EP0798221A1 - Package for domestic electrical appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

The packaging protects the edges of the appliance with four elongated corner pieces (6). The packaging has two vertical, opposite facing supporting shells (1) in each of which two corner pieces are integrated and which are joined by identical base and top plates (2). Each supporting shell is formed of a rectangular frame made up of the two corner pieces at the ends of which are transverse supports (4,5). A baffle piece (10) is integrated in the lower transverse support (5) and consists of preferably tubular baffle elements in a row. Inward protruding shock absorber elements (7,8) are integrated in the L-shaped corner pieces.

Description

The invention relates to a packaging for household appliances according to the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, the invention relates to the packaging of large electrical appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, stoves, microwave ovens, extractor hoods, hot water appliances and the like, regardless of whether they are self-supporting or non-self-supporting.

In a known packaging for large electrical appliances, material-different components are used, namely a base and a cardboard lid that is folded at the edge and clamped with staples, four elongated corner poles made of styrofoam, which serve to protect the edges of the electrical appliance around the Polystyrene corner pillars arranged around square supports made of square wood, whereby a shrink film is applied around the lid and base as well as around the corner pillars. Apart from the variety of packaging materials to be used, assembly and disassembly of the packaging are cumbersome and the disposal of the packaging is also complex. With this type of packaging, it is hardly possible to return and reuse the packaging components. The transport and handling of the packaging are also problematic, particularly in the case of the use of forklifts and the stacker trucks customary for the transport of such large devices. When transporting and handling this packaging, the packaging itself is often damaged when the various packaging elements slide against one another, which can ultimately also result in damage to the packaging material.

Finally, packaging for large household appliances is known in which the individual components are made of plastic. Specifically, this is a pallet-like base on which elongated profile-shaped support columns are supported in a standing position, a plastic cover being placed on the ends of these support columns standing on the pallet. The lid and base are load-bearing components of the packaging. In this type of packaging, the stack may shear off Packaging elements come, which in turn can damage the goods to be packaged. The overall stability of this type of packaging leaves something to be desired.

The object of the invention is to provide packaging for large appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and the like, which meets the diverse requirements, on the one hand due to the weight of the goods to be packaged, the storage and transport conditions and the other requirement profile, which Put manufacturers of such products on the packaging. In particular, this packaging should be easy to assemble and disassemble, adequately protect the large device during transport and storage, secure it from bumps and possible falling, be easy to handle, whether the packaging is now moved manually or by machine, robustly constructed and otherwise one Reusable cycle can be fed.

This object is achieved by the features contained in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized by the features specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, the packaging has two shell-like support frames, two corner profiles serving to protect the device from chewing being integrated in one piece as load-transmitting components in each support shell and the support shells arranged opposite one another being connected to one another by two plates, one of which serves as a base plate and the other as a cover plate acts, whereby the plates do not contribute to the load transfer in the stack.

In a further development of the invention, the base and cover plates, which are preferably of identical construction, are non-positively and / or positively connected to the carrier trays by plugging onto webs of the carrier tray or inserting between webs of the carrier tray, so that the packaging is assembled and disassembled in a very simple manner can be, but is connected sufficiently stable, so that the packaging with the packaged goods can be transported without additional packaging measures. Of course, the packaging is also suitable in combination with additional packaging measures, for example Shrink films, which only extends the universality of the intended use of the packaging.

In a particularly advantageous manner, a baffle device is integrated in the lower region of the carrying shells, which is expediently formed from baffle pots or baffle tube sockets arranged side by side in rows. As a result, the cargo is secured even on a hard surface in the event of a fall from a greater height. In a further embodiment of the invention, in which the base plate is supported on the baffle elements, that is to say is arranged higher relative to the contact surface, there is good access under the base plate for handling and, if the side support trays are accidentally folded down, the base plate is secured on the baffle elements then turned by 90 ° come to rest, so that tipping down of the transported goods is impossible even if the side frames are accidentally folded down.

A further useful protection of the packaged goods is achieved by means of damping elements integrated in the side walls of the supports of the carrier shell.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the two support shells can be plugged together for the return transport, the base and cover plate being able to be accommodated in the cavity remaining between the support shells.

The measures according to the invention ensure easy-to-assemble and disassemble, but very stable and robust packaging, which ensures good handling during transport and storage even with correspondingly heavy packaged goods, for example without difficulty despite the heavy weight without loss of packaging stability over the floor can be slipped, damage to the packaged goods prevented even in the event of a fall, stacked stacking with multiple stacking up to eight-fold stacking without risk to the packaging and the packaged goods, and also easily handled using mechanical forklifts and stacker trucks. In addition, the packaging is characterized by a minimal weight and a minimal volume, so that the dimensions of the packaged item are largely dictated by the dimensions of the packaged goods. Another advantage of the packaging is the adaptability to different types of equipment by the plates can be adjusted in height relative to the support shells or the plates can be used with support shells, which only have longer corner profiles with the same structure. This considerably reduces the storage and stockpiling of the basic packaging elements. In addition, the basic elements of the packaging can be produced in a simple manner by injection molding from plastic, each basic element preferably being formed in one piece. In addition, the basic elements are essentially identical, ie the supporting shells and the plates, so that the plates can be used both as a floor and as a ceiling plate. Two basic elements are therefore sufficient for packaging. Another advantage is that the outer surface of the trays can be kept largely smooth, which gives an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the support shells can be kept essentially free of side walls. The inwardly projecting damping elements and also the baffle elements are open to the outside, which in turn enables simple manual gripping of the basic elements.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht der Innenseite einer Tragschale der Verpackung,

Fig.2

eine Vorderansicht der Außenseite der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Verpackung,

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht durch eine aus zwei Tragschalen aufgebauten Verpackung in Verpackungsstellung,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf eine Boden- und/oder Deckelplatte der Verpackung,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht der in Fig. 4 dargestellten Platte,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht gemäß Schnitt B-B von Fig. 3,

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht gemäß Schnittlinie C-C von Fig. 3,

Fig. 8

eine Verpackung in Schnittansicht mit einem darin aufgenommenen Verpackungsgut, hier einen Trockner,

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht der Verpackung in Leergutrückführungsstellung mit zwischen Tragschalen aufgenommenem Boden und Deckel,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht der Verpackung gemäß Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

eine Schnittansicht analog Fig. 6 mit einem aufgesteckten Ausgleichsadapter,

Fig. 12

eine andere Ansicht der Verpackung mit dem in Fig. 11 dargestellten Adapter.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. In it show:

Fig. 1

a front view of the inside of a tray of the packaging,

Fig. 2

2 shows a front view of the outside of the packaging shown in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

3 shows a sectional view through a packaging constructed from two carrying shells in the packaging position,

Fig. 4

a plan view of a base and / or cover plate of the packaging,

Fig. 5

3 shows a sectional view of the plate shown in FIG. 4,

Fig. 6

3 shows a view according to section BB of FIG. 3,

Fig. 7

3 shows a view along section line CC of FIG. 3,

Fig. 8

a package in a sectional view with a packaged goods contained therein, here a dryer,

Fig. 9

2 shows a side view of the packaging in the empty return position with the base and lid accommodated between the carrying trays,

Fig. 10

9 shows a side view of the packaging according to FIG. 9,

Fig. 11

6 shows a sectional view analogous to FIG. 6 with an attached compensation adapter,

Fig. 12

another view of the packaging with the adapter shown in Fig. 11.

The packaging for large electrical appliances shown in the figures is constructed from four individual elements, namely from two shell-like support or support frames 1 and a base and cover plate, in the preferred embodiment the support plates 1 and the base and cover plate are each identical, so that the packaging as such can be constructed from two basic elements, namely two supporting frames 1 and two base or cover plates 2, hereinafter referred to as plates 2 for short. FIG. 3 shows the packaging in the assembled state, consisting of two support frames 1 arranged opposite one another and two plates 2, namely an upper cover plate 2 and a lower base plate 2, which connect the support frames 1 to one another. The object to be transported is accommodated in the space delimited by the basic elements, as can be seen particularly clearly from FIG.

The removal of the load of the object to be packaged received via the base plate 2 and the load transfer in the stack, both in the case of single column and composite stacking, are carried out via the two side shell-like support frames 1, which are well suited for this purpose as an angle profile frame. Each support frame 1 comprises a frame-like structure with a large inner opening 3 and is therefore essentially free of sidewalls and, like the plates 2, is made in one piece from plastic, preferably by injection molding. Of the Frame 1 has an essentially rectangular plan and is formed from an upper cross member 4 and a lower cross member 5 and two lateral corner profiles 6, which serve to protect the edges of the device to be packaged and are integrated in one piece in the load-bearing support frame 1. The shell-like design of the support frame 1 results from the fact that the support frame in section, as can be seen from FIG. 3 and the details according to FIGS. 6 and 7, is constructed as a corner angle profile. This not only results in very good stability of the supporting frame itself, but also results in very good edge protection for the corner edges as well as for the longitudinal and transverse edges of the device to be packaged. On the other hand, the weight and dimensions of the support frame can be minimized by the shell construction.

In particular in the area of the corner profiles 6, the support frame 1 has on its inward side, that is to say to the object to be packaged, damping elements which are formed in one piece with the support frame and have a certain spring action in order to cushion the received device against impacts and impacts. These damping elements are formed on both angular sides of each corner profile 6. The shape of the damping elements 7 formed on the angular side 6a, which are arranged in a row and at a distance above one another, is best seen in FIG. 3, which shows a section through two support frames 1 arranged opposite one another. Thereafter, the damping elements 7 are designed as bridge-like, arched webs which open in one piece on both sides into the angular side 6a. The upper section of the damping webs 7 is curved in the shape of a circular cylinder. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a total of four damping webs 7 are provided, the damping webs of opposite corner profiles 6 of each support frame 1 being offset in height from one another in terms of height, as can best be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the displacement of the damping webs 7 is such that they are aligned with the damping webs 8 on the other angular side 6b, the damping webs 8 likewise being offset with respect to the opposite corner profiles. As can best be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 1, these damping webs 8 are also essentially designed as bridge-like webs with a curvature and act analogously to the damping webs 7.

A baffle device, generally designated 9, is formed in the area of the underside of each supporting frame 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, this consists of a series of baffles or baffles 10 arranged next to one another in a row, a total of 6 baffle tube nozzles being arranged next to one another in the exemplary embodiment shown. These pipe sockets 10 run flush at their lower end with the angled side 1b, which is essentially the contact surface of the support frame, and are therefore fully effective via the contact surface 1b. On the other hand, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the upper area of the pipe socket 10 serves as a support or support surface for the lower base plate 2. The impact pots or impact pipe socket arranged in one piece and previously described and shown in the drawing achieve this that even when the packaged goods are supported over a height of more than 60 cm, the packaged goods are safely cushioned and thus survive even major falls without damage during transport. The impact elements act as dampers, and they preferably have a progressive suspension, so that the damping takes place over a short distance. This is due to the type and design of the impact elements described. At the same time, the baffle elements significantly increase the stability of the packaging in the actual support area at the other end and also bring stabilization due to the transverse arrangement for the frame-like structure as a whole. Due to the open structure of the pipe socket, they also facilitate the handling of the packaging as well as the open steam elements 8.

For fixation in the stack, but also for gentle support of the upper layers, cap-like projections 11 are provided on the upper cross member 4 and cooperate with corresponding recesses 12 on the underside 1 b of the lower cross member 5. In the illustrated embodiment, 2 cap-like locking projections 11 are provided on the upper cross member.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1, further stiffening measures as a result of crosswise ribbing are provided on the inside of each support frame 1 and are designated by 13 in the drawing, so that the outer surface of the packaging can be kept largely smooth.

The upper plate 2 can be supported in a variety of ways, but it is preferred that the plate 2 with the two opposite Support frame 1 can be plugged together. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by two superimposed support webs 14 according to Figures 1 and 3, which makes it possible that the upper plate can be used in two height positions, of which the upper position in Figure 3 with a solid line, on the other hand, the slightly lower position 2 is shown with a dashed line. This enables the packaging to be adapted to different devices. Of course, the adaptation can be increased by increasing the number of supporting webs 14. As can best be seen from FIG. 3, the base plate 2 fits with a force fit and / or form fit between the upper support web 14 and the angular side 1b of the upper cross member 4 and is thus kept largely stable. In the lower-hatched position according to FIG. 3, the plate 2 preferably fits with a snug fit and thus with a force fit between the two supporting webs 14.

In the case of the lower base plate 2, a height shift is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown, because here the lower base plate expediently interacts with the impact device in that it rests on the impact pots or impact supports 10. For this purpose, the lower base plate 2 is again inserted non-positively and / or positively between the rib 15 connecting the pipe socket 10 to one another and an upper supporting web 14.

The structure of the base and cover plate 2 is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 shows that the plate 2 has a cross-section in a trapezoidal profile structure, that is to say essentially wave-like, but the waves have the shape of a trapezoid, that is to say inclined Have side wall surfaces are designed. This results in very good stiffening of the base plate, so that it can easily absorb even high loads. At the same time, this design allows a lightweight design of the plate itself.

Figure 4 shows that the trapezoidal profile structures can be stiffened by crossbars 16. On opposite sides of the plate 2, recesses 17 are provided which are complementary to the damping elements 8. This makes it possible to lock and fix the plates 2 within a carrier shell 1 for the return transport in the empty position by latching with the damping elements 8, as best results from the empty return position according to FIG. 9. Finally, in the illustrated embodiment 4 cap-like projections 18 are formed, which on the one hand bring about a certain damping for the material to be accommodated, but in particular are well suited for the insertion of clamp pieces and attachment parts for fixing the material.

Figures 6 and 7 represent sectional views along lines BB and CC of Figure 3 and show quite clearly the design of the damping elements 7 and 8, but also the design of the cross-sectional profile of the support frame with the angular sides 6a and 6b, which are analogous to the cross member 4th and continue 5. Part of the typing error 13 is also clearly visible. At 18 an insertion bevel can be seen, which makes it easier to attach the trays to the packaged goods.

FIG. 8 finally shows the object picked up between the opposite support frame 1 and the upper and lower base plate 2, here a dryer.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the position of the packaging which is expedient for the return transport, the support frames 1 being plugged together here, namely by interlocking recesses 19 arranged in a point-symmetrical manner, which form tongues 20 between them. The locking engagement can be seen quite clearly from FIG. 10. It can also be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10 that the plates 2 are accommodated within the support frame 1. Due to the bead-like design of the damping elements, the empty packaged goods can be carried well by engaging in the damping elements 7 and the impact connectors 10, which act as handles in this respect.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show plug-in compensating adapters made of plastic or styrofoam or other hard foam, which enable adaptation to the individual shape of the object to be packaged for the purpose of bridging between the packaging tray and the object. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the compensation adapters 21 are plugged onto the damping elements 7. The arrangement of the plate 2 between the supporting strips or supporting webs 14 can also be seen quite clearly from FIG.

The packaging is thus composed of two one-piece basic elements, each of which has two trays 1 and two plates 2 are provided, one of which serves as a base plate and the other as a cover plate, the large appliance to be packaged being received in a shockproof manner between these components.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the two support shells 1 with their impact device protrude below the base plate 2, so that there is easy access by lifting and transport means. If, however, one or the two support shells inadvertently fold outwards during the disassembly, i.e. lie with their outer surface on the floor, the pipe socket-like elements 10 at the same time bring about a very advantageous support and support of the base plate 2, so that even in this emergency the packaging object is held securely, because the base plate then comes to rest on the baffle elements 10 turned by 90 °, the height of which corresponds almost to the distance between the base plate 2 and the contact surface of the carrier shell according to FIG. 3. This is a very important safety aspect of the packaging. In particular, this protection also occurs if the carrying shells are accidentally folded down on one side.

Claims (12)

Plastic packaging for household appliances, in particular large electrical appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and the like, with a base plate (2) for receiving the device to be packaged, preferably four elongated corner profiles (6) for protecting the edges of the device and a cover plate (2) for Protection of the top of the device, characterized in that the packaging is constructed from two support shells (1) which are vertically standing in the packaging position and arranged opposite one another, in each of which two corner profiles (6) are integrated in one piece as load-transmitting components and in the packaging position through the floor - And cover plates (2) are connected. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the base and cover plates (2) , which are preferably constructed or constructed identically, are accommodated between the two carrying shells (2) in such a way that only the carrying shells (1) in the stack are load-bearing. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each carrier shell (1) is formed in one piece from a rectangular frame made of the two corner profiles (6) and cross members (4, 5) provided at the ends of the corner profiles. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a baffle device (10) is integrated in the lower region of the carrier shell, preferably in the lower cross member (5), which is preferably formed from pot-like or tubular baffle elements (10) which are formed in Row are arranged side by side. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that damping elements (7, 8) projecting inwards with spring action are integrated in the corner profiles (6), which are preferably designed as L-like angle profiles. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping elements (7, 8) are designed as bridges which are curved inwards in the manner of bridges. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the damping elements (7, 8) of each support shell (1) per corner profile (6) are offset in terms of height with respect to each other both with respect to the two angular sides (6a, 6b) and from corner profile to corner profile. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying trays (1) have recesses (19) and projections (20) which are offset with respect to one another on their edges facing inwards in the packing position, in such a way that the two carrying trays (1) of each pack in the empties transport position Can be plugged together, in the assembled position between them receiving the base and cover plate (2), which can preferably be locked with lateral locking recesses (17) on the damping members (8). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base and / or cover plate (2) can be plugged onto or between the supporting webs (14) of the supporting shells (1), preferably a plurality of supporting webs (14 for the purpose of height adjustment and adaptation to the devices to be accommodated ) are arranged one above the other. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate (2) rests on the baffle-shaped baffle elements (10) on the lower cross member (5). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base and cover plate (2) are preferably formed with a trapezoidal profile structure (wave-like) over the entire surface. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that bridge-like webs (17) slightly curved upward on the base and cover plate (2) are provided in the manner of projections, which act as damping elements and / or in the attachment parts or clamp pieces for the purpose the attachment can be used.

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