Stacking crate and transport and / or storage system comprising two or more stacking crates

Abstract

A stacking box (1) is disclosed, comprising a base (2), a wall (3) which, together with the base (2), defines a receiving space (4), and a receiving opening (6) defined by an edge (5) of the wall (3). Adjustable support elements (7) are attached to the stacking box (1), allowing movement between a rest position and a support position. In the support position, the support elements (7) are positioned to provide a surface for stacking the stacking box (1) and another stacking box (1) together to form a stacked stack. In the rest position, the support elements (7) are positioned to allow stacking the stacking box (1) and another stacking box (1) to be nested together to form a nested stack of boxes.According to the invention, the support elements (7) are designed and attached to the stacking box (1) such that, when the stacking box (1) is placed on a base (2), they are moved into the support position solely by gravity. When the stacking box (1) is placed on its edge with the receiving opening (6) facing downwards on a base, the support elements (7) are moved into the rest position solely by gravity.

Description

[0001] The invention is generally in the field of logistics and relates in particular to a stacking box with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and to a transport and / or storage system which includes two or more such stacking boxes.

[0002] In logistics, crates are frequently used to arrange and store items for transport or storage. These crates are often, indeed regularly, designed to be stacked into stacks of largely identical crates. This can be achieved without the need for an intermediate lid that would close the opening of a lower crate and support the base of an upright crate. This is accomplished by providing support structures at the top of the opening of a lower crate in the stack. These structures allow an upper crate to be placed on top of the lower crate without being inserted into the crate below. In this way, crates containing items or goods can be stacked without the weight of the stacked crates resting on the contents.Boxes of this type, which can be stacked in such a way to form a stack of boxes containing objects, can also be called stacking boxes.

[0003] To store or transport such stackable boxes in a space-saving manner when empty, it is often possible to nest them together in a nested stack. This involves inserting further stackable boxes into the space occupied by a box placed face down on a surface, or into the space occupied by a stackable box already placed inside another such box, thus creating a nested or nested stack of boxes.

[0004] In order to achieve this with a set of identical stacking boxes, i.e., to form both stacked boxes and nested or enclosed stacks of boxes, there are various proposals to modify the stacking boxes as needed, in order to allow stacking the boxes on top of each other to form a stack of boxes that leaves space for the individual stacking boxes, or nesting the stacking boxes into each other, interlocking empty stacking boxes to form a space-saving stack.

[0005] One way to achieve this is described, for example, in US 6,047,853. The stacking crate described there is asymmetrically designed on two opposite end faces, such that the structures provided there allow for nested stacking in a first orientation of the crates with respect to rotation about an axis perpendicular to the crate base, and for stacking the crates on top of each other to form a stack of upright crates in a second position rotated 180° around the axis of rotation perpendicular to the base.To nest these stacking boxes, each box must first be aligned in a specific rotational position relative to the axis of rotation perpendicular to the base. They can then be nested and stacked. If these stacking boxes are to be placed on top of each other, especially after being filled with goods for transport or storage, they must be rotated 180° relative to the axis of rotation perpendicular to the base of the box before being stacked.

[0006] This method is simple insofar as it requires no further handling of the stacking crates beyond the aforementioned correct orientation in relation to the rotation around the axis of rotation perpendicular to the base. However, this very alignment is particularly arduous and strenuous for the person handling the crates, especially when they are holding a stacking crate already filled with goods and have to rotate it 180° around an axis perpendicular to the base of the crate before they can further stack the crates by placing the crate on top of a lower one. This is all the more true the heavier the filled crate is. Automated handling is also complex, as a manipulation unit must always align the stacking crates correctly in their rotational direction before it can be placed on top of them to form a stack.

[0007] Another approach, which allows both the stacking of stackable boxes to form a stack of stacked boxes and the nested formation of a space-saving stack of empty stackable boxes, is shown and described, for example, in WO 1998 / 056668 Al. The stackable boxes shown there have adjustable support elements that can be moved between a support position and a rest position. In the support position, another stackable box can be placed on the support elements. When moved to the rest position, another stackable box can be placed into the space occupied by a stackable box below, forming a nested stack of empty stackable boxes.This type of stacking box design, which encompasses the preamble of claim 1, no longer requires rotating the stacking boxes by 180° around a rotation axis perpendicular to the base of the stacking box. However, it is necessary that the support elements, which in known stacking boxes are actively moved from the rest position to the support position, or vice versa, from the support position to the rest position, are moved according to the resulting requirement: namely, to move the support elements into the support position when a stack of stacking boxes, particularly those filled in the receiving compartments, is to be formed, or to move them into the rest position when the boxes are to be nested and interlocked to form a space-saving stack of empty stacking boxes.

[0008] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a stacking box which, with simple handling and without any special intervention by a user, enables the formation of a stacked box formed from stacked boxes, as well as the storage of the empty stacking boxes in a nested, interlocking and thus space-saving stack.

[0009] This problem is solved, on the one hand, by a stacking box with the features of claim 1, wherein advantageous embodiments of this solution are specified in dependent claims 2 to 9. A further aspect of a solution to this problem is a transport and / or storage system comprising at least two, in particular several, stacking boxes of the type according to the invention.

[0010] According to the invention, a novel stacking box has, firstly, and this in general agreement with known stacking boxes, a base, a wall extending transversely from the base in one direction, in particular circumferentially, which together with the base defines a receiving space for the stacking box, and a receiving opening bounded by an edge of the wall opposite the base. Furthermore, movable support elements are attached to the stacking box, which can be moved back and forth between a rest position and a support position. In the support position, these support elements are positioned such that they provide a surface for stacking the stacking box and another, essentially identical, stacking box together to form a stack of boxes.In the rest position, however, the support elements are positioned in such a way that they allow the stacking box and another, essentially identical, stacking box to be nested together to form a nested stack of boxes.

[0011] The walls and floor can be constructed entirely or partially of solid, uninterrupted material, particularly for storing and transporting small items. However, it is also possible to incorporate openings in the walls and / or floor, at least in part, for example, to save material during construction, reduce the weight of the stacking crate, facilitate easy cleaning, and / or ensure ventilation of goods stored inside, such as food items like fruits or vegetables.

[0012] Up to this point, and as described above, the stacking box according to the invention is similar to one described in WO 1998 / 056668 A1. The special feature of the stacking box according to the invention is that, unlike the stacking box known from the preceding document, the support elements do not need to be actively moved by the user. Instead, the support elements are designed and attached to the stacking box in such a way that, when the stacking box is placed on a base with the base essentially horizontal and the receiving opening essentially vertically pointing upwards, the support elements are moved into the support position solely by gravity.Furthermore, the support elements are designed and attached to the stacking box in such a way that, when the stacking box is placed on its edge with the receiving opening in a substantially horizontal orientation on a base and with the bottom oriented substantially vertically upwards, the support elements are moved into the rest position solely by gravity.

[0013] The support elements thus shift solely under the influence of gravity, depending on the orientation of the stacking box according to the invention with respect to a rotation about an axis of rotation running in or parallel to the plane of the base. They move into the support position due to gravity when the stacking box is placed on a base with its opening facing upwards. They move into the rest position when the stacking box is, so to speak, upside down, i.e., with the opening facing downwards and the base lying vertically above it.Unlike conventional stacking crates, these nested stacks of empty crates are formed to save space. This is achieved by first placing the bottom crate upside down, resting on its edge that defines the opening. Subsequent stacking crates are then placed on top of the crate below, with their openings facing downwards. This is easily accomplished because, as mentioned earlier, the crate's position remains stable due to gravity, allowing it to nest and form a space-saving stack.If a stacking box according to the invention is to be used, in particular by placing goods, merchandise, or other objects into the receiving space, it must be rotated 180° about the axis of rotation lying in or parallel to the floor plane and aligned with the opening pointing upwards. In this process, the support elements automatically move into the support position, again driven solely by gravity, so that stacking boxes according to the invention, whether filled or even empty, can now be placed on top of each other and stacked to form a stack of boxes in which the uppermost stacking box is not inserted into the receiving space of the stacking box below it.

[0014] A user of a stacking box according to the invention no longer needs to actively move the support elements from the rest position to the stacking position, or vice versa, depending on the intended use of the stacking box. This happens automatically, driven by gravity, simply by correctly orienting the stacking box with the receiving opening facing upwards or downwards. Rotating the stacking box by 180° around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the floor to enable stacking is also unnecessary with the stacking box according to the invention.A user must simply note that the stacking box according to the invention can only be nested and stacked in a space-saving manner in such a state as to be placed upside down, i.e. with the opening facing downwards, in contrast to the previously known procedure of placing such stacking boxes inside each other with openings facing upwards.

[0015] Basically, it is irrelevant where the support elements are located on the stacking box.A stacking box according to the invention can be realized particularly easily if the support elements in the area of ​​the edge of the wall of the stacking box are arranged in such a way that they can be moved between the support position and the rest position, such that in the support position the support elements project into the area of ​​the receiving opening in such a way that another, essentially identical stacking box can be placed with its base on the support elements in the support position to form a stacked stack of boxes, and that in the rest position the support elements release the area of ​​the receiving opening in such a way that another, essentially identical stacking box can be inserted with its base first into the receiving opening and guided into the receiving space of the stacking box to form a nested stack of boxes.

[0016] The support elements can be, for example, plate-like, such as pivotable elements mounted on the wall of the stacking box in the area of ​​the receiving opening and / or in the area of ​​the base. If they are located at the edge of the wall, the support elements can be limited to positions in the corners of a stacking box, particularly one with a rectangular base, but they can also extend over other areas, including the entire length of the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the stacking box along the upper edge of the wall.

[0017] According to the invention, the support elements are arranged on the stacking box by means of hinge joints, which allow them to pivot between the support position and the rest position. The essential feature is the purely gravity-driven displacement of the support elements from the rest position to the support position and vice versa when the stacking box is "turned" around a rotation axis running in the plane of the floor or parallel to it.

[0018] In the stacking box according to the invention, the base and walls can be made of a plastic, particularly in one piece, although other materials, such as metals or wood, are also suitable. Plastic, however, has the advantage of low weight combined with high strength and stability, which is particularly advantageous in the areas of logistics, transport, storage, and the associated handling.

[0019] The support elements can be made of metal, in particular, to provide sufficient stability to withstand the forces exerted when stacking boxes filled with objects. However, other materials are also suitable, such as plastic, for example, a reinforced, particularly fiber-reinforced, plastic. The stacking box according to the invention is, in particular, mirror-symmetrical with respect to a first and a second central plane, each orthogonal to the base and mutually perpendicular. Alternatively, a point-symmetrical structure of the cross-section, which runs parallel to a plane of the base, can also be advantageously chosen, with a center of symmetry of the point symmetry forming the midpoint of the cross-sectional contour.In the case of the stacking box according to the invention, it is not necessary to provide an asymmetry, as is required in the case of the stacking boxes according to US 6,047,853, which must be separately aligned for stacking by rotation about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the floor.

[0020] According to the invention, one or more supports are formed on the wall and the floor to brace the support elements in the supported position. These supports can have bearing surfaces that are essentially parallel to the floor, but also those that are inclined. It is essential that they provide a secure support for the support elements and a stop against the gravity-driven movement of the support elements into the supported position. Such supports can serve to transfer the weight force of a stacking box arranged below it in a stack of boxes, via the support elements, and further to the base or the floor. According to the invention, such a support is a type of column-like projection formed in the wall of the stacking box, on the end face of which a support element rests in the supported position and is braced by it.

[0021] To enable a securely centered and, in particular, displacement-free stacking of stacking boxes of the type according to the invention, centering structures formed on the mounting elements can advantageously be provided and counter-structures formed on the stacking box outside the mounting elements, wherein the centering structures interact with the counter-structures in a substantially identical stacking box in the stacked state in order to center the stacked stacking box in relation to the stacking box below it and also to fix it in a plane parallel to the bottom of the stacking box.

[0022] To achieve repositioning of the support elements solely by gravity, arrangements can be chosen, for example, in which the pivot point of a rotary or swiveling movement is offset from a projection of the center of gravity of the respective support element onto the plane of the base of the stacking box or onto the plane defined by the edge that delimits the receiving opening. Separately arranged weight elements that shift the center of gravity can be provided, or the like. It is also possible to provide support elements with a cranked shape, which, due to this shape, are then repositioned between the support position and the rest position solely by gravity in the manner according to the invention. A person skilled in the art will easily be able to design the support elements and / or their attachment to achieve the effect according to the invention within the framework of a constructive design; corresponding solutions are known to them.

[0023] Two, and in particular several, stacking boxes as described above can be included in an advantageous transport and / or storage system according to the invention. The stacking boxes contained in this system can either be stacked with their openings facing upwards (filled or empty) in a stacked pile, with the support elements then each in the support position, or they can be stored nested within each other in a space-saving manner, with their receiving opening facing downwards, placed on a base with a stacking box at the bottom and stacked on top of further stacking boxes in a cone-like fashion.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1a schematic sectional view of a stacking box according to the invention in an upright position suitable for stacking several stacking boxes according to the invention; Fig. 2 in an enlarged detail view the mounting element in the support position; Fig. 3 schematically the procedure for stacking two stacking boxes formed according to the invention to form a stack of boxes; Fig. 4 schematically, a stack of boxes formed from two stacked boxes according to the invention; Fig. 5 schematically, a nested stack of boxes formed from two inversely arranged, nested stacking boxes according to the invention; Fig. 6 in an enlarged detail view the mounting element in its rest position; Fig. 7 schematically a top view of a stacking box according to the invention, oriented for stacking with the receiving opening pointing upwards; and Fig. 8A schematic view from below of a stacking box according to the invention, oriented with the receiving opening pointing downwards for nested and interlocking placement.

[0025] The figures are highly schematic drawings illustrating possible embodiments of a stacking box according to the invention and of a transport and / or storage system formed from at least two such stacking boxes. The figures are highly schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the principle of the invention and its essential elements. They are by no means to be understood as complete construction sketches and are not to scale.

[0026] In Figure 1 A stacking box 1 according to the invention is shown in a first position. The stacking box 1 has a base 2 on which the stacking box 1 rests in the position shown in Figure 1The box is placed in the position shown, for example, on a surface. Starting from the base 2, a wall 3 extends upwards in this first position, encircling the outside of the box, with the base 2 and wall 3 enclosing a receiving space 4. In principle, however, further sections of the wall 3 bounding the receiving space 4 can also be provided, separated from the outer wall, e.g., in the form of walls of columns rising from the floor in an inner section, or the like. The wall 3 ends at a circumferential edge 5, which surrounds a receiving opening 6. On the wall 3 in the area of ​​the edge 5, slightly offset below the upper edge of the edge, support elements 7 are arranged, here articulated to the wall 3 of the stacking box 1 via hinge joints 8. As in Figure 1In the position shown for stacking box 1, the support elements 7 are driven solely by gravity and thus forcibly moved into the position shown in the Figure 1 The support position shown is moved or relocated. The support elements 7 can also be moved into a rest position, as will be described below, by pivoting them about the hinge joint 8.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an enlarged section to better illustrate the support position in which the support element 7 is located in the Figure 1 The stacking box 1 is located in the position shown. It can also be seen that the support element 7, in its resting position, rests on a column 9 formed against the wall 3 of the stacking box 1, with its upper surface resting on a support surface 10 (compare Figure 6 ) rests on and is supported by this column 9.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4show that two essentially identical stacking boxes 1 according to the invention are in a configuration as shown in Figure 1 in the position shown and can be stacked on top of each other accordingly with the support elements 7, which are moved into the support position by gravity. Figure 3 This is illustrated by the arrow, which indicates the movement for stacking. Figure 4 Figure 1 shows the stacked state. In this way, two or more of the stacking boxes 1 according to the invention can be stacked on top of each other, with items to be stored or transported arranged and stored in the receiving spaces 4 of the stacking box 1.

[0029] In Figure 5The illustration shows a stack of empty boxes formed by a stacking box 1 according to the invention, rotated 180° around an axis of rotation that lies within or parallel to the plane of the base 2, i.e., placed upside down, in which the stacking boxes 1 are nested within one another in a nested manner. Here, the stacking boxes 1 according to the invention are stacked on top of each other in a cone-like fashion, with the wall 3 and base 2 of a lower stacking box 1 penetrating into the receiving space 4 of a stacking box 1 placed on top of it.

[0030] This is possible because, in the same way as in the Figure 5 shown, compared to the one in the Figure 1 In the position shown, rotated 180° around the aforementioned axis of rotation, i.e., inverted, the position of a stacking box according to the invention, the support elements 7 are driven solely by gravity and thus automatically lifted out of the position shown. Figures 1 to 4 shown edition position in the Figures 5 and 6The resting position shown is shifted. Driven by gravity, the support element 7 folds down around the hinge joint 8 from the support 10 on the column 9, on which it previously rested in the support position, so that it no longer obstructs the bottom 2 of a stacking box 1 below it, which slides into the receiving space 4 of a stacking box 1 placed on it, and the stacking boxes 1 can be nested inside each other in the upside-down position.

[0031] Also a comparison of the Figures 7 and 8 The schematic diagrams shown there clearly illustrate once again how the relocation of the support elements 7 works solely under the influence of gravity. Figure 7 is a top view of a stacking box 1 positioned with the receiving opening facing vertically upwards, i.e. in a position as in the Figure 1, shown. The support elements 7 are pivoted into the support positions so that another stacking box 1 can be placed on them with the base 2 facing forward. Figure 8 In contrast, a view from below shows an upside-down stacking crate 1, in which – again driven solely by gravity – the support elements 7 are positioned as in Figure 8 are in the resting position shown, so that a stacking box 1 rotated in this way can be placed on top of a stacking box 1 below it, which is also arranged upside down, to form a nested and thus space-saving stack of empty stacking boxes 1.

[0032] It should be made particularly clear at this point that the configurations of the stacking boxes and their components shown in the figures are highly schematic and represent a possible example. The figures show support elements arranged only in the four corner areas of the rectangular base of the stacking box. Equally conceivable are rib-like arrangements extending, for example, along the narrow end edges, along the long edges, or even around the entire perimeter. There are no limits to the possibilities for those skilled in the art, as long as the support elements are moved solely by gravity—by turning the stacking boxes 1 upside down or standing them upright—between the rest position and the supported position, and in the supported position, the support elements can safely bear the load of another stacking box 1 placed on top of it, containing the items arranged within. Reference symbol list

[0033] 1 Stacking box 2 Base 3 Wall 4 Receiving space 5 Edge 6 Receiving opening 7 Mounting element 8 Hinge joint 9 Column 10 Support

Claims

1. A stacking crate (1) with • a floor (2), • a wall (3) extending from the base (2) transversely thereto in one direction, in particular a circumferential wall (3), which together with the base (2) delimits a receiving space (4) of the stacking crate (1), and • and a receiving opening (6) bounded by an edge (5) of the wall (3) opposite the base (2), wherein support elements (7) which can be displaced back and forth between a rest position and a support position are mounted on the stacking crate (1), wherein the support elements (7) are positioned in the support position in such a way that they enable a support surface for a stacking of the stacking crate (1) and a further stacking crate (1) of substantially identical construction to be placed one on top of the other to form a stacked box, wherein the stacking elements (7) are positioned in the rest position in such a way that they allow the stacking crate (1) and a further, substantially identical stacking crate (1) to be placed one inside the other in order to form a nested stack of boxes, characterised in that the support elements (7) are designed and attached to the stacking crate (1) in such a way that, when the stacking crate (1) is placed on the base (2) with the base (2) substantially horizontally aligned, the support elements (7) are positioned on a support with the receiving opening (6) pointing substantially vertically upwards, the stacking crate (1) is placed on the bottom (2) with the bottom (2) substantially horizontal on a support and with the receiving opening (6) oriented substantially vertically upwards, the stacking crate (1) being displaced into the rest position driven solely by gravity, characterized in that, when the stacking crate (1) is placed on the edge (5) with the receiving opening (6) substantially horizontal on a support and with the bottom (2) oriented substantially vertically upwards, the resting elements (7) are displaced into the rest position driven solely by gravity, wherein support elements (7) are arranged on the stacking crate (1) with hinge joints (8) so as to be pivotable between the support position and the rest position, wherein one or more supports (9, 10) formed on the wall (3) and on the base (2) for supporting the support elements (7) in the support position, wherein the one or more supports (9, 10) is a a kind of columnar projection formed in the wall of the stacking crate, and on the end face of which a support element rests in the support position and is supported thereby.

2. Stacking crate (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the support elements (7) are arranged in the region of the edge (5) of the wall (3) of the stacking crate (1) in such a way that they can be displaced between the support position and the rest position, • in that, in the support position, the support elements (7) project into the region of the receiving opening (6) in such a manner that a further, essentially identical stacking crate (1) can be set down with its base (2) on the support elements (7) located in the support position in order to form a stacked box, • and in that the positioning elements (7), in the rest position, expose the region of the receiving opening (6) in such a way that a further substantially identical stacking crate (1) for forming a nested box stack can be introduced with its base first into the receiving opening (6) and inserted into the receiving space (4) of the stacking crate (1).

3. A stacking crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by plate-like placement elements (7) which are pivotably arranged on the wall (3) of the stacking crate (1) in the region of the receiving opening (6) and / or in the region of the bottom (2).

4. A stacking crate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (2) and the wall (3) are formed of a plastic material.

5. A stacking crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the placement elements (7) are formed of a metal.

6. A stacking crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is formed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a first and a second centre plane to a second central plane which in each case runs orthogonally to the base (2) and is perpendicular to one another, or in that it is formed, in a top view, with point-symmetrical cross sections, each having a centre of symmetry of the point symmetry which forms the centre of the cross-sectional contour.

7. A stacking crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by centring structures formed on the support elements (7) and by counter-structures formed on the stacking crate (1) outside the support elements (7), the centring structures cooperating with the counter-structures of a substantially identical stacking crate (1) in the stacked state in order to centre the stacked stacking crate (1) with respect to the stacking crate (1) located below it.

8. A transport and / or storage system comprising at least two, in particular several, stacking crates (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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