EP1277673B1 - Collapsible container - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (10) has four end posts (105,106) positioned at the corners (100-103) as forcibly connected to the floor (11) and roof (12). In transport the posts can be set normal to roof and floor and can adopt a position parallel to the floor (11) for empty container transport. At the bottom corners the end posts (105,106) have corner fittings (17) to swivel round an axis lying parallel to the floor (11). Where hinged to the roof (12), the posts are held slidably in longways guides and the sides of the container consist of two parts (150,151,160,161) which fold along axes (152,162) parallel to the roof or floor. One endwall (13) is closed by folding or rollshutter door (24) guided in roof or posts.

Description

The invention relates to a freight container for the transport of Goods with a substantially cuboid outer Structure that is a bottom part, one to the bottom part in essentially parallel ceiling part, two essentially parallel side parts and two substantially parallel End pieces include, the container for reduction its empty transport volume in an empty transport position is transferable according to the generic term of Claim 1.

A container is used to transport goods known (DE-OS 40 00 854). Containers of this type as a container for the transport of almost all goods, in particular used in ship transport, i.e. both on cargo ships designed for container transport as well as for general and bulk transport and cargo ships designed specifically for them in the hold or as a deck load. The generic container that in are generally also referred to as containers, point because they are the rough transport and storage mode have to withstand, thus also be built stable need to have a considerable weight because they i.d.R. are made of steel. So you pose principally when transporting on ships, but also on other means of transportation is a significant problem if these containers with these means of transport, free of load, i.e. in empty transport, transported Need to become. This container is empty very often necessary, since there are many at the destination of the goods no corresponding goods are available, which in turn can be transported back with the containers Return of the container is necessary, however, as this is used in other places as transport containers become. Because the container itself is proportionate precious device for receiving goods for the Representing transport is forbidden from an economic point of view the number of containers is infinite to enlarge, i.e. for immediate return transport of containers for which none at the destination appropriate goods are available to waive. Out for this reason, the containers are so far empty of the Ships or other means of transport at the appropriate Origin or destination returned what is very disadvantageous, for example, other goods, either General cargo, bulk cargo or other containers on others Transshipment points that may run into on the way can not be included. The so for beating the carrier very large costs is reflected on the one hand in the earnings of the carriers and on the other hand in a non-degradable long one Transport time for other goods due to the previously mentioned circumstances, since the means of transport with other containers is not filled, although the transport route this would definitely make it possible can be.

A generic freight container is in GB 2 160 851 A. described. With a configuration described there are the side walls and the end walls in the form of Shutters trained.

This generic container could be the problems listed above are satisfactory Solve wise, but it turned out that the well-known container because of its very complex Folding mechanism over an experimental stage is not has come out because it has been shown that especially the many hinge connections between the foldable parts of the container the rough Transport company that operates in container operation, i.e. at the Transport, stowage, unloading and reloading, not can withstand, so that folding in many cases or transfer to an empty transport position with lower empty transport volume of the container or in a transport position from an empty transport position due to jamming of the sensitive hinge parts was not possible. Another disadvantage of known foldable transport container is that this consists of a large number of individual parts that are highly precise have to be manufactured so that such containers could only be produced very costly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to To create freight containers of the type mentioned, the to withstand the rough transport and handling operations capable of normally transporting these freight containers occurs by ship, by rail or on the road, which is simple in construction and so inexpensive can be produced and provided, like normal transport containers (Containers) that are not in volume are changeable by means of existing

Transhipment devices or container loading devices from its empty transport position with low empty transport volume in its transport position and vice versa can be transferred and this transfer only with little manual intervention by an operator, possibly only to support this Operations that can be performed.

The task is solved according to the invention by a freight container with the Features of claim 1.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention is essential in that the construction according to the invention, as required, proportionately is simple and the construction elements of the freight container can be designed so that they actually the can withstand rough transport and handling operations. The variety of hinges and connections between the individual container parts, as in the generic containers can be found can be avoided according to the invention. In addition, the freight container gem. the invention with standardized container handling devices, as they are almost everywhere or worldwide exist at the individual transshipment locations, easily from its empty transport position to its transport position and vice versa without it, except for a few assistive processes, is manual The use of operators is required. Through the selected construction is the container according to the invention can also be produced almost with the investment volume that for normal, standardized and not collapsible Container or container is to be expected. The solution the proposed construction is ultimately this chosen that even without a large infrastructure to the individual destinations where the containers are stored or handled, repairs carried out can, if through improper treatment or external influences of the. Folding mechanism and / or parts of the freight container have suffered damage or have.

According to the invention are the pillar elements in the range of arranged essentially on all lower square corners Corner fittings to a substantially parallel axis aligned to the bottom part pivotable. corner fittings with regularly standardized openings for the Intervention of lashing devices and baffle pieces The most varied of types are regular with containers present in all eight corner points. On the corner fittings are stacked on top of each other. Container with the interposition of damming pieces. The corner fittings are regularly highly stable construction elements, so that it is extremely advantageous according to the invention is, also in these elements, the folding axles for the To provide post elements.

According to the invention, the post elements are still with their articulation points on the articulation areas of the Cover part in in the longitudinal edge areas of the cover part trained guides slidably receivable. At the pivot points of the post elements to the Cover part is quasi a sliding joint is formed, being in the state of collapsing or unfolding of the freight container the post element in the guide back and forth can derive.

The side parts of the freight container according to the invention consist two over one essentially longitudinal of the bottom part or the cover part extending folding axis foldable side panels, the two each related page elements, each form a side part, like a folding wall in the collapsed state of the freight container almost contiguous put on top of each other and thereby an extreme take up little space. In addition, this is Construction very simple in construction, as it were two identically constructed side panel elements each Can form the side part of the freight container.

The fold axis of the side elements is preferably through a hinge element formed that the side panel elements an additional mechanical one below the other Gives strength, but it is also possible that Hinge element itself made of an elastomeric, sealing Form material so that in addition to the hinge effect a sealing effect against external influences such as Dust, water and other environmental contaminants simple way is guaranteed. Basically it is but also possible in the area of the folding axis between two side panel elements on the side panel elements Train plug connections for a suitable non-positive engagement of both side panel elements to care.

The side elements are also advantageously on Cover part and on the bottom part each via a hinge element created, also for this hinge element the same constructive measures are used can, as related to the previous one described hinge element between the two Page elements apply.

The front parts of the freight container can be any Be configured in such a way, for example in the form of such hinged doors, such as those used for standard containers or Standard containers are available. Particularly advantageous but it is, at least one front part by one To form a shutter in the manner of a rolling or folding door, which has the extraordinary advantage that the rolling or folding door if the freight container for loading or unloading is opened in the cover part can be. At the same time, it is through this constructive measure possible, the folding process to facilitate the freight container, since the rolling or folding door included in the lid part for the folding process can be and therefore no provision for a storage space the rolling or folding door must be hit.

The roller or folding door is preferably in the post elements and / or guided in the cover part, i.e. the cover part and the post elements are such trained that they guides for the rolling or folding door form, so that separate guides also are not required, which leads to how aspired to design principles that are as simple as possible are selectable so that at low production costs also a light weight of the freight container is achievable.

In another advantageous embodiment of the Freight container is in the post element in the longitudinal direction of the post element extending into the post element foldable and foldable out of the post element rod-shaped locking element provided, that in the unfolded state engages with the transverse side of the adjacent side part. By this measure is easily ensured that when the freight container is open, i.e. if used as intended for the transport of goods will, the side elements, which will then be a common level clamp, held on the side with a positive and positive fit become. Should the freight container be in its empty transport position are folded together, the locking element out of engagement with the transverse face of the side part brought so that then both side elements of the side part, as described above, via the hinge element or can be folded along the folding axis.

The rod-shaped locking element is there preferably by one in the longitudinal direction of the post element arranged axis of rotation for folding and for Folding out the locking element rotatable, i.e. it are not separate fastening measures for the Locking element in the post element required, i.e. the locking element and the post element form a unit, which also applies to the process of Collapse the freight container or the Unfolding the freight container is extremely advantageous is there for the storage of individual parts of the No need to worry about the container. in principle can also fold or lock the side wall elements Snap locks as they are known today in truck operation are used.

The cover part is advantageously dimensioned such that that if both front parts of the freight container with one Rolling or folding door are provided, both rolling or Folding doors can be accommodated in the cover part. at Freight containers that are shorter in terms of their length are as the sum of both end wall heights, the Rolling or folding doors in the cover part one above the other guided.

The rolling or folding doors themselves are advantageous releasably lockable in the state in which the end part is closed, so that at least a largely similar find Unloading comfort, but often superior loading and unloading Unloading comfort of the freight container according to the invention achieved as with standard containers that are not collapsible or foldable, by default is achievable.

In the case of the freight container according to the invention, the previous design of the freight containers from heavy steel structures at least partially leave, i.e. preferably the cover part is in the form of a lightweight sandwich construction trained, using thin metal sheets for example a PUR foam or a include similar active ingredient.

The same applies preferably to the side parts that also in the form of a lightweight sandwich construction are formed, where there is also a metal sheet Include intermediate layer, e.g. made of PUR foam.

Finally, the freight container preferably points to it End faces and / or long sides coupling elements, by means of which two or more than two freight containers are releasably connectable longitudinally and / or transversely to one another. This means that freight containers can also be used in the horizontal plane to larger volume units both in the longitudinal direction and can also be connected in the transverse direction.

With a connection in the longitudinal direction e.g. from two absorbed. TEU lengths a FEU unit are formed. The two rolling or folding doors of the TEU container on the connected end pieces preferably remain in open position or behind the cover part.

A coupling of two freight containers in the transverse direction if the side parts are left out or simply removed the connection sides result in inner container dimensions, e.g. also loading specific pallet dimensions such as. allow the euro pallet.

Such container packages can also be used as Parcel to be transported. Corresponding coupling frame or coupling elements ensure that the new ones resulting outer dimensions of container packages again respective multiples of a standard grid or basic grid result.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Darstellung einen Frachtcontainer gem. der Erfindung unter Weglassung von konstruktiven Einzelheiten zum besseren Verständnis der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

im Ausschnitt ein Pfostenelement mit angrenzendem Seitenteil, bestehend aus zwei Seitenelementen, in aufgeklappter Stellung des Frachtcontainers (Warentransportstellung),

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung gem. Fig. 2, bei der jedoch der Frachtcontainer einen Zwischenschritt einnimmt im Zuge der Überführung in die Leertransportstellung,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung gem. den Figuren 2 und 3, bei der sich jedoch der Frachtcontainer in einer Leertransportstellung befindet,

Fig. 5

in vergrößerter Darstellung einen Schnitt durch ein Pfostenelement mit angrenzendem Seitenteil im Ausschnitt, den Mechanismus der Ver- und Entriegelung des Seitenteiles zeigend,

Fig. 6

in vergrößertem Maßstab im Ausschnitt im Schnitt einen Bereich einer Rolltür darstellend, wobei die Rolltür in der in dieser Figur dargestellten Stellung verriegelbar ist,

Fig. 7

einen Ausschnitt in der Seitenansicht auf die Stirnseite des Frachtcontainers mit teilweise geschlossener Rolltür,

Fig. 8

in stark schematisierter Form das Deckelteil des Frachtcontainers in der Seitenansicht zeigend mit im Deckelteil aufgenommenen Rolltüren und

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung gem. Fig. 8, bei der die Rolltüren aus ihrer Stellung im Deckelteil in ihre Schließstellung überführt worden.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following schematic drawings using an exemplary embodiment. In it show:

Fig. 1

in perspective a freight container acc. the invention omitting constructive details for a better understanding of the invention,

Fig. 2

in the cut-out a post element with an adjacent side part, consisting of two side elements, in the opened position of the freight container (goods transport position),

Fig. 3

a representation acc. 2, in which, however, the freight container takes an intermediate step in the course of the transfer into the empty transport position,

Fig. 4

a representation acc. FIGS. 2 and 3, in which, however, the freight container is in an empty transport position,

Fig. 5

an enlarged view of a section through a post element with an adjacent side part in the cutout, showing the mechanism of locking and unlocking the side part,

Fig. 6

on an enlarged scale in section in section showing a region of a roller door, the roller door being lockable in the position shown in this figure,

Fig. 7

a detail in the side view of the front of the freight container with a partially closed roller door,

Fig. 8

in a highly schematic form, showing the lid part of the freight container in a side view with roller doors and included in the lid part

Fig. 9

a representation acc. Fig. 8, in which the roller doors have been transferred from their position in the cover part to their closed position.

Reference is first made to the representation of the Freight container 10 in Fig. 1. The freight container 10, for transportation of goods, has a substantially cuboid shape outer structure. The structure of the freight container 10 is in principle regardless of its size, i.e. he can in principle be a 20 'or a 40' container, such as they are used internationally in transport, the freight container 10 can also have a different size, for example for certain means of transport to be adapted to its size.

The freight container 10 has a base part 11, a cover part 12 and two substantially identical end parts 13, 14 on. In the square corners 100, 101, 102 and 103 are respective post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 are provided, which are essentially perpendicular to the bottom part 11 and cover part 12 run when the cargo container 10 is in the sports position, i.e. to accommodate goods and goods received in the freight container 10. In the upper and lower corners of the square corners 100, 101, 102 and 103 so-called corner fittings 17 are arranged, which, if it is a standard container Freight container 10 is acting, have openings into the container connecting elements, so-called twistlocks and the like, can be used to separate the containers from one another, if they are stacked on top of each other and with the Under a means of transport, for example a deck of a ship. These corner fittings 17 are also designed specifically for lifting and sink trained container barges with their corresponding Holders in the holes in the corner fitting openings can intervene and the freight container 10 for loading over the corner fittings 17 and can lower.

The two essentially identical side parts 15, 16 are each formed in two parts, i.e. the Side part 15 consists of the side element 150, 151 and the side part 16 consists of the side element 160, 161. Both pairs of side elements 150, 151 and 160, 161 are essentially identical and are on their contiguous side over a Hinge element 21 connected to the respective folding axis 152, 162, cf. Figures 2, 3 and 4 forms. The Lid part 13 and the bottom part 12 are essentially identical in size. The cover part 12 has a guide on its long sides 20 trained longitudinal edge 19, see. also the Figures 2 to 4.

Similarly, the bottom part 11 is formed, i.e. it points longitudinal beams 112, 113 on both sides of its longitudinal sides, which, however, does not have a guide 20 like the upper longitudinal edge 19 of the cover part 12.

The bottom part 11 with the cover part 12 non-positively connecting post elements 104, 105, 106, 107 in the area of the lower square corners 100, 101, 102, 103 provided with an axis 18 which, for example, in the corner fittings 17 provided there in such a way that the post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 to be substantially parallel to the Bottom part 11 aligned axis 18 are pivotable, see. Figures 2 to 4.

The post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 are on theirs Articulation areas on the cover part 12 in the in the Longitudinal areas 19 of the cover part 12 formed Guides 20 sliding, outgoing from the orientation at right angles to the bottom part 11 and to the cover part 12, as shown in Fig. 1, in such a position in which the post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 lie flat on the bottom part 12, cf. Fig. 4, i.e. in such a position that the freight container 10 to reduce its empty transport volume in the Empty transport position has been transferred.

The side elements 150, 151 and 160, 161 are over respective hinge elements 22, 23 on the cover part 12 or hinged to the bottom part 11, these hinge elements 22, 23 consist for example of an elastomeric material can, the hinge elements 22, 23 can also consist of conventional hinge elements.

The post elements 104, 105, 106, 107, of which an example shown in cross section in FIG. 5 is not just for standing and carrying to serve in the square corners 100, 101, 102, 103, but also form guides for the roller door 24, each can form the end part 13 or 14. They also serve for receiving a locking element 26 which in Longitudinal direction 25 of each post element 104, 105, 106 and 107 crosses. The locking element 26 is one in the post element 104, 105, 106 and 107 axially to Longitudinal direction 25 formed axis of rotation 27 rotatable, see. Arrow 29, so that the rod-shaped locking element 26 from a position in which it is in the post element 104, 105, 106 and 107 is included in an outside of the Post element 104, 105, 106 and 107 lying position can be transferred and in a corresponding to the rod-shaped locking element 26 formed Opening in the transverse face 153 or 163 of the adjacent Side part 15, 16 or the adjacent side elements 150, 151 or 160, 161 can intervene and in this external position just the respective Side part 15, 16 can grip. In this position, the freight container 10 is in the transport position for receiving goods and goods.

If the locking element 26 in one in the Post element 104, 105, 106 and 107 pulled into it or folded position, the Side parts 15, 16 or the side elements 150, 151 or 160, 161 in the direction of arrow 30, cf. the figures 3 and 5, can be folded or folded in order to folded state acc. Fig. 4 quasi lying on top of each other.

As already mentioned, the end parts 13, 14, cf. Figures 1 and 7, 8 and 9, each with a roll or Folding door 24 completed. The rolling or folding door 24 can be conventional, as you can find in many Areas in vehicles but also in fixed Equipment used as a closure of openings. The Rolloder Folding door 24 is in the post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107, cf. Fig. 5, in those trained there Guides 28 guided, and also in the cover part 12, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 8 and 9 is. The roller door 24 is in the direction of arrow 31 Taking the closed position of the front part 14, 15 or to take the open position of the front part 14, 15 movable.

When the freight container 10 from its transport position to Inclusion of goods and cargo, as shown in Fig. 1st is shown, transferred to its empty transport position should be and only about 20% of his Volume occupies, cf. the partial representation of the freight container 10, Fig. 4, the rolling doors are first 24 in the position acc. Fig. 8 transferred in which the two roller doors 24 substantially parallel to the cover part 12 in this or on this essentially to be included. Then this is done by means of a suitable crane or the like into the respective opening in the four upper corner fittings 17 intervene. Below is the locking element 26 from its engaged position with the side parts 14, 15 brought into the disengaged position, see. Fig. 5, in which the locking element 26 in the Post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 lies. Then can the post elements 104, 105, 106, 107 each be tilted, namely about the axis 18, the Post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 along the in the Longitudinal areas 19 of the cover part 12 formed Guides 20 can slide, so that the positions of Fig. 2 on Fig. 3 in the position acc. Fig. 4 go through can be. 4 is then the cover part 12 at a short distance on the bottom part 11 on. With the pivoting movement of the post elements 104, 105, 106 and 107 become the side elements at the same time 15 and 16 about the axis 150, 160 between the respective Side elements 150, 151 and 160, 161 folded so that in the empty transport position of the freight container 10 acc. Fig. 4 the respective side elements 150, 151 and 160, 161 directly or close to each other. In the position of Fig. 4, the freight container 10 only an empty transport volume of less than 20 % of its volume compared to that it was in the transport state for the reception of goods and goods.

To the freight container 10 from that shown in Fig. 4 State again in the transport state acc. Fig. 1 and Conversion 2 will be the reverse of the previous one described, in reverse order of the above Steps taken.

If a freight container 10 is loaded with goods and goods, the roller doors 24 can be closed, namely in Direction of arrow 31. The roller door 24 can then in the closed position, cf. the excerpts Presentation acc. Fig. 6, in a correspondingly trained Engage the opening in the lower cross members 110, 111, which are between the two adjacent Post elements 104, 105 and 106, 107 extend, respectively locked by a releasable locking device 32 and thus against unauthorized opening of the roller doors 24 be secured.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cargo container

100

cuboid corner

101

cuboid corner

102

cuboid corner

103

cuboid corner

104

post member

105

post member

106

post member

107

post member

11

the bottom part

110

crossbeam

111

crossbeam

112

longitudinal beams

113

longitudinal beams

12

cover part

13

front part

14

front part

15

side panel

150

page element

151

page element

152

fold axis

153

transverse side

16

side panel

160

page element

161

page element

162

fold axis

163

transverse side

17

Patch fitting

18

axis

19

Longitudinal edge area

20

guide

21

Faltscharnierelement

22

hinge element

23

hinge element

24

roll door

25

Longitudinal direction (post element)

26

locking element

27

axis of rotation

28

Leadership (roller door)

29

Arrow (swivel Locking element)

30

Arrow (side element)

31

Arrow (roller door)

32

locking device

Claims (12)

1. Freight container (10) for transporting goods with a substantially parallelepipedic, external structure, which comprises a bottom part (11), a top part (12) substantially parallel to the bottom part (11), two substantially parallel side parts (15, 16) and two substantially parallel front parts (13, 14), said freight container (10) being transferable into an empty transportation position for reducing its empty transportation volume, the freight container (10) having four post elements (104, 105, 106, 107) in each case positioned at the parallelepiped corners (100, 101, 102, 103) and non-positively connecting the bottom part (11) to the top part (12) and which in the transportation position of the freight container (10) can be positioned substantially at right angles to the bottom part (11) and the top part (12) and for occupying the empty transportation position of the freight container (10) can be transferred into a position which is substantially parallel to the bottom part (11), the post elements (104, 105, 106, 107) being pivotable in the vicinity of corner fittings (17) at least arranged in all the lower parallelepiped corners (100, 101, 102, 103) about an axis (18) oriented substantially parallel to the bottom part (11) and the post elements (104, 105, 106, 107) being received in slidingly displaceable manner in their articulation areas to the top part (12) in guides (20) constructed in the longitudinal direction (19) of the top part (12), characterized in that the side parts (15, 16) comprise two side elements (150, 151; 160, 161) foldable about a folding axis (152, 162) running substantially along the bottom part (11) and/or top part (12).
2. Freight container according to claim 1, characterized in that the folding axis (152, 162) of the side elements (150, 151; 160, 161) is formed by a hinge element (21).
3. Freight container according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the side elements (150, 151; 160, 161) are articulated to the top part (12) and bottom part (11) by means of a hinge element (22, 23).
4. Freight container according to one of the claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the hinge element (21) or the hinge elements (21, 22, 23) are formed from an elastomeric material.
5. Freight container according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one front part (13, 14) is formed by a closure in the manner of a roll-up or folding door (24).
6. Freight container according to claim 5, characterized in that the roll-up door (24) can be received in guided manner in the post elements (104, 105, 106, 107) and/or in the top part (12).
7. Freight container according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the post element (104, 105, 106, 107) is received a rod-shaped locking element (26) running in the longitudinal direction (25) of said post element (104, 105, 106, 107) and which can be swung into and out of said post element (104, 105, 106, 107) and which in the swung out state engages with the transverse front side (153; 163) of the adjacent side part (15, 16).
8. Freight container according to claim 7, characterized in that the rod-shaped locking element (26) can be rotated about a rotation axis (27) positioned in the longitudinal direction (25) of the post element (104, 105, 106, 107) for swinging in and out the locking element (26).
9. Freight container according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the roll-up door (24) is detachably lockable in the state closing the front part (13, 14).
10. Freight container according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least the top part (12) is constructed in the form of a lightweight sandwich structure.
11. Freight container according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the side parts (13, 14) are constructed in the form of lightweight sandwich structures.
12. Freight container according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said container is provided on its front sides and/or longitudinal sides with coupling elements by means of which a plurality of freight containers (10) can be interconnected in longitudinally and/or transversely releasable manner.

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