EP0324299B1 - Box pallet with separate, aerated modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a box pallet with separate, aerated modules, intended especially for storing delicate natural products such as tubers, bulbs or onions. According to the invention, the box pallet is formed from superposed modules (3) which form storage levels for the products. Each module (3) is formed from an assembly of articulated flaps (7) which can provide support for the products or ensure their evacuation when they are pivoted. Moreover, the fall of the products is checked by the position of the flaps (7) placed in alternating slanting positions. The invention relates to the packaging industry. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a pallet box with separate and ventilated modules intended in particular for the storage of tubers, bulbs, onions or other fragile products.

The conservation of certain natural products requires special storage conditions. In particular, the products must be ventilated and cannot be subjected to significant external constraints, moreover, shocks are to be avoided.

Currently, there is no specific packaging for the storage of natural products such as tubers, bulbs or onions. So we have to turn to standard packaging that is not always well suited.

For example, traditional pallet boxes in which products are stored in bulk do not protect the products placed at the bottom which have to undergo the pressure exerted by the products placed above them. Degradation is rapid and the risk of general contamination of the contents by spoiled products is to be feared.

Another difficulty raised is the dumping of the contents. When it comes to recovering products, it is generally necessary to reverse the pallet box and the products collide and also degrade during this dumping phase.

To limit the risk of damage, the volume of the pallet box must be reduced in order to focus on the size of the shelves. In some cases, the products are stored in a limited number of layers, hence the low pressure exerted on the bottom products. The disadvantage of this technique is the small size of the storage element, which requires numerous handling operations for large quantities stored. Similarly, when it comes to recovering the products, each shelf must be poured out, which also requires numerous handling operations.

Storage of natural products such as tubers, bulbs or onions can also be carried out on shelves arranged in shelves in order to superimpose the storage areas.

In this case, the products rest directly on trays, which allows them to be transported easily. However, this storage method is expensive given the large infrastructure required and the recovery of products also requires numerous handling operations. Under these conditions, the storage costs are high.

The document GB.A.2.022.986 describes a pallet box with separate modules for the ripening, storage and transport of cheeses. It has a box divided into several levels.

The main purpose of the present invention is to present a box of products with separate and ventilated modules intended in particular for the storage of fragile natural products such as tubers, bulbs, onions or the like, which makes it possible to store a large volume under good conditions, that is to say so that the products are not arranged in bulk and do not rest on each other.

In addition, special means have been put in place to facilitate the recovery of stored products. The evacuation of said products is obtained very easily and very quickly, moreover, in spite of the large height of the pallet box, the products are evacuated with precaution so that they do not receive any violent shock.

Due to its modular design, the pallet box can be erected as needed. It can therefore be adapted according to the circumstances and in particular, according to the size of the products stored.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows which is however given only for information.

According to the invention, as defined by claim 1, the pallet box with separate and ventilated modules, intended in particular for the storage of fragile natural products such as tubers, bulbs, onions or the like, comprises in a manner known in the document GB.A .2.022.986, a box divided into several levels which are used for the storage of products. Typically, it has a lower reception area and, moreover, the surface of each level is formed by pivoting flaps mounted side by side in a frame, whereby it is possible to empty each level separately and to slow down the fall of the products.

• la figure 1 schématise la caisse palette à modules séparés et aérés selon la présente invention,
• la figure 2 représente en vue de coupe la caisse palette en position de stockage,
• la figure 3 schématise en vue de coupe la caisse palette en position d'évacuation des produits,
• la figure 4 représente en vue de dessus une étagère modulaire,
• la figure 5 représente l'étagère modulaire en vue de côté,
• la figure 6 schématise la surface de l'étagère modulaire en position fermée,
• la figure 7 schématise la surface de l'étagère modulaire en position escamotée,
• la figure 8 représente la zone de réception en vue de côté,
• la figure 9 représente la zone de réception en vue de dessus,
• la figure 10 représente la zone de réception en vue de face.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by attached drawings, among which:

• FIG. 1 shows schematically the pallet box with separate and ventilated modules according to the present invention,
• FIG. 2 is a section view of the pallet box in the storage position,
• FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically in cross-section the pallet box in the product discharge position,
• Figure 4 shows a top view of a shelf modular,
• FIG. 5 represents the modular shelf in side view,
• FIG. 6 shows diagrammatically the surface of the modular shelf in the closed position,
• FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically the surface of the modular shelf in the retracted position,
• FIG. 8 represents the reception area in side view,
• FIG. 9 represents the reception area in top view,
• FIG. 10 represents the reception area in front view.

The present invention relates to a pallet box with separate and ventilated modules, intended in particular for the storage of fragile natural products such as tubers, bulbs, onions or others.

Storing natural products in large quantities is tricky and poses some problems. Indeed, in addition to ventilating the products, it is necessary to avoid any mechanical stress exerted on their surface, which limits bulk storage.

Currently, the traditional pallet box is used with these many drawbacks. The bottom products are placed in very poor storage conditions, so they appear to be spoiled. moreover, when it is a question of emptying the pallet box, one proceeds by inversion and the products collide and are damaged.

A qualitative improvement can be obtained by using shelves where the products are stored under a thin layer. However, due to the small volume, handling is numerous and the storage height limited.

You can also use the shelving with the shelf support, however, the infrastructure to be put in place is important and the handling costs are high.

The pallet box with separate and ventilated modules of the present invention makes it possible to store fragile natural products such as bulbs, tubers or onions in good conditions at a moderate cost. Due to its modular design, the pallet box can be adapted according to the volumes to be stored and the storage facilities. handling that we want to benefit from. In addition, special care has been taken to allow products to be disposed of with care and ease.

Figure 1 illustrates the pallet box 1 of the present invention according to its external appearance. It is formed of an openwork box 2 to allow ventilation of the products stored inside, said box 2 being divided into superimposed modules 3 which each constitute a storage element for unitary products 4 natural and fragile.

The base of the box 2 has a lower receiving zone 5 which is used for evacuating and taking up the products 4 when the pallet box 1 is emptied.

The dimensions of the pallet box can be adapted as required, however, by adapting standard dimensions such as 80 cm x 120 cm, or 100 cm x 120 cm or even 120 cm x 120 cm, we obtain satisfaction in the majority of cases .

The height of the pallet box 1 depends on the number of modules 3 stacked. Figure 2 shows schematically the interior arrangement of the pallet box 1.

The box 2 is divided into levels 6 which are used for the storage of products 4. Each level 6 supports a layer of products 4 so that they do not have to bear the weight of the upper layers.

Thus, products 4 are based on levels 6 of their own weight without external constraints. In addition, with the ventilation created by the perforation of the sides of the modules 3, the storage conditions are excellent.

According to an advantageous design mode, illustrated in FIG. 2, each module 3 has two levels 6; however, a different number of levels could also have been adopted.

According to the present invention, the pallet box 1 has means for emptying each level 6 separately and slowing down the fall of the products 4. In this way, it is possible to gradually empty the pallet box without damaging the products 4.

According to the invention, the means are in the form of levels 6 whose surface is partially retractable to allow the products 4 to pass while slowing their passage.

The retraction of the level surface eliminates the need provide support for products 4 which, by their own weight, fall. However, the retraction of the surfaces of the different levels is not complete so that, during their fall, the products are braked by contact with the residual part of the level surfaces.

Preferably, precautions must be taken so that this residual part of the level surfaces 6 does not damage the products 4. An exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 where the surfaces of the levels 6 are formed by pivoting flaps 7 mounted side by side side by side in a frame.

In this way, by rotating the flaps 7, the surface retracts and lets the products 4 pass, provided that the spacing between the flaps 7 is greater than the size of the products 4.

The rotation of the flaps 7 is controlled so that they are placed at an angle. The inclination of the flaps 7 of two successive levels is alternated as illustrated in FIG. 3 to form a descent path for the sinuous products 4. The baffles formed by each of the flaps 7 brake the product in its descent without damaging it.

One can also place a flexible material on the shutters to minimize shock, for example, by covering them with a rubberized material.

An inclination of the flaps of the order of 55 degrees has been chosen and is satisfactory.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a method of constructing a module 3. This is formed by an openworked external frame 8 intended to be stacked to form the box 2. The levels 6 are formed by flaps 7 articulated in the frame 8. The spacing between the flaps 7 must, of course, be less than the size of the products 4 to prevent them from escaping without control. A day is however left between the flaps 7 to improve the ventilation of the stored products.

FIG. 5 illustrates the said storage module 3 in side view where one can see the presence of protruding studs 9 which facilitate the superimposed positioning of the modules 3. The flaps 7 of the different levels 6 are superimposed, in particular, at the level hinge pins so that when the flaps 7 are placed in an inclined position, they form rafters and brake the fall of products 4.

FIG. 6 represents, to facilitate understanding, the linkage mechanism which controls the flaps 7. This command relates to a module 3.

Each flap 7 is connected to a link 10, all of the links 10 relating to a level 6 being connected to a bar 11 for the upper level and a bar 12 for the lower level as illustrated in FIG. 6. Furthermore , the bars 11 and 12 are connected by an articulated arm 13 so that the operation of the bar 11 systematically causes the displacement of the bar 12.

In this way, when the linkage is actuated, the flaps 7 are provided for rotation as illustrated in FIG. 7 and there is a retraction of the surface of the levels 6, which causes the flow of the stored products 4.

The linkage control mechanism has been designed to operate all of the flaps 7 of a module 3. If this module 3 includes a higher number of levels 6, the linkage should be extended with arms 13 intermediaries so that there is a global control of the extraction of the products.

To avoid blockage when the levels 6 are in the open position, one of the extreme flaps 7 is wider, this makes it possible to avoid any jamming of the products between the frame 8 and the flap 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates the reception area 5 placed at the bottom of the pallet box 1. This reception area is intended to collect the products after they have fallen through the modules 3 when they have been placed in the open position.

To do this, the reception area 5 has an inclined plane 14 whose slope is about 25 degrees, however, this value can be modified according to the products stored.

The walls of the reception area 5 are perforated to promote ventilation of the upper box.

To avoid that there may be products that remain blocked against the side walls, the inclined plane 14 is bordered by two edges 15 and 16 with a sharp slope as illustrated in FIG. 9 which also ensures a refocusing of the products at the level of the front opening 17 through which the products are removed after storage, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Other implementations of the present invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, could also have been envisaged without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims (8)

1. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments and intended inter alia for storing fragile natural products such as tubers, bulbs, onions or the like, comprising a vessel (2) divided into a number of levels (6) for storing products (4), characterised in that the surface of each level (6) is formed by pivotable shutters (7) mounted side by side in a frame (8) and the box has a bottom receiving area (5) for emptying each level separately and slowing down the falling products.
2. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 1, characterised in that the shutters (7) in the various levels (6) rotate in alternate directions.
3. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 2, characterised in that the inclination of the shutters is about 55°.
4. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 1, characterised in that the shutters (7) in the various levels are superposed.
5. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving area (5) has an inclined surface (14) with flanges or shoulders (15 and 16) at a steep angle.
6. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 2, characterised in that a rod-assembly mechanism controls the shutters (7) on the two levels (6) corresponding to each compartment (3).
7. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 1, characterised in that the shutters (7) are wider at one end.
8. A box pallet comprising separate ventilated compartments according to claim 1, characterised in that the compartments (3) can be stacked to form the vessel (2).

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