EP3254982B1 - Transport container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a transport container with a stacked arrangement of containers made of plastic

background

Transport containers for goods of various types and small parts are known as such in various embodiments. In the document DE 1 942 864 U For example, a transport container for goods of all kinds is disclosed with a device for forklift, in which the transport container consists of individual parts, which can be assembled as required in various ways, for example, to pallets with stacking columns, on the other pallets and containers can be placed, or to single-storey or multi-storey containers whose side walls are removable so that they can be loaded and unloaded from the side, the containers being closable by inserting a side wall.

An assemblable transport container is still from the document DE 10 2014 105 871 A1 known. The transport container is adjustable in size with regard to its transport volume.

In document DE 40 37 696 A1 is described a modular container system of matched basic elements that are the same in terms of dimensions, so that they can be combined into different containers.

From the document DE 200 01 291 U1 is a hinge with detachable hinge parts known. In one embodiment, the hinge is used to interconnect stacked containers such that containers stacked on top of each other are pivotally connected together.

In the document EP 0 566 983 A1 discloses a case for receiving and transporting items, particularly tools and work material, in which modules are stacked one above the other so that an upper module can be pivoted upwardly to release a deck-side opening of an underlying module. Neighboring modules are by means of a connecting rod connected to each other, which allows the relative pivoting of the modules to each other.

In the document US 2015/0289389 A1 discloses a container for receiving electronic components or arrangements such as circuits or electronic components in the car or in the aircraft, in which the container is formed of wall segments, which are connected in the corners with corner segments.

The document FR 2.145.447 discloses a container in which wall segments and bottom segments are assembled.

A container with lid is in the document US 2011/0155610 A1 described. In the documents DE 20 2008 007 119 U1 such as US 2015/0336709 A1 Pallets are disclosed on which transport containers can be arranged, the pallets can be modular.

Summary

The object of the invention is to provide a transport container with a stacked arrangement of containers made of plastic, which is flexible and allows the simplest possible loading and unloading of the container.

The object is achieved by a transport container with a stacked arrangement of containers made of plastic according to independent claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

In one aspect, there is provided a transport container having a stacked array of plastic containers, wherein the containers are formed with a container bottom and a peripheral container wall, the container bottom forming an entire surface of a transport pallet or a portion thereof. The peripheral container walls are formed with an upstanding wall and arranged thereon stiffeners. The containers are detachably assembled from container components which have two lateral container components and at least one intermediate container component arranged therebetween, wherein container components arranged adjacent to one another are positively and / or non-positively connected with one another in the region of the container walls and the container bottom. Directly stacked containers are hinged together along a longitudinal side of the container, such that an upper container is displaceable between a starting position in which the upper container is disposed on a container disposed directly below and the lid-side container opening, and a pivoted-up position in which the upper container is swung up about a pivot axis of the articulated connection, so that the cover-side container opening of the container arranged directly underneath is opened.

On surface sections that come to rest on the detachable assembly of the container components, surface side corrugations are arranged on one or both sides. The surface side corrugations may be disposed adjacent to one of the connections into which the container components engage. The corrugations may at least in sections have a flat tooth structure, for example with pyramids or truncated pyramids.

In the stacked arrangement of the containers, the directly stacked containers, which can also be generally referred to as boxes, at least partially form-fitting superimposed. Thus, in one embodiment, projections arranged in the bottom area of the upper container, which may be circumferentially continuous or discontinuously formed on the outside, engage positively in associated sections of the container arranged below, for example in the region of an upper-side circumferential edge of the lower container. With the protrusions in the bottom area, stand or bearing elements may be formed for the upper container when it is placed, for example, on a bearing surface, for example the floor.

The containers or their container parts can be manufactured as injection-molded components, wherein recycled plastic can be used.

The upper container can be locked in the raised position by means of a locking device. The lock at least in the raised position can be formed by the upper container engages in the raised position. In this case, the locking device may comprise a guide member, which pivoting up and down is guided along a projection passing through the guide member, which is arranged for example at the upper edge of the lower container. In an end position locks the guide member so that the upper container is secured in the raised position. For pivoting down the guide member can then be released from the locked position to allow a pivoting down of the upper container in the position on the lower container.

The upper container can be secured by means of a closure device against pivoting up, when the upper container is arranged in the starting position on the container directly below it. One or more closures may be provided which secure the upper container in the starting position on the container directly below by closing the respective closure. One or more of the closures can be arranged on the front side of the transport container. It can be provided that one or more closures are arranged exclusively in the region of the front side, ie on the opposite side of the articulated connection, which is arranged on the rear side.

The container bottoms may have openings at least in a partial region of the bottom surface. At least in a portion of the container bottom, a grid floor may be provided, wherein the openings are arranged within a grid structure. The grid structure can completely capture the respective bottom surface of the containers or boxes. It can be formed with webs and openings arranged therebetween. The grid structure may be uniform throughout throughout the grid floor, for example, with a honeycomb or kite quadrangle structure. Alternatively, the container bottom can be made partially or completely as a closed bottom.

The lateral container components can be designed as box components open on one side, and the at least one middle container component can be designed as a box component that is open on both sides. The lateral container components and / or the at least one middle container component can be made in one piece or formed from a plurality of composite wall components. For example, wall section-forming components may be clipped or otherwise secured to the floor, for example detachably. In one embodiment, a plurality of intermediate container components are arranged between the lateral container components, which may be formed with the same or different width.

The connections between the container components may have tongue and groove connections. The tongue and groove connections can be formed in the region of upright side walls and / or in the region of the container bottom. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided to screw the container components together. For this purpose, openings and associated screw domes can be provided on the container components.

The connections between the container components may have positive connections, in which projections engage positively in associated recesses. The form-fitting connections can be formed in the region of upright side walls and / or in the region of the container bottom. The projections may be disposed on an upright wall portion and project toward the container member to be attached thereto so as to be received in an associated recess on the opposite container member upon assembly of the container members.

The stiffeners may have outwardly projecting stiffening ribs from the upstanding wall of the container wall to the outside and / or inside. The stiffening ribs may be formed as upstanding on the container wall flat portions. The depth of the stiffening ribs with a view of the container wall can vary over the height of the container wall. For example, it can be provided that the stiffening rib in a foot region, which is formed adjacent to the bottom of the container, is deeper and thus wider than in the upper end region.

With inwardly projecting stiffening ribs insertion receptacles for releasably be arranged in the container bearing components can be formed. Slots may be inserted in one or more of the insertion receptacles, for example in the form of upright wall inserts, whereby a division of the receiving volume of the container may be produced. Also can By means of the insertion receptacles foam blocks are secured in the container, which in turn serve to receive items to be transported in the transport container.

In the case of a container arranged in the top of the stack, the cover-side container opening may at least partially be closed by a lid. The lid may be formed one or more parts. The lid may be completely detachable from the container. In one embodiment, the cover has at least two partial covers, which are pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the container. The partial covers can each cover a region of the container opening which is assigned to one of the container components. In this way, when widening a container, for example by inserting a further middle container component, an associated partial lid can be integrated into the lid.

A container arranged in the bottom of the stack can be arranged on one or more transport pallets, wherein the bottom of the container arranged below is completely overlapped with a receiving surface of the one or more transport pallets. The recording area can correspond to half or the whole area of a Europool pallet. The one or more transport pallets can be releasably secured to the stack of transport containers by means of a securing device.

On opposite surfaces of the container components, a sealing element may be arranged. The sealing element may be formed as a sealing cord made of an elastic material, for example rubber. The sealing element may be placed on the associated surface, optionally adhering by means of adhesive, or alternatively be inserted in a groove provided on the associated surface. With the aid of the sealing element, it may be possible to make the transport container water-, dust- and / or gas-tight. The arrangement of the sealing element may in one embodiment be provided in various separate areas between adjacent walls in order to seal the respective areas during assembly.

The container bottom can be designed to cover a total area of a plurality of transport pallets, wherein the transport pallets are connected to one another by means of pallet connectors. The container bottom overlaps in area with the surface of the transport pallets. The pallet connectors can be designed, for example, as profiles made of metal, in particular aluminum. The pallet connectors can be inserted into associated recesses on the pallets in this case, when the pallets are moved towards each other. Spacers may be arranged between the pallets.

In the container transport locks can be arranged, which are designed for example as foam strips or plates. In one embodiment, an equal spacing of the transport locks can be provided. The transport locks can be plugged into the assigned slots in the wall.

One or more eyelets may be provided on the container, for example clipped to the floor. By means of the retaining lugs, transport goods picked up in the transport container can be lashed. Placeholders can be provided to optionally mount additional eyelets. The placeholders may be formed by means of predetermined breaking points, which allow removal of the placeholder to create a breakthrough for insertion of a retaining lug. A locking tab may be pivotally mounted. When closed, a locking tab can penetrate a breach in the locking tab so that a locking pin or lock can be inserted into an opening of the locking tab to secure the locking tab in the closed position.

Description of exemplary embodiments

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Transportbehälters mit einer gestapelten Anordnung von zwei Behältern aus Kunststoff;

Fig. 2

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung des Transportbehälters aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines seitlichen Behälterbauteils;

Fig. 4

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines mittleren Behälterbauteils;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines Transportbehälters von der Seite, wobei ein Deckel geschlossen ist;

Fig. 6

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung des Transportbehälters aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Palette des Transportbehälters aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Deckels;

Fig. 9

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines weiteren Transportbehälters vor dem Zusammenbau;

Fig. 10

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung des weiteren Transportbehälters aus Fig. 9 nach dem Zusammenbau;

Fig. 11

schematische Darstellungen eines Behälters mit hierin angeordneten Transportsicherungen;

Fig. 12

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Abschnitts mit einer Dichtung;

Fig. 13

schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Abschnitts eines Behälters mit einer Halteöse sowie eine Halteöse und

Fig. 14

schematische perspektivische Darstellungen eines Abschnitts mit einer Verschlusslasche.

In the following, further embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to figures of a drawing. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a transport container with a stacked arrangement of two containers made of plastic;

Fig. 2

a schematic perspective view of the transport container Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a schematic perspective view of a side container component;

Fig. 4

a schematic perspective view of a middle container component;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a transport container from the side, wherein a lid is closed;

Fig. 6

a schematic perspective view of the transport container Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

a schematic perspective view of a pallet of the transport container Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

a schematic perspective view of a lid;

Fig. 9

a schematic perspective view of another transport container before assembly;

Fig. 10

a schematic perspective view of the further transport container Fig. 9 after assembly;

Fig. 11

schematic representations of a container with transport safety devices arranged therein;

Fig. 12

a schematic perspective view of a portion with a seal;

Fig. 13

schematic perspective view of a portion of a container with a holding eye and a holding eye and

Fig. 14

schematic perspective views of a section with a locking tab.

Fig. 1 and 2 show schematic perspective views of a transport container 1, in which an upper container 2 and a lower container 3 are arranged directly above one another and on top of each other. The lower container 3 is arranged on two pallets 4 a, 4 b and releasably secured thereto by means of a securing device 5. A bearing surface 6, which is formed by the two pallets 4a, 4b together, completely overlaps with a bottom surface 7 of the lower container 3. Also, a bottom surface 8 of the upper container 2 has the same size.

A container bottom 9 is formed as a grid floor 10, in which a grid structure extends over the entire bottom surface 8. The grid floor 10 is formed with webs 10a and framed by the webs 10a openings 10b. Integrated into the grid floor 10 are projections 11 and associated recesses 12 (see also FIG Fig. 3 ). The projections 11 are placed in the associated recesses 12 when the upper and lower containers 2, 3 are detachably assembled from container components. To show the Fig. 3 and 4 perspective views of a lateral container component 30 and a central container component 40.

Along a container longitudinal side 13, the upper container 2 is articulated to the lower container 3 by means of a hinge connection 14, which is the Fig. 5 and 6 show closer. A locking device 15 has a guide component 15a and an associated assigned Guide pin 15b, which in the up and down pivoting of the upper container 2 between the in the Fig. 5 and 6 shown pivoted position and in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown starting position in an elongated recess 15c of the guide member 15a is guided. In the raised position, which the Fig. 5 and 6 show, the upper container 2 is locked by means of the locking device 15. For pivoting down the locking device 15 is released.

In the embodiments shown, two containers are stacked one above the other and arranged on the pallet 4a, 4b. Alternatively, more than two such containers may be stacked on top of each other.

The upper and lower containers 2, 3 are each composed of two lateral container components 30, which are in Fig. 3 are shown, and a central container component 40 according to Fig. 4 composed. Alternatively, a plurality of middle container components 40 may be arranged between the two lateral container components 30, for example at most three.

In addition to the connections by means of the projections 11 and the associated recesses 12 in the region of the container bottom, tongue and groove connections 16 are additionally provided in the region of upright side walls 17 of the containers 2, 3. Both the projections 11 and the tongue and groove connections 16 can alternatively be omitted, wherein the container components 30, 40 can then be screwed together.

On the container walls 17 inside and outside protruding stiffening ribs 18 are arranged. According to Fig. 3 can be formed with the stiffening ribs 18 on an inner side 19 slots 20 into which, for example, foam components can be inserted in order to locate them within the respective container 2, 3. Such foam components (not shown) can receive objects or components to be transported in one embodiment, for example in a form-fitting manner. The goods to be transported can be localized and secured in this way within the respective container.

According to the Fig. 1 and 2 is on the upper container 2, a lid 21 pivotally mounted so that the upper container 2 can be opened for loading or unloading. Fig. 8 shows one schematic representation of a central lid part 21b (see also Fig. 9 bottom) of the lid 21 from above, which is formed with adjacent lid part elements 22, 23.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of one of the pallets 4a, 4b. On pallet feet 24, 25 a pallet support surface 26 is formed, which in the embodiment shown has a closed bottom 27 with a stiffening 27a arranged thereon with webs 27b. By means of the webs 27b receiving spaces 28 are formed, can fall into the objects that fall through the grid floor 10 of the container 2, 3 down. The bottom 27 of the pallets 4a, 4b can cover the entire bottom surface of the containers 2, 3.

By means of a multiply formed closure device 29, which in the embodiment shown in each case has a closure tab 29a (cf. Fig. 1 ), the upper container 2 is secured to the lower container 3. The closure device 29 prevents in the closed state, a pivoting of the upper container. 2

Fig. 9 and 10 show schematic perspective views of another transport container 1 before and after assembly, wherein Fig. 10 in contrast to Fig. 9 a transport container with upper and lower container 2, 3. For the same features, the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures are used.

There are cover parts 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are provided, which are associated with the central container component 40 and the lateral container components 30.

To form the container bottom 9, pallets 4a, 4b are joined together by means of pallet connectors 50a, 50b, which are designed, for example, as profiles made of metal, in particular aluminum. The pallet connectors 50a, 50b are in this case inserted into associated recesses on the pallets 4a, 4b, when the pallets 4a, 4b are moved toward one another. Spacers 51 are arranged between the pallets 4a, 4b.

Fig. 11 shows representations of a container in which transport locks 60 are arranged, which are designed in the embodiment shown as foam strips or plates. In the embodiment shown is an equal spacing of the transport locks 60 provided. The transport locks 60 are inserted on the wall in associated slots 19.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion having a sealing element 70, which is formed in the embodiment shown as a sealing cord of an elastic material, for example rubber. The sealing element 70 may be placed on the associated surface 71, optionally adhesive by means of adhesive, or alternatively be inserted in a provided on the associated surface 71 groove. By means of the sealing element 70, it is possible to form the transport container 1 water-proof, dustproof and / or gas-tight. The arrangement of the sealing element can in the embodiment in Fig. 9 be provided in areas 72a, 72b, 72c to seal the respective areas during assembly.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a container with a holding eye 80, which is clipped to the ground, and a single eyelet. By means of the holding eye 80 can be lashed in the transport container recorded transport goods. Platzhalter 81 are provided to selectively attach further eyelets. The placeholders 81 are formed in the illustrated embodiment by means of predetermined breaking points, which allow removal of the placeholder 81 in order to create a breakthrough for insertion of a holding lug.

Fig. 14 shows schematic perspective views of a portion with a locking tab 29a, which is pivotally mounted. When closed (compare right-hand illustration in Fig. 14 ), a securing tab 90 passes through an aperture 91 in the locking tab 29a so that a locking pin or lock can be inserted into an opening 92 of the locking tab to secure the locking tab 29a in the closed position.

Claims (13)

1. A transport container (1) with a stacked arrangement of containers (2, 3) in which

   - the containers (2, 3) are formed with a container bottom (9) and a peripheral container wall (17), wherein the container bottom (9) is formed so as to cover a total area of a transportation pallet (4a, 4b) or a section thereof,

   - the peripheral container walls (17) are formed with an upright wall

   - containers disposed directly one above the other are connected to each other in an articulated manner together along a long side (13) of the container in a manner such that an upper container (2) can be moved between an initial position in which the upper container (2) is disposed in a manner such as to close the upper container opening of a container (3) which is disposed directly beneath it, and a swung up position in which the upper container (2) has been swung up about a swivel axis of the articulated connection so that the upper container opening of the container (3) which is disposed directly underneath it is opened,
   characterised in that

   - the containers (2, 3) are made of plastic with reinforcements (18) arranged on the containers walls (17), wherein

   - the containers (2, 3) are releasably assembled from container components which have two lateral container components (30), wherein between the two lateral container components (30) at least one central container component (40) is arranged, wherein

   - container components disposed adjacent to each other are connected together in an interlocking and/or force-fitting manner in the region of the container walls (17) and the container bottom (9), and wherein

   - on areas which during the releasable assembly of the two lateral container components (30) and the at least one central container component (40) come to rest on each other one-sided or two-sided flutings are arranged on the surface.
2. The transport container (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the upper container (2) can be locked in the swung up position by means of a locking means (15).
3. The transport container (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the upper container (2) can be secured against swinging up by means of a closing device (29) when the upper container (2) is arranged on the container (3) disposed directly below it in the initial position.
4. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container bottom (9) is provided with openings (10b) in at least a section of the bottom surface.
5. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two lateral container components (30) are designed as crate components which are open on one side and the at least one central container component (40) is designed as a crate component which is open on two sides.
6. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connections between the container components (30; 40) are provided with tongue and groove connections.
7. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connections between the container components (30, 40) are provided with interlocked connections in which projections (11) engage in an interlocked manner in associated recesses (12).
8. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reinforcements (18) comprise reinforcing ribs projecting outwardly and/or inwardly from the upright wall of the container wall (17).
9. The transport container (1) as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that with inwardly projecting reinforcing ribs, push-in seats are formed for storage components which can be releasably disposed in the container (2; 3).
10. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at an upper container (2) of the stack, the top container opening is at least partially closed off with a lid (21).
11. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a container (3) arranged below within the stack is disposed on one or more transportation pallets (4a, 4b), wherein the bottom of the container (3) arranged below completely overlaps with a loading area of the one or more transportation pallets (4a, 4b).
12. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sealing element (70) is disposed on opposite surfaces of the container components (30; 40).
13. The transport container (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container bottom (9) is formed such that a total area of a plurality of transportation pallets (4a, 4b) is covered, wherein the transportation pallets (4a, 4b) are connected together by means of pallet connectors (50a, 50b).

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