DE60105371T2 - Collapsible pallet container - Google Patents

Abstract

The palletized crate has tubular uprights (3) which fold down on to the base and mesh walls (4') which fold down with them. Each upright has a locking pin (5) attached to a slide (6) mounted inside it. This cooperates with a locking plate (7) attached to the base (2). A latch (8) mounted on the wall moves the slide and releases the pin from the plate.

Description

The The present invention relates to the field of storage and handling of pieces or quantities, especially in bulk, and has a collapsible pallet container to the task.

Currently there are already various containers of the Type with a base plate, preferably in pallet form, tubular struts, which are arranged at the corners of the base plate and at the connection level with the latter hinged to collapse, and at least two opposite Sidewalls, each extending between two of the struts and in parts or in one piece can be folded by folding on the base plate.

by name from document FR-A-2 732 668 an improved container is known, in particular lower edges of the walls with reinforced structure the latter, by means of a joint with increased strength connected to the adjacent struts.

Furthermore include these known containers in height each strut in raised vertical position perpendicular to the Base plate a locking device when lifting the struts automatically engages and by an explicit and arbitrary action must be unlocked, z. B. by lifting the integral walls of the Striving to allow them to be folded.

In spite of a very big one Security for the operator nevertheless requires the unlocking of the struts a not negligible Effort on the part of the latter as well as their positioning in a suitable position to carry out this lifting, from which a loss of energy and a specification related to the ergonomic Organization of the workplace results.

on the other hand is in the container known from the aforementioned document, the locking / locking mechanism in the raised position completely visible, noticeable.

The Object of the present invention is in the aforementioned Context a solution for the Locking / locking of the struts in a raised position, which the benefits related to the security in particular the Having the device disclosed by the aforementioned document, without including their disadvantages.

To For this purpose, the object of the present invention is a container of Type with a base plate, preferably in pallet form, tubular struts, which are arranged at the corners of the base plate and at the connection level with the latter hinged to collapse, and at least two opposite Sidewalls, each extending between two of the struts and in parts or in one piece can be folded by folding on the base plate, thereby characterized in that at least one of the struts and preferably each strut at least one with respect to the strut laterally projecting locking means includes, in one piece is with a slidably mounted in the strut body and is provided, for example, weighted with a one-piece with the base plate connected to the closing cap part engaged go to lock the strut in an upright position, and that at least one of the two walls and preferably both of them at least one acting on the slider Means / have, in order to partially or completely fold over the corresponding wall to bring about a displacement of what the disengagement of the locking means from the closing cap part brought about.

The Invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, as not restrictive Example given and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings explained becomes, whereby:

1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lattice wall box type (bottomless) in accordance with the invention;

2 a detail perspective view of a container according to the invention, showing a strut and an adjacent wall in the locked state in a raised or upright position and the locking / locking mechanism of the strut in the upright position in the locked state;

3 a similar view as in 2 is, with the wall folded or folded and the mechanism is unlocked;

4 a similar view as in 2 and 3 is, with the strut after unlocking the in 3 folded locking mechanism shown folded or folded;

5A and 5B Top views of each in 2 and 3 represented zone of the strut are;

6A and 6B Side sectional views along AA or BB in the views 5A and 5B are illustrated items;

7 a front view of a bolt / slide Body unit is the part of in 6A and 6B illustrated locking / locking mechanism according to the invention; and

8th is a side view of a strut, which is part of a container according to the invention.

1 to 6 The attached drawings show a container 1 of the type with a base plate 2 , preferably in pallet form, tubular struts 3 at the corners of the base plate 2 arranged and pivoted at the connection plane with the latter for folding, and at least two opposite side walls 4 ' , each one between two of the struts 3 extend and in parts or in one piece by folding on the base plate 2 are collapsible.

In accordance with the invention, at least one of the struts comprises 3 and preferably each strut 3 at least one with regard to the strut 3 laterally projecting locking means 5 that is integral with one in the strut 3 slidably mounted body 6 is and is provided, for example, weighted with a one-piece with the base plate 2 connected closing cap part 7 to engage the strut 3 to lock in an upright position. In addition, at least one of the at least two walls 4 ' and preferably both at least one on the slider 6 acting agent 8th on, in order to partially or completely fold down the corresponding wall 4 ' a displacement of the same cause, what the disengagement of the locking means 5 from the cap part 7 causes.

The locking / locking mechanism of each strut 3 is thus formed of three parts or cooperating components, namely one in the considered strut 3 assembled unit from bolt 5 / Sliding body 6 , a fixed lock cap part 7 and an actuator 8th intended to act on the aforesaid unit with regard to its displacement, in order to engage it with / disengage from the part 7 bring about.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the container is 1 generally parallelepiped-shaped and includes four hinged walls 4 . 4 ' , which is equal to the four sides of the base plate 2 so extend each one between two struts 3 arranged and connected, with two opposite walls 4 with the adjacent struts 3 and the other two opposite walls 4 ' are collapsible, with means 8th which are on corresponding sliding body 6 interact and independent of the pursuit 3 to the support surface 2 ' the base plate 2 Folding out the bottom of the container 1 forms.

In the context of the present invention, the terms "raised" or "upright" in connection with the walls 4 . 4 ' or the pursuit 3 an arrangement according to an exactly vertical direction to the plane of the base plate 2 (vertical position when the container 1 standing on the ground), while the terms "collapsed" or "folded down" their positioning in a plane exactly parallel to the plane of the base plate 2 indicate, depending on their rank, in the order of folding the various walls 4 . 4 ' may rest directly on this.

According to a feature of the invention, the two are independently collapsible opposing walls 4 ' , each on its opposite side edges a means 8th have that on the slider 6 an adjacent strut 3 each with the help of connecting and locking bars 9 in the raised position laterally in a pull-out manner on the two adjacent side struts 3 mounted and in a pivotable manner at the level of its lower edge 4 ' with the end edges 3 ' the two on either side of each of the opposite walls 4 ' located struts 3 hinged.

The mobile assembly and the articulation of the walls 4 ' with the two struts 3 , each adjacent to it, z. B. be realized in a way as it 1 and 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, similar to that described and illustrated in the aforementioned document FR-A-2 732 668.

What the walls 4 Thus, they may move in an immovable or movable manner (eg also by means of bars) on the adjacent side struts 3 be attached.

According to a in 2 to 6 In the accompanying drawings, the invention features the pivot joint between the lower edge 4 ' the opposite, independently hinged walls 4 ' and the respective two adjacent struts 3 with the help of pins or bar sections 10 running on the wall in question 4 are shaped or the frame 4 ''' extend the same, and in openings 11 extend into the amount of the end edges 3 ' the aspiration 3 and are provided in their inner cavities, wherein at least the inside of the struts 3 extending parts 10 ' the tenon or rod sections 10 at a further distance from the support surface 2 ' the base plate 2 lie when the corresponding wall 4 ' to the support surface 2 ' folded down as if it is in exactly vertical upright position to the base plate 2 is, these being the means 8th forming parts 10 ' on the slider 6 act.

Of course, the distance difference is sufficient, on the one hand in the upright position of the corresponding wall 4 ' a complete and safe engagement of the bolt 5 in the opening or the cutout of the intended for receiving the latch closing cap part 7 to allow ( 2 . 5A and 6A ) and on the other hand in the folded-down position of the wall 4 ' a complete disengagement of the bolt 5 from the opening or cutout ( 3 . 5B and 6B ).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which consist of the pins or rod sections 10 receiving openings 11 from elongated cutouts that are at the level of the edges of the end edges 3 ' the aspiration 3 are provided and whose longitudinal axes exactly with those of the corresponding struts 3 coincide, and the pins or rod sections 10 have end parts 10 " which are preferably angled at approximately 90 ° in one direction so as to be at least 45 °, preferably approximately 90 °, to the longitudinal axis of the elongate cutout 11 the corresponding strut 3 are inclined when the wall in question 4 ' is upright.

The angled parts 10 " thus engage with the inside of the wall of the struts 3 that are around the openings 11 extend around, possibly open or at the level of the lower edges of the struts 3 are pulled down.

The relocation of the parts 10 ' the pin 10 can, for example, solely from the change in the storage of the angled end parts 10 " on the frame of the base plate 2 by rotation through 90 ° of the pin or rod sections 10 when folding the corresponding wall 4 ' result (lying support in 2 . 5A and 6A and storage on the free end of the angled part 10 ' in 3 . 5B and 6B ).

However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and as in 2 to 6 The attached drawings show the pins or bar sections 10 on the bottom edge 4 ' the wall in question 4 ' or their frame 4 ''' put on or by reshaping with lateral displacement of an extension of the lower edge 4 ' of the frame 4 ''' the wall in question 4 ' forming rod are formed, with respect to the plane of the wall in question 4 ' moved to the outside, when this is in an upright position.

In accordance with another embodiment or according to an additional feature of the above variant, the frame 4 ''' at the level of its lower edge an attached to the inside of the edge feeder rail or rod 4 "" include.

The arrangements provided by the various embodiments mentioned above all have the effect of producing a displacement movement on the height of the slider 6 to the goal if a corresponding adjacent wall 4 ' by lifting the part 10 ' or the entirety of the lower edge of the considered wall 4 ' to the strut 3 is folded down, the body 6 which includes itself on the part 10 ' the tenon or rod sections 10 is stored.

As well as in 2 to 4 the accompanying drawings and in accordance with a. advantageous embodiment of the invention, each fixed closing cap part 7 a U-shaped cross section, which is vertical to the base plate 2 away, where it partially the end edge 3 ' a strut 3 encloses and the stability of the corresponding strut 3 in a vertically aligned position between the walls 7 ' . 7 " guaranteed according to the bridge and the two legs of the U and a folding by folding down the strut 3 through the opening between the walls corresponding to the legs of the U. 7 ' therethrough, the pivot axis 3 ' the aspiration 3 with the base plate 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the struts 3 is displaced from the collapsing or folding side thereof.

According to a first embodiment, each closing cap part comprises 7 with a U-shaped cross-section at the level of its upper edge 7 ''' at least one wall 7 ' corresponding to one of the legs of the U, a section 12 in the form of a recess for receiving with locking a locking means 5 if the corresponding strut 3 is in an upright position, with the top edge 7 ''' in addition, before the cutting 12 and from the front of the wall in question 7 ' away a beveled section 7 "" which is designed to hold the latch 5 to the appropriate recording cavity 12 deflects it by setting it up the relevant strut 3 at least gradually to the top 7 ''' leads.

The starting point of the beveled section 7 "" at the level of the leading edge of the leg concerned 7 ' is advantageously located on or under the arc, by the bolt 5 in the low position when erecting the corresponding strut 3 is described.

The shape of the depression or the neckline 12 or at least the deepest part of it is at the cross section of the bar 5 adapted (quadra table, rectangular, round, ...).

According to a second, not shown in the accompanying drawings embodiment, each locking means 5 from a forked anchor hook, with the wall 7 " of the closure cap part 7 corresponding to the U-web engages, wherein the upper edge of the wall may at least locally have a transversely inclined to the cutting surface top, which is the engagement of the hook 5 on the wall 7 " promotes through leadership.

As exemplified in 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, each slider has 6 at least in the amount of two spaced cross-sectional planes on an outer contour, which is exactly identical to the inner contour of the cross section of the struts 3 is, with a game that the free sliding of the body 6 permitted and in the erected state of the strut 3 in which he is recorded, on the part 10 ' of the pin or rod section 10 resting, which is inside the strut 3 extends, wherein the displacement of the slider 6 is limited by an upper and a lower stop, for example by the opposite ends of a slot 13 are formed in the corresponding strut 3 is provided and the passage and the displacement guide of the corresponding locking means 5 ensured, this preferably in a mobile manner on the slider 6 is fixed, indicating the assembly and disassembly of the unit from bolt 5 / Body 6 favored by joining and disassembling the two components.

Otherwise the sliding bodies exist 6 Advantageously, from mass parts, such as moldings, and can in the direction of the end edges 3 ' the corresponding struts 3 be charged under the action of spring forces beneficial z. B. are generated by a prestressed compression spring, which the slider 6 pushes down and ensuring an effective, reliable locking and secure locking the latch 5 in the depression 12 even in the case of blocking the passage of the end edge 3 ' the strut 3 (eg, by ice, dust, soil, etc.), but without this being obligatory, especially in the case of a body 6 with increased mass.

Folding the walls 4 . 4 ' and the pursuit 3 of the container 1 takes place, therefore, in that first the walls 4 ' the aspiration 3 be separated (retracting the bolt 9 ), then these shared opposite walls 4 ' on the bottom of the base plate 2 be folded over each other (with simultaneous disengagement of the bolt 5 from the wells 12 by vertical displacement) and finally the opposite walls 4 along with the struts 3 on the walls 4 ' be worked out.

The erection of the walls 4 . 4 ' and the pursuit 3 the container is carried out by performing the above operations in reverse order, namely erection of the walls 4 along with the struts 3 , Erecting the walls 4 ' and finally connecting the walls 4 ' with the adjacent struts 3 by means of bars 9 It should be noted that the erection of the walls 4 ' the locking of the bolt 5 in the lock cap parts 7 causes.

To the vertical positional stability after unlocking (disengaging the bolt 5 from the depression 12 ), is the pivot axis 3 ' when panning each strut 3 preferably with respect to a longitudinal axis of the strut 3 to the interior of the container 1 with respect to the plane of the adjacent wall 4 moved, z. B. at the level of a lateral extension 3 ''' the end edge 3 ' the strut 3 ( 2 to 5 and 8th ).

The Main advantages of the invention with regard to the container of Document FR-A-2 732 668 is that the unlocking of Locking mechanism or the locking device of the struts in vertical position automatically done (as well as the lock) and that most Components of the mechanism are not visible, therefore protected and not are bulky.

Of course it is the invention not to the described and in the accompanying drawings illustrated embodiment limited. Modifications are still possible especially from the point of view of the nature of the various Elements or by exchange for equivalent techniques, without while leaving the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

Containers of the type having a base plate, preferably in pallet form, tubular struts disposed at the corners of the base plate and hinged to the connecting plane with the latter for folding, and at least two opposed side walls each extending between two of the struts and in parts or in one piece by folding over the base plate are collapsible, characterized in that at least one of the struts ( 3 ) and preferably each strut ( 3 ) at least one with regard to the strut ( 3 ) laterally projecting locking means ( 5 ) integral with one in the strut ( 3 ) slidably mounted body ( 6 ) is and is provided, for example, weighted with a one-piece with the base plate ( 2 ) associated closing cap part ( 7 ) to engage the strut ( 3 ) in an upright position, and that at least one of the two walls ( 4 ' ) and preferably both at least one on the slider ( 6 ) acting agent ( 8th ) in order, in the case of partial or complete folding over of the corresponding wall ( 4 ' ) to cause a displacement of the same, which the disengagement of the locking means ( 5 ) from the closure cap part ( 7 ) brought about. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it has four hinged walls ( 4 . 4 ' ), which are at the four sides of the base plate ( 2 ) so that each between two struts ( 3 ) is arranged and connected thereto, wherein two opposite walls ( 4 ) with the adjacent struts ( 3 ) and the other two opposite walls ( 4 ' ) are collapsible, with means ( 8th ), which are based on corresponding sliding bodies ( 6 ) and independent of the aspirations ( 3 ) to the support surface ( 2 ' ) of the base plate ( 2 ) are hinged towards the bottom of the container ( 1 ). Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the two independently collapsible opposing walls ( 4 ' ), each of which has on its opposite side edges a means ( 8th ), which on the slider ( 6 ) of an adjacent strut ( 3 ), in each case by means of connecting and locking bars ( 9 ) in the raised position laterally in a pull-out manner on the two adjacent side struts ( 3 ) and in a pivotable manner at the level of their lower edge ( 4 ' ) with the end edges ( 3 ' ) of the two on either side of each of the opposing walls ( 4 ' ) struts ( 3 ) are articulated. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot joint between the lower edge ( 4 ' ) of the opposing, independently hinged walls ( 4 ' ) and the respective two adjacent struts ( 3 ) by means of pins or rod sections ( 10 ) carried out on the wall ( 4 ) or the frame ( 4 ''' ) extend the same, and in openings ( 11 ) extending at the level of the end edges ( 3 ' ) of aspiration ( 3 ) and are provided in their inner cavities, wherein at least in the interior of the struts ( 3 ) extending parts ( 10 ' ) of the pins or rod sections ( 10 ) at a further distance from the support surface ( 2 ' ) of the base plate ( 2 ), if the corresponding wall ( 4 ' ) to the support surface ( 2 ' ) down as if it is in exactly vertical upright position to the base plate ( 2 ), whereby the funds ( 8th ) forming parts ( 10 ' ) on the sliding body ( 6 ). Container according to claim 4, characterized in that the pins or rod sections ( 10 ) receiving openings ( 11 ) consist of elongated cut-outs at the edges of the end edges ( 3 ' ) of aspiration ( 3 ) are provided and whose longitudinal axes exactly with those of the corresponding struts ( 3 ) and that the pins or rod sections ( 10 ) End parts ( 10 " ), which are preferably angled at approximately 90 ° in one direction, so that they are at least 45 °, preferably approximately 90 °, to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section (FIG. 11 ) of the corresponding strut ( 3 ) are inclined when the wall ( 4 ' ) is erected. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the pins or rod sections ( 10 ), which are on the lower edge ( 4 ' ) of the relevant wall ( 4 ' ) or their framework ( 4 ''' ) or by deformation with lateral displacement of an extension of the lower edge ( 4 ' ) of the frame ( 4 ''' ) of the relevant wall ( 4 ' ) forming rod, with respect to the plane of the relevant wall ( 4 ' ) are shifted to the outside when it is in an upright position. Container according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the frame ( 4 ''' ) at the level of its lower edge a mounted on the inside of the edge Einzugsschiene or rod ( 4 "" ). Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each fixed closure cap part ( 7 ) has a U-shaped cross-section which extends vertically from the base plate ( 2 ) runs away, where it partially the end edge ( 3 ' ) of a strut ( 3 ) and the stability of the corresponding strut ( 3 ) in a vertically aligned position between the walls ( 7 ' . 7 " ) according to the web and the two legs of the U and a folding by folding down the strut ( 3 ) through the opening between the walls corresponding to the legs of the U ( 7 ' ), wherein the pivot axis ( 3 ' ) of aspiration ( 3 ) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the struts ( 3 ) is displaced from the collapsed or folded side thereof. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that each closure cap part ( 7 ) with a U-shaped cross-section at the level of its upper edge ( 7 ''' ) at least one wall ( 7 ' ) corresponding to one of the legs of the U, a cutout ( 12 ) in the form of a recess for receiving with locking a locking means ( 5 ), when the corresponding strut ( 3 ) is in an upright position, the upper edge ( 7 ''' ) in front of the cutout ( 12 ) and from the front of the relevant wall ( 7 ' ) away a bevelled section ( 7 "" ), which is designed so that it the bolt ( 5 ) to the appropriate recording ( 12 ) deflects it by raising it fend strut ( 3 ) at least gradually to the top edge ( 7 ''' ) leads. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that each locking means ( 5 ) consists of a forked anchor hook which is connected to the wall ( 7 " ) of the closure cap part ( 7 ) corresponding to the U-web is engaged, wherein the upper edge of the wall may at least locally have a transversely inclined to the cutting surface top that the engagement of the hook ( 5 ) on the wall ( 7 " ) promotes through leadership. Container according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each sliding body ( 6 ) has at least in the amount of the two spaced cross-sectional planes an outer contour which is exactly identical to the inner contour of the cross section of the struts ( 3 ) is, with a game, the free sliding of the body ( 6 ) and in the erected state of the strut ( 3 ), in which it is recorded, on the part ( 10 ' ) of the pin or bar section ( 10 ) resting inside the strut ( 3 ), wherein the displacement of the slider ( 6 ) is limited by an upper and a lower stop, for example, by the opposite ends of a slot ( 13 ) formed in the corresponding strut ( 3 ) is provided and the passage and the displacement guide of the corresponding locking means ( 5 ), this preferably in a movable manner on the slider ( 6 ) is attached. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sliding body ( 6 ) consist of mass parts, for example, castings are. Container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sliding body ( 6 ) in the direction of the end edges ( 3 ' ) of the corresponding striving ( 3 ) are loaded under the action of spring forces.