Packaging system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a packaging system (2) for transporting and / or storing goods (36), comprising a base (4), two side panels (6), and a lid (8). The base (4), the two side panels (6), and the lid (8) are designed as loose parts that can be connected and disconnected without tools for packaging the goods (36). Each side panel (6) can be positively coupled to the base (4) on one side (10). Each side panel (6) can be positively coupled to the lid (8) on one side (12), the positive connection between the side panels (6) and the base (4) being detachable only after releasing the respective positive connection between the side panels (6) and the lid (8).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging system or a reusable plastic packaging according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] It is common practice to cushion shock-, scratch-, and moisture-prone goods such as white goods or large appliances with foam padding for transport and storage, securing these elements with plastic film or strapping, or placing the goods in a cardboard box with foam inserts. Such packaging is usually destroyed when the goods are removed and lacks sufficient durability and stability for return transport and reuse. Foam, plastic film, strapping, and cardboard boxes are therefore non-reusable, single-use packaging materials that should be avoided to reduce packaging waste and must be sorted for recycling due to their different materials.

[0003] Conventional packaging structures are therefore not suitable for use as reusable packaging. Summary of Revelation

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is therefore to overcome or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a packaging system that is reusable.

[0005] This problem is solved by a packaging system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure are the subject of dependent claims and / or are disclosed in the following description and / or the figures.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a (reusable) packaging system, in particular a reusable plastic packaging, for transporting and / or storing goods, especially so-called white goods or large appliances, comprising a base, two side panels, and a lid. The base, the two side panels, and the lid are designed as separate parts and can be connected and disconnected without tools for packaging the goods. Each side panel can be positively coupled to the base on one side. Each side panel can be positively coupled, in particular locked, to the lid on the other side. The positive connection between the side panels and the base can only be released after releasing the positive connection between the respective side panels and the lid, or vice versa.

[0007] According to the invention, the base, side panels, and lid can be assembled and disassembled into a dimensionally stable and closed packaging unit without tools and as often as desired, i.e., reused, via positive-locking connections between the parts. The positive-locking connections are such that the positive-locking connection on one side, i.e., between the side panels and the base, can only be released after the positive-locking connection on the other side, i.e., between the side panels and the lid, has been released. In other words, one positive-locking connection prevents the other from being released. This has the advantage that releasing one positive-locking connection releases both positive-locking connections, and only one positive-locking connection needs to be secured against unintentional opening, e.g., by means of a locking mechanism.

[0008] The base, lid, and side panels preferably each have a substantially rectangular footprint. In an assembled goods transport configuration of the packaging system, the side panels are perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the lid, so that the packaging system encloses a substantially cuboid receiving space and has a substantially cuboid outer geometry.

[0009] According to the invention, the packaging system comprises a base, (at least or at most) two side panels or walls, and a lid, all of which are designed as separate components. The side panels can be connected to the base and the lid to form the assembled goods transport configuration of the packaging system for receiving the goods. After disconnecting the respective side panel from the lid, each of the two side panels can be detached from the base to release the goods and to assume a disassembled return transport configuration for easier return transport.

[0010] This means that the goods transport configuration of the packaging system is achieved using the connections between the base and side panels and the connections between the side panels and the lid. Each connection between the base and side panels is released by means of a rotation and / or translation of the respective side panel relative to the base, which in turn is only possible after the connection between that side panel and the lid has been released.

[0011] This allows the packaging system to be disassembled by handling a side panel near the lid, without having to disconnect the connection between the side panels and the base on a side panel near the base. This eliminates the need to bend down below the level of the side panel near the lid to disconnect the connections.

[0012] Furthermore, the connections between the side panels and the base and / or the connections between the side panels and the lid can be made simpler and / or more robust and / or more durable by separating the functions of manual opening of the connection on the one hand and opening of the connection by rotation and / or translation of both connected parts relative to each other on the other, compared to similar connections that are opened in the same way, e.g. manually.

[0013] Disassembly by loosening the connection of the side panel from the lid and then loosening the connection of the side panel to the base can be carried out for each side panel individually and one after the other, or for both side panels simultaneously.

[0014] The packaging system, or parts thereof, may be made of plastic using an injection molding process.

[0015] Tool-free connection and disconnection can be achieved using snap connections, toggle latches, plug connections, tension locks, and similar devices. In their closed position, these connections can prevent the rotation and / or translation of the connected parts relative to each other, except for the rotation and / or translation required to open the respective connection.

[0016] A blocking of degrees of freedom, i.e., a force transmission in the respective direction or around the respective axis, can be achieved by the connection itself or by means of connecting elements attached in addition to the connection, such as pins, lugs, recesses, projections and the like.

[0017] Preferably, the side panels can be coupled and uncoupled from the base on one side each when tilted outwards and angled towards the ground. The side panels can be positively coupled to the base when upright and perpendicular to the ground. The side panels can also be positively coupled to the lid when upright. In particular, the side panels can be positively locked to the lid when upright. The positive connections between the side panels and the base can only be released after the respective positive connections between the side panels and the lid have been released and the respective side panels have been tilted outwards.

[0018] This means that by rotating the side panel outwards relative to the base, creating an angle greater than 90° between the base and the side panel, each side panel can be connected to the base and / or the connection between the side panel and the base can be released. At a 90° angle between the base and the side panel, the connection can be closed, meaning that force and / or moment transmission occurs in at least one spatial direction or about at least one axis. The rotation of the side panel relative to the base can only occur after releasing the connection of the same side panel to the lid and / or after releasing the connection of the second side panel to the lid.

[0019] This allows the connection between the base and the side panels to exhibit higher strength against translation in a plane of the base than a connection whose unlocking occurs through translation in the plane of the base. In other words, higher forces can be transmitted.

[0020] The angle between the base and the side panel, at which the side panel can be coupled and uncoupled from the base, can be between 91° and 180°, in particular between 100° and 140°, preferably 120°.

[0021] The connections between the side panels and the floor can be tilting latches.

[0022] The connection between the side panel and the base can be designed to allow no translation when closed, but only outward rotation, which leads to the connection being released. This means it can transmit forces in all three spatial directions as well as moments about two axes.

[0023] The connections between side panels and the floor can be designed to allow, in the open state, at least one translation in at least one spatial direction, which enables the side panel to be decoupled from the floor.

[0024] The positive-locking connection between the side panels and the base is preferably such that each side panel engages the base from below. Preferably, each side panel can have an L-shaped connecting section on its base side with a leg extending from the bottom to engage the base. Furthermore, at least one projection or lug can be formed on the leg extending from the bottom, which, in the upright position, engages positively in a recess on the underside of the base.

[0025] This means that a contact area between the side panel and the base can be designed such that at least one contact surface between them enables force transmission by positive locking when the base and side panel are at a 90° angle. This at least one contact surface can be parallel to the side panel and / or orthogonal to it. This allows for force transmission between the base and side panels when they are at a 90° angle.

[0026] In this configuration, the positive-locking connection between the base and side panels (after releasing the positive lock on the lid) can be released either by lifting the base or by lowering the side panels. However, if the packaging system (possibly including the goods) is standing on a surface, the surface prevents the side panels from being lowered relative to the base. By rotating or tilting the side panels outwards, the base can be lifted from the surface via the L-shaped connecting section that engages underneath it, thus establishing or releasing the positive lock.

[0027] Preferably, a free end of the bottom-side leg can be inserted into a gap between an edge section of the floor and a bearing surface of the substrate, allowing it to grip the floor underneath. By subsequently tilting the side section outwards, the floor can be lifted from the bearing surface on one side. An outer boundary of the floor's edge section can prevent the floor from sliding off the free end of the bottom-side leg when the side section is tilted.

[0028] This means that the base tray, especially when loaded with goods, can be lifted on one side using the side panel as a lever, with the free end of the bottom-side leg of the side panel engaging, at least partially, the inside of the outer edge of the rim section from below. This allows the underside of the base to be used for the connection between the base and the side panel, without requiring coupling and uncoupling only from an elevated position, such as a platform, where the edge section of the base is freely accessible.

[0029] Preferably, in the outwardly tilted position, the side panel can be slid, rotated, or both slid and rotated further below the base by a predetermined distance via a ramp geometry on the underside of the base's edge section. This allows the projection on the base-side leg to then engage positively in the recess on the underside of the base when the side panel is raised.

[0030] This means that the side panel, in particular the bottom-side leg of the L-shaped connecting section, can be lowered further under the floor solely by rotating and then re-rotating the side panel. This allows the positive-locking connection between the floor and the side panel to be established on the underside of the floor without externally lifting the floor.

[0031] Preferably, a shape, in particular an angle, of the ramp geometry of the L-shaped connecting section, here in particular the nose, and of the edge section, here in particular the recess, can be matched to each other in such a way that coupling and decoupling of the connection by rotation and back-rotation is made possible.

[0032] Preferably, each side panel can have at least one locking section on the lid side. In the upright position, this locking section can be locked and unlocked with a locking section of the lid. The locking section can preferably lock automatically when the side panel is raised and preferably be unlocked manually before the side panel is tilted.

[0033] This means that raising the side panel can bring it into contact with the lid and engage the locking sections of the side panel and lid. This can preferably be achieved by applying force against the side panel in the opposite direction to the lid. The locking mechanism can then engage without requiring an additional manual locking step.

[0034] This allows for the assembly of the packaging system, i.e., achieving the goods transport configuration of the packaging system, to be carried out simply and in just a few steps. The assembly of the packaging system, in particular the locking of the side panels to the lid, can be automated, i.e., using a robot or actuator.

[0035] Preferably, each side panel can be designed in a frame-like form. The frame parts can grip and protect the respective corners and edges of the goods being transported.

[0036] This means the side panel can surround the corners and edges of the goods, while the surfaces of the goods can remain partially accessible from the outside. This protects the goods against bumps and impacts during transport, while keeping the volume and weight of the packaging system low.

[0037] Preferably, a cross brace between two vertical frame members can form a carrying handle for the packaging system. The cross brace can preferably run centrally and serve to stabilize the packaging system.

[0038] This means the side panels can have an H-shaped profile, with the crossbar serving as a carrying handle for two people to carry by hand. This allows the packaging system, especially when filled with goods, to be easily carried by two people.

[0039] Preferably, damping elements can be provided on the side of the lid and / or the base and / or the side panels facing the goods. These damping elements can, in particular, be foam elements which, in the goods transport configuration of the packaging system, contact the goods, preferably under elastic preload. The damping elements can therefore be dimensioned such that the clear width of the space they create, or the distance between opposing damping elements, is slightly less than the dimensions of the goods to be transported.

[0040] This means, in particular, that the packaging system can be made from at least two materials: a material with higher strength and / or stiffness for the base, lid, and side walls, and a material with lower strength and / or stiffness for the cushioning elements. This allows the goods to be protected from impacts and scratches by the cushioning elements, while the strength and force transmission are provided by the base, lid, and side walls. Due to the reusability of the packaging system, the use of different materials is not as critical as with single-use packaging.

[0041] Preferably, the base can be used as a conveyor tray during the assembly of the goods.

[0042] This means the product can be assembled on the floor. This allows the significantly lighter individual components to be positioned and assembled separately on the floor, eliminating the need to position the finished product on the floor. Furthermore, the product can be moved using the floor during assembly. Once the product is complete, the floor can be connected to the side panels and the lid for transport and / or delivery.

[0043] Preferably, assembly can take place on a conveyor belt that is narrower than the base, so that the edge section of the base is accessible from below. This allows the side panels to be hooked into the base from below, eliminating the need to tilt or lift the base to connect the side panels.

[0044] Preferably, the lid and base can be sandwiched between the two side panels in a space-saving manner when disassembled, for example, when the side panels are tilted sideways and stacked or assembled. This results in a return transport configuration that can occupy a smaller volume than the goods transport configuration.

[0045] Preferably, several packaging systems can be stacked on top of each other when disassembled. Preferably, the stacking aids for the lid and base can interlock.

[0046] Preferably, the empty stack height of five packaging systems stacked on top of each other in the disassembled state can be less than or equal to 1000 mm.

[0047] This means that a stack of five packaging systems positioned on top of each other in their return transport configuration can be less than or equal to 1000 mm high. This allows for a compact and efficient return transport of the packaging system.

[0048] Preferably, the floor can have stacking geometries. These stacking geometries can allow several identical or compatible floors to be stacked on top of each other.

[0049] Equally preferably, or alternatively, the lid may additionally or alternatively have stacking geometries. These stacking geometries can allow several identical or compatible lids to be stacked on top of each other.

[0050] Preferably, the underside of the base and the top of the lid can have coordinated stacking geometries. These stacking geometries allow multiple packaging systems to be stacked on top of each other when assembled.

[0051] This means that the stacking geometries of the underside of the lid of one packaging system and the stacking geometries of the top of the base of another identical or compatible packaging system can, when stacked, form a force-fit and / or form-fit connection between the first and second packaging systems in their goods transport configuration. This allows for force transmission between the packaging systems and enables the safe stacking of multiple packaging systems in their goods transport configuration.

[0052] The side panels can be identical. The lid and base can also be identical. Using these identical parts reduces tooling and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the same component can be used as either the base or the lid, simplifying assembly.

[0053] Preferably, the side panel can additionally or alternatively have stacking geometries. These stacking geometries can allow several identical or compatible side panels to be stacked on top of each other (tilted to the side).

[0054] This allows bases and / or lids and / or side walls to be securely positioned on top of each other, enabling the safe transport of the decoupled parts of multiple packaging systems.

[0055] Preferably, the base and / or the side panels and / or the lid can have positive locking elements. These positive locking elements can be, in particular, pins and / or hooks and / or lugs. The positive locking elements can enable the transmission of shear and / or bending forces between the base and the side panels and / or between the lid and the side panels.

[0056] In addition to the connections, especially the locking sections, positive locking elements on the base and / or side panels and / or lid can transmit forces between the base and the side panels and between the side panels and the lid. This allows for a functional separation between locking and force transmission, at least in certain spatial directions. Overall, this can absorb one-sided loads, such as those caused by transport using a hand truck.

[0057] Preferably, the base and / or the side parts and / or the lid can have additional positive locking elements which, when coupling or decoupling and / or connecting or releasing, serve to guide and align the connections or their parts and to transmit forces in directions in which the connection cannot and / or should not transmit forces, e.g. orthogonal to a snap closure.

[0058] The dimensions of the packaging system in its goods transport configuration, i.e. in the assembled state, can be 930 mm in height, 700 mm in depth and 680 mm in width.

[0059] The dimensions of the packaging system in its return transport configuration, i.e. in the disassembled state, can be 930 mm in height, 200 mm in depth and 680 mm in width, or, when tilted to the side, 200 mm in height, 930 mm in depth and 680 mm in width. Brief description of the characters

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a packaging system as disclosed in a goods transport configuration; Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of the packaging system in the goods transport configuration with a large machine; Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of the packaging system with the large unit and a half-open side panel; Fign. 4a bis 4g show several stages of a coupling process in a section of a cross-section of a lower corner of the packaging system; Fign. 5a bis 5g show several stages of a decoupling process in the section of the cut at the bottom corner of the packaging system; Fig. 6 shows a section of an isometric view of the packaging system with a top locking mechanism; Fig. 7 shows a section of an isometric view of the packaging system with a lower molding element; Fig. 8 shows a front view of the large device on a floor of the packaging system; Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of the packaging system with the large equipment in the goods transport configuration of the packaging system; Fig. 10 shows the isometric view of the packaging system with the large device with a half-open side panel; Fig. 11 shows the isometric view of the packaging system with the large device with a half-opened side panel and the side panel decoupled from the base and lid; Fig. 12 shows the isometric view of the packaging system with the large unit showing both side panels decoupled from the base and lid; Fig. 13 shows an isometric view of the packaging system in a return transport configuration with the base and lid stowed between the side panels; Fig. 14 shows a front view of the packaging system in the return transport configuration with the base and lid stowed between the side panels; Fig. 15 shows stacked and side-by-side packaging systems in the return transport configuration; Fig. 16 shows an isometric view of stacked shelves of the packaging system; Fig. 17 shows an isometric view of stacked side panels; Fig. 18 shows stacked packaging systems in a goods transport configuration. Detailed description of the figures

[0061] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a packaging system 2 according to the disclosure in a goods transport configuration and in the empty state, i.e., without goods. In the goods transport configuration, the packaging system 2 has a partially closed hollow cuboid shape. The packaging system 2 comprises a bottom tray 4, two side frames 6, and a lid tray 8. The side frames 6 are connected on one side to opposite sides of the bottom tray 4 via their bottom ends 10 and on the other side to opposite sides of the lid tray 8 via their lid ends 12.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom tray 4 is identical to the lid tray 8. However, this is not necessarily the case. In another embodiment, the bottom tray 4 and the lid tray 8 can be designed differently. Furthermore, the two side frames 6 are identical.

[0063] The base tray 4 is shell-shaped and features longitudinal and transverse ribbing to increase its bending and torsional rigidity. Damping elements 16 are fixed to a top surface 14 of the base tray 4 and, optionally, also to a bottom surface 24 of the lid tray 8, which is identical to the top surface 14 of the base tray 4. A damping element 16 is arranged offset inwards from each corner. The damping elements 16 can be customized and adapted in size and position to the external geometry of the goods being transported.

[0064] On a top surface 18 of the lid tray 8, which is identical to a bottom surface 20 of the base tray 4, lenticular stacking geometries 22 are formed. These are arranged offset inwards from each corner.

[0065] The side frame 6 has two vertical columns 26 extending from the bottom end 10 to the top end 12 of the side frame 6. The vertical columns 26 have an L-shaped cross-section, with one leg of each vertical column 26 facing the other. On the opposite leg of each vertical column 26, crenellated lugs 32 are formed, which are separated by slotted recesses 34. The two vertical columns 26 are connected at the bottom end 10 and at the top end 12 by means of a horizontal frame member 28. Furthermore, a cross member 30 connects the two vertical columns 26. The cross member 30 is formed between the horizontal frame members 28. The side frame 6 has a U-shaped cross-section and therefore three inner faces 25.

[0066] Fig. 2 Figure 2 shows an isometric view of packaging system 2 in the goods transport configuration with the base tray 4, two side frames 6, and the lid tray 8, containing a washing machine 36. The washing machine 36 rests on the base tray 4 and is partially enclosed on all four sides by the legs of the vertical columns 26 and the horizontal frame sections 28 of the two side frames 6. The washing machine 36 is covered from above by the lid tray 8.

[0067] Fig. 3 Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the packaging system 2 with the base tray 4, two side frames 6 and the lid tray 8 with the washing machine 36 partially packed in the packaging system 2. One side frame 6 is connected to the base tray 4 and the lid tray 8, while the second side frame 6 is rotated outwards, i.e. away from the washing machine 36, and is only rotatably coupled to the base tray 4.

[0068] On two opposite sides of the lid tray 8, a locking section 35 with two undercuts 37 is formed.

[0069] Fign. 4a bis 4g The figures show several stages of a coupling process of side frame 6 and bottom tray 4 by means of sequential representations of a lateral end of the bottom tray 4 and the bottom end of the side frame 6 in a sectional view.

[0070] Fig. 4a The figure shows the bottom end 10 of the side frame 6 laterally and above the lateral end of the base tray 4, which rests on a support surface 62 of a substrate 64. An L-shaped connecting section 38 is formed at the bottom end 10 of the side frame 6. The L-shaped connecting section 38 has a bottom leg 40 with a lug 42, which extends from the bottom leg 40 towards the lid end 12 (not shown). An outer surface 46 of the lug 42, facing away from the side frame 6 (i.e., towards a free end 44 of the bottom leg 40), is parallel to an inner surface 48 of the side frame 6. An inner surface 50, facing towards the side frame (i.e., away from the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40), is curved.

[0071] An edge section 52 of the base tray 4 has a rectangular or square recess 54 on its underside 20. The recess 54 is bounded laterally by a vertical outer boundary 56, a vertical inner boundary 58, and on both sides by ramp-shaped separating ribs 66. The outer boundary 56 is shorter than the inner boundary 58. This creates a gap 60 between the outer boundary 56 and the bearing surface 62 of the substrate 64. The separating rib 66 begins flush with the inner boundary 58, i.e., on the underside 20 of the base tray 4, and ends above the outer boundary 56, so that the underside 68 of the edge section 52 has a step 70.

[0072] It should be noted that in the Fig. 4 each represents only one nose 42 and one recess 54, but over the width of the L-shaped connecting section 38 and the edge section 52 a plurality of distributed noses 42 and corresponding recesses 54 and separating ribs 66 are provided.

[0073] Fig. 4b Figure 1 shows the lateral end of the base tray 4 and the bottom end 10 of the side frame 6, which rest on the support surface 62 of the base 64. The free end 44 of the bottom end 10 of the second frame 6 is positioned in the gap 60, and the outer surface 46 of the nose 42 of the side frame 6 rests against the outer boundary 56 of the base tray 4.

[0074] Fig. 4c Figure 1 shows the lateral end of the base tray 4, which is lifted by an outward rotation of the side frame 6 about a contact point 72 of the side frame 6 with the support surface 62 from the bottom leg 40 of the L-shaped connecting section 38. The base tray 4 rotates about an axis defined on the opposite side by the contact line of the base tray 4 with the support surface 62. This requires a lateral force, i.e., outward or downward, i.e., in the direction of the support surface 62, acting on the side frame 6. The free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 contacts the separating ribs 66 at several points distributed across its width. Furthermore, an underside of the outer boundary 46 of the base tray 4 contacts an upper side of the bottom leg 40 of the side frame 6.Due to the shoulder 70, the free end 44 of the bottom leg engages an inner side of the outer boundary 56 of the bottom tray 4. The free end 44 is prevented from jumping over the outer boundary 56 by the weight forces acting on the bottom tray 4. Outward movement of the free end 44 relative to the bottom tray 4 is thus blocked, allowing a horizontal outward force transmission from the bottom leg 40 of the side frame 6 to the outer boundary 56 of the bottom tray 4. For this to occur, the distance between the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 and the outer side 46 of the nose 42 is greater than the height of the shoulder 70 between the separating rib 66 and the outer boundary 56.

[0075] During the rotation of the side frame 6, either the contact point 72 or a contact point of an opposite lateral end of the base tray 4 slides with the support surface 62 along the support surface 62 of the substrate 64. In doing so, the contact points move towards each other.

[0076] Fig. 4d shows the side end of the bottom tray 4, which is opposite Fig. 4c The side frame 6 is further raised and rotated around contact point 72 by an increasing rotation. During this process, either contact point 72 or the contact point of an opposite lateral end of the base tray 4 with its support surface 62 slides along the support surface 62 of the substrate 64. The contact points continue to move towards each other. The free end 44 of the bottom-side leg 40 continues to engage behind the inner side of the outer boundary 56 of the base tray 4, thus enabling force transmission.

[0077] The rotation of the side frame 6 relative to the vertical starting position in Fig. 4b lies below 90°. Due to the additional rotation of the bottom tray 4 in the opposite direction, the angle between the bottom tray 4 and the side frame 6 is less than the Fig. 4b rotated by more than 90°. This allows the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 to move inwards relative to the bottom tray 4 without the outer boundary 46 of the bottom tray 4 touching the nose 42 of the bottom leg 40.

[0078] Fig. 4e shows the L-shaped connecting section 38, which is opposite Fig. 4d is shifted inwards relative to the bottom tray 4. By rotating the side frame 6 inwards, i.e., opposite to the rotation between Fig. 4b und Fig. 4d The free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 slides inwards along the separating rib 66 of the bottom tray 4, i.e., towards the inner boundary 58. This requires a reduction in the lateral force acting on the side frame 6, i.e., outwards or downwards, i.e., towards the support surface 62, or inwards or upwards, i.e., away from the support surface 62. The separating rib 66 provides a sliding path for the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40. As a result, the static and sliding friction between the separating rib 66 and the free end 44 is lower than the static and sliding friction between the support surface 62 and the side frame 6, as well as between the support surface 62 and the underside 20 of the bottom tray 4. In addition to rotation inwards, the side frame 6 can also be forced inwards.further under the bottom tray 4, the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 sliding inwards along the ramp-shaped separating ribs 66, i.e. in the direction of the inner boundary 58, with the bottom tray 4 remaining raised.

[0079] Fig. 4f Figure 1 shows the side frame 6, which rotates further inwards after the free end 44 contacts the inner boundary 58, with the nose 42 of the bottom leg 40 contacting and engaging the inner side of the outer boundary 56. This requires a further reduction of the force acting laterally (i.e., outwards or downwards, i.e., towards the bearing surface 62) or inwards (i.e., upwards, i.e., away from the bearing surface 62) on the side frame 6. A distance 74 of the free end 44 from the inner side 50 of the nose 42 is equal to the width of the recess 54, i.e., equal to the inner distance of the outer boundary 56 from the inner boundary 58.After the free end 44 comes into contact with the inner boundary 58, which prevents further inward displacement of the free end 44, the contact point 72 or the contact point of the base tray 4 with the support surface 62 slides again along the support surface 62.

[0080] Fig. 4g Figure 1 shows the base tray 4 and the side frame 6 resting on the support surface 62, with the side frame 6 arranged vertically. The lug 42 of the bottom leg 40 of the side frame 6 is within the recess 54, with the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 contacting the inner boundary 58 and the inner surface 48 of the lug 42 contacting the outer boundary. The base tray 4 and side frame 6 are positively coupled in the horizontal direction.

[0081] Fign. 5a bis 5 g The figures show several stages of a decoupling process of side frame 6 and bottom tray 4 by means of sequential representations of a lateral end of the bottom tray 4 and the bottom end 10 of the side frame 6 in a sectional view.

[0082] The decoupling process in Fign. 5a bis 5g proceeds in reverse order of the coupling process in Fign. 4a bis 4g and exhibits a fundamentally reversed sequence. One difference between the decoupling process and the coupling process lies in the necessity of moving from the stage in Fig. 5d after Fig. 5e to apply an additional force laterally and / or upwards to the side frame 6 to allow the contact point 72 or the contact point between the base tray 4 and the support surface 62 to slide along the support surface 62 without the free end 44 of the bottom leg 40 sliding inwards along the separating rib 66. That is, a return to the stage of Fig. 5c prevented.

[0083] Fign. 4a bis 4g and 5a bis 5g These are cross-sectional views of the lower corner. The contact point 72 in the cross-sectional views is therefore, in a three-dimensional view, a contact line 85, compare Fig. 10 .

[0084] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a section of an upper corner of the packaging system 2 in an isometric view with the side frame 6 and the lid tray 8, in which a washing machine 36 is packaged. A locking section 76 with a snap hook 78 is formed at the lid-side end 12 of the side frame 6. The snap hook engages in the Fig. 6 Concealed undercut 37 of the locking section 35 of the lid tray 8. On the leg of the side frame 6 facing the other (concealed) side frame 6, a positive-locking recess 80 is formed at the level of the locking section 76, which is aligned with a positive-locking lug 82. The positive-locking lug 82 is formed on a contact surface of the lid tray 8 with the leg of the side frame 6 facing the other (concealed) side frame 6. In the goods transport configuration of the packaging system, the positive-locking lugs 82 of the bottom tray 4 and the lid tray 8 engage in the positive-locking recesses 80 of the side frames 6. The positive locking recesses 80 and the positive locking lugs 82 have a horizontal surface which enables force transmission from the positive locking lugs 82 of the lid tray 8 to the closing recesses 80 of the side frame 6.

[0085] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a lower corner of the packaging system 2 in a front view, showing the side frame 6 and the base tray 4, in which a washing machine 36 is packaged. On the leg of the side frame 6 facing the other (concealed) side frame 6, a positive-locking recess 80 is formed at the bottom end 10, which is aligned with a positive-locking lug 82. The positive-locking lug 82 is formed on a contact surface of the base tray 4 with the leg of the side frame 6 facing the other (concealed) side frame 6. The positive-locking recesses 80 and the positive-locking lugs 82 have a horizontal surface that enables force transmission from the positive-locking recesses 80 of the side frame 6 to the positive-locking lugs 82 of the base tray 4.

[0086] Fig. 8 Figure 4 shows the base tray 4, which serves as a conveyor tray during the assembly of the washing machine 36. The base tray 4 rests on a mounting belt 83. The mounting belt 83 is narrower than the base tray 4, so that the recesses 54 on the underside 24 of the base tray 4 are not covered by the mounting belt 83 and are therefore accessible from below. The recesses 54 on the underside 24 of the base tray 4 are shown in Figure 4. Fig. 8 The side frames 6, not shown, can therefore be coupled to the bottom tray 4 from below. The in Fig. 4 The coupling process shown is therefore not necessary here.

[0087] Fig. 9 Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the packaging system 2, consisting of the side frames 6, the bottom tray 4, and the lid tray 8, which package a washing machine 36 in the goods transport configuration. The side frames 6 are coupled to the bottom tray 4 and locked to the lid tray 8.

[0088] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the packaging system 2, consisting of the side frames 6, the bottom tray 4, and the lid tray 8. The washing machine 36 rests on the bottom tray 4 and is partially packaged by one side frame 6 and the lid tray 8. The snap hooks 78 of the locking sections 76 of the second side frame 6 are oriented relative to the goods transport configuration in Fig. 9 The undercuts 37 of the locking sections 35 of the lid tray 8 are released, and the second side frame 6 is rotated outwards. This raises the side of the base tray 4 coupled to the second side frame 6, and part of the load of the washing machine 36 rests on a contact line 85 of the second side frame 6 with a bearing surface 62 of the base 64. The in Fig. 10 The concealed L-shaped connecting section 38 of the second side frame 6 remains coupled to the base tray 4. The lifting of the base tray 4 and the rotation of the second side frame 6 are detailed in Fig. 5 described.

[0089] Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of packaging system 2 consisting of side frames 6, bottom tray 4, and lid tray 8. The in Fig. 11 Concealed snap hooks 78 of the locking sections 76 of one side frame 6 are opposite the configuration of Fig. 10 the concealed undercuts 37 of the concealed locking sections 35 of the lid tray 8 are released and the side frame is rotated outwards. The in Fig. 11 The L-shaped connecting section 38 of the side frame 6, which is also concealed, remains coupled to the base tray 4. The second side frame 6 stands horizontally next to the washing machine 36. The L-shaped connecting section 38 of the second side frame 6 is opposite the configuration of Fig. 10 decoupled from the bottom tray 4. This is only possible after the in Fig. 10 The rotation of the second side frame 6 is possible. The decoupling process of the second side frame 6 is described in detail in Fig. 5 described. The lid tray 8 rests on the washing machine 36.

[0090] Fig. 12 Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the packaging system 2 consisting of the side frames 6, the bottom tray 4, and the lid tray 8. Both side frames 6 are positioned next to the washing machine 36. This contrasts with the configuration of Fig. 11 The L-shaped connecting section 38 of the side frame 6 is decoupled from the bottom tray 4. The lid tray 8 is lifted off the washing machine 36.

[0091] Fign. 9 bis 12 Figure 2 shows an unpacking process of the packaging system 2 consisting of unlocking the snap hooks 78 of the locking sections 76 of the side frame 6 from the lid tray 8, the subsequent rotation of the side frames 6 outwards, the decoupling of the side frames 6 from the bottom tray 4 and the lifting off of the lid tray 8.

[0092] A packaging process of packaging system 2 is carried out in reverse order. The washing machine 36 is positioned on the base tray 4, the lid tray 8 is positioned on the washing machine 36, the free ends 44 of the L-shaped connecting sections 38 of the side frames 6 are pushed under the base tray 4, the side frames 6 are rotated outwards, then inwards, causing the lugs 42 of the L-shaped connecting sections 38 to engage in the recesses 54 of the base tray 4, coupling the side frames 6 to the base tray 4, and the snap hook 78 of the locking sections 36 of the side frames 6 to lock them to the lid tray 8. The coupling of the side frames 6 to the base tray 4 occurs sequentially.

[0093] In contrast to disassembly, which requires manual unlocking of the connection between the lid tray 8 and the side frame 6, assembly requires only pressing the side frames 6 against the lid tray 8 to lock the snap hooks 78 of the locking sections 36 of the side frames 6 to the lid tray 8.

[0094] Is the washing machine 36 on a conveyor belt 83 as shown in Fig. 8 , can the in Fig. 4 The coupling process of the side frames 6 with the base tray 4 shown in the figure is omitted, and the lugs 42 of the L-shaped connecting sections 38 of the side frames 6 are positioned and coupled from below into the recess 54 of the base tray 4. However, it may still be necessary to tilt the side frames 6 outwards, i.e., away from the washing machine 36, to avoid the positive locking lugs 82 of the base tray 4 and / or the lid tray 8, or the connecting section 76 of the lid tray 8.

[0095] Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the packaging system 2 with the side frames 6, the bottom tray 4, and the lid tray 8 in a return transport configuration. The legs of the side frames 6 facing the other side frames 6 are abutting each other, with the lugs 32 of one side frame 6 engaging in the recesses 34 of the other side frame 6 and thus being connected. The bottom tray 4 and lid tray 8 are positioned between the side frames 6, with each tray rotated 90° relative to the goods transport configuration, such that the concealed underside 20 of the bottom tray 4 rests on the concealed topside 18 of the lid tray 8.

[0096] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of packaging system 2 in the return transport configuration. Fig. 13 with the side frames 6, the bottom tray 4 and the lid tray 8. The bottom tray 4 and the lid tray 8 are located between the side frames 6.

[0097] Fig. 15 Figure 1 shows a stack of two packaging systems 2, each consisting of a side frame 6, bottom tray 4, and lid tray 8, stacked on top of each other in their return transport configuration. Figure 2 also shows another packaging system 2 in its return transport configuration next to the stack. Stacking the packaging systems 2 in their return transport configuration is made possible by side frame return transport stacking aids 84, which prevent the packaging systems 2 from slipping if they are offset relative to each other. The height of the stack is determined by the empty stack height L of the packaging system 2 in its return transport configuration.

[0098] Fig. 16 shows a stack of base trays 4 or lid trays 8. For stacking the base trays 4 or lid trays 8, these have tray stacking aids 86, which prevent the base trays 4 or lid trays 8 stacked on top of each other from slipping.

[0099] Fig. 17 shows a stack of side frames 6. For stacking the side frames 6, these have side frame stacking aids 88, which prevent the side walls 6 stacked on top of each other from slipping.

[0100] Fig. 18 Figure 1 shows a stack of packaging systems 2 in their goods transport configuration, with a washing machine 36 packaged in the bottom packaging system 2. Slippage of the packaging systems 2, which are stacked with an offset, is prevented by the [missing information - likely a specific feature or function]. Fig. 18 Concealed stacking geometry 22 of the packaging systems 2 is prevented.

Claims

1. Packaging system (2), in particular reusable plastic packaging, for transporting and / or storing goods (36), in particular white goods or large appliances, comprising a base (4), two side panels (6) and a lid (8), characterized by the fact that The base (4), the two side parts (6) and the lid (8) are designed as loose parts which can be connected and detached from each other without tools for packaging the goods (36), the side parts (6) can each be positively coupled to the base (4) on one side (10), the side parts (6) can each be positively coupled, in particular locked, to the lid (8) on one side (12), wherein the positive connection between the side parts (6) and the base (4) can only be released after releasing the respective positive connection between the side parts (6) and the lid (8).

2. Packaging system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe side parts (6) are, in a position tilted outwards and inclined towards the base (4), each able to be coupled and uncoupled at one side (10) with the base (4) and, in an upright position perpendicular to the base (4), are positively coupled to the base (4), the side parts (6) in the upright position can be positively coupled, in particular locked, with the lid (8), wherein the positive connection between the side parts (6) and the base (4) can only be released after loosening the respective positive connection between the side parts (6) and the lid (8) and after tilting the respective side parts (6) outwards.

3. Packaging system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatEach side part (6) has an L-shaped connecting section (38) on its bottom side with a bottom leg (40) in order to be able to engage the bottom (4), and at least a projection (42) or a nose is formed on the bottom leg (40), which in the upright position engages in a recess (54) on a bottom side (20) of the bottom (4) in a form-fitting manner.

4. Packaging system (2) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thata free end (44) of the bottom leg (40) can be inserted into a gap (60) between an edge section (52) of the floor (4) and a bearing surface (62) of the substrate (64) in order to engage the floor (4) and, by subsequently tilting the side part (6) outwards, to lift the floor (4) on one side from the bearing surface (62), and an outer boundary (56) of the edge section (52) of the floor (4) prevents the floor (4) from sliding off the free end (44) of the bottom leg (40) when the side part (6) is tilted.

5. Packaging system (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact thatThe side part (6) in the outwardly tilted position can be pushed and / or rotated further under the base (4) by a predetermined dimension (74) via a ramp geometry (66) on the underside (68) of the edge section (52) of the base (4), so that the projection (42) on the base-side leg (40) subsequently engages in a form-fitting manner in the recess (54) on the underside (20) of the base (4) when the side part (6) is raised.

6. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that Each side part (6) has at least one locking section (76) on the lid side, which in the upright position can be locked with a locking section (35) of the lid (8), preferably automatically when the side part (6) is uprighted, and preferably manually unlocked before the side part (6) is tilted.

7. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatEach side part (6) is designed in a frame-like form, with the frame parts (26, 28) encompassing and protecting the respective corners and edges of the goods (36) to be transported.

8. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that A crossbar (30), preferably running centrally and serving to stabilize the packaging system (2), forms a carrying handle between two vertical frame parts (26) for carrying the packaging system (2).

9. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that Damping elements (16), in particular foam elements, are provided on the side (24, 14, 25) of the lid (8) and / or the base (4) and / or the side parts (6) facing the goods (36), which in the locked position of the packaging system (2) contact the goods (36), preferably under elastic preload.

10. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe floor (4) can be used as a conveyor tray during the assembly of the goods (36).

11. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that The lid (8) and the base (4), which are preferably identical in construction, can be sandwiched together between the stacked or assembled side parts (6) in a space-saving manner when disassembled.

12. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that Several packaging systems (2) can be stacked on top of each other in the disassembled state, preferably stacking aids (84, 86, 88) of lid (8) and base (4) interlock.

13. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that The empty stack height (L) of five stacked packaging systems (2) in the disassembled state is less than or equal to 1000 mm.

14. Packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact thata bottom (20) of the base (4) and a top (18) of the lid (8) have stacking geometries (22) that are coordinated with each other, such that several packaging systems (2) can be stacked on top of each other when assembled.

15. Packaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that The base (4) and / or the side parts (6) and / or the lid (8) shall have positive locking elements (80, 82), in particular pins and / or hooks and / or lugs, which enable the transmission of shear and / or bending forces between the base (4) and the side parts (6) and / or between the lid (8) and the side parts (6).

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