DE102014110932B3 - Retrofit kit for a freight container, freight container with retrofit kit and process for retrofitting a freight container - Google Patents

Abstract

Retrofit kit for retrofitting a cargo container (10) for handling by a forklift, comprising: - a functional unit with at least one receptacle (43, 43 ', 43' ', 43' '') for receiving a fork of a forklift, - at least one on a Fastening device (50, 50 ') attached to the edge of the functional unit for producing a detachable connection to a freight container (10), wherein a snap-fit or latching connection can be produced by means of the fastening device.

Description

The present invention relates to a retrofit kit for retrofitting a freight container for handling by a forklift and a corresponding container and a corresponding method for retrofitting a container.

Freight containers and cargo pallets (ULDs) are indispensable for the effective transport of cargo in airplanes, as they allow fast loading and unloading of the aircraft. The vast majority of commercial aircraft can accommodate a variety of freight containers or cargo pallets. Most containers are standardized so that they can be used independently of the aircraft used during transport.

Nevertheless, there are many variations of freight containers. For example, some domestic aircraft operators use cargo containers that allow for handling by a forklift. These freight containers are commonly referred to as "forkliftable".

1 shows a corresponding freight container that can be handled by a forklift.

The freight container 10 essentially forms a cuboid, which can be loaded with freight items, such as suitcases. There is a floor plate 20 , on the side a left side wall 11 and a right side wall 12 are attached. The two side walls 11 . 12 are through a back wall 13 connected with each other. The roof of the freight container 20 forms the ceiling wall 15 , In the in 1 As shown, the container is open towards the image plane (front). The bottom plate is several inches thick and has recesses into which the fork of a forklift can be inserted. The corresponding openings thus form recordings 43 . 43 ' for receiving the fork of the forklift.

One problem with these freight containers is that they are very heavy. A corresponding container can have a dead weight of about 100 kg. The higher the weight of the cargo containers, the less freight can be transported on an aircraft without exceeding the maximum authorized load weight. It should be obvious that reducing the dead weight of the containers used has significant financial and environmental implications.

Furthermore, there are regulations prohibiting the use of corresponding "forkliftable" containers in international air traffic. The operators of aircraft therefore have to maintain in part several sets of freight containers. This is expensive and impractical.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which makes it possible to save weight during transport of freight by means of freight containers, to carry out the transport more efficiently and / or to allow the operators of aircraft the simple changeover of freight containers.

This object is achieved by the retrofit kit according to claim 1, the freight container according to claim 11 and the method according to claim 14.

• – eine Funktionseinheit mit mindestens einer Aufnahme zur Aufnahme einer Gabel eines Gabelstaplers,
• – mindestens eine an einem Rand der Funktionseinheit angebrachte Befestigungseinrichtung zur Herstellung einer lösbaren Verbindung zu einem Frachtcontainer.

In particular, this object is achieved by a retrofit kit for retrofitting a freight container for handling by a forklift, the retrofit kit comprising:

• A functional unit with at least one receptacle for receiving a fork of a fork-lift truck,
• - At least one attached to an edge of the functional unit fastening means for producing a detachable connection to a freight container.

A core of the present invention is that the necessary for receiving the fork of the fork lift truck or the necessary recordings are part of a functional unit that can be detachably connected to the freight container. Preferably, this connection is designed such that it acts on train. The retrofit kit can therefore be arranged inside the freight container. The connection to the freight container then only needs to be designed in such a way that the dead weight of the freight container can be borne. The remaining charge preferably rests on the planar functional unit. For this reason, the fastening device can be relatively small in size, since it has to absorb a small load.

The fastening device is preferably a fastening device which makes it possible to produce a snap or latching connection. In this respect, the retrofit kit can be quickly and easily inserted into the freight container.

The functional unit may be made at least partially of fiber-reinforced plastic. This allows a very lightweight design of the retrofit kit. Furthermore, a corresponding retrofit kit is corrosion resistant.

The at least one fastening device may comprise bolts for latching in a perforated rail, in particular a seat rail. Modern and well-thought-out containers have perforated rails in their interior in order to be able to attach lashing straps and nets. These perforated rails can be used according to the invention to attach the retrofit kit in or on the container. Corresponding bolts for producing a detachable connection are known. The fastening device and the hole rail according to the invention may be designed such as in the EP 0 581 072 is described.

In one embodiment, the bolts may be rotatably supported and have at least partially oval or elliptical end plates. The end plates can be inserted in an insertion state in the hole rail and can be rotated there so that they fix the retrofit kit in the hole rail. In one embodiment, the fastening devices are arranged laterally on the retrofit kit.

Due to the arrangement of the retrofit kit inside the freight container, it is not necessary to make a surface connection to the container. Rather, the said punctual fortifications are sufficient.

The retrofit kit may comprise at least two (eg on two opposite sides) or three, preferably at least four attachment devices. These are attached in one embodiment to an edge of the functional device.

At least one photograph may have a minimum width of at least 15 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 25 cm. Because of this relatively generously sized clearance, it is possible to use different forks for transporting the freight container. In particular, forks can be used in which the distances between the individual prongs differ from one another. Handling the containers is easy. Preferably, the distances and the size of the images are adapted to conventional or standardized truck dimensions.

Two shots may have a distance of at least 20 cm or at least 25 cm or at least 30 cm to each other.

In one embodiment, the retrofit kit has three receptacles. In another embodiment, it has two pairs of receptacles. The majority of photographs makes it possible, as already explained, to use a variety of highly distinctive forks for transporting the freight containers. Further, by providing a plurality of receptacles, it is possible to provide a retrofit kit that can accommodate a variety of different forks, with areas to the front that have no receptacles. These areas can be used to provide functional elements that are important to the cargo container's functions and should not be damaged by the fork. For example, straps or struts for stiffening the container or for closing the entrance area can be provided on the reception-free areas.

The functional unit may comprise a base plate on which tunnels for forming the receptacles are arranged. The base plate may have a substantially rectangular configuration over which the tunnels extend in the transverse direction (top view).

In a front view, the tunnels can form a kind of honeycomb, which are separated from each other by valleys.

• – eine Bodenplatte;
• – eine Deckenplatte;
• – eine Vielzahl von Seitenwänden, insbesondere aus faserverstärktem Kunststoff,
• – einen Nachrüstsatz,

wobei die Funktionseinheit im Inneren des Frachtcontainers, insbesondere flächig, auf der Bodenplatte des Frachtcontainers angeordnet und über die mindestens eine Befestigungseinrichtung mit dem Frachtcontainer verbunden ist.The object stated at the outset is further achieved by a freight container for an aircraft, which comprises:

• - a bottom plate;
• - a ceiling plate;
• A plurality of side walls, in particular of fiber-reinforced plastic,
• - a retrofit kit,

wherein the functional unit in the interior of the freight container, in particular flat, arranged on the bottom plate of the freight container and connected via the at least one fastening means to the freight container.

The retrofit kit may be configured as described above. There are similar advantages, as they have already been explained in connection with the retrofit kit.

The bottom plate is preferably mounted in a frame. This frame may be made of a metal alloy, such as an aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, the frame makes the connection between the bottom plate and the side walls. Preferably, the attachment means of the retrofit kit are mounted in the frame of the freight container. On an immediate connection of the functional unit with the bottom plate can be omitted due to the said constructive measures.

The connection between retrofit kit and frame is preferably a detachable connection. For example, in the frame or individual sections of the frame one or more perforated rails are provided, which make it possible to lock the fastening devices there. An attachment to the frame also has the advantage that the dead weight when lifting the freight container by means of a forklift directly to the functional unit depends. The bottom plate of the freight container therefore need not be designed to withstand this tensile load. For example, the bottom plate can be at least partially made of a very light fiber-reinforced plastic.

The container may include a tarpaulin for closing an entrance area of the freight container. Preferably, this tarpaulin comprises individual sections for closing the receptacles of the retrofit kit.

These sections can be folded down, so that even with a closed tarpaulin sections can be brought into a state in which the images are accessible from the outside. Preferably, the container comprises a mechanism for fixing the sections in the folded-down and / or folded-up state. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be provided.

• a) Einlegen einer Funktionseinheit mit mindestens zwei Aufnahmen zur Aufnahme einer Gabel eines Gabelstaplers in den Frachtcontainer;
• b) Verbinden der Funktionseinheit mit mindestens einem Strukturelement des Frachtcontainers, vorzugsweise über eine lösbare Verbindung.

The said object is further achieved by a method for retrofitting a freight container, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) inserting a functional unit with at least two receptacles for receiving a fork of a forklift in the freight container;
• b) connecting the functional unit with at least one structural element of the freight container, preferably via a detachable connection.

Again, there are the benefits already mentioned.

The invention will be described by means of several embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to figures. Hereby show:

1 a freight container according to the prior art;

2 a freight container according to the invention with retrofit kit;

3 a detailed view of the retrofit kit 2 ;

4 a front view of the freight container 2 ;

5 a freight container with an alternatively equipped retrofit kit;

6 an exemplary view of a profile strip for use in the container according to 2 or according to 5 ,

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

The 1 was already explained in more detail in the introduction.

2 shows a freight container according to the invention 10 , This consists essentially of a base plate 20 , a left sidewall 11 , a right sidewall 12 , a back wall 13 and a ceiling wall 15 together. The bottom plate 20 is substantially rectangular in shape and in a frame 30 made of aluminum profiles and connecting corners. The frame 30 consists of a left frame profile 31 , a right frame profile 32 , a rear frame profile 33 and a front frame profile 34 together. The frame profiles 31 - 34 are hollow sections that are connected by corners. The front frame profile 34 builds only a few inches. Inside the freight container 10 is the retrofit kit according to the invention 40 arranged. In a plan view, this also has a substantially rectangular shape. The retrofit kit 40 is about fasteners 50 . 50 ' with the frame 30 , more precisely the frame profiles 31 - 34 connected.

As in the 2 and 3 has shown, an embodiment of the retrofit kit according to the invention 40 a retrofit floor 41 on, the area essentially over the entire bottom plate 20 extends. There are four tunnels at the top of this retrofit floor 42 . 42 ' . 42 '' . 42 ''' arranged. These tunnels 42 - 42 ''' extend essentially over the entire width of the retrofit floor 31 ,

In one embodiment, the tunnels are 42 - 42 ''' towards the front (entrance area 17 ) open and closed at the end (back). The shutter plates at the back of the tunnel 42 - 42 ''' can be used to stiffen the through the tunnels 42 - 42 ''' and through the retrofit floor 41 contribute to the functional unit formed. However, it is also possible according to the invention, the back of the tunnel 42 - 42 ''' to leave unlocked.

The tunnels 42 - 42 ''' each make recordings 43 - 43 ''' into which the forks of fork-lift trucks can be inserted from the front. The embodiment according to the 2 and 3 with the four Recordings 43 - 43 ''' has the advantage that a variety of different forks can be used to the freight container 10 to raise. A first fork can, for example, with its teeth in the first shot 43 and the third recording 43 '' retract. A second fork may have a spacing that results in only the second receptacle 43 ' and the third recording 43 '' is being used. The asymmetric arrangement of the tunnels 42 - 42 ''' has the advantage that various fork types are supported.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second receptacle 43 ' and the third recording 43 '' a recording distance d (see. 4 ) of about 30 cm, leaving enough space to fit the straps of a tarpaulin 14 (in 4 transparent). In the described embodiment, the second tunnel has 42 ' , the third tunnel 42 '' and the fourth tunnel 42 ''' a first clear width w1 of about 27 cm. The second clear width w2 of the first tunnel 42 differs significantly (about 15 cm).

5 shows a further embodiment of the retrofit kit 40 , The freight container 10 according to 5 is essentially identical. In the embodiment according to 5 but are only two tunnels 42 . 42 ' provided so that only two shots 43 . 43 ' form. The arrangement of the tunnels 42 . 42 ' is essentially symmetrical, with the clear width of the first tunnel 42 the clear width of the second tunnel 42 ' corresponds (about 30-40 cm).

As in 3 shown has the retrofit floor 41 of the freight container 10 on its sides margins 45 . 45 ' . 45 '' . 45 ''' , These are opposite the through the retrofit floor 41 defined plane slightly angled (about 30 °). The formed angle can vary according to the invention in a range between 10 and 80 °. Preferably, the angle is in a range between 10 and 50 °.

At the edges 45 - 45 ''' There are two attachment devices 50 . 50 ' used for making a detachable connection with the freight container 10 are formed. These fastening devices 50 . 50 ' grab in the frame 30 the bottom plate 20 one. The right frame profile 32 is in 6 exemplified. This has a hole rail as shown 36 on, which has two hole sections, each with three holes. The fastening devices 50 . 50 ' on the right side 45 ''' of the retrofit floor 41 are corresponding to the hole rail 36 educated. They each have three pins which are spaced such that they are in the corresponding holes of the hole rail 36 can be introduced. Between the pins are rotatably mounted bolts with oval end plates. The bolts and the end plates are formed so that they in an insertion position in the narrow part of the hole rail 36 between the holes can be introduced. After their introduction, the end plates are twisted so that removal is no longer possible. In this condition, tensile loads applied through the functional unit may increase when lifting the freight container 10 directly into the frame profiles 31 - 34 , in particular in the right frame profile 32 , be derived. The end plate may also be round and the bolts laterally in the hole rail 36 be introduced. After insertion, the bolt can be tightened, for example by means of a nut.

In the described embodiments are on each edge 45 - 45 ''' two fastening devices each 50 . 50 ' intended. It is easily conceivable, on every edge 45 - 45 ''' only one or more than two fasteners 50 . 50 '' provided. Also, the fastening devices 50 . 50 ' one, two, three, four, five or six pins and corresponding thereto arranged bolts. The fastening devices 50 . 50 ' can also be designed differently. Numerous fasteners are within the scope of the invention 50 . 50 ' known, which are suitable in rails in general or in perforated rails, as these purely exemplary in 6 is shown to be attached.

According to the invention, not every side of the retrofit floor has to be 41 - so every edge 45 - 45 ''' with a corresponding fastening device 50 . 50 ' be equipped. For example, it is conceivable that the rear edge 45 '' no corresponding fastening devices 50 . 50 ' has and is designed such that this directly into a there on the freight container 10 provided rail is introduced (example of a plug connection). The other sides can then with the described fastening device 50 . 50 ' or another attachment, such as screws, are fixed.

It should be noted at this point that all the above-described parts taken alone and claimed in any combination as essential to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cargo container

11

Left sidewall

12

Right side wall

13

Rear wall

14

closure plan

15

ceiling wall

17

entrance area

20

baseplate

30

frame

31

Left frame profile

32

Right frame profile

33

Rear frame profile

34

Front frame profile

36

perforated rail

40

retrofit kit

41

retrofit ground

42-42 '' '

First to fourth tunnel

43-43 '' '

First to fourth recording

45-45 '' '

edge

50, 50 '

fastening device

d

Shooting distance

w1, w2

clear width

Claims (14)

Retrofit kit for retrofitting a freight container ( 10 ) for handling by a forklift, comprising: - a functional unit with at least one receptacle ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) for receiving a fork of a fork-lift truck, - at least one fastening device attached to an edge of the functional unit ( 50 . 50 ' ) for making a detachable connection to a freight container ( 10 ), wherein by means of the fastening device a snap or latching connection can be produced. Retrofit kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional unit is at least partially made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fastening device ( 50 . 50 ' ) Bolt for latching in a perforated rail ( 36 ), namely a seat rail. Retrofit kit according to claim 3, characterized in that the bolts are rotatably mounted and at least partially have oval or elliptical end plates. Retrofit kit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a fastening device ( 50 . 50 ' ) comprises at least two cylindrical pins, wherein the bolt is arranged between the pins. Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two or three or four fastening devices ( 50 . 50 ' ), each on one edge ( 45 . 45 ' . 45 '' . 45 ''' ) of the functional unit are mounted. Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the recordings ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) has a clear width of at least 15 cm. Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two recordings ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) have a distance (d) of at least 20 cm to each other. Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two pairs of recordings ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ). Retrofit kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit a base plate ( 41 ) on the tunnels ( 42 . 42 ' . 42 '' . 42 ''' ) for the training of the recordings ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) are arranged. Cargo container for an aircraft, comprising: - a base plate ( 20 ); - a ceiling plate ( 15 ); A plurality of side walls ( 11 - 13 ), - a retrofit kit ( 40 ) with a functional unit having at least one receptacle ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) for receiving a fork of a fork-lift truck and with at least one fastening device ( 50 . 50 ' ), wherein the functional unit inside the freight container on the bottom plate ( 20 ) of the freight container ( 10 ) and via the at least one fastening device ( 50 ) is snapped or latched to the freight container. Cargo container according to claim 11, characterized in that the bottom plate ( 20 ) of the freight container in a frame ( 30 ), wherein the fastening devices ( 50 . 50 ' ) in the framework, namely in the frame ( 30 ) provided hole rail ( 36 ), and the side walls ( 11 - 13 ) are made of fiber reinforced plastic. Freight container according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a tarpaulin ( 14 ) for closing an entrance area ( 17 ) of the freight container ( 10 ), whereby the tarpaulin ( 14 ) fold-down sections for closing the recordings ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ). Procedure for retrofitting a freight container ( 20 ) such that the freight container ( 20 ) with a fork of a forklift, comprising the steps of: a) inserting a functional unit. with at least two shots ( 43 . 43 ' . 43 '' . 43 ''' ) for receiving a fork of a forklift truck in the freight container ( 10 ); b) connecting the functional unit to at least one structural element of the freight container ( 20 ) wherein by means of a fastening device a snap or locking connection can be produced.

Images