Transport case

Abstract

Transport box (1) comprising a base (2), a lid (3) and several side walls (4), wherein the base (2), the lid (3) and the side walls (4) are each formed by planar plate elements and the plate elements are connected to each other via form-fitting connecting elements, wherein the connecting elements are each formed by a pin (5) formed on a first plate element and a corresponding receptacle (6) formed on an adjacent plate element, and wherein the interconnected plate elements are additionally fixed by external connecting means.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport box for the safe transport of goods.

[0002] Transport crates are used for storing and transporting goods, especially in shipping, logistics, and warehousing. They typically consist of a box-shaped structure with a base, side walls, and a lid. Reusable materials such as wood, plastic, or composites are frequently used in their construction.

[0003] Common transport crates are usually screwed, nailed, or glued together. Such solutions make tool-free assembly and disassembly difficult and reduce the reusability of individual components. Furthermore, many crates are not modular and cannot be transported flat, which leads to increased space requirements for return transport or storage.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional plug connections often exhibit design weaknesses, especially under high loads. The connection can loosen or deform due to vibrations or lifting operations. Additionally, extra securing devices such as screws or metal brackets are required, making assembly more complex.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a transport box is to be provided that can be easily assembled without special tools, enables a stable and durable connection of the box elements, and can be transported flat and reused.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a transport box having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, the transport box comprises a base, a lid, and several side walls, each formed by flat panel elements. The panel elements are connected to one another via positive-locking connecting elements, each consisting of a pin formed on a first panel element and a corresponding receptacle formed on an adjacent panel element. Preferably, at least two pins and / or at least two receptacles are arranged on one edge of a panel element, engaging in the corresponding counterparts of the adjacent panel element. Preferably, at least two pins and / or at least two receptacles are arranged on all edges of the panel element.

[0008] For the purposes of the invention, "adjacent plate elements" are those that abut each other along a common edge and are connected to each other via the described connecting elements. This includes, in particular, connections between two side walls, as well as between a side wall and a base or lid.

[0009] To further secure the connected panel elements, external connectors are provided that secure the panels across their width. This results in a particularly stable yet detachable connection between the box elements. The combination of a positive-locking connection and external fixing enables tool-free, modular assembly and space-saving storage when disassembled.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the lateral edges of two opposing side walls have only tenons, while the adjacent side walls have only corresponding recesses. Additionally, two tenons and two recesses can be provided on the upper and / or lower edges of the side walls, with the lid and the base each having corresponding counterparts.

[0011] To achieve consistent stability in all directions, connecting elements are provided both vertically between adjacent side walls and horizontally between the side wall and the base or lid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, two adjacent panel elements at a corner of the transport box are connected to a third, adjacent panel element via connecting elements, creating a particularly stable corner joint. The aforementioned design features further improve the stability of the transport box.

[0012] Preferably, all connecting elements are formed exclusively by single-sided milling of the respective panel elements. This simplifies manufacturing and, in particular, enables production from wood or panel materials using standard machines.

[0013] The transport box according to the invention requires no folded joints and no separate cornice strips. In contrast to known nail-free boxes with tongue-and-groove joints, assembly can be achieved exclusively via tenons arranged section by section along the edges and corresponding receptacles.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting elements are designed as spring-elastic clips, also known as box clips, which each engage over the butt edges of two adjacent panel elements. To securely fix the clips, the panel elements are provided with recesses on their outer surfaces adjacent to the connecting elements, into which the clips engage in a form-fit or force-fit manner. The recesses are preferably designed as partial bag-like cutouts. This ensures a form-fit fixation of the clips without any openings that could compromise the box's seal.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the connecting elements are designed as retaining straps that span and secure the transport box completely or in sections.

[0016] Preferably, all fasteners should be able to be assembled without tools. For disassembling the transport box, a hook-shaped tool bent on one side can preferably be used, which allows the clamps to be easily lifted off.

[0017] To optimize force transmission between the plate elements, it is preferably provided that the pins and the associated corresponding receptacles are designed to be complementary to each other, in particular as rectangular fitting pieces.

[0018] The width of the tenons is preferably 15 mm to 100 mm, particularly 20 mm to 60 mm, and the insertion depth into the receptacles is preferably 10 mm to 40 mm. The dimensions of the tenons can be determined based on the edge length of the panel elements, whereby for larger boxes, such as those in the format of a Euro pallet (e.g., 1200 mm × 800 mm), several and / or wider tenons may be provided to increase stability.

[0019] To ensure a gap-free fit, it is preferably provided that the corresponding receptacles in the transition area between the bottom surface and the lateral boundary surfaces of the receptacle are provided with a concave curve on both sides. The lateral boundary surfaces are undercut in the area of ​​these curves, resulting in a particularly precise fit. The curves are preferably produced by milling.

[0020] To improve the load-bearing capacity of the transport box, it is preferably provided to insert an additional reinforcing plate into the transport box, which rests on the bottom and is preferably nailed to it.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the base of the transport box is placed on and connected to a pallet structure. The pallet structure preferably comprises an upper cover element, a lower support element, and intermediate support elements. This allows for transport using industrial trucks such as forklifts.

[0022] In order to achieve a favorable combination of weight, stability and recyclability, it is preferably provided that the panel elements consist of plywood, wood-based panels, in particular OSB panels, honeycomb panels or plastic composite materials.

[0023] The dimensions of the transport crate can vary depending on the application. Preferably, the base area is 400 × 300 mm or 400 × 600 mm. Particularly preferred are base dimensions corresponding to 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, or 2 times the size of a Euro pallet (EPAL). The height of the transport crate can preferably be between 200 mm and 2400 mm, especially 600 mm, 1200 mm, or 1800 mm. This allows for modular adaptation to different logistical requirements and stackability within standardized loading spaces.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a transport box according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 the side walls of the transport box according to Fig. 1 in a side view, Fig. 3 a perspective enlarged view of an upper corner of the transport box according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a perspective enlarged view of a lower corner of the transport box according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5a an enlarged representation of a lower corner of the bottom of the transport box according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5b the representation according to Fig. 5a with inserted reinforcement plate, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the bottom of the transport box with the reinforcing plate resting on top, Fig. 7 a perspective single view of a side wall with tenon, recess and notch, Fig. 8 a single representation of a clamp as a connecting element, and Fig. 9 a perspective view of a transport box according to the invention with attached retaining straps.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the transport box 1 according to the invention in its assembled state. A partial cutout is shown for better visibility of the interior.

[0027] The transport box 1 comprises a base 2, a lid 3, and several side walls 4, each formed by flat panel elements. The panel elements are connected to one another by positive-locking connecting elements. The connecting elements include tenons 5 formed on the edges of the panel elements and corresponding receptacles 6 into which the tenons 5 engage. At least two tenons 5 and / or two receptacles 6 are provided on each edge of the panel elements.

[0028] For additional fixing of the connected plate elements, external connecting means in the form of clamps 7 are provided, which grip over the butt edges of two adjacent plate elements.

[0029] In this embodiment, the transport box 1 is placed on a pallet structure that forms a separate support unit. The pallet structure, as shown, has an upper deck element, a lower deck 11, and support elements 12 arranged between them, thus enabling forklift handling.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the side walls 4 of the transport box 1 in its disassembled state, in which the pins 5, the receptacles 6, and the recesses 9 for the engagement of the clamps are visible. The panel elements are flat and can be stacked for space-saving transport. The panel elements are milled on one side.

[0031] The design of the receptacles 6 is also clearly visible in the area of ​​the side walls, featuring a concave curve in the transition area between the bottom surface and the side boundary surfaces. The side boundary surfaces of the receptacles 6 are undercut in the area of ​​the curve. This allows the tenons 5 to fit snugly without gaps and contributes to a particularly precise and stable connection of the panel elements.

[0032] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of an upper and a lower corner of the assembled transport box 1, in which two side walls 4 and the base 2 or the lid 3 are connected by several pins 5 and receptacles 6. A clamp 7 extends over the butt joint and additionally secures the connected panel elements.

[0033] The in Fig. The circled section of a lower corner area of ​​transport box 1 is in Fig. Figure 5a shows an enlarged view. The pins 5 and the recess 6 in the base of the transport box 1 and their geometrically complementary design are recognizable.

[0034] Fig. 5b shows the representation according to Fig. 5a with an additional reinforcing plate 10, which rests on the base 2 and at least partially covers the connection between base 2 and side wall 4. The reinforcing plate can be used for higher load requirements.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows another section of the bottom 2 of the transport box 1 with the reinforcing plate 10 resting on it.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of a side wall 4 with formed tenons 5, receptacles 6 and a recess 9 for the engagement of the clamp 7.

[0037] A perspective view of the spring-elastic clamp 7 is shown in Fig. 8 shown.

[0038] A transport box 1 with alternative connecting means shows Fig. 9 in the assembled state. As an alternative to the clamps 7, retaining straps 8 are provided in this embodiment as connecting means, which span the transport box 1 longitudinally and transversely. Reference symbol list: 1 transport crate 2 floors 3 lids 4 side wall 5 cones 6 recording 7 bracket 8 retaining strap 9 cutouts 10 Reinforcement plate 11 Lower deck 12 support elements

Claims

[1] Transport box (1) comprising a base (2), a lid (3) and several side walls (4), wherein the base (2), the lid (3) and the side walls (4) are each formed by planar plate elements and the plate elements are connected to each other via form-fitting connecting elements, wherein the connecting elements are each formed by a pin (5) formed on a first plate element and a corresponding receptacle (6) formed on an adjacent plate element, and wherein the interconnected plate elements are additionally fixed by external connecting means. [2] Transport box (1) according to claim 1, wherein all connecting elements are formed exclusively by one-sided milling of the respective plate elements. [3] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two pins (5) and / or at least two receptacles (6) are arranged on the edges of the plate elements, which engage in the corresponding receptacles (6) and pins (5) of the adjacent plate elements. [4] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein only pins (5) are provided on the side edges of two of the side walls (4) and only receptacles (6) corresponding to the pins (5) are provided on the side edges of the two adjacent side walls (4). [5] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two pins (5) and two receptacles (6) are provided on the upper and / or lower edges of the side walls and corresponding two pins (5) and two receptacles (6) are provided on all edges of the lid and the base. [6] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means are designed as spring-elastic clamps (7) which each engage over the butt edges of two adjacent plate elements. [7] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means are designed as retaining straps (8) that span the transport box completely or partially. [8] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate elements are provided with recesses (9) in the area of ​​their outer surfaces, adjacent to the connecting elements between two adjacent plate elements, into which the clamps (7) engage in a form-fit or force-fit manner, wherein the recesses (9) are preferably designed as non-continuous bag recesses. [9] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pins (5) and the associated corresponding receptacles (6) are designed to be complementary to each other, in particular as rectangular fitting pieces. [10] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the corresponding receptacles (6) of the connecting elements in the transition area between the bottom surface and the lateral boundary surfaces of the receptacle (6) are provided on both sides with a concave rounding, wherein the lateral boundary surfaces in the area of ​​the curve are undercut, where the curves are preferably produced by milling, and thereby achieving an essentially gap-free fit of the pins (5). [11] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting elements are provided both in a vertical direction between adjacent side walls (4) and in a horizontal direction between side wall (4) and base (2) or lid (3). [12] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at one corner of the transport box (1) two mutually adjacent plate elements are connected to a third, adjacent plate element via respective associated connecting elements. [13] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means can be assembled without tools. [14] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an additional reinforcing plate (10) is provided which rests on the assembled base (2) and preferably at least partially covers the connection between the base (2) and the side walls (4). [15] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (2) of the transport box (1) is placed on and connected to a pallet construction, the pallet construction preferably comprising an upper deck element (11), a lower deck (12) and support elements (13) arranged in between. [16] Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel elements are made of a lightweight yet durable material, in particular plywood, wood-based panels, honeycomb panels or plastic composite materials.

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