Transport unit made of plastic and use of such a transport unit in order to position, guide, and convey goods on a roller conveyor

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport unit (1) made of plastic for transporting goods in order to position, guide, and convey said goods on a roller conveyor (11) having lateral or central roller strips, wherein the transport unit (1) is a plastic container (1'), a plastic tray with four lateral walls (4, 5), or a plastic pallet (1'') with runners (17, 17'), and the transport unit (1) has an upper face (20), a lower face (3) having a running surface (8) and lateral edges (16, 16', 16''), and lateral walls (4, 5) extending upwards perpendicularly from the lateral edges (16, 16', 16'') of the lower face (3). The lower face (3) of the transport unit (1) has at least two rolling surfaces (6, 6') which are parallel to each other, wherein the rolling surfaces (6, 6', 6'', 10) extend parallel to a lateral edge (16, 16',16''), over the entire length of the lateral edge (16, 16',16''), and along the running surface (8). The rolling surfaces (6, 6', 6'', 10) are arranged so as to be vertically offset upwards with respect to the running surface (8). Between the running surface (8) and the rolling surfaces (6) is a shoulder as part of a guide web (7, 7', 7'') with a guide rolling surface for positioning and guiding the transport unit (1) on rollers (12, 12') of the roller conveyor (11).

Description

[0001] Plastic transport unit for transporting goods, positioning, guiding and conveying them on a roller conveyor with roller strips

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to transport units made of plastic, such as plastic containers, plastic trays, and plastic pallets with special base designs for positioning, guiding, and conveying on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. The invention also relates to the use of the transport unit for positioning and conveying goods on a roller conveyor with roller tracks.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Plastic containers and plastic pallets for transporting and conveying goods via a roller conveyor are known. Typically, these plastic containers have a base or skids with a running surface. The running surface is understood to be the area of ​​the container with which the container rests, at least partially, on a floor surface, or with which the plastic container, when rolling along a roller conveyor, runs on wide roller mats with rollers that span the width of the conveyor and then comes into contact with the rollers of the conveyor. The running surface is also referred to as the contact surface. The running surface can, for example, extend over the entire base of the plastic container or the underside of the skids of the pallets, or it can be designed as a running ring or walkway.

[0006] Such plastic containers with a running ring or flat bottom designs are described, for example, in EP3992096A1 or in EP4332010A1.

[0007] On roller conveyors with roller tracks that have narrow roller tracks along the sides or between the long sides, there is a risk that the standard plastic containers or pallets cannot be properly positioned or guided on the conveyor due to the sometimes uneven base of the track or the underside of the skids, or that they may slip due to flat base surfaces. To prevent slippage, additional guide rails are required on the sides of the conveyors or roller tracks. This leads to increased material and time expenditure and therefore higher costs.

[0008] P248969 With plastic containers and pallets that have a smooth running surface, there is also a risk that the containers or pallets will slip during transport on a roller conveyor, which can lead to accidents, traffic jams, or loss of goods. To prevent slipping during transport, plastic containers or pallets can have a coating on the running surface that increases grip and minimizes the risk of slipping. Polymer coatings, such as rubber coatings, are well-known examples; these are specially formulated to create a non-slip surface and ensure optimal slip resistance.

[0009] The disadvantage of such additional coatings on the running surface is that they wear down over time, and their slip-resistant properties diminish with regular heavy use, requiring recoating. The additional material and increased time required to manufacture coated running surfaces also lead to additional costs, as an extra production step is necessary. Furthermore, an additional coating can increase the weight and thickness of the running surfaces and alter the appearance of the container or pallets, which is undesirable in certain applications. Some coatings can even slow down or prevent transport on a roller conveyor if the material is not sufficiently slippery.

[0010] No transport units with floor designs are known that are specifically suitable for positioning and conveying on roller conveyors with narrow roller strips, and with which goods can be transported safely and quickly over roller conveyors with roller strips.

[0011] Object of the invention

[0012] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a transport unit, in particular a plastic container or a plastic pallet with a base design having a running or rolling surface without additional coating, which can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, positioned simply and quickly on a roller conveyor with lateral or inner roller strips, guided stably and transported, and in which the transport unit with the goods can be safely transported via a roller conveyor with roller strips and guided along an end face of the rollers.

[0013] P248969 Description of the invention

[0014] This task is accomplished by a plastic transport unit for transporting goods and for positioning, guiding, and conveying them on a roller conveyor with lateral or central roller rails. The transport unit is a plastic container or a plastic tray with four side walls, or a plastic pallet with skids, and has a top and a bottom surface with a running surface and side edges, as well as side walls extending vertically upwards from the side edges of the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the transport unit has at least two parallel roller surfaces, which extend parallel to a side edge over the entire length of the side edge and along the running surface. The roller surfaces are arranged at a height offset from the running surface above.Between the running surface and the roller surfaces, a step is arranged as part of a guide rib with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the transport unit on rollers of the roller conveyor. Preferably, the roller surfaces, which extend parallel to a side edge and over the entire length of the side edge, are arranged in the outer third of the underside, relative to the length or width of the underside of the transport unit. In a preferred embodiment, the roller surfaces have a width that is wider than the underside of the side walls of the plastic container or plastic tray, or that is at least one-sixth the width of a skid of a plastic pallet.

[0015] A plastic transport unit is a logistical or loading unit made of plastic that can be transported without disassembly or unpacking, enables the efficient and safe transport of goods, and represents a standardized unit in logistics. Examples include plastic containers, plastic trays, and plastic pallets. All these transport units have a base with a running surface, which allows the unit to rest, at least partially, on a surface such as a support, floor, roller conveyor, or belt. The running surface is also referred to as the contact surface. In the case of a plastic container or tray, the running surface is located on the underside of the base plate.In the case of the plastic pallet, the underside with the running surface is arranged on the underside of the skid, especially in the area of ​​the foot parts.

[0016] P248969 The term "underside" refers to the side of the transport unit that faces away from the receiving or transport area for goods and towards the surface when the transport unit is placed on a surface. In the case of a plastic container or plastic tray, the underside is located on the underside of the base plate, and "underside" refers to the underside of the base plate. In the case of a plastic pallet, the underside is located on the underside of the skids, and "underside" refers to the underside of a skid. The term "side edge" refers to an edge located between the underside and a side area of ​​the transport unit. In the case of a plastic container or plastic tray, the side edge is located on the short and long sides of the base plate, between the base plate and the side walls, or between the base plate and the side area of ​​the base plate, respectively.In a plastic pallet, the side edge is preferably arranged along a longitudinal side of the runner between the underside of the runner and the side area of ​​the runner, and is also referred to as the longitudinal edge.

[0017] The term "top" refers to the side of the transport unit opposite the underside, the side facing the receiving or transport area for goods. For plastic containers or trays, the upper edges of the side walls are referred to as the top. For plastic pallets, "top" refers to the upper surface of the top section, upon which the goods can be placed during transport.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the transport unit is a plastic container open at the top, wherein the container has a base plate with four lateral edges on its underside, and two short side walls and two long side walls, each with a lower edge and a top edge, and wherein the short and long side walls extend perpendicularly upwards from the lateral edges of the base plate to the top of the plastic container. The roller surfaces of the plastic container are arranged parallel to the lower edge of the short and / or long side walls of the plastic container or the plastic tray, spaced apart at a height between the height of the running surface and the height of the lower edge of the side walls, and between the height of the running surface and the height of the lower edge of the side walls.The base plate and side walls define an open-topped receiving area of ​​the container, in which goods can be stored and transported. The four side walls are joined together at four corner radii to form a rectangular shape, extending from the side edges of the base plate.

[0019] P248969 The lower edges at the bottom of the side walls extend vertically upwards to the upper edges at the top of the side walls, defining the top of the plastic container. The lower edges at the bottom of the side walls and the upper edges at the top of the side walls form a circumferential rim at the bottom and top of the side walls. The base plate has a running surface on its underside, on the side facing away from the receiving area. The plastic container can be, for example, a stacking container, a rotating stacking container, a box container, a collapsible container (also called a collapsible box), or a foldable container (also called a collapsible box).

[0020] In another embodiment, the transport unit is a plastic tray or a plastic pallet. Like the plastic container, the plastic tray has a base plate with four edges, a bottom and a top, and optionally two short side walls and two long side walls. Workpiece carriers are also considered plastic trays and have a base plate with four edges, a bottom, and a top. The plastic pallet has a top section and several runners, preferably three runners with one middle and two outer runners, with a running surface on the underside of the runners and side walls in the area of ​​the runner feet. Preferably, the running surface of the plastic pallet is located in the area of ​​the feet that connect the top section to the runners. The top section forms the top of the plastic pallet.Side edges are arranged between the underside of the runners and the sides of the runners. The side edges along the long side of each runner are also called longitudinal edges.

[0021] The running surface is understood to be that area of ​​the transport unit with which the transport unit rests, at least partially, on a surface, which can be, for example, a support surface, a floor, or a conveyor belt. The running surface is also referred to as the standing surface for resting on a surface. The running surface is not suitable as a rolling surface within the meaning of the present invention. In the case of the plastic container, the running surface preferably has the form of a rectangular running ring with four longitudinal sides and a recess in the middle, or, for example, the form of at least two parallel longitudinal or transverse skids with a recess between the two skids. The recess is in each case arranged in the central region of the base plate and provides a clearance that can accommodate deflection of the central region of the base without the central region bearing on the surface on which the container stands.This prevents the container from tilting.

[0022] P248969 avoided. On plastic containers, the running surface can extend across the entire underside, except for the wheel area. On plastic shelves, the running surface, except for the wheel area, extends across the entire underside of the shelf or, as with plastic containers, forms a running ring. On plastic pallets, the running surface is located on the underside of the runners, as a so-called runner running surface, or is only positioned below the base pieces that connect the top to the runners.

[0023] The at least two mutually parallel rolling surfaces on the underside of the base plate or on the underside of the runners extend along the running surface and parallel to a side edge of the transport unit, in particular parallel to the lower edge of the short side walls and / or the long side walls of the plastic container or parallel to the longitudinal edge of the underside of the runners.

[0024] A rolling surface is understood to be an elongated, flat surface on the underside of the transport unit, on the underside of the base plate of a plastic container or tray, or on the underside of the skids of plastic pallets. When rolling along a roller track with lateral or inner (also called center) roller rails, this surface runs onto the rollers and comes into contact with the rollers of the lateral or inner roller rails. The rolling surfaces are offset vertically from the running surface. "Offset vertically" means that there is a vertical gap between the plane of the rolling surface and the running surface, and that the rolling surface is offset vertically upwards towards the top of the transport unit and in the opposite direction to the underside. "Vertical" refers to the orientation perpendicular to the underside.The term "rolling surface" refers to the area perpendicular to the base plate in the case of a plastic container or plastic shelf, and perpendicular to the underside of the skid in the case of a plastic pallet. In one embodiment, the rolling surface of a plastic container or plastic shelf preferably runs along the side edges of the base plate, along the circumference of the underside of the rectangular base plate, and along the running surface. In the case of a plastic pallet, the rolling surface runs along the side edge of the underside of the skid, preferably along the outer longitudinal edge of the two outer skids, or, for example, along the two longitudinal edges of the middle skid. It is also possible that both the outer skids along their outer longitudinal edges and the middle skid along its two longitudinal edges each have an elongated rolling surface.At least two rolling surfaces run parallel to each other and, in the elongated orientation of the plastic container or plastic tray, are either parallel to the lower edges of the short ones.

[0025] P248969 The rollers are arranged on the side walls or parallel to the lower edges of the long side walls, and in the case of a plastic pallet, parallel to the longitudinal edges of the skid underside. The orientation of the plane of the roller surfaces is perpendicular to the side walls of a plastic container or plastic tray, or perpendicular to the skid side walls. The roller surfaces are located in the outer third, relative to the length or width of the underside, and along the entire length of the side edge. This means that the middle third of the underside of the transport unit is free of a roller surface in either the longitudinal or transverse direction.The roller surfaces of a plastic container or tray are preferably arranged at a height between the height of the running surface and the height of the lower edge of the side walls, or more precisely, between the height of the running surface and the height of the side edge. This corresponds to an area between the underside of the running surface and the lower edge of the side walls, and the roller surfaces are spaced apart from both the running surface and the lower edge of the side walls. The lower edge of the side walls is not suitable as a roller surface. The roller surface can also have the form of a rim and completely surround the running surface. The width of the roller surface is wider than the underside of a side wall in the case of a container or tray. In the case of a plastic pallet, the width of the roller surface is at least one-sixth the width of a runner.

[0026] If the underside of the base plate has at least one running surface and at least one rolling surface, the rolling surface preferably extends along the outer edge of the running surface, preferably along the outer edge of the running surface's rim. Between the outer edges of the running surface and the rolling surface, a step is arranged as part of an elongated guide rib with a guide rolling surface for positioning and guiding the plastic container on rollers of a roller conveyor with roller strips. The guide ribs preferably extend over the entire length at the transition between the rolling surface and the outer edges of the running surface. All transport units according to the invention have a running surface. Either the running surface or the rolling surface, or both, can have a rough surface.

[0027] In the case of plastic containers or plastic trays, the rolling surface can also be a grooved rolling surface. A grooved rolling surface is understood to be an inner, elongated surface on the underside of the base plate, which, when rolling along a roller track with inner roller rails arranged between the longitudinal sides of the roller track, runs onto the rollers and comes into contact with the rollers of the inner roller rail.

[0028] P248969 The grooved rolling surface preferably runs along the running surface, and at least two grooved rolling surfaces are arranged parallel to each other and in an elongated orientation either parallel to the lower edges of the short side walls or parallel to the lower edges of the long side walls. The grooved rolling surfaces do not run along the side edges of the base plate, but preferably between the side edges and parallel to them at equal intervals parallel to the lower edges of either the short side walls or the long side walls. A distance is arranged between the grooved rolling surfaces which preferably corresponds to at least one-third of the length of the short side wall or transverse side or the long side wall or longitudinal side of the plastic container or plastic tray, such that all rolling surfaces, i.e., both the grooved rolling surfaces and the lateral rolling surfaces, are arranged in the outer third of the underside of the base plate.The grooved rolling surface preferably has a width corresponding to the width of the rollers of a central roller strip. The width of the grooved rolling surface is preferably wider than the width of the lateral rolling surfaces. The plastic container can have lateral rolling surfaces along the side edges of the base plate, or grooved rolling surfaces at a distance from the side edges of the base plate, or the plastic container can have both lateral rolling surfaces and internal grooved rolling surfaces.

[0029] A roller conveyor is a transport device in conveyor technology consisting of a series of fixed rollers, typically made of steel or plastic, over which goods can be transported. The roller conveyor comprises rollers arranged one behind the other, which are attached to roller supports, for example, side rails. Depending on the width of the rollers arranged in series, they are arranged in narrow roller strips or as wide roller mats. The transport unit according to the invention is suitable for narrow roller strips. A roller strip is understood to be a narrow strip with individual rollers or rollers arranged one behind the other in a line, either along a side rail or along an inner strip located between the side rail and the center of the roller conveyor. In a roller strip, the rollers do not extend across the entire width of the roller conveyor as they do in a roller mat.A roller conveyor with roller strip according to the present invention is understood to be a roller conveyor with at least two roller strips, wherein the rollers each have a width of less than half the width of the roller conveyor. Preferably, the rollers for a roller conveyor with roller strip have a width of less than one-quarter of the width of the roller conveyor. Preferably, the rollers

[0030] P248969 the lateral or central roller strips have a width of less than one quarter, preferably less than one eighth of the width of the side walls of the transport unit, preferably less than one eighth of the width of the side walls, which corresponds at least to the distance between the outer surface of the side walls and the step with the guide rib in the case of lateral roller strips, or preferably at least to the width of the rolling surface or groove rolling surface in the case of central roller strips.

[0031] On plastic containers or plastic trays, the roller surfaces and / or grooved roller surfaces are positioned at a height between the height of the running surface and the height of the lower edge of the side walls. On plastic pallets, the roller surfaces are positioned at a height between the height of the running surface and the height of a shortened side wall of the base.

[0032] A step, forming part of a guide rail with a guide roller surface, is arranged between the running surface and the roller surfaces for positioning and guiding the transport unit on the rollers of the roller conveyor. The step, or guide rail, forms the transition between the higher roller surface and the lower running surface when the transport unit is on a surface. The step results in a height difference between the roller surface and the running surface. The guide rail with the step is preferably arranged along the entire length between the roller surface and the running surface. Preferably, the guide rail, and thus also the step of the guide rail, extends over the entire length and / or width of the transport unit. Preferably, in the case of a plastic container or plastic tray, the guide rail extends over the entire length or width of the base plate, and in the case of a plastic pallet, over the entire length of the skid.The guide bar with guide roller surface serves to position and guide the transport unit on the rollers of the roller conveyor. When a transport unit is moved over the rollers, the roller's outer surface runs against the roller surfaces or grooved roller surfaces, and an end face of the roller comes into contact with the guide roller surface of the guide bar, such that the guide roller surface slides along the end faces of the rollers, thus positioning and guiding the container as desired, which is particularly advantageous.

[0033] The term guide rib refers to the elongated transition between the different heights of the roller surface / groove roller surface and the running surface, which essentially...

[0034] P248969 has the shape of a narrow rectangle with preferably rounded corners. The guide rib forms a step between the running surface and the roller surface or grooved roller surface. Preferably, the guide rib is chamfered with the guide roller surface and has an angle to the roller surface / grooved roller surface of 100° to 170°, preferably 120° to 160°. In a further embodiment, the guide rib with the guide roller surface extends perpendicularly from the running surface to the roller surface and / or grooved roller surface, and the angle between the roller surface or grooved roller surface and the running surface is 90°. Preferably, the ends of the guide rib are chamfered at the narrow end edge, in the area of ​​the side edges of the base plate or in the area of ​​the narrow ends of the skids, to facilitate insertion of the transport unit onto the rollers and to improve the running of the transport unit on the rollers. Such chamfered ends are also called insertion chamfers.

[0035] Preferably, the transport unit is a plastic container with a base plate and four side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the underside of the base plate has two parallel roller surfaces arranged along the long side edges of the base plate and parallel to the lower edge of the long side walls, such that the container can be positioned, transported, and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller rails, which has approximately the width of the narrow side of the container, and that the roller surfaces run parallel to the long side walls on the rollers of the roller conveyor.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the underside of the base plate of the plastic container has two parallel roller surfaces which are arranged along the short side edges of the base plate and parallel to the lower edge of the long side walls, such that the container can be positioned, transported and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller strips which has approximately the width of the long side of the container, and that the roller surfaces run parallel to the short side walls on the rollers of the roller conveyor.

[0037] In a third preferred embodiment, the underside of the base plate of the plastic container has two parallel roller surfaces, which are arranged along the short and long side edges of the base plate and parallel to the lower edge of the short and long side walls, such that the container can be positioned, transported, and guided on a roller track with lateral roller strips, which is either approximately the width of the long side of the container or the width of the

[0038] P248969 has a short side of the container. In this embodiment, the rolling surface is arranged around the entire circumference along the side edges on the underside of the rectangular base plate and encloses the running surface.

[0039] In another embodiment, the underside of the base plate of the plastic container has two parallel grooved roller surfaces, which are arranged parallel to the lower edges of the short side walls or parallel to the lower edges of the long side walls and run at an equal distance from the lower edges of either the short or the long side walls. This embodiment is suitable for transporting containers on a roller conveyor with internal roller strips arranged between the longitudinal sides of the conveyor.

[0040] In yet another preferred embodiment, the underside of the base plate of the plastic container has at least two parallel rolling surfaces and at least two parallel grooved rolling surfaces. Preferably, the rolling surfaces are arranged along the short or long side edges of the base plate and run parallel to the lower edge of the short or long side walls, respectively. The grooved rolling surfaces are arranged between the rolling surfaces and parallel to them, running either parallel to the lower edges of the short side walls or parallel to the lower edges of the long side walls, and at an equal distance from the rolling surfaces. Preferably, the running surface is arranged between the rolling surfaces and the grooved rolling surfaces.This design is suitable for transporting containers on a roller conveyor with either side or inner roller strips, or with side and inner roller strips, and is therefore versatile, which is a further advantage.

[0041] In another embodiment, the transport unit is a plastic pallet and has two parallel roller surfaces arranged along the outer longitudinal edges on the underside of the outer skids, such that the container can be positioned, transported, and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller rails, which is approximately the width of the plastic pallet. The roller surfaces run along the outer longitudinal edges on the underside of the outer skids on the rollers of a roller conveyor.

[0042] In another embodiment, the transport unit is a plastic pallet and has two parallel roller surfaces which are arranged along the longitudinal edges on the underside of the middle skid, such that the container is on a roller conveyor with internal

[0043] P248969 Roller tracks are positionable, transportable and guideable. The roller surfaces run along the longitudinal edges on the underside of the middle skids on the rollers of a roller conveyor.

[0044] Preferably, the underside of the transport unit, in particular the underside of the base plate of the plastic container or the plastic tray, or the underside of the skids of the plastic pallet, has a closed surface. This means that preferably all parts of the underside, such as the running surface, the indentation in the central area of ​​the base plate, and the rolling surface, have a closed surface. A closed surface is understood to be a substantially continuous surface without openings, in which the individual parts are flat or planar. The rolling surface and / or the grooved rolling surface are particularly preferably closed.

[0045] In another embodiment, the underside of the transport unit can be, at least partially, ribbed. For example, individual parts of the underside, such as the running surface, the roller surface, and optionally the grooved roller surface, may have a ribbed structure. The roller surface or the grooved roller surface, which comes into contact with the rollers of a roller strip, is formed by the individual ribs and does not constitute a continuous surface, but is interrupted by openings between the ribs. In one embodiment, the roller surface and / or the grooved roller surface is ribbed, while the running surface may have a closed surface or also a ribbed structure.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the roller surface and / or grooved roller surface has a closed surface with a surface roughness having a mean roughness value Ra of at least 3 µm, preferably at least 4 µm, more preferably at least 9 µm and at most 100 µm, more preferably at most 20 µm, and even more preferably at most 13 µm. The rough structure improves grip and transport on rollers, preventing the container from slipping on the rollers or the rollers from spinning freely. The higher the mean roughness value Ra, the better the grip of the running or roller surface on the rollers of the roller conveyor. The optimal roughness is selected depending on the roller properties. However, the surface roughness must not be too high, otherwise the transport unit will run too unevenly over the rollers and the goods will be subjected to undesirable vibration. Preferably, the mean roughness value Ra is 3–

[0047] P248969 100 m, preferably 4 - 20 pm, even more preferably 6 - 13 pm. A transport unit with a running surface and / or a rolling surface with a surface roughness with a mean roughness value Ra of 6 - 13 pm is particularly preferred because this surface roughness has the optimal rough structure for safe and slip-resistant transport on a roller conveyor and yet is not too heavily structured, which would lead to unclean transport.

[0048] Surface roughness refers to the roughness of a solid surface, describing the unevenness of its surface height. It is a measure of the surface's deviations from an ideal smooth shape and is characterized, for example, by the arithmetic mean roughness value Ra. The arithmetic mean roughness value Ra is standardized according to DIN EN ISO 21920-1:2021. To determine this measurement Ra according to DIN EN ISO 21920-1:2021, the surface is typically scanned along a defined measuring distance using stylus instruments. These instruments guide a stylus across the surface to detect and quantify the irregularities, recording all surface height and depth variations. After calculating the definite integral of this roughness profile along the measuring distance, the result is then divided by the length of the measuring distance.The range of roughness values ​​extends from approximately 1 µm with barely visible machining marks to over 25 µm for very rough surfaces with noticeable grooves. For injection-molded parts, the guidelines of the Association of German Engineers (VDI), in particular VDI 3400, also known as VDI Surface Finish, are used, which subdivide the Ra values ​​into specific VDI ​​values ​​or classes. VDI 3400 textures are produced, for example, by electro-erosive machining of the injection mold or by classic texturing processes. VDI values ​​of 30 to 45 are preferred, especially 33 to 45, which corresponds to an average roughness value Ra of 3–20 µm or 4–20 µm, respectively. Particularly preferred for the transport unit according to the invention are VDI values ​​of 36 to 42 with an average roughness value Ra of 6–13 µm; a VDI value of 39 with an average roughness value Ra of 9 µm is particularly preferred.

[0049] The surface with a surface roughness having a mean roughness value of at least 3 pm, preferably 3–100 pm, according to the present invention, is also referred to as a rough or structured surface. The higher surface roughness of the running surfaces or roller surfaces of the transport units according to the invention leads to increased [missing information] compared to conventional transport units with smooth running surfaces or roller surfaces.

[0050] P248969 Efficiency, stability, and safety are improved in the transport of transport units on roller conveyors because the slippage of the transport units and the loaded goods, and thus the risk of accidents, is reduced. Handling and transport of goods on the roller conveyor are enhanced, and transport is more efficient. This results in cost savings. The invention does not include surfaces with intentionally applied patterns or with alternating rough and smooth surfaces, which are usually produced in a classic manner, such as by larger steps in the injection mold, and which, for example, have flat ribs, regular repetitions, or perceptible geometric structures. The running surface and / or rolling surface of the transport unit according to the invention is pattern-free and has a consistently rough structure and an arbitrarily distributed surface roughness, which is achieved, for example, by electro-erosion or sandblasting.

[0051] Preferably, the underside with the running surface and / or the rolling surface is formed in one piece with a surface roughness having a mean roughness value Ra of at least 3 pm, and the underside of the base plate of the plastic container or plastic tray according to the invention, or the underside of the skids of the plastic pallet, has a coating-free rough surface on the running and / or rolling surface by treating and roughening the plastic material directly on the underside in the area of ​​the running and / or rolling surface, or by creating this roughening directly during manufacturing. Preferably, the base plate of the plastic container or the plastic tray, or the skid of the plastic pallet with the rough running and / or rolling surface on the underside, is manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part using the injection molding process. Preferably, the entire transport unit, i.e.,The plastic container, plastic tray or plastic pallet is manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part using the injection molding process.

[0052] The preferred plastic is polypropylene (PP). Other plastics are also suitable for manufacturing the transport unit, such as polyethylene (PE) as HDPE, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene (PS). The plastic transport unit can also be manufactured using other methods, such as 3D printing, thermoforming, or by cutting.

[0053] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a transport unit made of plastic by injection molding using an injection mold with a roughened surface for the roller surface. During injection molding, the surface of the

[0054] P248969 The injection mold, also called an injection mold, is preferably machined so that the transport unit can be produced directly with the desired surface finish on its underside. If, for example, the underside, or the rolling surface, is to have a rough surface, the inner surface of the injection mold is machined so that the transport unit can be produced directly with the desired rough surface on its underside. Preferably, the surface of the rolling surface in the injection mold is modified by laser treatment, chemical etching, or sandblasting. This means that the surface of the rolling surface in the injection mold used for injection molding the transport unit is changed from smooth to rough, for example, by sandblasting, before injection molding. The result is a rough surface on the rolling surface after injection molding.

[0055] The transport unit with a coating-free, rough rolling surface can also be manufactured using methods other than injection molding. The surface roughness can be increased directly on the rolling surface of the transport unit after the fact, for example by laser cutting, chemical etching or sandblasting, hot stamping, thermoforming, or milling.

[0056] The present invention also relates to the use of the transport unit according to the invention for positioning, guiding, and conveying goods via a roller conveyor with roller strips. Roller conveyors with roller strips either have two lateral roller strips with outer rollers along the length of the lateral roller strips, or they also have inner roller strips between the lateral roller strips. Combinations are also possible in which the roller conveyors have both lateral and inner roller strips. Preferably, the roller conveyor has two lateral roller strips with outer rollers along the longitudinal sides of the roller conveyor, or two lateral roller strips and two inner roller strips with inner rollers between the lateral roller strips. The inner and outer rollers each have a circumferential surface and an end surface.During transport, the container rolls with its rolling surfaces and / or grooved rolling surfaces on the outer and / or inner rollers. The guide ribs along the running surface and along the rolling surfaces and / or grooved rolling surfaces of the container slide along the end faces of the rollers, thus holding and guiding the running surface between the outer and, if applicable, the inner rollers in position. In this way, the container and its contents are transported and guided safely along the roller tracks without slipping or tipping.

[0057] P248969 The advantage of the transport unit according to the invention with the special floor design lies in the fact that, thanks to the roller surface, which is arranged higher than the running surface along a step or guide rail, it can be positioned easily and quickly on a roller conveyor with roller strips, guided stably and transported, and in which the goods can therefore be transported safely over the roller conveyor with roller strips.

[0058] The particular advantage of the transport unit according to the invention, with its uncoated rough running surface and / or roller surface, lies in the fact that the transport unit with the rough running surface and / or roller surface can be transported and moved easily, safely, and quickly on a roller conveyor, thus ensuring the safe transport of goods along the conveyor. Slippage of containers or pallets and the risk of accidents are minimized, thereby increasing transport safety.Since the rough surface of the tread and / or roller surface is applied directly to the surface of the transport unit during manufacturing, no additional coating steps or materials are required. This makes production faster and more cost-effective compared to conventional coated treads, where applying an additional coating to the tread adds time and expense. Furthermore, the direct rough surface, without a coating, results in a lighter and more aesthetically pleasing transport unit.

[0059] The invention comprises the aforementioned embodiments as well as any combination thereof. Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawings.

[0060] Brief description of the characters

[0061] They show:

[0062] Fig. 1a shows a perspective view from a low angle of a first floor embodiment of the invention,

[0063] P248969 Fig. 1 b a side view of the short side wall of a plastic container with the first bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0064] Fig. 1c shows a side view of the long side wall of a plastic container with the first bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0065] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view from a low angle of a second floor embodiment of the invention,

[0066] Fig. 2b shows a side view of the short side wall of a plastic container with the second bottom design of the invention,

[0067] Fig. 2c shows a side view of the long side wall of a plastic container with the second bottom design of the invention,

[0068] Fig. 3a shows a perspective view from a low angle of a third floor embodiment of the invention,

[0069] Fig. 3b shows a side view of the short side wall of a plastic container with the third bottom design of the invention,

[0070] Fig. 3c shows a side view of the long side wall of a plastic container with the third bottom design of the invention,

[0071] Fig. 4a shows a perspective view from a low angle of a fourth floor embodiment of the invention,

[0072] Fig. 4b shows a side view of the short side wall of a plastic container with the fourth bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0073] Fig. 4c shows a side view of the long side wall of a plastic container with the fourth bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0074] Fig. 5a shows a perspective view from a low angle of a fifth floor embodiment of the invention,

[0075] Fig. 5b shows a side view of the short side wall of a plastic container with the fifth bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0076] Fig. 5c shows a side view of the long side wall of a plastic container with the fifth bottom embodiment of the invention,

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view from a low angle of a plastic container from Fig. 5a, which has roller surfaces and groove roller surfaces parallel to the long side edges, as well as a schematic representation of a roller conveyor with rollers of the side and inner roller strips.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view from a low angle of a plastic container from Fig. 2a, which has roller surfaces parallel to the short side edges, as well as a schematic representation of a roller conveyor with rollers of the side roller strips,

[0079] P248969 Fig. 8a a perspective view from a low angle of a first plastic pallet,

[0080] Fig. 8b shows a side view from the front of the narrow side of the plastic pallet from Fig. 8a.

[0081] Fig. 9a shows a perspective view from a low angle onto a second plastic pallet, and

[0082] Fig. 9b shows a side view from the front of the narrow side of the plastic pallet from Fig. 9a.

[0083] The same reference symbols are used for the same elements in the figures, and explanations for a particular reference symbol apply to all figures unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0085] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a transport unit 1 according to the invention, a plastic container T with a first base design for transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying on a roller conveyor with lateral roller guides. The container T has a base plate 2 with four side edges 16, two short side walls 4, and two long side walls 5, each with a lower edge 14 and a top edge on the upper surface 20. The short side walls 4 and the long side walls 5 extend vertically upwards from the side edge of the base plate 2 towards the upper surface 20, are connected to each other via four corner radii to form a rectangular shape, and define a receiving area of ​​the container in which goods can be stored and transported.The base plate 2 has an underside 3 with a running surface 8, which allows the container T to rest, at least partially, on a surface, such as a floor or a conveyor belt, when it comes to rest on that surface. The running surface 8 has the shape of a rectangular rim with four longitudinal sides and a recess 9 in its center. The recess 9 is located in the central region of the base plate 2 and provides a clearance that can accommodate deflection of the central region of the base plate 2 without the central region resting on the surface on which the container 1 stands. This prevents the container T from tilting.

[0086] The underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two mutually parallel rolling surfaces 6, which are arranged along the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5 and extend along the long sides of the

[0087] P248969 The running surface 8 extends along the running ring. The roller surfaces 6 are arranged at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5, and thus offset upwards towards the top surface 20 relative to the running surface 8. Between the long sides of the running ring of the running surface 8 and the roller surfaces 6, a step is arranged as part of an elongated guide rib 7 with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the plastic container T on rollers of a roller conveyor. The guide rib 7 preferably extends over the entire length of the base plate 2 at the transition between the roller surfaces 6 and the long outer sides of the running ring. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7 are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in the area of ​​the side edges of the base plate. Such chamfered ends are also called lead-in chamfers.The chamfer or rounding enables the container T to be conveyed smoothly over transitions and facilitates its insertion onto the rollers of the roller conveyor, thus improving the container's running on the rollers. The individual parts of the underside 3 of the base plate 2, in particular the rolling surface 6, the running surface 8, and the indentation 9, have a closed surface without ribs or openings. The rolling surface 6 is shown hatched and can have a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 µm for improved grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor. Preferably, the surface of the rolling surface 6 has a surface roughness with a surface roughness Ra of at least 3 µm, preferably at least 9 µm, to improve conveying on a roller conveyor with side roller guides.The surface of the running surface 8 can also have a surface roughness with a mean roughness value Ra of at least 3 pm, preferably of at least 9 pm, in order to improve conveying on a roller conveyor with continuous transverse rollers.

[0088] Figure 1b shows a side view of the short side wall 4 of the plastic container T as described in Figure 1a, with a base plate 2 with a bottom surface 3, two roller surfaces 6 which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7 between the roller surfaces 6 and the running surface 8.

[0089] Figure 1c shows a side view of the long side wall 5 of the plastic container T as described in Figure 1a with the two roller surfaces 6 (not visible, shown in Figure 1a) which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, which

[0090] P248969 Running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7 between the roller surfaces 6 and the

[0091] Tread surface 8.

[0092] A container 1' with the first bottom design according to Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c can be positioned, transported and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller rails, the roller conveyor having approximately the width of the narrow side of the container, so that the roller surfaces run parallel to the long side walls on the rollers of the roller conveyor. The rollers of the lateral roller rail have a width of less than one quarter, preferably less than one eighth, of the width of the narrow side of the container, which corresponds at least to the distance between the outer surface of the long side wall 5 of the container and the step with the guide rib 7.

[0093] Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a transport unit according to the invention.

[0094] Figure 1, a plastic container T with a second base design for storing and transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying them on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. As described in Figure 1a, the container T has a base plate 2 with four side edges 16, two short side walls 4, and two long side walls 5, each with a lower edge 14 and an upper edge. The base plate 2 has an underside 3 with a running surface 8 in the form of a rectangular running ring with four longitudinal sides and a recess 9 in its center. The underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two parallel roller surfaces 6', which are arranged along the short side edges of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the short side walls 4, and extend along the short outer sides of the running ring of the running surface 8.The roller surfaces 6' are arranged at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge 14 of the short side walls 4. A step, forming part of an elongated guide rib 7' with a guide roller surface, is arranged between the short outer sides of the running surface 8' and the roller surfaces 6' for positioning and guiding the plastic container T on rollers of a roller conveyor. The guide rib 7' preferably extends over the entire width of the base plate 2 at the transition between the roller surfaces 6' and the short outer sides of the running surface. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7' are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in the region of the side edges of the base plate 2, forming an entry chamfer. The individual parts of the underside 3 of the base plate.

[0095] 2, in particular the rolling surface 6', the running surface 8 and the indentation 9, have a closed surface without rib structure or openings. The rolling surface 6' is

[0096] P248969 is shown hatched and can have a rough surface with a surface roughness with a mean roughness value of 3 to 100 pm for better grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor.

[0097] Figure 2b shows a side view of the short side wall 4 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 2a, with a base plate 2 with a bottom surface 3, two roller surfaces 6' which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the short side walls 4 (not visible, shown in Fig. 2a), the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7' between the roller surfaces 6' and the running surface 8.

[0098] Figure 2c shows a side view of the long side wall 5 of the plastic container T as described in Figure 2a with the two roller surfaces 6' which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7' between the roller surfaces 6' and the running surface 8.

[0099] A container T with the second bottom design according to Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c can be positioned, transported and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller strips, which has approximately the width of the long side of the container, so that the roller surfaces run parallel to the short side walls on the rollers of the roller conveyor.

[0100] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of a transport unit 1 according to the invention, a plastic container T with a third base configuration for storing and transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying them on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. As described in Figure 1a, the container T has a base plate 2 with four side edges 16, two short side walls 4, and two long side walls 5, each with a lower edge 14 and an upper edge 20. The base plate 2 has a bottom surface 3 with a running surface 8 in the form of a rectangular running ring with four longitudinal sides and a recess 9 in its center.The underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two parallel rolling surfaces 6', which are arranged along the short side edges of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the short side walls 4 and extend along the short outer sides of the running ring of the running surface 8, and has two mutually parallel rolling surfaces 6, which are arranged along the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5 and extend along the long sides of the running ring of the running surface 8. The rolling surfaces 6 and 6' are at a height between the height

[0101] P248969 of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge 14 of the short side walls 4 and the long side walls 5. Between the outer sides of the running surface 8 and the roller surfaces 6, 6', a step is arranged as part of an elongated guide rib 7, 7' with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the plastic container T on rollers of a roller conveyor. The guide ribs 7, 7' preferably extend over the entire length or width of the base plate 2 at the transition between the roller surfaces 6, 6' and the outer sides of the running surface. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7, 7' are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in each case in the area of ​​the side edges of the base plate 2, and form an entry chamfer.The individual parts of the underside 3 of the base plate 2, in particular the roller surface 6, 6', the running surface 8 and the indentation 9, have a closed surface without rib structure or openings. The roller surfaces 6 and 6' are shown hatched and can have a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 pm for better grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor.

[0102] Figure 3b shows a side view of the short side wall 4 of the plastic container 1' as described in Figure 3a, with a base plate 2 having a bottom surface 3, two roller surfaces 6 which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5 (roller surfaces 6' along the short side walls 4 are not visible, shown in Fig. 3a), the running surface 8, the step with the guide rib 7 between the roller surfaces 6 and the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7' between the roller surfaces 6' and the running surface 8.

[0103] Figure 3c shows a side view of the long side wall 5 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 3a with the two roller surfaces 6' which are arranged along the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7' between the roller surfaces 6' and the running surface 8, as well as the step with the guide rib 7 between the roller surfaces 6 and the running surface 8 (roller surfaces 6 along the long side walls 5 are not visible, shown in Fig. 3a).

[0104] A container T with the third bottom design according to Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c can be positioned, transported and guided on a roller conveyor with lateral roller strips, which has either approximately the width of the long side of the container or the width of the short side of the container. In this embodiment, the roller surface 6, 6' is

[0105] P248969 is arranged along the entire perimeter along the short and long side edges on the underside of the rectangular base plate 2 and completely encloses the running ring of the running surface 8.

[0106] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a transport unit 1 according to the invention, a plastic container T with a fourth base configuration for storing and transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying them on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. As described in Figure 1a, the container T has a base plate 2 with four side edges 16, two short side walls 4, and two long side walls 5, each with a lower edge 14 and an upper edge on the top surface 20. The base plate 2 has a bottom surface 3 with a running surface 8 in the form of two parallel longitudinal runners, which are arranged along the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5. In addition, two transverse ribs or transverse runners along the short side walls 4 between the grooved rolling surfaces 10 also belong to the running surface 8.The underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two parallel grooved rolling surfaces 10 along the long inner sides of the longitudinal runners of the running surface 8. These surfaces are arranged parallel to the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edges of the long side walls 5, and are equidistant from the lower edges of the long side walls 5. A recess 9 is arranged in the central region of the base plate 2 between the parallel grooved rolling surfaces 10 and the two transverse ribs along the short side walls 4. A distance is arranged between the grooved rolling surfaces 10 that corresponds to at least one-third of the length of the short side wall or the transverse side of the plastic container, such that the grooved rolling surfaces 10 are located in the outer third of the underside of the base plate 2. The grooved rolling surface 10 preferably has a width corresponding to the width of the rollers of a central roller strip.

[0107] The grooved roller surfaces 10 are arranged at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5. A step, forming part of an elongated guide rib 7 with a guide roller surface, is arranged between the long inner sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and the grooved roller surfaces 10. This guide rib serves to position and guide the plastic container T on rollers of a roller conveyor. The guide rib 7 preferably extends over the entire length of the base plate 2 at the transition between the grooved roller surfaces 10 and the long inner sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7 are located at the narrow end edge, in the region of the side edges 16 of the base plate 2.

[0108] P248969 chamfered or rounded. The individual parts of the underside 3 of the base plate 2, in particular the grooved rolling surface 10, the running surface 8 and the indentation 9, have a closed surface without rib structure or openings. The grooved rolling surface 10 is shown hatched and may have a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 µm for better grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor.

[0109] Figure 4b shows a side view of the short side wall 4 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 4a, with a base plate 2 having a bottom surface 3, two grooved roller surfaces 10 which are arranged along the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and parallel to the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, the running surface 8 and the step with the guide rib 7 between the grooved roller surfaces 10 and the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8.

[0110] Figure 4c shows a side view of the long side wall 5 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 4a with the longitudinal skid of the running surface 8 and the lower edges 14 of the short side walls 4.

[0111] A container 1 with the fourth bottom design according to Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c can be positioned, transported and guided on a roller conveyor with inner roller strips, wherein the roller conveyor has approximately the width of the narrow side of the container, and in which the roller strips are arranged between the longitudinal sides of the roller conveyor.

[0112] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a transport unit 1 according to the invention, a plastic container T with a fifth base configuration for storing and transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying them on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. As described in Figure 4a, the container T has a base plate 2 with four side edges 16, two short side walls 4, and two long side walls 5, each with a lower edge 14 and an upper edge 20. The base plate 2 has a bottom surface 3 with a running surface 8 in the form of two parallel longitudinal runners, which are arranged parallel to the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5.The underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two mutually parallel rolling surfaces 6 along the long outer sides of the longitudinal skid of the running surface 8, which are arranged along the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5 and extend along.

[0113] P248969 of the long outer sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8. In addition, the underside 3 of the base plate 2 has two parallel grooved rolling surfaces 10 along the long inner sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8, which are arranged parallel to the long side edges 16 of the base plate 2 and parallel to the rolling surfaces 6 and between the rolling surfaces 6, and run at equal distances from the lower edges of the long side walls 5 and from the rolling surfaces 6. The longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 are arranged between the rolling surfaces 6 and the grooved rolling surfaces 10. The rolling surfaces 6 and the grooved rolling surfaces 10 are arranged in the outer third of the underside 3 and over the entire length of the side edge 16. A gap is arranged between the grooved rolling surfaces 10 which is at least one-third of the length of the short side wall 4 or 5.the transverse side of the plastic container, such that the grooved roller surfaces 10 are arranged in the outer third of the underside 3 of the base plate 2. The grooved roller surface 10 preferably has a width corresponding to the width of the rollers of a central roller strip and is wider than the width of the roller surface 6.

[0114] The roller surfaces 6 and the grooved roller surfaces 10 are arranged at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge 14 of the long side walls 5. On both sides of the longitudinal skids, on the long inner and long outer sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8, a shoulder is arranged as part of an elongated guide rib 7 with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the plastic container 1' on rollers of a roller conveyor. This guide rib 7 is arranged between the long outer sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and the roller surfaces 6, and between the long inner sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and the grooved roller surfaces 10. The guide rib 7 preferably extends over the entire length of the base plate 2 at the transition between the roller surfaces 6 and the long outer sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8, as well as between the grooved roller surfaces 10 and the long inner sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8.Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7 are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in the area of ​​the side edges 16 of the base plate. The individual parts of the underside 3 of the base plate 2, in particular the rolling surface 6, the grooved rolling surface 10, the running surface 8, and the indentation 9, have a closed surface without ribbed structure or openings. The rolling surface 6 and the grooved rolling surface 10 are shown hatched and preferably have a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 µm for improved grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor with lateral and central roller guides.

[0115] Figure 5b shows a side view of the short side wall 4 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 5a, with a base plate 2 having a bottom surface 3, two roller surfaces 6, two groove roller surfaces 10 which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and parallel to the lower edges 14 of the long side walls 5, the two longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 and the shoulder with the guide rib 7 each on the long inner and outer sides of the longitudinal skids of the running surface 8.

[0116] Figure 5c shows a side view of the long side wall 5 of the plastic container 1 ' as described in Figure 5a with the outside of the longitudinal skid of the running surface 8 and the lower edges 14 of the short side walls 4.

[0117] A container T with the fifth bottom design according to Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c is suitable for transporting containers on a roller conveyor with either lateral or inner roller strips, or with lateral and inner roller strips, and is therefore versatile in its application.

[0118] Figure 6 shows a container T as described in Figure 5a, which is transported on a roller conveyor 11 with two lateral roller strips 15 with outer rollers 12 and with two inner roller strips 15' with inner rollers 12'. In this illustration, only the rollers 12, 12' of the roller conveyor 11 are shown schematically, without the roller supports of the roller strips and the side strips of the roller conveyor. The rollers 12, 12' each have a lateral surface and an end surface. The container T rolls with the roller surfaces 6 and the grooved roller surfaces 10 on the lateral surface of the outer 12 and inner rollers 12'. The guide ribs 7 (described in Fig. 5a) along the two longitudinal skids of the running surface 8 (described in Fig. 5a) and along the rolling surfaces 6 and groove rolling surfaces 10 of the container T slide along the end faces of the rollers 12, 12', so that the longitudinal skids are held in position and guided between the outer rollers 12 and the inner rollers.This ensures that the container with the goods is safely transported and guided along the roller conveyors without the container slipping or tipping over.

[0119] Figure 7 shows a container T, as described in Figure 2a, which is transported on a roller conveyor 11 with side roller rails 15 and outer rollers 12. In this illustration, only the rollers 12 of the side roller rails of the roller conveyor 11 are shown schematically, without the roller brackets of the roller rails and the

[0120] P248969 Side rails of the roller conveyor. The container T rolls with its rolling surfaces 6' (described in Fig. 2a) on the outer rollers of the side roller rails 15, with the guide ribs 7 (described in Fig. 2a) of the rolling surfaces 6' sliding along the end faces of the side rollers, thus guiding the container. This holds and guides the container T in position, so that the goods can be transported safely over the roller conveyors without the container slipping or tipping.

[0121] Figure 8a shows a perspective view from a low angle of another transport unit 1 according to the invention, a plastic pallet 1” with a top part 18 having a top surface 20 and three runners 17, 17' for transporting goods for positioning, guiding, and conveying on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. The plastic pallet 1” has two outer runners 17 and one middle runner 17', each with an underside 3 having a running surface 8 in the area of ​​the foot parts 19. The two outer runners 17 each have two parallel rolling surfaces 6” along the outer side edge 16' on the underside 3 of the runner, which extend along the outer longitudinal edges 16' of the outer runners 17. The rolling surfaces 6” are arranged at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge of the side walls of the runner feet.This means that the roller surfaces 6" are higher than the running surfaces 8, which contact the floor when the plastic pallet is placed on a floor. Between the running surface 8 and the roller surface 6" at the outer longitudinal edge 16' of the outer underside of the skid, a step is arranged as part of an elongated guide rib 7" with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the plastic pallet 1" on rollers of a roller conveyor with lateral roller guides (not shown). The guide rib 7" preferably extends over the entire length of the underside 3 of the outer skids 17 at the transition between the roller surfaces 6" and the long outer sides of the running surface 8 of the outer longitudinal skids 17. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7" are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in the region of the narrow end of the longitudinal skid.The underside 3 of the skids 17 has a closed surface in the area of ​​the foot sections 19, and a ribbed structure between the foot sections 19. The roller surface 6" is shown hatched and preferably has a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 µm for better grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor with side roller guides.

[0122] Figure 8b shows a side view of the narrow side of the plastic pallet 1” as described in Figure 8a, with a top part 18, two outer skids 17 and a middle

[0123] P248969 runner 17' with one underside 3 with running surfaces 8 below the foot parts 19, and with two roller surfaces 6" which are each arranged along the outer longitudinal edge 16' of the underside of the runner.

[0124] Figure 9a shows a perspective view from a low angle of another transport unit 1 according to the invention, a second plastic pallet 1” with a top part 18 having a top surface 20 and three runners 17, 17' for transporting goods for positioning, guiding and conveying on a roller conveyor with roller tracks. The plastic pallet 1” has two outer runners 17 and a middle runner 17', each with an underside 3 having a running surface 8 below the foot parts 19. The middle runner 17' has two parallel rolling surfaces 6” along both side edges 16” on the underside 3 of the runner, which extend along the longitudinal sides of the middle runner 17'. The roller surfaces 6" are positioned at a height between the height of the running surface 8 and the height of the lower edge of the side walls of the foot sections 19. This means that the roller surfaces 6" are higher than the running surfaces 8 when the plastic pallet 1" is on the floor.Along the running surface 8 of the central runner's underside 3, a step is arranged on both sides as part of an elongated guide rib 7" with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the plastic pallet 1" on rollers of a roller conveyor with inner roller strips (not shown). This guide rib 7" is arranged between the running surface 8 of the underside 3 of the central runner 17' and the roller surfaces 6". The guide rib 7" preferably extends over the entire length of the underside 3 of the central runner 17' at the transition between the roller surfaces 6" and the running surface 8 of the central longitudinal runner 17'. Preferably, the ends of the elongated guide rib 7" are chamfered or rounded at the narrow end edge, in each case in the region of the narrow end of the longitudinal runner 17'. The underside 3 of the runners 17, 17' has a closed surface in the region of the foot sections 19 and a ribbed structure between the foot sections 19.The rolling surface 6" is shown hatched and preferably has a rough surface with a surface roughness of 3 to 100 pm for better grip on the rollers of a roller conveyor with central roller strips. Figure 9b shows a side view of the narrow side of the plastic pallet 1" as described in Figure 9a, with a top part 18, two outer skids 17 and a central skid 17', each with a bottom surface 3 with running surfaces 8 below the foot parts 19, and with two rolling surfaces 6" which are each arranged along the longitudinal edges 16" of the middle skid's underside.

[0125] P248969 Reference numeral list

[0126] 1 transport unit

[0127] T plastic container

[0128] 1" plastic pallet

[0129] 2 Base plate

[0130] 3 Underside

[0131] 4 short side walls

[0132] 5 long side wall

[0133] 6 Rolling surface long side

[0134] 6' Rolling surface short side

[0135] 6" rolling surface, runner longitudinal edge

[0136] 7 Guide bridge long side

[0137] 7' Guidepost short side

[0138] 7" guide bar, underside of skid

[0139] 8 Running surface

[0140] 9 indentation

[0141] 10 groove rolling surface

[0142] 11 Roller conveyor

[0143] 12 outer roles

[0144] 12' inner rolls

[0145] 14 Lower edge of side wall

[0146] 15 side roller strips

[0147] 15' inner roller bar

[0148] 16 Side edge of base plate

[0149] 16' Side edge outer underside of skid

[0150] 16" side edge middle runner underside

[0151] 17 outer runner

[0152] 17' middle runner

[0153] 18 Top

[0154] 19 Foot section

[0155] 20 Top

[0156] P248969

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transport unit (1) made of plastic for transporting goods for positioning, guiding and conveying on a roller conveyor (11) with lateral or central roller strips, wherein the transport unit (1) is a plastic container (T) or a plastic tray with four side walls (4, 5), or a plastic pallet (1") with skids (17, 17'), and wherein the transport unit (1) has a top (20) and a bottom (3) with a running surface (8) and side edges (16, 16', 16") as well as side walls (4, 5) extending vertically upwards from the side edges (16, 16', 16") of the bottom (3), characterized in that the bottom (3) of the transport unit (1) has at least two mutually parallel roller surfaces (6, 6'), wherein the roller surfaces (6, 6', 6"), 10) are parallel to a side edge (16, 16', 16"), extend over the entire length of the side edge (16, 16', 16") and along the running surface (8), with the rolling surfaces (6, 6', 6").10) are arranged vertically offset from the running surface (8), and wherein a step is arranged between the running surface (8) and the roller surfaces (6, 6', 6", 10) as part of a guide rib (7, 7', 7") with a guide roller surface for positioning and guiding the transport unit (1) on rollers (12, 12') of the roller conveyor (11).

2. Transport unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport unit (1) is a plastic container (T) with a base plate (2), two short side walls (4) and two long side walls (5), wherein the short (4) and long (5) side walls extend vertically upwards from the side edge of the base plate (2) and each have a lower edge (14), and wherein the roller surfaces (6, 6') are arranged parallel to a lower edge (14) of the short (4) and / or the long side walls (5) at a height between the height of the running surface (8) and the height of the lower edge (14) of the side walls (4, 5) and spaced apart from the height of the running surface (8) and the height of the lower edge (14) of the side walls (4, 5).

3. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller surfaces (6, 6', 6", 10) are arranged parallel to a side edge (16, 16', 16") and over the entire length of the side edge (16, 16', 16") in the outer third of the underside (3) with respect to the length or width of the underside (3) of the transport unit. P248969 4. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller surfaces (6, 6', 6", 10) have a width which is wider than a bottom of the side walls (4, 5) of the plastic container (T) or the plastic tray or which is at least one sixth of the width of a skid (17, 17') of a plastic pallet (1").

5. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide web (7, 7', 7") is chamfered.

6. Transport unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide rib (7, 7', 7") extends perpendicularly from the running surface (8) to the rolling surface (6, 6').

7. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide web (7, 7', 7") extends over the entire length and / or width of the transport unit (1).

8. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of the guide web (7, 7', 7") are chamfered.

9. Transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underside (3) has a closed surface.

10. Transport unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rolling surface (6, 6', 6", 10) has a closed surface.

11. Transport unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rolling surface (6, 6', 6", 10) is ribbed.

12. Transport unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the roller surface (6, 6', 6", 10) has a surface roughness with a mean roughness value Ra of 3 to 100 pm for transport on a roller conveyor with roller strips. P248969 13. Transport unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the roller surface (6, 6', 6", 10) has a surface roughness with a mean roughness value Ra of 4 to 20 pm for conveying on a roller conveyor with roller strips.

14. Transport unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the roller surface (6, 6', 6“, 10) has a surface roughness with a mean roughness value Ra of 6 to 13 pm for conveying on a roller conveyor with roller strips.

15. Use of a transport unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims for positioning, guiding and conveying goods via a roller conveyor (11) with roller strips. P248969

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