阅读说明：本技术 特别是用于工业产品的可折叠模块化包装 (Foldable modular package, in particular for industrial products ) 是由 迪迪埃·尚邦 于 2018-12-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种可折叠模块化包装(1),其特征在于它包括：至少四个板(10),它们可以在折叠位置和展开位置之间移动,在折叠位置中,板(10)彼此堆叠,在展开位置中,板(10)形成限定内部容积(12)的平行六面体框架(11)；适于布置在所述内部容积(12)中的柔性内部容器(20)；以及组装系统(30),其包括在每个板(10)和至少一个相邻板(10)之间形成枢转链接的链接元件(31)。(The invention relates to a foldable modular package (1), characterized in that it comprises: at least four plates (10) movable between a folded position, in which the plates (10) are stacked on one another, and an unfolded position, in which the plates (10) form a parallelepiped frame (11) defining an internal volume (12); a flexible inner container (20) adapted to be disposed in the interior volume (12); and an assembly system (30) comprising linking elements (31) forming a pivoting link between each panel (10) and at least one adjacent panel (10).)

1. A foldable modular package (1), characterized in that it comprises:

-at least four plates (10), said plates (10) being movable between:

-a folded position in which the plates (10) are stacked on top of each other, an

-a deployed position in which the panels (10) form a parallelepiped frame (11) defining an internal volume (12);

-a flexible inner container (20), the flexible inner container (20) being placeable in the inner volume (12); and

-an assembly system (30), said assembly system (30) comprising linking elements (31) forming a pivoting link between each panel (10) and at least one adjacent panel (10).

2. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the folded position the flexible inner container (20) is retracted between the panels (10).

3. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (10) are interchangeable.

4. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (10) is flat.

5. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking element (31) forms a 360-degree pivoting link between each panel (10) and at least one adjacent panel (10).

6. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises six movable panels (10) able to form said parallelepiped frame (11).

7. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a lower frame (40), said lower frame (40) being designed to be inserted between a lower plate (10) of the packaging (1) and a standardized handling tray (50), wherein said frame (40) has a lower surface (41) comprising projecting elements (42), said projecting elements (42) corresponding in size and position to open spaces (51) in said tray (50).

8. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the folded position, with the flexible inner container (20) retracted between the panels (10), the packaging (1) occupies a minimum volume with a covering surface strictly lower than the surface of a standardized handling tray (50).

9. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking element (31) is positioned at each edge between two adjacent panels (10).

10. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible inner container (20) is airtight.

11. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible inner container (20) comprises at least two layers comprising one outer layer and at least one airtight inner layer.

12. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible inner container (20) comprises at least one opening (24) for filling or emptying.

13. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible inner container (20) comprises at least one opening (24) for filling in an upper portion and an opening (25) for emptying in a lower portion.

14. A package (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the opening (24, 25) of the flexible inner container (20) is connected to a mounting of a panel (10) defined by its position relative to the inner volume (12).

15. The packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the assembly system (30) comprises locking means (34), said locking means (34) being able to lock the frame (11) in the unfolded position.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a foldable modular package, in particular of the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) type, for packaging and protecting different products. The field of the invention is product handling, transport and storage.

Background

In a known manner, IBC is used for packaging and protecting liquid, viscous or solid products, powders and aggregates that may have state changes and which are spread by expansion. The volumes involved include the range 50 litres to 1250 litres.

Indeed, the package must maintain its integrity over time for normal storage and transport use associated with all typical interior and exterior climatic conditions.

Currently available packages are constructed as rigid shells. It can be cylindrical or parallelepipedal, metal, sheet, or obtained by injection of a solution, by blowing of a plastic material, so as to obtain a complete volumetric form. It must be manufactured in a special unit and then transported and stored empty, while occupying a large volume. This therefore has a negative effect on the logistic chain.

After use, the end user of the IBC packaged product must perform a recycling, in a regulatory sense, such packages are transported again almost empty, in order to eliminate what the entire hollow body is deemed to be wasted. This translates into the use of large amounts of energy and large amounts of water used to process all of the constituent materials of the package. The package is repaired for reuse by repair or refurbishment. In the event of eventual failure of the packaging, waste is generated from the total mass of the hollow body.

US5002194A describes a collapsible modular package for transporting liquids. The package comprises six panels which are movable between a folded position, in which the panels are stacked on top of each other, and an unfolded position, in which the panels form a parallelepiped frame defining an internal volume. The lower plate includes a foot. The package includes a flexible inner container adapted to be disposed within the interior volume of the frame. The container comprises thin walls such that when the container is filled with a liquid, the container cannot support itself without a frame. When a plurality of packaged articles are stacked on top of each other, the container is equipped with stiffeners to support the legs of the upper package. The package includes an assembly system including a linking element forming a pivotal link between each panel and at least one adjacent panel. When the package is removed, the container fitted with the reinforcement is removed by clearing one of the side panels or the upper panel. In the folded position, the container does not retract between the panels. This complicates handling and transport of the package, where the frame is on one side and the container is fitted with stiffeners on the other side.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved package for solving the above mentioned drawbacks.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a foldable modular package, characterized in that it comprises: at least four plates movable between a folded position, in which the plates are stacked on one another, and an unfolded position, in which the plates form a parallelepiped frame defining an internal volume; a flexible inner container adapted to be disposed in the interior volume; and an assembly system comprising linking elements forming a pivotal link between each panel and at least one adjacent panel.

The invention thus enables to obtain, before their implementation, a versatile, high-performance and practical packaging for all types of liquid, viscous or solid products. During transport and storage in the space-conserving phase, the empty package volume is significantly reduced. Once filled, the package is able to preserve the properties of all materials contained. The invention thus makes it possible to ensure transport and storage under all the usual conditions and the climatic conditions encountered. The final geometry of the product can be obtained manually without tools and the assembled parts define an inseparable whole.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, considered alone or in combination:

in the folded position, the flexible inner container is retracted between the panels.

The plates are interchangeable.

The plates are identical.

The plate is flat.

The plate comprises a flat lower plate. The lower plate is free of hollows or cavities for accommodating the flexible inner container, for example when the frame is folded.

The link elements form a 360 degree pivotal link between each plate and at least one adjacent plate.

The package comprises six movable panels able to form a parallelepiped frame.

The packaging comprises a lower frame designed to be inserted between the lower plate of the packaging and the standardized handling tray, the frame having a lower surface comprising projecting elements corresponding in size and position to the open spaces in the tray.

In the folded position, the flexible inner container is retracted between the panels, the packaging occupying a minimum volume, with the covering surface strictly below the surface of the standardized handling tray.

A linking element is positioned at each edge between two adjacent plates.

The link elements are constituted by leaf-shaped elements, each comprising a number of spirals engaging two adjacent plates so as to form a pivoting link between said plates.

The linking element comprises a blade positioned at each edge between two adjacent plates.

The link element is constituted by a ring which engages two adjacent plates to form a pivoting link between said plates.

The flexible inner container comprises means for hooking the frame formed by the plates.

The flexible inner container is airtight.

The flexible inner container comprises at least two layers, including an outer layer and at least one airtight inner layer.

The flexible inner container comprises only two layers, namely one outer layer and one airtight inner layer.

The outer layer is non-airtight, for example made of fabric.

The outer layer is airtight.

The flexible inner container comprises one non-airtight layer and at least three airtight inner layers.

The flexible inner container comprises at least one opening for filling or emptying.

The flexible inner container comprises an opening for filling in the upper portion and an opening for emptying in the lower portion.

-one opening in the flexible inner container is connected to a mounting of the panel defined by its position relative to the inner volume.

The opening in the upper part is connected to the upper plate.

The opening in the lower part is connected to the side plate.

The flexible inner container lacks rigid stiffeners.

The assembly system comprises locking means able to lock the frame in the deployed position.

The locking means comprise one piece with two L-shaped branches fitted with notches for attachment to the plate.

The locking means comprise one part with a single L-shaped branch fitted with a notch for attachment to the plate.

The packaging or IBC according to the invention is very versatile and suitable for all the cases in the field of handling, storing and transporting liquid, viscous or solid type products, powders or aggregates after a change of state.

According to the applicant's experiments, the space saving for the same package volume was 10 times. For example, 100m³The HGV truck in (1) will transport 336 equivalents of 1000 liter IBC packages instead of 52. Thus, a reduction in the transport volume for recovery and conversion is also possible; the same is true for the space reserved for storing hollow bodies. It is important to note the reduction in the associated carbon impact.

Furthermore, due to the use of a flexible container comprising an airtight lower layer, many packages can be reused for another filling, replacing only the inner layer in contact with the product.

Thus, thanks to the invention, during all the life phases of the package: volume, weight and manner can be saved, as well as significant cost reductions, during handling, transportation, storage and repackaging.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given purely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a package according to the invention in an unfolded position enabling the product to be packaged;

figure 2 is an exploded view of the lower part of the package;

figure 3 is a perspective view of the package during the change to the unfolded position;

figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower part of the package;

figure 5 shows two side plates moving relative to each other;

figure 6 is a perspective view of the package in the folded position;

figure 7 is a perspective view of a flexible container provided for equipping a package;

figure 8 is a perspective view of the package in the unfolded position;

figure 9 is a perspective view of an opening of a package for emptying a product;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the opening in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10;

figures 12 and 13 show two embodiments of the locking element;

figure 14 is a perspective view of two plates connected by a ring; and

figure 15 is a perspective view showing packages of different sizes arranged in different configurations.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 13 show a foldable modular package (1) and its constituent elements, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The package (1) comprises six panels (10), a flexible inner container (20) and an assembly system (30).

Six plates (10) are movable between:

-a folded position in which the plates (10) are stacked on top of each other, and

-a deployed position in which the plate (10) forms a parallelepiped frame (11), the parallelepiped frame (11) being cubic in shape, defining a hollow internal volume (12).

Each plate (10) presents a grid made of metal wires. The positions of the frame lines may be different, intersecting or alternating. The plates (10) can be assembled by welding, wherein the two wires are in contact according to a screen suitable for the forces defined by their chains and frame. The plate (10) is treated to prevent corrosion and is free of any roughness.

Preferably, the package (1) comprises six panels (10), which enable the formation of a cube which is closed on all its sides in the unfolded position, defining a housing.

Alternatively, only five or four panels (10) may be implemented to form a cube that opens on certain sides in the unfolded position.

Advantageously, the plates (10) are interchangeable. This considerably simplifies the assembly of the package (1). In fact, it is not necessary to find the lower plate first, then the side plates and then the upper plate to produce the assembly using the linking element (31).

The flexible container (20) is designed to be placed in the interior volume (12) marked by the panel (10) in the unfolded or folded position.

When the package (1) is unfolded, the unfolded container (20) has the same volume as the volume (12) defined by the structure of the assembled and unfolded frame (11).

When the package (1) is folded, the containers (20) are retracted between the panels (10). This considerably facilitates handling and transport of the package (1) compared to a package in which the folding frame and the container are separate.

The container (20) comprises at least two flexible layers, including one non-airtight or airtight outer layer and at least one airtight inner layer.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container (20) comprises a non-airtight outer layer, such as fabric canvas, and an airtight inner layer.

The container (20) may be made of Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PET), Polyamide (PA), aramid, polymer based on glass fibers, and the like. The container (20), particularly canvas, may include additives that provide protection against ultraviolet radiation. The canvas may be made of braided wire and/or coloured material. The constituent materials of the inner layer are selected to be inherently compatible with the packaged product.

The container (20) comprises means (21) for hooking the frame (11) formed by the plate (10). These hooking means (21) may be textile links, connecting the container (20) to the plate (10) by means of knots, so as to achieve a completely reversible link.

The container (20) comprises means (22) for being operated by an operator. These operating means (22) may be handles attached to the upper four corners of the container (20). More precisely, the handle is connected to the upper layer of the container (20).

The container (20) comprises at least one opening (24, 25) for filling or emptying the product. Preferably, the container (20) comprises an opening (24) for filling in the upper part and an opening (25) for emptying in the lower part. The openings (24, 25) may be connected to the frame (11) by hooks (35).

The package (1) may comprise a sleeve-type or a flap-type opening to adapt the package (1) to liquid or solid products. The size of the opening is thus adapted to the intended use. These sleeves or flaps may be connected by ties, velcro, zippers, buttons, hook-type devices, or the like. The opening may be equipped with an airtight opening and closing mechanism suitable for the material of the package. For example, the lower opening (25) may be blocked by a valve or plug (26), as shown in fig. 9-11.

The assembly system (30) comprises linking elements (31) forming a pivoting link between each panel (10) and at least one adjacent panel (10).

Preferably, the link elements (31) form a 360 degree pivotal link between adjacent panels (10). The plate (10) can pivot on two sides instead of only one. This makes it significantly easier to handle the panel (10) when assembling or disassembling the package (1).

In the example of fig. 1 to 13, each linking element (31) is represented as a blade (311) comprising a plurality of spirals. Spirally engaging two adjacent plates (10) so as to form a pivotal link between said plates (10). Preferably, a vane (311) is positioned at each edge between two adjacent plates (10). The blade (311) is made of a wire with variable diameter and number of spirals. The vanes (311) provide a fixed but reversible multipoint link between the six plates (10). The blades (311) have dimensions suitable for this purpose. The ends of the vanes (311) may be provided with stop shapes to limit their travel along the edges between the plates (10). The blade (311) has the advantage of forming a fixed link, but the fixed connection can be removed without the use of tools.

Other forms of element (31) are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention.

The assembly system (30) may include a stiffener (32) to secure the container (20) to the frame (11) and distribute forces within the package (1). The container (20) may have a bracket (27) that constitutes a location for the positioning reinforcement (32).

The assembly system (30) may comprise stiffeners (33) between the plates (10) of the frame (11).

In the figures, the stiffeners (33) are represented as rods placed diagonally in the upper four corners of the frame (11) at the handle (22). Each reinforcement (33) is connected to two adjacent side plates (10).

Alternatively, the stiffeners (33) may be placed in the four upper corners and the four lower corners.

The assembly system (30) further comprises locking means (34) able to lock the frame (11) in the deployed position.

As shown in fig. 1, 3 and 12, these locking means (34) may comprise one piece with two perpendicular branches of an L-shape. The part comprises a notch which works together with the wire of the plate (10). The component is positioned on a corner of the frame (11) and enables three adjacent panels (10) to be connected.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 13, these locking means (34) may comprise a part formed by a single branch comprising a notch. The component is positioned on a corner or edge of the frame (11) and enables two adjacent panels (10) to be connected.

The package (1) comprises a lower frame (40), the lower frame (40) being designed to be inserted between a lower plate (10) of the package (1) and a standardized handling tray (50). The frame (40) has a lower side (41) comprising protruding elements (42), the protruding elements (42) corresponding in size and position to open spaces (51) in the tray (50).

The assembly of the package (1) is summarized as follows:

-the frame (40) is positioned on the tray (50);

-the lower plate (10) is fixed to the frame (40);

-placing the folded flexible container (20) on the lower plate (10);

-the other five panels (10) are fixed to the lower panel (10) and to each other thanks to the linking elements (31);

-the filling opening (24) is positioned opposite the upper plate (10) of the frame (11).

In its folded position, the package (1) can be easily stored and transported. The containers (20) are retracted between the plates (10) so that the folded package (1) can be handled and transported as a single component.

For moving to the deployed position, the plates (10) of the frame (11) are manually deployed by clockwise or anticlockwise axial rotation (figure 5); this enables each plate (10) of the frame (11) to be positioned relative to an adjacent plate (10).

The volume marked by the plate (10) of the frame (11) at the end of expansion is, for example, a polyhedron or a cuboid. A flexible container (20) comprising at least two layers is also unfolded in synchronism with the sheet (10). The flexible container (20) is attached to the plate (10) by the number of knotted connections (21) required for the total expansion of the container (20) during its deployment.

The package (1) is modular, wherein the panel (10), the container (20) and the frame (40) are presented as distinct modules, assembled by an assembly system (30).

Fig. 14 shows a variant of the linking element (31) forming a pivoting link between two plates (10). The elements (31) are present as rings (312) distributed along the hinge between the plates (10), defined by a common guide between the plates (10). The loops (312) form clips that are initially open and can be sequentially closed by plastic deformation along the plate (10). Once again closed, the loop (312) forms a loop providing a pivotal link between the plates (10).

Fig. 15 shows a plurality of packages (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) of different sizes:

-the package (1A) is a cuboid defining a volume of 60 liters;

-the package (1B) is a cube defining a volume of 120 liters;

-the package (1C) is a cuboid defining a volume of 225 liters;

-the package (1D) is a cube defining a volume of 500 litres;

the package (1E) is a cube defining a volume of 1000 liters.

The packages (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) can be positioned in different ways on the same standard tray (50), for example CP3 tray 1140mm wide and 1140mm long, occupying a footprint strictly lower than the footprint of the tray (50).

The cube-shaped package (1E) corresponds to the package (1) in fig. 1 to 13, intended to place itself on a standard tray (50).

Thus, the package (1) may be presented in different sizes and similar or slightly different configurations, according to a range suitable for all types of applications.

The invention provides a first level of modularity for constructing each package (1) and a second level of modularity for the layout of the different packages (1) on standard or non-standard storage and transport units, such as trays (50), containers, trailers, etc.

Indeed, the package (1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) may be configured differently from fig. 1 to 15, without going beyond the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

In a variant not shown, the flexible inner container (20) may comprise a plurality of airtight inner layers. According to this variant, after the first product is transported, the inner layer is removed and the packaging can transport another product without the need to clean or replace the flexible container (20).

According to another variant, not shown, the flexible inner container (20) may be provided with an intermediate layer forming a lining between the outer and inner layers, in order to provide improved thermal insulation.

According to another variant, not shown, the linking element (31) may comprise a binding wire arranged along the hinge between the two plates (10).

According to another variant, not shown, the plate (10) can be made of hollow section bars with different sections, metal or all other materials.

According to another variant, not shown, the plates (10) are identical. This simplifies their manufacture and then their assembly.

According to a first embodiment, the plate (10) does not comprise holes for the openings (24, 25) of the containers (20). When the container (20) is positioned in the interior volume (12), the grid in the plate (20) may be cut to accommodate the position of the openings (24, 25).

According to a second embodiment, all the plates (10) comprise holes in the centre and the edges, which are adapted to receive the openings (24, 25) of the containers (20).

According to another variant, not shown, the package (1) may lack a frame (40) for attachment to the tray (50).

Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variations described above may be combined with each other in their entirety or for some of them. Thus, the packaging can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.