DE102014111814A1 - Frame assembly and tank container with such - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame arrangement (1) for a tank container (3) having a tank frame structure (14a, 14b) and an envelope frame structure (4, 5), wherein the tank frame structure (14a, 14b) comprises a saddle transverse spar (15a; a container (2) is coupled and two side frame structures (12) interconnected, and the envelope frame structure (4, 5) comprises a bottom cross member (6) which connects the two side frame structures (12) via coupling elements (9) together, and the saddle transverse spar ( 15a, 15b) and the bottom transverse spar (6) are arranged in different, parallel to a Aufstandebene ground planes and / or in different transversely to a longitudinal axis (22) extending transverse planes are arranged. The invention further relates to a tank container (3) with such a frame arrangement. (1).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame assembly for a tank container and a tank container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tank containers are modular transport and / or storage units for liquid, gaseous or powdery substances. The core components of a tank container are a frame assembly or a framework and a container for receiving a cargo. The framework is provided with interfaces or coupling elements which - e.g. designed as ISO corner fittings - are suitable to fix the tank container on a vehicle (truck, railway wagon, ship). They can also serve to interface with transhipment equipment such as container spreaders, crane hooks and sideloaders.

The frame assembly serves to connect these coupling elements with each other and with the container or to receive the container stable and protected as possible. During transport and during handling, dynamic and static loads are transmitted between the coupling elements and the container via the frame arrangement.

The containers are usually cylindrical containers with more or less arched end bottoms, to which the container is connected, for example via ring caliper structures with the end frame of the frame assembly. Such an arrangement is for example from the DE 32 12 696 A1 known, which shows a freight container, in which the container should use the existing, standardized, rectangular space as completely as possible.

In addition to these pure freight containers, however, there are also increasingly tank container arrangements in which, in addition to the container within the frame areas to be provided in which pumps, dispensers or aggregates for treatment, treatment or handling (fill, empty) of the cargo are arranged. Such tank container arrangements are used for example as mobile power plants, process plants, gas stations or Wasseraufbereitungsanlangen.

In this case, both the container itself and the receiving spaces should be arranged within the outer dimensions of the frame assembly. Particularly in the case of stationary supply units, large-volume and complex units, line arrangements or system assemblies as well as storage spaces for replacement and service components within the container unit are often to be provided. To protect against environmental influences, unauthorized operation or to prevent sabotage, these are housed in larger so-called aggregate rooms. Such an arrangement is for example from the EP 1 688 370 B1 known.

The known frame arrangements are optimized in particular for containers with a circular cylindrical cross section. In such cases, then the aggregate compartments are usually provided frontally between the end frame and an intermediate end frame which is connected to the container. The container position is variable in the longitudinal direction, but not in the vertical direction.

In order to realize additional receiving spaces, tank containers are desirable in which the container is also variable in height within the outer dimensions placeable. This applies in particular to those cylindrical containers which do not have a circular-cylindrical cross-section but which are e.g. are designed with a flattened, box-shaped or elliptical cross-section.

The object of the present invention is to provide a frame assembly, in which in particular those containers are to be arranged and fixed variably in the frame assembly, and at the same time design flexibility can be ensured in terms of the required receiving / aggregate compartments.

This object is achieved by the frame arrangement according to claim 1 or the tank container according to claim 8.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, the frame assembly for a tank container comprises a tank frame structure and an envelope frame structure, wherein the tank frame structure comprises a saddle transverse spar which is coupleable to a container and interconnects two side frame structures, and the envelope frame structure comprises a bottom cross member connecting the two side frame structures via coupling elements connects to each other, and the saddle transverse spar and the bottom cross member are arranged in different, parallel to a tread plane extending ground planes and / or are arranged in different transverse to a tank axis transverse planes.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the accompanying drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments.

The directional indications used in the following, front, rear and top and bottom relate to a parallelepiped tank container with an elongated container extending along an axis, this axis extending horizontally from front to back and the rear region usually having an emptying or operating device. Above refers to the tank apex area and below the near-surface tank area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 a perspective view obliquely from above the rear of a frame assembly according to the invention;

2 a perspective view obliquely from above in front of an arrangement according to the invention;

3 a perspective sectional view of in 1 and 2 shown frame assembly;

4 a side perspective view of the frame assembly according to the invention;

5 a rear perspective view of the frame assembly according to the invention;

6 a front perspective view of the frame assembly according to the invention;

7a to 7d different spatial concepts that can be realized with the frame arrangement according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In 1 an embodiment in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Before a detailed description, general explanations of embodiments will follow.

The frame assembly according to the invention makes it possible to realize a flexible receiving space concept, in which on the one hand the container can be connected via a conventional and proven Stirnringanbindung with the frame assembly and on the other an envelope frame structure is realized, which - partially independent of the tank frame structure - ensures that Coupling elements for transmitting the required static and dynamic loads are securely connected.

For this purpose, a saddle transverse spar is provided, which can be coupled to the container and extends between the side frame structures of a - generally - cuboid frame and is adapted to carry the container.

In addition, a bottom cross member is provided which connects the two side frame structures via coupling elements together. The coupling elements provide interfaces for attachment to vehicles and handling equipment and are designed for example as so-called ISO corner fittings. At the same time, the undersides of these coupling elements define a rearing plane in which the tank container stands on a bearing surface.

There are embodiments in which the saddle transverse spar and the bottom transverse spar are arranged relative to one another such that a distance is formed between the underside of the saddle transverse spar and the top of the transverse transverse spar, which defines a bottom receiving space in which connection elements and units can be provided. This bottom receiving space then extends below the container and is, especially when the container is mounted on a motor vehicle or trailer, easily accessible and extends approximately at eye level. Aggregates arranged in this area are easy to operate and maintain.

In an embodiment in which a distance is formed between the outer end face of the saddle transverse spar (facing away from the container) and the inner end face of the floor transverse spar (pointing towards the container), a frontal receiving space is formed between the end of the container and the inner end face of the (forehead) Frame formed. Such an end-side receiving space is particularly suitable for example to accommodate large-volume units such as pumps, generators, and other systems.

There are also embodiments in which the bottom receiving space is connected to the frontal receiving space. In such an arrangement, aggregates and / or connecting lines can be provided both under the container and in front of and behind the container, which are protected by the rest of the outer framework (front frame, side frame) against external damage.

In another embodiment, tank frame structure and envelope frame structure are arranged in a common transverse plane at one end of the container and form a common end frame structure. With such an arrangement, the saddle transverse spar is arranged above the floor transverse spar, so that here too a separate and load-optimized design of the respective frame elements can take place.

In another embodiment, Eckstützenprofile are provided in the front frame structure, which are connected via the coupling elements with the Bodenquerholm. For additional reinforcement, the corner pillars and the floor transverse spar are each coupled via connecting diagonal profiles and the saddle transverse spar runs between the diagonal profiles. This arrangement provides a particularly robust and resilient receptacle of the container on the saddle cross member is stably connected via the diagonal profiles with the particularly stable corner posts and the bottom cross member.

In another embodiment, the tank frame structure comprises two vertical profiles which are each connected via an (upper and / or lower) side member (the side frame structure). This arrangement allows improved load transfer in the side frames when the container is not only connected to the saddle spar but also with the diagonal profiles and possibly also with the vertical profiles.

A tank container in which the container is coupled at its ends in each case via a Stirnringanordnung with the envelope frame structure and / or the tank frame structure, taking advantage of the frame assembly according to the invention and allows a variety of arrangements of the container in the frame assembly.

In one embodiment, the end ring assembly is in each case connected directly in a common coupling plane with the saddle transverse spar and the diagonal profiles. Such a common coupling plane allows a particularly tolerance-friendly mounting of the container within the frame.

In another embodiment, additional coupling elements are provided which additionally connect the end ring arrangements with the corner support profiles or with the vertical profiles of the tank frame structure.

In other embodiments, the end-side receiving space and / or the bottom receiving space is used for facilities for liquid treatment, in particular for water treatment.

Liquid handling equipment in this context includes all piping, equipment and other equipment used to convey, cool, heat and / or treat the cargo, as well as equipment needed to operate, maintain and repair the equipment (eg. As auxiliary generators, pumps, drives and containers for supplies and the like).

Coming back to 1 , illustrate the 1 to 6 An embodiment of a frame assembly according to the invention or a tank container according to the invention.

The frame arrangement 1 forms together with the container 2 the tank container 3 ,

The frame arrangement 1 becomes from two front frames 4 and 5 formed, each having a bottom cross member 6 , a ceiling crossbar 7 and two corner columns each 8th each having the corner posts 8th with the bottom crossbar 6 or the ceiling crossbar 7 over as corner fittings 9 trained coupling elements are connected. Laterally form upper longitudinal spars 10 and lower longitudinal spars 11 together with the corner supports 8th the side frame structures 12 ,

The container 2 is at its ends in each case via a front ring arrangement 13 with a tank frame structure 14a at the front end (cf. 2 ) and 14b at the rear end (cf. 1 ) connected. The tank frame structures 14a and 14b include a saddle crossbar 15a and 15b ,

At the front tank frame structure 14a the saddle crossbar runs 15a (see also 6 ) between two diagonal struts 16a in the lower corner areas between the corner columns 8th and the bottom crossbar 6 run.

The rear saddle crossbar 15b (see also 5 ) runs between two vertical profiles 17 , each between the upper longitudinal spar 10 and the lower longitudinal spar 11 extend. In the lower corners between the saddle crossbar 15b and the vertical profiles 17 each diagonal struts run 16b , The end ring arrangement 13 is at this end with the saddle crossbar 15b and the diagonal struts 16b connected.

The end faces of the end ring arrangements 13 are each in a common coupling plane with the tank frame structures 14a and 14b connected, respectively through the tank-side end faces of the diagonal struts 16a . 16b as well as the saddle crossbars 15a . 15b is defined.

In addition, the end ring assemblies 13 via coupling elements 18a respectively. 18b with the corner supports 8th or with the vertical profiles 17 as well as with the diagonal struts 16a respectively. 16b coupled. The coupling elements 18a and 18b are designed here as a flat sheet metal blanks. For an increased connection, these can also be made of suitable Profiles or folded sheet metal structures executed.

The saddle crossbars 15a and 15b extend in the illustrated embodiment above the bottom crossbars 6 , so between the undersides of the saddle crossbars 15a and 15b and the tops of the floor crossbars 6 there is a distance U ( 5 and 6 ), which has a floor receiving space 19 ( 7a . 7c and 7d ) defined over the entire length of the tank container 3 extends and serves to accommodate possible components, lines and units.

5 shows the connection of a bottom emptying 20 in this area. Down is this floor receiving space 19 additionally through the forklift channels 21 limited, which provide additional protection against possible damage from below and at the same time serve the tank container 3 to turn over with a forklift.

At the rear end of the saddle crossbar runs 15b in a transverse plane to the longitudinal axis 22 ( 4 ) of the container opposite to a transverse plane in which the rear floor transverse spar 6 or the front frame 5 extends an amount S inside the frame assembly 1 is reset so that between the front end face of the semitrailer crossbar 15b and the tank-side end face of the ground transverse spar 6 or the ceiling crossbar 7 a frontal recording room 23 is defined, which can also be provided for the inclusion of aggregates and components (see also 7a ).

The floor receiving space 19 and the frontal receiving space 23 can also be completely closed by (not shown here) side walls and ceiling and floor panels. In the lower area is the floor receiving space 19 and the frontal receiving space 23 laterally through the lower longitudinal spar 11 shielded and protected from the outside.

With this concept, in which the floor crossbars 6 and the end frames associated with the envelope frame structure 4 and 5 independent of the tank frame structures 14a and 14b with their crossbars 15a and 15b the diagonal struts 16a and 16b and optionally the vertical profiles 17 are arranged, different room concepts with differently arranged floor receiving spaces 19 and frontal receiving spaces 23 will be realized.

7a shows the concept that in the execution, which also in the 1 to 6 is realized is realized. Here is the tank area 24 shifted upwards in front and there is a bottom receiving space underneath 19 available, with the frontal receiving space 23 connected is.

The 7b shows an embodiment in which the tank area 24 is offset backwards and the frontal receiving space 23 is formed at the opposite end. The floor receiving space 19 is not provided here but is due to an enlarged ceiling receiving space 25 replaced, which may be particularly advantageous if relatively low tank container 3 be parked on the ground and an approximately at eye level running, easily accessible receiving space 25 should have.

7c shows a concept with a central tank area 24 , which here symmetrically between two frontal receiving spaces 23 is arranged, each above the floor receiving space 19 connected to each other. In other embodiments, the tank area may also be arranged asymmetrically. The frontal receiving spaces 23 are then different sizes.

7d shows an embodiment without end-side receiving spaces 23 in which an extended tank area 24 between the front frames 4 . 5 runs, which also serve as a tank frame structure and in the 1 to 6 illustrated front tank frame structure 14a correspond. The floor receiving space 19 runs here from one end to the other and is upwards and laterally through the lower longitudinal spars 11 very well protected. Such an embodiment is useful when the highest possible container volume is to be achieved and in the bottom receiving space 19 to be arranged to be provided units and systems particularly protected and at the same time easy to operate on the arranged on a vehicle tank container 3 should be accessible.

In the embodiments shown above, the container 2 via end ring arrangements 13 with the tank frame structures 14a and 14b coupled. But the coupling can also be done in other suitable ways, for example via corner or longitudinal saddle elements, struts, or screw connections between container 2 and the tank frame structures are formed.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

frame assembly

2

container

3

tank containers

4

Front frame in front

5

Rear frame at the back

6

Floor cross member

7

Ceiling cross member

8th

corner posts

9

Patch fitting

10

upper longitudinal spar

11

lower longitudinal spar

12

Side frame structure

13

End ring arrangement

14a

Tank frame structure in front

14b

Tank frame structure behind

15a

Saddle crossbar in front

15b

Saddle crossbar at the rear

16a

Diagonal strut in front

16b

Diagonal strut in the back

17

vertical profile

18a

Coupling element front

18b

Coupling element rear

19

Floor reception space

20

bottom discharge

21

forklift channel

22

longitudinal axis

23

frontal receiving space

24

tank area

25

Cover accommodation space

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3212696 A1 [0004]
• EP 1688370 B1 [0006]

Claims (11)

Frame arrangement ( 1 ) for a tank container ( 3 ) with a tank frame structure ( 14a ; 14b ) and an envelope frame structure ( 4 . 5 ), the tank frame structure ( 14a . 14b ) a saddle crossbar ( 15a ; 15b ) provided with a container ( 2 ) and two side frame structures ( 12 ) and the envelope frame structure ( 4 . 5 ) a bottom cross member ( 6 ) comprising the two side frame structures ( 12 ) via coupling elements ( 9 ), and the saddle crossbar ( 15a ; 15b ) and the bottom crossbar ( 6 ) are arranged in different, parallel to a Aufstandebene ground planes and / or in different transverse to a longitudinal axis ( 22 ) extending transverse planes are arranged. Frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein between an underside of the transverse saddle ( 15a ; 15b ) and an upper side of the floor transverse spar ( 6 ) a distance (U) is formed, which has a bottom receiving space ( 19 ) defined in the connection elements and units are providable. Frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein between an outer end face of the transverse saddle ( 15b ) and an inner end face of the floor transverse spar ( 6 ) is formed a distance (S) having a frontal receiving space ( 23 ) defined in the connection elements and units are providable. Frame arrangement ( 1 ), according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the ground receiving space ( 19 ) with the frontal receiving space ( 23 ) connected is. Frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at one end of the container ( 2 ) the tank frame structure ( 14a ) and the envelope frame structure are arranged in a common transverse plane and a common front frame structure ( 4 ) form. Frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the front frame structure ( 4 ) two corner support profiles ( 8th ), one via the coupling elements ( 6 ) with the corner support profiles ( 8th ) connected bottom crossbar ( 6 ), two each of the Eckstützenprofile ( 8th ) and the floor crossbar ( 6 ) connecting diagonal profiles ( 16a ) and one the diagonal profiles ( 16a ) connecting transom ( 15a ) having. Frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at one end of the container ( 2 ) the tank frame structure ( 14b ) two vertical profiles ( 17 ), each having a longitudinal member ( 10 ; 11 ) with the end frames ( 4 . 5 ) and two vertical profiles ( 17 ) and the saddle crossbar ( 14b ) connecting diagonal profiles ( 16b ) having. Tank container ( 3 ) with a frame arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims and a container ( 2 ), which at its ends in each case via an end ring arrangement ( 13 ) of the tank frame structure ( 14a . 14b ) is coupled. Tank container ( 3 ) according to claim 8, wherein the end ring arrangements ( 13 ) in each case directly in a coupling plane with the saddle transverse spar ( 15a . 15b ) and the diagonal profiles ( 16a . 16b ) are connected. Tank container ( 3 ) according to claim 9, wherein the one end ring arrangement ( 13 ) in the one coupling plane via coupling elements ( 18a ) with the corner supports ( 8th ), and the other end ring assembly ( 13 ) in the other coupling plane via coupling elements ( 18b ) with the vertical profiles ( 17 ). Tank container ( 3 ) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the frontal receiving space ( 23 ) and / or in the soil receiving space ( 19 ), In particular for liquid treatment, are arranged.

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