EP3170762B1 - Transport container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a transport container for the transport or storage of goods with a container top, a bottom and a collapsible ring.

Such a transport container is for example from the US 5 829595 A known. Both the bottom and the container upper part have a recess running around along the edge region, so that the ring can be placed with an attachment edge into the depression on the bottom and subsequently the container upper part with the depression engages around an upper edge region of the ring. As a result, a closed transport container is created. From the US 5,123,541 A An analogous construction of a transport container is known.

From the DE 10 2004 006 415 A1 Furthermore, such a transport container with a bottom, a container shell and a ring is known. This ring consists of four side walls connected by joints along their vertical edges. At two opposite side walls, in particular the narrow sides, an additional folded edge is introduced, so that the ring can be folded by means of a so-called M-folding. In this case, the two side wall sections, which form the narrow side wall, in the direction of the container interior moves, so that the two long side walls with the interposition of the side wall portions are parallel to each other.

To secure the ring against lifting the side wall from the bottom is provided that on the two side wall portions of the narrow side wall in each case a recess is introduced into which a arranged on the edge of the bottom nose can engage. It is provided that the recess has a height, so that for releasing the side wall of the bottom first raising the side wall relative to the circumferential recess is made possible from the ground until the lower edge of the side wall is above the ground level, so that then the two sidewall portions can be folded inwards to allow the M-folding of the ring.

From the WO 2011/138096 A1 a transport container with an analogous structure to the above-described transport container is known.

From the EP 0 650 899 A2 a container is known which consists of a bottom and a collapsible with an M-fold ring. A bearing surface of the floor is surrounded by a floor frame. In each corner region of the floor frame, an angle fitting is provided, which extends at a distance from the support plane of the floor in the support surface of the floor and is aligned diagonally to the corner region. To secure the ring on the ground, the ring is placed in a folded position on the ground. Subsequently, the side walls are transferred to an end position. In the corner of the side walls recesses are given, so that this ring can be completely set up and the corner angle engages in the recess. This gives a lift-off protection. The loosening of the ring takes place in reverse order.

The invention has for its object to provide a transport container in which the ring after placing on the ground assumes a secure position and easy release of the ring from the ground, in particular for a return transport of the container, is possible.

This object is achieved by a transport container according to claim 1. Accordingly, the ring between two side walls to form a foldable corner region on a gutter, which preferably extends over the length of the vertical edges of the side wall. Between the edge of the bottom and the intermediate web provided in the corner region of the ring a self-locking anti-lifting device is provided, which at the edge of the bottom comprises a projection which engages or engages on a complementary formed receptacle on the gutter and the at least one side wall to the edge of the bottom locked automatically when placing the ring on the recess of the soil and secure. This will allow the simple placement of the Rings are kept on the ground. Furthermore, the arrangement of the self-locking anti-lifting device in the corner easy release possible by a handling in which the collapsible ring is preferably converted into an M-fold, the self-locking anti-theft detents in the corner, so that then lifting the ring and a folding of the ring is made possible.

It is preferably provided that the self-locking anti-lifting device positions the ring resting on the depression on the depression. By self-locking Abhebesicherung can be ensured that the ring is locked to the ground, so that it remains in an overlying position with respect to a Aufsetzkante of the ring in the recess and held down to the depression. Even a slight lifting of the ring from the ground is prevented. Also, unintentional and only partial lifting of the ring from the ground can be prevented. This is particularly advantageous if during a filling process with a bulk material due to careless behavior of the ring relative to the ground would only partially raised, so that bulk material could get between the Aufsetzkante of the ring and the recess of the soil and thus a safe transport of the bulk material not could be more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that in the corner region at the edge of the bottom, a projection pointing in the direction of the container interior is provided, which engages in a receptacle on the side wall of the ring. This creates a simple self-latching lift-off between the ring and the floor. This is beyond the inside, that is, that the self-locking anti-lifting device is not accessible from the outside or protected from damage, since the edge of the bottom protects the formed between an inside of the edge of the bottom and the opposite side wall lift-off.

It is envisaged that the ring in the corner of the hinged together Side walls has a receptacle. This receptacle may extend both longitudinally and transversely to the fold region between the side walls. These side walls are preferably hinged together by a fold.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a respective folded edge is formed between the side wall and the intermediate web and between the intermediate web and the other side wall connected thereto, so that the intermediate web can be pivoted in each case by 90 ° relative to the side edges. This makes it possible for the two adjacent side walls to be aligned parallel to one another directly during folding and preferably also to be arranged on one another. The width of the gutter corresponds in particular to twice the thickness of the wall thickness of the side walls. Preferably, a V-shaped folded edge is formed in order to connect the side walls to the gutter in an articulated manner, thereby enabling the pivoting range.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the inclusion of the self-locking anti-lifting device is formed by an embossing or punching, in particular in the lower edge region of the intermediate web, in the ring. This makes it possible that this impression or punching on the ring is covered by the edge on the ground.

It is preferably provided that at least the intermediate web between the side walls of the ring is constructed multi-layered and preferably comprises a corrugated or dimpled film between two planar cover layers. As a result, the impression can be formed sufficiently strong to ensure locking.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the indentation is formed as a parallel to the Aufsetzkante of the ring aligned groove which is opposite to the outer surface of the ring, in particular the outer surface of the intermediate web, outwardly projecting. This represents a first possible embodiment for forming an embossment, wherein the embossment is introduced from an inner side of the ring is, so that a protruding projection with respect to the outer circumference of the ring, in particular the outer surface of the gutter, arises.

Preferably, it is provided that the receptacle is adapted to the height of the projection on the edge of the bottom, so that when engaging behind the embossment formed as an impression on the projection of the ring is held down in the mounted position for depression on the ground. The imprint, in particular as a nose or groove, thus engages behind the projection on the edge of the floor to secure the ring to the ground. The same applies to the punching, in which engages the projection.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the imprint is formed as an embossed nose, which protrudes outwards relative to the outer surface of the ring, in particular the outer wall of the intermediate web and is aligned parallel to the side edges of the side walls. This has the advantage that a stable configuration of the intermediate web is maintained.

It is preferably provided that the embossed nose extends from a latching position with the projection up to the Aufsetzkante of the ring. This allows a simple production of such an impression.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in an intermediate region between the embossment and the outer wall, in particular the covering layer of the intermediate web forming the outer wall, an inclined surface is formed, which engages behind the projection at the edge of the bottom in a Aufsetzposition of the ring on the ground. As a result, a secure grip behind can be ensured regardless of tolerances and temperature influences.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the recess has a corner recess in the corner region of the bottom. As a result, a simplified placement of the ring can be created on the ground, since a deflection of the fold of the side walls or the gutter when sliding along the projection is made possible. Furthermore, this corner recess has the advantage that when a removal of the ring from the floor a clearance is created, so that the self-locking anti-lifting device can solve in a simple manner.

A further alternative embodiment of the transport container provides that the receptacle is designed as an embossing having a latching surface which protrudes from the outer surface of the intermediate web and merges via a transitional surface into the outer surface of the intermediate web. This represents an alternative embodiment for forming a self-locking anti-lifting device together with the projection on the ground.

A further preferred embodiment of the recording formed as a form provides that the latching surface is formed arcuate segment, which is preferably aligned at right angles or substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the gutter. As a result, a secure engagement of the projection on the ground can be achieved.

Preferably, the provided on the expression transition surface is formed spherical segment. As a result, an easy merging can be created to the bottom to form the self-locking anti-lifting device.

Preferably, the embodiment formed as a receptacle is formed like a swallow-nest. This represents a simple embodiment.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Transportbehälters,
• Figur 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Transportbehälters gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Ansicht auf einen Boden des Transportbehälters,
• Figur 4 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines vergrößerten Details A in Figur 2,
• Figur 5 eine schematische Ansicht von außen auf einen Eckbereich eines Rings des Transportbehälters,
• Figur 6 eine schematische Ansicht von unten auf eine Aufsetzkante des Rings gemäß Figur 5,
• Figur 7 eine schematisch vergrößerte Schnittansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform zur Figur 3,
• Figur 8 eine schematische Ansicht auf einen Eckbereich eines Rings der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 7,
• Figur 9 eine schematische Ansicht von außen auf einen Eckbereich einer alternativen Ausführungsform des Rings des Transportbehälters und
• Figur 10 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Eckbereichs vom Ring des Transportbehälters gemäß Figur 9.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawings can be applied individually according to the invention individually or in combination in any combination. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of a transport container according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of the transport container according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a schematic view of a bottom of the transport container,
• FIG. 4 a schematic sectional view of an enlarged detail A in FIG. 2 .
• FIG. 5 a schematic view from the outside on a corner region of a ring of the transport container,
• FIG. 6 a schematic view from below of a Aufsetzkante of the ring according to FIG. 5 .
• FIG. 7 a schematically enlarged sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 8 a schematic view of a corner region of a ring of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 .
• FIG. 9 a schematic view from the outside on a corner region of an alternative embodiment of the ring of the transport container and
• FIG. 10 a schematic sectional view of the corner region of the ring of the transport container according to FIG. 9 ,

In FIG. 1 In perspective, a transport container 11 is provided for storing and / or transporting goods, goods, general cargo or bulk goods. The FIG. 2 shows the transport container 11 according to FIG. 1 in full cross section. This is a reusable container. This comprises a bottom 12 and a collapsible ring 14, which is formed of, for example, four side walls 15, 16, which are interconnected in the respective corner region 17. The corner region 17 or the corner of the ring 14 is formed by two adjacent and adjoining side walls 14, 15. The number of side walls 15, 16 and their assignment is adapted to the basic shape of the bottom 12. In the embodiment, a rectangular bottom 12 is provided, which corresponds for example to a Euro pallet. Alternatively, square pallets with four equal side walls 15, 16 may be provided. Likewise, for example, rings of six or eight side walls 15, 16 may be provided.

Furthermore, the transport container 11 comprises a container top part 18 or a lid which can be placed on the side walls 15, 16 or on the ring 14 and closes a container interior 19 formed by the bottom 12, the ring 14 and the container top part 18. The bottom 12 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a pallet with feet 21 disposed thereon. For example, the bottom 12 may be formed as a plastic molded part with feet 21 formed thereon. Other alternative embodiments as well as materials are also possible. Furthermore, it may alternatively be provided that the feet 21 are screwed to a floor 12.

In the floor 12 according to FIG. 3 a circumferential recess 23 is provided. This recess 23 is surrounded by an edge 26 at least in the corner regions 17 of the bottom 12. The edge 26 consists of edge portions 55, 56 which each extend along an end face 28 of the bottom 12. The corner region 17 or the corner of the bottom 12 is formed by two adjacent and adjoining edge portions 55, 56. Advantageously, the edge extends fully around the recess 23. Within the recess 23, a bottom surface 29 is provided, which is advantageously formed as a flat and completely closed surface. A Aufsetzkante 24 of the ring 14 is located in an attached position of the ring 14 to the bottom 12 on this recess 23.

In FIG. 4 is schematically enlarged the detail A according to FIG. 2 shown. The sectional view extends through a corner region 17 of the bottom 12 and of the ring 14.

In the embodiment, the bottom 12 of a first or second molded part 31, 32 formed of plastic, which are connected to each other by deep drawing by the twin-sheet process. The edge 26 is formed by an edge web 27 which extends from the recess 23 upwards, in particular vertically upwards. An upper end side of the edge web 27 is provided above a bottom level or a bottom surface 29 of the bottom 12. The edge web 27 is formed by the molding 31, wherein in the upper edge region of the Edge web 27 a projection 33 is formed. This projection 33 extends in the direction of the container center or the container interior 19 and protrudes in the corner area 17 into the recess 23 in the plan view. The projection 33 extends diagonally across the corner of the edge at the bottom 12, which is defined by the adjoining edge portions 55, 56 is formed. The recess 23 has in the corner region 17 corresponding to the projection 33 has a corner recess 34, whereby in the corner region 17 an enlarged space in the recess 23 is formed. The width of the recess 23 outside the corner region 17 is preferably formed such that it is slightly wider than the wall thickness or wall thickness of the side walls 15, 16.

The side walls 15, 16 are preferably made of several layers and are formed as a composite component, as for example in FIG. 6 is shown. It is preferably provided that between two outer cover layers 39, 40, a corrugated or knobbed foil 41 is provided, which are welded together. The side walls 15, 16 are connected in the corner region 17 by joints 36. This joint 36 comprises two folded edges 37, which are spaced apart by an intermediate web 38. These folded edges 37 are V-shaped, so that when folding the side walls 15 and 16, these are aligned parallel to each other and in particular can rest against each other. The intermediate web 38 preferably corresponds in construction to the composite component of the side walls 15, 16 and is adapted with respect to the length of the wall thickness of the side walls 15, 16, preferably comprises twice the wall thickness, so that the side walls 15, 16 can abut each other. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the side walls 15, 16 consist of only one band-shaped material, which may additionally be profiled. The corner region 17 or the corner of the ring 14 is formed by the intermediate web 38 and the adjoining and associated side walls 15, 16.

In this embodiment, the collapsible ring is collapsible by a so-called M-folding. These are, as in FIG. 1 is divided, the side walls 16 divided into two side wall portions 43 and connected to a further folded edge 42 which in opposite directions to the folding edges 37 (FIG. FIG. 6 ) is trained. As a result, the side wall sections 41 can be pivoted with the folded edge 42 in the direction of the container interior 19, so that the two side walls 15 are flush with one another. This M-folding is taken in order to allow a space-saving return transport of the transport container 11. This ring 14 is placed folded on the floor 12 and then covered by the container top 18 and surrounded.

A first embodiment of a self-locking Abhebesicherung 45 is in the FIGS. 4 to 6 shown enlarged. This self-latching lift-off protection 45 comprises a projection 33 (FIG. FIG. 4 ) which is arranged in the corner of the bottom 12 and a receptacle 44 (FIG. FIGS. 4 and 5 ) disposed in the corner of the ring 14. In the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that the projection 33 is provided on the bottom 12 and the receptacle 44 on the ring 14. Alternatively, the self-latching lift-off 45 can also be realized by a reversed arrangement. In the intermediate web 38 of the ring 14, the receptacle 44 is provided. This is formed by an embossed groove or nose. These are, as in FIG. 5 is shown to a punched nose, whereby the receptacle 44 rises relative to an outer surface 47 of the side walls 15, 16 and the intermediate web 37 to the outside. Subsequently, the projection 33 extends from the contact edge 24 of the ring 14 to the projection 33 on the edge web 27 of the edge 26. Subsequently, a transition region 49, in particular a bevel, is formed, which bears against the projection 33 in a latching position and engages behind ,

When placing the ring 14 vertically from above on the bottom 12 to transfer the Aufsetzkante 24 to rest on the recess 23, the intermediate webs 38 are forcibly moved in the corner region 17 of the ring 14 by the projections 33 to the container center, thereby due of the free space in the recess 23 through the corner recess 34 an independent sliding down and insertion of the ring 14 in the recess 23 is made possible. In a resting on the recess 23 position of the ring 14 is an independent latching of the projection 33 on the receptacle 44, so that the ring 14 is fixed in a secured position to the bottom 12 against lifting. Preferably, a self-locking anti-lift device 45 is provided in each corner region 17. Likewise, even at one or more, but not all, corner regions 17 such Abhebesicherung 45 may be provided.

The corner region 17 of the bottom 12 is formed by the two adjoining edge portions 55, 56.

The corner region 17 of the ring 14 is formed by the two adjoining side walls 15, 16 or by the intermediate web 38 and the two adjacent side walls 15, 16.

A non-illustrated embodiment of the receptacle 44 to the embossed nose according to the FIGS. 4 to 6 provides that a transverse groove is provided in the intermediate web 38, which extends between the folded edges 37 on the intermediate web 38. This groove may in turn have a transition region 49 and in analogy to the nose according to FIGS. 4 to 6 also advantageously be embossed.

The above-described embodiments have the advantage that a completely closed ring 14 can be created without openings, so that a facilitated introduction of moisture into the container interior 19 is prevented.

In the FIGS. 7 and 8 is an alternative embodiment of the self-locking anti-lift device 45 to the FIGS. 4 to 6 shown. The receptacle 44 is formed instead of an embossed nose or groove in the form of a punched-out, so that the projection 33 can engage in this punching and in turn after locking the ring 14 against lifting as well as only partial lifting from the bottom 12 secures.

In an embodiment not shown, instead of the punched-out as a receptacle 44, which at least the intermediate web 38th completely breaks through, and a depression or depression may be provided, so that on the one hand, the projection 33 engages, however, a facing the container interior cover layer 39 is formed closed.

In FIG. 9 is a schematic partial view of the ring 14 with an alternative embodiment of the receptacle 44 shown. FIG. 10 shows a sectional view through the receptacle 44. In this embodiment of the receptacle 44, this is formed as an expression 50 relative to the intermediate web 38. The embodiment 50 comprises a latching surface 51, which is preferably aligned at right angles or substantially at right angles to the outer surface 47 of the intermediate web 38. This is followed by a transition surface 52, which is preferably formed spherical segment. The latching surface 51 is preferably formed arcuate segment. Such an expression 50 may, in analogy to the V-shaped depressions for forming the folded edge 37 according to FIG. 6 be formed. In the region for introducing the feature 50, the intermediate web 38 is heated, so that a simultaneous deformation of the two cover layers 39, 40 takes place together with the nubbed foil 41 arranged therebetween. By the transition surface 52, the deflection of the projection 33 on the bottom 12 when placing the ring 14 on the bottom 12 and in the recess 23 is facilitated. After engaging behind the projection 33 on the latching surface 51, a secure fixation of the ring 15 to the bottom 12 may be possible.

For releasing the ring 14 from the floor 12 according to all embodiments described above, a compressive force is exerted on the folding edge 42 on each of the opposing side walls 16, so that they can move slightly within the recess 23 to the container center 19, whereby the receptacle 44 relative to the Projection 33 is released and subsequently a lifting of the ring 14 from the bottom 12 is possible.

Claims (13)

1. A transport container (11) for transporting or storing goods, having a container top (18), a bottom (12), and a foldable ring (14) consisting of side walls (15, 16) which may be inserted into a depression (23) formed on the bottom (12) for connection with the bottom (12), said depression (23) being surrounded by an outer rim (26) extending at least in the corner region (17) of the bottom (12), characterised in that said ring (14) has an intermediate bridge (38) placed between two side walls (15, 16) for forming a foldable corner region (17) and in that a self-latching lift-off protection (45) is provided between the rim (26) of the bottom (12) and the intermediate bridge (38) provided in the edge region (17) of the ring (14), said lift-off protection comprising a projection (33) formed on the rim (26) of the bottom (12) which acts upon, or engages with, a complementarily shaped retainer (44) which is formed on the intermediate bridge (38) and becomes automatically latched as the ring (14) is placed onto the depression (23) of the bottom (12).
2. The transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the self-latching lift-off protection (45) holds down the ring (14) with respect to the bottom (12) such that it rests on the depression (23).
3. The transport container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the corner region (17) of the rim (26) of the bottom (12) has a projection (33) formed therein which faces towards the container interior (19).
4. The transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a folded edge (37) is formed both between the side wall (15) and the intermediate bridge (38) and between the intermediate bridge (38) and the other side wall (16), such that the intermediate bridge (38) is pivotable by 90° with respect to each one of side walls (15, 16), respectively.
5. The transport container as claimed in any of claims 1 or 4, characterised in that the retainer (44) is realised in the form of an embossing or a cut-out provided in the ring (14), in particular in the lower edge region of the intermediate bridge (38), and in that preferably at least the intermediate bridge (38) has a multilayer structure and preferably comprises two covering layers (39, 40) and a corrugated foil or stud foil (41) extending therebetween.
6. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retainer (44) is realised as an embossing, in particular a groove, which is aligned in parallel with the mounting edge (24) of the ring (14) and is conceived such as to protrude from an outer surface (47) of the ring (14), in particular of the intermediate bridge (38).
7. The transport container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the retainer (44) is realised as an embossed tab which protrudes outwardly with respect to the outer surface (47) of the ring (14), in particular of the intermediate bridge (38), and is aligned in parallel with the lateral edge of the side wall (15, 16) and preferably extends in the direction of the projection (33) formed on the rim (26) of the bottom (12).
8. The transport container as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the retainer (44), realised as a groove or embossed tab, has an inclined surface (49) which transitions into an outer surface (47) of the side walls (15, 16), in particular into an outer surface (47) of the intermediate bridge (38), said inclined surface (49) being applied from behind to the projection (33) formed on the rim (26) of the bottom (12) when the ring (14) is placed upright on the bottom (12) in a mounting position.
9. The transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the retainer (44) is realised as an embossed bulge (50) having a latching surface (51) which protrudes from an outer surface (47) of the intermediate bridge (38) and which transitions into said outer surface (47) of the intermediate bridge (38) via a transition surface (52) that preferably is in the shape of a spherical segment.
10. The transport container as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the latching surface (51) is in the shape of a curved segment and is preferably aligned at a right angle, or is essentially rectangularly aligned, with respect to the outer surface (47) of the intermediate bridge (38).
11. The transport container as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the retainer (44) which is realised as an embossed bulge (50) is in the shape of a swallow's nest.
12. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ring (14) consists of a plurality of side walls (15, 16) which are interconnected on their vertical lateral edges, delimiting a container interior (19) .
13. The transport container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the depression (23) in the corner region (17) of the bottom (12) has a corner recess (34) adjoining the bottom surface (29).

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