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(11) | EP 3 677 526 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | RETURNABLE SEPARATING STRUCTURE AND CONTAINER |
| (57) The present invention relates to the storage and transfer of parts or components.
More particularly, it relates to a separating structure which can be coupled to containers
for the storage of parts or components in an organized manner and separated from one
another.
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Object of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the storage and transfer of parts or components. More particularly, it relates to a separating structure which can be coupled to containers for the storage of parts or components in an organized manner and separated from one another.
Background of the Invention
[0002] In industry, there are different parts or components which are stored or transferred, either within the factory or to customers, for subsequent use. For example, in the automotive industry, a series of profiles are manufactured from extrudates based on EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer M-class rubber), a thermosetting polymer derived from rubber for use in sealing systems.
[0003] As these profiles, which tend to adopt a circular or oval shape due to their attachment at the ends, are being manufactured, they are stored in conventional containers, and in some cases, to prevent marks between the different stored profiles, paper separators are positioned between each profile. These paper separators have the drawback of being single-use separators because once the parts (profiles) are unpacked, these separators are disposed of, thereby leading to a large amount of waste. The current method for storing profiles furthermore has the drawback of complicating and slowing down the work of the operator given that the operator must pick up the paper separator one by one and position them between the profiles for each profile to be stored, while furthermore taking into account that the profiles are sometimes of a large size, and the placement of the paper separators becomes more complicated as a result.
[0004] Due to the foregoing, there is a need to provide a system which facilitates the return of the part separators and the placement of these separators by operators.
Description of the Invention
[0005] The present invention proposes a solution to the preceding problems by means of a returnable separating structure according to claim 1 and a container for the packing and/or transport of parts/components according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
[0006] A first inventive aspect provides a returnable separating structure suitable for separating parts/components, the structure comprising:
at least two rods separated from and arranged parallel to one another along a longitudinal direction d, each rod comprising a first end and a second end,
a plurality of separators in the form of a sheet suitable for separating parts/components, each separator comprising at least two perforations spaced apart from one another,
a stop element arranged at each of the first end and second end of the at least two rods, and
at least two fastening elements at each first end of each rod,
wherein
the separators are linked to the rods by means of passing each rod through the perforations such that the separators are adapted for being moved along the rods in the longitudinal direction d, and
the at least two fastening elements are configured for being fixed to a container for the storage and/or transport of parts/components.
[0007] Throughout this document, the present separating structure will be understood as returnable because it can be reused for storing and separating parts or components as many times as required. Depending on operator needs, the separating structure is fixed to a container through the fastening elements, and the parts are gradually being stored such that they are separated from one another by the separators in the form of a sheet.
[0008] Longitudinal direction d will be understood as a longitudinal direction of movement the separators will follow when they are moved along the rods. In other words, the rods of the present structure serve as a guide for the movement of the separators.
[0009] Separators will be understood as sheets defining layers between which the parts to be stored will be arranged. The perforations which the separators comprise advantageously allow the separators to run along the rods. In a particular example, the separators comprise two perforations spaced apart from one another such that when each rod is arranged through each perforation of the separation sheet, the sheet is stretched.
[0010] The arrangement of the stop elements at the ends of each rod advantageously prevents the separators from being able to be taken out of the separating structure when they are moved along the rods. In a particular embodiment, the stop elements are adjustable, i.e., they allow releasing or blocking the ends of each rod. Advantageously, when the stop elements are adjustable, it allows the operator to release the ends of each rod and take the separators out, either for maintenance or for exchanging the separators with new separators of a different size, for example.
[0011] The fastening elements of the present separating structure advantageously allow this structure to be coupled or fixed to a container where parts or components of interest will be stored.
[0012] Advantageously, the present separating structure allows grouping together and storing parts or components of interest in an organized manner and separated from one another. The separation of these parts or components advantageously prevents said parts or components from damaging one another as a result of the friction or contact between them, and it also prevents said parts or components from becoming disorganized or mixing with one another during transfer.
[0013] Furthermore, the movement of the separators along the rods advantageously facilitates work for the operator as well as reduces part or component storage and unpacking time. In other words, the separating structure facilitates the placement of the separators between each part or component and also the return of the separators where they are grouped together.
[0014] In a particular embodiment, the separators are made of non-woven fabric. The material from which the separators are made is advantageously a high-performance material which keeps each part or component isolated when they are stored and separated from one another through the present separating structure. In a particular embodiment, the separators are made of a plastic material.
[0015] In a particular embodiment, the rods are made of a metallic material, preferably steel. The material of the rods advantageously provides the structure with sufficient strength and stability even considering the continuous movement of the separators along these rods.
[0016] In a particular embodiment, the stop elements comprise, a first profile arranged between both rods and fixed at both first ends of each rod, and a second profile arranged between both rods and fixed at both second ends of each rod. These profiles arranged between both ends of each rod give greater stability to the separating structure, and also act as a closure or boundary at the ends of the rods, preventing the separators from being able to be taken out of these rods when they are moved along same.
[0018] In a particular embodiment, the second end of each rod is threaded; the second profile has holes suitable for the passage of the second end of each rod; and the separating structure comprises at least one nut for each rod with the second end thereof threaded, such that the second profile is fastened at the second ends of the rods by means of the nuts.
[0019] The use of nuts screwed on at the ends of the rods advantageously keeps the profiles fixed to the rods in a simple manner, and thereby providing stability to the present separating structure.
[0020] In a particular embodiment, the perforations of each separator comprise a rivet in the form of a circular washer. These rivets in the form of a circular washer advantageously protect the rods from friction and improve the sliding of the separators along the rods.
[0021] In a particular embodiment, the fastening element comprises a first splint in the form of a U-shaped clamp. The U-shaped splint defines a clamp cavity which advantageously improves the holding or fixing of the present separating structure with respect to a container.
[0022] In a particular embodiment, the fastening element further comprises a second L-shaped splint, wherein the second splint is fixed to the first splint preferably by means of a weld.
[0023] In a particular embodiment, the second splint comprises two portions, a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is fixed to the first profile at the first ends of each rod such that the rod goes through each first portion of the second splint through a hole, and the second portion is fixed to the first splint.
[0024] In a particular embodiment, the first end of each rod is threaded and goes through a hole of the first profile such that the first profile is fastened to the first portion of each second splint at the first ends of each rod by means of at least one nut.
[0025] In a second inventive aspect, the invention provides a container for the storage and/or transport of parts/components comprising:
a plurality of walls defining an inner space that is open at a first wall end and closed at a second wall end by a base, the inner space being suitable for storing parts/components, and
a separating structure according to the first inventive aspect,
wherein the fastening elements are anchored at the first wall end of a wall and the second ends of each rod are arranged on the base such that the separating structure is arranged in the inner space.[0026] Advantageously, the present container allows the operator to store parts or components of interest in an organized and isolated manner. The separating structure anchored or fixed at a first wall end of one of the walls of the container facilitates the storage and unpacking of parts or components for the operators.
[0027] In a particular embodiment, the plurality of walls are all arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction d. More particularly, the base of the container is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d.
[0028] The fact that the separating structure is fixed to the walls of the container advantageously allows the operator to gradually move each separator and group them together outside the container when unpacking the parts. Like at the start of part storage, this starts with all the separators grouped together outside the container, such that as parts are gradually placed inside the container, the operator gradually moves the separators in a quick and guided manner along the rods of the separating structure so that each separator is arranged between the parts or components.
[0029] In a particular embodiment, the container further comprises movement means, preferably wheels, attached to the base. Advantageously, these movement means allow the operator to manually or automatically move the container with the parts or components of interest stored and organized inside the container. In other words, these movement means facilitate the transport of the present container.
[0030] In a particular embodiment, one of the walls of the container is a foldable wall that can be folded outwards with respect to the inner space defined by the plurality of walls. The possibility of one of the walls being foldable, or part of said wall being foldable, facilitates the storage and unpacking of parts or components from the inside of the container for the operator.
[0031] In a particular embodiment, the first U-shaped splint according to an embodiment of the first inventive aspect has a clamp diameter which allows the passage of the wall through the inside of this first splint.
[0032] All the features and/or method steps described in this specification (including the claims, description, and drawings) can be combined in any combination, with the exception of such mutually exclusive features.
Description of the Drawings
[0033] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment given only by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.
Figure 1A shows a schematic side view of the separating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1B shows a schematic front view of the separating structure shown in Figure 1A according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 1C shows a schematic top view of a separator of the separating structure according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 1D shows a schematic front view of the separating structure shown in Figure 1A according to a particular example of the present invention. with 3 rods and separators with 3 perforations.
Figure 1E shows a schematic top view of the separator of Figure 1D according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a separating structure according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the fastening element according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 4A shows a schematic side view of the fastening element shown in Figure 3.
Figure 4B shows a schematic front view of the fastening element shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a container according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a container according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a detail of the container of Figure 5.
Figure 8 shows a detail of the container of Figure 5 in perspective view.
Figure 9 shows a detail of Figure 8.
Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a container according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a container in an operating mode according to a particular example of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows a detail of the container of Figure 11.
Figure 13 shows a top perspective view of a container in an operating mode according to a particular example of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0034] Figures 1A-1B show a particular example of a separating structure (1) comprising two longitudinal rods (2) parallel to a longitudinal direction d, each of these rods (2) comprising a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2). The structure (1) further comprises a first profile (6) positioned between both rods (2) and fixed at the first end (2.1) of each rod (2), and a second profile (7) also positioned between both rods (2) and fixed at the second end (2.2) of each rod (2). This structure (1) also comprises two fastening elements (5) connected to each first end (2.1) of each rod (2). The second profile (7) is fastened at the second ends (2.2) of the rods (2) by means of nuts (11).
[0035] In particular, it can be seen in Figure 1A how the first profile (6) and the second profile (7) have a C shape, and how the fastening element (5) comprises a first splint (8) in the form of a U-shaped clamp.
[0036] Figure 1B shows, in particular, how the two rods (2) are parallel to one another and to a longitudinal direction d, as well as how the first profile (6) and the second profile (7) are parallel to one another and transverse and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d.
[0037] The separating structure (1) further comprises a plurality of separators (not shown in Figures 1A-1B). Figure 1C shows, in particular, a separator (3) in the form of a sheet. The separator (3) comprises two perforations (4) each arranged at the ends of this sheet. The perforations (4) have a diameter such that they allow the passage of the rods (2) therethrough. Furthermore, the perforations (4) shown in this figure have a rivet (12) in the form of a circular metal washer, which facilitates the movement of the separators (3) along the rods (2) and protects them from friction with said rods (2). The separation distance between the perforations (4) of a separator (3) is such that, when the separator (3) is linked to the rods (2) by means of passing these rods through the perforations (4), the separator sheet (3) is completely stretched between both perforations (4).
[0039] Figure 1D show a particular example of a separating structure (1) comprising three longitudinal rods (2) parallel to a longitudinal direction d, each of these rods (2) comprising a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2). The structure (1) further comprises a first profile (6) positioned between the rods (2) and fixed at the first end (2.1) of each rod (2), and a second profile (7) also positioned between the rods (2) and fixed at the second end (2.2) of each rod (2). This structure (1) also comprises two fastening elements (5) connected to each first end (2.1) of each rod (2). The second profile (7) is fastened at the second ends (2.2) of the rods (2) by means of nuts (11).
[0040] Figure 1D shows, in particular, how the three rods (2) are parallel to one another and to a longitudinal direction d, as well as how the first profile (6) and the second profile (7) are parallel to one another and transverse to the longitudinal direction d.
[0041] The separating structure (1) further comprises a plurality of separators (not shown in Figure 1D). Figure 1E shows, in particular, a separator (3) in the form of a sheet. The separator (3) comprises three perforations (4) each arranged at the ends of this sheet. The perforations (4) have a diameter such that they allow the passage of the rods (2) therethrough. Furthermore, the perforations (4) shown in this figure have a rivet (12) in the form of a circular metal washer, which facilitates the movement of the separators (3) along the rods (2) and protects them from friction with said rods (2). The separation distance between the perforations (4) of a separator (3) is such that when the separator (3) is linked to the rods (2) of the structure (1) shown in Figure 1D by means of passing these rods through the perforations (4), the separator sheet (3) is completely stretched between the three perforations (4).
[0042] This particular example of a separating structure (1) with three rods (2) shown in Figure 1D is suitable for larger size containers in which the separating structure (1) is fixed so that the parts or components to be stored in said container are kept completely isolated without contacting one another, i.e., they are separated from one another by means of separators. The larger the size of the containers, the higher the number of rods the separating structure which is fixed to said container will comprise.
[0044] Figure 2 shows a detail of the upper portion of the separating structure (1) which shows how the first C-shaped profile (6) is fastened to the fastening element (5) and to a rod (2) by means of the threading of two nuts (11) and the corresponding washers. A first nut is screwed on the rod (2) on the inside of the first profile (6) and a second nut is screwed on the rod (2) on the outside of the first profile (6), in both cases with the interposition of washers. The fastening element (5) shown in this figure comprises a first splint (8) in the form of a U-shaped clamp, and a second L-shaped splint (9). The fastening element (5) is fastened to the first profile (6) and the rod (2) through a first portion (9.1) of the second splint (9). In particular, the first portion (9.1) of the second splint (9) comprises a hole (9.3) (shown in Figure 3) which the rod (2) passes through, such that the fastening element (5) is fixed to the first profile (7) and the rod (2) through the nuts (11) shown in Figure 2.
[0045] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a fastening element (5) suitable for being fixed to a container for the storage and/or transport of parts/components. The fastening element (5) comprises a first U-shaped splint (8) and a second L-shaped splint (9). This second splint (9) comprises a first portion (9.1) parallel to the longitudinal direction d, and a second portion (9.2) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d. The second portion (9.2) comprises a hole (9.3) the diameter of which allows the passage of the rod (2).
[0046] Figures 4A-4B show two detailed views of the fastening element (5) of Figure 3. In particular, it shows how the second splint (9) is attached to the first splint (8) by means of a weld (16) welding the second portion(9.2) of the second splint (9) to one of the C-shaped segments of the first splint (8). This attachment by means of welding can also be seen in Figure 2.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the first splint (8) has a height of 70 cm; the second portion (9.2) of the second splint (9) has a height of 50 cm; the first portion (9.1) has a width of 30 cm and a length of 30 cm; and the diameter of the hole (9.3) of the second splint (9) is 10 cm.
[0048] Figures 5-6 show a container (10) comprising a plurality of walls (13) defining an inner space (15) closed at a second wall end by a base (14). The container (10) further comprises a separating structure (1) having two rods (2) each positioned in a corner of the container (10). In particular, Figure 5 shows how the separating structure (1) comprises a second profile (7) which is supported on the base (14), and how a set of separators (3) are grouped together outside the container (10). On the other hand, Figure 6 shows a separating structure (1) fixed to a wall (13) by means of a fastening element (5) at a first end (13.1) of the wall (13). Furthermore, it shows how the structure (1) has a first profile (6) fastened to the fastening element (5). In particular, Figure 6 shows how the separators (3) are stacked inside the container (10), all of them being fastened to the rods (2) by means of passing these rods (2) through the perforations (4) of each separator (3).
[0049] Figure 7 shows a detail of the separating structure (1) anchored or fixed to the container (10). In particular, it shows how the first splint (8) is supported on and clamps a first end (13.1) of the wall (13) of one of the walls (13). The fastening of the fastening element (5) to the first profile (6) and the rod (2) corresponds to that described in Figure 2.
[0050] Figure 8 shows a detail of the separating structure (2) supported on the base (14) of the container (10). In particular, it shows how the second profile (7) is supported on said base (14), as well as how the rod (2) goes through the second profile (7) .
[0051] Figure 9 shows in greater detail the arrangement of the second profile (7) of the separating structure (1) inside the container (10). In particular, it can be seen how the rod (2) is fixed to the second profile (7) by means of the threading of a nut (11).
[0052] Figure 10 shows a container (10) like the one which has been defined for Figures 6-7. It can be seen in this Figure 10 how the container (10) comprises a foldable wall (17) that can be folded outwards with respect to said container (10). Furthermore, it shows a plurality of separators (3) arranged stacked on top of one another in the inner space (15) of the container (10), and how a separator (3) is arranged outside the container (10), being folded over the first wall end (13.1) of one of the walls (13).
[0053] Figures 11-13 show a container (10) in an operating mode when a plurality of parts (18) are stacked on top of one another inside this container (10) such that each part (18) is separated from the other parts by means of the separators (3) of a separating structure (1) coupled in said container (10).
[0054] Figure 12 is a detail of the container (10) of Figure 11 in which the arrangement or stacking of the parts (18) separated from one another by the separators (3) can be seen. In these figures, the container (10) comprises a foldable wall (17) which is open or folded outwards with respect to this container (10). The folding of this wall (17) allows seeing the stack of parts (18) between the separators inside the container (10) in detail.
[0055] In a particular example, a plurality of parts (18) are stacked between separators (3) inside a container (10). In other words, Figure 13 shows a plurality of parts (18) arranged on a separator (3). Furthermore, this figure shows how the separating structure (1) has a separator (3) arranged outside the container (10), where this separator is understood to be the separator that will be positioned on the plurality of parts (18) arranged in the uppermost portion of the container (10).
1. A returnable separating structure (1) suitable for separating parts/components (18),
the structure (1) comprising:
at least two rods (2) separated from and arranged parallel to one another along a longitudinal direction d, each rod (2) comprising a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2),
a plurality of separators (3) in the form of a sheet suitable for separating parts/components (18), each separator comprising at least two perforations (4) spaced apart from one another,
a stop element (6, 7) arranged at each of the first end (2.1) and second end (2.2) of the at least two rods (2), and
at least two fastening elements (5) at each first end (2.1) of each rod (2),
wherein
the separators (3) are linked to the rods (2) by means of passing each rod (2) through the perforations (4), such that the separators (3) are adapted for being moved along the rods (2) in the longitudinal direction d, and
the at least two fastening elements (5) are configured for being fixed to a container (10) for the storage and/or transport of parts/components (18).
2. The separating structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separators (3) are made of non-woven fabric.
3. The separating structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rods (2) are made of a metallic material, preferably steel.
4. The separating structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop elements comprise
a first profile (6) arranged between both rods (2) and fixed at both first ends (2.1) of each rod (2), and
a second profile (7) arranged between both rods (2) and fixed at both second ends (2.2) of each rod (2).
a first profile (6) arranged between both rods (2) and fixed at both first ends (2.1) of each rod (2), and
a second profile (7) arranged between both rods (2) and fixed at both second ends (2.2) of each rod (2).
5. The separating structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first profile (6) and the second profile (7) are C-shaped profiles.
6. The separating structure (1) according to any of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that
the second end (2.2) of each rod (2) is threaded,
the second profile (7) has holes suitable for the passage of the second end (2.2) of each rod (2), and
it comprises at least one nut (11) for each rod (2) with a threaded second end (2.2),
such that the second profile (7) is fastened at the second ends (2.2) of the rods (2) by means of the nuts (11).
the second end (2.2) of each rod (2) is threaded,
the second profile (7) has holes suitable for the passage of the second end (2.2) of each rod (2), and
it comprises at least one nut (11) for each rod (2) with a threaded second end (2.2),
such that the second profile (7) is fastened at the second ends (2.2) of the rods (2) by means of the nuts (11).
7. The separating structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perforations (4) of each separator (3) comprise a rivet (12) in the form of a
circular washer.
8. The separating structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (5) comprises a first splint (8) in the form of a U-shaped
clamp.
9. The separating structure (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening element (5) further comprises a second L-shaped splint (9), wherein
the second splint (9) is fixed to the first splint (8) preferably by means of a weld
(16).
10. The separating structure (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6 and according to claim
8, characterized in that the second splint (9) comprises two portions, a first portion (9.1) and a second
portion (9.2), wherein
the first portion (9.1) is fixed to the first profile (6) at the first ends (2.1) of each rod (2), such that the rod (2) goes through each first portion (9.1) of the second splint (9) through a hole (9.3), and
the second portion (9.2) is fixed to the first splint (8).
the first portion (9.1) is fixed to the first profile (6) at the first ends (2.1) of each rod (2), such that the rod (2) goes through each first portion (9.1) of the second splint (9) through a hole (9.3), and
the second portion (9.2) is fixed to the first splint (8).
11. The separating structure (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first end (2.1) of each rod (2) is threaded and goes through a hole of the first
profile (6), such that the first profile (6) is fastened to the first portion (9.1)
of each second splint (9) at the first ends (2.1) of each rod (2) by means of at least
one nut (11).
12. A container (10) for the storage and/or transport of parts/components (18), comprising:
a plurality of walls (13) defining an inner space (15) that is open at a first wall end (13.1) and closed at a second wall end by a base (14), the inner space (15) being suitable for storing parts/components (18), and
a separating structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the fastening elements (5) are anchored at the first wall end (13.1) of a wall (13) and the second ends (2.2) of each rod (2) are arranged on the base (14), such that the separating structure (1) is arranged in the inner space (15).13. The container (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises movement means, preferably wheels, attached to the base (14).
14. The container (10) according to any of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that one of the walls (13) is a foldable wall (17) that can be folded outwards with respect
to the inner space (15) defined by the plurality of walls (13).
15. The container (10) according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first U-shaped splint (8) according to claim 8 has a clamp diameter which allows
the passage of the wall (13) through the inside of this first splint (8).