLA. Very particularly preferably, the distance between the insertion positions 16 can be approximately in a range of 90% to 95% of the packaging diameter of the packaging 2 grouped in the partial layer TLA.

The insertion positions 16 are formed, for example, by a multiplicity of receiving means 17, 18, which are provided on the respective insides of the side walls 11, 12 facing the frame interior 21. In the example shown in the figures, the receiving means 17, 18 are embodied as slot-like receiving openings or insertion slots which are regularly distributed along the side walls 11, 12. Two receiving openings 17 , 18 located directly opposite one another in relation to the longitudinal axis LA of the frame 10 cooperate in pairs to hold the partition wall 14 .

For holding attachment by means of the receiving openings 17, 18, the partition wall 14 is in turn equipped with connecting sections 19.1, 19.2, which correspond to the receiving openings 17, 18 and are designed for holding in the receiving openings 17, 18.

Regarding 4 the detachable connection between the side walls 11, 12 and the partition wall 14 is described in more detail. The 4 shows enlarged sections of the 1 , namely a cutout in the area of the connection between partition wall 14 and first side wall 11 (part A of 4 ) and a cutout in the area of the connection between partition wall 14 and second side wall 12 (part B of 4 ). The slot-like receiving openings 17, 18 or insertion slots in the side walls 11, 12 are essentially designed as receiving openings 17, 18 with an angled, in particular L-shaped cross section. In the example shown, the portions of the receiving openings 17, 18 remote from the respective mouths on the inside of the side walls 11, 12 extend essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA of the frame 10, and point in opposite directions with respect to the front wall 13, ie the sections of the receiving openings 17 that extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA of the frame 10 point away from the front wall 13 and those sections of the receiving openings 18 point toward the front wall 13 .

The partition wall 14 is equipped at its two opposite ends 14.1, 14.2 with the respective connecting sections 19.1, 19.2, which interact with the receiving openings 17, 18 and are designed in the present case in the form of plug-in sections, which can be easily inserted into the receiving openings 17, 18 or insertion slots can be inserted. The connecting sections 19.1, 19.2 are also designed as angled, in particular L-shaped plug-in sections, with the respective ends of the connecting sections 19.1, 19.2 angling in opposite directions. In the example shown, the partition wall 14 can therefore be inserted into the receiving openings 17, 18 in two possible orientations, namely in such a way that the connecting section 19.1 - and vice versa also the connecting section 19.2 - either into the receiving opening 17 of the first side wall 11 or into the receiving opening 18 the second side wall 12 engages.

Like the front and rear walls 13, 15, the partition wall 14 also has a horizontally aligned cover section 14a on its upper side and an approximately horizontally aligned bottom section 14b on its underside, the cover and bottom portions 14a, 14b each project perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly from the upstanding wall portion and extend in a horizontal or approximately horizontal plane. The partition 14 is inserted into the frame 10 such that the top portion 14a faces the partitioned compartment 22 and the bottom portion 14b faces away from the partitioned compartment. The cover section 14a of the dividing wall 14 forms a partial covering for the packaging 2 of the partial layer TLA, namely a partial covering for the packaging 2 of the last row of packaging means Rn of the partial layer TLA directly adjoining the dividing wall 14 .

In the example shown in the figures, all the individual parts of the frame 10, namely the side walls 11, 12, the front and rear walls 13, 15 and the partition wall 14 are detachably connected to one another. If necessary, the frame 10 can therefore be quickly and easily assembled from the individual parts, in particular plugged together, and then disassembled into its individual parts after use for safekeeping and storage for further use or for reuse. The frame 10 can thus be stored in a space-saving manner and assembled as often as desired. In this embodiment variant, the multi-part, adjustable frame 10 can also be understood as a kit for a multi-part, adjustable frame 10 .

In the special case, the front wall 13, the rear wall 15 and the partition wall 14 are formed by the same or identical components, namely by transverse wall components or transverse walls, all of which, as described above specifically for the partition wall 14, are equipped with connecting sections, in particular plug-in sections , which engage in the receiving openings 17, 18 of the side walls 11, 12 correspondingly.

The side walls 11, 12 are also preferably formed by the same components, namely by longitudinal wall components or longitudinal walls which are oriented towards one another in such a way that their inner side surfaces face one another. Essentially, the side walls 11, 12 are arranged mirrored to one another, in particular by point mirroring, and can therefore be understood as point-symmetrical to one another.

The transverse wall components can be connected to the side walls 11, 12 in the manner described above by simply plugging them together. The respective outermost receiving openings 17', 18' arranged in the front and rear end area of each side wall 11, 12 serve to receive the transverse wall components forming the front and rear walls 13, 15 and thus define a front wall position and a rear wall position.

In this described embodiment, the distance between the outermost receiving openings 17', 18' and the respective adjacent receiving openings 17, 18 is greater than the distance between the respective inner receiving openings 17, 18. This is equivalent to the fact that the distance between the respective insertion positions 16 for the partition wall 14 is less than the distance between the front wall position and the insertion position 16 adjoining it in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA or between the rear wall position and the insertion position 16 adjoining it in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In particular, the distance between the front wall or Rear wall position and the subsequent insertion position 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA approximately the packaging diameter of the packaging 2 put together in the partial layer TLA.

With reference to the 5a until 5c the use of the multi-part, adjustable frame 10 when assembling layers LA or partial layers TLA from packaging 2 and when forming transport and storage units 1, for example in a corresponding system 100 (cf. 6 ) explained in more detail. For example, when a production plant runs empty, e.g. due to a change in production, only imprecisely foreseeable residual quantities of packaging material 2 arise, which in any case can no longer form a complete layer LA, but only a partial layer TLA, whose further processing in the plant 100 is only possible with difficulty is. The present frame 10 is now used here in order to enable or facilitate the further processing of the partial layer TLA, in particular its integration into a transport and storage unit 1 .

First, an open partial frame 20 formed by the side walls 11, 12 and the front wall 13 connected thereto is placed by hand on the grouping table of the corresponding station 101 (grouping station). This open sub-frame 20 already defines the frame interior 21. The rear wall 15 and the partition wall 14 are still unconnected and separate from the open sub-frame 20 at this stage, as in FIG 5a is shown. The open partial frame 20 is oriented on the grouping table in such a way that the front wall 13 is opposite a feed end or infeed end of the grouping station 101, at which the packaging means 2 are fed to the grouping station 101 by means of a feed device provided. The located on the grouping table, namely resting on the grouping table surface open partial frame 20 thus offers an inlet opening or inlet opening for the inlet of the packaging 2, so that the Partial frame 20 can be filled with the remaining quantity to be grouped and provided for the partial layer TLA packaging 2.

The partial frame 20 placed on the grouping table and placed there in the intended required manner is held in position during the packaging infeed, i.e. during its "filling" by a stop element which is provided in station 101 of the system 100 anyway as a packaging material stop and interacts with the grouping table . After the remaining amount of packaging material 2 has been introduced into the partial frame 20, the operator inserts the rear wall 15 and--in the appropriate position adapted to the size of the partial layer TLA formed--also the partition wall 14. The frame 10 is thus completed and now encompasses the received partial layer TLA, which can also be referred to as the incomplete layer LA, which is accommodated in the compartment 22 delimited by the partition wall 14 . In 5b the finished frame 10 is shown, but without the recorded partial layer TLA.

The frame 10 secures the partial layer TLA with the partition 14 positioned as required and prevents individual packaging materials 2 from falling over, so that the remaining quantity of packaging materials can also be safely processed further as a partial layer TLA and can be integrated into a transport and storage unit 1, in particular can be palletized . For this purpose, the partial layer TLA accommodated in the frame 10 is placed together with the frame 10 by means of the transfer unit of the layer transfer and layer stacking station 102 while maintaining the respective layer order to form the transport and storage unit 1 onto the base plate 1.2 provided in the layer stacker 102 (preferably a pallet ) or pushed onto a complete layer LA already deposited there or onto a stack of layers LA already formed. The present multi-part, adjustable frame 10 can therefore also be understood as a push-off frame or push-over frame for safely pushing off or pushing over packaging materials 2 assembled in at least one partial layer TLA. The present frame 10 can also be understood as a safety frame for the transfer and/or for the transport and/or for the storage of partial layers TLA.

Due to the present frame 10, a partial layer TLA made of packaging materials 2 is also held sufficiently securely and stably in its layered arrangement, so that the partial layer TLA can be moved safely from station to station, in particular within the system 100 for the formation of transport and storage units 1 a transport and storage unit 1 comprising or carrying the partial layer TLA can be formed. Preferably, even after the transport and storage unit 1 has been formed, the partial layer TLA remains in the transport and storage unit 1 together with the frame 10, i.e. the frame 10 is therefore a component of the assembled transport and storage unit 1.

Depending on the position of the partition wall 14, i.e. depending on the size of the partial layer TLA, and also depending on how the push-off and/or transfer elements of the grouping station 101 or the layer transfer and layer stacking station 102 are designed in the system 100, for example also be dispensed with the insertion of the rear wall 15. In particular, when the partition wall 14 is positioned at an insertion position 16 in a rear region facing away from the front wall 13 or in a rear half of the frame 10, the frame 10 is stable enough even without a rear wall 15 to securely hold the partial layer TLA. In 5c Such a frame 10 without a rear wall 15 is shown. With appropriately designed push-off and/or transfer elements of the grouping station 101 or the layer transfer and layer stacking station 102 of the system 100, namely if these can also act on the front side of the two side walls 11, 12, for example, a frame 10 without a rear wall 15 can also be used correct and safe pushing off or pushing over.

In addition to stabilizing and securing the packaging 2 and maintaining or securing the layer order, the frame 10 also offers a sufficiently stable and secure support or support surface or a support edge, for example to provide a required or desired cover or a cover frame on the partial layer TLA to hang up The frame 10 thus enables a cover or a cover frame to be placed stably without running the risk of this cover or the cover frame slipping off, regardless of the number of packaging materials 2 in the partial layer TLA. Finally, without a frame 10, the secure support of a cover or a cover frame would only be possible from a certain minimum number of packaging materials 2 in the partial layer TLA.

With the present frame 10, a partial layer TLA arranged in the transport and storage unit 1 can also be used very particularly advantageously as a support for a further layer LA or partial layer TLA in a stack of layers or partial layers TLA, provided that the transport and Storage unit 1, in particular when the layers LA or partial layers TLA are stacked on top of one another, a rigid plate is used to accommodate the layers LA or partial layers TLA. Such a plate for the transport and storage unit 1 for receiving at least one layer LA or partial layer TLA of packaging means 2 and/or packaging means groups comprises, for example, a plate-shaped base body with an upper side and an underside opposite the upper side, the base body being dimensionally stable and having at least one planar upper side. A retaining element is preferably provided at least partially around the underside of the base body. Due to the dimensionally stable design and the even and planar upper side of the plate, it is possible to remove the layers LA or partial layers TLA formed on the grouping table of the grouping station 101 from packaging materials 2 filled with beverages while maintaining the layer order from the grouping table by simply sliding them onto the plate to transport.

Due to the frame 10 accommodating the partial layer TLA, this partial layer TLA can also serve as a support for further layers LA or partial layers TLA to be stacked or piled up if at least the further layers LA or partial layers TLA to be stacked or piled up are accommodated by the rigid plate.

The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without departing from the protective scope of the invention, which is defined by the patent claims.

Reference List

1

transport and storage unit

1.2

base plate

2

packaging

10

multi-part, adjustable frame

11

first side wall

12

second side wall

13

front wall

13.1, 13.2

ends of the front wall

13a

deck section

13b

bottom section

14

partition wall

14.1, 14.2

ends of the front wall

14a

deck section

14b

bottom section

15

back panel

15.1, 15.2

ends of the back wall

15a

deck section

15b

bottom section

16

insertion positions

17, 17`

means of recording

18, 18`

means of recording

19.1, 19.2

connecting sections

20

open partial frame

21

frame interior

22

compartment

100

Attachment

101

Station for arranging and/or grouping packaging materials

102

Layer transfer and layer stacking station

b

Width

H

Height

HA

main axis

L

length

L.A

Position

p.m

center position

R1, R2-Rn

packaging rows

TLA

partial layer

Claims (18)

Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) for a transport and storage unit (1) for securely receiving at least one partial layer (TLA) of packaging means (2) and/or packaging means groups, having at least a first side wall (11) and one of the first side walls ( 11) oppositely arranged second side wall (12) as well as at least one front wall (13) arranged transversely to the side walls (11, 12) with opposite ends (13.1, 13.2), the front wall (13) having its ends (13.1, 13.2) connected to the first and to the second side wall (11, 12) and wherein the side walls (11, 12) and the front wall (13) form an open partial frame (20) which defines a frame interior (21), further comprising at least one partition wall (14) which can be inserted between the side walls (11, 12) of the open partial frame (20) and can be connected to the side walls (11, 12), the partition wall (14) being variably positionable between the side walls (11, 12) and with the partition (14) in an inserted state connected to the side walls (11, 12) extends transversely to the side walls (11, 12) and at least one compartment (22) of the frame interior (21) defined by the open partial frame (20) in such a way delimited in that the partial layer (TLA) made up of packaging materials (2) and/or packaging material groups can be securely accommodated in the compartment (22). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 1 , characterized by a rear wall (15) with opposite ends (15.1, 15.2), the rear wall (15) being connectable via its ends (15.1, 15.2) to the first and to the second side wall (11, 12) and being the rear wall (15), in a state connected to the side walls (11, 12), extends transversely to the side walls (11, 12) and parallel or substantially parallel to the front wall (13), in such a way that the partition wall (14) used is arranged between the front wall (13) and the inserted rear wall (15), the rear wall (15) preferably closing the partial frame (20) in a state connected to the side walls (11, 12) in such a way that the rear wall (15), the side walls (11, 12) and the front wall (13) completely enclose the frame interior (21) laterally. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the side walls (11, 12) have a large number of insertion positions (16) for receiving the partition wall (14), the partition wall (14) being variably insertable at the respective insertion positions (16) and having the side walls (11, 12) is connectable. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 3 , characterized in that the plurality of insertion positions (16) of the side walls (11, 12) define a predetermined grid, the partition (14) being freely positionable and insertable in the predetermined grid. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the insertion positions (16) are distributed along the side walls (11, 12) in such a way that a predetermined distance is formed between adjacent insertion positions (16), the distance between adjacent insertion positions (16) being equal to or im Is essentially equal to a packaging diameter of the packaging (2) to be accommodated in the frame (10) or that the distance between the adjacent insertion positions (16) is smaller than the packaging diameter of the packaging (2) to be accommodated in the frame (10). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partition (14) can be detachably connected to the side walls (11, 12) and/or that the front wall (13) and the side walls (11, 12) are detachably connected. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of claims 2 until 5 , characterized in that the rear wall (15) can be detachably connected to the side walls (11, 12). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (11, 12), at least on their respective inner side facing the frame interior (21), are provided with a plurality of receiving means (17, 18) for receiving the partition wall (14), wherein the receiving means (17, 18) are preferably distributed regularly along the side walls (11, 12). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 8 , characterized in that each receiving means (17) of the first side wall (11) is assigned a receiving means (18) of the second side wall (12) which is directly opposite in relation to a longitudinal axis (LA) of the frame (10), the respective associated and opposing receiving means (17, 18) cooperate in pairs to hold the partition (14). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to claim 9 , characterized in that the receiving means (17, 18) are designed as slot-shaped receiving openings, in particular insertion slots, and in that the partition (14) is equipped on both sides with corresponding connecting sections (19.1, 19.2), in particular plug-in sections. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame has a height (h) which is at least equal or essentially equal to a predetermined packaging height of the packaging (2) to be accommodated in the frame (10) and/or or packaging groups. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (13) and/or the partition wall (14) and/or the rear wall (15) has an angled cover section (13a, 14a, 15a). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (13) and/or the partition wall (14) and/or the rear wall (15) has an angled bottom section (13b, 14b, 15b). Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (13), the rear wall (15) and the partition wall (14) are of identical construction are designed to each other and form identical transverse wall components. Multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second side wall (11, 12) are constructed identically to one another and form identical longitudinal wall components. Transport and storage unit (1), comprising at least one base plate (1.2) for receiving layers (LA) and/or part layers (TLA) of packaging means (2) and/or groups of packaging means, further having at least one part layer (TLA) of packaging means ( 2) and/or groups of packaging materials and a multi-part, adjustable frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the partial layer (TLA) of packaging materials (2) and/or groups of packaging materials is received and secured. Transport and storage unit (1) after Claim 16 , characterized in that the transport and storage unit (1) also has at least one layer (LA) of packaging materials (2) and/or packaging material groups or several layers (LA) of packaging materials (2) and/or packaging material groups arranged one above the other in a stack , the layer (LA) or the stack of layers (LA) resting on the base plate (1.2) and the partial layer (TLA) received and secured in the multi-part, adjustable frame (10) on the layer (LA) or the stack of layers (LA) is arranged. Method for shifting a partial layer (TLA) from packaging (2) and/or groups of packaging materials to form a transport and storage unit (1), in which in a system (100) for assembling layers (LA) or partial layers (TLA) from packaging (2) and/or groups of packaging materials and to form transport and storage units (1), initially on a grouping table of a station (101) for arranging and/or grouping the packaging materials (2) and/or groups of packaging materials, an open partial frame (20) comprising a first and a second side wall (11, 12) and a front wall (13) connected to the side walls (11, 12) are placed and positioned, with the packaging (2) and/or packaging material groups then being fed to the grouping table and thereby being placed in a frame interior ( 21) of the open partial frame (20) and grouped there in an area adjoining the front wall (13) to form a partial layer (TLA), with a dividing wall (14) being suitably positioned such that the dividing wall (14) Compartment (22) of the frame interior (21) defined by the open partial frame (20) behind the partial layer (TLA) is delimited in such a way that the packaging (2) and/or packaging material groups of the partial layer (TLA) accommodated in the compartment (22) are secured are formed from the sub-frame (20) and the partition (14) a multi-part, adjustable frame (10) and wherein the in the frame (10) accommodated, secured partial layer (TLA) by means of a layer transfer and layer stacking station (102) is pushed over to form the transport and storage unit (1) onto a base plate (1.2) or a layer (LA) already placed thereon or a stack of layers (LA) already formed.

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