EP1477422A1 - Tray for dairy products - Google Patents

Abstract

The transporting device (1) for milk products has a rectangular base surface (2) upon which are provided retaining means to hold several similarly shaped containers for the milk products. For at least a first and especially longer base surface edge length a whole number fraction of a Europallet edge length is provided and has a value ranging between 2 and 6. For the first base surface edge length is provided a half Europallet edge length and especially of the shorter Europallet edge length.

Description

The invention relates to a transport device for milk products a substantially rectangular base on which holding means for Inclusion of several substantially uniform containers for the Dairy products are provided.

Transport devices are used especially for storage, for transportation and for the presentation of substantially uniform containers used for dairy products. You must have particular requirements in terms of dimensional stability, light weight, low manufacturing costs and meet small space requirements. These requirements can in particular by a folded one cut from a flat material and sectionally connected three-dimensional structure with a substantially rectangular base and one in proportion to the base edge length low height can be realized. They are arranged in an at least almost parallel to the base area Holding surface holding means for receiving several essentially uniform container provided for the milk products. The holding area has a plurality of cutouts or indentations the geometry of the containers are adapted and in particular as positively acting holding means are provided for receiving the container are. Through the transport device and in the transport device inserted container becomes a three-dimensional composite formed, which has an essentially cubic envelope geometry. Thereby the transport device with the containers is particularly good for a stack and thus for storage, transport and Suitable for presentation purposes. As dairy products in the containers such a transport device are provided, come in particular low to highly viscous, aqueous, cream or gel-like Substances like whipped cream, pudding, curd cheese, yogurt, buttermilk or Cream cheese products in question.

The object of the invention is to provide a transport device to create a safe transport and enables a high packing density.

The invention is characterized in that for at least a first Base edge length is an integer fraction of a Euro pallet edge length is provided. For efficient and economical transportation transport devices with containers for milk products several transport devices are placed side by side and / or placed on top of each other on a Euro pallet. A Euro pallet is a stable, built in particular from a wooden slat construction Carrier platform with a high load capacity, which is used as a standardized base for various Goods is usable. Made possible by their construction the Euro pallet can be handled with fork lifts or pallet trucks. The Euro pallet is designed essentially rectangular and has a longer Euro pallet edge length of 1.20m and a shorter Euro pallet edge length of 0.80m. By adapting a first base edge length of the Transport device on a Euro pallet edge length can be one particularly effective use of space in the Euro pallet with regard to achieve the transport devices to be arranged thereon. Is to at least a first, in particular a longer base edge length the transport device according to an integer A fraction of the Euro pallet edge length is provided. An integer Fraction of the Euro pallet edge length is chosen to be accordingly an integer number of transport devices so on the To be able to accommodate Euro pallets. As a result, there is no significant Protrusion of transport devices over the euro pallet, there is still an unused distance between an outer edge of the Transport device and the Euro pallet edge in front. While in the first Fall through the protrusion of transport devices a space-saving Organization of euro pallets, especially on a storage area or loading area would be prevented if there was no use The distance between the outer edge and the edge of the Euro pallet is insufficient Space utilization and thus disadvantages for a transport capacity as well as for stability of stacked transport devices.

In an embodiment of the invention is for the whole part fraction of the Euro pallet edge length a value range of 2-6 is provided. Thereby results for the base edge length of the transport device at In relation to the longer Euro pallet edge length of 1.20 m, a length range from 0.60m-0.20m. Based on the shorter Euro pallet edge length there is a length range for the base edge length from 0.40m-0.133m. Depending on the fraction chosen Euro pallet edge length can be adjusted to the base edge length the transport device to the requirements of packaging machines, Cooling shelves, sales displays or other for the distribution of dairy products suitable and especially in wholesale and retail stores use presentation tools vote.

In a further embodiment of the invention is for the first base edge length half a Euro pallet edge length is provided. Thereby can be a particularly economical packaging unit from the Achieve transport device and the containers accommodated therein. The packaging unit contains on the one hand a large number of containers, on the other hand, especially when used, it points out Reinforcement measures have a high stability and is also on uneven Stable surface. Especially when using the shorter Euro pallet edge length as a reference for the base edge length can be determined by the value 2 for the integer A fraction of the Euro pallet edge length an advantageous arrangement of Achieve transport devices on the Euro pallet.

In a further embodiment of the invention is for the first base edge length 0.39m-0.40m provided. Within the length range from 0.39m-0.40m for the first base edge length Transport device also in mass production and using of inexpensive materials such as cardboard, plastic, or press foamed material with little effort without major effort Establish precision. In addition to the manufacturing process Punching out, folding and joining in particular cardboard blanks also deep drawing or blow molding, foaming or injection molding in Question.

In a further embodiment of the invention is also for a second base edge length an integer fraction of a Euro pallet edge length intended. In cooperation with the first on the Euro pallet edge length coordinated base edge length can be thus a particularly advantageous adjustment of the base of the Realize the transport device on the Euro pallet. This can be ensured that with an arrangement of several transport devices on the euro pallet there is no overhang of the transport devices a gap formation between the individual transport devices takes place. A particularly beneficial one Base area of the transport device is present in particular if a shorter base edge length than an integral fraction of the longer Euro pallet edge length is provided.

In a further embodiment of the invention is for the second base edge length a quarter of a Euro pallet edge length is provided. This results in a length range for the second base edge length from 0.29m-0.30m. A target value of 0.295 m is preferably provided, manufacturing tolerances of the transport device intercept.

In a further embodiment of the invention are as holding means for the container Recesses in an at least almost parallel to the base provided at a distance from this arranged holding surface. The Recesses are preferably in rows parallel to each other educated. The recesses serve to hold the container. The containers, in particular cups, are preferably around those with a circular cross-section. The recesses are in Shape and / or size preferably adapted accordingly, in particular also essentially circular. The containers are there with a container bottom on the base of the transport device and thus become essentially orthogonal to a main extension the base area. For a positive mounting of the Containers parallel to the main extent of the base are the recesses, especially cuts or cuts in one of the Cross-sectional shape of the container provided in approximately the corresponding shape. Through these recesses in the holding surface can by Holding surface holding forces are exerted on each of the containers that are affect essentially parallel to the main extent of the base. In cooperation with the base of the transport device can be secured by a weight attached to the containers Storage of the containers in the transport device in almost all Spatial directions are guaranteed. Only in the direction of a surface normal the base area, which is towards the holding area or in a normal position extends against the weight of the container, has the transport device in preferred embodiments no additives to exert holding forces on the containers on. As an additive for holding forces in this spatial direction, what is not required, form-fittingly interacting with the containers Brackets or brackets come into question.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention at least one, in particular one, base edge length is shorter as a row length, which results from a sequence of the on the Base edge length accommodated container results without the containers protrude at the edges of the transport device. Preferably is the base edge length by at least 2.5%, especially at least 3%, shorter. As a rule, it is 3 to 5% shorter. This allows an optimal use of space.

In a further embodiment of the invention is for the recesses Holding means provided a spacing that is less than a maximum Projection dimension of a container on the base is. A projection measure of the container results from the projection of a container cross section with the container correctly accommodated in the transport device on the base of the transport device. This configuration is suitable are particularly well-known for the containers for dairy products that have a larger surface area on the upper side than on its underside. Such containers have in particular a conical shape and / or an outwardly projecting edge on the top. The The distance between the base surface and the holding surface is in particular smaller than the height of the container. While in known transport devices the recesses of the holding means are spaced such that a maximum projection dimension of the container as a minimum distance between the recesses is provided in the invention Transport device provided a reduction in the spacing. This allows a larger one on an identical area Number of containers can be accommodated, provided these are suitable Are arranged to each other. For a suitable arrangement there is a height offset, particularly in the case of uniform containers Containers in question to each other to ensure mutual penetration and any damage to the containers that occurs as a result avoid.

In a further embodiment of the invention are in the transport device Containers provided at least partially on their top have circumferential, laterally protruding seal edge, the Containers at least along a base edge with the sealing edges are arranged overlapping. In particular, cylindrical, polygonal or polygonal cone-shaped, liquid-tight container made of materials such as plastic, coated Cardboard or composite materials used. The containers have in particular provided at a near a maximum container cross section Container opening an at least almost circumferential, after cantilevered thin-walled sealing edge on the outside. On this seal edge can the container opening with a plastic or aluminum foil produced container lid may be closed. The container can be overlapped by an overlap Spacing of the recesses of the holding means is smaller than the maximum Projection size of the container can be chosen without the container can be damaged by mechanical contact. In a preferred one Arrangement of the containers, the sealing edges are scaled in particular arranged, each with a subsequent container its seal edge on a seal edge of a previous container on. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention are corresponding impressions or other types on the base Support means are provided for the containers. This will supports a stair-like or scaled arrangement of the containers and at the same time achieves an even load on the container bottoms. Furthermore, such an arrangement can contact the neighboring sealing edges can be avoided, which in particular with sensitive container lids or long and rough transport routes an increase in transport safety and stability the container in the transport device enables.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the containers are preferred essentially conical cups over the holding surface survive. A cup geometry is selected so that one after The cup opening at the top has a circumferential seal edge and the cup starting from the cup opening as a cone section provided with a decreasing cross-section towards a cup bottom is. If such a cup is placed in the transport device, it projects at least in sections over the top edge of the transport device trained holding surface and can in particular of suitable transport grippers in the transport device discontinued and easily gripped by customers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cups have a capacity in a range of 0.16 liters to 0.3 liters, preferred in a range between 0.2 liters and 0.25 liters. With that a particularly advantageous ratio between the size of the transport device, the amount of milk product in the cups and the stability of the cups in the transport device be realized. Due to the advantageous stability of the individual Cups in the transport device will also increase the stability of several transport devices stacked on top of one another and provided with cups advantageously influenced, which is particularly reflected in an improved Handling a stacked transport device Euro pallet expresses.

In a further embodiment of the invention are along the first base edge length 6 adjacent, essentially equidistant recesses provided as a holding means. It can be used in the transport device 6 containers, in particular along the first base edge length accommodate in a shingled arrangement. By essentially Equidistantly arranged recesses are during the Transports occurring loads almost uniformly on the 6 in a row arranged cups distributed and therefore lead to a homogeneous force distribution.

In a further embodiment of the invention are along the second base edge length 4 adjacent at least almost equidistant recesses intended. This results in an inventive Transport device 24 recesses into which containers are placed can. Depending on a spacing along the second base edge length can also be a particular one for the 4 neighboring containers shingled arrangement may be provided.

In a further embodiment of the invention, central axes of the recesses are spaced less than 75mm apart, the maximum The diameter of the container in the upper area is more than 65mm. A central axis of a recess is defined by a normal to the surface the holding surface and on a surface center arranged surface center axis of the recess. In contrast, the maximum diameter of the container in the upper Area near the container opening, especially at the top of the seal more than 65mm, especially 68mm. By spacing the central axes of the recesses, in particular 65 mm, 64 mm can be scaled particularly preferably Arrangement of the containers in the transport device in simple Realize wise. In this way, in the transport device 24 Cups with an outside diameter of 68mm in particular on one Footprint of maximum 0.4m by 0.3m. It compared to the transport devices known from the prior art, which in particular exactly to a maximum cross section the containers are adapted and take up a minimal footprint, with only a slight increase in the base area, a significant, in particular related to a 20 percent increase in the number of containers be realized on a transport device. The invention Transport device meets requirements with regard to the space-saving transport on pallets and the storage of dairy products particularly advantageous in transport devices on store shelves.

Figur 1

zeigt in ebener Darstellung einen flächigen Zuschnitt für eine Transportvorrichtung,

Figur 2

in isometrischer Darstellung einen Eckausschnitt einer benutzungsfertigen Transportvorrichtung,

Figur 3

in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Transportvorrichtung mit Behältern.

Further advantages and features emerge from the claims and from the description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which is described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1

shows a planar cut for a transport device,

Figure 2

an isometric view of a corner section of a ready-to-use transport device,

Figure 3

in a flat sectional view a transport device with containers.

In the blank 2 of a transport device 1 shown in FIG. 1 it is a punched out and provided with folded edges Cardboard box. This blank 2 will not be used in a subsequent one illustrated work step by folding and gluing one three-dimensional structure, as shown in Figure 2 cut-out is shown. For this purpose, a large number of punched-out sections are in the blank 2, Notches and cuts provided for different Functions of the transport device are required.

The blank 2 has an essentially rectangular base area 4 on. On shorter side edges of the base facing away from one another 4 cross brackets 7 are provided which are connected via transverse fold edges 5. On the long sides of the base 4 are connected by longitudinal fold edges Side surfaces 8 are provided, each of which is parallel to the holding surface fold edges 9 extending the longitudinal fold edges 6 are provided Holding surface sections 10 are attached. The holding surface sections 10 have holding recesses 3, each of the base 4 facing holding recesses 3 have a circular contour 11, 13 adjacent holding recesses during a cutting outer edge 3 are provided as dovetail contours 12. The Dovetail circle contours 12 each have one of the outer cut edges 13 facing side fold on which a connection between the holding surface section 10 and reinforcing tabs 14 represents. The reinforcing tabs 14 correspond almost completely the dovetail circle contour 12, however, are on one of the base 4 facing front cut straight, the front is arranged parallel to the longitudinal fold edge 6. On the side surfaces 8, a plurality of cooling openings 19 are provided while on the base 4 circulation openings 17 and transport openings 18 are provided. Centered on the base 4 and parallel to the longitudinal fold edge 6 are paired adhesive tabs 19 provided with the Base 4 over each pointing in the direction of the longitudinal edge 6 Folding folds 20 are connected. Furthermore, are each on the end faces the side surfaces 8 and the holding surface sections 10 not designated Adhesive tabs provided for gluing when transferring the cut into the three-dimensional structure.

For the production of the three-dimensional structure Transport device from the blank 2 in one step Side surfaces 8 around the longitudinal fold edges 6 at an angle of 90 ° to Base area 4 brought. Furthermore, the cross brackets 7 and Cross fold edges 5 likewise in the same direction by 90 ° with respect to the base area 4 with the side edges angled. In another, in particular Subsequent step will be those on the front faces of the side surfaces 8 provided adhesive tabs at 90 ° to the side surfaces 8 angled and brought into contact with the cross brackets 7, wherein an adhesive bond between adhesive tabs and cross tabs 7 made becomes. The holding surface sections 10 are thus around the holding surface fold edges 9 angled that both holding surface sections 10 a take common level. The unspecified adhesive tabs the holding surface sections 10 are on the cross tabs 7th glued. It can through openings not specified in the Base 4, which are adjacent to the transverse fold edges 5, a mechanical Support is made from the inside against the cross brackets 7 are used to compensate for pressure forces on the adhesive tabs to be able to. The reinforcing tabs 14 are around the side folds 15 from the holding surface sections 10 in the direction of the base surface 4 folded down and with from the base 4 towards the holding surface sections 10 folded adhesive tabs 19 connected. To Curing of the adhesive results in the desired dimensionally stable, lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture transport device.

A section of a transport device is isometric in FIG shown, in which a reinforcing effect of the reinforcing tabs 14 with the adhesive tabs 19 can be seen. This will make it clear An increase in the bending stiffness of the transport device is achieved. Farther is recognizable, like the unspecified adhesive tabs attached to the holding surface sections 10 and the side surfaces 8 are provided are connected to each other to form a particularly stable transport device to ensure. In addition, it is shown in FIG. that by an unspecified supernatant the Adhesive tabs of the side faces 8 each form a corner flag, on the one hand for stacking the transport devices without containers is suitable and on the other hand as a spacer between individual Transport devices can be used.

FIG. 3 shows how an arrangement according to the invention of Containers 21 can be provided in a transport device 1. The Containers 21 are as substantially conical section-shaped plastic deep-drawn parts executed with all-round sealing edge 22. On the seal edge is a container lid, not shown, for example embossed in the form of an aluminum foil. While a first one, in FIG. 3 container 21 shown on the right completely on the base 4 of the Transport device 1 rests, all subsequent containers 21 are with their circumferential sealing edge 22 on the previous container 21 put on and get into a slight inclined position. Thereby is the shingled arrangement of the containers 21 according to the invention realized that at the same time to increase the packing density of the Containers 21 leads to the known transport devices and full use of the base edge length, which is matched to the pallet size allowed.

Are in an embodiment of the invention, not shown impressions are provided on the base of the transport device, which favor the inclination of the cups and for a smaller one Ensure load on the container bottoms.

Claims (14)

Transport device for milk products with a substantially rectangular base area, on which holding means are provided for receiving a plurality of substantially uniform containers for the milk products, characterized in that an integer fraction of a Euro pallet edge length is provided for at least a first, in particular a longer, base edge length. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that a value range of 2 to 6 is provided for the integer fraction of the Euro pallet edge length. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that half the Euro pallet edge length, in particular the shorter Euro pallet edge length, is provided for the first base edge length. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 0.39m to 0.40m, preferably 0.395m, are provided for the first base edge length. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an integral fraction of a euro pallet edge length, in particular the longer euro pallet edge length , is also provided for a second, in particular the shorter base edge length. Transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that a quarter of a Euro pallet edge length, in particular a length of 0.29m to 0.30m, preferably 0.295m, is provided for the second base edge length. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that recesses are provided as holding means for the containers in an at least almost parallel to the base surface at a distance from this holding surface, the shape and / or size of the recesses preferably being adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the containers to be accommodated which is particularly circular. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spacing is provided for the recesses of the holding means, which is smaller than a maximum projection dimension of a container on the base. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular with containers having a circular cross section, which have an at least partially circumferential, laterally projecting sealing edge on their upper side, characterized in that the containers are arranged at least along a base edge with the sealing edges, in particular scaly, overlapping. Transport device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the containers are preferably essentially conical cups which protrude beyond the holding surface. Transport device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the cups have a capacity in a range from 0.16 liters to 0.3 liters, preferably in a range between 0.2 liters and 0.25 liters. Transport device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that six adjacent, substantially equidistant recesses are provided as holding means along the first base edge length. Transport device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that four adjacent, at least almost equidistant recesses are provided along the second base edge length. Transport device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central axes of the recesses, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the base area, are spaced apart from one another by less than 75 mm, in particular approximately 65 mm, particularly preferably 64 mm, the maximum diameter of the containers in the upper region, in particular at the upper edge of the seal, more than 65mm, preferably about 68mm.

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