Packaging for electric modules

Abstract

A packaging, in particular for electric modules, comprises at least two box-shaped containers and a joining device. Each box-shaped container is suitable for receiving a respective electric module and comprises a first cover and a second cover. The joining device comprises a first part, a second part and a removable element which is interposed between the parts. The joining device extends between respective opposite sides of each of the box-shaped containers so as to surround the second cover and to prevent it from opening. By removing the removable element, it is possible to separate the first and second parts and to allow the opening of the second cover of each box-shaped container in a substantially simultaneous manner. The joining device further comprises a first precut line which i s configured in such a manner that, following the breaking of the precut line, a respective box-shaped container can be individually separated from the other box-shaped container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging, in particular for electric modules. During the installation of electrical plants, wall-mounted boxes which are able to receive the electric modules are initially mounted. A fitter therefore has to move between the wall-mounted boxes and for each box he / she has to install one or more electric modules, carrying out the relevant wiring thereof. The installation can often be carried out in a simple manner, for example, by using a screwdriver.

[0002] The packagings which contain the modules often cannot be opened easily and therefore the fitter can waste time during the installation of the modules because he / she has the difficult task of taking the modules from the packaging.

[0003] Another problem of the packagings for electric modules of the prior art is connected with the fact that the packagings are often indivisible, therefore the fitter has to carry with him / her a plurality of modules even when it is not necessary.

[0004] Document US 4263769 A discloses a packaging forming the basis for the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Document EP1533239 A2 discloses a process for making collective packing boxes for collectively transferring and storing plural unit boxes.

[0006] An objective of the invention is to provide a packaging for electric modules which solves the problems set out with reference to the cited prior art.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a packaging for electric modules comprising box-shaped containers which can contain respective electric modules and which allows the box-shaped containers to be opened simultaneously or the box-shaped containers to be opened individually depending on requirements.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging for electric modules which allows the operator to keep together a plurality of the box-shaped containers and, when necessary, to separate one or more of the box-shaped containers from the other box-shaped containers.

[0009] These objects and other objects are achieved by a packaging for electric modules having the features of the appended claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging, in particular for electric modules, comprising at least two box-shaped containers and a joining device. Preferably, each box-shaped container is suitable for receiving a respective electric module. Advantageously, each box-shaped container comprises a first cover which is positioned at a first opening and a second cover which is positioned at a second opening, the second opening being opposite the first opening. Preferably, the joining device comprises a first part, a second part and a removable element which is interposed between the parts. Advantageously, the joining device extends between respective opposite sides of each of the box-shaped containers so as to surround the second cover and to prevent it from opening. Preferably, the first part is further fixed to the respective second cover of each of the box-shaped containers. Advantageously, the removable element can allow, once removed, the separation of the first part and second part and can allow the opening of the second cover of each box-shaped container by opening the second opening of each box-shaped container in a substantially simultaneous manner. Preferably, the joining device further comprises a first precut line which is arranged at a separation zone between the box-shaped containers and which is configured in such a manner that, following the breaking of the precut line, a respective box-shaped container can be individually separated from the other box-shaped container.

[0011] By means of the packaging for electric modules to which the invention relates, it is therefore possible to allow a user to be able to select whether to individually open the first openings by acting on the respective first covers of each box-shaped container or to open all the second openings simultaneously by means of the joining device in order to move the second covers from the closure position to the open position in a substantially simultaneous manner.

[0012] Furthermore, the packaging for electric modules advantageously allows a plurality of box-shaped containers to be kept together and where necessary one or more of the box-shaped containers to be separated from the other box-shaped containers.

[0013] The features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views of a packaging for electric modules according to the invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a blank from which it is possible to obtain a box-shaped container; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of box-shaped containers which are placed beside each other; Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank from which it is possible to obtain a joining device; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a joining device.

[0014] With reference to the Figures, a packaging, in particular for electric modules, is generally designated 100.

[0015] In the scope of the present invention, the term "electric module" is intended to be understood to identify an electrical apparatus such as, for example, a button, a switch, a pushbutton, a commutator, a diverter, an excess voltage limiter, a light source, a voltage regulator, a timer, an actuator, an electric socket, a telephone socket and / or data transmission socket or a coaxial socket which may or may not be provided with wireless technology, or by a so-called hole cover. These electric modules are also generally referred to as outlets in the sector being referred to.

[0016] In a cartesian reference system associated with the packaging 100, it is possible to define a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y and a vertical direction Z.

[0017] The packaging 100 comprises at least two box-shaped containers 1 and a joining device 2.

[0018] Preferably, each box-shaped container 1 is able to receive a respective electric module. Advantageously, each box-shaped container 1 comprises a first cover 15 which is positioned at a first opening and a second cover 16 which is positioned at a second opening, the second opening being opposite the first opening.

[0019] Preferably, the joining device 2 comprises a first part 30, a second part 40 and a removable element 50 which is interposed between the parts 30, 40. Advantageously, the joining device 2 extends between respective opposite sides 81, 82 of each of the box-shaped containers 1 in such a manner as to surround the second cover 16 and to prevent it from being opened. Preferably, the first part 30 is further fixed to the respective second cover 16 of each of the box-shaped containers 1.

[0020] Advantageously, the removable element 50 is able to allow, once removed, the separation of the first part 30 and second part 40 and to allow the second cover 16 of each box-shaped container 1 to be opened by opening the second opening 16 of each box-shaped container 1 in a substantially simultaneous manner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the joining device 2 further comprises a first precut line 61 which is arranged at a separation zone 70 between the box-shaped containers 1. Advantageously, the first precut line 61 is configured in such a manner that, following the breaking of the precut line 61, a respective box-shaped container 1 can be individually separated from the other box-shaped container 1.

[0022] The packaging 100 allows the user to be able to select whether to open the first openings individually by acting on the respective first covers 15 of each box-shaped container 1 or to open all the second openings simultaneously by means of the joining device 2 in order to move the second covers 16 from the closure position to the open position in a substantially simultaneous manner. The packaging 100 further allows a plurality of box-shaped containers 1 to be kept together and, where necessary, one or more of the box-shaped containers 1 to be separated from the other box-shaped containers 1.

[0023] Preferably, the first and second openings and the first cover 15 and second cover 16 have a substantially square shape.

[0024] Advantageously, each cover 15, 16 can be rotated at a respective first intended folding line I between a closure position and an open position. In some embodiments, there may be provided a fifth precut line 65 at the first intended folding line l. The fifth precut line 65 advantageously allows the cover 15, 16 to be separated from the respective box-shaped container 1. Given that the first part 30 is fixed to the second cover 16 of each of the box-shaped containers 1, when the first part 30 is moved away from the packaging 100, the second covers 16 are also moved away together therewith so as to move from the closure position to the open position in a substantially simultaneous manner.

[0025] Preferably, the first part 30 is fixed to the respective second cover 16 of each of the box-shaped containers 1 by means of an adhesive or glue.

[0026] Advantageously, the first precut lines 61 extend in the transverse direction Y and in the vertical direction Z.

[0027] Preferably, the separation zone 70 extends in a plane which is substantially parallel with the plane defined by the transverse direction and the vertical direction Z.

[0028] Preferably, the opposite sides 81, 82 comprise a first side 81 and a second side 82. Advantageously, the first part 30 comprises first portions 31 and second portions 32. Preferably, each first portion 31 is connected to a respective first side 81. Advantageously, each second portion 32 is connected to a respective second cover 16.

[0029] Preferably, the first side and second side 81, 82 are located in respective planes which are parallel with a plane which is defined by the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0030] Advantageously, the first part 30 comprises a third portion 33 which extends at the second side 82. Preferably, the third portion 33 is not fixed to the second side 82.

[0031] When the removable element 50 is removed, it is advantageously possible to move the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 because the third portion is not fixed to the second side 82. By moving the second portion 32 which is connected to the second cover 16, it is advantageously possible to rotate the second cover 16 on the respective first intended folding line I from the closure position to the open position. The first portion 31 preferably remains connected to the first side 81.

[0032] Preferably, the first precut lines 61 are arranged so as to separate the first portions 31 from each other and to separate the second portions 32 from each other. Advantageously, the first precut lines 61 continue in the removable element 50 and in the second part 40 following the same orientation which they had in the first part 30. Preferably, the first precut lines 61 define portions 52 of the removable element 50 which can be separated when a box-shaped container 1 is separated from another box-shaped container 1. Advantageously, the first precut lines 61 define portions 41 of the second part 40 which can be separated when a box-shaped container 1 is separated from another box-shaped container 1.

[0033] Preferably, there is provided between the first portion 31 and second portion 32 a fifth intended folding line V. In some embodiments, there may be provided a fourth precut line 64 at the fifth intended folding line V. The fourth precut lines 64, together with the fifth precut lines 65 and the first precut lines 61, allow an individual second cover 16 to be separated together with the respective third portion 33 and second portion 32, from the respective box-shaped container 1.

[0034] Advantageously, a second intended folding line II is provided between the second portion 32 and the third portion 33.

[0035] Advantageously, the first portion 31, the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 have an extent in the longitudinal direction X between approximately 2 and 3 cm.

[0036] Preferably, the extent is substantially equal to the extent in the longitudinal direction X of the first side 81 or the second side 82.

[0037] Advantageously, the first portion 31 has an extent in the vertical direction Z between approximately 3 and 4 cm. Preferably, the extent in the vertical direction Z of the first side 81 or the second side 82 is between approximately 5 and 6 cm.

[0038] Advantageously, the second portion 32 has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the second cover 16 or an extent in the transverse direction Y between approximately 3 and 4 cm and an extent in the longitudinal direction X between 2 and 3 cm.

[0039] Preferably, the extent in the vertical direction Z of the third portion 33 is between approximately 1 and 1.5 cm. Advantageously, the extent in the vertical direction Z of the removable element 50 is between approximately 0.5 and 1 cm.

[0040] Preferably, the extent in the vertical direction Z of the second part 40 is between approximately 1 and 1.5 cm.

[0041] Advantageously, a foldable tab 94 is provided at a free edge 71 of the first cover 15 and / or second cover 16.

[0042] Preferably, the free edge 71 extends in the transverse direction Y. Advantageously, the foldable tab 94 has a curvilinear shape.

[0043] Preferably, at free edges 72 of the sides 81, 82 there are provided extension pieces 95 which project from the free edges 72 and which can retain the foldable tab 94 so as to keep the first cover 15 and / or second cover 16 in a closure position.

[0044] It is thereby possible to obtain a more stable closure, particularly for the first cover 15 which is the one which is not surrounded by the joining device 2. Advantageously, the free edges 72 extend in the longitudinal direction X.

[0045] Preferably, the box-shaped container 1 has a third side 83. Advantageously, the third side 83 is located in a plane which is parallel with the plane defined by the transverse direction X and the vertical direction Z. Advantageously, in the region of at least one of the free edges 73 of the third side 83 of the box-shaped container 1 there is provided a recess 91 which can facilitate the opening and / or closing of the cover 15, 16 of the box-shaped container 1.

[0046] The recess 91 makes it easier for the thumb of a user to be inserted between the foldable tab 94 and the recess 91.

[0047] The free edges 73 preferably extend in the transverse direction Y.

[0048] Advantageously, the recess 91 extends in a plane parallel with the plane defined by the transverse direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The shape of the recess 91 is preferably curvilinear.

[0049] Preferably, the box-shaped container 1 has a fourth side 84. Advantageously, the fourth side 84 is located in a plane parallel with the plane defined by the transverse direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Preferably, a locking element 92 is provided at an additional free edge 74 of one of the sides 81, 82. Preferably, the additional free edge 74 is in the first side 81 or in the second side 82. Advantageously, the locking element 92 is intended to be connected to an internal portion 96 of the fourth side 84 of the box-shaped container 1 so as to fix in position the sides of the box-shaped container 1.

[0050] The locking element 92 is preferably connected to the side 81, 82 by means of a third intended folding line III. Advantageously, the locking element 92 is intended to be folded on the third intended folding line III in order to be positioned almost perpendicularly to the side 81, 82. The locking element 92 is preferably configured as a lateral tab. Advantageously, the lateral tab extends over the entire extent of the additional free edge 74. Preferably, the internal portion 96 extends near a free edge 75 of the fourth side 84. The free edge 75 advantageously extends in the vertical direction Z. Advantageously, the connection between the locking element 92 and the internal portion 96 is brought about by using an adhesive spot. The adhesive spot preferably extends along the locking element 92 in the vertical direction Z.

[0051] Advantageously, the third side 83, on which the recess 91 is formed, is opposite the fourth side 84.

[0052] Preferably, the fourth side 84 comprises edges 76 at which respective first intended folding lines I are formed. In some embodiments, there may advantageously be provided fifth precut lines 65 at the edges 76. Preferably, the edges 76 extend in the transverse direction Y.

[0053] Advantageously, there is provided on the joining device a second precut line 62 which is interposed between the first part 30 and the removable element 50 and between the second part 40 and the removable element 50.

[0054] The second precut lines 62 serve to simplify the removal of the removable element 50 from the joining device 2. Preferably, the second precut lines 62 extend in the longitudinal direction X.

[0055] Advantageously, on the removable element 50 there is provided a third precut line 63 having an end 93 in common with the second precut line 62. Preferably, the third precut line 63 forms a first angle α of approximately 135° with respect to the second precut line 62.

[0056] This allows the removal of the removable element 50 from the joining device 2 to further be made easier.

[0057] Advantageously, the removable element 50 comprises a grippable portion 51 which is suitable for facilitating the grip of the removable element 50.

[0058] Advantageously, the grippable portion 51 is initially located in a plane parallel with the plane defined by the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z and it is possible to grip it by rotating it towards the transverse direction Y. Preferably, the grippable portion 51 is in the form of a tongue.

[0059] Preferably, the packaging 100 comprises five box-shaped containers 1 or multiples of five.

[0060] Advantageously, the spatial requirement of the packaging 100 which comprises five box-shaped containers is similar to that of wall-mounted boxes which can receive the electric modules. This allows the transport of the boxes and the packaging 100 to be facilitated because they have substantially the same spatial requirement.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the box-shaped container 1 and / or the joining device 2 is / are obtained from a respective blank 101, 102. Preferably, the blank is made from cardboard.

[0062] Advantageously, the blank 101, 102 comprises intended folding lines.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a first blank 101, from which it is possible to obtain the box-shaped container 1. Preferably, the first blank 101 comprises a first lateral panel 11, a second lateral panel 12, a third lateral panel 13 and a fourth lateral panel 14. Preferably, the lateral panels 11-14 have a right-angled quadrilateral shape. Advantageously, by folding the lateral panels 11-14 on respective fourth intended folding lines IV in such a manner that an angle of approximately 90° is formed between successive panels, it is possible to obtain the sides 81-84 of the box-shaped container 1.

[0064] Preferably, the first blank 101 comprises the covers 15, 16 of the box-shaped container 1, which can be rotated with respect to one of the lateral panels 11-14 by means of respective first intended folding lines I. Advantageously, the first blank 101 further comprises the recess 91, the locking element 92, the foldable tab 94 and the extension piece 95.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a second blank 102, from which it is possible to obtain the joining device 2. Preferably, the first blank 101 comprises a succession of first portions 31, second portions 32 and third portions 33 of the first part 30 of the joining device 2. Preferably, the second blank 102 comprises the removable element 50 and the second part 40 of the joining device 2. Advantageously, the second part 40 is connected to the removable element 50 and the removable element 50 is connected to the third portions 33 of the first part 30. Advantageously, a fifth intended folding line V is provided between the first portions 31 and the second portions 32. In some embodiments, there may be provided fourth precut lines 64 at the fifth intended folding line V. Preferably, there is provided between the second portions 32 and the third portions 33 a second intended folding line II. Advantageously, the blank 102 further comprises the first precut lines 61, the second precut lines 62 and the third precut lines 63. Advantageously, by folding the first portions 31 on the fifth intended folding line V so that an angle of approximately 90° is formed between the first portions 31 and the second portions 32 and folding the second portions 32 on the second intended folding line II so that an angle of approximately 90° is formed between the second portions 32 and the third portions 33, it is possible to obtain the joining device 2 as can be seen in Figure 6. The joining device 2 can therefore be applied to a plurality of box-shaped containers 1, such as the ones which can be seen in Figure 4.

[0066] The invention thereby solves the problem set out, at the same time achieving a number of advantages. In particular, the packaging 100 allows the user to be able to select whether to individually open the first openings by acting on the respective first covers 15 of each box-shaped container 1 or to open all the second openings simultaneously by means of the joining device 2 in order to move the second covers 16 from the closure position to the open position in a substantially simultaneous manner. The packaging 100 further allows a plurality of box-shaped containers 1 to be kept together and where necessary one or more of the box-shaped containers 1 to be separated from the other box-shaped containers 1.

Claims

1. A packaging (100), in particular for electric modules, comprising: at least two box-shaped containers (1), each box-shaped container (1) being suitable for receiving a respective electric module and comprising a first cover (15) which is positioned at a first opening and a second cover (16) which is positioned at a second opening, the second opening being opposite the first opening; a joining device (2) comprising a first part (30), a second part (40) and a removable element (50) which is interposed between the parts (30, 40), the joining device (2) extending between respective opposite sides (81, 82) of each of the box-shaped containers (1) so as to surround the second cover (16) and to prevent it from opening, the first part (30) being further fixed to the respective second cover (16) of each of the box-shaped containers (1), the removable element (50) being able to allow, once removed, the separation of the first part and second part (30, 40) and to allow the opening of the second cover (16) of each box-shaped container (1) by opening the second opening (16) of each box-shaped container (1) in a substantially simultaneous manner, the joining device (2) further comprising a first precut line (61) which is arranged at a separation zone (70) between the box-shaped containers (1) and which is configured in such a manner that, following the breaking of the precut line (61), a respective box-shaped container (1) can be individually separated from the other box-shaped container (1).

2. A packaging (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opposite sides (81, 82) comprise a first side (81) and a second side (82), and wherein the first part (30) comprises first portions (31), each of which is connected to a respective first side (81), and second portions (32), each of which being connected to a respective second cover (16).

3. A packaging (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a foldable tab (94) is provided at a free edge (71) of the first cover (15) and / or second cover (16).

4. A packaging (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at free edges (72) of the sides (81, 82) there are provided extension pieces (95) which project from the free edges (72) and which can retain the foldable tab (94) so as to keep the first cover (15) and / or second cover (16) in a closure position.

5. A packaging (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at free edges (73) of a third side (83) of the box-shaped container (1) there is provided a recess (91) which can facilitate the opening and / or closing of the cover (15, 16) of the box-shaped container (1).

6. A packaging (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking element (92) is provided at an additional free edge (74) of one of the sides (81, 82), the locking element (92) being intended to be connected to an internal portion (96) of a fourth side (84) of the box-shaped container (1) so as to fix in position the sides of the box-shaped container (1).

7. A packaging (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the joining device (2) there is provided a second precut line (62) which is interposed between the first part (30) and the removable element (50) and between the second part (40) and the removable element (50).

8. A packaging (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein on the removable element (50) there is provided a third precut line (63) having an end (93) in common with the second precut line (62), the third precut line (63) forming a first angle (α) of approximately 135° with respect to the second precut line (62).

9. A packaging (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable element (50) comprises a grippable portion (51) which is suitable for facilitating the grip of the removable element (50).

10. A packaging (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box-shaped container (1) and / or the joining device (2) is / are obtained from a respective blank (101, 102).

11. A packaging (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the blank (101, 102) comprises intended folding lines.

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