EP4647356A1

EP4647356A1 - Packaging equipment made of moulded wood and heating device in combination with such a packaging equipment

Info

Publication number: EP4647356A1
Application number: EP24174623.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Florian ANTOINE
Original assignee: BDR Thermea Group BV
Current assignee: BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority date: 2024-05-07
Filing date: 2024-05-07
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2025233400A1

Abstract

There is disclosed a packaging equipment (100), optionally for a heating device comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store hot liquid, in particular domestic hot water, the packaging equipment comprising a first surface (110) and a second surface (120) opposite to the first surface. The packaging equipment comprises a first foot and a second foot arranged on the side of the second surface, and a distance between the first foot and the second foot is at least 575mm. The first foot and the second foot extend along the second surface and have a height of at least 75mm. The packaging equipment comprises a plurality of first ribs arranged at the first surface and configured to form at least part of a counter shape to a shape of a heating device when the heating device is arranged on the first surface in direct or indirect contact with the first surface. The plurality of first ribs are further configured to have a retaining and/or aligning function for retaining and/or aligning the heating device when arranged on the first surface. The packaging equipment is made of molded wood.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a moulded wood pallet. In more detail, the field of the invention is related to pallet design for the transport and handling of heating devices, particularly those with tanks.

BACKGROUND

At present, there are various solutions for transporting heating products, particularly those with a tank. All these solutions have one thing in common: the use of a standard-design type pallet. Most of the pallets are made of nailed wooden planks. These pallets can be standardized wooden pallets, like, for example, American pallet 1200x1000, Euro or Epal pallet 1200x800, half pallet 600x400, the dimensions being the floor area, or specific nailed wooden pallets with particular dimensions or the inclusion of geometry allowing means of attachment such as holes for screwing or additional wooden wedges to retain the product in place.
Very rarely, standard-design type plastic pallets could be used. They have the advantage of being more robust and allow the integration of complex shapes compared to nailed wooden pallets, but are very expensive, more than twice equivalent pallet in wood. Moreover, these pallets have a significant ecological footprint, as they are made of plastic: they require a large injection mold (generally made of steel), consume plastic (not always recycled, depending on the recycling facilities in the areas where the pallets are used and consumer habits). This type of pallet has an advantage when it is reused several times, but reuse is not normally the case in the distribution of heating products, where there is no pallet circulation loop or re-use of packaging.
To ensure that the heating product is held securely on the pallet, it is necessary to create a holding mean, like lower wedge or fasten mean for example, between the product and the pallet. The pallet has a flat surface to support the product and the product itself has a generally flat base on its underside.
Placing a flat surface on a flat surface provides very little support. In classical mechanic, there can be used the kinematic pair to define the constraints on relative movement between pairs. A plane/plane kinematic pair let total movement freedom regarding at least two translations and a rotation, which is not sufficient to ensure reliable caring of a part.
As a result, at least one of these two solutions can be selected to secure the product on the pallet:

First, the use of a bottom wedge, positioned between the pallet and the product. This wedge has protuberances or protrusions with surfaces that are not parallel to the pallet deck, the purpose of which is to block translations and certain remaining possibilities for rotation of the product. These protuberances can be located on the periphery of the product and/or in the base of the product if it has an associated counter form (or counter-form) or counter shape (or counter-shape). This type of solution can take several forms: installation of a counter form, for example cylindrical or rectangular with walls surrounding the product, use of protuberances of any geometry to block associated counter forms in the base of the product, etc.
Second, the addition of a fastening means such as a screwed solution: the base of the product has a means of receiving the fastening means, such as a threaded hole. The pallet has a solution such as a hole or tapping to allow the screw to pass through. A screw is used to hold the product, the screw passes through the pallet and is screwed into the tapped hole in the product. The head of the screw and/or a washer protrudes under a board on the pallet to hold it in place. This screwing can be carried out directly or can be accompanied by an interface piece between the pallet and the product. This makes it possible to move the fixing point away from the pallet and/or the product, making access for screwing or unscrewing more practical and accessible.

However, whichever of these solutions used, it implies the use of at least an additional part to stuck the product with the palette and generates multiple disadvantages. When using a screwed solution, ergonomics for installation and removal are poor, and generally require access under the pallet to unscrew. There is then little visibility to locate the attachment point(s), little room to operate the tool such as a wrench, and it is necessary to crouch or lie down in a potentially dirty and uncomfortable place. The use of local fixing points results in a concentration of mechanical stress on products or pallets, which can lead to product or pallet damage.
Further, in the case of shimming parts, the addition of a part means having to deal with a new, additional waste product, often made from a material that can hardly or never be recycled, such as polystyrene. These shims can also degrade and provide a holding force within a limited range. In fact, these wedges are generally made of polystyrene or, more rarely, cardboard, and therefore have less mechanical rigidity than pallets.
Regarding heating devices, one problem is the unstable and risky transport of heating devices and tanks, which are sensitive to falls and other stresses due to their high center of gravity and specific geometries. The devices are made up of heavy components located in the upper part while the lower part is largely empty. This makes them prone to damage during various stages of the supply chain, affecting their overall value and possibly leading to complete destruction. This is particularly true for heat pump water heaters, for which the standard architecture is to use a storage tank at the bottom and a heat pump on top. The heat pump's main component is a compressor, which is heavy and fragile. It therefore increases the position of the center of gravity of the assembly, reducing the product's stability. It is also sensitive to the product's fall or strong acceleration, as it is installed on flexible anti-vibration parts, which increases its inertia and the system's instability. At the same time, it is a fragile component, and deformation of the compressor or refrigeration circuit to which it is attached can lead to product breakage and even the release of refrigerant, which is often flammable and/or polluting.
Hence, there are several drawbacks available regarding the transportation of heating devices on pallets. Thus, there is room and need for improvement.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least part of the drawbacks nowadays available in the transportation of heating devices on pallets.
Thus, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the present invention introduces a packaging equipment or pallet design made of molded wood. This packaging equipment or pallet may incorporate specific protuberances or protrusions designed to wedge and/or secure a heating device during transport. The packaging equipment may also feature specially designed ribs to provide additional mechanical strength and to deal with compressive stress. It may also have a specified thickness of 6 to 10 mm and feet that are at least 75 mm in height to optimize stability and transport efficiency and compatibility with known transportation equipment. Further, the packaging equipment according to the present invention may be stacked for optimized storage and transportation.
Therefore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, to address one or more of these drawbacks, there is described in a first aspect, a packaging equipment, optionally for a heating device comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store hot liquid, in particular domestic hot water and further optionally comprising at least part of a heat pump circuit. The packaging equipment comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The packaging equipment further comprises a first foot and a second foot arranged on the side of the second surface, and a distance between the first foot and the second foot is at least 575mm.The first foot and the second foot extend along the second surface and have a height of at least 75mm. The packaging equipment further comprises a plurality of first ribs arranged at the first surface and configured to form at least part of a counter shape to a shape of a heating device, when the heating device is arranged on the first surface in direct or indirect contact with the first surface. The plurality of first ribs is further configured to have a retaining and/or aligning function for retaining and/or aligning the heating device when arranged on the first surface. The packaging equipment is further made of molded wood.
The first surface may represent a top surface, the second surface may represent a bottom surface. The packaging equipment may represent a pallet. As an example for the indirect contact, the heating device may be arranged on the first surface via a packaging interface element arranged between the packaging equipment and the heating device. It shall be noted that the first ribs may be understood as comprising positive ribs. Further, the first ribs may be understood as comprising grooves or recesses, for example, which may be made to house parts, for example the feet, of the heating device. Along the second surface may be understood as comprising that a foot and/or the feet extend on the side of the second surface of the packaging equipment in an arbitrary direction parallel to the second surface, for example parallel to each other, parallel to an edge of the first/second surface of the packaging equipment, curved, zigzag, etc. The feet may extend different from each other. Hence, each foot may be understood to have a certain dimension comprising an extension in a longitudinal direction parallel to the second surface, and may not be located at a certain point only.
The packaging equipment according to the first aspect is advantageous in that a single packaging equipment may have the function of both a pallet and a wedge, thereby combining two parts in a single one. Thus, a price is strongly reduced. Further, due to use of a tooled solution, i.e. molding injection, mass production of the packaging equipment is significantly improved and allows for better reliability, repeatability of dimensions, reduce manual tasks and reduced associated risks of health by cutting and nailing for example, and reduced costs. Moreover, there is less material waste, and wood waste from other industries or products can be used to make the packaging equipment, after being grinded into chips. Once the equipment has been used for the transport of the product, it can be reused to transport another product, or recycled to form a new molded wood article (e.g. other equipment of the same type, or wood panels or furniture). Further, eliminating the wedge means that the associated material, often polystyrene, is not consumed. Eliminating the need to nail boards avoids the risk of injury from nails or splinters. Furthermore, combining two or more packaging equipment into one reduces supply chain costs, risks of errors, space requirements on warehouse and production lines, as well as reduces transportation costs and associated consumption energy.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, at least one of the first foot and the second foot may be separated into two or more feet.
Hence, an improved resistance is achieved since the separating creates ribs. Further, it is avoided that if there is a foot broken, that the whole packaging equipment would be unbalanced. Moreover, there is offered an improved balance if the contact between the floor and the feet is not perfect. This may be due to the fact that if the floor on which the packaging equipment is placed is not straight and/or if the packaging equipment is not perfectly flat (manufacturing tolerances, creep phenomena, deformation due to humidity or temperature, etc.). The reason for that is because the packaging equipment may deform a bit and so all feet may stay in contact with the floor. Further, there are created openings between feet to allow passage of a strapping link, which may then not escape.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, wherein each foot of the separate feet may have a tampered shape, which tapers in a direction from the second surface toward a foot contact surface of the foot, the foot contact surface opposite to the second surface. The foot contact surface may represent the contact surface where the foot contacts the floor.
Hence, stability and rigidity of the feet is further increased, especially in the case of molded wood material, where this type of shape allows for better processing and filling of material. Moreover, it allows packaging equipment to be fitted one inside another when stored and/or transported together, which were not possible if the feet were not tampered.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, wherein a distance between foot contact surfaces between adjacent separate feet of a same foot may be less than the length of a foot contact surface.
This provides a large bearing area, which limits the mechanical stress of the assembly on the surface on which it rests. This includes the floor, but also the production line or another product on which the assembly can be stored and stacked. Increasing the bearing surface reduces stress and thus the risk of damaging the assembly or the area on which it rests. This also provides significant linear support, reducing the possibility that, when using a production or transport line with rollers, the feet and the assembly will be jammed in the space between rollers.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, wherein the first foot and the second foot may have a height of at least 90mm, preferably a height of at least 95mm; and/or wherein the distance between the first foot and the second foot may be at least 585mm. Additionally or alternatively, in a top view perspective onto the second surface, the packaging equipment may comprise a substantial rectangular shape having a first edge adjacent to a second edge, adjacent to a third edge and opposite to a fourth edge, wherein, optionally, the first foot and the second foot may extend in a direction from the first edge to the fourth edge, the first foot along the second edge and the second foot along the third edge, and wherein the first foot and the second foot may be predetermined distances away from the first edge and the fourth edge.
The predetermined distances may be zero for example. Also, the first foot and the second foot may be predetermined distances away from the second edge and the third edge. Also, these predetermined distances may be zero for example. The substantial rectangular shape may be a squared shape. However, in general, it shall be noted that the packaging equipment may be of any shape, and the first foot and the second foot of the packaging equipment may be of any shape and any further foot or feet may be added, as long as spaces between the feet and a minimal height are ensured so that the packaging equipment may be lifted by a fork of a forklift or forklift truck.
Hence, it is achieved to maximize compatibility with forks of a manual or motorized forklift truck and in order to optimize stability of the assembly. Thus, at least 585mm allow for enough slack and tolerances of the packaging equipment, the fork and the driving of the forklift truck or of the pallet truck. As the products, for example heating devices, placed on the packaging equipment may generally be between 400 and 800 mm in diameter, this may also ensure that the product load is transferred partially directly to the feet. This avoids any significant torsional stress on the packaging equipment's main platform (i.e. first surface) and associate breaking risk.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the packaging equipment may further comprise a plurality of second ribs arranged at the first surface and/or at the second surface, wherein the second ribs are non-straight ribs running in a direction from the first foot to the second foot.
It shall be noted that by height of the feet, it may be meant that such height represents a distance or space between a lowest or deepest part of/at the second surface and the foot contact surfaces (i.e. the floor upon which the packaging equipment may stand). To be precise, the lowest or deepest part may be meant a lowest or deepest part where forks of a forklift or forklift truck are intended to be in contact with the packaging equipment.
Hence, a mechanical stability and robustness of the packaging equipment is further increased. Thus, a same mechanical stability and robustness may be achieved by use of less molded wood, for example. In addition, a resistance against deformation of the packaging equipment due to moisture is reduced since the second ribs may represent edges which are less subject to deformation than the first surface and/or the second surface.
It has also been identified that the geometry of the curved ribs significantly improves the mechanical strength of the packaging equipment and avoids stress concentration zones, particularly in bending, and therefore premature fatigue zones. This effect is further enhanced when the ribs run directly from one foot to the other, thus transmitting forces to the foot walls. As a result, forces are transmitted progressively, without any abrupt angle between the plate, i.e. the second surface, and the feet, which could leak to premature breaking.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the packaging equipment may further comprise a plurality of flat surfaces arranged at the second surface, between the first foot and the second foot, wherein the flat surfaces are configured to serve as contact surfaces for contacting a fork of a forklift or forklift truck.
Flat, horizontal surfaces for positioning the forks provide greater stability and prevent the part from wobbling. In addition, the fact that these areas are surrounded by protuberances such as those formed by the feet prevents the packaging equipment from shifting and therefore falling. This also ensures that the forks are correctly positioned and centered in relation to the heating device's center of gravity. Moreover, the flatness of the various zones directly included in the ribs is easier to achieve than the flatness of the tray. It was therefore identified that it was preferable for the fork support zones, i.e. the flat surfaces, to be positioned at rib level on the second surface, rather than on the main plateau zone of the second surface.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, wherein at least one first rib may also function as a second rib; and/or wherein at least one flat surface may be a surface of a second rib arranged at the second surface.
Hence, the design of the packaging equipment is further optimized and material efficiency is further increased.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, at least part of the plurality of first ribs may be positive ribs. Positive may be understood as extending from the first surface in a direction opposite to the second surface. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of first ribs may comprise one or more grooves and/or one or more recesses for housing a counter shape and/or a part of the heating device. A groove and/or recess may be understood as extending from the first surface in a direction toward the second surface (i.e. a "negative" direction). For example, such counter shape and/or part of the heating device may comprise and/or represent one or more of the feet of the heating device. Hence, the feet of the heating device may be positioned into corresponding grooves and/or recesses. Also, such counter shape and/or part of the heating device may comprise and/or represent the heating device itself, in more detail a bottom section of the heating device. Hence, the plurality of first ribs may comprise and/or represent one groove or recess having a shape, which comprises a counter shape to a shape of the bottom section, bottom surface or contact surface of the heating device, at which the heating device is (directly or indirectly) arranged on the first surface of the packaging equipment. For example, such one groove or recess may comprise a shape, which comprises a counter shape to a circumferential shape and/or perimeter shape of the bottom section, bottom surface or contact surface of the heating device. For example, the plurality of first ribs may comprise and/or represent a bowl-shape, which is intended to recess the heating device. The bottom of such bowl-shape may be below a top of the feet (i.e. the top of the feet in the first surface) of the packaging equipment, i.e., a distance between the bottom of such bowl-shape and a level of the feet contact surfaces is smaller than a distance between the top of the feet and the feet contact surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the formed at least part of the counter shape may comprise a shape configured to be at least part of a counter shape to a perimeter shape and/or circumferential shape of a contact surface of the heating device. Additionally or alternatively, the formed at least part of the counter shape may comprise a protrusion configured to match a recess at a contact surface of the heating device. The contact surface may represent a bottom surface of the heating device. Additionally or alternatively, the formed at least part of the counter shape may comprise a protrusion having at least one side comprising an angle in a range from 10° to 40° relative to a normal of the first surface so that in the top view perspective onto the first surface the protrusion tapers in the direction away from the first surface, i.e. for example tapers in the direction opposite to the second surface.
Hence, a product, a heating device for example, may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation, since, for example, no other but one angular positioning of an assembly may be realised. For example, the shape/ coutershape can't be revolutionary forms. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the product is ensured. In addition, sloping counter forms guide and facilitate product insertion and removal on the packaging equipment. When the product is lifted and deposited on the packaging equipment, the sloping shapes help to guide it into its final position. In this way, the tolerance of the product being deposited on the packaging equipment is increased, which is particularly interesting for such a large, inertial product. In addition, these sloping shapes facilitate product removal. In general, product removal is carried out by hand, without the aid of a crane or other means of lifting. Having slopes means that the product can slide and/or roll over the slopes once it has been deliberately tilted. This would not be possible with straight walls, which would make it impossible to tilt the product and also to roll it over the slopes. However, the fact that the walls are at an angle still makes it possible to prevent the product from translating during transport, and thus ensures that it holds up well during the multiple accelerations it will undergo between the production line and the final installation site. This effect can be enhanced by fitting a vertical wall a few millimeters high, usually less than 15 mm, at the bottom of the slopes, to form a step between the horizontal tray and the rib slopes.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the packaging equipment may further comprise one or more protrusions arranged at the first surface, wherein the one or more protrusions may be configured to be counterparts for one or more parts at an external box for packaging the heating device when arranged on the first surface, and wherein, if the one or more protrusions mesh with the one or more parts at the external box, the one or more protrusions may be configured to prevent translation of the external box in at least a direction orthogonal to the normal of the first surface. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more protrusions may be configured to be guiding parts for one or more parts at an external box for packaging the product when arranged on the first surface, and wherein, if the one or more protrusions come into contact with the one or more parts at the external box, the one or more protrusions may be configured to constrain the external box in position by stretching the external box. The stretching may be understood in such a way that the external box can both be guided during assembly and at the same time the stretching ensures the external box's correct position and fixes the external box to the packaging equipment due to a pressure applied between the one or more protrusions and the one or more parts at the external box. I.e., the external box is prevented from leaving.
Additionally or alternatively, the one or more protrusions may be configured to be counterparts for one or more parts at a supporting element for supporting the heating device when arranged on the first surface, and wherein, if the one or more protrusions mesh with the one or more parts at the supporting element, the one or more protrusions may be configured to prevent movement of the supporting element in at least the direction orthogonal to the normal of the first surface.
The supporting element may be a dosseret or backsplash for supporting the heating device, and the dosseret, when supporting the heating device, may be configured to be arranged and/or to be arrangeable inside such external box as outlined above.
Hence, an external box like an external cardboard for example may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation. Additionally or alternatively, a supporting element like a dosseret for example may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the product is ensured.
By using shapes on the first surface, it is possible to facilitate the insertion and ensure the correct position of packaging elements such as the external box, outer cartons and/or additional cushioning elements which it is not advisable or possible to integrate into the packaging equipment. This is the case of long vertical backsplashes, for example, which cannot be integrated into the packaging equipment due to their geometry, and which hold the product assembly in place when the assembly is placed in the horizontal position.
In addition, these same shapes can be used in combination with a counter shape in a packaging part of the packaging element to allow only certain specific assemblies.
In this way, the packaging element can be indexed with the packaging equipment. This makes it possible to ensure that information on one side of the packaging element is indexed with the correct position of the packaging equipment. For example, a window provided at the packaging element may be positioned to shown a display of a heating device arranged on the packaging equipment and covered by the packaging element Additionally or alternatively, specific information can be indicated on the packaging element (like an external box), such as logistical information like references or handling requirements, and for which the display surface in relation to the product position and angle is important.
Hence, by combining the indexing of the pallet to the package and the indexing of the product to the pallet, it is possible to index the packaging element to the product. In the case of heat pump water heaters, this is particularly interesting, as it ensures that the display of information, provided at a surface of the packaging element for example, about the sides on which the heating device can be laid is associated with the heating device's position. This prevents a heating device from lying on an undesired side for display purposes, and thus prevents the compressor from being damaged by an incorrect lying position, for example.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the packaging equipment may further comprise one or more recesses at an edge of at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The one or more recesses may be configured to be counterparts for one or more parts at an external box for packaging the heating device when arranged on the first surface and/or for one or more parts at an supporting element for supporting the heating device when arranged on the first surface, and wherein, if the one or more recesses interlock with the one or more parts at the external box and/or at the supporting element, the one or more recesses may be configured to fix the external box and/or the supporting element to the packaging equipment.
Hence, an external box like an external cardboard foe example may be fixed to the packaging equipment without need of any tools.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, wherein the first surface may be configured to have a counter shape to the second surface at least regarding the first foot and the second foot. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface and the second surface may be configured so that a first packaging equipment and a second packaging equipment are stackable. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface and the second surface may be configured so that the first packaging equipment and the second packaging equipment are stackable with one of the first packaging equipment and the second packaging equipment being rotated for about 180° around a stacking direction. The stacking direction may represent the normal direction of the first surface.
Hence, stacking packaging equipment together as well as compact storing and transporting are enabled. In addition, making the packaging equipment stackable with another mounted head to tail creates more stable packaging equipment stacks. In fact, it is common for parts not to be perfectly flat or having small deviations, and for all molded parts to undergo the same flatness and/or horizontality deformations. By stacking parts of several packaging equipment head-to-tail to create columns, it can be compensated for defects in pairs, and it can be obtained vertical stacks, despite the fact that they are made up of parts with defects. Instead of accumulating defects, they are compensated for. This results in more stable, more vertical columns, enabling to store more in height and/or to reduce the risk of falling.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, a thickness of the packaging equipment between the first surface and the second surface may be in a range between 6mm to 10mm, preferably in a range between 7mm and 9mm. Additionally or alternatively, based on the thickness, the packaging equipment may be configured to carry a weight of up to 200kg.
In addition, the thickness between the first surface and the second surface may generally be constant over the entire packaging equipment. This ensures better mechanical strength thanks to greater homogeneity, thus avoiding localized defects. It has further been identified that the thickness considered may offer sufficient mechanical strength while limiting resource consumption and optimizing compactness.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a heating device and the packaging equipment of the first aspect, optionally the heating device being a heating device comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store liquid, in particular domestic hot water, wherein the heating device is arranged on the packaging equipment.
The heating device and the packaging equipment according to the second aspect are advantageous in that a single packaging equipment may have the function of both a pallet and a wedge, thereby combining two parts in a single one. Thus, a price is strongly reduced. Further, due to use of a tooled solution, i.e. molding injection, mass production of the packaging equipment is significantly improved and allows for better reliability, repeatability of dimensions, reduce manual tasks and reduced associated risks of health by cutting and nailing for example, and reduced costs. Moreover, there is less material waste, and wood waste from other industries or products can be used to make the packaging equipment, after being grinded into chips. Once the equipment has been used for the transport of the product, it can be reused to transport another product, or recycled to form a new molded wood article (e.g. other equipment of the same type, or wood panels or furniture). Further, eliminating the wedge means that the associated material, often polystyrene, is not consumed. Eliminating the need to nail boards avoids the risk of injury from nails or splinters. Furthermore, combining two or more packaging equipment into one reduces supply chain costs, risks of errors, space requirements on warehouse and production lines, as well as reduces transportation costs and associated consumption energy.
Moreover, the heating device may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation, since, for example, no other but one angular positioning of an assembly may be realised. For example, the shape/ coutershape can't be revolutionary forms. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the heating device is ensured. In addition, sloping counter forms guide and facilitate heating device insertion and removal on the packaging equipment. When the heating device is lifted and deposited on the packaging equipment, the sloping shapes help guide it into its final position. In this way, the tolerance of the heating device being deposited on the packaging equipment is increased, which is particularly interesting for such a large, inertial product like a heating device. In addition, these sloping shapes facilitate heating device removal. In general, product removal is carried out by hand, without the aid of a crane or other means of lifting. Having slopes means that the heating device can slide and/or roll over the slopes once it has been deliberately tilted. This would not be possible with straight walls, which would make it impossible to tilt the heating device and also to roll it over the slopes. However, the fact that the walls are at an angle still makes it possible to prevent the heating device from translating during transport, and thus ensures that it holds up well during the multiple accelerations it will undergo between the production line and the final installation site. This effect can be enhanced by fitting a vertical wall a few millimeters high, usually less than 15 mm, at the bottom of the slopes, to form a step between the horizontal tray and the rib slopes.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a packaging element for packaging a heating device arranged on the packaging equipment of the first aspect. The packaging element comprises an external box for packaging or packing the heating device.
The packaging element according to the third aspect is advantageous in that the packaging element like an external cardboard for example may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of a product, for example a heating device, is ensured. Further, by using shapes on the first surface, it is possible to facilitate the insertion and ensure the correct position of packaging element such as an external cardboard, outer cartons and/or additional cushioning elements which it is not advisable or possible to integrate into the packaging equipment. This is the case of long vertical backsplashes, for example, which cannot be integrated into the packaging equipment due to their geometry, and which hold the assembly of the packaging element and the packaging equipment in place when the assembly is placed in the horizontal position. In addition, these same shapes can be used in combination with a counter shape in a part of the packaging element to allow only certain specific assemblies. In this way, the packaging element can be indexed with the packaging equipment. This makes it possible to ensure that information on one side of the packaging element is indexed with the correct position of the packaging equipment. By combining the indexing of the packaging equipment to the packaging element and the indexing of the product or heating device to the packaging equipment, it is possible to index the packaging element to the heating device. In the case of heat pump water heaters, this is particularly interesting, as it ensures that the display of information about the sides on which the heating device can be laid is associated with the heating device's position.
This prevents a heating device from lying on an undesired side for display purposes, and thus prevents the compressor from being damaged by an incorrect lying position.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a packaging element for supporting a heating device arranged on the packaging equipment of the first aspect. The packaging element comprises a dosseret for supporting the heating device, the dosseret when supporting the heating device configured to be arranged or arrangeable inside the external box.
The packaging element according to the fourth aspect is advantageous in that the packaging element like a supporting element like a dosseret for example may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the product is ensured. Further, by using shapes on the first surface, it is possible to facilitate the insertion and ensure the correct position of the dosseret, wherein such shapes may not be advisable or possible to integrate into the packaging equipment. This is the case of long vertical backsplashes, for example, which cannot be integrated into the packaging equipment due to their geometry, and which hold the assembly of the packaging element and the packaging equipment in place when the assembly is placed in the horizontal position. In addition, these same shapes can be used in combination with a counter shape in a part of the packaging element to allow only certain specific assemblies. In this way, the packaging element can be indexed with the packaging equipment.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a use of a packaging equipment of the first aspect, of a heating device and the packaging equipment of the second aspect, of a packaging element of the third aspect, and/or of a packaging element of the fourth aspect.
The use according to the fifth aspect is advantageous in that such used single packaging equipment may have the function of both a pallet and a wedge, thereby combining two parts in a single one. Thus, a price is strongly reduced. Further, due to use of a tooled solution, i.e. molding injection, mass production of the packaging equipment is significantly improved and allows for better reliability, repeatability of dimensions, reduce manual tasks and reduced associated risks of health by cutting and nailing for example, and reduced costs. Moreover, there is less material waste, and wood waste from other industries or products can be used to make the packaging equipment, after being grinded into chips. Once the equipment has been used for the transport of the product, it can be reused to transport another product, or recycled to form a new molded wood article (e.g. other equipment of the same type, or wood panels or furniture). Further, eliminating the wedge means that the associated material, often polystyrene, is not consumed. Eliminating the need to nail boards avoids the risk of injury from nails or splinters. Furthermore, combining two or more packaging equipment into one reduces supply chain costs, risks of errors, space requirements on warehouse and production lines, as well as reduces transportation costs and associated consumption energy.
Moreover, the used heating device may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation, since, for example, no other but one angular positioning of an assembly may be realised. For example, the shape/ coutershape can't be revolutionary forms. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the heating device is ensured. In addition, sloping counter forms guide and facilitate heating device insertion and removal on the packaging equipment. When the heating device is lifted and deposited on the packaging equipment, the sloping shapes help guide it into its final position. In this way, the tolerance of the heating device being deposited on the packaging equipment is increased, which is particularly interesting for such a large, inertial product like a heating device. In addition, these sloping shapes facilitate heating device removal. In general, product removal is carried out by hand, without the aid of a crane or other means of lifting. Having slopes means that the heating device can slide and/or roll over the slopes once it has been deliberately tilted. This would not be possible with straight walls, which would make it impossible to tilt the heating device and also to roll it over the slopes. However, the fact that the walls are at an angle still makes it possible to prevent the heating device from translating during transport, and thus ensures that it holds up well during the multiple accelerations it will undergo between the production line and the final installation site. This effect can be enhanced by fitting a vertical wall a few millimeters high, usually less than 15 mm, at the bottom of the slopes, to form a step between the horizontal tray and the rib slopes.
Moreover, the used packaging element or packaging elements may be held in position at a desired angular position and/or orientation. Thus, more safely arrangement and/or transportation of the heating device is ensured.
Optional features of the first aspect may form part of any of the second to fifth aspects, mutatis mutandis.
The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used herein should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.
Unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrases "one or more of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "A, B and/or C" as used herein are intended to mean all possible permutations of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase "A and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B), while the phrase "A, B, and/or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).
The term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" and the like may be used interchangeably herein.
The invention may include one or more aspects, examples or features in isolation or combination whether specifically disclosed in that combination or in isolation. Any optional feature or sub-aspect of one of the above aspects applies as appropriate to any of the other aspects.
The above-described aspects will become apparent from, and elucidated with, reference to the detailed description provided hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description will now be given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure from a first perspective;
Figure 2 shows the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure from a second perspective;
Figure 3 shows the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure from a first side view perspective;
Figure 4 shows the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure from a second side view perspective;
Figure 5 shows several of the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure stacked one on top of the other;
Figure 6 illustrates regions of the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure relative to a fork of a forklift truck;
Figure 7 shows a partly transparent view of an external box for packaging a heating device arranged on the packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure and supported by a supporting element;
Figure 8 shows a close view perspective of the packaging equipment, the heating device, the supporting element and the external box according to Figure 7; and
Figure 9 shows an explosion view perspective of the packaging equipment, the heating device, the supporting element and the external box according to Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For current heat pump water heater and for generally all kinds of water heater or domestic water tank, products are normally delivered lied on a pallet and a lower wedge, generally in Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Products with a hot water tank are particularly sensitive, as they have a tank that is high in relation to its base and the tank is usually quite heavy (i.e. from 30kg to 200kg in general, depending on the tank volume, its design and the heating solution(s) and the possible integration of the heating system such as a heat pump in the product). They are therefore very sensitive to falls. In addition, a thermodynamic water heater, which is a heat pump water heater, or a floor-mounted indoor heating unit are even more particularly sensitive because the lower part, which is around 50% to 75% of the lower part, is made up of a tank and the upper part is made up of components associated with the heating system, i.e. a heat exchanger, compressor, pumps, etc. As a result, the lower part is largely empty, while the upper part contains heavy components. As a further result, the centre of gravity is relatively high and the surface area on the ground is relatively small.
Hence, the pallet is necessary to allow the supply chain stakeholders to manipulate and to transport the product, from the production line to the final customer. It implies several ways of transporting the pallet, for example with the use of a pallet truck, a forklift truck, and production line drive systems, like rail, roller, belt, etc. The pallet and the product are subjected to various stresses which can lead to defects or breakage of the product or its packaging. For example, the product slipped instead of being carried on various types of floor surfaces, due to heavy acceleration and breaking, based on impacts with other products or its environment, like a pillar, a lorry, a machine, etc.
It is therefore essential that the pallet and the product are compatible with all these stresses in order to ensure that the product reaches the end customer without damage, to avoid dissatisfaction and a loss of value of the product which can go as far as its destruction. Safety risks are further to be avoided, since damages may cause leakage of flammable or polluting refrigerant for example. In fact, certain elements of heating products, such as the (enameled) tank, the thermal insulation or the casing, cannot be replaced. The product cannot be refurbished if it has deteriorated. For considering these reasons, there are various standards associated with transport conditions, such as ASTM D642-15, ASTM D880-92, NF EN ISO 2247-03, ASTM D4169-16, ASTM D6055-96, etc. These tests are optional but help to ensure that packaged products are sufficiently well protected to be compatible with the intensive use possible in the supply chain.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the solution as disclosed herein to overcome at least some of the drawbacks currently available in transporting of heating devices consists of incorporating means of wedging the product directly into a pallet, by replacing the flat surface on which the product (i.e. the heating device) is placed with a surface featuring protuberances or protrusions designed to retain and/or align the product. This type of solution requires a change in the pallet manufacturing process. Pallets made from planks do not allow shapes to be added, as the planks are parallelepipedal in shape and therefore have flat sides. The use of a plastic pallet was not chosen for various reasons, like costs, environmental footprint of the material and the process, and the weight of the pallet, since it is difficult to handle and its footprint associated with transporting the pallet.
Hence, the present invention represents the application and use of a new technology of pallet and of a specific associated design for the transport of a heating device, especially a heating device having a tank. The application and use of the new technology is a molded wood pallet.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the molded wood pallet material comprises, by mass, about 85 % to 95 % virgin wood - chipped and dried, completed with glue, urea-formaldehyde or polyurethane, and binder. In the production process, the material is injected in a mold which allows a monobloc part, compared to a nailed palette which is the use of several parts nailed together and the use of a wedge. A thickness of the pallet is almost the same for the whole part. According to several examples of the present disclosure, a thickness is around 8 mm. Regarding the application for transporting heating devices, a thickness from 6 mm to 10 mm could be used, depending on a weight of the product and requirements / stress.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, Figures 1 to 4 show a packaging equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure from different perspectives.
In particular, the packaging equipment 100 or pallet is shown to be, for example, of a substantial rectangular shape, having a first surface or top surface 110 and a second surface or bottom surface 120. The rectangular shape of the packaging equipment 100 comprises four edges E1 to E4, with E1 and E4 facing each other, and E2 and E3 facing each other, for example. The packaging equipment 100 has feet 141 to 143 and 151 to 153 arranged or positioned at the second surface 120 (i.e. on the side of the second surface 120) to run along the two opposite edges E2 and E3. However, there may be three or more rows of feet as long as a fork of a forklift truck may be inserted between the feet (for example between the feet 141 to 143 and the feet 151 to 153). The feet 141 to 143 and 151 to 153 are separated into six individual parts, but a separation is not limited to six and may be any number. The feet may not need to be separated equally. For example, each foot or at least two opposite feet at opposite sides may be of equal length and/or shape. The feet 141 to 143 and 151 to 153 may have a height H and a distance between opposite feet (for example between the feet 141 to 143 and the feet 151 to 153) of at least D. The parameters H and D are outlined below in more detail.
Moreover, protrusions comprising a plurality of first ribs 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 may be realized compared to the main flat surface, i.e. the first surface 110 of the deck of the packaging equipment 100 or palette to maintain a product and prevent sliding or rotation during transport. There may be both protrusions135, 136, 137, 138 on the side of the product (for example at the perimeter shape and/or the circumferential shape of the product) and/or protrusions 131, 132, 133, 134 in the base of the product (for example below the product when the product is arranged on the first surface 110). Additionally, in the base of the product there may also be provided grooves and/or recesses 811, 812, which may house a part of the product, for example the feet of the product.
The protrusions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 may be understood as representing "positive" ribs, since they extend/protrude from the first surface 110 in a direction opposite to the second surface 120, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, for example. Moreover, the grooves and/or recesses 811, 812 may be understood as representing "negative" ribs, since they extend from the first surface 110 in a direction toward the second surface 120, as illustrated in Figure 1, for example.
The protrusions 133, 134 in the base of the product may have another function, i.e. to ensure that the product, which has a counter shape contact bottom surface, has a desired angular position. As the product may have a cylindrical design, for example, it could be put in any angular position if such protrusion 133, 134, and counter shape were not added. Being able to define angular positions of the product allows for a better management of industrial processes and also a highest perceived quality of the delivery, because the opening surfaces of the assembly may be managed. Moreover, as it can be necessary to limit the sides where the product can be laid, it is necessary to ensure this angular position.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, protrusions can be realized with different high to offer better holding.
For the same reason, protrusions 180, 190 may be defined to guide an external box 300 or carboard box and a specific one 180 may be designed to ensure an angular position of the external box 300, as indicated in Figures 7 to 9, for example. It shall be noted that such product as mentioned above may represent such heating device 200 as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9. Further, the external box 300 may slide on the slopes of the shape. Additionally, further protrusions 801, 802, 803 may be defined as guiding parts for one or more parts at an external box for packaging or packing the heating device 200 (or the product in general), when the heating device 200 is arranged on the first surface 110. Then, if one or more of the protrusions 801, 802, 803 come into contact with the external box 300, the one or more protrusions 801, 802, 803 may constrain the external box 300 in position by stretching the external box 300. The stretching may be understood in such a way that the external box 300 can both be guided during assembly and at the same time the stretching ensures the external box's correct position and fixes the external box 300 to the packaging equipment 100 due to a pressure applied between the protrusions 801, 802, 803 and the external box 300. Hence, the external box 300 is prevented from leaving.
Moreover, regarding the packaging equipment 100, second ribs 161, 162, 163 may have been designed to offer better mechanical resistance to compression due to weight of the heating device 200 (or the product in general). Successive numerical simulations performed by the present inventors identified that the mechanical strength was improved by adding, as such second ribs 161, 162, 163, non-straight ribs running from one foot of the packaging equipment 100 to the other for example, or in the direction from one foot of the packaging equipment 100 to the other. This configuration may significantly improve compressive strength and significantly reduces part deformation. This geometry may make the technology of the packaging equipment 100 more suitable for products like heating devices 200 as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9. Otherwise, admissible mechanical constraints may not necessarily be sufficient to support the weight of two products like two heating devices 200 one on top of the other, since, when heating devices are stored in a warehouse, one may be placed on top of the other. Furthermore, regarding the stacking according to several examples of the present disclosure, two openings may be provided in one packaging element 100, which may be used to allow head to toe stacking with another packaging element 100 comprising the first ribs/elements 133 and 134. Such openings can be done in the packaging element 100 for various purposes, like stacking, mass reduction, material reduction, and/or through hole position indication (for a screw for example) for example.
On the other surface of the packaging equipment 100, i.e. the second surface 120 facing a floor at which the packaging equipment 100 is positioned, requirements may be following ones.
Namely, on the second surface 120, there may be flat surfaces 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176 available and at substantially a same lowest level for a fork 600 of a transport machine like a forklift or forklift truck for example, as schematically illustrated in Figure 6. These flat surfaces 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176 may be realized to be along the whole length of the packaging equipment 100 in order to increase stability during the transport on the fork. Further, these flat surfaces 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176 may need to be particularly rigid, as they will need to withstand all stresses during transport. These flat surfaces 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176 may be designed to be the lower surfaces of the second ribs 161, 162, 163 for example.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the fork 600 may be understood to represent a fork of a transport machine, wherein a transport machine may be understood to comprise a forklift or forklift truck or pallet truck.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, special areas 191a, 191b (191c, 191d) may be added to one or more of the edges (for example to opposite edges as illustrated in Figure 6) between the feet for example, which do not play an important role in the case of grooves. However, they may be mainly there to ensure a wide spacing of support zones and to give a visual indication to a transporter that he/she needs to lower his/her fork(s) from his/her forklift, forklift truck or pallet truck.
Regarding the feet 141 to 143, 151 to 153 of the packaging equipment 100, at least two feet are required, in case of two long feet for example. Meaning by "long" to run (almost) from one edge E1 to the opposite edge E4. The feet may be designed to be in at least two rows, as far as possible to maximize compatibility with forks and in order to optimize stability of the assembly. Especially, a surface, i.e. the distance D between the feet may be at least 575 mm, preferably 585 mm to let enough slack and tolerances of the packaging equipment 100, the fork and the driving of the forklift truck. The high H of the feet may be at least 75 mm height, preferably at least 90 mm, more preferably at least 95mm to ensure compatibility with all kinds of pallet trucks and floor, like ground surface defects, slopes, etc. This distance may correspond to the distance between the floor and the surface on which the fork of the forklift truck will run.
According to several examples of the present disclosure, the feet may have smooth corners between the floor and feet to prevent blocking during sliding the packaging equipment 100 and an associated risk of breaking the floor, the packaging equipment 100 or to create disequilibrium of the assembly. Instead of having a long foot along the whole length of the packaging equipment 100, for example, a foot may be separated into several feet 141, 142, 143 and 151, 152, 153, each foot of the separated feet may have a corresponding foot contact surface 141a, 142a, 143a and 151a, 152a, 153a, wherein each of the separated feet (each foot contact surface) may have a length L on the floor, for example, for less than 200 mm. The objective of such feet may be to ensure better resistance because the feet create ribs, to avoid that if there is a foot broken, the whole packaging equipment 100 is unbalanced, and to offer better balance if the floor on which the packaging equipment 100 is placed is not straight, since the packaging equipment 100 can deform a bit and so all feet may stay in contact with the floor. A distance d between foot contact surfaces of adjacent separated feet of the same foot, for example the distance d between the foot contact surface 151a of foot 151 and the foot contact surface 152a of foot 152, may be smaller than the length L.
The first surface 110 and the second surface 120 of the packaging equipment 100 may be designed in such a way that a stacking of the packaging equipment 100 may be possible as schematically illustrated in Figure 5.
The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features.
It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different categories. In particular, examples are described with reference to equipment whereas others are described with reference to uses. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one category, also any combination between features relating to different category is considered to be disclosed by this application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A packaging equipment (100), optionally for a heating device comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store liquid, in particular domestic hot water and further optionally comprising at least part of a heat pump circuit, the packaging equipment (100) comprising:
a first surface (110);

a second surface (120) opposite to the first surface (110);

a first foot (141, 142, 143) and a second foot (151, 152, 153) arranged on the side of the second surface (120) and a distance (D) between the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) is at least 575 mm, wherein the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) extend along the second surface (120) and have a height (H) of at least 75 mm; and

a plurality of first ribs (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 811, 812) arranged at the first surface (110) and configured to form at least part of a counter shape to a shape of a heating device (200) when the heating device (200) is arranged on the first surface (110) in direct or indirect contact with the first surface (110), wherein the plurality of first ribs (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 811, 812) are further configured to have a retaining and/or aligning function for retaining and/or aligning the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110);

wherein the packaging equipment (100) is made of molded wood.
The packaging equipment (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) is separated into two or more feet (141, 142, 143; 151, 152, 153).
The packaging equipment (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each foot (141, 142, 143; 151, 152, 153) of the separate feet has a tampered shape, which tapers in a direction from the second surface (120) toward a foot contact surface (141a, 142a, 143a; 151a, 152a, 153a) of the foot (141, 142, 143; 151, 152, 153), the foot contact surface (141a, 142a, 143a; 151a, 152a, 153a) opposite to the second surface (120).
The packaging equipment (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a distance (d) between foot contact surfaces (141a, 142a, 143a; 151a, 152a, 153a) of adjacent separate feet of a same foot is less than the length (L) of a foot contact surface (141a, 142a, 143a; 151a, 152a, 153a).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) have a height (H) of at least 90 mm, preferably a height (H) of at least 95 mm; and/or

wherein the distance (D) between the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) is at least 585 mm; and/or

wherein in a top view perspective onto the second surface (120), the packaging equipment (100) comprises a substantial rectangular shape having a first edge (E1) adjacent to a second edge (E2), adjacent to a third edge (E3) and opposite to a fourth edge (E4), wherein, optionally, the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) extend in a direction from the first edge (E1) to the fourth edge (E4), the first foot (141, 142, 143) along the second edge (E2) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) along the third edge (E3), and wherein the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153) are predetermined distances away from the first edge (E1) and the fourth edge (E4).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of second ribs (161, 162, 163) arranged at the first surface (110) and/or at the second surface (120), wherein the second ribs (161, 162, 163) are non-straight ribs running in a direction from the first foot (141, 142, 143) to the second foot (151, 152, 153).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a plurality of flat surfaces (171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176) arranged at the second surface (120), between the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153), wherein the flat surfaces (171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176) are configured to serve as contact surfaces for contacting a fork of a forklift.
The packaging equipment (100) according to claim 6 or 7,
wherein at least one first rib (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138) also functions as a second rib (161, 162, 163); and/or

wherein at least one flat surface is a surface of a second rib (161, 162, 163) arranged at the second surface (120).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8,
wherein at least part of the plurality of first ribs (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138) are positive ribs; and/or

wherein the plurality of first ribs (811, 812) comprises one or more grooves and/or one or more recesses for housing a counter shape of the heating device (200); and/or

wherein the formed at least part of the counter shape comprises a shape configured to be at least part of a counter shape (131, 132) to a perimeter shape of a contact surface of the heating device (200); and/or

wherein the formed at least part of the counter shape comprises a protrusion (133, 134) configured to match a recess at a contact surface of the heating device (200); and/or

wherein the formed at least part of the counter shape comprises a protrusion (135, 136, 137, 138) having at least one side comprising an angle in a range from 10° to 40° relative to a normal of the first surface (110) so that in the top view perspective onto the first surface (110), the protrusion (135, 136, 137, 138) tapers in the direction away from the first surface (110).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more protrusions (180; 190; 801, 802, 803) arranged at the first surface (110), wherein the one or more protrusions (180; 190; 801, 802, 803) are configured
to be counterparts for one or more parts at an external box (300) for packaging the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110), and wherein, if the one or more protrusions (180) mesh with the one or more parts at the external box (300), the one or more protrusions (180) are configured to prevent translation of the external box (300) in at least a direction orthogonal to the normal of the first surface (110); and/or

to be guiding parts for one or more parts at an external box (300) for packaging the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110), and wherein, if the one or more protrusions (801, 802, 803) come into contact with the one or more parts at the external box (300), the one or more protrusions (801, 802, 803) may be configured to constrain the external box (300) in position by stretching the external box (300); and/or

to be counterparts for one or more parts at a supporting element (400) for supporting the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110), and wherein, if the one or more protrusions (190) mesh with the one or more parts at the supporting element (400), the one or more protrusions (190) are configured to prevent movement of the supporting element (400) in at least the direction orthogonal to the normal of the first surface (110).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more recesses at an edge of at least one of the first surface (110) and the second surface (120), wherein the one or more recesses are configured to be counterparts for one or more parts at an external box (300) for packaging the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110) and/or for one or more parts at a supporting element (400) for supporting the heating device (200) when arranged on the first surface (110), and wherein, if the one or more recesses interlock with the one or more parts at the external box (300) and/or at the supporting element (400), the one or more recesses are configured to fix the external box (300) and/or the supporting element (400) to the packaging equipment (100).
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11,
wherein the first surface (110) is configured to have a counter shape to the second surface (120) at least regarding the first foot (141, 142, 143) and the second foot (151, 152, 153); and/or

wherein the first surface (110) and the second surface (120) are configured so that a first packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 and a second packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 are stackable; and/or

wherein the first surface (110) and the second surface (120) are configured so that the first packaging equipment (100) and the second packaging equipment (100) are stackable with one of the first packaging equipment (100) and the second packaging equipment (100) being rotated for about 180° around a stacking direction.
The packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12,
wherein a thickness of the packaging equipment (100) between the first surface (110) and the second surface (120) is in a range between 6mm to 10mm, preferably in a range between 7 mm and 9 mm; and/or

wherein, based on the thickness, the packaging equipment (100) is configured to carry a weight of up to 200 kg.
A heating device (200) and the packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, optionally the heating device (200) being a heating device (200) comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store liquid, in particular domestic hot water, wherein the heating device (200) is arranged on the packaging equipment (100).
A packaging element (300, 400) for packaging and/or supporting a heating device (200) arranged on the packaging equipment (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12,
wherein the packaging element (300, 400) comprises an external box (300) for packaging the heating device (200), and/or

wherein the packaging element (300, 400) comprises a dosseret (300) for supporting the heating device (200), the dosseret (300) when supporting the heating device (200) configured to be arranged inside the external box (300).