EP2867130B1 - Apparatus for storing and/or transporting a plurality of packaging containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for storing and / or transporting a plurality of packaging containers, comprising a trough-shaped lower part, wherein the lower part comprises a bottom and a bottom wall projecting from the bottom, wherein the lower part comprises a wall element, which with the bottom wall a peripheral wall of the Bottom part forms, and wherein the wall element is movable relative to the lower part for at least partially opening the wall.

A device for storing and / or transporting a plurality of packaging containers, comprising a trough-shaped lower part and a top for closing the lower part in a closed position in which the lower part and the upper part surround an interior of the device, wherein the lower part of a bottom and one from the ground comprises in the direction of the upper part projecting lower part wall, which may also be referred to as packaging or outer packaging, for example, from DE 91 12 325 U1 known, where there the lower part are formed by a cup or trough-shaped, upper side open receptacle and the upper part by a plastic film. The particularly small packaging containers may in particular be primary packaging such as storage jars, pipettes, vials, cartridges, ampoules, cans, syringes and vials and the like for pharmaceutical and / or chemical use. In this case, in particular primary packaging means are used which have a certain stability.

From the manufacturer of the primary packaging these are usually supplied in a device of the type described above to a processor, for example a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It is important that the primary packaging contained in the device arrive sterile at the processor, even into the local, also sterile workspace. The primary packaging materials are "ready-to-sterilize" (RTS) or "ready-to-use" (RTU), if the device with packaging containers has already been sterilized prior to delivery to the manufacturer of pharmaceuticals.

If, for example, small glass containers are transported in the device, they must be removed from the device before being filled, for example with a drug, and transferred to a filling system provided for filling. However, the removal of a plurality of small packaging container from a trough-shaped base is a problem, especially if they are positioned undefined in the lower part.

From the EP 2 422 880 A2 containers for glass vials are known. In the WO 2011/154125 A1 Transport containers are disclosed. In the EP 0 413 579 A2 Devices are described according to the preamble of claim 1 for emptying and transporting unstable objects such as ampoules.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a device of the type described above so that the packaging container can be easily protected from damage.

This object is achieved in a device of the type described above according to the invention that the device comprises an upper part for closing the lower part in a closed position in which the lower part and the upper part surrounding an interior of the device that the lower part wall protrudes in the direction of the upper part and that the upper part comprises a positioning device for the defined positioning of the packaging containers relative to one another in order to prevent the packaging containers from touching one another.

The development proposed according to the invention makes it possible in particular to partially open the trough-shaped lower part laterally by moving part of the wall, namely the detachable wall element, relative to the lower part. Such a movement may in particular be a translational and / or or a rotational movement, so for example, a sliding and / or a pivoting movement. In particular, a lateral opening of the lower part, for example in the form of a gap in the wall, can be formed. Depending on the configuration of the lower part, it is thus possible in particular not to lift the packaging container contained in the device from the lower part after the complete removal of the upper part, for which corresponding gripping devices are required, but this laterally from the trough-shaped lower part by the result of a movement of the Push out wall element resulting gap. This has the advantage that a filling plant or packaging machine, in which the packaging containers are filled, for example, with a drug, can be loaded in a simple manner with the packaging containers, without having to grasp or grip them individually in order to lift them out of the lower part. In addition, this is advantageous because the packaging containers need not be defined in the lower part to be positioned. To remove the packaging container from the device, for example, first the wall element is moved relative to the lower part, for example, pivoted about a pivot axis, and then the packaging container out of the lower part and pushed into the filling. The upper part comprises a positioning device for the defined positioning of the packaging containers. With the positioning the packaging containers are brought into a defined relative position to each other. For example, it is prevented that the packaging container touch each other to avoid damage, especially in packaging containers made of glass. Such an advantageous development can in particular also in a device for storing and / or transporting a plurality of packaging containers comprising a trough-shaped lower part and an upper part for closing the lower part in a closed position in which the lower part and the upper part surround an interior of the device, wherein the lower part comprises a bottom and a bottom wall projecting from the bottom in the direction of the upper part, may be provided. The positioning device performs its function, in particular, when the upper part closes the lower part. If the upper part is removed from a lower part in which no positioning device is provided, the packaging containers can be relative to one another in the desired manner be moved, for example, be pushed out of the lower part.

It is advantageous if the wall element can be separated from the lower part. In particular, the wall element may be reversibly or irreversibly separable from the lower part. It is conceivable, for example, integrally form the wall element and the lower part and provide a predetermined breaking point, which allows the one-time irreversible separation of the wall element from the lower part. Alternatively, the wall element can also be detachably connectable to the lower part via a connection device in order to reversibly separate the wall element from the lower part and, if necessary, to connect it to this again. In particular, the wall element and the lower part can thus be produced separately from one another and brought into engagement with one another only to form the device. The complete release of the wall element in particular also has the advantage that it can be completely removed and does not interfere, for example, with a transfer of the packaging container, in particular by pushing it out of the device into a filling installation.

It is advantageous if the lower part wall and the bottom are integrally formed. They thus form a unit, whereby the stability of the device can be increased overall.

It is advantageous if the bottom is rectangular or substantially rectangular and if the lower part wall comprises at least three complete wall sections which project from side edges of the floor. Thus, a cuboidal or essentially parallelepiped-shaped device can be formed overall, which can be transported and stored together with other, similar devices in larger packing units, which are also preferably cuboidal, with a minimum space requirement.

In order to avoid the falling out of packaging containers from the device in the closed position, the wall element preferably completely closes a gap formed in the lower part wall. In this way an all-round boundary of the interior can be achieved by the lower part and the upper part in the closed position. Furthermore, the interior is thus protected against the ingress of dirt and the like.

Conveniently, the wall element forms an end face of the lower part. Thus, a sufficient stability can be ensured even after separation of the wall element to safely pass the packaging container from the device, for example, in a bottling plant.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the device comprises a connecting device for releasably connecting the wall element to the bottom and the lower part wall. Thus, it is particularly possible to produce the wall element independently of the bottom and the lower part wall and then to connect to the formation of the trough-shaped lower part with the bottom and the lower part wall.

In a particularly simple manner, the connecting device can be formed if it comprises first and second cooperating connecting elements, which are arranged or formed on the one hand on the bottom and / or on the lower part wall and on the other hand on the wall element, and if the first and second connecting elements in a storage position, in which forms the wall element a part of the peripheral wall, non-positively and / or positively engage with each other.

The parts of the device to be connected to one another can be simply and safely connected to one another when the connection device is designed in the form of a latching connection device and when the first and second connection elements are designed in the form of latching connection elements which can be brought into engagement with one another. By simple latching thus the wall element and the bottom or the lower part wall can be connected to each other and also released from each other again.

In a particularly simple and secure manner, a connecting device can be formed when the first and second connecting elements in shape of connecting projections and connecting recesses for at least partially receiving the connecting projections are formed. The connection projections and connection recesses may optionally be arranged or formed on the wall element or on the bottom or the lower part wall. It is also conceivable, in particular, to provide both at least one connecting projection and at least one connecting recess on each of the said elements of the device.

In order to enable the most secure connection of the parts of the device connected to one another in the storage position, it is favorable if the first and second connecting elements can be brought into engagement with one another in a connecting direction which is oriented transversely to a floor surface defined by the floor. Preferably, the connecting direction forms a surface normal of the bottom surface, that is perpendicular to this. Thus, relatively large forces must be applied to the wall element in a direction parallel to the bottom surface, ie in particular perpendicular to the connecting direction, to be detached from the bottom and the lower part wall. Unintentional separation of the wall element from the floor and from the lower part wall can be avoided.

To remove the packaging container in a simple manner from the interior, in particular to push out, to, it is advantageous if the bottom defines a flat, the interior bounding bottom surface. For example, the packaging container can slip out of the latter as a result of a corresponding inclination of the lower part of this after removal of the wall element, if so desired.

Advantageously, the bottom has a plurality of recesses, which are open in the direction of the interior facing out. On the one hand, the depressions may in particular contribute to the stiffening of the bottom and thus of the lower part, on the other hand they also allow to absorb some moisture in the form of condensate after a sterilization of the device and to keep it away from the packaging containers stored in the device.

It is favorable if the majority of the recesses are formed between transversely extending webs defining the bottom surface. A distance of the webs depends essentially in particular on how large the packaging containers are to be stored or transported in the device. It is preferably ensured that the packaging containers always rest with their base area at least on two adjacent webs, better on three or more webs.

It is particularly advantageous if the bottom surface extends up to the gap formed by the lower part. Thus, the packaging container can be pushed directly through the gap, for example, in a filling system.

In order to further increase the stability of the lower part, it is favorable if the lower part wall has an upper lower edge which points in the direction of the upper part and which is partially set back. Receded may mean, in particular, that recesses are formed at the bottom edge in the direction of the bottom. Thus, when viewed in the opposite direction, projections are formed which, for example, can be brought into engagement with corresponding recesses on the upper part in order to allow a defined closing of the device in the closed position.

So that the stability of the lower part can be further increased, it is advantageous if the lower part wall and / or the bottom comprise a plurality of beads. These may be formed oriented perpendicularly and / or parallel to the bottom surface.

In order to further improve the handling of the device, in particular when loading a filling system with packaging containers contained in the device, it is favorable if at least one holding recess is formed on the lower-part wall on two opposite wall sections. For example, with a corresponding projection on a receptacle of a filling system, the device with the filling system be temporarily coupled to manipulate the lower part in particular after separating the wall element so that the packaging container can be transferred in a defined and desired manner to the filling, for example, slip into it. Preferably, two or more retaining recesses are formed on each wall section. As a result, a connection, in particular with a filling system, can be improved and implemented in a particularly defined manner.

The lower part can be grasped and held in a particularly simple and secure manner when each holding recess in the lower part wall is opened away from the inner space. Optionally, in the case of a correspondingly thin wall thickness of the material forming the lower part wall, a projection protruding into the inner space may also be formed.

The lower part can be held in a simple and secure manner if each holding recess comprises a boundary surface which is designed in the form of a cylindrical wall cutout.

Conveniently, the cylinder wall portion defines a cylinder axis oriented transverse to the bottom surface. It is favorable if it is oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface.

In order to grip the retaining recesses easily and safely, it is favorable if a radius of curvature defined by the retaining recesses is at least three times as large as one of the beads is wide.

Conveniently, each retaining recess has a height which corresponds approximately to half the height of the lower part wall. So it is possible to maintain the stability of the lower part and in particular at the same time to allow a secure temporary coupling of the lower part with a filling system.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that the device is a Wandelementabtrenneinrichtung for automatic separation of the wall element of the bottom and lower part wall. With the Wandelementabtrenneinrichtung it is thus possible in a simple manner, the wall element automatically, that is, for example, when engaging the device with a filling system, separate so as to transfer the packaging container also automatically from the interior into the filling.

In a particularly simple manner, the wall element separating device can be formed if it comprises at least one separating element which can be brought from the storage position, in which the wall element forms part of the peripheral wall, into a separating position. Preferably, two separating elements are provided, which are arranged or formed symmetrically on the wall element. In particular, these separating elements can be designed such that with appropriate gripping means of a filling the separating elements can be taken simply and safely to automatically separate the wall element from the bottom and the lower part wall.

The at least one separating element can be produced particularly simply if it is in the form of a flat flap-shaped projection.

Preferably, the at least one separating element is movably arranged or formed on the wall element. Movable may mean in particular displaceable or pivotable.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one separating element is pivotable relative to the wall element about a pivot axis extending transversely to the bottom surface. So it can be easily moved in different pivot positions.

The wall element can be produced in a particularly simple manner if the at least one separating element projects laterally from the latter in the separation position in the extension of the wall element. In particular, the basic position of the wall element can simultaneously define the separation position. In other words The wall element can be produced in one piece with laterally projecting separating elements.

It is favorable if the at least one separating element in the closed position extends parallel to or substantially parallel to a wall section of the lower part wall adjoining the gap and / or bears against it. In particular, it may be pivoted in the closed position by 90 ° relative to the separation position. Thus, it can be ensured in particular that it does not project undefinedly away from the device in the closed position and that accidental separation of the wall element can not occur inadvertently.

The upper part preferably comprises a circumferential upper part wall which points towards the lower part and, in the closed position, engages over the wall on all sides. By this configuration, it can be ensured that the interior can be closed in a defined manner and can also be kept closed.

It is favorable if the top wall comprises two opposing top wall sections which are of different heights and if a height of the top section wall which is arranged in the closed position in the region of the wall element is greater than a height of the opposing top section wall section. This embodiment has the advantage that the upper part can be partially raised, in particular in such a way that the wall element is essentially released, while still the upper part can completely overlap the lower part. In this way, the contents of the device, so in particular the packaging container stored therein, continue to be well protected, even if the wall element should already be separated.

Preferably, the top wall at least partially overlaps the at least one separating element in the closed position, so that the at least one separating element is arranged in the closed position between the bottom wall and the top wall. In this way, the separating element is in the closed position on the one hand protected and on the other hand, it can also be held by the upper part in the closed position. In other words, it can not automatically go into the separation position.

It is advantageous if a height of the upper part wall in the direction of the upper part wall section assigned to the wall element increases on those sides of the upper part on which the upper part wall engages over wall sections of the lower part wall adjoining the wall element. For example, it may be provided in the case of a rectangular bottom that the upper part wall sections of the upper part, which form longitudinal sides of the upper part, have a height which increases in the direction of the wall element. This makes it possible to lift the upper part, for example, in the region of the wall element and to ensure that it still overlaps the lower part wall with the upper part wall on all sides.

In order to make the wall element easily accessible and still to ensure that the interior of the device is completely covered by the upper part, it is favorable if a height of the wall element in the closed position associated upper wall portion is at least 50% greater than a height of the opposite upper wall portion.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the at least one separating element is designed such that the upper part wall can slide on the separation element during the transition from the storage position to the separation position and that the upper part thereby extends around a wall section opposite the wall element Swivel axis is pivotable. This makes it possible to leave the upper part in the region of the wall section opposite the wall portion of the lower part quasi in the closed position, but raise the upper part in the region of the wall element so far that the wall element from the bottom and the lower part wall can be easily separated to the For example, to transfer packaging containers from the apparatus into a filling installation. The pivot axis can be defined by interlocking connection or coupling elements of Upper and lower part extending in a direction parallel to the bottom of the device.

The lifting of the upper part in the region of the wall element can be effected in a simple manner by the fact that the upper part wall rests on the at least one separating element in the separation position and engages over the lower part wall on all sides. In particular, when the transition of the at least one separating element from the closed position into the separating position, the upper wall can slide on the separating element and lift the upper part in the region of the wall element until it rests in the separation position on the at least one separating element, if this quasi resumes the basic position, the means in extension laterally protruding from the wall element.

Preferably, the device comprises a coupling device for detachably connecting the upper part and the lower part with each other. Thus, at least one temporary connection between the upper part and the lower part can be produced in a defined manner in order to protect the packaging containers located in the interior.

The coupling device can be embodied particularly simply if it comprises first and second interacting coupling elements which are arranged or formed on the wall element and / or on the lower part wall and on the upper part, respectively, and if the first and second coupling elements force and / or in the closed position. or positively engage with each other. In particular, the coupling elements may be formed or arranged in the region of the top wall and the bottom wall. For example, coupling elements may also be formed in the region of the lower edge of the lower part pointing in the direction of the upper part.

It is advantageous if the coupling device is designed in the form of a latching connection device and if the first and second coupling elements are designed in the form of latching connection elements which can be brought into engagement with one another. This embodiment makes it possible, for example, the engagement and disengagement of the snap fasteners is audible to a user so that he immediately recognizes whether the top has already taken or has been moved out of the closed position relative to the bottom.

It is advantageous if the first and second coupling elements are designed in the form of coupling projections and coupling recesses for at least partially accommodating the coupling projections. Such coupling elements can be formed particularly easily. They can also serve as stabilizing elements in the device at the same time. In particular, they may be in the form of beads or the like to use a thin-walled material as possible for the production of the upper part and the lower part. This saves on the one hand manufacturing costs and on the other hand, so the weight of the device can be reduced.

The positioning device can be designed particularly simply if it comprises a plurality of positioning recesses which are open in the closed position in the direction of the bottom. In particular, the positioning recesses can each accommodate a part of a packaging container in order to force it into a predetermined position.

It is favorable if the positioning recesses have a rotationally symmetrical or essentially rotationally symmetrical basic shape. So they can specify the position of rotationally symmetrical packaging containers in the interior in a desired manner in a simple and defined manner. It is advantageous if the positioning recesses comprise sterilization channels. In particular, the sterilization channels allow the inflow, in particular of a sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide, into the packaging container even when the device is closed, that is to say, for example, with the upper part attached.

In order to increase the stability of both the positioning device and the upper part, it is advantageous if the positioning recesses comprise stiffening elements. These may be formed, for example in the form of back or projecting webs that complicate a twisting of the upper part.

The device can be made particularly compact if the positioning recesses comprise stiffening elements which in particular define the sterilization channels.

Further, it may be advantageous if the upper part defines with its underside a top part plane, which in the closed position runs parallel to a bottom plane defined by the bottom. Thus, the packaging containers can be kept in a defined manner between the top plane and the bottom plane in the device.

Conveniently, the device comprises a plurality of packaging containers. So you can already be loaded with appropriate, preferably sterile, packaging containers, so as to allow a processor directly to fill the packaging container with a product. The device is in principle suitable for being sterilized after loading with the packaging containers, for example with a gas such as ethylene oxide (EtO). It is thus "ready-to-sterilize" (RTS). After the sterilization of the device loaded with packaging containers, this is then "ready-to-use" (RTU), ie ready for use, to be filled directly by the processor with a product.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that each packaging container defines a packaging container longitudinal axis, that each positioning recess defines a positioning recess longitudinal axis and that in the closed position one packaging container longitudinal axis and one positioning recess longitudinal axis coincide or substantially coincide. This embodiment makes it possible, in particular, to position the packaging containers in a simple and defined manner in the interior of the device.

The packaging containers preferably have a rotationally symmetrical shape. They can be easily manufactured and positioned independently of a rotational position defined in the device.

It is favorable if, in the closed position, a distance between the upper part plane and the bottom surface is smaller than a height of the packaging container and if in each case a packaging container projects at least partially into a positioning recess. In this way, the packaging containers are simply and safely defined by the partial immersion in the positioning of the upper part in the interior.

It is advantageous if the packaging containers are designed in the form of primary packaging, for example as storage glasses, pipettes, ampoules or the like. They can then be used directly, especially if they have been kept sterile in the device, by a processor to fill them in a bottling plant.

It is advantageous if the device has a plane of symmetry which runs perpendicular to the bottom and divides the wall element into two mutually mirror-symmetrical halves. This simplifies on the one hand the construction of the device and on the other hand its handling.

The stability of the device can be increased in particular by the fact that it is designed in three parts. In other words, it only includes three parts, namely the upper part, the wall element optionally with separation device and the unit formed from the bottom and lower part wall.

The device can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner from a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic. Preferably, it is thermoformed to the desired shape for the device. Deep drawing in particular offers itself, for example, to use plastics such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or polystyrene for the production of the device. Preferably, the plastic used to make the device is a sterilizable plastic. The sterilization of the device can be done for example by means of superheated steam, by gases such as ethylene oxide, or by the use of ionizing radiation, ie in particular gamma or beta radiation.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische schematische Gesamtansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Aufbewahren und/oder Transportieren einer Mehrzahl von Verpackungsbehältern;

Figur 2:

eine teilweise durchbrochene Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 in Richtung des Pfeils A;

Figur 3:

eine ausschnittsweise Ansicht eines Schnitts längs Linie 3 - 3 in Figur 1;

Figur 4:

eine ausschnittsweise Ansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 von unten in Richtung des Pfeils B in Figur 2;

Figur 5:

eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 5 - 5 in Figur 1;

Figur 6:

eine Ansicht ähnlich Figur 1 mit einem im Bereich des abtrennbaren Wandelements etwas angehobenen Oberteil;

Figur 7:

eine schematische perspektivische Gesamtansicht der Vorrichtung mit der Abtrenneinrichtung in der Abtrennstellung und im Bereich des abtrennbaren Wandelements auf dieser aufliegendem Oberteil;

Figur 8:

eine Ansicht ähnlich Figur 7 mit noch weiter angehobenem Oberteil; und

Figur 9:

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Unterteils.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

an overall perspective schematic view of a device according to the invention for storing and / or transporting a plurality of packaging containers;

FIG. 2:

a partially open side view of the device FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow A;

FIG. 3:

a fragmentary view of a section along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4:

a fragmentary view of the device FIG. 1 from below in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5:

a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6:

a view similar FIG. 1 with a slightly raised in the region of the detachable wall element upper part;

FIG. 7:

a schematic overall perspective view of the device with the separating device in the Abtrennstellung and in the region of the separable wall element on this superposed upper part;

FIG. 8:

a view similar FIG. 7 with still further raised top; and

FIG. 9:

an exploded perspective view of the lower part.

In FIG. 1 schematically a device 10 for storing and / or transporting a plurality of particular small packaging container 12 is shown, which is also referred to below as the package 14. It comprises a trough-shaped lower part 16 and an upper part 18 in the form of a cover 20 for closing the lower part 16 in a closed position, as shown by way of example in the figures. In the closed position, the lower part and the upper part surround or define an inner space 22 of the packaging 14.

The lower part 16 comprises a bottom 24, which is substantially rectangular, with a bottom surface 26, which defines a bottom plane 28. From the bottom extending in the direction of the upper part 18 through three wall sections 30, 32 and 34. Together they form a substantially U-shaped base wall 36 which is integrally formed with the bottom 24 and thus forms a unit 38 with this. The unit 38 is mirror-symmetrical to a plane of symmetry 40. The wall sections 30 and 32 are mirror-symmetrical to the plane of symmetry 40 and extend along the longer side of the floor 24.

The wall portion 34 forms an end wall 42 of the unit 38. Opposite thereto, a gap 44 is formed, which extends to the bottom plane 28 and between the lateral wall portions 30 and 32. To close this gap 44, the lower part 16 further comprises a wall element 46, which is separable from the unit 38. It may, for example, initially be formed in one piece with the unit 38 and be separated once from the unit 38 by appropriately provided predetermined breaking points.

In the embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention shown in the figures, however, it is provided to detachably connect the wall element 46 to the unit 38. The wall element 46 thus forms an end wall 48 opposite the wall section 34 when the base 16 occupies the storage position in which the wall element 46 is connected to the unit 38 and forms part of a peripheral wall 50 of the base 16, the wall 50 forming the wall sections 30, 32 and 34 and the wall element 46 includes. The wall element 46 completely closes the gap 44 in the storage position.

For detachable connection of the wall element 46 to the unit 38, a connection device 52 is provided which comprises first connection elements 54, 54a and second connection elements 56, 56a, which are arranged or formed on the bottom 24 and on the bottom part wall 36 and on the other side on the wall element 46. The first and second connecting elements 54, 54a and 56, 56a are non-positively and / or positively engaged with each other in the storage position. Preferably, the connecting device 52 is designed in the form of a latching connection device 58, wherein the first and second connecting elements 54, 54a, 56 and 56a are formed in the form of cooperating latching connection elements.

In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in the figures, the first connecting elements 54 and 54a in the form of connecting projections 60 and 60a are formed, the second connecting elements 56 and 56a in the form of connecting recesses 62 and 62a, which formed are for at least partially receiving the connection projections 60 and 60a.

The connecting projections 60 are formed in the interior of a wall section receptacle 64 of the wall element 46 and point in the storage position in the direction of the bottom 24. The wall section receptacles 64 are designed to receive free, the gap 44 laterally delimiting ends 66 of the wall sections 30 and 32. The connecting recesses 62 for receiving the connecting protrusions 60 are formed on a lower edge 68 of the lower part wall 36 facing toward the upper 18, and open from the bottom 24 to receive the connecting protrusions 60.

The connecting projections 60a are incorporated by deep drawing in the bottom 24 and point away from the underside 70 of the bottom 24, so are open in the direction of the upper part 18 facing out. Overall, three connecting projections 60a are provided, which are formed directly adjacent to the gap 44 in the bottom 24 and extend transversely to the plane of symmetry 40. The connecting recesses 62a are formed in a bottom receptacle 72 of the wall element 46, into which the bottom 24 is immersed when the lower part 16 assumes the storage position.

The first and second connecting members 54, 54a, and 56, 56a are configured to be engaged and disengaged in a connecting direction 74 that is transverse to the ground plane 28. This ensures that the wall element 46 can not be inadvertently removed from the unit 38 without the action of external forces.

In the bottom 24, a plurality of recesses 76 is formed, which are open towards the interior 22 facing out. The plurality of recesses 76 is formed between transversely extending webs 78 and 80, wherein the webs 80 extend parallel to the plane of symmetry 40, the webs 78 perpendicular thereto. The bottom surface 26 is defined by the in Formed longitudinally of the package 14 extending webs 80. The special arrangement of the recesses 76 and the webs 78 and 80, a plurality of both parallel to each other and to the wall sections 30 and 32 extending in the longitudinal direction of the sterilization channels 81 is formed, which the inflow and a uniform distribution, in particular a sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide in the closed Improve packaging 14 equipped with packaging containers 12. They also stabilize the ground 24.

It should also be mentioned that the upper lower edge 68 is slightly set back on the wall sections 30 and 32 on three short sections 82. Furthermore, the lower part wall 36 comprises a plurality of beads 84 which extend in a direction perpendicular to the floor plane 28 and serve to stiffen the lower part 16. Adjacent to the wall portion 34 and the bottom 24 are also two parallel to the bottom surface 26 extending beads 86 in the two wall portions 30 and 32 are formed. Also, the bottom 24 has a plurality of beads 88 and 90 which are bounded by the webs 78 and 80 and each extending parallel thereto.

Furthermore, each of the two wall sections 30 and 32 respectively comprises two retaining recesses 92, which are opened in the lower part wall 36 away from the inner space 22. A boundary surface 94 of each retaining recess 92 is formed in the form of a cylinder wall section 96, which defines a cylinder axis, which is oriented perpendicular to the bottom plane 28. A radius of curvature of the cylinder wall cutouts 96 is more than three times as large as the beads 84, 86, 88, 90 are wide. A height 98 of the retaining recesses 92 corresponds approximately to half the height 100 of the lower part wall 36.

For easy separation of the wall member 46 from the unit 38 is a Wandelementabtrenneinrichtung. This comprises at least one, in the embodiment of the device 10 shown in the figures, two separating elements 104, which are formed in the form of flat flap-shaped projections 106. These are pointing towards the interior 22 on their Side provided with a plurality of nubs 108. A width of the projections 106 corresponds approximately to the height 98. Further, the projections 106 are about twice as long as wide.

The separating elements 104 are integrally formed with the wall element 46 and movable relative to this, namely about a pivotable in the storage position perpendicular to the bottom plane 28 pivot axis 110 pivotally. In the separation position, as shown schematically in the FIGS. 7 to 9 is shown, the separating elements 104 are laterally in extension of the wall member 46 from this. In the closed position, they are pivoted about the pivot axis 110 approximately 90 ° relative to the separation position and extend parallel or substantially parallel, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 4 shown, to the adjoining the gap 44 wall portions 30 and 32, respectively. As in the Figures 2 and 4 In the closed position, the separating elements 104 cover the retaining recesses 92 adjacent to the gap 44.

The upper part 18 comprises a substantially rectangular cover plate 112, as well as a circumferential upper part wall 114 extending therefrom in the direction of the lower part 16, which wall 50, as in FIG FIG. 1 shown schematically overlaps in the closed position on all sides. The top wall 114 further includes two opposing top wall portions 116 and 118 that are of different heights. A height of the upper wall portion 116, which is arranged in the closed position in the region of the wall member 64, has a height 120 which is greater than a height 122 of the opposite upper wall portion 118. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the height 120 is about twice as tall as the height 122. As in FIG. 2 In the closed position, the top wall 114 partially overlaps the partition elements 104 almost completely, so that the partition elements 104 are arranged in the closed position between the bottom wall 36 and the top wall 114 and held by the top wall 114 in the pivoted closed position.

A height of the top wall 114 steadily increases along the sides 124 connecting the two top wall portions 116 and 118, starting from the top wall portion 116 toward the top wall portion 118, so that in the closed position as in FIG FIG. 2 shown, a top edge 126 is inclined relative to the ground plane 28.

For securely closing the package 14 is a coupling device 128, which allows the detachable connection of the upper part 18 and the lower part 16 with each other. The coupling device 128 includes first and second cooperating coupling elements 130 and 132 formed on the wall 50 and on the top wall 114. The first and second coupling elements 130 and 132 are non-positively and / or positively engaged with each other in the closed position.

Preferably, the coupling device 128 is formed in the form of a latching connection device 134, wherein the first and second coupling elements 130, 132 are formed in the form of mutually engageable latching connection elements.

The first coupling elements 130 are in the form of laterally projecting from the lower part wall 36 flange coupling protrusions 136. Correspondingly formed on the upper part 18 is a circumferential coupling recess 138 in the form of a bead, which is open in the direction of the inner space 22 and receives the coupling projection 136 in the closed position. In the closed position, the upper part 18 is thus latchingly coupled to the lower part 16.

Furthermore, the upper part 18 comprises a positioning device 140 for the defined positioning of the packaging containers 12. It comprises a plurality of positioning recesses 142 which, in the closed position, are open towards the bottom 24. The positioning recesses 142 have a rotationally symmetrical basic shape. For stabilization the Positionierausnehmungen 142 these are equipped with stiffening elements 144 which are formed in the form of cross-shaped recesses, which rise slightly from the inner space 22 on the Positionierausnehmungen and laterally project slightly beyond this, but also in the direction of the inner space 22 are facing out. Sterilization channels 145 are formed by the stiffening elements, which enable the inflow, in particular of a sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide, into the packaging container 12 even when the packaging 14 is closed, that is to say with the upper part 18 attached.

The upper part 18 defines with its underside 146 a top plane 148, which in the closed position, as in FIG. 5 shown, parallel to the ground plane 28 extends. Each packaging container 12 defines a packaging container longitudinal axis 150. Each positioning recess 142 defines a positioning recess longitudinal axis 152. In the closed position, a positioning recess longitudinal axis 152 and a packaging container longitudinal axis 150 coincide or substantially together, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 5 is shown.

The packaging containers 12 preferably have a rotationally symmetrical shape and dimensions which enable a part of the packaging container 12 to be able to dip into the positioning recess 142 in the closed position. In FIG. 5 this is illustrated schematically such that an upper neck region 154 of the packaging containers 12, which may for example be in the form of storage jars, projects into the positioning recess so that each packaging container 12 is positioned in the interior 22 in a defined manner. The packaging container 12 are positioned in the interior 22 in particular so that they do not touch each other just to avoid damage to the packaging container 12, in particular during transport of the package 14.

In the closed position, the positioning of the packaging container 12 is in particular secured by a distance 156 between the upper part plane 148 and the bottom plane 28 is smaller than the height 158 of the packaging container 12th

The packaging containers are, as already stated, preferably in the form of primary packaging, for example storage jars, pipettes, ampoules or the like.

The package 14, as shown in the figures and described above, is thus formed in total only three parts. It comprises the unit 38, the wall element 46 and the upper part 18. The three said elements are preferably made of a plastic, for example by using a thermoforming process.

The unit 38, the wall element 46 and the upper part 18 each comprise stacking cams 170, 172a and 172b and 174, respectively, which allow defined stacking of the three said elements so that, once made separately, they are provided as stacks of like elements and can be easily and safely removed from the respective stack to form the packaging 14th

The stacking cams 170 are formed by the retaining recesses 92, which have a stacking surface 176 facing away from the bottom 24, which serves as a stop surface for the bottom 24 of a further unit 38 which is mounted parallel to the bottom 24 and with the same direction oriented gap 44 on the unit 38 becomes. In this way, units with a distance corresponding to the height 98 can be stacked directly on top of each other.

The stacking cams 172a and 172b are formed by recesses 178a and 178b formed in the end wall 48 by deep drawing and facing away from the inner space 22, which are substantially triangular in a plan view of the wall element 46. By formed on an outer side of the wall member 46 recesses arise on the interior 22 out pointing projections which define the stacking cams 172a and 172b and define a distance stacked wall elements 46.

And finally, the stacking cams 174 are formed by deep-drawn projections at edges of the top 18 where the sides 124 meet. The projections define from the bottom 24 facing away, parallel to the cover plate 112 extending stacking surfaces 180, which serve as abutment surfaces for a circumferential and laterally from the sides 124 and the upper wall sections 116 and 118 projecting flange 182 of another upper part 18, parallel to the cover plate 112 and oriented in the same direction is placed on the upper part 18. In this way, tops 18 may be stacked directly at a distance 184, with the distance 184 defined between a bottom of the flange 182 and the stack surface 180.

To remove the packaging container 12 from the package 14, the procedure is as follows.

Starting from the closed position, as shown schematically in FIG. 1 shown, the upper part 18 is first completely removed. Then, the separating elements 104 are gripped either by hand or with a mechanical gripper, on that part 162 which protrudes in the closed position under the upper edge 126, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 2 shown.

Thereafter, the separating elements 104 are pivoted back in the direction of the arrow 164 from the closed position to the basic or Abtrennstellung by 90 ° and the wall element 46 separated by pulling in a direction away from the gap 44 away.

Once the wall element 46 is severed, the packaging containers 12 can be pushed out through the gap, for example, with a slider, which between the packaging container 12 and the wall portion 34 engages to push the packaging container 12 through the gap 44 in the filling system.

Alternatively, you can proceed as follows.

Starting from the closed position, as shown schematically in FIG. 1 4, the separating elements 104 are gripped either by hand or with a mechanical gripper, on that part 162 which projects under the upper edge 126 in the closed position, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 2 shown.

Thereafter, the separating elements 104 are pivoted in the direction of the arrow 164 from the closed position to the basic or disconnected position by 90 ° back. In this case, the top wall 114 slides on the upper edges 166 of the separating elements 104. The upper part 18 is pivoted about a pivot axis 160, which is defined in the area of the wall section 34 by the interlocking first and second coupling elements 130 and 132. These still interlock when the separating elements, as in FIG. 7 shown already transferred to the basic or Abtrennstellung.

Due to the upper edge 126, which runs obliquely with respect to the upper plane 148, the upper wall 114 still overlaps the lower part wall 36 on all sides, as long as the upper wall 114 rests on the edge 166 of the separating elements 104, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 7 is shown. In this position, the top edge 126 extends substantially parallel to the bottom plane 28. The top 18 can now be pivoted either further away upwards or the wall element 46 are separated by pulling in a direction away from the gap 44.

Once the wall element 46 is severed, the packaging containers 12 can be pushed out through the gap. For this purpose, in particular a filling system may be designed accordingly and, for example, a Retaining means with engaging in the retaining recesses 92 retaining elements and a slide, which engages after lifting the upper part 18 between the packaging container 12 and the wall portion 34 to push the packaging container 12 through the gap 44 in the filling system.

With the described package 14 packaging container 12 can be easily and safely transferred to a filling without the packaging container must be taken individually. Your defined positioning in the interior 22 is repealed after removal of the upper part 18 so that they can be moved freely on the bottom surface 26. In order to prevent tilting of the packaging container 12 here, the distances between the webs 80 are dimensioned so that an underside 168 of the packaging container 12 always rises or rests on at least two webs 80.

For the sterile transport can be additionally provided to bring the package 14 in an outer packaging, which is for example made of a film that can be closed by welding or gluing to store the packaging 14 sterile after production and loading of the packaging containers 12 and to transport a processor. It is also conceivable to bring the packaging into a wrapper comprising two film envelopes. Of course, more than two sheaths may be provided.

Claims (15)

1. Device (10) for storing and/or transporting a plurality of packaging containers (12), comprising a tub-shaped lower part (16), the lower part (16) having a bottom (24) and a lower-part wall (36) projecting from the bottom (24), the lower part (16) comprising a wall element (46) which with the lower-part wall (36) forms a circumferential wall (50) of the lower part (16), and the wall element (46) being movable relative to the lower part (16) in order to at least partially open the wall (50), characterized in that the device (10) comprises an upper part (18) for closing the lower part (16) in a closed position in which the lower part (16) and the upper part (18) enclose an interior (22) of the device (10), in that the lower-part wall (36) projects in the direction of the upper part (18), and in that the upper part (18) comprises a positioning device (140) for defined positioning of the packaging containers (12) relative to one another in order to prevent the packaging containers from touching one another.
2. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the wall element (46) is separable from the lower part (16), in particular, irreversibly or reversibly.
3. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (24) is of rectangular or substantially rectangular construction, and in that the lower-part wall (36) comprises at least three complete wall sections (30, 32, 34) which project from side edges of the bottom (24).
4. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall element (46) closes a gap (44) formed in the lower-part wall (36) completely.
5. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a connection device (52) for releasably connecting the wall element (46) to the bottom (24) and the lower-part wall (36).
6. Device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the connection device (52) comprises first and second interacting connection elements (54, 54a, 56, 56a) which are arranged or formed, on the one hand, on the bottom (24) and/or on the lower-part wall (36) and, on the other hand, on the wall element (46), and in that the first and second connection elements (54, 54a, 56, 56a) engage one another with force and/or positive locking in a storage position in which the wall element (46) forms part of the circumferential wall (50).
7. Device in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the first and second connection elements (54, 54a, 56, 56a) are engageable with one another in a direction of connection (74) which is oriented transversely to a bottom surface (26) defined by the bottom (24).
8. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a wall element separating device (102) for automatically separating the wall element (46) from bottom (24) and lower-part wall (36).
9. Device in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the wall element separating device (102) comprises at least one separating element (104) which is adapted to be brought from the storage position in which the wall element (46) forms part of the circumferential wall (50) into a separated position.
10. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (18) has a circumferential upper-part wall (114) which faces the lower part and, in the closed position, engages over the wall (50) on all sides.
11. Device in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the upper-part wall (114) rests in the separated position on the at least one separating element (104) and engages over the lower-part wall (36) on all sides.
12. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning device (140) comprises a plurality of positioning recesses (142) which in the closed position are open in the direction facing the bottom (24).
13. Device in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the positioning recesses (142) comprise sterilization channels (145).
14. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of packaging containers (12).
15. Device in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that a spacing (156) between the upper-part plane (148) and the bottom surface (26) in the closed position is smaller than a height (158) of the packaging containers (12), and in that a packaging container (12), in each case, projects at least partially into a positioning recess (142).

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