EP3256404B1 - Foldable rcs container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a container in which the sides are formed from a container wall for reducing the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche.

Standard containers have been established for the storage and transport of goods. These are now being used in a much broader range, from temporary homes or offices to mobile operating theaters.

The ISO 668 standardizes containers for sea freight. However, this standard is widely used today, so these containers have also become standard in the rail and truck sectors. The most common are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, but the standard also describes containers that are 45 feet or 53 feet long. Due to the widespread use of these containers, the logistics infrastructure has also adapted to these. As a rule, loading bridges or parking spaces are generally designed for these standard containers.

To save space, if containers are not used, it is known from the prior art to fold them. From the DE 20111 561 U1 a foldable standard container is known, wherein four post members are movable between a vertical and a horizontal position. From the WO 2011/154982 A1 self-unfolding standard container is known.

From the WO 2010 085 785 A2 is a foldable shipping container known.

From the DE 1 536 121 A a collapsible box-shaped unit is known.

From the DE 1 956 979 C3 For example, a method of coating surfaces for radar-safe camouflage is known.

From the US 2,972,430 is a collapsible container known.

From the DE 34 08 132 A1 is a container with retractable side walls known.

From the WO 01/09562 A1 a device for reducing the signature for retrofitting is known.

From the US 2006/0081628 A1 is a container with a monolithic structure known.

Nevertheless, mainly non-foldable containers are used today because they are much cheaper and maintenance-free. Also, storage and transport of empty containers are relatively unproblematic since today's container freighters can transport up to 19,000 20-foot containers (TEU: Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit).

Also in the military sector, standard containers are increasingly gaining acceptance because they are comparatively easy to handle due to standardization. The disadvantage, however, is that the standardized containers have a comparatively large radar cross-section due to their vertical, metallic side walls in the event of congestion on the ship's deck, thus rendering a ship which transports such containers easily discoverable and thus vulnerable. For this reason, containers were also optimized for the military sector, taking into account the effective retroreflective surface. For example, from the post-published DE 10 2014 103 601 For example, a standard container is known which has a minimized Radar Cross Section (RCS).

In the military field, however, it is often desirable to reduce not only the radar signature but also the visibility. Although it is known to provide these standard container, for example, with a camouflage, but this can only represent a limited improvement. In addition, in the military field, a supply and removal of unneeded material, for example, a no longer used standard container is usually very expensive.

The object of the invention is to provide a container optimized for military use, which minimizes the visibility and can be used reliably in the field.

The problem is solved by a container having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims, the following description and the drawings.

The container according to the invention has a bottom, a ceiling, a first side wall and a second side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. The container is in the unfolded state substantially cuboid. The first side wall, the second side wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall are formed of a container wall for reducing the effective radar reflecting surface. A vessel wall is configured to reduce the effective radar return surface when it is configured to absorb radar radiation and / or to reflect incident radar radiation at an angle other than the angle of incidence. In the event that the container wall is designed to reflect incident radar radiation at an angle other than the angle of incidence, it is usually designed for the reflection of a radar beam arriving at a shallow angle, usually 15 ° ± 3 ° to the earth's surface. This corresponds to the most likely threat scenario. The first side wall and the second side wall are foldable in the longitudinal direction of the container halfway between the floor and the ceiling in the interior of the container. At least the first side wall has a first trim plate to reduce the effective radar return surface. The first panel is permeable to radar rays. The first cladding panel further includes reflecting means which reflects radar beams. The reflection means is embedded in the first cladding panel and at least partially inclined with respect to a main extension plane of the first cladding panel.

Since the reflection means is integrated on the inside and thus in the cladding panel, wear, for example by abrasion, is avoided. Thus, the reduction of the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche is maintained even with regular folding of the container.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second side wall for reducing the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche a second cladding panel. The second panel is permeable to radar rays. The second trim panel further includes a reflection means which reflects radar rays. The reflection means is embedded in the second cladding panel and at least partially aligned with respect to a main extension plane of the second cladding panel.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first end wall for reducing the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche on a third trim panel. The third panel is permeable to radar. The third trim panel further includes a reflection means which reflects radar beams. The reflection means is embedded in the third cladding panel and at least partially inclined with respect to a main extension plane of the third cladding panel.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the second end wall for reducing the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche on a fourth trim panel. The fourth panel is permeable to radar. The fourth trim panel further includes a reflection means which reflects radar beams. The reflection means is embedded in the fourth cladding panel and at least partially inclined with respect to a main extension plane of the third cladding panel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the blanket is also formed from a container wall for reducing the effective radar reflecting surface.
In a further embodiment of the invention, at least the first end wall has a first door. The first door of the first end wall is double-winged and has a first Door leaf and a second door on. The first door can be folded into the interior of the container. The first door is designed in two parts and has a first upper door and a first lower door. The second door is designed in two parts and has a second upper door and a second lower door. The first upper door leaf, the first lower door leaf, the second upper door leaf and the second lower door leaf extend over half the height between the floor and the ceiling. The first upper door leaf and the first lower door leaf as well as the second upper door leaf and the second lower door leaf may be connectable. Advantage of this embodiment is that the container can thereby be firmly closed.

The unfolded state of the container can be referred to as a receiving position, the collapsed state as a stowed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the first door of the first end wall is not only hinged in the interior of the container, but can also be opened to the outside. Preferably, the first door can be opened by at least 90 ° to the outside, more preferably be opened by at least 180 ° to the outside and are particularly preferably opened by 270 ° to the outside.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second end wall also has a second door, which is designed like the first door. Alternatively, the second end wall can be designed to be foldable, so that the second end wall can be folded into the interior of the container against the ceiling or the floor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container on post elements, wherein the post elements ceiling and floor in the unfolded state connect non-positively, wherein the post elements are arranged in the unfolded state of the cuboid edges. The post elements are preferably rigid and thus stabilize the container in the unfolded state. Preferably, the post elements are each hingedly connected to a twistlock. Twistlocks are located in the corners according to ISO 668 Connecting elements of standard containers. In one embodiment, the post elements are each hingedly connected to the grounded twistlock. This is preferred when the container is manually assembled and disassembled. In another embodiment, the post elements are each hingedly connected to the located on the ceiling twistlock. This embodiment is preferred when the post members on the ground facing side are connected to the ground via a movable member such as a rack, threaded spindle or a rail.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the post elements are connected via at least two rotatable connecting elements with threaded spindles and via the threaded spindles to the ground, that the post elements can be aligned parallel to the ground by rotation of the threaded spindles. A threaded spindle has, for example, a circumferential trapezoidal thread. In this way, a seated around the threaded spindle component can be moved with internal thread along the threaded spindle as a screw. In one embodiment, the container has four threaded spindles, each post element being connected to a threaded spindle. In an alternative embodiment, the container has two threaded spindles, wherein two post elements are connected to each threaded spindle. In this embodiment, the threaded spindle has a first and a second regions, in which a first region a first post element is connected and in a second region a second post element, wherein the direction of rotation trapezoidal thread of the threaded spindle is in opposite directions in both areas. As a result, two post elements of a page with a single threaded spindle can be folded simultaneously. This ensures that no shear forces occur when folding the container.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the threaded spindles are driven manually, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically. Particularly preferably, the threaded spindles can be driven manually and electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically on the one hand. As a result, a container, for example, in a field camp, even without technical support devices are opened or collapsed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container is a container according to ISO 668, more preferably a 20-foot container according to ISO 668.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container is ballistically secured. A ballistic securing can be done for example by the application of Kevlar on the inside or outside. As a result, the interior is protected from smaller floors or splinters. This embodiment is preferred when the container is to serve as a workplace, for example in a field camp.

The preferred container wall has the advantage that the reflection means is integrated into the cladding panel, so that the surface of the cladding panel does not comprise any areas with an orientation that is inclined with respect to the main extension plane. In this way, the container can be made ISO 866 compliant and at the same time the radar cross section (RCS) can be reduced because the radar reflecting part is partially inclined with respect to the main plane of extension and thus the incident radar beams are not reflected directly back to the transmitter of the radar waves. In other words, the reflection means is in particular designed such that radar rays incident on the reflection means are reflected by the reflection means in a direction of departure deviating from the anti-parallel direction of incidence along a direction of incidence substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane. By "antiparallel" is meant vectors which are parallel but have an opposite direction. The integration of the reflection means in the cladding panel also has the advantage that the container wall can be easily made.

According to a preferred embodiment of the container wall is provided that the reflection means has a sawtooth profile. By the sawtooth profile, a reflection means can be provided in a particularly efficient manner, in which the reflection surfaces are always inclined relative to the main extension plane and thus a reflection of incident radar beams is suppressed directly back to the transmitter. At the same time is prevented by the sawtooth that the thickness of the reflection means perpendicular to the main plane of extension is too large and thus the assembly is difficult. The sawtooth profile is preferably realized in that the reflection means is composed of a plurality of first and second reflection slopes, which are arranged alternately along a main extension direction of the reflection means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the container wall is provided that in each case between the main extension plane and the first reflection slope, a first angle and wherein each between the main extension plane and the second reflection slope, a second angle is formed, wherein the first angle and the second angle are unequal, and in particular the first angle is less than the second angle. Advantageously, the first and second reflection slopes are thus inclined differently relative to the main extension plane. It is conceivable that the first angle between 5 ° and 60 ° and particularly preferably between 10 ° and 30 ° very particularly preferably between 15 ° and 25 ° and / or that the second angle between 60 ° and 100 ° and particularly preferably between 70 ° and 90 ° is most preferably at substantially 85 °.

According to a preferred embodiment of the container wall, it is provided that the lining panel comprises a substantially rigid sandwich panel. Advantageously, the container wall is thus relatively easy and can be produced inexpensively. The sandwich panel preferably has two cover layers and a core arranged between the two cover layers. The cover layers preferably each comprise glass fiber reinforced plastic, while the core preferably comprises a foam core. The reflection means is embedded in particular in the core.

According to a preferred embodiment of the container wall is provided that the reflection means comprises a conductive film. It is conceivable, for example, that the reflection means comprises a metal insert, a woven fabric and / or a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic insert. Advantageously, on the one hand a high reflectance of the reflection means is achieved and on the other hand, a cost-effective and simple production.

According to one embodiment of the container wall, the container wall consists of a supporting wall not designed to reduce the effective radar reflecting surface (RCS), for example a metallic wall, on which cladding plate is applied, which is designed to reduce the effective radar reflecting surface (RCS). The cladding panel is preferably designed as described for the container wall, which is designed to reduce the effective Radarrückstrahlfläche (RCS). This embodiment is preferred for retrofitting hinged, not RCS-optimized container.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the RCS wall parts by their construction, in particular the sandwich construction, seeschllagfest. The frame construction is preferably designed so that it can absorb the forces by a sea impact on the RCS wall parts. The movable and non-movable components of the frame structure are preferably made according to the expected loads of high-strength, high-alloy steels, which direct the forces without further reinforcing elements via the twistlock elements in the ship structure. If extreme conditions are expected, the RCS container, like normal standard containers, can also be lashed to the upper twistlock elements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container has a seal. For this purpose, the container may have variously executed rubber seals that seal the container in the locked state, preferably windproof and waterproof, according to protection class IP23.

Figur 1:

Schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters während des Klappens

Figur 2:

Schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters im aufgeklappten Zustand

Figur 3:

Schematische Ansicht der ersten Stirnseite während des Klappens

Figur 4:

Schematische Darstellung des Klappmechanismus

Figur 5:

Schematische Darstellung einer Verkleidungsplatte

The container according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1:

Schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention during the flap

FIG. 2:

Schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention in the unfolded state

FIG. 3:

Schematic view of the first front side during folding

FIG. 4:

Schematic representation of the folding mechanism

FIG. 5:

Schematic representation of a cladding panel

At the in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 shown container 10 is a 20-foot container according to ISO 668. The container has the usual features of a standard container, in particular the standardized container corners for container locking on.

In FIG. 1 the container 10 is shown while the container is being unfolded. The container 10 has a bottom 20 and a ceiling 30 and two side walls 40. The side walls 40 are halfway between the floor 20 and the ceiling 30 by means of a hinged joint 42 into the interior of the container 10 hinged. To stabilize the container 10 in the unfolded state, the container 10 has post elements 50. These post members 50 are hinged to the container corners on the ceiling 30. The post members 50 are threaded over 80 (in FIG. 4 shown) connected to the bottom 20. As a result, the post elements 50 can be aligned parallel to the ground 20 by rotation of the threaded spindles 80. The drive of the threaded spindles 80 via the crank 70. At the first end wall, the container 10 has a double-leaf door, which consists of two upper door leaves 62 and two lower door leaves 64. The upper door leaves 62 and the lower door leaves 64 are folded into the interior of the container 10 and come to rest on the side walls 40. As a result, the container 10 can be folded compactly together.

In FIG. 2 the container 10 is shown unfolded, the door at the first end wall is closed, the post members 50 are perpendicular and connect frictionally bottom 20 and top 30. Preferably, the crank 70 is removable, so that the container 10 according to external dimensions according to ISO 668 and stackable accordingly and is transportable.

In FIG. 3 the container 10 is a perspective front view. Across from FIG. 1 It is better to see how the upper door leaf 62 and the lower door leaf 64 are folded into the interior of the container 10 against the side wall 40.

FIG. 4 shows the mechanism of the container 10 schematically. The standardized corner corners for container locking can be recognized at the corners of the blocks. The post member 50 is moved by rotation of the threaded spindle 80, which is rotated by the drive 82 in a position parallel to the ground 20 or a vertical position to open the container 10 or fold. The drive 82 is preferably both by means of in FIG. 1 shown crank 70 and electrically driven.

In FIG. 5 FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a trim panel 110 for reducing the effective radar return area. The trim panel 110 is in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid sandwich panel. For this purpose, the cladding panel 110 comprises two cover layers 120 made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and a core 130, which is arranged between the two cover layers 120. The core 130 comprises a foam core, preferably a polyurethane foam (PUR). The combination of the cover layers 120 with the foam core results in a high load-bearing capacity and a high degree of rigidity for the trim panel 110, with at the same time a very low weight. In addition, the radar panel cladding panel 110 is permeable so that no appreciable radar echo emanates from the planar surface of the cladding panel 110 that extends along a main plane of extent 160. The trim panel 110 further includes a reflective means 140 which is integrated or glued into the foam core. The reflection means 140 is formed in the form of a metal insert, whereby radar beams 150 are reflected by the reflection means 140. The reflection means 140 is in the form of a sawtooth profile or stepped, so that the surface subregions of the reflection means 140 are always inclined with respect to the main extension plane 160 of the cladding panel 110. Alternatively, the reflection means 140 comprises a fabric (gauze) and / or a carbon fiber reinforced plastic insert (CFRP). In order that the cladding panel 110 may nevertheless be made as thin as possible along a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane 160, the reflection means 140 is constructed from a plurality of first and second reflection slopes 170, 180 which alternately along a main extension direction 190 of the main extension plane 160 Reflecting means 140 are arranged. In each case between the main extension plane 160 and the first reflection slope 170, a first angle 200 and wherein in each case between the main extension plane 160 and the second reflection slope 180, a second angle 210 is formed, wherein the first angle 200 is always smaller than the second angle 210. Furthermore, the surface of the second reflection slope 180 is always smaller than the surface of the first reflection slope 170. The reflection slopes 170, 180 inclined with respect to the main extension plane 160 ensure that radar rays 150 incident on the reflection means 140 are emitted along the direction of incidence substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 160 Reflective means 140 are reflected in a deviating from the anti-parallel direction of incidence failure direction. In other words, radar beams 150 which are emitted by a radar source 220 and arrive perpendicular to the cladding panel 110 are not reflected back to the radar source 220, but are directed by the reflecting means 140 in other spatial directions with directional components parallel to the main extension plane 160. This has the advantage that a radar device connected to the radar sources 220 receives a lower radar echo and the radar location is made more difficult. The effective radar return area (RCS) is thus significantly reduced.

Reference numerals:

10

container

20

ground

30

blanket

40

Side wall

42

folding joint

50

post member

62

upper door leaf

64

lower door leaf

70

crank

80

screw

82

drive

110

Facing tile

120

topcoat

130

core

140

reflecting means

150

radar beams

160

Main plane

170

reflection slope

180

reflection slope

190

Main direction

200

first angle

210

second angle

220

radar source

Claims (10)

1. Container (10) having a floor (20), a ceiling (30), a first side wall (40) and a second side wall (40), a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the first side wall (40) and the second side wall (40) in the longitudinal direction of the container (10), mid-height between the floor (20) and the ceiling (30), are foldable inward into the interior of the container (10), characterized in that the first side wall (40), the second side wall (40), the first end wall and the second end wall are formed from a container wall for reducing the effective radar cross section, wherein at least the first side wall (40) has a first cladding board for reducing the effective radar cross section, wherein the first cladding board is permeable to radar rays, wherein the first cladding board furthermore has a reflective agent which reflects radar rays, and wherein the reflective agent is embedded in the first cladding board and is aligned so as to be at least partially inclined in relation to a plane of main extent of the first cladding board.
2. Container (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second side wall (40) has a second cladding board for reducing the effective radar cross section, wherein the second cladding board is permeable to radar rays, wherein the second cladding board furthermore has a reflective agent which reflects radar rays, and wherein the reflective agent is embedded in the second cladding board and is aligned so as to be at least partially inclined in relation to a plane of main extent of the second cladding board.
3. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end wall has a third cladding plate for reducing the effective radar cross section, wherein the third cladding board is permeable to radar rays, wherein the third cladding board furthermore has a reflective agent which reflects radar rays, and wherein the reflective agent is embedded in the third cladding board and is aligned so as to be at least partially inclined in relation to a plane of main extent of the third cladding board.
4. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first end wall has a first door, and wherein the first door of the first end wall is embodied so as to be double-leafed, having a first door leaf and a second door leaf, wherein the first door is foldable inward into the interior of the container (10), and wherein the first door leaf is embodied in two parts, having a first upper door leaf (62) and a first lower door leaf (64), and wherein the second door leaf is embodied in two parts, having a second upper door leaf (62) and a second lower door leaf (64), and wherein the first upper door leaf (62), the first lower door leaf (64), the second upper door leaf (62), and the second lower door leaf (64) extend across half the height between the floor (20) and the ceiling (30).
5. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) has post elements (50), wherein the post elements (50) in the unfolded state connect the ceiling (30) and the floor (20) in a force-fitting manner, wherein the post elements (50) in the unfolded state are disposed on the edges of the cuboid.
6. Container (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the post elements (50) by way of at least two threaded spindles (80) are connected to the floor (20), and in that the post elements (50) by rotating the threaded spindles (80) can be aligned so as to be parallel with the floor (20).
7. Container (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the threaded spindles (80) are driven manually, electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
8. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) is a container according to ISO 668.
9. Container (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the container (10) is a 20 ft container according to ISO 668.
10. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) is protected in terms of ballistics.

Images