EP3050822B1 - Container, tank container device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates generally and more particularly to a container having a particular domed floor and a terminal assembly, comprising: a bottom wall portion having a cutout contour in a rim portion of the bottom, a planar flange body having an inner side, an outer side and one of the inner and outer sides Outside connecting connection opening.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Such connection arrangements are in particular part of so-called bottom emptying of trans-post containers and in particular of tank containers.

In such containers, a horizontally arranged (lying), mostly cylindrical tank body (eg with a circular-cylindrical, box-shaped, elliptical, oval, multi-shell or another cross-section) is closed at its ends with a bottom element, the so-called bottom. As the bottom, flat or differently curved disc elements may be provided (e.g., dished bottom, basket bottom, elliptical bottoms, hemispherical bottoms, or flat, curved, or domed discs).

In tank containers, the containers are arranged in a frame structure that receives handling and transport loads from a mode of transport (road vehicle, rail vehicle, airplane or ship) and that is coupled to the container disposed within that frame structure. The frame dimensions are usually standardized (eg in ISO 668). Standardized interfaces, so-called corner fittings (eg in accordance with ISO 1161) serve to accommodate the transport and handling loads.

The cuboidal frameworks typically include end frame members that are coupled to the ends of the container or to the bottoms. These end frames include vertical corner posts and horizontally extending upper and lower longitudinal spars.

For emptying and filling of the container, a connection arrangement for a so-called bottom emptying is usually provided at one end in the lower region. This connection arrangement normally comprises a block flange inserted in the bottom of the container, which is arranged obliquely in the edge zone of the bottom and has a connection opening which widens conically into the interior of the container and which is aligned in some areas with the container bottom so that a complete emptying is possible. At this oblique block flange are then one or several connection fittings connected, which can be arranged between the edge zone of the bottom and the lower cross member of the container front frame.

In order to allow the maximum possible transport volume within the module dimension of the frame, the container has a maximum outer diameter and a maximum length, which run within the module dimensions (outer dimensions of the container frame). As a result, the space between the front frame cross member and the edge zone of the container or the floor is limited.

There are therefore special valve arrangements have been developed, which are partially disposed within the container (with internal bottom valves, which partially protrude through the flange opening into the container) and particularly short-built shut-off valves, which can be arranged and operated between the block flange and the cross member.

However, there are valve arrangements for special applications, for example for sterile transports whose dimensions (length, diameter) are such that they can not be arranged in the available space between connection arrangement and cross member. Such valve arrangements are required, for example, for the sterile transport of food.

In order to solve this problem, either the container at one end must be shortened so that the available space between the cross member and the edge zone of the container or the floor is increased, or it is necessary to develop special valves, which in the limited fit in the available space. However, such special solutions are not economically or technically possible, especially at low quantities. In such cases, the shortening of the container or a change in the soil profile (for example, deeper curvature) means that valuable transport volume must be dispensed with.

For liquefied gas containers, there are solutions with connection units projecting into the tank, which, however, are only suitable for depressurizing the liquid phase (see, for example, US Pat EP 2 730 832 A and WO 94/29639 ), which, however, are only of limited suitability for gravity evacuation of pressureless liquids (no emptying of residues).

US 5,593,070 relates to a tank arrangement with a bottom emptying arrangement in the sole region of a cylindrical container, wherein the emptying direction is transverse to the tank axis. The connection arrangement comprises a sump protruding from the sole region and an indentation projecting into the sole region, between which a vertical flange structure is formed.

US 4,315,531 relates to a bottom evacuation assembly formed by a sump located outside the tank and bottom contour.

US 4,660,733 relates to a bottom discharge arrangement formed in the tip region of a conical bottom branching laterally therefrom.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved connection arrangement, in particular for use in tank containers, with the aid of which it is possible to arrange relatively large-volume valve arrangements in the available installation space between an edge zone of the container or of the floor and of a transverse bar without that to the container volume (the container length) must be reduced and in a complete emptying is guaranteed.

Another object can be seen to provide a connection arrangement available, can be dispensed with the use of special fittings and the use of standard fittings from the process technology also in the field of bottom emptying tank containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a container according to claim 1 and a tank container assembly according to claim 8.

The container according to the invention with the connection arrangement is characterized in that it comprises a bottom wall portion with a cutout contour in a peripheral zone of the bottom and a flat flange body with an inside, an outside and a connection opening connecting the inside and outside, wherein a neck collar inside of the bottom wall portion extending portion of the outside connects to the cutout contour and the inside is connected to a running in a connection plane portion of the cutout contour, so that the flange is arranged with its connection opening within an outer contour of the bottom or the container.

The edge zone comprises at least two of the following areas, namely a collar area, a brim area and a dome area. This arrangement ensures that the connection arrangement always runs in the comparatively stable (dimensionally stable) edge zone of the container or the floor.

This z. B. Arrangements possible in which a circular cylindrical container body is closed at its ends with a curved disc, which then forms the Kalottenbereich, while the collar portion is defined by the container itself.

The flange is thus offset in the soil or in the container inside. The thus formed external, but in the container or the bottom contour protruding space is separated by the nozzle collar and the flange of the inside of the container. This is additional Room available, which can be used to connect even large-volume valve arrangements.

In this case, the flange body is provided with a connection opening whose inner surface is formed or arranged so that it is aligned along an common apex line with an inner surface of the collar region. Thus, a complete emptying along this crest line is possible, which forms the lowest point or the sole of the container here.

Again, there are embodiments in which the collar portion is formed on the bottom or on the container body itself.

The fact that this additionally gained space can be realized without a shortening of the container or a change in the bottom geometry, the maximum usable container volume remains. Furthermore, connections and / or fitting components, which are located in this special installation space, which runs essentially within the container outer contour, are particularly protected against external influences (starting, shearing, etc.). The area is also thermally coupled to the container and easily isolated from the environment.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1A

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Anschlussanordnung eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters in einer perspektivischen Teilschnittdarstellung;

Fig. 1B

die in Fig. 1A dargestellte Anschlussanordnung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung;

Fig. 1C

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten auf die in Fig. 1A und Fig. 1B dargestellte Anschlussanordnung;

Fig. 2A

eine perspektivische Teildarstellung eines Tankcontainers mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Behälter;

Fig. 2B

eine perspektivischen Detaildarstellung des Untenendeerungsbereiches des in Fig. 2A dargestellten Tankcontainers von schräg oben;

Fig. 2C

eine perspektivischen Detaildarstellung des in Fig. 2B dargestellten Untenendeerungsbereichs von schräg unten;

Fig. 3A

eine Längsschnittdarstellung einer Anschlussanordnung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters und

Fig. 3B

eine perspektivische Längsschnittdarstellung der in Fig. 3A dargestellten Anschlussanordnung.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1A

a first embodiment of a connection arrangement of a container according to the invention in a perspective partial sectional view;

Fig. 1B

in the Fig. 1A illustrated connection arrangement in a longitudinal sectional view;

Fig. 1C

a perspective view obliquely from below on the in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B illustrated connection arrangement;

Fig. 2A

a partial perspective view of a tank container with a container according to the invention;

Fig. 2B

a detailed perspective view of the lower tenderization area of the in Fig. 2A shown tank container from diagonally above;

Fig. 2C

a perspective detail of the in Fig. 2B illustrated bottom end portion of obliquely from below;

Fig. 3A

a longitudinal sectional view of a connection arrangement according to a second embodiment of a container according to the invention and

Fig. 3B

a perspective longitudinal section of the in Fig. 3A illustrated connection arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before a detailed description of the embodiment with reference to Fig. 1A to 1C First, general explanations of the embodiments follow.

In typical multiply curved container bottoms (flat bottoms, dished bottoms, basket bottom sheets, elliptical bottoms), the corresponding edge zone is largely formed in the brim and / or collar area or dome area. Here, the bottom itself has a cylindrical or optionally slightly conical collar region (so-called board), with which the bottom is connected to the container body, a relatively highly curved toric rim area and an adjoining central, flat curved Kalottenbereich.

In one embodiment, the nozzle collar is tubular and follows at a Flanschende an outer contour (the peripheral edge) of the flange, and at a bottom end extends an outer edge of the Stutzenkragens approximately along the cutout contour (in the bottom). In this way, a simple tubular body extends material-saving between the flange body and the cutting contour and thus closes the opening between these two elements, which would otherwise exist. Thus, the flange can be made comparatively thin-walled and material-saving and be placed in the ground or the container.

In one embodiment, in which the cutout contour is approximated by a diagonal cut at the bottom end of the Stutzenkragens and the Stutzenkragen protrudes with its bottom end slightly out of the inner of the bottom wall area, the production of Stutzenkragens is particularly simple (easy handling) and tolerances (tolerances of the ground contour are easy compensate). It can be welded to the bottom wall area with easy-to-manufacture fillet welds.

In an embodiment in which the neck collar partially surrounds the flange body, the neck collar is to be produced from a simple sheet metal unwinding and only required in the area by closing the area between the outer contour (the peripheral edge) of the flange body and the cutout contour in the floor.

A simplified installation of the Stutzenkragens and the flange in the region of the cutout contour results when flange body and Stutzenkragen are integrally formed. This This can be done by welding the neck collar to the flange body at its outer edge and forming a unit even before installation. Flange body and neck collars can also, for example, as a unitary casting, are formed together in a single manufacturing step.

Further material can be saved if the flange body has a flattened region in the region of the apex line (in the sole region of the container) at its outer region. This also ensures that the flange body protrudes only slightly from the container profile, so on the one hand provides no attack surfaces against mechanical damage and on the other hand also forms no thermal bridge in an optionally surrounding the container insulation.

In an embodiment in which the wall thicknesses of the flange body, the Stutzenkragens and the bottom wall portion (ie the bottom itself) are in a ratio of 10: 5: 2 is given adequate pressure resistance of the individual elements and at the same time a compensation of the required cutout opening (by the Defined course of the cutting contour). This ensures the pressure resistance of the entire system. This is particularly important if the container is a pressure-resistant container, for example for dangerous goods.

In a curved floor with a connection arrangement according to the invention, in which the flat flange body is arranged perpendicular to a floor axis, the available free space is maximum. The flange body can thus have a very simple tubular inner opening. And the connection plane in which the flange body is connected with its inner side with the extending in this plane portion of the cutout contour can be formed by a simple and accurate to produce planar radial section in the connection area.

In a container which has such a curved bottom with a connection arrangement according to the invention, an optimally utilized additional connection space is available.

This is particularly advantageous if such a container is used in a tank container arrangement, where then the additional usable space is available between the lower cross member and the outer contour and a connection opening arranged in the tank area.

Coming back to the FIGS. 1A to 1C These illustrate a first embodiment.

Fig. 1A shows the connection assembly 1 in the lower end portion 17 of a container 100 (see. Fig. 2A ) in a longitudinal sectional view. The sectional plane runs vertically along a longitudinal axis 101 of the container 100. The connection arrangement 1 comprises a bottom wall region 2 with a cutout contour 3 (cf. Fig. 1C ) in an edge zone of the floor 102, here from the Brim area 4 is formed. In the container / bottom cutout formed by the cutout contour 3 sits a flat flange 5 with an inwardly facing inside 6 and an outwardly facing outside 7, which are connected to each other via a flange 5 through the connecting opening 8.

The inner side 6 of the flange body 5 is connected to the bottom wall region 2 along a section 3a of the cutout contour 3 that extends in a connection plane, in particular welded. In this case, the flat surface of the inner side 6 of the flange body 5 coincides with the connection plane, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101.

The outside 7 of the flange body 5 protruding into the interior of the container 100 is connected to the bottom wall region 2 via a neck collar 9 along the cutout contour 3 and welded here via inner and outer fillet welds.

At its flange end, the neck collar 9 is welded to the outside 7 of the flange body 5 with its outer peripheral edge 11 via a weld 10. The neck collar 9 runs (partially) tubularly from the outer side 7 of the flange body 5, starting in the direction of the longitudinal axis 101 through the cutout contour 3, and projects there with its outer edge 12 out of the bottom wall region 2. The course of the outer edge 12 corresponds approximately to the course of the cutout contour 3 in this area, which extends approximately along the outer edge 12 of the Stutzenkragens 9 on the outside and further extends beyond the outer edge 11 of the flange 5, where they then in the in Connecting level extending portion 3a passes, which is connected to the inner side 6 of the flange 5, in particular welded.

The connection opening 8 in the flange body 5 is arranged in the bottom wall region 2 such that the lower vertex line is aligned with the lower vertex line in the sole region of the container 100, which runs along the longitudinal axis 101. This ensures that the container 100 can be completely emptied through the connection opening 8.

The flange body 5 has a flattening 13 in its lower region, so that the flange body 5 protrudes only slightly from the bottom wall region 2 or from the container 100 or the bottom 102.

The brim area 4, which essentially defines the bottom wall area 2, is a component of the curved floor 102 and extends between a cylindrical shelf 14 and the central spherical area 15. The cylindrical shelf 14 is connected to a corresponding cylindrical (in this case tubular) tank body 16, the component the container 100 is.

Fig. 2A shows an insulated container 100 which is part of a tank container 120 and the front side is held over the frame assembly 130. In this case, the connection arrangement 1 is part of a bottom emptying 17 which is arranged on the front side at one end of the tank container 120 and comprises the connection arrangement 1. On the flange 5, a valve assembly 18 is connected. The valve assembly 18 is arranged there in the region of a lower cross member 19, which is part of the end frame 20.

Fig. 2C shows how by the recessed into the container 100 flange 5 additional space 21 (see also Fig. 1B ) is available, which is defined by the protruding into the container interior neck collar 9 and the flange 5. Here, the connection 22 extends from the planar flange body 5 to the valve arrangement 18, without the valve arrangement 18 projecting beyond the transverse member 19 on the face side. The valve assembly 18 is arranged as much within the space 23 between the container 100 and the curved bottom 102 and the lower cross member 19, at least within the outer contours of the tank container 120th

Fig. 3A shows a second embodiment of the connection arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which the flange body 5 is executed without flattening 13 and the nozzle collar 9 forms a complete pipe section, the flange side is connected to the outer peripheral edge 11 of the flange 5.

In the embodiments described above, the neck collar 9 is integrally connected to the flange body 5 via a weld 10. This unit (flange 5 and 9 Stutzenkragen) can be completely prefabricated and is then used as a complete component in the prepared cutout contour 3 in the curved bottom 102 of the container 100 and welded there.

In other embodiments, the flange 5 and the neck collar 9 can also be made in one piece - for example, in a casting process or by machining a blank -.

There are also embodiments in which the flange body 5 is further displaced into the container 100 and extends in the region of the cylindrical tank body 16 (see dashed line in FIG Fig. 3A ). In order to simplify the production of the Stutzenkragens 9, the course of the outer edge 11 can also be prepared by one or more straight cuts (see dash-dotted line 11a in Fig. 3A ).

The wall thicknesses of the flange body 5, the Stutzenkragens 9 and the bottom wall portion 2 and the cylindrical container 16 are in a ratio of 8 to 12 to 4 to 6 to 1 to 3, preferably in a ratio of 10 to 5 to 2. Thus stabilize flange 5 and 9 Stutzenkragen the weakened by the neck bottom wall portion 2 in the curved bottom 102 and dem Container 100. For further reinforcement, a reinforcing collar can also be provided around the cutout contour 3 on the inside and / or outside of the container 100 or the curved bottom 102.

The embodiments described above relate mainly to weldable metallic materials, especially steel and stainless steel materials, but they are also applicable to non-metallic materials such as plastics, which are glued together, for example.

Further embodiments and variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

container

101

longitudinal axis

102

arched ground

120

tank containers

130

frame

1

terminal assembly

2

Bottom wall portion

3

Neck contour

3a

Section of the cutout contour

4

flanged area

5

flat flange body

6

inside

7

outside

8th

port opening

9

Stutz collar

10

Weld

11

circumferential edge

12

outer edge

12a

Outer edge by diagonal cut

13

flattening

14

cylindrical board / collar area

15

Kalottenbereich

16

cylindrical container / tubular jacket

17

Untenendeerung

18

valve assembly

19

lower crossbar

20

end frame

21

additional space

22

connection

23

space

Claims (8)

1. A container (100) having a curved bottom (102) and a connecting assembly (1) comprising:

   a bottom wall region (2) having a cutout contour (3) in a peripheral zone of the bottom (102),

   a flat flange body (5) having an inner side (6), an outer side (7) and a connecting opening (8) connecting the inner side and outer side (6, 7),

   the peripheral zone of the bottom (102) comprising the following regions: a collar region (14); a brim region (4); and a calotte region (15); and

   the inner side (6) being connected to a section (3a) of the cutout contour (3) running in a connecting plane, so that the flange body (5) is arranged with its connecting opening (8) within an outer contour of the bottom (102) and of the container (100), the connecting opening (8) comprising an inner surface, characterized

   in that a nozzle collar (9) connects a region of the outer side (7) that runs in the interior of the bottom wall region (2) to the cutout contour (3) and aligns the inner surface along a common apex line with an inner surface of the collar region (14).
2. The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle collar (9) is of tubular design, at one flange end follows an outer contour (11) of the flange body (5) and at one bottom end terminates in an outer edge (12, 12a) at least partially following the cut-out contour (3).
3. The container (100) according to claim 2, wherein the outer edge (12a) is approached by at least one oblique cut and/or the nozzle collar (9) projects with its bottom end from the interior of the bottom wall region (2).
4. The container (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the nozzle collar (9) partially encloses the flange body (5).
5. The container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle collar (9) and the flange body (5) are designed in one piece, in particular as a cast part.
6. The container (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flange body (5) has a flattened region (13) at the outer edge (12), in particular in the region of the apex line.
7. The container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall thicknesses of the flange body (5), the nozzle collar (9) and the bottom wall region (2) are in a ratio of 8 to 12 to 4 to 6 to 1-3, in particular in a ratio of 10 to 5 to 2.
8. A tank container device (120) with a container (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7 with a horizontally extending longitudinal axis (101), wherein the connecting assembly (1) is arranged in the base region of the container (100) and is part of a bottom discharge (17).

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