EP2322441B1 - Stackable plastic transport and storage container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a stackable transport and storage containers made of plastic, in particular a stackable transport and storage containers with reinforced corner areas.

From the prior art, a transport and storage container made of plastic with reinforced corner areas is known, see for example US 3361293 , Such transport and storage containers are mainly used for the storage of heavy goods. If more than one of these transport and storage containers are stacked, it will be necessary to reinforce the corner areas in order to ensure the stability of the individual storage containers. The DE 199 31 269 A1 describes a transport and storage container with a transverse to the bottom support element for stiffening or relieving at least one of the side walls.

DE 103 35 629 A1 describes a transport and storage container with several attached to a base corner angles. These corner angles are angular and increase the stability of the transport and storage container only slightly. The corner angles are made by cutting or punching. The absolutely parallel course of all edges is of crucial importance here. Also, the shape of the top and bottom of the corner angles must be strictly adhered to, so that the containers are stackable. The production of the corner angle thus requires a high precision and is extremely expensive.

DE 2007 011 823 U1 describes a transport and storage container that is hinged. For stiffening hollow chamber profiles at the corners between stacking corners and feet pieces can be plugged. The infected hollow chamber profiles prevent collapse of the container and increase the stability of the container only slightly. The connector can be released again when the container is to be folded.

In contrast, the invention has the object to provide an improved stackable transport and storage containers.

The object underlying the invention is achieved with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the stackable transport and storage container made of plastic. Further, the stackable transport and storage container has a base body for receiving a good, wherein it is a plastic injection molded part in the base body. At its corner regions, the base body has a projecting upper and lower edge. Between the upper and lower edge is ever a hollow chamber profile made of plastic attached to the body. Preferably, the base body has four of these corner regions and thus also four hollow chamber profile made of plastic.

The reinforcement of the corner area with a hollow chamber profile made of plastic is advantageous because a favorable possibility of stiffening is created. A hollow chamber profile has a significantly higher rigidity than other profile shapes. The fact that the hollow chamber profile is made of plastic, it can, for example, cohesively connect to the body. The projecting upper and lower edges in the corner areas cover the hollow chamber profile. In the case of several stacked transport and storage containers, the lower edge of an upper container is stacked on the upper edge of a lower container.

According to embodiments of the invention, the hollow chamber profiles are sections of a hollow chamber continuous profile. This is advantageous because the hollow chamber profiles can be manufactured so inexpensively, for example by extrusion. Characterized in that the stacking of the upper and lower edge of the base body is used, no special shape of the beginning or the end of the hollow chamber profile is necessary.

In the cost-effective extrusion process an endless profile is produced, which is then divided into sections. The subdivision can be done for example by cutting. A hollow chamber profile is thus a section cut out of a hollow chamber endless profile. When cutting, the exact shape of the beginning and end of the section can not be chosen precisely. However, this is irrelevant because the upper and lower edges of the body cover the respective ends of the hollow chamber profiles. Thus, despite the not exactly selectable shape of the beginning and the end of the hollow chamber profiles easily stacking the transport and storage containers possible.

According to embodiments of the invention, the upper edge is stepped to form a stacking surface. In other words, the upper edge is designed that it has a stacking surface which encloses the lower edge of a storage container stacked on it on at least two sides. Characterized in that preferably at all four corners of the upper edge is formed, a displacement of a stacked on the storage container storage container is not possible.

According to embodiments of the invention skid-shaped stacking elements are arranged at the bottom of the storage container. These skid-shaped stacking elements increase the stability of several stacked transport and storage containers. For example, run the runners under a side wall of the body and are enclosed on three sides by the upper edge of the lower container. Preferably, two skids are under the transport and storage container, so that a shifting of a stacked container is impossible.

According to embodiments of the invention, the hollow chamber profiles consist of the same plastic as the main body or a compatible plastic. This is advantageous since the hollow chamber profiles can thus be materially bonded to the base body. A plastic that is compatible with another plastic can be welded to the other plastic, for example because of similar melting temperatures and suitable structure.

According to the invention, the hollow chamber profiles are fastened to the base body in a material-locking manner. This is advantageous because a firm connection of the hollow chamber profile on the base body is necessary in order to achieve a stiffening of the entire base body. It should be noted that other mounting options, such as screw or connectors, are possible. A cohesive attachment of the hollow chamber profiles on the base body is advantageous, since the stability of the container is significantly increased. An attachment, for example, as a connector is easier solvable and increases the stability of the container compared to the cohesive attachment of the hollow chamber profile only to a lesser extent. The cohesive attachment of the hollow chamber profiles is thus particularly advantageous for transport and storage containers for heavy Goods. In a cohesive fastening, it is possible to stack several transport and storage containers with heavy loads on each other.

According to embodiments of the invention, in each case a gap for tolerance compensation is arranged between the hollow chamber profiles and the upper and lower edges. Preferably, the size of these two gaps is 0.5-2mm each. Due to the manufacturing process, each base body and each hollow chamber profile is subject to tolerances. Therefore, the proposed tolerance compensation gaps are advantageous to compensate for these tolerances. During stacking, the tolerance compensation gaps are closed by bending the upper and lower edges. This bending occurs because the upper and lower edges are preferably not as stiff as the hollow chamber profiles and can be bent by large weights.

According to embodiments of the invention, an RFID chip is arranged in one of the hollow chamber profiles. RFID means Radio Frequency IDentification, identification by means of electromagnetic waves. For this purpose, for example, a recess may be present in each hollow-chamber profile, so that an RFID chip could be inserted. Preferably, only one RFID chip per storage container is used. In the RFID chip, for example, article numbers, quantities or serial numbers can be stored, which can then be read with a suitable reader. Thus, the storage container and its contents can be determined without the user having to look into it.

According to the invention, the base body has a plurality of bevelled welding ribs at the corner regions. These welding ribs are used for welding with the hollow chamber profile. The hollow chamber profiles each have an outer side and a plane. The plane extends from a lateral end portion of the outer side to the other end portion of the outer side and covers the chamfered welding ribs. The inclined surfaces of the welding ribs are parallel to the plane. Such an embodiment is advantageous because optimal welding of the hollow chamber profiles to the base body at the corner regions is ensured by the welding ribs.

According to embodiments of the invention, at each lateral end of the hollow chamber profiles, the outside extends beyond a connection point of the plane with the outside and terminates flush with a terminal rib of the base body. Due to the fact that the outer side extends beyond the last outermost welding rib and terminates flush with a terminal rib of the basic body, this region of the outer side functions as a diaphragm for the area to be welded. In combination with the finishing rib, this area of the outside obscures the welded area and prevents the sweat of plastic lintels during the welding process. This creates a visually pleasing smooth Oberfiächenbild and it is prevented that the occurring during welding plastic lint come into the storage container.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a plurality of stackable transport and storage containers as described above. The upper and lower regions of each transport and storage container are designed to form a positive connection between two transport and storage containers. This means that the multiple stacked transport and storage containers can not be moved relative to each other.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a stackable transport and storage container as described above. The main body is produced by injection molding. The hollow chamber profiles are manufactured from an extruded profile produced by extrusion. This is advantageous because plastic parts can be produced more economically by the extrusion process.

According to embodiments of the invention, the hollow chamber profiles are also produced by injection molding.

According to embodiments of the invention, an RFID-Ghip is inserted into a hollow chamber of a hollow chamber profile and attached to the hollow chamber profile, so that the Storage container later in use can be easily detected by electronic means.

According to embodiments of the invention, the hollow chamber profiles and the base body made of compatible plastics and are attached to each other by means of vibration or ultrasonic welding. These welding techniques are particularly advantageous for joining plastics.

According to embodiments of the invention, the hollow chamber profiles and the base body made of the same plastic. This is advantageous because such a good welding is possible. Furthermore, this is advantageous in the case of recycling a storage container. Since all components of the container made of the same plastic, no separation must be observed when recycling the plastic container.

Figuren 1 a-c

eine schematische Darstellung des Grundkörpereck- bereichs und eines Hohlkammerprofils;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung von Ausschnitten zweier Transport- und Lagerbehälter;

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Hohlkammerprofils und eines Grundkörpereckbereichs; und

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Hohlkammerprofils und eines Grundkörpereckbereichs.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figures 1 ac

a schematic representation of Grundkorpereck- area and a hollow chamber profile;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of sections of two transport and storage containers;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a hollow chamber profile and a Grundkorpereckbereichs; and

FIG. 4

a schematic representation of a hollow chamber profile and a Grundkörpereckbereichs.

Hereinafter, similar elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1a shows a main body corner region 100 with welding ribs 102 and two end ribs 104. The welding ribs 102 have a bevelled surface 106 on. The beveled surfaces 106 are parallel to the plane 108 of FIG FIG. 1b illustrated hollow chamber profile 110th

The hollow chamber profile 110 in FIG. 1b includes an outer side 112, the plane 108 and a plurality of hollow chambers 114. The hollow chambers 114 serve to increase the rigidity of the hollow chamber profile 110. The outer side 112 is connected to the plane 108 and two connection points 116. The outer side 112 still extends beyond the connection points 116.

At the connection points 116, there is also a respective step 118, the surface 106 of which runs parallel to the plane 108.

Figure 1c shows the assembled state of the Grundkörpereckbereichs 100 with the hollow chamber profile 110. In the assembled state, the surfaces 106 of the welding ribs 102 are covered by the hollow chamber profile 110. Because the plane 108 runs parallel to the surface 106, the hollow chamber profile can easily be welded to the base body corner region 100.

The outer side 112 of the hollow chamber profile 110 extends on both sides beyond the respective last welding rib 102 to the final rib 104 and ends flush with it. The end rib 104, in combination with the outside 112, forms an aperture for the area of the welding ribs 106, so that no lint can escape from the welding area during welding and can pollute the storage container. In addition, a visible from the outside for the user, visually appealing surface is created.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of sections of a first transport and storage container 200 and a second transport and storage container 202. The first container 200 is stacked on the second container 202. The first container 200 has at the bottom of a stacking element 204 in runner shape. The upper edge 206 of the second container 202 is step-shaped. Also on the underside of the stacking element 204 is a stepped shoulder 208.

The two step heights correspond to one another, so that the stacking element 204 can be placed precisely on the upper edge 206. The stacking element 204 is thus surrounded on three sides - namely front, back and right - from the upper edge 206.

On the other side (not shown) of the container 200 and 202 is the same arrangement, so that there the stacking element is also enclosed from three sides - from the front, back and left - from the top. Thus, a displacement of the two containers 200 and 202 relative to each other in the stacked state is excluded.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a Grundkörpereckbereiches 100 with an upper edge 206 and a hollow chamber profile 110. It is good to see that the outer side 112 of the hollow chamber profile 110 covers the entire weld area, so that the leakage of welding process occurring lint is prevented and also one for the User pleasant surface appearance arises.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a Grundkörpereckbereiches 100 and a hollow chamber profile 110. The welding ribs 102 are clearly visible. They have a beveled surface which extends parallel to the plane 108 of the hollow chamber profile 110.

When assembled, the surfaces of the weld ribs 102 are flush with the plane 108. In addition, a gap for tolerance compensation is arranged above and below the hollow chamber profile 110 in the mounted state. Since both the hollow chamber profile 110 and the base body corner region 100 are inferior to tolerances in the production process, these gaps are necessary to ensure that the hollow chamber profile 110 fits between the upper lower edge of the base body. As soon as two containers are stacked on top of each other, the upper and lower edges of the base bends so that the gap disappears and the container receives stability due to the stiffened body corner regions 100.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Grundkörpereckbereich

102

welding ribs

104

Statements ribs

106

bevelled surface

108

level

110

Hollow chamber profile

112

outside

114

hollow chambers

116

connection points

200

Transport and storage containers

202

Transport and storage containers

204

Stackable module

206

upper edge

208

stepped heel

Claims (14)

1. Stackable transport and storage container made of plastics material, comprising a main body for receiving an item, wherein the main body is an injection moulded plastics part, wherein the main body comprises protruding upper (206) and lower edges at its corner regions (100), and a hollow chamber profile (110) made of plastics material is bonded between each upper and lower edge to the main body, wherein the main body comprises a plurality of chamfered welded ribs (102) at its corner regions, wherein each hollow chamber profile comprises an outer side (112) and a plane (108), wherein the plane extends from one lateral end region of the outer side to the other end region of the outer side and covers the chamfered welded ribs, and wherein the oblique faces (106) of the welded ribs extend parallel to the plane.
2. Stackable transport and storage container according to claim 1, wherein the hollow chamber profiles are portions of a continuous hollow chamber profile.
3. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow chamber profiles are formed in one piece.
4. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper edge is stepped for forming a stacking surface.
5. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein stacking elements (204) in the form of a skid are arranged on the lower edge.
6. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow chamber profiles are composed of the same plastics material as the main body or a plastics material compatible therewith.
7. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a gap for compensation of tolerance is arranged between each hollow chamber profile and upper and lower edge.
8. Stackable transport and storage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an RFID chip is arranged in one of the hollow chamber profiles.
9. Stackable transport and storage container according to claim 8, wherein, at each lateral end of the hollow chamber profiles, the outer side extends beyond a connection point (116) of the plane to the outer side and is flush with an adjoining rib (104) of the main body.
10. System comprising a plurality of stackable transport and storage containers according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the upper and lower regions of each transport and storage container are designed to form a positive fit between two transport and storage containers.
11. Method for producing a stackable transport and storage container according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the main body is produced by an injection moulding process, and wherein the hollow chamber profiles are produced from a continuous hollow chamber profile produced by an extrusion moulding process.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein an RFID chip is inserted into one hollow chamber of a hollow chamber profile and is attached to the hollow chamber profile.
13. Method according to either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the hollow chamber profiles and the main body are composed of mutually compatible plastics materials and are attached to each other by means of vibration, butt or ultrasonic welding.
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the hollow chamber profiles and the main body are composed of the same plastics material.

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