EP0923495B1 - Set of parts for rigidly interconnecting the corners of two containers provided with hollow corner fittings, tool therefore and container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a kit for rigidly connecting two containers provided in their corners with hollow corner fittings according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a handling tool for such kits and a container for using such kits.

The majority of general cargo is transported today in containers, especially in ocean freight traffic. Introduced according to ISO standards, 6.1 m (20-foot) and 12.2 m (40-foot) sea containers are designed for ships, carrying devices, lifting equipment, port facilities, etc.

One problem that occurs frequently in practice is that in a particular terminal, such as a port, loading station, etc., the existing 6.1 m (20-foot) containers and 12.2 m (40-foot) containers do not meet the respective requirements, ie they have to be transported back and forth empty in order to have small and large containers or 6.1 m (20-foot) and 12.2 m (40-foot) containers available at the respective terminal to have. This empty transport causes considerable costs. In addition, the load on the containers drops, which also leads to increased costs.

To remedy this problem, a container was proposed in DE 43 29 355 C2, which turns into a full container with a second container of the same type double length can be put together. Locking devices are used to connect the two containers provided, each consisting of a bolt leading element and a consist of a bolt-receiving element in the front container frame construction both containers to be coupled are integrated and on the detachable front side are distributed that laterally an imaginary, vertical, dividing the detachable end face The center line is always the same type of element, so that it can be coupled with any other, similar container is guaranteed. Through the locking device becomes a positive connection by inserting one on a bolt arranged pin of the bolt-guiding element of a container in the corresponding Bolt-receiving element of the other container with subsequent locking created by rotating and pressing the pin on the bolt receiving element.

• Der zu doppelter Länge zusammengesetzte Container paßt nicht auf derzeit weltweit installierte Hebe- und Tragvorrichtung für 6,1 m und 12,2 m-Seecontainer (20- und 40-Fuß-Seecontainers) nach ISO-Standard, da zwischen zwei 6,1 m-Container ein Abstand von etwa 76 mm erforderlich ist, damit im zusammengekoppelten Zustand der beiden 6,1 m-Container deren Eckbeschläge denselben Abstand haben wie die äußeren Eckbeschläge eines 12,2 m-Containers.
• An den Containern sind umfangreiche Umbauarbeiten erforderlich, da die Verriegelungselemente in die Rahmenstruktur der Container eingebaut werden müssen.
• Zum miteinander Verbinden zweier Container muß eine Person das Innere des Containers begehen, was voraussetzt, daß der Container leer ist oder kurzzeitig teilweise entladen wird, was neben hohen Kosten zusätzliche zollrechtliche Probleme verursacht.

The previously known device has the following characteristics:

• The double-length container does not fit the currently installed lifting and carrying device for 6.1 m and 12.2 m sea containers (20 and 40 foot sea containers) according to the ISO standard, because between two 6.1 m -Container a distance of about 76 mm is required so that when the two 6.1 m containers are coupled together, their corner fittings have the same distance as the outer corner fittings of a 12.2 m container.
• Extensive renovation work is required on the containers because the locking elements have to be built into the frame structure of the containers.
• In order to connect two containers to one another, a person has to walk inside the container, which presupposes that the container is empty or is temporarily unloaded for a short time, which in addition to high costs causes additional customs problems.

From DE 15 56 254 A, which is assumed in the preamble of the main claim, a container coupling is known in which two clamping screws are provided with screw heads forming hammer heads be screwed into a turnbuckle nut forming a spacer. The, tension screws will be initially only screwed a little into the nut and in this state in each case through an elongated hole in a corner fitting was introduced. Then the nut is twisted, starting with the Screw heads must be turned 90 ° to overlap the edges of the elongated holes. If the nut is tightened further, it must be ensured that the screw heads maintain their twisted position, so that as the tightening screws are tightened take the corner fittings into the mother and bring them into contact with the mother. Because of the conical contact surfaces between the nut and the corner fittings is a Tightening the mother difficult. The power transmission between the screw heads takes place through the shafts of the turnbuckles and through the turnbuckle nut, so that all these components must be made of high quality material to withstand possible tensile loads endure. The corner fittings of conventional, ISO standardized containers must be reworked when using the known container coupling, so the conical contact surfaces of the nut in corresponding counter surfaces of the corner fittings can intervene.

The invention has for its object to provide a simple handling and manufacturing kit for connecting two containers provided at their corners with hollow corner fittings, which does not require conversion work on standard containers.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

The kit according to the invention can be used for 6.1 m containers (20 foot containers) that have been introduced worldwide and standardized according to ISO, without any modification of the containers, whereby two 6.1 m containers rigidly connected to the kits according to the invention, such as a 12 , 2 m containers (40-foot containers) can be transported in the world's existing infrastructure. The construction of the kit according to the invention is simple and therefore inexpensive. The containers can be connected in a simple manner by means of the construction kits, in that the hammer pieces are inserted through the side elongated holes of the corner fittings of the containers, then screwed to the threaded rod while the containers are brought together externally and then pulled together by turning the threaded rod until the spacer is in firm contact with the corner fittings. There are no changes to the containers, nor is it necessary to walk inside the containers.

• Verbesserte Nutzung der 6,1 m-Container;
• Durch das Kuppeln können zwei 6,1 m-Container als 12,2 m-Container an Bord eines Schiffes in 12, 2 m-Gestellen bzw. auf 12, 2 m-Stellplätzen gefahren werden, was sowohl die Verladekosten als auch die Transportkosten vermindert;
• Leertransporte werden vermindert;
• Der gekoppelte 12, 2 m-Container ist rasch beladbar, da er von zwei Seiten her zugänglich ist;
• Ein im Einzelfall zweckmäßiger Umbau der 6,1 m-Container derart, daß ihre im gekuppelten Zustand zugewandeten Stirnseiten öffenbar sind, ist in einfacher Weise ohne Eingriffe in die Trägerstruktur möglich;
• Es sind keinerlei konstruktive Änderungen an vorhandenen Hebe- und Transportmitteln nötig;
• Die erfindungsgemäßen Bausätze können auch beim Laschen und Sichern der 6,1 m-Container auf Schiffen vorteilhaft eingesetzt werden.
• Ein mit dem Bausatz aus zwei konventionellen 6,1 m-Containern zusammengesetzer Verbundcontainer ist einbruchsicher, wenn die Türseiten einander zugewandt sind.

In addition to other advantages, the invention achieves the following advantages:

• Improved use of the 6.1 m container;
• By coupling two 6.1 m -Container than 12.2 m -Container can on board a ship in 12, 2 or 12 m -Gestellen, 2 m -Stellplätzen be driven, which reduces both the handling cost and the transport cost ;
• Empty transports are reduced;
• The coupled 12.2 m container can be loaded quickly because it is accessible from two sides;
• An expedient conversion of the 6.1 m containers in such a way that their front sides facing in the coupled state can be opened is possible in a simple manner without interfering with the support structure;
• No structural changes to the existing lifting and transport equipment are necessary;
• The kits according to the invention can also be used advantageously for lashing and securing the 6.1 m containers on ships.
• A composite container assembled with the kit from two conventional 6.1 m containers is burglar-proof if the door sides face each other.

The subclaims 2 to 8 are advantageous embodiments of the invention Kit directed.

The claim 9 is directed to a handling tool which facilitates the handling of the kits according to the invention when connecting and disconnecting two containers.

The claim 10 characterizes a container in which the kits according to the invention can be kept particularly well. It is only necessary to accommodate two kits in each container, for example in a container provided in the container floor, so that the worldwide inventory of 6.1 m containers can be used optimally and inexpensively.

The invention is described below with reference to schematic drawings, for example and explained with further details.

Fig. 1

Seitenansichten eines 12,2 m-Containers und zweier 6,1 m-Container,

Fig. 2

zwei miteinander starr zu verbindende, mit ihren Stirnseiten sich gegenüberliegend angeordnete 6,1 m-Container in perspektivischer Darstellung, teilweise aufgeschnitten,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Innenansicht eines Verbundcontainers,

Fig. 4

Seitenansichten, teilweise im Schnitt, von Bausätzen zum starren Verbinden zweier Container,

Fig. 5

verschiedene Details der Bausätze gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

Detailansichten einer gegenüber Fig. 5 abgeänderten Ausführungsform eines Distanzstückes und eines Hammerstücks,

Fig. 7

einen mit einem Teile gemäß Fig. 6 enthaltenden Bausatz zusammengebauten Verbundcontainer,

Fig. 8

eine Schnittansicht des Bodens eines Containers,

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht und Aufsicht auf eine abgeänderte Form eines Distanzstücks,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht einer Gewindestange,

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht und eine Aufsicht eines Hammerstücks, wie es für das Distanzstück gemäß Fig. 9 verwendbar ist,

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht und eine Aufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Distanzstücks,

Fig. 13

eine Aufsicht auf eine abgeänderte Ausführungsform einer Gewindestange,

Fig. 14

eine Aufsicht und eine Stirnansicht eines abgeänderten Hammerstücks,

Fig. 15

eine Aufsicht und eine Stirnansicht einer abgeänderten Ausführungsform eines mehrteiligen Distanzstücks,

Fig. 16

eine Aufsicht, teilweise im Schnitt, eines montierten Bausatzes mit einem Handhabungswerkzeug,

Fig. 17

eine Seitenansicht und eine Stirnansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Distanzstücks,

Fig. 18

eine Aufsicht und eine Stirnansicht eines mehrteiligen Distanzstücks, das gegenüber dem der Fig. 15 leicht abgeändert ist,

Fig. 19

eine Aufsicht, teilweise im Schnitt eines montierten Bausatzes mit Handhabungswerkzeug in einer gegenüber Fig. 16 abgeänderten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 20

eine Seitenansicht und Stirnansicht einer gegenüber der Fig. 17 abgeänderten Ausführungsform eines Distanzstücks.

Fig. 21

eine Seitenansicht einer nicht zur vorliegenden Erfindung gehörigen Vorrichtung zum starren Verbinden zweier Container,

Fig. 22

eine Aufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 21,

Fig. 23

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 21,

Fig. 24

eine stirnseitige Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 21, und

Fig. 25

ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 21.

They represent:

Fig. 1

Side views of a 12.2 m container and two 6.1 m containers,

Fig. 2

two 6.1 m containers to be rigidly connected to one another, with their end faces arranged opposite one another, in a perspective view, partially cut open,

Fig. 3

a perspective interior view of a composite container,

Fig. 4

Side views, partly in section, of kits for rigidly connecting two containers,

Fig. 5

different details of the kits according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 6

Detail views of an embodiment of a spacer and a hammer piece modified compared to FIG. 5,

Fig. 7

6 a composite container assembled with a kit according to FIG. 6,

Fig. 8

a sectional view of the bottom of a container,

Fig. 9

a side view and top view of a modified shape of a spacer,

Fig. 10

a side view of a threaded rod,

Fig. 11

3 shows a side view and a top view of a hammer piece, as can be used for the spacer according to FIG. 9,

Fig. 12

a side view and a plan view of a further embodiment of a spacer,

Fig. 13

a top view of a modified embodiment of a threaded rod,

Fig. 14

a top view and a front view of a modified hammer piece,

Fig. 15

1 shows a top view and a front view of a modified embodiment of a multi-part spacer,

Fig. 16

a top view, partly in section, of an assembled kit with a handling tool,

Fig. 17

a side view and an end view of a further embodiment of a spacer,

Fig. 18

4 shows a top view and an end view of a multi-part spacer which is slightly modified compared to that of FIG. 15,

Fig. 19

6 shows a top view, partly in section, of an assembled kit with handling tool in an embodiment modified from FIG. 16,

Fig. 20

a side view and front view of a modified from the Fig. 17 embodiment of a spacer.

Fig. 21

2 shows a side view of a device for rigid connection of two containers not belonging to the present invention,

Fig. 22

21 shows a top view of the device according to FIG. 21,

Fig. 23

21 shows an enlarged detailed view of the device according to FIG. 21,

Fig. 24

an end view of a section of the device of FIG. 21, and

Fig. 25

a detail of the device of FIG. 21.

Fig. 1 shows above the side view of a 12.2 m container (40 foot container) 2 with corner fittings 4 at each corner for lashing, fastening to a loading gear, mutual fastening when stacking, etc. Below are two 6.1 m - Containers (20-foot container) 6 shown, which are arranged such that their outer corner fittings 4 are aligned with the corner fittings of the 12.2 m container 2, so that a uniform hoist, uniform stacking points, etc. are used with respect to these corner fittings could if the 6.1 m container 6 were rigidly coupled or connected to each other in the position shown. As can be seen, in the arrangement shown in the current ISO standardization of the containers there is a distance d between the 6.1 m containers 6 which is approximately 76 mm. This distance d is necessary for stacking reasons, etc.

2 shows a perspective view of two 6.1 m containers 6 according to the invention with their end faces next to one another. These containers 6 are provided with corner fittings 4 in a manner known per se and, on their end faces facing away from one another according to FIG. outward opening doors 8 through which the containers 6 are loaded.

On their mutually facing end faces, the containers have 6 further doors, whereby only the door of the right container according to FIG. 2 is shown. This door is as hinged tilting door 10 issued, which can be opened into the container and in opened state directly against the ceiling of the container, so that it the interior affected as little as possible. Instead of the tilting door 10, other types can also be used Doors or gates can be provided, such as rolling, rotating or sectional doors. Crucial is that these doors or gates fully open inside the container are included and affect the interior as little as possible. Advantageously open the doors 10 located on the opposite end faces of the containers completely inwards and can only be opened from the inside, so that they are shown in FIG. 2 arranged containers are openable.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the interior of two containers arranged according to FIG. 2 with open doors 8 facing the viewer, closed doors 8 facing away from the viewer and open doors 10 (not shown). As can be seen, there is a rigid connection between the two containers Interior created that corresponds to that of a larger 12.2 m container, so that the 12.2 m container is completely unnecessary. Another advantage of the composite container according to FIG. 3 is that it can be loaded from both sides, which speeds up the loading and unloading processes.

4 shows a detailed view of the opposite ends of two containers 6. The basic construction of these containers 6 can be known per se, i.e. for example be a frame construction with frame parts 12 running along the edges, the mutual connection is reinforced by means of the corner fittings 4. Each corner fitting is 4 hollow and has an elongated hole 14 on each outside, through which the inside the corner fitting 4 is accessible.

For mutual bracing or for rigid connection of the containers 6 to one another serves a threaded rod 16 with two opposing threads, which are in screw engagement in the cavities of the corner fittings 4 tendons 18 or hammer pieces are. The middle region of the threaded rod 16 projects through a spacer 20, which is arranged between two opposite corner fittings 4. By a lateral opening in the spacer 20 can be rotatably connected to the threaded rod 16 connected, provided with radial holes 22 clamping sleeve 24 are operated, so that when the threaded rod 16 is rotated, the hammer pieces 18 are moved towards one another and taking the corner fittings 4, the container 6 rigid with the spacer 20 or mutually connected. If a continuous interior according to FIG. 3 of the composite container is to be created, a between the frame parts 12 circumferential hose seal (not shown) are attached, the corner pieces for example formed by the inner contours of the spacers 20 corresponding fittings are. The interior of the container can be opened by inflating the hose seal 6 reliably seal to the outside. It is further understood that the space between the Bottoms of the containers by inlaid floor panels or hinged to the container bottoms can be bridged.

5 shows some details of the connecting device, with FIGS. A), b), c) being a side view, Front view showing the top of the spacer 20, d) the passage of the threaded rod 16 shows through the spacer 20 and e) the threaded rod 16 with the clamping sleeve 24 and the hammer pieces 18 shows which components together with the spacer 20 form a kit.

The spacer 20 is a hollow part with a through hole 28 through which extends the threaded rod 16, and with a large one running along a narrow side Opening 30 through which the clamping sleeve 24 passes through a hole 22 insertable clamping iron or actuating bolt 27 is rotatable. Around the adapter sleeve 24 rotatably connected to the threaded rod 16 is at least in the clamping sleeve 24 a spring pin 32 inserted and secured.

6 shows in a) a side view, in b) a front view and in c) a top view of one modified form of a spacer 40 and in d) an end view of a hammer piece 42.

The base body of the spacer 40 is similar to the spacer 20 (FIG. 5) with one Through hole 28 and the lateral opening or openings 30 are formed. Above and below the through hole 28, the spacer 40 has lugs 44, with which it is form-fitting in the corresponding elongated holes 14 (Fig. 4) of the associated corner fittings 4 engages. A recess 46 thus extends between the shoulders 44 between the lugs 44 across the through hole 28.

The hammer pieces 42 assigned to the spacer 40 have a threaded through hole 48 on and are next to the threaded bore 48 on their end faces with approaches 50 provided which engage in the recesses 46.

Fig. 7 shows the entire assembly of threaded rod 16, spacer 40, clamping sleeve 24 and hammer pieces 18, with the two corner fittings 4 of adjacent containers 6 are rigidly connected. The connection of two upper corner fittings is shown 4th

The assembly is done as follows:

The clamping sleeve 24 is introduced into the spacer 20 through the openings 30. The threaded rod becomes through the through bore 28 of the clamping sleeve 24 16 used and by means of at least one Fed rstiftes 32 rotatably with the clamping sleeve 24 connected. The assembly consisting of spacer 20, threaded rod 16 and adapter sleeve 24 is then partially in a side slot 14, for example, the right container 6 inserted, the containers have a greater distance than shown. When using the spacer 40, this is then connected to the corner fitting 4 in a rotationally fixed manner.

The hammer piece 18 is then introduced through an upper, elongated slot 14 and placed on the threaded end 16 of the threaded rod 16 and screwed to it. The hammer piece 18 is brought into a position in who engage his approaches 50 in the recesses 46 of the spacer 20, so that the Hammer piece 42 is rotatably coupled to the spacer 20 and by simply turning further the threaded rod 16 by means of one inserted into one of the radial holes 22 Actuating bolt can be screwed further onto the threaded rod 16.

Then the left container 6 according to FIG. 7 is directed towards the right container moved so that when using the spacer 40, the left side of the spacer 40 in the corresponding slot of the upper corner fitting and the two corner fittings or containers to each other aligns. Then the other hammer piece 42 is inserted through one of the elongated holes 14 and screwed onto the thread of the threaded rod 16. By turning the threaded rod, whose thread areas are opposite, the hammer pieces 42 are on top of each other moved, their end faces in contact with the inner walls of the corner fittings 4 come and press the corner fittings against the spacer 20 or 40.

The sequence described takes place at the four corners of each of the containers, so that the containers are rigidly and precisely interconnectable. According to the current ISO standard are the elongated holes 14 of the upper corner fittings different from those of the lower corner fittings, what is taken into account by appropriate design of the approaches 44 of the spacers 40 can be. The hammer pieces 42 can be the same for all four corner fittings be trained.

After tightening the four clamping screws 16, each spacer is in an opening 54 40 locking screws, not shown, to prevent rotation of the threaded rods 16 screwed in, which can be provided with customs seals if necessary.

Fig. 8 shows a section through a portion of the bottom 60 of a container, below the reinforcement bars 68. A floor part is between two reinforcement bars 68 70 cut out conically. In the free when the bottom part 70 is removed Opening is a container 72 is used to hold two connection kits with which an upper and lower corner fitting of a container with a corresponding upper and lower corner fittings of another container can be connected can. The connection kits each consist of a spacer, an adapter sleeve, a threaded rod and two hammer pieces and, if necessary, additionally the associated spring pins and locking screws as well as the clamping bolt.

It is understood that numerous modifications of the device described are possible are. For example, the clamping sleeve 24 may be missing and the threaded rod 16 in its middle area can be formed directly such that they through the spacer 20 or 40 can be rotated through, for example, the threaded rod is even formed with holes for inserting an actuating pin or between a screw drive is provided for the threaded rod and the spacer.

The hammer pieces can be designed such that they go directly through the slot be introduced, which they grip behind after twisting. This is with ISO standards Corner fittings, in particular on the lower corner fittings, are readily possible since their Elongated holes have a significantly greater length than their width. If the Hammer pieces, the spacer and the threaded rod are inserted in this way, containers stacked in a ship can be directly linked together or fasten, which makes the corresponding conventional lashing superfluous and Saves time and money.

The anti-rotation device of the hammer pieces does not have to be by their engagement on the spacer be achieved; the hammer pieces can also be formed with approaches, with which they engage in the elongated holes, so that security against rotation is achieved. The spacers can be prevented from rotating by engaging the non-rotating ones Hammer pieces can be achieved.

FIG. 9 shows a side view in a) and an end view of a modified embodiment in b) a spacer 86. Similar to the previously described spacers the spacer 86 also has a through hole 28 through which the threaded rod 16 can be pushed under fit, and radial through holes 88 for insertion spring pins engaging in radial holes 89 of the threaded rod 16 (FIG. 10), by means of which the spacer 86 can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the threaded rod 16, and radial blind holes 22 into which an actuating pin for rotating the spacer the rotatably connected threaded rod 16 can be used. The described embodiment of the spacer 86 does that in the above-described embodiments the adapter sleeve used to turn the threaded rod 16 is superfluous. Because the described Spacer 86 when two containers are fastened to one another or when being lashed of a container is rotated, which leads to friction problems at the front can, the spacer 86 is a total of three parts with a central part 90 and two side parts 92 and 94 are formed. The side parts 92 and 94 form annular contact surfaces, which protrude slightly from the central part 90 and are located on the central part via thrust bearings 96 Support 90 so that the middle part 90, even with large ones, on the side parts 92 and 94 acting contact pressure is rotatable until the internal threads of the hammer pieces 98th (Fig. 11) engaging threaded rod 16 no longer permits further tightening.

The tightened state of the spacer 86 or of its central part 90 can be secured by an Allen screw (not shown) from one of the radial holes 22 is screwed into a threaded bore 100 and its screwed end comes into contact with one of the corner fittings.

The hammer pieces 98 used differ from the ones described above in that that they are provided with a projection 102, which positively in an associated slot engages a corner fitting and keeps it secured against twisting.

An advantage of the spacer 86 according to FIG. 9 is that it is provided with holes Turned part is particularly easy to manufacture. The thrust bearing 96 can be commercially available Be bearings that can be attached to the middle part in a conventional manner.

FIG. 12 shows in a) a side view and in b) an end view of a modified one compared to FIG. 9 Embodiment of a spacer 104. The central part 90 is largely immediately formed with the central part 90 according to FIG. 9. The side parts 106 and 108 are provided with projections 110 which form-fit into corresponding elongated holes in the fittings of the container to be connected so that the side parts 106 and 104 rotate are held in the elongated holes and connect the containers in alignment. Correspondingly, hammer pieces that are similar to the hammer pieces can be used 42 of FIG. 6d are formed with lugs 50 and 52, which lie between the lugs 110 intervention.

It is understood that the non-rotatable connection between the spacer and hammer piece can also be achieved differently than by means of spring pins, for example by means of a bolt, the in a through hole of the spacer and an aligned Through hole is inserted or screwed through the bolt.

Another embodiment of a kit is described below:

13 shows a threaded rod 116 with opposing threaded areas 128 and one threadless middle region, within which a radially projecting projection 130 is formed which extends over part of the axial length of the threaded rod 116.

FIG. 14 shows one of the hammer pieces 118, FIG. 14a in top view and FIG. 14b in end view. As can be seen, the hammer piece 118 has an internal thread 132 Through hole 134 on. In addition, the outer end face of the hammer piece provided with a groove 136, the function of which is explained below.

Fig. 15 shows a composed of several components compared to the embodiment 11 modified spacer 120, FIG. 15a a top view and FIG. 15b illustrates an end view. The spacer 120 consists of a total of four parts, namely a central part designed as an adapter sleeve 138, two side parts 140 and one Bridge 144.

The clamping sleeve 138 has a through hole 146 which is formed with an axial groove 148 is, so that the threaded rod 116 can be inserted through the clamping sleeve 138 and the shoulder 130 comes into positive engagement with the groove 148. Along the perimeter the clamping sleeve 138 has radial holes 150 for attaching a tool, by means of which the adapter sleeve can be rotated.

Each of the side parts 140, which are of identical design, has a through bore 152 with a groove 154 so that the threaded rod 116 can be pushed through the side part is. The through hole 152 is in a region adjacent to the clamping sleeve 138 156 expanded and has an inner diameter that is so large that the through the side part 140 can rotate threaded rod 116 relative to the side part, if the approach 130 is within the expanded area 156. At the in assembled The end part facing the clamping sleeve 138 is the side part 140 provided with a recess for receiving the clamping sleeve 124. On the opposite outer end face, the side part 140 has a shoulder 158 for a positive engagement in one of the elongated holes 14 of a corner fitting 4.

For rigid connection of the two side parts 140 to one another with the one received between them Adapter sleeve 138 serves a bridge 144, for example, with each of the side parts 140 can be screwed or welded and has a threaded bore 159, into which a locking screw 160 (Fig. 16) can be screwed.

Before the function of the components described is explained with reference to FIG. 16, another handling tool, designated 165 in FIG. 16, is described.

The handling tool 165 has a holding leg 166, one end of which as Handle 167 is formed and the other end carries a socket 168, the outer diameter the inner diameter of the through hole 134 of a hammer piece 118 corresponds. The holding leg 166 is designed in cross section such that it fits into the groove 136 fits on the end face of the hammer piece 118. Next is on the holding leg 166 a stop 170 is formed, which is aligned with the through hole 134 bushing 168 on the outside of the corner fitting 4 shown in dash-dot lines in FIG. 16 is present.

The described components work as follows:

The two side parts 140, which receive the clamping sleeve 138 between them, are over the bridge 144 is rigidly connected to one another so that they form the spacer 120. in the assembled state, the clamping sleeve 138 is practically without axial play between the side parts 140 added. The threaded rod is in the assembly thus formed 116 inserted, the threaded rod 116 in the inserted state after a Slightly move a slight twist within the spacer 120 by a distance can by the stop of the approach 130 at the end of the enlarged bore area 156 of the left or right side part 140 is determined. Over their entire The axial displacement range is the threaded rod 116 due to the engagement of the shoulder 130 in the groove 154 of the clamping sleeve 138 rotatably connected to the clamping sleeve 138. An end the threaded rod 116 protruding from the spacer 120 is then through a corresponding slot 14 in a corner fitting 4 of one of the containers to be connected introduced. Through another of the elongated holes 114 of the corner fitting 4, by means of of the handling tool 162, a hammer piece 118 in the interior of the corner fitting 4 introduced and attached to the threaded rod 116. By twisting the The clamping sleeve 138 comes with the thread of the threaded rod 116 with the thread of the hammer piece 118 engaged so that the handling tool 162 can be removed. It should be noted that when the handling tool 165 is inserted, it is included attached hammer piece 118 the stop 170 in contact with the outside of the corner fitting 4 comes, in this position an alignment between hammer piece 118th and threaded rod 116 is ensured at least in one dimension. By appropriate Forming the stop 170 can provide full alignment between the hammer piece 118 and threaded rod 116 can be guaranteed.

The two containers to be connected to each other are now at the latest one another moved that the threaded rod 116 with its other end in the other corner fitting protrudes, whereupon the other hammer piece 118 by means of the handling tool 165 inserted in a similar manner and brought into screw engagement with the threaded rod 116 becomes. The clamping sleeve 138 is now rotated further, with the positive Engagement between the lugs 158 and the elongated holes 14 of the corner fittings 4 Side parts 140 are held non-rotatably. The hammer pieces 118 are when twisted the clamping sleeve 138 through the thread engagement with the opposite thread areas the threaded rod 116 moves towards each other and come into contact with the inside the corner fittings 4, whereby the corner fittings or containers move towards each other be and in firm contact with the outside of the spacer or from it Side parts 140 come. If necessary, between the side parts 140 and An axial thrust bearing 138 may be provided; however, it has been found that this is not necessary, but that the clamping sleeve 138 so far without storage can be rotated that a rigid, firm connection between the two containers given is. It is understood that 118 additional security against rotation of the hammer pieces Measures can be provided, for example the handling tool 165 be designed such that it engages with its holding legs 166 in the groove 136 and thereby causing a rotation lock, or the bushing 168 can be secured with a rotation lock Cross section engage in the hammer piece 118 or the hammer piece 118 can be similar the lugs 158 may be formed with lugs that fit into the corresponding elongated hole 14 intervention. Due to the axial displacement of the threaded rod 116 relative to the spacer 120 ensures that even with unsymmetrical screwing of the clamping sleeves 118 a uniform adjustment is guaranteed.

After rigidly connecting the two containers together by tightening the threaded rod 116 or turning the clamping sleeve 138 sufficiently far becomes the clamping sleeve secured against rotation by screwing the locking screw 160 into the bridge 144, until it is in one of the holes formed in the outer peripheral surface of the collet 138 150 (Fig. 15) engages.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a spacer that is considerably simplified compared to FIG. 15 172, Fig. 17a showing a side view and 17b an end view. The Spacer 172 is formed in one piece and also serves directly as an adapter sleeve. It has an axial through bore 174 with a groove 176 so that the threaded rod 116 (FIG. 13) can be pushed through the spacer 172, but with non-rotatably is connected to the spacer 172 when the lug 130 is within the groove 176. The spacer 172 has holes 178 distributed uniformly around its circumference to insert a turning tool. The spacer is on both ends 172 with slightly protruding ring flanges 180 for bearing against the corner fittings of the one another provided container to be connected.

The mode of operation or the interaction of the spacer 172 with the threaded rod 116 and the hammer pieces 118 is similar to that described above, being in this However, if the threaded rod 116 is axially movable relative to the spacer 172 is not immediately limited and for securing the spacer against rotation 172 additional measures are provided in the bundled state of the containers must be, for example, an oblique hole through which a locking screw can be screwed in, which engages on a corner fitting.

FIG. 18 shows a spacer 120 which is largely similar to that of FIG. 15 with the exception that that in the right side according to FIG. 18 161 of the right side part 140 four Bores 162 are formed, in which permanent magnets 163 are firmly inserted, for example by gluing, shrinking, screwing or the like. The permanent magnets, whose diameter is, for example, 18 mm and which are 6 mm long, close flush with the end face 161.

Before the function of the spacer according to FIG. 18 is explained with reference to FIG. 19 another handling tool designated by 190 in FIG. 19 explains the opposite that of FIG. 16 enables even more convenient work:

The handling tool 190 has two holding legs 192, which have a base 194 are connected so that it is generally U-shaped. Each holding leg 192 carries one Bushing 196, the outside diameter of which corresponds to the inside diameter of the through-hole 134 corresponds to a hammer piece 118. The cross section of each holding leg 192 is such dimensioned so that the leg fits into the groove 136 on the end face of the hammer piece 118. Furthermore, a stop 198 is formed on each holding leg 192, which at Through hole 134 or the axis of the threaded rod 116 of the aligned socket 196 abuts on the outside of the corner fitting 4 shown in broken lines. Alternatively The stops 198 may be absent and may be formed by the front ends of the holding legs 192 bear against the inside (not shown) of the corner fittings 4.

The base 194 of the handling tool 190 is made up of two, one with the other Holding legs 192 rigidly connected support profiles 200 formed by means of a spring one two are pulled together. The spring 202 is, for example, inherent in the Support profiles 200 hooked through extending pins 204. The holding legs 192 point on the base 194 protruding extensions 206, which are shaped into handles can be, which improve the manageability of the handling tool.

The functionality of the kit is the same as that of magnets 163 and the changed embodiment of the handling tool 190 necessities that of the embodiment according to FIG. 16.

Referring to Fig. 19, the one consisting of spacer 120 and threaded rod 116 Assembly with one end of the threaded rod 116 through an elongated hole 114 in one Corner fitting 4 introduced one of the containers to be connected. In the example shown the front side of the right side part 140 comes into contact with the corner fitting 4, the permanent magnets 163 the assembly of spacer 120 and threaded rod 116 stops at the right corner fitting 4.

The left container is now approached to the right container so far that the threaded rod 116 protrudes into the left corner fitting 4. Now the two are on the sockets 196 of the handling tool 190 attached hammer pieces 118 (shown in broken lines) inserted through the side elongated holes 14 into the respective corner fitting 4, wherein the holding legs 192 are pulled apart by tensioning the spring 202. Due to the tension of the spring 202, the hammer pieces 118 reach the corner fittings 4 abutting stops 198 automatically in contact with the ends of the threaded rod 116, maintaining this position without the handling tool 190 must be kept. By turning the clamping sleeve 138, the container then rigidly connected to one another in the manner described, the process described, i.e. at least attaching the assemblies from spacer 120 and threaded rod 116 takes place at all four corners of the container before it moves towards each other become.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the spacer that corresponds to that of FIG. 17 with the only difference that in the face of one of the ring flanges 180 permanent magnets 163 are provided, which have the same function as the permanent magnets according to the above-described embodiment of FIG. 19.

A device not belonging to the present invention, with the container, is described below with reference to FIGS using the kits described above to a composite container can be coupled:

21, two platforms 240 are rigidly connected to one another by means of connecting struts 242 connected. The platforms 240 consist of two double-T beams 244 (FIG. 24) that are assembled by means of struts 246 into a rigid base frame, the resting on stands 250. The entire arrangement is such that the tops of the double-T beams are on one level.

A sled or carriage-like support 252 is provided on each of the platforms 240, that of four roller assemblies movably guided on the double T-beams 244 254 is formed, which are rigidly connected to one another by means of longitudinal and transverse struts 256 and 258 are. The two pads 252 are dimensioned such that one on each pad Container 6 can be placed, the two outer corner fittings of the container 6 are engageable with the outer roller assemblies 254 so that they are immovable rest on it.

A movement device 260 is provided for the longitudinal movement of the supports 252 is constructed as follows (see in particular Fig. 23):

There is a rack at the ends of the movable supports 252 facing each other 262 attached, which meshes with a gear 264 mounted on the platform 240. The gears 264 are rotatable by means of cranks 266 and are optionally via a coupling rod 268 coupled so that they rotate in opposite directions.

For the presentation or mounting of the threaded rod and the spacer Assembly 270 is provided with two holding devices 272 (FIG. 24). Each of the Holding devices 272 has an arm 274 which is pivotable on a pin 276 the platforms 240 or their connecting struts 242 is mounted. Every arm points two spring clip assemblies 278, in which the assembly 270 from a spacer and threaded rod passed through the spacer can be used.

Each of the pivotable arms 274 is from a loading position (not shown) in FIG which is pivoted horizontally outwards, into an operating position, in which it stands vertically upwards and by means of a locking lever pivotally mounted on it 280, which is biased by a spring 282, in a defined system on a platform-fixed Stop 284 is held (Fig. 25).

The function of the device described is as follows:

When the supports 252 are moved apart, each support, for example a container 6 is set up by means of a crane or a lifting truck. The arms are 274 after releasing the locking lever 280 folded out and into each of the spring bracket assemblies 278 becomes an assembly 270 consisting of a threaded rod and the spacer brought in. The arms 274 are then pivoted upwards in the vertical direction, wherein they are locked in a well-defined position by means of the locking lever 280. The Containers 6 are now moved towards each other by actuating one of the cranks 266, that the threaded rods of the assemblies 270 through the elongated holes in the corner fittings 4 protrude into it. It is advantageous that the middle between those moving towards each other Containers remains stationary. In the interior of the corner fittings 4 are now Hammer pieces 224, for example using handling tools as shown in FIG. 16 and 19, introduced and by rotating the clamping sleeves of the assemblies 270 (the spring clips only engage the side parts) in threaded engagement with the threaded rods brought. The arms 274 can after loosening the locking lever 280 for better Accessibility of the adapter sleeves are folded outwards, whereupon the adapter sleeves be turned until the corner fittings 4 are in firm contact with the spacers come and the container 6 are rigidly connected. The whole process is at high precision extremely comfortable and easy to carry out, so that with the invention Device two containers inexpensively connected or are reversed in the reverse order of the operations described can.

It is understood that numerous modifications of the device described are possible are. For example, a motorized drive of the Adapter sleeves can be integrated. Likewise, the pivoting of the arms 274 and the drive the pinion or gears 264 motorized, so that an even faster and more comfortable operation is possible. The spring clip assemblies 278 can do this be expanded that by further swivel arms provided on them, which also can be operated by motor, the hammer pieces introduced into the interior of the corner fittings can be, so that the entire operation of the device is automated or central can be controlled.

If assemblies with magnets corresponding to Fig. 18 or Fig. 20 are used, the arms 274 can be omitted entirely.

Containers other than 6.1 m containers can also be connected to one another, for example four 3.05 m (10 foot) containers to form a 12.2 m container, two 3.05 (10 foot) containers a 6.1 m container etc.

Claims (10)

1. A kit for rigidly connecting two containers (6) provided at their corners with hollow corner fittings (4), in particular 6.1 m (20-foot) sea containers, wherein the corner fittings are provided with slots (14) through which their interior is accessible from the exterior of the container, including:

   a spacer portion (20; 40; 120; 172; 186) for bearing against the outsides of mutually oppositely disposed corner fittings of two containers which are to be connected together, which spacer portion when containers (6) are rigidly connected together ensures a predetermined spacing between them,

   two hammer portions (18, 42; 118) of which a respective one can be introduced through the slots (14) at the side faces of the corner fittings (4) into the interior of one of the oppositely disposed corner fittings (4) of two containers to be connected and is designed for overlapping with the wall of the corner fitting, that is towards the spacer portion, and

   a screwthread engagement, by means of which the hammer portions are movable towards each other, pressing the outsides of the corner fittings against the spacer portion,

      characterised in that

   the screwthread engagement is formed by a screwthreaded rod (16; 116) which is provided at its end regions with screwthreads and on to the screwthreads of which can be screwed a respective one of the hammer portions (18; 42; 118),

   wherein in the condition of said components of being assembled for rigidly connecting the containers the screwthreaded rod which passes through the spacer portion is rotatable from outside the spacer portion.
2. A kit according to claim 1 characterised in that there is provided a tightening sleeve (24; 138) which can be non-rotatably connected to the screwthreaded rod (16; 116) and which in the assembled condition of a structural group including the spacer portion, the screwthreaded rod and the tightening sleeve is arranged within the spacer portion (20; 40; 120) and is rotationally drivable from outside the spacer portion by means of a tool.
3. A kit according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the spacer portion (40; 120) has projections (44; 158) for positively locking engagement into the corresponding slots (14) of the corner fittings (4) and the sides of the hammer portions (42), which are towards the spacer portion (40), are of such a configuration that they are non-rotatably coupled to the spacer portion by engagement therewith.
4. A kit according to claim 1 characterised in that the spacer portion (86; 120; 172) can be non-rotatably connected to the screwthreaded rod (16; 116) and at its outside periphery it is of such a configuration that it is drivable in rotation by means of a tool.
5. A kit according to claim 4 characterised in that the screwthreaded rod (116) is axially movably accommodated in the spacer portion (120; 172).
6. A kit according to one of claims 4 and 5 characterised in that the spacer portion (120) has a central part (138) which is connected non-rotatably but axially movably to the screwthreaded rod (116), and a respective side part (140) on each side of the central part, for bearing against a respective corner fitting (4) of the containers to be connected together.
7. A kit according to claim 6 characterised in that the side parts (140) are directly connected together by means of a bridge portion (144) so that the multi-part spacer portion forms a pre-assembled unit, and the bridge portion (144) has a screwthreaded bore (159) for screwing in a securing screw (160) for preventing the central part (138) from rotating in the screwed-in condition.
8. A kit according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the spacer portion (120; 172), at at least one of its ends towards a corner fitting (4), is provided with at least one permanent magnet (163) which holds the structural group comprising the screwthreaded rod (116) and the spacer portion (120; 172) in contact against the associated corner fitting (4).
9. A handling tool for fitting a hammer portion (118) of a kit according to one of claims 1 to 8 through a slot (14) of a corner fitting on to an end of the screwthreaded rod (116) projecting into the corner fittings,
      which handling tool (165; 190) has a holding limb (166; 192) with a sleeve portion (168; 196) for insertion into a through bore (134) in the hammer portion (118), in such a way that the hammer portion which is fitted on to the sleeve portion is movable through a slot (14) of the corner fitting (4).
10. A container for use for kits according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised by a receptacle (72) which is integrated into the container for accommodating two kits, one for connecting two upper corner fittings and one for connecting two lower corner fittings, wherein the receptacle (72) is closable by a removable part (70) of the container floor (60).

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