EP3003885A1

EP3003885A1 - Packaging body having a rollable outer shape and method for producing a packaging unit having said type of packaging body

Info

Publication number: EP3003885A1
Application number: EP14739029.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Ruge
Original assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
Current assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2014-05-28
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Also published as: CN105579365B; US20160122127A1; EP3003887A1; US20160114934A1; CN105593133B; US9886811B2; ES2681954T3; JP2016523776A; JP6388921B2; ES2643068T3; WO2014191104A1; EP3003920A1; WO2014191107A1; CN105579365A; US20160114956A1; EP3003900A1; EP3003886A1; DE202014010785U1; PL3003900T3; WO2014191106A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging body (13, 131, 132) having an outer shape which can roll. Said packaging body (13, 131, 132) comprises a chamber for the content or a cavity, the shape of which is adapted or can be adapted to the shape of the contents of the packaging (11) which are to be received in the packaging body (13, 131, 132). Said claimed packaging body (13, 131, 132) enables a packaging unit (10), which is easy to transport by rolling, to be produced in a particularly simple manner.

Description

A rollable external form packaging body and method of making a packaging unit comprising such a packaging body

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of transportation and storage of goods. It relates to a packaging body according to the preamble of claim 1.

It further relates to a method for producing a packaging unit with such a packaging body. STATE OF THE ART

The handling of goods of all kinds, which are manufactured, packaged and finally transported to the intermediary or buyer, requires, especially in times of online trade via the Internet, a sophisticated logistics, which includes in particular the storage and retrieval and transport. Many goods, such as Devices, food, pharmaceuticals, clothing, supplies, books, phonograms, etc. are already provided by the manufacturer with its own packaging and possibly combined into larger units that are available, for example, on standard pallets. These pallets are usually moved by fork-lift trucks, loaded onto trucks or unloaded from lorries and set aside for storage in the rack of a warehouse and, if necessary, retrieved again.

CONFIRMATION COPY In certain areas of logistics in particular automated Hochregalla ^¬ ger be used, which are operated by automated loading and unloading in the aisles between the shelves.

It is complex in this type of camps that usually the last stored goods must be the first outsourced because the shelves are usually filled and emptied only from one side. If the goods are transported in larger units on standardized pallets, such a larger unit must be dissolved in order to provide individual copies of the goods for further treatment. This causes additional problems when the units are held together by wrapping with a foil on the pallet.

Although it is known, for example in high-bay warehouses, to insert pallets with the goods located thereon down to the discharge side downhill roller conveyors in the shelves, so that the pallets move automatically to the unloading side and the next pallet automatically slips when the previous from the shelf has been taken out. Nevertheless, the removed pallets must be transported out of the warehouse with complex technical devices.

The situation is even more difficult if the goods are individually stored and stored in their own packaging. If there are different goods with different types of packaging and / or packaging sizes, the situation is even more complicated. An automated, mechanical storage and retrieval is very difficult to implement in this case, so that usually the storage and retrieval takes place manually.

The above applies equally to the transport of the goods from the manufacturer to the warehouse or from the warehouse to the intermediary or end user. JP 2006016044 proposes the provision of a packaging container which is easy to transport, which can hold a packaging object horizontally and which can also improve the recording efficiency in a receiving space.

To this end, the spherical packaging container is provided with a first container which is a spherical hollow body, a second container which is a spherical hollow body accommodated in the first container and accommodates an article to be packaged, and coupling means comprising the first container and the second container Couple containers with one degree of freedom of two or more axes.

There is provided a third spherical container, which is a spherical hollow body received in the first container and accommodating the second container, the inner surface of the first container and the outer surface of the third container, using first coupling members arranged on a first straight line, passing through the center of the third container, are coupled together in two places and the inner surface of the third container and the outer surface of the second container are using second coupling members arranged on a second straight line passing through the center of the second container and perpendicular to the first straight line, are positioned in two places coupled together.

Since the spherical packaging container has a spherical shape, a worker can roll the spherical packaging container for conveyance. Accordingly, it is not always necessary to lift the spherical packaging container in conveyance, and the spherical packaging container can be easily conveyed. Further, a groove for conveying the spherical packaging container may be provided. In this case, in providing a slope of the groove of the spherical Packaging container naturally rolled from a high side to a low side by gravity. The inner container can always be kept horizontal, even when the spherical packaging container is rolled.

A disadvantage of this type of packaging and packaging container is the extraordinarily complicated internal structure of the packaging, which is not practical in the processing of large flows of goods. However, a disadvantage is also the movable storage of the goods or the packaging content in the packaging container, which - if the focus of the product is not exactly in the center of the ball - leads to virtually unmanageable, tumbling and lurching movements. It is also a disadvantage that the contents of the package is not content-specifically protected, for example, by a sufficient padding or a hermetic seal.

Document US 7,954,661 B2 discloses a transport container comprising a spherical container and a heat-storing material disposed within the spherical container. The heat-storing material has a space in which an object to be transported can be accommodated. This space is in the center of the spherical container. The heat-trapping material surrounds the article to be transported, living cell cultures, spherically, so that virtually all of the heat of the heat-storing material can be used to maintain the temperature of the article to be transported. The spherical shape of the container is chosen to minimize the heat radiating external surface, thus prolonging the holding time for the temperature. A rolling transport should be avoided in this transport container.

The document US 6,050,438 A discloses a spherical, thin-walled, split capsule for accommodating one or more articles. The capsule can be used without destroying tion, wherein the parts have interlocking closure elements, which cause a stable connection of the parts, so that the capsule is suitable for use in vending machines.

Document GB 2 482 476 A describes a thin-walled container with a round cross-section. Two shafts are attached to the outer surface of the container and are aligned in a common axis which is perpendicular to the circular cross section. Reins are attached to the waves. The container can be filled through openings and emptied. As the reins are pulled, the container rolls around the common axis. The container may be spherical or cylindrical. Transport is limited to liquids.

The document EP 2 583 934 A1 shows a reusable beer keg with a hollow barrel body and a disposable container arranged therein. The barrel body is designed as a rollable barrel. When filled with beer, the disposable container expands until it touches the inner surface of the barrel body. For pouring beer pressurized C0 _{2 is} used. The disposable container is replaced after complete beer dispensing. The beer is an informal packaging content. Liquids basically have no shape.

From the document CN 201 9423 1 8 U an intelligent system for real-time processing of orders with automatic delivery of goods to the customer is known, which works with spherical transport containers, each comprising a spherical shell and an insert disposed therein, to a is adapted in the ball located square, cylindrical or round container, which finally receives the actual goods. This system is designed for long transport between the seller of the goods and the customers receiving the goods via transport tubes and routes, which are mostly underground in the city and in the country.

A package body well protective packaging body, with which also a packaging unit is easy to produce, which can be easily transported by roll, is desirable, but not known from the prior art.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a packaging body which has the desired properties, and to provide a method for producing a packaging unit with such a packaging body. The object is solved by the features of the independent claims.

The inventive packaging body has the outer shape of a rollable body. It is characterized in that the packaging body encloses a content space or cavity, and in that the content space or cavity of the packaging body is adapted or adaptable in its shape to the shape of a packaging content to be accommodated in the packaging body. Such a packaging body is suitable for receiving general cargo with a defined own shape. In contrast, liquids have no shape and are therefore not suitable for such a packaging body. The shape of the contents of the package indicates its shape or outline. It is a general shape, a permanent self-shape, etc. The shape of the packaging content has at least in parts a defined shape / outline, may have multiple parts, be flexible, deformable, be elastic, etc. An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that the content space or cavity of the packaging body is designed in its shape such that the packaging content is fixed in the packaging body. The packaging content is fixed in the packaging body, for example, form-fitting. In the present application, a fixation or positive fixation is to be understood as a secure holding of the packaging contents relative to the rollable packaging body, whereby in certain embodiments a certain play can be present between the packaging contents and the packaging body and thus the mobility of the packaging contents relative to the packaging body is limited , Another embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that it is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts or four parts. The multiple parts of the packaging body may be attached to the package contents to form the packaging unit.

In one embodiment, the outer shape of the packaging body is spherical. In another embodiment, the outer shape of the packaging body is cylindrical or barrel-shaped.

An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that the content space or cavity of the packaging body is designed in its shape to fix a packaging content of one of the following shapes: cube-shaped, cuboidal, polyhedron-shaped, spherical, cylindrical or barrel-shaped.

In one embodiment, the packaging body contains one or more of the following materials: open-pored plastic, closed-pore plastic, foamed filling fabric, foam. However, it is also conceivable that the packaging body is produced as a grid construction, for example, from a metal wire.

In one embodiment, the packaging body contains a fire protection agent, the packaging body contains a fire retardant and in particular one or more of the following materials: open-pored plastic, closed-cell plastic, foamed filler, foam. The fire protection agent can prevent or delay fires and it can be complied with in particular applicable fire protection regulations. Fire protection is very important especially for plastics, foams, etc.

In one embodiment, an outer surface of the packaging body on one or more of the following materials: hard plastic, cardboard, plastic film, rubber film, rubber bands. A hard plastic or cardboard protects a foam packaging body from wear. A plastic film can hermetically seal the contents of the package.

An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that it is constructed in several parts and is provided for connecting the parts of a connecting device.

An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that the Ver ^¬ inhibiting means comprises one or more of the following: joint bonding, adhesive bonding, thread-like connection, bayonet-type connection, United ^¬ bond with a ring member, connector, pin-based connection, hinge-based compound. An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that at least one information carrier which can be interrogated from the outside is arranged on the packaging body.

In particular, the information carrier comprises at least one RFID tag and / or at least one label with an optically readable code.

Other types of applied codes such as e.g. Matrix code, color code, number code, thermocode or holograms are also conceivable as information and / or identification means or security feature. All of these means can be optical, magnetic or radio-readable, either as passive means, which are queried from the outside, or as active means, which carry out themselves an information transfer.

The packaging unit can also be equipped with its own intelligence, e.g. in the form of electronic means for data or signal processing, e.g. with a microprocessor and corresponding data memories. Associated transmitting and receiving devices can wirelessly exchange signals with the environment via externally mounted antenna elements. But it is also conceivable to arrange at certain points of the shell externally accessible electrical contacts through which internal circuits can be accessed.

In connection with internal electronic devices in the packaging unit internal energy storage and / or energy converters can be provided, the mechanical energy (spring, gas pressure), thermal energy (heat storage) or electromagnetic energy (capacitor, battery, accumulator, coil, etc.) store or energy generate (piezoelectric transducer, inductive converter, etc.). Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide locating means within the packaging unit with the aid of which the location of the unit can be determined and tracked at any time. In extreme cases, a location determination by means of the GPS system or comparable systems comes into consideration. It is also possible for permanent magnets to be arranged inside the packaging unit, which can be interrogated from the outside or can trigger switching operations when passing certain locations.

An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that the packaging body is arranged on an outer surface and / or on an inner surface for the attachment of balancing elements. With a lightweight packaging content, balancing elements are usually not required. On the other hand, balancing elements can be absolutely necessary for a heavy packaging content with unfavorable weight distribution in order to obtain a rollable packaging unit.

An embodiment of the packaging body is characterized in that one or more holding devices are mounted on an outer surface, in particular in order to carry the packaging body and / or to separate parts of a multipart packaging body from each other.

The outer surface is the surface with which the packaging body rolls on a base. It should therefore have sufficient hardness to cope with the frictional and / or pushing loads occurring during the rolling process over a sufficiently long period of use.

The outer surface may be smooth, but may also have knobs or local dents as in a golf ball to ^¬ certain run or Abrolligenschaften ^¬ call out. Furthermore, if rollability in any direction can not be achieved, wishes is to be provided on the outside of one or more circumferential guide beads that give the rolling motion a certain preferred direction.

Suitable materials are in particular suitable plastics in question, which have different degrees of transparency but can also be completely opaque. In some cases, it is also conceivable to use a durable glass as the material for the shell, as it is e.g. similar to reusable beverage bottles is used. However, in special cases the sheath may also be made of a suitable metal or metal alloy, e.g. thermal or electromagnetic, in particular e.g. Abschimn properties, are of importance.

Insofar as the casing material is opaque in nature, it is possible to provide local visibility of the interior at certain points of the casing by providing viewing windows there.

In addition to a packaging body, the invention relates to a method for producing a packaging unit, which comprises a packaging content and a packaging body enclosing the packaging contents, wherein in a first step the packaging content is provided, in a second step, the packaging body in a ready for receiving the packaging contents state is provided, in a third step, the packaging content is introduced into the packaging body, and in a fourth step, the packaging body is closed. The method is characterized in that the packaging body is a packaging body according to the invention. By robotic devices, this process can be completely automated. An embodiment of the method is characterized in that the packaging body is multi-part, and that in the fourth step, the parts of the packaging body are joined together. A corresponding connecting device can be designed as a positive, non-positive or cohesive connection device.

An embodiment of the method is characterized in that the weight distribution of the provided packaging contents is determined and that from this balancing elements are determined, which are attached to the packaging body.

An embodiment of the method is characterized in that the weight distribution of the packaging body is determined with the contents of the packaging introduced and that balancing elements are determined therefrom, which are attached to the packaging body.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a partially cutaway view of a cubic or cuboidal packaging contents, which is held by thorns and is fixed in a spherical packaging body.

Fig. 2 in a partially sectioned illustration of a two-piece spherical

Packaging body with a content space, which is provided for receiving a cube or cuboid packaging content; in a partially sectioned view of a two-piece spherical packaging body with cube or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by a joint connection; in a partially sectioned view of a two-part spherical packaging body with arranged therein cube or cuboid packaging content, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by an adhesive bond; in a partially sectioned view of a two-part spherical packaging body with cube or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by a thread-like connection; in a partially sectioned view of a two-part spherical packing body having a content space for a cubic or parallelepipedic packaging content, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body by a bayonet-type connection gebil- ^'det is; in a partially sectioned view of a two-part spherical packaging body with cube or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by a ring element arranged in a groove; 8 shows a cross-section of a two-part spherical or cylindrical packaging body with cubic or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by a plug connection;

9 shows in a cross section a two-part spherical or cylindrical packaging body with cubic or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, the connection between the two parts of the packaging body being formed by a pin-based connection;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section of a two-part spherical or cylindrical packaging body with cubic or cuboidal packaging contents arranged therein, wherein the connection between the two parts of the packaging body is formed by a hinge-based connection; FIG.

Fig. 1 1 a, 1 1 b in a cross section and in a perspective view of a spherical packaging body with arranged therein cube or cuboid space for a package contents, which is contained in a plurality of nested, spaced-apart elements;

Fig. 1 2a, 1 2b in a cross section and in a perspective view of a spherical packaging body with arranged therein cube or cuboid space for a package contents, which is contained in a plurality of nested, abutting elements; and

Fig. 1 3 in a perspective view a spherical or cylindrical

Packaging body with arranged therein contents of packaging, which has a plurality of nested, meandering elements. WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a packaging unit 1 0, which is designed as a rollable body. Figure 1 shows schematically a (in this example cube or cuboid) package contents 1 1, which is held by thorns 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 and is fixed in a packaging body 1 3. The packaging contents 1 1 and the packaging body 1 3 form the packaging unit 1 0, wherein the packaging body 1 3 and thus the packaging unit 1 0 has the form of a rollable body, such. a ball, a cylinder, a barrel, etc. In the present exemplary figures, the packaging unit 10 is formed throughout in a spherical shape. The packaging body 1 3 contains, for example, a lightweight and inexpensive material such as an open-cell plastic, a closed-cell plastic, a foamed filler, a dimensionally stable foam or any other suitable in this regard material or a combination of such materials. The packaging body 1 3 can have a different material on the outer surface than in the interior. For example, the outer surface can have a material such as hard plastic, cardboard, plastic film or any other material suitable for the outer surface. It should therefore have sufficient hardness to cope with the frictional and / or pushing loads occurring during the rolling process over a sufficiently long period of use. The materials in the interior and on the outer surface of the packaging body 1 3 can be adapted in this way to tasks such as optimal padding (inner material), efficient rolling behavior or protection against environmental influences (outer material), etc.

The surface of the sheath may be smooth, but may also have knobs or local dimples as in a golf ball to provide certain running or rolling characteristics cause. Furthermore, if a rollability in any direction is not desired, on the outside of one or more circumferential guide beads are provided, which give the rolling movement of a certain preferred direction.

Suitable materials are, in particular, suitable plastics, which have different degrees of transparency but can also be completely opaque. In some cases, it is also conceivable to use a durable glass as the material for the shell, as it is e.g. similar to reusable beverage bottles is used. However, in special cases the sheath may also be made of a suitable metal or metal alloy, e.g. thermal or electromagnetic, in particular e.g. Shielding properties that are of importance.

Insofar as the casing material is opaque in nature, it is possible to provide ^localized visibility of the interior at certain positions of the casing by attaching ^viewing windows there.

The spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 are provided in order to hold the packaging contents 1 1 in a defined position during the production of the packaging unit 10, the spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 are removable from the packaging body 1 3 after the preparation of the packaging unit 10. For holding the packaging contents 1 1, for example, six mandrels 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 or any other number of spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 are used. In order to facilitate the removal of the mandrels 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24, they may have a coating, be designed to be heated or have any other features that facilitate removal. The spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 can be executed pointed and penetrate a defined measure in the package contents 1 1 to slipping prevent. The spines 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 may be made dull so as not to damage the contents of the package 1 1.

For example, the spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 are arranged in a mold for producing parts of a multi-part rollable body. When the mold tool is open, the contents of the package 1 1 with the spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 is brought into a defined position. The mold is closed and a part of the packaging body 1 3 and thus a precursor of the packaging unit 10 is formed by injecting a material into the mold. The mold is opened and the spikes 1 21, 1 22, 1 23, 1 24 removed from the packaging body 1 3, wherein the packaging unit 10 is partially manufactured and the part of the packaging body 13 and the packaging contents 1 1 arranged therein. Of course, the individual parts of a packaging body 1 3 can be prepared without packaging contents 1 1, then filled with the contents of the package 1 1 and finally joined together to form the packaging unit 1 0. The packaging content 1 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1 has the shape of a cube. The packaging content 1 1 may also have any other forms, such. the shape of a cuboid, a pyramid or any other shape. The packaging content 11 may further itself be in the form of a rollable body such as e.g. a ball, a cylinder, a barrel, etc. have. According to the shape of the packaging content 1 1, the packaging body 1 3 has a content space or cavity (1 31 1 in FIG. 2), which is preferably designed to fix the contents of the package 1 1.

The contents of the package 1 1 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the geometry of the packaging body 1 3, ie the center of a cube-shaped packaging. Contents 1 1 can coincide with the center of a designed as a ball packaging body 1 3. This ensures that the packaging contents 1 1 are equally protected from all sides by the packaging body 1 3, since the contents of the packaging 1 1 are protected from all sides by the same shape of the packaging body 1 3. However, this can adversely affect the rollability of the packaging unit 10 if the center of gravity of the packaging unit 11 does not coincide with the center of the packaging body 1 3.

The contents of the package 1 1 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of the packaging body 1 3, i. the center of gravity of a somewhat designed packaging content 1 1 coincides with the center of a packaging body 1 3 designed as a sphere. As a result, in particular the rollability of the packaging unit 1 0 favors or even possible. However, this can adversely affect the protection of the packaging contents 1 1, since the contents of the packaging 1 1 are not protected on all sides by the same shape of the packaging body 1 3, but if applicable the packaging body 1 3 between one side of the packaging contents 1 1 and the outside the packaging unit 1 0 has a reduced wall thickness.

For a particular mold for the packaging body can be packaging units 1 0 form, which have completely different packaging contents 1 1, but always the same external dimensions. In an environment for the transport and storage of goods can be defined for the dimensions of the packaging ^¬ units 1 0, for example, three, five, nine or any other number of standardized ^¬ te dimensions, these standardized dimensions, in particular to devices such as ramps, guide wires, Container, etc. for the roles, Aufbe ^¬ true, etc. of the packaging units 1 0 are adjusted. Accordingly, you can one or more molds be set up to produce packaging body 1 3 or packaging units 1 0 according to the standardized dimensions.

In one variant, the standardized dimensions are matched to one another such that one or more smaller packaging units 10 can be accommodated as packaging contents 1 1 in a larger packaging unit 10, which in turn at least partially forms the package contents 11 for an even larger packaging unit 10 , Etc.

The figures 3- 1 0 show schematically packaging units 1 0 with multi-part packaging body, which are made of a first packaging body 1 31 and a second packaging body 1 32 arranged therein with the packaging contents 1 1. By the two (partial) packaging body 1 31, 1 32, the above-described individual packaging body 1 3 is formed in principle. The packaging body 1 31, 1 32 are made for example of a material such as polystyrene, foam or any other ^¬ their material, and optionally have, as described above, a more stable or harder outer surface of a different material. The production of Verpackungskör ^¬ per 1 3 1, 1 32 takes place, for example, in a specialized factory, which serves as a supplier factory and is not involved in the actual production of packaging units 1 0 on site. The packaging body 1 31, 1 32 can be produced inexpensively in this specialization ^¬ terraced factory with high quality. To produce the packaging unit 1 0 then no mold is required on site.

As can be seen from the figures, the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 are arranged to receive the packaging contents 1 1. For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, the first (partial) packaging body 1 31 is provided, which has a content space or cavity 1 3 1 1 into which the contents of the package 1 1 are inserted. can be set. For example, the first packaging body 1 31 is held with a holding device and the package contents 1 1 used. Subsequently, the second packaging body 1 32, which has a corresponding content space or cavity, placed and the packaging unit 1 0 formed.

The introduction of the packaging content 1 1 in the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 can be completely automated, for example, robot-like means are provided to the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 and the packaging content 1 1 to form a packaging unit 1 0. Of course, the packaging of packaging units 110 may also be carried out manually by an operator or semi-automatically, the semi-automatic production comprising both operations by robotic means and manual operations by an operator.

In FIGS. 3-10, the (partial) packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 are shown symmetrically. Instead, the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 may also be constructed asymmetrically, with their composite outer shape further forms a rollable body. Thus, the first packaging body 1 31 may be formed as a spherical segment, which just completely accommodates the packaging contents 1 1, while the second packaging body 1 32 is formed as a spherical segment, like a lid on a surface by the package contents 1 1 and the first Packing body 1 31 is formed, is placed to form the formed as a ball packing unit 1 0.

Between the (partial) packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 can be made in any way a cohesive effect active compound to connect them together. The operative connection ensures in particular that the packaging unit 1 0 even after long or fast rolling operations and after longer storage times remains as a unit and the packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32 does not fall apart and release the content.

In Figure 3 is shown schematically that a joint connection 1 4 between the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 is formed to connect them together. The joint connection 1 4 can be formed for example by welding, filling, etc. The joint connection 1 4 is adapted to the outer shape of the packaging body 1 31, 1 32, wherein in particular no protruding or protruding projections are formed by the joint connection 1 4, so that the free rolling of the packaging unit 1 0 is not affected. In Figure 4 is shown schematically that an adhesive bond 1 5 between the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 is formed to connect them together. The adhesive bond 1 5 is preferably formed on the abutting surface between the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32, for example by gluing, attaching a double-sided adhesive tape, etc. The adhesive bond should be completely covered by the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 that the rolls of the packaging unit 1 0 is guaranteed trouble-free. Instead of a cohesive adhesive connection and a Velcro connection may be provided.

The joint connection 14 resp. Adhesive connection 1 5 can be carried out in a manner that a hermetic seal is formed and thus the package contents 1 1 is additionally protected from environmental influences. This is advantageous in the storage of packaging contents 1 1, in which such a hermetic seal is required, for example, of packaging contents 1 1, which should be protected from moisture and stored in a warehouse with a high humidity. In Figure 5 is shown schematically that a thread-like compound 1 6 between the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 is provided to connect them screwing each other. In the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 a packaging contents 1 1 is arranged.

In Figure 6 is shown schematically that a bayonet-type compound 1 7 between the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32 is provided to connect them together. The packaging body 1 31, 1 32 have a content space or cavity 1 31 1 for receiving a packaging contents 1 1.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 5 and 6, the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 have complementary heels, on the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 circular-cylinder-shaped surfaces are formed, which are perpendicular to the abutting surface of the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 stand and for the interaction of the thread-like compound 1 6 resp. the bayonet-type compound 1 7 are provided.

The thread-like connection 1 6 resp. Bayonet-type compound 1 7 have the advantage that the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 can be separated easily and non-destructively from each other to remove the package contents 1 1 thereof. The packaging body 1 31, 1 32 can thus be used again.

In Figures 5 and 6 are located which the content spaces or cavities than both Ver ^¬ package body extending, rectangular spaces. It goes without saying that the spaces and thus also the packaging content 1 1 in reality to the required rotational movement of the two packaging body 1 31, 1 32 against each other must be adapted to the rotating closing or opening ever ^{¬ he} possible. This can either be done by keeping the rooms perpendicular to the axis have a concentric, circular cross-section, or that the spaces are limited to one of the packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32.

In Figure 7 is shown schematically that the connection between the packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32 is made by a ring member 1 8. The packaging body Ί 31, 1 32 each have a circumferential groove or depression, which preferably lie in a plane which may preferably be perpendicular to the baffle plane between the packaging bodies 1 3 1, 1 32. By inserting a ring element 1 8 in the groove or recess, the packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32 are held together. The ring element 1 8 can be made as a rubber band, as a steel ring with a lock, as a ring-shaped spring steel wire, as a plastic tape with Velcro or in any other way. The ring element 118 may have a particular small weight in order not to influence the rolling of the packaging unit 10. The ring element 118 may have a defined mass or mass distribution which influences the rolling of the packaging unit 10 in a specific manner, for example such that the packaging unit 10 rolls over the ring element 18 which acts like a wheel and therefore acts as a wheel Centering as in a symmetrical gyroscope is effected. The circumferential groove of the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 and the ring member 1 8 can complement each other so that no protruding or protruding projections are formed and the roles of the packaging unit is not disturbed. In Figure 8, a connector 1 9 between the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 is shown schematically. The connector 1 9 includes pins 1 91, which are inserted into blind holes 1 92 to create a positive connection between the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32. Two pins 1 91 and two blind holes 1 92 are shown in FIG. 8, but it is also possible for more pins 1 91 and blind holes 1 92 to be provided. The pins 1 91 can at one or, for example, alternately be attached to two packaging bodies 131, 132, wherein the blind holes 192 complement each other on the other packaging body. Only blind holes 192 can be provided on the packaging bodies 131, 132, into which pins 191 corresponding to the connection of the packaging bodies 131, 132 are inserted. The pins 191 have features such as projections, spring elements, etc., in order to promote the frictional connection between the packaging bodies 131, 132. The pins 191 may additionally be materially connected to the blind holes 192, ie, glued, for example, in order to reinforce the connection between the packaging bodies 131, 132. 9 shows schematically a pen-based connection 20 for connecting the Verpa ^¬ ckungskörper 131, illustrated 132, which pins 201 comprises, arranged in bores 202nd The bores 202 are attached to the packaging bodies 131, 132 in a direction which is oriented perpendicular to the abutting surface between the packaging bodies 131, 132. In a variant, however, these holes can also be designed obliquely to this impact surface. In Figure 9, two holes are shown, but it can also be four, six or any other number of holes, vorgese ^¬ hen. The holes 202 are made continuous, so that in assembled packaging bodies 131, 132, the pins 201 can be inserted from the outside into the bores 202 in order to establish a connection between the packaging bodies 131, 132. The connection is made due to a frictional connection between the pins 202 and the two packing bodies 131, 132, ie, the pins 202 Müs ^¬ sen in the bores 201 through both the container body 131, extend 132nd The pins may have suitable additional means such as projections, grooves, spring elements, etc., to enhance the adhesion. In order to separate the packaging bodies 131, 132, the pins 201 can be removed relatively easily by inserting an ejection element into the holes 202 in order to move the pins 201 out of the holes 202. happened and the connection between the packaging bodies 131, 132 to solve again. In addition, a cohesive connection between the pins 201 and the connecting bodies 131, 132 can be created to reinforce the connection between the packaging bodies 131, 132. In this case, the connection is not readily solvable again.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a hinge-based connection 21 for connecting the packaging bodies 131, 132, which comprises a hinge 211 and a snap-action closure 212. The packaging bodies 131, 132 may have wedge-like recesses 213, 214, so that the packaging content 11 does not abut when the packaging bodies 131, 132 are closed. The packaging contents 11 can be inserted either into the first packaging body 131 or into the second packaging body 132, wherein the wedge-like recesses 213, 214 enable the closing of the packaging bodies 131, 132. In one variant, only one of the packaging bodies 131, 132 has a wedge-like recess, it being imperative that the packaging contents 11 first be inserted into the packaging body 131, 132 without this wedge-like recess, so that the packaging bodies 131, 132 can be closed. The hinge 211 is designed so that no protruding or protruding projections on the outside of the packaging body 131, 132 pass, whereby the rolls of the packaging body 131, 132 remains undisturbed.

The packaging bodies 131, 132 can have on one outer surface one or more holding devices, such as countersunk recesses or handles, in order that the packaging bodies 131, 132 can be carried and / or can be more easily separated from each other for accessing the packaging contents 11. In the case of a one-piece packaging body 13 or in the case of multi-part packaging bodies 131, 132 connected to a connecting device, the holding devices can be used the packaging unit 1 0 are used. The holding devices can lie substantially in a plane which is perpendicular to the baffle plane between the packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32. With open connection device, the packaging body 1 ^¬ 3 1, 1 32, separated from each other by pulling the holding means in directions which have from Packaging 1 1 away and the package contents 1 1 may be removed. The holding devices such. B. the recesses or handles are designed such that a trouble-free rolling of the packaging unit 1 0 remains guaranteed. For example, the recesses are sunk or arranged the handles hinged.

The described types of connection can also be combined with each other. Thus, the connector 1 9 shown in Figure 8 can be combined with the pin-based connection 20 shown in Figure 9. For example, as described, the plug-in connection 1 9 be designed such that for connection a pin 1 91 between the packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32 mounted blind holes 1 92 is attached. This has the advantage that it must be decided only when using such packaging body 1 31, 1 32, whether an externally inaccessible connector 1 9 or accessible from the outside pin-based connection 20 should be used.

The packaging body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32 may comprise more than two parts may be so constructed mehrtei ^¬ lig, that is, for example, four, six or any other number comprise parts, the individual parts after forming of the packaging unit 1 0 which the Packaging contents 1 1, are interconnected, in particular by means of one or more of the types of connection described. Thus, for example, four similar spherical segments can be provided in the form of a cube in the case of a packaging content 11. The cube is initially on a base. From the four above lying edges a first edge is selected and placed on a first ball segment. The cube is tilted in the direction of the edge with attached first ball segment and at the edge opposite the first edge, a second ball segment is placed. On the now above edge, a third ball segment is placed. The first, second and third ball segment are connected to each other, for example glued. The body thus formed can now be rotated in a rolling motion, so that the edge opposite the third ball segment is accessible, in order to set up a fourth spherical segment and connect it to the first and second spherical segment. Such an approach may be particularly advantageous in a high-weight packaging content.

The packaging content 1 1 can be constructed in several parts and include, for example, a product and an adapter, with which the product is adapted to a content space 1 3 1 1 of a packaging body. With the adapter, which is made for example of foam, gel mass or Styrofoam, products of different shapes can be adapted to packaging body 1 3 1, 1 32 with a standardized content space 1 3 1 1. The production of the packaging body 1 31, 1 32 can be carried out as described in a specialized factory, while the manufacture of the adapter can be done on site. The adapter may be composed of component parts or may be specifically made for the product, for example, with a molding tool, a 3D printer, or in any other way. In the production of packaging units 10, the geometry of the product can be detected, which is next to be arranged in a packaging body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32. According to the detected geometry, an adapter can be made or selected to produce the packaging unit 10. In particular in an environment in which different products are fed on a conveyor belt in order to To arrange packing units 1 0, thereby an automated, rapid and efficient processing can be made possible.

A packaging body 1 3, 1 3 1, 1 32, at least one externally readable information carrier such. B. an RFID tag (RFID: Radio Frequency Identification) and / or at least one label with an optically readable code. Since the range of RFID tags is limited, by arranging several RFID tags, the probability can be increased or it can always be ensured that the reading of an RFID tag regardless of the current position of the packaging body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32 is guaranteed. By arranging several labels, the probability is increased or always ensured that the reading of the optical code is ensured independently of the current position of the packaging body 1 3, 1 3 1, 1 32. On the RFID tag data can be stored, which can be read out via radio waves from an RFID reader. The optically readable code can be embodied, for example, as a bar code or as 2D code, which comprises data that can be read by an optical reader. A packaging unit 1 0, which is made of such packaging bodies 1 31, 1 32, can be so clearly identified. For example, by storing and assigning data of the information carrier and the packaging in the container body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32 arranged contents in suitable databases can be checked at any time by the contents of the package 1 1 read data from the information carrier. Other types of applied codes such as matrix code, color code, numeric code, thermocode or holograms are also conceivable as information and / or identification means or security feature. All of these means can be optical, magnetic or radio-readable, either as passive means, which are queried from the outside, or as active means, which carry out themselves an information transfer. The packaging body can also be equipped with its own intelligence, z. B. in the form of electronic means for data or signal processing, for. B. with a microprocessor and corresponding data storage. Associated transmitting and receiving devices can wirelessly exchange signals with the environment via externally mounted antenna elements. But it is also conceivable to arrange at certain points of the shell externally accessible electrical contacts through which internal circuits can be accessed.

In connection with internal electronic devices in the packaging body internal energy storage and / or energy converters can be provided, the mechanical energy (spring, gas pressure), thermal energy (heat storage) or electromagnetic energy (capacitor, battery, accumulator, coil, etc.) store or generate energy (piezoelectric transducer, inductive transducer, etc.).

Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide locating means within the packaging body with the aid of which the location of the unit can be determined and tracked at any time. In extreme cases, a location determination by means of the GPS system or comparable systems comes into consideration. It is also possible for permanent magnets to be arranged inside the packaging body, which can be interrogated from the outside or can trigger switching operations when passing certain locations.

A packaging body 1 3, 1 3 1, 1 32 may be adapted to receive balancing elements on the outer surface or on the inner surface. With the balancing elements can be achieved that the center of gravity of the packaging unit 1 0 matches exactly enough with the geometric center of the packaging body 1 3, 1 3 1, 1 32. The rolling capacity of the packaging unit 1 can be improved by 0 or only allows for a Verpa ^¬ ckungsinhalt 1 1 with very unfavorable weight distribution. To the Packing unit 10 can also be components of connecting devices such as pins or pins made of particularly lightweight or very heavy material. On the outer surface of the packaging body 13, 131, 132 recesses may be provided, in which balancing elements are glued. On the inner surface of the packaging body 13, 131, 132 recesses may be provided, are placed in which balancing elements and held there in cooperation with the package contents 11. The balancing elements may be made of a low cost, high density material such as iron, lead, concrete, etc. Preferably, the material is moldable in a desired manner in order to be able to adapt the balancing element to the packaging body 13, 131, 132 in the desired manner.

FIGS. 11a and 11b show a spherical packaging body 13 with cubic or cuboidal space 11.0 arranged therein for a packaging content 11, which space 11.0 is contained in a plurality of nested elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 spaced apart from one another. The plurality of spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, for example, cubic or cuboid-shaped, which - as shown schematically in Figure 11a, 11b - have, for example, four outer surfaces and two access openings. Other configurations of the plurality of spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 may be provided. The outer surfaces of the plurality of spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are formed by outer walls, which have a desired thickness. The plurality of spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are spaced apart from each other by spacers, not shown, for example by clips, pins, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are held in the packaging body 13 , For example, in attached to the packaging body 13 Grooves, by pressing into the packaging body 13, etc. By the plurality of spaced elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 a space 11.0 is formed for a package contents, which is optimally adapted to the dimensions or dimensions of the package contents. Thus, with larger packaging contents, fewer of the spaced-apart elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 and, in the case of smaller packaging contents, more of the spaced-apart elements 11 can be used.

I, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are used. The spacers, not shown, may have damping functions, so that the contents of the package is held as free as possible in the packaging body 13. The materials of the plurality of spaced elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 may be the same or different. For example, the innermost element may be made particularly soft and the subsequent elements increasingly harder to hold the contents of the package in a desired manner in the packaging body 13.

12a shows schematically in a cross section and FIG. 12b shows schematically in a perspective view a spherical packaging body 13 with a cubic or cuboid space 11.0 arranged therein for a packaging content 11, which space 11.0 is arranged in a plurality of nested, abutting elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 , 11.4 is included. The abutting elements 11.1,

11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are essentially constructed in the same way as the elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, which are spaced apart from one another in FIGS. 11a, 11b, but dimensioned in such a way that the abutting elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 of Figure 12a, 12b touch. Thus, no spacers or the like are required in the abutting elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 of Figure 12a, 12b. The abutting elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 of Figure 12a, 12b are designed such that they can be pushed together easily and an internal element, for example, the element with reference numeral 11.1, of the respective outside element, ie in the present example of the element with reference numeral 11.2, is held. By the abutting elements, a very stable body is provided, which is advantageous in applications for holding a packaging content 11 in the packaging body 13. 13a and 13b schematically show a cross-section of a spherical or cylindrical packaging body with space 11.0 arranged therein for a packaging content, which space 11.0 is contained in a plurality of nested, meandering elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3. In cross-section, the meandering elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 have a shape which reciprocates along a circumference of a circle in meandering form between an interior of the circle and an exterior of the circle. As a result, various possibilities are created in the interior of such an element in order to arrange a packaging content 11. For example, a rod-shaped package contents 11 as shown schematically in Figure 13a in the meandering elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 are clamped and several rod-shaped packaging contents can be arranged in this way in a star-shaped stack. FIG. 13b shows a cube-shaped or cuboid-shaped packaging contents 11 held in the meandering elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, in particular outer surfaces of the packaging contents 11 are supported on the elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, while outer edges are in empty spaces , As a result, forces are transmitted between the meandering elements 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 and the packaging contents 11 on the outer surfaces of the package contents, whereby this arrangement is particularly suitable for such applications in which this type of power transmission is required.

The arrangements shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b and 13a, 13b can be realized in a simple manner from a spherical packaging body be adopted a cylindrical or barrel-shaped packaging body. In the case of a spherical packaging body, internal elements have an increasingly smaller cross-section, but can have an increasingly greater length perpendicular to the cross-section. In the case of a cylindrical or barrel-shaped packaging body, internal elements may have a length which is constant or substantially constant perpendicular to the cross-section.

The described packaging body 1 3, 1 3 1, 1 32 are particularly suitable for the storage of general cargo. The storage and retrieval of the packaging units 1 0, which can be formed with the packaging body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32, takes place in that the packaging units 1 0 are rolled along defined paths. The tracks are sloped and a smaller or no energy input is needed. Warehousing can be done without manual handling. For example, storage may be in a reduced oxygen environment. Due to the reduced energy supply and / or the reduction of the oxygen content, the risk of fire during storage is reduced. This reduces the risk of damage during storage, which leads, for example, to particularly favorable insurance conditions. As described above, the packaging body 1 3, 1 31, 1 32 may contain a fire retardant to further reduce the risk of fire.

Claims

claims

A packaging body (13, 131, 132) having an outer shape of a rollable body, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) encloses a content space or cavity (1311), and in that the content space or cavity (1311 ) of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is adapted or adaptable in shape to the shape of a packaging content (11) to be accommodated in the packaging body (13, 131, 132).

2. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to claim 1, characterized in that the content space or cavity (1311) of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is designed in its shape such that the packaging content (11) in the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is fixed.

3. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts or four parts.

4. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer shape of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is spherical.

5. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer shape of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is cylindrical or barrel-shaped.

6. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) contains one or more of the following materials: open-pored plastic, closed-cell plastic, foamed filler, foam.

7. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) contains a fire retardant and in particular one or more of the following materials: open-pored plastic, closed-cell plastic, foamed filler, foam.

8. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer surface of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) comprises one or more of the following materials: hard plastic, cardboard, plastic film, rubber film, rubber bands ,

9. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is constructed in several parts and for connecting the parts of a connecting device is provided.

10. Packaging body according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting device comprises one or more of the following devices: joint connection, adhesive connection, thread-like connection, bayonet-type connection, connection with a ring element, plug connection, pin-based connec ^¬ tion, hinge-based connection.

11. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is arranged at least one interrogatable information carrier from the outside.

12. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to claim 11, characterized in that the information carrier comprises at least one RFID tag and / or at least one label with an optically readable code.

13. Packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the packaging body is arranged on an outer surface and / or on an inner surface for the attachment of balancing elements.

14, packaging body (13, 131, 132) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on one outer surface one or more holding devices are mounted, in particular to the packaging body (13, 131, 132) to wear and / or parts a multi-part packaging body (13, 131, 132) to be separated from each other.

15. A method for producing a packaging unit (10), which comprises a packaging content (11) and a packaging material (11) enclosing the packaging body (13, 131, 132), wherein in a first step, the packaging content (11) is provided in one second step of the packaging bodies (13, 131, 132) is provided in a ready state for receiving the packaging contents (11), in a third step, the packaging content (11) in the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is introduced, and in a fourth step of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is closed, characterized characterized in that the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is a packaging body according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the packaging body (131, 132) is in several parts, and that in the fourth step, the parts of the packaging body (131, 132) are joined together.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the weight distribution of the provided packaging content (11) is determined and that therefrom balancing elements are determined, which are attached to the packaging body (13, 131, 132).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the weight distribution of the packaging body (13, 131, 132) is determined with inserted packaging content (11) and that therefrom balancing elements are determined which on the packaging body (13, 131, 132 ).