Container arrangement and method for its manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a container arrangement (1) comprising a number of containers (2) and a container closure lid (3), wherein each container (2) has a container base (4) to which a side wall (5) is attached around its circumference, which has an upper stacking rim (6) around its circumference in an upper area and a lower stacking rim (7) around its circumference in a lower area, wherein a pressure equalization element (8) with a moisture barrier membrane is arranged in the side wall (5), wherein a container seal (9) is arranged around its circumference at the lower stacking rim (7) and wherein a lid seal (10) is arranged around its circumference at the container closure lid (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the container arrangement (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container arrangement and a method for its manufacture.

[0002] From DE 199 64 255 C2, a plastic transport container is known, comprising a base and a circumferential side wall formed of the same material as the base, as well as flanges projecting around the entire outer surface of the container beyond an outer contour of the side wall. The flanges form an angle of less than 90° with the side wall at their underside and are designed as an inwardly open groove.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 199 27 069 C2 discloses a transport container made of plastic, designed as a deep-drawn plastic part, with a base and a circumferential side wall formed of the same material as the base. The transport container includes a flange, designed as a hollow profile, projecting around the entire outer surface of the container beyond an outer contour of the side wall. The flange is designed as an open groove facing inwards towards the inside of the container and is spaced apart from the base. A side wall adjoining the flange downwards is set back by at least one wall thickness of the side wall, and the flange forms an angle of less than 90° with the side wall at its underside. A simple circumferential flange is provided at the upper edge of the side wall, which forms an angle of less than 90° with the outer wall at its underside.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 207 818 A1 discloses a tool and a method for manufacturing a plastic container in a thermoforming process, in particular a plastic deep-drawing process. The tool comprises a positive mold comprising a bottom section for forming a container bottom, a side wall section for forming a circumferential side wall formed of the same material as the container bottom, and a wall for forming a stacking rim projecting around the entire outer surface of the container beyond an outer contour of the side wall. This stacking rim is designed as a hollow profile and is formed as an open groove facing inwards towards the inside of the container, spaced apart from the container bottom. In a forming position for forming the container, the wall is arranged to project around the entire outer surface of the positive mold.An angle of less than 90° is formed between a wall side facing the bottom section and a portion of the associated side wall section extending from this wall side towards the bottom section. The wall can be moved from the mold position to a demolding position in which the distance between an end of the wall projecting in the mold position and the side wall section is reduced.

[0005] Furthermore, AT 007 816 U1 describes a transport container for a container system. The transport container comprises a dimensionally stable outer shell, which can be closed with a lid and surrounds an interior space. The interior space is divided into a bottom and side panels. The outer shell has a rim that corresponds to the edge of the bottom of the outer shell. The outer shell is equipped with closures for attaching a lid or a second transport container of the same type. In the latter case, the rim of the outer shell seals against the rim of the bottom of the second transport container. A sealant is provided in the rim of the outer shell to ensure a watertight seal of the interior space.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a container arrangement and a method for its manufacture that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a container arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a container arrangement having the features of claim 7.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A container arrangement according to the invention comprises a number of containers, i.e., at least one container, but advantageously several containers, i.e., at least two or more containers. The respective container is, in particular, a transport container and / or storage container, especially for transporting and / or storing components. The respective container is, in particular, made of plastic, especially by a thermoforming process, particularly a deep-drawing process.

[0010] Furthermore, the container arrangement advantageously includes a container closure lid. The container closure lid is preferably made of plastic, particularly by thermoforming, especially by deep drawing. The container closure lid is preferably closed, particularly media-tight, especially liquid-tight.

[0011] The respective container has a, in particular closed, container base to which a side wall is attached all around, which has an upper stacking rim all around in an upper area and a lower stacking rim all around in a lower area.

[0012] Advantageously, a pressure equalization element, which in particular includes a moisture barrier membrane, is arranged in the side wall. With the exception of a receiving opening for the pressure equalization element, the side wall is advantageously closed, in particular media-tight, especially liquid-tight. The receiving opening in the side wall is closed, in particular sealed, by the pressure equalization element arranged therein, so that pressure equalization across the side wall can only occur through the pressure equalization element. The pressure equalization element is also referred to as a pressure equalization valve.

[0013] Advantageously, a container seal is arranged around the entire lower stacking edge. Advantageously, a lid seal is arranged around the entire container lid. The lid seal is arranged, in particular, on the underside of the container lid. It is arranged, in particular, in a circumferential edge region of the container lid, especially on the underside of the container lid.

[0014] The container seal of each container is specifically arranged and designed such that, when two containers are stacked on top of each other, the seal of the upper container abuts the upper edge of the stacked container of the lower container. It thus abuts the upper edge of the stacked container of the lower container and the lower edge of the stacked container of the upper container, thereby sealing an upper opening of the interior of the lower container all the way around. This opening of the lower container is thus sealed by the bottom of the lower container and the seal of the upper container. As already mentioned, the bottom of the lower container is specifically closed and therefore media-tight, particularly liquid-tight.

[0015] The lid seal of the container closure lid is specifically arranged and designed such that, when the container closure lid is placed on the container, the lid seal rests against the upper stacking edge of the container, creating a seal. It thus rests against the upper stacking edge of the container and against the container closure lid, particularly its underside, thereby sealing the upper opening of the container's interior all around. The container opening is thus sealed by the container closure lid and the lid seal.

[0016] The container seal of the respective container is made of polyurethane foam, also known as PUR foam, and in particular of a two-component (2K) polyurethane foam. The lid seal is also made of polyurethane foam, also known as PUR foam, and in particular of a two-component (2K) polyurethane foam. PU stands for polyurethane. 2K means two-component.

[0017] The moisture barrier membrane of the pressure equalization element is designed, in particular, as a microporous membrane or as a hydrophilic membrane. The moisture barrier membrane, especially the microporous version, is made, in particular, of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0018] It is specifically provided that the container lid has locking elements designed to engage with an outer edge of the upper stacking rim when the lid is placed on the container. These locking elements are, for example, shaped as locking lugs distributed around a side edge of the lid. This ensures, in particular, that when the lid is placed on the container and locked to the container by means of the locking elements, the lid seal is pressed tightly against the upper stacking rim of the container with a predetermined pressure, and in particular, that it is pressed in a predetermined manner.

[0019] In a method according to the invention for manufacturing the container assembly, the receiving opening for the pressure equalization element is provided in the side wall of the respective container, the pressure equalization element is arranged in the receiving opening, and advantageously, the container seal is arranged circumferentially around the lower stacking edge of the respective container, and advantageously, the lid seal is arranged circumferentially on the container closure lid. The described steps can be carried out in the described sequence or in a different sequence. In particular, the provision of the receiving opening and / or the arrangement of the pressure equalization element can take place before or after the arrangement of the container seal and / or before or after the arrangement of the lid seal, and the arrangement of the container seal can take place before or after the arrangement of the lid seal.

[0020] The pressure equalization element is particularly easy to install, allows for quick and simple integration, and ensures stable performance. It is particularly waterproof. It provides IP66 / IP68 protection. It is particularly safe and reliable. It is particularly air-permeable. It exhibits an air permeability of 350-4000 ml / min @ 0.07 bar. The membrane material is ePTFE, as mentioned above. It exhibits oleophobic and / or hydrophobic membrane properties. The pressure equalization element comprises a housing and a clamping nut. The housing is made of plastic, particularly fiber-reinforced, especially glass-fiber-reinforced, plastic. The plastic is particularly polyamide. The housing is made of PA66 and, in particular, 25% glass fiber.The clamping nut is made of plastic, in particular polyamide, in particular PA66. The pressure equalization element has a seal for sealing the connection between the pressure equalization element and the side wall. This seal is in particular designed as an O-ring, in particular made of silica gel, in particular with a Shore A hardness of 60H.

[0021] In one embodiment, the respective container is formed from plastic in a thermoforming process, in particular a plastic deep drawing process, for example by means of the tool and / or method described in DE 10 2019 207 818 A1, in particular in its description of figures and figures.

[0022] In one embodiment, the container closure lid is made of plastic using a thermoforming process, in particular a plastic deep drawing process.

[0023] The receiving opening is created, for example, during or after the formation of the respective container, in its side wall. Creating the opening after the container has been formed can be done, for example, by drilling or punching.

[0024] The container seal is formed on the respective container, in particular by applying PU foam, especially in the form of a foam bead. The PU foam used to form the container seal is, in particular, an addition-curing, two-component PUR foam. It is, in particular, a PUR material that can be applied directly using a mixing and metering machine.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the respective container, the container has a groove, particularly a circumferential one, at its lower stacking edge, with the container seal being formed in this groove. This allows the PUR material used to form the container seal to be, for example, a liquid material that can be applied to components, particularly 2D components, with a groove. This PUR material has, in particular, a mixed-cell foam structure. It exhibits, in particular, a comparatively lower compression hardness than closed-cell systems. It does not require any additional oven curing, although curing can be accelerated, for example, with heat. It exhibits, in particular, good resilience, especially in the cured state. In the cured state, the PU foam has, in particular, a density of approximately 0.30 g / cm³. 3The PU foam has a surface hardness (Shore 00) of approximately 66 and / or a service temperature of -40 °C to +80 °C, particularly up to +160 °C for short periods. The curing time of the PU foam is, for example, one to twelve hours. Component A of the raw product, i.e., before the PU foam cures, has, for example, a density of approximately 1.17 g / cm³. 3 and / or a viscosity of approximately 4000 mPa*s.

[0026] The lid seal is formed on the container lid, in particular by applying polyurethane (PU) foam, especially in the form of a foam bead. The PU foam used to form the lid seal is, in particular, an addition-curing, two-component flexible polyurethane (PUR) foam. It is, in particular, a pasty (thixotropic) material that can be applied to 2D and 3D components, with or, in particular, without a groove. It has, in particular, a mixed-cell foam structure. It does not require any additional oven curing, although curing can be accelerated, for example, with heat. It exhibits, especially in its cured state, good resilience and low water absorption. In its cured state, the PU foam has a density of, in particular, 0.22 to 0.36 g / cm³. 3The PU foam has a surface hardness (Shore 00) of approximately 46 to 65 and / or a service temperature of -40 °C to +80 °C, particularly up to +160 °C for short periods. The curing time of the PU foam is, for example, one to twelve hours. A component A of the raw product, i.e., before the PU foam cures, has, for example, a density of 1.00 to 1.06 g / cm³. 3 and / or a viscosity of 35000 to 55000 mPa*s.

[0027] For example, the container lid does not have a groove for the lid seal, but rather a flat surface onto which the seal is applied. Therefore, the pasty (thixotropic) polyurethane foam is particularly suitable. If the container lid does have a groove for the seal, the same material used above for the container seal can also be used for the lid seal. Similarly, if the container does not have a groove for the seal, the same material used above for the lid seal can be used for the container seal.

[0028] The application of the container gasket and / or lid gasket, particularly as a foam bead, is carried out using the FIPFG (Formed-In-Place-Foam-Gaskets) process. The application of the container gasket and / or lid gasket is particularly effective "in situ," with the two-component material being applied directly to the component at the location where the gasket is required. The container gasket or lid gasket then advantageously cures at room temperature.

[0029] The use of PU foam for the container seal and / or lid seal is particularly advantageous because its design allows it to be easily adapted to the shape of the respective component, in this case the container or the container lid; it can be applied automatically and securely without needing additional adhesive tape; the start and end points of the foam bead overlap seamlessly, eliminating any disadvantageous joints, open seams, or incisions; parameters such as the width, height, and hardness of the seal can be influenced by its design; and there are fewer potential errors compared to manual application.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of PU foam for the container seal and / or lid seal offers high economic efficiency, as it is of higher quality and significantly cheaper compared to manually inserted seals.

[0031] Furthermore, the use of PU foam for the container seal and / or lid seal enables short cycle times and thus efficient automated production.

[0032] Furthermore, the use of PU foam for the container seal and / or lid seal results in low inventory requirements and virtually no waste compared to stamped or cut seals.

[0033] Furthermore, the formation of the container seal and / or the lid seal from PU foam is environmentally friendly, as the application system can be rinsed with water, adhesive-free application is possible, and curing at room temperature is possible after approximately four to 20 minutes without an oven.

[0034] The container arrangement and manufacturing process described here particularly prevents moisture damage to components stored and / or transported within the container. This solution thus facilitates the transport and / or storage of corrosion-prone components, such as untreated metals and / or electrical and / or electronic parts and assemblies.

[0035] The solution described here particularly solves the problem that condensation or water vapor forms in transport containers known from the prior art when temperatures fluctuate during storage and transport, which can lead to corrosion of metals and damage to electronic components.

[0036] This is achieved by the solution described here, in particular by sealing the interior of the respective container, either by means of another container stacked on top of it and its container seal, or by means of the container's lid and its lid seal, as well as by the pressure equalization element of the respective container. Both this sealing and the pressure equalization element prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the respective container, while the pressure equalization element also allows moisture, especially water vapor, to escape from the interior of the respective container.

[0037] With the solution described here, no additional chemical protection (VCI - Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) in the form of coated film, paper, capsules, etc., is necessary. This results in lower costs, easier handling, and less waste, as conventional chemical protection components are mostly single-use products.

[0038] These advantages are achieved in the manner described above, in particular by inserting the container seal, especially in the base area of ​​the respective container, i.e., specifically at the lower stacking edge. This seal makes contact with the upper stacking edge of the container below, thus sealing it, and in particular its interior. This means that not every container requires a lid; only the topmost container needs one when several are stacked. This topmost container is fitted with the lid of the described solution, which includes the lid seal. A single container can also be fitted with and used with this lid.

[0039] Additionally, each container is equipped with a pressure equalization element, which, through its membrane, in particular a moisture barrier membrane, can transport moisture out of the container but advantageously prevents moisture from penetrating from the outside. Advantageously, the size of the pressure equalization element and / or the flow rate enabled by the pressure equalization element is adapted to the internal volume of the respective container; that is, the pressure equalization element used for the respective container is advantageously selected accordingly.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, particularly when the respective container is manufactured or produced using the tool and / or method described in DE 10 2019 207 818 A1, especially in its description of figures and figures, as mentioned above, before the receiving opening is introduced into its side wall, the pressure equalization element is arranged, and the container seal is installed, it is particularly provided that the container has a base whose properties are advantageously adapted to the goods to be transported. For example, the base is profiled such that it has so-called recesses that enable slip-resistant and damage-free transport of the components to be inserted. Depending on the requirements, however, the base can also have other properties, for example, be flat.

[0041] The side wall adjoins the bottom of the container, in particular being made of a single material, all the way around. Advantageously, the side wall ends in an upper flange that is formed around the entire container, in particular being made of a single material, and which in particular projects beyond an outer side of the side wall.

[0042] This upper flange, in particular a top surface of the upper flange, advantageously forms the upper stacking edge.

[0043] Advantageously, a lower, outwardly projecting flange is formed in the lower area of ​​the container, particularly on the side wall, which advantageously forms the lower stacking edge. The lower flange is preferably designed as an inwardly open groove and thus has a top and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface forming the lower stacking edge. Advantageously, a section of the side wall projecting downwards from the lower flange in this area is set back from the rest of the side wall by a dimension corresponding to at least one material thickness of the side wall, but in one possible embodiment being somewhat larger, so that several containers can be stacked on top of each other and partially nested inside one another without jamming.

[0044] The lower flange is advantageously inclined on its underside relative to the adjoining section of the side wall and forms an angle with the section of the side wall that is less than 90°.

[0045] The upper flange also advantageously includes an angle of less than 90°, so that when several containers are stacked, the upper flange, i.e., the upper stacking edge, of the lower container lies with its top side under the underside of the lower flange, i.e., the lower stacking edge, of the upper container directly above it, with the container seal located on the lower stacking edge of the upper container, in particular on the underside of the lower stacking edge, now sealingly between the lower stacking edge of the upper container and the upper stacking edge of the lower container, thereby achieving a dust- and moisture-tight connection between the individual containers when stacked.

[0046] The respective container has, for example, a length of 400 mm, 600 mm or 800 mm and / or a width of 300 mm, 400 mm or 600 mm, in particular a length of 400 mm and a width of 300 mm or a length of 600 mm and a width of 400 mm or a length of 800 mm and a width of 600 mm.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1. Schematic perspective view of a container, Fig. 2 schematically the container in a top view, Fig. 3. Schematic sectional view of the container corresponding to section plane III-III in Fig. 2, Fig. 4. Schematic side view of the container, Fig. 5. Schematically, the container in a top view from below, i.e., on the underside of the container. Fig. 6 schematically a sectional view of the container according to the section plane VI-VI in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 schematically a detailed view of detail section VII in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 schematically a container arrangement with two stacked containers and a container lid on the upper container in a top view, Fig. 9 schematically a sectional view of the container arrangement according to the section plane IX-IX in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 schematically a detailed view of detail section X in Fig. 9, Fig. 11. Schematic perspective view of a container arrangement with a container and a container lid on the container. Fig. 12 schematically the container arrangement Fig. 11 in a top view, Fig. 13 schematically a sectional view of the container arrangement according to the section plane XIII-XIII in Fig. 12, Fig. 14 schematically a detailed view of detail section XIV in Fig. 13, Fig. 15 schematically the container arrangement from Fig. 11 in another top view, Fig. 16 schematically a sectional view of the container arrangement according to the section plane XVI-XVI in Fig. 15, and Fig. 17 schematically a detailed view of detail section XVII in Fig. 16.

[0048] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0049] Based on the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. In section 17, a container arrangement 1 and a method for its manufacture are described below. The container arrangement 1 comprises a number of containers 2, i.e., at least one container 2, as exemplified in the Fig. 1 to 7 and 11 to 17 shown, or advantageously several containers 2, i.e. at least two containers 2, as exemplified in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 shown, or more than two containers 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the container arrangement 1 advantageously includes a container closure lid 3, as exemplified in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 shown.

[0051] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 only shows container 2 and in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. Figure 17 shows the respective embodiment of the container arrangement 1 with one container 2 or with two containers 2 and with the container closure lid 3.

[0052] The respective container 2 is, in particular, a transport container and / or storage container, especially for the transport and / or storage of components. The respective container 2 is, in particular, made of plastic, especially by a thermoforming process, in particular a deep-drawing process.

[0053] Advantageously, the container closure lid 3 is also made of plastic, particularly by a thermoforming process, especially a deep-drawing process. The container closure lid 3 is particularly closed, particularly media-tight, and particularly liquid-tight.

[0054] Each container 2 has a closed bottom 4. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the upper side, i.e., the inside, of the container bottom 4. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a bottom side, i.e., an outside side, of the container bottom 4.

[0055] The bottom of the container 4 is adjoined all around by a side wall 5, which has an upper stacking rim 6 all around in an upper area and a lower stacking rim 7 all around in a lower area.

[0056] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a pressure equalization element 8, which in particular comprises a moisture barrier membrane, is arranged in the side wall 5 in the illustrated embodiments. The side wall 5 is closed except for a receiving opening for the pressure equalization element 8, and is in particular media-tight, especially liquid-tight. The receiving opening in the side wall 5 is closed, in particular sealed, by the pressure equalization element 8 arranged therein, so that pressure equalization across the side wall 5 can only occur through the pressure equalization element 8. The pressure equalization element 8 is also referred to as a pressure equalization valve.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiments, 5 handles 11 are formed in the side wall, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that these handles 11 are designed such that they do not form an opening in the side wall 5; that is, the side wall 5 has no opening or penetration in the area of ​​the handles 11. The handles 11 are, in particular, formed in one piece and / or as a single component of the side wall 5. They form, in particular, an integral part of the side wall 5.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, a container seal 9 is arranged circumferentially on the lower stacking edge 7, as shown in Fig. 7 in the detailed view of detail section VII from Fig. 6 and in Fig. 10 in the detail view of detail section X in Fig. shown in 9. Container 2 is in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 is shown upside down, i.e., with the upper opening of a container interior facing downwards, so that the lower stacking rim 7 is shown at the top. This serves in particular to illustrate the shaping of the lower stacking rim 7 in the illustrated embodiments as a groove in which the container seal 9 is arranged or is formed in the method for manufacturing the container arrangement 1 in a manner described below.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiments, a lid seal 10 is arranged around the circumference of the container closure lid 3, as shown in Fig. 14 in the detail view of detail section XIV from Fig. 13 and in Fig. 17 in the detailed view of detail section XVII from Fig. Figure 16 shows that the lid seal 10 is arranged on the underside of the container closure lid 3 in the illustrated embodiments, in particular in a circumferential edge region of the container closure lid 3, especially the underside of the container closure lid 3.

[0060] The container seal 9 of the respective container 2 is in particular arranged and designed such that, when two containers 2 are stacked on top of each other, the container seal 9 of the upper container 2 abuts the upper stacking edge 6 of the lower container 2 in a sealing manner, as shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows that it rests against the upper stacking edge 6 of the lower container 2 and the lower stacking edge 7 of the upper container 2, thereby sealing the container opening of the lower container 2 all around. This container opening of the lower container 2 is thus sealed by the container base 4 and the container seal 9 of the upper container 2.

[0061] The lid seal 10 of the container closure lid 3 is arranged and designed such that, when the container closure lid 3 is placed on the container 2, the lid seal 10 abuts the upper stacking edge 6 of the container 2 in a sealing manner. It thus abuts the upper stacking edge 6 of the container 2 and the container closure lid 3, particularly its underside, thereby sealing the upper opening of the interior of the container 2 all around. The opening of the container 2 is thus sealed by the container closure lid 3 and the lid seal 10.

[0062] The container seal 9 of the respective container 2 is made in particular of a PU foam, also referred to as PUR foam, in particular of a 2K PU foam. The lid seal 10 is made in particular of a PU foam, also referred to as PUR foam, in particular of a 2K PU foam. The abbreviation PU stands for polyurethane. The abbreviation 2K means two components.

[0063] The moisture barrier membrane of the pressure equalization element 8 is designed, in particular, as a microporous membrane or as a hydrophilic membrane. The moisture barrier membrane, especially the moisture barrier membrane designed as a microporous membrane, is made, in particular, of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0064] As in Fig. 17 in the detailed view of detail section XVII from Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the container closure lid 3 advantageously has locking elements 12 designed to engage on an outer edge 13 of the upper stacking rim 6 when the container closure lid 3 is placed on the container 2. In the illustrated example, these locking elements 12 are specifically shaped as locking lugs distributed around a side edge of the container closure lid 3. This ensures, in particular, that the lid seal 10 is pressed against the upper stacking rim 6 of the container 2 with a predetermined pressing force, and in particular, that it is pressed in a predetermined manner, when the container closure lid 3 is placed on the container 2 and locked to the container 2 by means of the locking elements 12.

[0065] In a method for manufacturing the container assembly 1, a receiving opening for the pressure equalization element 8 is provided in the side wall 5 of the respective container 2. The pressure equalization element 8 is positioned in the receiving opening. Advantageously, the container seal 9 is arranged circumferentially around the lower stacking edge 7 of the respective container 2, and advantageously, the lid seal 10 is arranged circumferentially on the container closure lid 3. The described steps can be carried out in the described sequence or in a different sequence. In particular, the provision of the receiving opening and / or the arrangement of the pressure equalization element 8 can take place before or after the arrangement of the container seal 9 and / or before or after the arrangement of the lid seal 10, and the arrangement of the container seal 9 can take place before or after the arrangement of the lid seal 10.

[0066] In one embodiment, the respective container 2 is formed from plastic in a thermoforming process, in particular a plastic deep drawing process, for example by means of the tool and / or method described in DE 10 2019 207 818 A1, in particular in its description of figures and figures.

[0067] In one embodiment, the container closure lid 3 is made of plastic in a thermoforming process, in particular a plastic deep drawing process.

[0068] The receiving opening is, for example, created in the side wall 5 of the respective container 2 during or after its formation. Creating the opening after the formation of the respective container 2 can be done, for example, by drilling or punching.

[0069] The container seal 9 is formed on the respective container 2, in particular by applying the PU foam, especially in the form of a foam bead. The PU foam used to form the container seal 9 is, in particular, an addition-curing, two-component PUR foam. It is, in particular, a PUR material that can be applied directly using a mixing and metering machine.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiments, the respective container 2 has a groove, in particular a circumferential one, at the lower stacking edge 7, wherein the container seal 9 is formed in this groove, as in particular in the Fig. 7 and Fig.Figure 10 shows that, for example, the PUR material used to form the container seal 9 can be a liquid material that can be applied to components with a groove. This PUR material does not require any additional oven curing, although curing can be accelerated, for example, with heat.

[0071] The lid seal 10 is formed on the container closure lid 3, in particular by applying the PU foam, especially in the form of a foam bead. The PU foam used to form the lid seal 10 is, in particular, an addition-curing, two-component PUR flexible foam. It is, in particular, a pasty (thixotropic) material that can be applied to components with or, in particular, without a groove. It does not require any additional oven curing, although curing can be accelerated, for example, with heat.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiments, the container lid 3 does not have a groove for the lid seal 10, but rather a flat surface on which the lid seal 10 is applied. Therefore, the pasty (thixotropic) polyurethane foam is particularly suitable. If the container lid 3 does have a groove for the lid seal 10, the material used above for forming the container seal 9 can also be used for forming the lid seal 10. Similarly, if the respective container 2 does not have a groove for the container seal 9, the material used above for forming the lid seal 10 can be used for forming the container seal 9.

[0073] The application of the container gasket 9 and / or the lid gasket 10, particularly as a foam bead, is carried out especially using the FIPFG (Formed-In-Place-Foam-Gaskets) process. The application of the container gasket 9 and / or the lid gasket 10 is carried out especially "in situ," with the two-component material being applied directly to the component at the location where the gasket 9, 10 is required. The container gasket 9 or lid gasket 10 then advantageously cures at room temperature.

[0074] The solution described here for the container arrangement 1 and the method for its manufacture enables, in particular, the prevention of moisture damage to components stored and / or transported in the respective container 2. The described solution thus enables, in particular, the transport and / or storage of corrosion-prone components, for example, untreated metals and / or electrical and / or electronic parts and assemblies.

[0075] The solution described here particularly solves the problem that condensation or water vapor forms in transport containers known from the prior art when temperatures fluctuate during storage and transport, which can lead to corrosion of metals and damage to electronic components.

[0076] This is achieved by the solution described here, in particular by sealing the interior of the respective container 2, either by means of another container 2 stacked on top of it and its container seal 9, or by means of the container closure lid 3 and its lid seal 10, as well as by the pressure equalization element 8 of the respective container 2. Both this sealing and the pressure equalization element 8 prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the respective container 2, with the pressure equalization element 8 also allowing moisture, in particular water vapor, to escape from the interior of the respective container 2.

[0077] In an advantageous embodiment, particularly when the respective container 2 is manufactured, as mentioned above, using the tool and / or method described in DE 10 2019 207 818 A1, especially in its description of figures and figures, before the receiving opening is introduced into its side wall 5, the pressure equalization element 8 is arranged, and the container seal 9 is arranged, it is particularly provided that the container 2 has a container bottom 4, preferably a closed one, the properties of which are advantageously adapted to the goods to be transported. For example, the container bottom 4 is profiled such that it has so-called nests that enable slip-resistant and damage-free transport of the components to be inserted. Depending on the requirements, however, the container bottom 4 can also have other properties, for example, be flat.

[0078] The side wall 5, which is closed except for the receiving opening for the pressure equalization element 8, adjoins the bottom 4 of the container, preferably made of a single material, and which advantageously terminates in an upper flange 14. This upper flange 14 extends around the entire container 2, preferably made of a single material, and preferably projects beyond an outer surface of the side wall 5. This upper flange 14, preferably its upper surface, advantageously forms the upper stacking edge 6.

[0079] In the lower region of the container 2, particularly the side wall 5, a lower, outwardly projecting flange 15 is advantageously formed, which advantageously forms the lower stacking edge 7. The lower flange 15 is particularly designed as an inwardly open groove and thus has a top and a bottom surface, the bottom surface in particular forming the lower stacking edge 7. Advantageously, a section of the side wall 5 projecting downwards from the lower flange 15 in this region is set back from the rest of the side wall 5 by a dimension corresponding to at least one material thickness of the side wall 5, but in one possible embodiment being somewhat larger, so that several containers 2 can be stacked easily and without jamming on top of each other and sectionally inside one another.

[0080] When the containers 2 are stacked, the upper container 2, with its base 4 and the downwardly projecting section of its side wall 5, fits into the opening of the lower container 2 until the seal 9 of the upper container 2 rests on the upper stacking edge 6 of the lower container 2. The weight of the upper container 2, any lid 3 optionally attached to it, and any components located within the upper container 2, presses the seal 9 of the upper container 2 tightly against the upper stacking edge 6 of the lower container 2, advantageously compressing it slightly, so that the opening of the lower container 2 is sealed.

[0081] The lower flange 15 is advantageously inclined on its underside relative to the adjoining section of the side wall 5 and forms an angle with the section of the side wall 5 that is less than 90°, as shown. As described, this underside of the lower flange 15 forms the lower stacking rim 7 of the container 2, with this inclined design forming the groove for receiving the container seal 9 mentioned above.

[0082] The upper flange 14 also advantageously encloses an angle of less than 90°, so that when several containers 2 are stacked, the upper flange 14, i.e., the upper stacking edge 6, of the lower container 2 lies with its upper surface under the underside of the lower flange 15, i.e., the lower stacking edge 7, of the upper container 2 arranged directly above it, wherein the container seal 9 arranged on the lower stacking edge 7 of the upper container 2, in particular on the underside of the lower stacking edge 7, is now arranged sealingly between the lower stacking edge 7 of the upper container 2 and the upper stacking edge 6 of the lower container 2, thereby achieving a dust- and moisture-tight connection of the individual containers 2 when stacked. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Container arrangement 2 containers 3 container lids 4 Container bottom 5 side wall 6 upper stacking edge 7 lower stacking edge 8 Pressure equalization element 9 Container seal 10 Lid seal 11 Handle 12 locking elements 13 outer edge 14 upper flange 15 lower flange

Claims

Container arrangement (1) comprising a number of containers (2) and a container closure lid (3), wherein each container (2) has a container base (4) to which a side wall (5) is attached around its perimeter, which has an upper stacking rim (6) around its perimeter in an upper area and a lower stacking rim (7) around its perimeter in a lower area, wherein a pressure equalization element (8) with a moisture barrier membrane is arranged in the side wall (5), wherein a container seal (9) is arranged around its perimeter on the lower stacking rim (7) and wherein a lid seal (10) is arranged around its perimeter on the container closure lid (3). Container arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the container seal (9) of the respective container (2) is arranged and designed such that, in the case of two stacked containers (2), the container seal (9) of the upper container (2) abuts the upper stacking edge (6) of the lower container (2) in a sealing manner. Container arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid seal (10) of the container closure lid (3) is arranged and designed such that when the container closure lid (3) is arranged on the container (2), the lid seal (10) abuts the upper stacking edge (6) of the container (2) in a sealing manner. Container arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container seal (9) and / or the lid seal (10) are made of PU foam. Container arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture barrier membrane of the pressure equalization element (8) is made of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene. Container arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container closure lid (3) has locking elements (12) which are designed to lock onto an outer edge (13) of the upper stacking edge (6) when the container closure lid (3) is arranged on the container (2). Method for manufacturing a container arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - a receiving opening for the pressure equalization element (8) is provided in the side wall (5) of the respective container (2), - the pressure equalization element (8) is arranged in the receiving opening, - the container seal (9) is arranged circumferentially on the lower stacking edge (7) of the respective container (2), and - the lid seal (10) is arranged circumferentially on the container closure lid (3). Method according to claim 7, wherein the respective container (2) and / or the container closure lid (3) are each made of plastic in a thermoforming process. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the receiving opening is introduced into the side wall (5) of the respective container (2) during or after its formation. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the container seal (9) on the respective container (2) and / or the lid seal (10) on the container closure lid (3) is formed by applying a PU foam.

Images