SE519611C2 - Shipping container, method of manufacture and transport method for container with controlled internal environment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a freight container (1) with controlled inner environment. The container (1) has protruding wall sections (22) adjacent to edges (20, 21) and walls (12, 16, 18) that comprise said protruding wall sections (22) are formed together as one integrated part. An air-filled space is formed between adjacent containers by the protruding wall sections (22). Preferably, the integrated part comprises an inner shell (42) and an outer shell (40) with insulating material in between. The outer shell (40) preferably comprises a polymer material, which is reinforced at the protruding wall sections (22). The protruding wall sections (22) preferably have a rounded-off shape, preferably extend along the entire length of respective edge (20, 21), and preferably are provided on substantially vertical walls (12). The bottom wall (18) and top wall (16) of the container (1) preferably have complementary projections (50) and recesses (52).

Description

20 25 30,,. . N 519 611 ffšfff fi 3. 2 adjacent containers for transport or storage. To save space, a number of containers are often provided close to each other during transport or storage. In this way heat is transferred between the containers, especially when the desired internal temperature varies between the different containers. Said problems make it more difficult to maintain a constant temperature inside each individual container. Consequently, in some cases the quality of the transported goods is jeopardized.

For cargo of sensitive goods, the weight of previous containers leads to further problems. Containers that consist partly or entirely of aluminum have a non-negligible weight. When such relatively heavy containers are used, large transport costs are incurred just for transporting the container, since eye freight is usually charged based on weight.

Regarding the manufacture of previously known containers, different parts of the container are generally manufactured separately and then assembled. This results in a relatively time consuming and expensive manufacturing process.

Rough handling means that containers are often damaged during transport. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that sharp edges and protruding parts, such as handles, are damaged and cause damage to adjacent containers. An additional problem is associated with repairing damaged containers. Combinations of materials, design and / or manufacturing methods according to the state of the art make damaged containers very difficult and time consuming to take care of, as the repair must be carried out in a number of steps including e.g. disassembly of the container. Of course, this type of repair can usually not be carried out at the place where the damage occurred. Consequently, the use of the container is prevented for a considerable time. The mentioned problems involve high repair costs.

Difficulties in transporting your containers at the same time are another problem. It is often necessary to transport many containers at the same time; side by side as well as on top of each other. In this case, slippage is a serious problem which risks the safety and quality of the transported goods. As previously mentioned, containers are also often damaged during this type of transport.

SUMMARY A general object of the invention is to provide an improved freight container. There are a number of particular objects of the invention. One object is to provide a shipping container with improved thermal conductivity properties. Less heat transfer through container walls, in particular edges, as well as between adjacent containers is thus a goal.

Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively light container. Yet another object is to provide an improved container which is less prone to damage and which causes less damage to other containers. A further object of the invention is to provide a container which can be manufactured and repaired relatively quickly and inexpensively. Even more objects are to provide a method for the relatively fast, smooth and inexpensive manufacture of freight containers and to provide a method for transporting a number of such containers in a reliable manner, thereby avoiding slippage.

The above objects are achieved in accordance with the appended claims.

A container with projecting wall sections along the edges and with walls which together form an integral part is provided. The projecting wall sections give rise to an air-filled space between adjacent containers. Heat transfer between the walls of adjacent containers is thus minimized. Another advantage is that the presence of projecting wall sections means that the container walls and especially protruding details such as handles and locks are protected, which thus results in containers with minor damage. The integral part of a container according to the invention preferably comprises shells with insulating material in between. The outer shell preferably comprises a polymeric material and said projecting edges 10 15 25 30 519 611,. @. @ q.; ¿; are reinforced. The material then offers the advantage that the heat transfer through container walls, in particular edges, is minimized. In addition, a relatively light container is achieved. Furthermore, both repair and manufacturing are facilitated, which means reduced costs. A preferred embodiment of the invention has rounded edges, which further prevents damage.

In addition, complementary protruding parts and recesses are preferably provided on the upper and lower horizontal wall of the container. In this way, the problem of slipping when transporting your stacked containers is handled.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a shipping container. A container of the type described is effectively manufactured by molding an outer and an inner shell separately and then inserting the inner shell into the outer, followed by injection of an insulating material between the shells. An advantage of this method is that features of the container, such as projecting wall sections, can be easily cast into the shells. This method also enables fl your container walls to form an integral part.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of transporting your freight containers. The containers are placed side by side, with protruding wall sections defining air-filled space between adjacent containers and heat transfer being prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention, and further objects and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a shipping container according to the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the container of Figs. Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating general steps in a method of manufacturing a shipping container according to the invention, Fig. 4: Fig. 4 illustrates a number of containers according to the embodiment illustrated. in Fig. 1 provided next to and / or on top of each other, and Fig. 5 illustrates parts of an embodiment of the container in ñg. 1, which are used to control the internal environment of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In this description, an "edge" will generally refer to a connection between two planes, i.e. an edge generally has extent in one dimension. An edge can have vertical as well as horizontal extent. A "corner" refers to a connection between at least two edges.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-5. Some variants and modifications are also described.

However, the substantive content claimed is not limited by these exemplary embodiments, but is defined only by the claims.

Fig. 1 shows the outside of a freight container 1 in accordance with the invention.

The container 1 consists of a housing 10, consisting of six walls 12, 16, 18, of which four are side walls 12 (two can be seen in Fig. 1), one is an upper wall 16 and one is a bottom wall 18 (not shown in Fig. 1). 1). The walls 12, 16, 18 are connected by edges 20, 21. A main lid 30 is provided in the upper wall 16 of the housing 10, which provides access to the inner environment of the container 1. There is also a small lid 32 that makes an icebox 64 available. The container 1 is provided with handles 34 and locks 36. In a side wall 12 of the container 1 there is a battery unit 38, which forms part of a temperature control device. Wall sections 22 adjacent each of the four vertical edges 20 (three of which are shown in Fig. 1) project beyond the main plane of the two adjacent side walls 12.

A great advantage of said projecting wall sections 22 appears when one container is placed side by side with another. This is illustrated in Fig. 4, where containers 1 according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 are shown. The containers are placed side by side as well as on top of each other. An air-filled space 24 is then provided between adjacent containers 1.

Heat transfer through direct heat conduction between the containers 1 is effectively prevented by the air-filled space 24. Furthermore, air which is cooled or heated by a container side wall 12 gives rise to a convection, which causes the heat / cooling to be removed from the immediate vicinity of the container.

The space 24 thus functions as a kind of insulation, which means that the possibilities of successfully controlling the internal environment of the container 1 with respect to temperature increase considerably. In this way, the serious problem of heat transfer between adjacent containers 1 is avoided. A further advantage of the projecting wall sections 22 is that sensitive container parts are better protected from damage caused by contact with adjacent containers 1 and / or other objects. The projecting wall sections 22 are typically the first parts of a container 1 which come into contact with surrounding equipment. In particular, it is very advantageous that protruding parts, such as handles 34 and locks 36, are protected from damage.

In a preferred embodiment, the projecting wall sections 22 are reinforced to make the container 1 even more resistant to harsh handling and damaging circumstances. In the illustrated embodiment, all vertical edges 20 project 5 mm outside the main plane of adjacent walls 12 and the projecting wall sections 22 extend along the entire length of the respective edge 20, 21. Other embodiments may include cases where the projecting wall sections 22 project more or less than here. However, a preferred minimum firing distance should be 4 mm outside said main plane to provide an effective convection space. Embodiments within the scope of the invention may also include housings where less than all four vertical edges 20 are provided with projecting wall sections 22. Preferably, however, at least two vertical edges have projecting wall sections 22. There may also be embodiments whose horizontal edges 21 are provided with projecting wall sections. 22. Further, embodiments of the invention may include cases where at least one projecting wall section 22 does not extend along the entire length of the edge 20, 21. However, such modifications do not alter the general function of the container 1 and are thus within the scope of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projecting wall sections 22 and thus the vertical edges 20 have a rounded shape.

Rounded edges 20 further minimize damage to adjacent containers 1. They also prevent adjacent containers 1 from getting stuck in each other. The edge radius preferably exceeds 3% of the width of each adjacent vertical wall 12 to provide a useful edge curvature.

Fig. 2 shows the inside and inner environment of a container 1 in accordance with the invention in sectional view obtained by removing the upper wall of the container, including the lids, whereby the bottom wall 18 becomes visible.

The construction of the container housing 10 is hereby shown. The container housing 10 in this embodiment comprises an outer shell 40 and an inner shell 42. A gap 44 between the shells 40, 42 is filled with an insulating material.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the five container walls 12, 18 form an integral part. This solution is made possible by the choice of container material and the manufacturing method. The outer shell 40 here consists of vinyl ester reinforced with glass fi ber, kevlar and carbon fiber. A further reinforcement through additional layers of kevlar is used at the projecting wall sections 22.

The inner shell 42 consists of polyester reinforced with glass fiber and carbon fiber. In the space 44 between said outer shell 40 and said inner shell 42, the insulating material polyurethane is provided. As previously mentioned, the casting in polymeric material enables the container 1 to be formed substantially as an integral part. Features such as handles 34 and locks 36 can be easily immersed in the container walls 12, 16, 18, resulting in a minimum of details that protrude beyond the main plane of the walls 12, 16, 18. In this way, the containers 1 become less damaged and also cause less damage to adjacent containers 1 during storage and transport. In addition, 10 15 20 25 30, .- iv -: => i I H U '' i _ _,,,, _. f.,. v l n. »av I '1“' - _ _,,. i - _, .. ... = _ I,,, i i y: '_ I V f k, u »» - ß 8 polymer material repair of containers 1 according to the invention. Repair can be done smoothly and cheaply by adding new polymeric material to the damaged container area. Another advantage is that containers 1 according to the invention have minimal heat transfer to the surroundings through the walls 12, 16, 18, since metal profiles are not needed to maintain the structural stability of the container 1. Even the edges 20, 21 in this case consist of a polymeric material.

There are, of course, variants of the structural features described above.

The container 1 may comprise other materials but has at least one shell 40, 42 which at least partly consists of polyester, polyvinyl ester, glass fiber, carbon fiber or kevlar or any other polyester or non-metallic material. However, a preferred embodiment has an outer shell 40 which comprises a polymeric material.

Manufacture of the container is preferably performed according to another aspect of the present invention, generally illustrated in Fig. 3. The container 1 in the illustrated embodiment as well as in other embodiments covered by the invention can be efficiently prepared according to the following four main steps 102, 104, 106, 108 between a start stage 100 and an end stage 110. 1. Casting of an outer shell 40 which exhibits desired external characteristics. 2. Casting of an inner shell 42, which is to form the innermost part of the container housing 10. Insertion of the inner shell 42 into the outer shell 40. The two shells 40, 42 are preferably connected to each other. Injection of insulating material into a space 44 between the shells 40, 42.

As mentioned, this manufacturing method is intimately linked to the features of the container 1. An outer shell 40 can be molded into a mold shaped so that the described protruding wall sections 22 are obtained. The casting steps are preferably performed with a polymeric material. Preferably, a further step is performed to reinforce the protruding sections 22 with polymeric material 10 to make the container 1 even more stable and robust. The above steps 102, 104, 106, 108 constitute a comparatively fast, smooth and inexpensive way of producing a container 1 with a controlled internal environment according to the invention.

Of course, embodiments of the invention may include additional shells, which are cast and inserted between said inner and outer shells 40, 42. There may also be more than one space between the shells 40, 42.

Some containers according to the prior art have edges which inadvertently comprise projecting wall sections. For example, a container designed according to the state of the art with aluminum profiles and insulating panels in fact has small projecting wall sections. However, the purpose of these protrusions is to hold the insulating panels. In general, these projections are too small to provide efficient air space. Since also e.g. If the edges between the bottom and the side wall show protrusions, in addition, any possible air flow between adjacent containers will instead be effectively prevented.

When the new manufacturing method of casting an inner and outer shell is adopted, the need for the projections discussed in the last paragraph disappears. A natural design of a molded container is thus provided with flat sides without projecting sections in the vicinity of the edges. The person skilled in the art would thus not maintain the detailed shape of the container shell of the pro fi l / panel container, since it depends entirely on the manufacturing technique. A combination of projecting wall sections and the new manufacturing method is thus not obvious to the person skilled in the art.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has six walls 12, 16, 18.

However, other embodiments may consist of a different number of walls 12, 16, 18. However, at least four walls are needed to realize the invention.

Consequently, it is also possible for less than five container walls to form an integral part. In another embodiment, the main lid 30 may consist of the entire upper wall 16. Furthermore, other embodiments of the invention may have a lid 30, 32 at another container wall. According to yet another aspect of the invention, containers 1 can be transported efficiently by placing them side by side and / or on top of each other, as illustrated in ñg. Protruding wall sections 22 of different containers are then placed in contact with or very close to each other, an air-filled space 24 being created between adjacent containers 1. As previously mentioned, heat transfer between adjacent containers is prevented in this way. In addition, details of the container, such as handle 34 or lock 36, are well protected.

As illustrated in fi g. 1 and 4, the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided with complementary recesses 52 and projections 50. The upper wall 16 is provided with four recesses 52 at the corners. Protrusions 50, which are complementary to said recesses 52, are located on the bottom wall 18. These features facilitate the transport of fl your containers 1, since they can be stacked on top of each other in a convenient manner, as illustrated by ñg. The recesses 52 serve as placement support when the containers are stacked. The projections 50 have a tapered shape, which further facilitates the stacking. In addition to facilitating stacking, which thus becomes faster, said features result in more stable stacks. The transport of the sensitive goods thus becomes safer.

The projections 50 are high enough to allow a forklift to insert its fork under the bottom wall 18.

The container 1 according to the present embodiment is intended for temperature-controlled shipping, preferably with fl yg. I fi g. 2 shows certain parts, which serve to provide a controlled internal environment. An inner main wall 46, consisting of a vacuum panel and having a considerably lower heat conduction, separates a main goods compartment 70 from the cooling device.

The cooling device typically has a temperature of -78 ° C and a normal temperature in the main goods compartment can e.g. be + 5 ° C. It is thus obvious that any improvement of the thermal insulation is welcome.

The inner main wall is insulating and generally made of an insulating material or of a double-walled evacuated board. Furthermore, in an preferred embodiment, the inner shell 10 is provided with recesses for receiving the edge portions of the vacuum panel 46. The edges of the vacuum panel have the highest heat conduction of the whole panel and by hiding these parts in recesses in the inner shell 42 the heat conduction from the cooling device via the edge of the vacuum panel into the main goods compartment is considerably reduced.

An inner compartment wall 47 defines an ice box opening 49 leading down to an ice box (not shown in this figure). An insulating panel 60, which consists of a vacuum panel and has a considerably lower heat conduction, is located between the ice box opening 49 and the adjacent inner shell wall, further thermal insulation being provided for the battery unit located inside the wall at this position. Temperature measuring devices (not shown) are provided in suitable places for measuring the temperature inside the goods compartment.

A lift unit 48 is provided at the inner main wall 46 for drawing air from the cargo compartment through an inlet opening (not shown) in the inner main wall 46 to an inlet space 63 above the ice box. An insulating layer 62 separates the ice box from this inlet space 63. The inlet space 63 is separated from an outlet space 65 by a fl-preventing wall. The air sucked in by the mating unit 48 is pushed through the inlet space down around the ice box and back up to the outlet space 65 and is cooled down by the ice box during the desert. The cooled air is then forced out through an outlet opening 45 in the inner main wall 46 and into the goods compartment. Devices for distributing the cooled air over the goods compartment are preferably also provided (not shown).

Fig. 5 illustrates some of the parts belonging to the cooling device. The box 64 is shown here, together with the insulating panel 60, the insulating layer 62, the inner compartment wall 47 and the anti-fate wall 66. Flow arrows 68 show the fate path of the air during the cooling phase in contact with the surfaces of the ice box. The box is generally provided with carbon dioxide, which acts as a coolant. If the cooling of the goods compartment is sufficient, the fl marriage and also the air fl fate stops. If the air in the inlet space is allowed 10 a. H. i .. i. - »«. i.,,. ~ ~ - f- -. f. . . i ~ m. - -,. . , i ~ i ~. . , H. .i ... . i i. i.. . . f i. . . _, ». . i.. .-. i. 12 cooled down, a reverse current can pass through the fan. However, the insulating layer 62 prevents such air located on the upper part of the ice box from cooling down, thereby removing the risk of backflow. The control unit and the ice box 64 are preferably provided as module units, i.e. each of them is mounted in the container housing 10 as a part or module, with all its functions included inside this module.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to a specifically illustrated embodiment thereof, it should be emphasized that the invention also covers equivalents to the features shown, as well as modifications and variations thereof which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is thus to be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

10 15 20 25 30 519 611 ï3ï% ¿¶? J fl ÉfVff ° "13 PATENTKRAV Container (1) with controlled internal environment, with a housing (10) comprising at least four walls (12, 16, 18) connected by edges (20, 21), said container being provided with at least one lid (30, 32 ), characterized by wall sections (22) of walls adjacent to at least two of said edges projecting outside the main plane of adjacent walls, and in that walls comprising said wall sections together form an integral part. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said integral part in turn comprises an outer shell (40); an inner shell (42) fixed within said outer shell, whereby a gap (44) is defined by said outer and inner shells; and insulating material occupying a substantial portion of said spaces. Container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said outer shell (40) comprises a polymeric material, reinforced at said projecting wall sections (22). Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 ~ 3, characterized in that edges (20, 21) adjacent to said projecting wall sections (22) have a generally rounded shape. Container (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said rounded edges (20, 21) have a radius of at least 3% of the width of each adjacent wall. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that said projecting wall sections (22) project at least 4 mm outside said main plane of the respective wall. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that said projecting wall sections (22) extend substantially along the entire length of the respective edge. 10 15 20 25 30 .. i., F | .n «. - - ~ «t. ,, I .. .1 1 f v. -. v: i, v L! ». . = 0 -. . i. .KW i. we. " , . . . _, g H I. 14. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that said projecting wall sections (22) are provided on substantially vertical walls. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that a first of said walls constitutes a bottom wall (18) and a second of said walls constitutes an upper wall (16), said bottom wall and upper wall being provided with complementary projections (50) and recesses (52). Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that inner walls of said container are provided with recesses for receiving edges of an insulating panel (46) therein. A method of manufacturing a container (1) with a controlled internal environment, comprising the steps of: casting an outer shell (40) with at least three walls (12, 16, 18) connected by edges (20, 21), said outer shell has wall sections (22) of said walls adjacent to at least two of said edges projecting outside the main plane of both adjacent walls; casting of an inner shell (42); inserting said inner shell into said outer shell; and injecting insulating material into a space (44) between said inner and outer shells, thereby forming an integral part. A method of manufacturing a container (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the further step of reinforcing said projecting wall sections (22) with polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a container (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said casting step is performed with polymeric material. 519 611 15. . . . .. A method of transporting containers (1) with a controlled internal environment, characterized by placing containers side by side, wherein protruding wall sections (22) of the containers are placed so that they are in contact with or are very close to a neighboring container, wherein air-filled space (24) is defined between adjacent container walls.