EP3003913B1 - Expandable multimodal transport container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of containers adjustable in the direction of their length, and to a use of such adjustable containers.

The intermodal container is a box (preferably a parallelepiped), usually made of reusable and standardized steel used for storing and transporting goods. The intermodal containerized freight transport system is global and enables the safe and efficient movement of goods. The term "intermodal" indicates that the container can be moved from one mode of transport to another (maritime, river, rail, road) without breaking the load, that is to say without unloading and reloading the contents of the container. The containers each have a unique identification mark governed by ISO 6346; their length generally varies from 8 feet (2.388 m) to 56 feet (17.07 m) and their height from 8 feet (2.438 m) to 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 m). The capacity of the containers is often expressed in units equivalent to twenty feet (capacity equal to a length standard of 6.10 m x width 2.44 m). We will call them later the "ISO containers" because they must comply with the ISO requirements in force at the time of their manufacture; for example in transport to allow transport by truck, train, boat and / or barge. Reference may also be made to ISO 668: 1995 (which defines containers of 10, 20, 30 and 40 feet) and / or more recently to ISO 668: 2013.

The present invention thus relates to the field of ISO containers adjustable in the direction of their length, and more particularly to an optimized use of such adjustable ISO containers. As described below, although ISO standardization of container transport has greatly contributed to a streamlining of container transport on a global scale, the Applicant has developed a critical improvement to the container transport system which will allow for better management of containers. movements of goods around the world. Indeed, globalization leads to unbalanced container freight movements that can not be controlled and / or optimized because of the global scale of supply and demand. Containers that have traveled from one point to another often end up either in storage at the destination, or leave empty and / or partially filled to another destination. There is therefore a need for optimization of container transport while respecting the international standards in force.

• aux conteneurs pliables de manière à optimiser le transport à vide des dits conteneurs,
• aux conteneurs dont certaines faces sont amovibles de manière à en faciliter le chargement et/ou le déchargement des marchandises, et
• aux conteneurs construits en matériaux autre que l'acier de manière à diminuer leur poids.

Some solutions for improving the field of container transport have been described in the prior art. Thus, there is prior art relating to:

• foldable containers in order to optimize the empty transport of said containers,
• containers whose faces are removable so as to facilitate the loading and / or unloading of the goods, and
• containers made of materials other than steel in order to reduce their weight.

The document US3966075 describes a standard container and a combinable subcontainer within the standard container.

The prior art also describes examples of adjustable containers. As an illustration, the international patent application WO2011110725 which relates to an adaptable container, provided with means for modifying its dimensions so that the columns of its frame and the side walls, front and rear are extensible from a standard container to a container of double height type. The particularly sought-after application for containers of this type concerns the habitat, in fact, FIG. WO2011110725 shows a modular set obtained by grouping the different containers together and attaching them to each other (this includes stacking) to form a house, a showroom, a place of leisure, ...

In fact, the vast majority of adjustable containers serve other purposes than the optimization of container transport, which manifests itself by the fact that they are often not ISO containers because they no longer meet ISO requirements. transport and container handling. This is probably due to the fact that the main application developed in recent decades on the Adjustable container base relates generically habitat as described above.

So. There is still a need for optimization of ISO container transport.

1. 1. ayant un caractère durable et conséquemment assez solide pour supporter des utilisations multiples ;
2. 2. conçu de manière à faciliter le transport des biens par un ou plusieurs modes de transport sans rupture de charge ;
3. 3. équipé d'accessoires permettant une manutention simple et tout particulièrement le transfert d'un mode de transport à un autre ;
4. 4. conçu de manière à être rempli et déchargé facilement ;
5. 5. ayant un volume intérieur de 1 m3 ou plus ;
6. 6. de préférence empilable ; et
7. 7. conforme aux normes ISO relatives aux conteneurs existantes et en vigueur au moment de leur fabrication (et conforme aux normes de sécurité correspondantes).

An ISO container is a transport vehicle

1. 1. Being durable and therefore strong enough to support multiple uses;
2. 2. designed to facilitate the transport of goods by one or more modes of transport without breaking the load;
3. 3. equipped with accessories allowing simple handling and especially the transfer from one mode of transport to another;
4. 4. designed to be filled and unloaded easily;
5. 5. having an internal volume of 1 m3 or more;
6. 6. preferably stackable; and
7. 7. complies with ISO standards for existing containers and in force at the time of manufacture (and complies with the relevant safety standards).

Thus, this objective is achieved through an adjustable container according to claim 1.

The present invention also relates to the use of a container for the transport of goods according to claim 9

• La figure 1 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle d'un exemple de conteneur ISO selon la présente invention dans sa configuration allongée.
• La figure 2 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle d'un exemple de conteneur ISO selon la présente invention dans sa configuration allongée, configuration réalisée grâce à un engin motorisé également représenté sur la figure.

The invention, with its features and advantages, will emerge more clearly on reading the description given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• The figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary ISO container according to the present invention in its elongated configuration.
• The figure 2 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary ISO container according to the present invention in its elongated configuration, configured by means of a motorized vehicle also shown in the figure.

• une partie centrale fixe 1 correspondant à un conteneur ISO de dimension A équivalent à une longueur L0 de vingt (20) pieds ;
• une partie mobile 2a gauche de dimension ((B-A)/2)) équivalent à une longueur L2 de dix (10) pieds ; et
• une partie mobile 2b droite de dimension ((B-A)/2)) équivalent à une longueur L1 de dix (10) pieds.

In particular, figure 1 illustrates:

• a fixed central portion 1 corresponding to an ISO container of dimension A equivalent to a length L0 of twenty (20) feet;
• a left movable portion 2a of dimension ((BA) / 2)) equivalent to a length L2 of ten (10) feet; and
• a movable portion 2b of dimension ((BA) / 2)) equivalent to a length L1 of ten (10) feet.

Thus, the elongated configuration ("elongated mode") according to the figure 1 illustrates a container of dimension B equivalent to a total length of forty (40) feet. The compact configuration ("compact mode") of the container of the figure 1 - Although not illustrated - can easily be deduced from said figure when the two moving parts are entirely merged with the central part. Thus, the compact configuration obtained by means of the container according to the figure 1 is a container of dimension A equivalent to a total length of twenty (20) feet. Although the present invention is not limited to 20 and 40 foot containers - the advantages of the present invention can actually be achieved with containers having different dimensions in compact and / or elongated configuration - this type of combination of dimensions constitutes an embodiment according to the present invention as explained below.

An essential feature of the present invention is that the adjustable container retains its ISO characteristics and requirements in all configurations, whether the latter are compact or elongated.

The adjustable container of the present invention includes corner pieces for securing said container and / or stacking it to other containers (and vice versa) in a conventional manner. Thus, in its compact configuration, the container according to the present invention comprises at least four corner pieces either on its upper face or on its lower face; at least four corner pieces on each of these two faces, ie eight corner pieces. These corner pieces are arranged at the four / eight ends of the faces - in accordance with the ISO standards for existing containers and in force at the time of their manufacture (eg ISO 668: 1995 and, in particular, Annex A thereto) - in order to allow stacking and / or stowage. Similarly, in its elongate configuration, the container according to the present invention also comprises at least four corner pieces either on its upper face or on its lower face; at least four corner pieces on each of these two faces, ie eight corner pieces. These corner pieces are arranged at the four / eight ends of the faces so as to allow stacking.

In an adjustable container configuration not forming part of the present invention, the movable lateral parts which merge with the fixed central part in compact mode have an identical length. The moving lateral parts which merge with the fixed central part are included in said fixed central part in compact mode.

In this latter configuration, the corner pieces of the moving parts will be removable so as not to disturb the movement of the moving parts inside the fixed part.

Thus, according to the present invention, said container comprises at least sixteen corner pieces, of which at least eight are on its upper face and at least eight on its lower face; and of which at least eight are removable.

According to the invention son containers is equipped with two pieces of removable top corners to allow the full entry of the son containers in the mother container. These pieces of corners that are moved with a screw guided by an oblong hole will be fixed at the desired position depending on the position of the son containers. If the wire containers are in closed position, to have dimension 20 feet these corner pieces will not be functional.

On the other hand, if the wire containers are in the open position, that is to say we will have a container of dimensions 40 feet, these corner pieces will be functional and will be used for fixing the containers and possibly handling the container.

The wire containers also each have two corner pieces attached at the bottom. The container will also be equipped with a pin pin which will be positioned according to the desired dimensions (45, 40, 30, 20, 10 ...).

As the container in an example does not form part of the present invention, the present invention may also be provided with additional anchor points.

The two moving parts in the direction of the length of the container and deployable on either side of the fixed central portion are integral with the fixed central portion.

In a configuration mode of the container according to the present invention, the integral system comprises two linear guide systems, allowing the mobility of the deployable parts relative to the fixed part of the container.

These guidance systems can be placed on any face longitudinal integral with the movable parts and the fixed part of the container, for example only on their upper walls or, preferably both on their upper and lower walls, or on all of their longitudinal walls. Thus, in one embodiment, the integral system of the container according to the present invention comprises at least four linear guide systems of which at least two are on the upper walls and at least two on the lower walls; it may also advantageously add at least one linear guide system positioned on the longitudinal side walls of the container.

In an exemplary mode of configuration of the container according to the present invention, the integral system also comprises a rigid axis movable within the guide system, and of length substantially equivalent to the maximum length available on the corresponding wall of the fixed part. This type of configuration allows the preservation of the ISO feature of the container in elongated mode and therefore its rigidity. By way of non-limiting example, reference is made to the illustration of the figure 1 in this particular configuration, approximately each half of said rigid axis will remain respectively fixed to the fixed part and the movable part. A characteristic of configurations of this type is that the guide system of the left mobile part is not aligned with the guide system of the right-hand mobile part of the container.

In an exemplary configuration mode of the container according to the present invention, the integral system also comprises safety stop systems for controlling the displacement of the moving parts between their position corresponding to the compact mode and their position corresponding to the elongate mode. These safety stop systems can be made by any appropriate means. An illustrative stop-stop safety system is provided, which makes it possible to confer more stability on the moving parts. In a particular embodiment according to the present invention, the container comprises at least two safety stop systems, one for each mobile part.

According to the present invention, the two integral parts of the fixed central part of the container and deployable on either side of said fixed central part are movable. According to an embodiment not forming part of the present invention, when the container is in elongated mode, the dimensions of the moving parts which protrude on either side of the fixed part are identical. The mobility of the deployable parts of the container according to the present invention can be provided by any suitable means; this mobility can be of autonomous or semi-autonomous type as explained below.

One of the technical solutions, not part of the present invention, which has been developed and which has undergone all the tests and calculation RDM, finite elements of resistance is the following: with a translation guide system by rollers placed laterally and that a system consisting of ball socket that will be placed at the top and bottom, the two son containers make lateral movements inside the mother container. This last guide system in translation by rolling elements makes it possible to ensure proper operation and reduces the phenomena of friction. The solutions used were designed and manufactured from parts (standard guide elements).

The mother container is a welded structure in the form of a metal corridor. The welded parts are simple and standard geometries that exist on the market. The lateral sides are made from sheet metal, like conventional containers. The ceiling is when made from sheets with EPE beams to ensure the maintenance and proper operation of the rails. The mother container and to facilitate the movement of the son containers will also include sockets and pebbles. ( Figure 3,4 and 5 ).

For wire containers, each will be equipped with two pieces of removable top corners to allow full entry of the child containers in the mother container. In an example not forming part of the present invention, these pieces of corners which are moved with a screw guided by an oblong hole will be fixed at the desired position in depending on the position of the child containers. If the child containers are in closed position to have dimension 20 feet these corner pieces will not be functional. On the other hand, if the wire containers are in the open position, that is to say we will have a container of dimensions 40 feet, these corner pieces will be functional and will be used for fixing the containers and possibly handling the container. The wire containers also each have two corner pieces attached at the bottom.

Referring to the figure 2 , the mobility that is illustrated is of the "forced" type because it is carried out using a motorized machine (for example of the truck type, forklift, etc ...) which thus makes it possible to fire on the moving parts so as to deploy the container to its elongated mode and / or to push the moving parts to bring the container back to its compact mode.

The opening and closing as well as the assembly of the removable parts can be performed by a dedicated fixed station for this new type of container.

By way of nonlimiting examples of other means making it possible to ensure the displacement of the moving parts of the container according to the present invention, mention may be made of electrical and mechanical systems (worm, linear guide table, roller rail, rack) , Hydraulic and / or electro-hydraulic, for example hydraulic cylinders, any type of electric motor, any type of crane, etc. A source of electrical energy or a battery can be advantageously used for some of the means mentioned above.

The adjustable ISO container can be easily adapted to become an automated system with variable structure.

The use of cylindrical beams (see figure 1 ) is possible to improve the resistance of the eight removable corners (not welded). In order to dampen the vibrations, a rubber material can be used especially at the corners.

During storage, the eight adjustable ISO container corners may for example support the load of 5 40-foot containers; as for the handling, it can be performed by the 4 welded corners on the fixed central part.

For example, each integral part must bear a maximum load of 7 tonnes of goods and the adjustable ISO container must not exceed 30 tonnes.

According to an embodiment not forming part of the present invention, and this whatever the means making it possible to ensure the displacement of the moving parts of the container according to the present invention, the displacement of the moving parts towards the elongated and compact modes of the container. will be synchronized.

Most of the adjustable container may be steel (eg S355 having a high yield strength). The two moving parts can also comprise and / or be made of lighter materials while maintaining the characteristics of solidity and durability essential to the conservation of their ISO destination. By way of nonlimiting examples, mention may be made of the use of reinforced aluminum and / or of any metal or combination of light metals with high mechanical strength (for example titanium) and / or having a better thermal insulation than that of the steel. It will also be possible to use composite materials and / or plastics. The removable parts may be of light material (eg aluminum alloy) to facilitate manual assembly. To ensure increased durability of an adjustable container in an aggressive environment, it is necessary to achieve a better resistance to corrosion. This is why we offer the metal coating because it offers excellent protection against corrosion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving parts of the container comprise and / or consist of lighter materials than the fixed part. They can also be constituted by isothermal walls to have a refrigerated container in compact mode.

The present invention thus also relates to the use of an adjustable container according to claim 8.

This use therefore makes it possible to adapt the containers according to the goods to be transported and / or according to the fact that they must be transported empty to another place of destination.

An adjustable container according to the present invention thus makes it possible to considerably reduce the costs of transporting empty and / or partially filled containers. Thus, an adjustable container according to the present invention contributes to the respect of the environment by optimizing the transport of goods and the number of empty trips. And finally improves the insulation of containers.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration but may be modified in the field defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. Adjustable container for intermodal transportation of goods comprising

   - a fixed central part (1) corresponding, for example, to a 20ft ISO container that is open on the first transverse lateral face thereof and on the second, opposite transverse lateral face thereof, the central part (1) comprising four corner pieces on the upper face thereof and four corner pieces on the lower face thereof,

   - a first lateral part (2a) corresponding, for example, to a 10ft ISO container that can be nested in the fixed central part (1) via the first transverse lateral face, the first lateral part (2a) being integral with the fixed central part (1) by means of an integral system, this integral system comprising a first linear guiding system allowing the first lateral part (2a) to move relative to the fixed central part (1), the first lateral part (2a) comprising two removable corner pieces on the upper face thereof and two removable corner pieces on the lower face thereof,

   - a second lateral part (2b) corresponding, for example, to a 10ft ISO container that can be nested in the fixed central part (1) via the second transverse lateral face, the second lateral part (2b) being integral with the fixed central part (1) by means of said integral system, the integral system comprising a second linear guiding system allowing the second lateral part (2b) to move relative to the fixed central part (1), the second lateral part (2b) comprising two removable corner pieces on the upper face thereof and two removable corner pieces on the lower face thereof, the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) being able to move in the direction of the length of the fixed central part (1) and deployable on either side of the fixed central part (1) between a configuration when the two lateral parts (2a, 2b) are entirely merged with the fixed central part (1), in which configuration the adjustable container is said to be in a compact configuration and a configuration in which the adjustable container is said to be in an elongate configuration, the adjustable container in the compact configuration corresponding, for example, to a 20ft ISO container, the adjustable container in the elongate configuration corresponding, for example, to a 40ft ISO container, the dimensions of the adjustable container in the elongate configuration are greater than those of the adjustable container in the compact configuration.
2. Adjustable container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the integral system also comprises a rigid shaft that can move within the first linear guiding system and is of a length substantially equivalent to the maximum available length on the corresponding wall of the fixed central part (1).
3. Adjustable container according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integral system also comprises a safety stop system that makes it possible to control the movement of the first lateral part (2a) and of the second lateral part (2b) between the position thereof that corresponds to the compact mode and the position thereof that corresponds to the elongate mode.
4. Adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an autonomous or semi-autonomous means enabling the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) to move, this means being electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrohydraulic.
5. Adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) are formed from isothermal walls.
6. Adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) comprise and/or are formed from materials that are lighter than the fixed central part (1).
7. Adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) comprise and/or are formed from materials that are lighter than those of the fixed central part (1) and have better thermal insulation than the fixed central part (1).
8. Adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear guiding systems are placed on the upper and/or lower and/or lateral longitudinal faces integral with the lateral parts (2a, 2b) and the fixed central part (1).
9. Use, for the container-transportation of goods, of an adjustable container according to any one of the preceding claims.

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