WO2014107757A1

WO2014107757A1 - Container for transporting cargo in aviation

Info

Publication number: WO2014107757A1
Application number: PCT/AT2014/050010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Heinz Semlitsch
Original assignee: Secar Technologie Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-01-14
Filing date: 2014-01-14
Publication date: 2014-07-17
Also published as: EP2969851A1; AT513818A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for transporting cargo in aviation, which container consists of a number of polymer or composite components that can be reversibly releasably connected to each other. According to the invention, a base (1) and two side frame parts (2, 2') are fastened on opposite edges of the base (1) perpendicularly to said base (1), at least three plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c) being inserted in the region between the side frame parts (2, 2'). The side frame parts (2, 2') are interconnected by means of at least two cross-members (3) that are oriented perpendicularly to the side frame parts (2, 2'). The base plate (1), the side frame parts (2, 2'), the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c) and the cross-members (3) are reversibly releasably interlocked or force-locked.

Description

Container for transporting cargo by air

The invention relates to a container for the transport of cargoes in air traffic according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

From the state of the art, containers in the air are made of different materials and shapes, e.g. from US3598273. Most of the containers are made of metals such as steel or aluminum and have standardized sizes. The containers must withstand shocks and high loads. The known containers therefore have the problem of being very massive and heavy and are therefore expensive to manipulate. Since every kilo counts in air traffic in order to achieve fuel savings and to be able to transport more freight or passengers, the great weight of known containers is a huge disadvantage and a cost-increasing factor. Likewise, the storage of the unused and the transport unloaded containers by the fixed predetermined form space intensive and increases here, too, the highly competitive prices in air traffic. Furthermore, with the ever increasing safety regulations in air traffic, a simple fluoroscopy of the containers is required. Mostly security checks are carried out with metal detectors and / or X-rays. In metallic containers, therefore, an increased effort is usually associated with the controls, which can lead to time delays again and again.

The object of the invention is to provide a container for the transport of cargoes in air traffic, which has a simple, stable, easy to install and save space storable structure and still has a low weight.

The invention solves this problem in a container of the type mentioned above with the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. It is inventively provided that a bottom plate and two side frame parts are provided which are mounted on opposite edges of the bottom plate perpendicular to the bottom plate. In the area between the side frame parts, at least three plate elements are used, wherein the side frame parts are connected by at least two, in particular normal to the side frame members aligned, transverse struts, and the bottom plate, the side frame parts, the plate elements and the cross braces are reversibly releasably positively or non-positively connected to each other. The structure and the materials used allow for easy assembly of the container. Thanks to the fiber-reinforced materials used, the container is given a higher rigidity with a lower weight, which makes it possible to achieve a total weight of only 40 kg, which is many times less than the weight of conventional air freight containers. Furthermore, the materials used can easily be checked at security checks without extra effort and therefore save time in manipulation and transport at the airport. By constructing the container from individual components, the parts, such as the plate elements and the side frame parts can be easily stacked and thereby stored to save space.

Further advantageous embodiments of the container are described in the features of the dependent claims:

In order to stabilize the shape of the container better and to simplify the assembly of the container, it can be provided that the cross struts with the side frame members via clips positively or non-positively connectable, the clips with the cross struts and / or the side frame members form-fitting or non-positively connectable are.

An even simpler construction of the container can be realized by four plate elements are used in the area between the side frame parts.

A particularly stable container with simple mounting options of the components can be achieved if the plate elements are formed in formed in the side frame parts, the cross braces and / or the bottom plate longitudinal grooves.

In order to further reduce the weight of the plate elements, it can be provided that the plate elements comprise a frame, which is covered with a tarpaulin.

In order to store the plate elements even more space-saving and to further reduce the space required for the transport of the dismantled container is provided that the plate elements are plan flat and space-saving storable. Thus, the plane-flat plate elements and the side frame parts z. B. are stacked on a pallet and several container elements are stored one above the other or next to each other.

So that individual parts do not fall out during transport of the freight in the container, it can be provided that the side frame parts are partially closed, in particular one closed and partially closed, have side surfaces. With closed side surfaces here disguised side surfaces are understood.

In order to be able to adapt the shape of the container to different aircraft types and sizes, it is provided that the side frame parts have a trapezoidal section. By this is meant that the side frame parts may have a trapezoidal section instead of a rectangular shape that results from a bevelled corner.

Thus, the container can also be strung together to save space can be provided that the side frame parts are aligned parallel to each other and / or the plate elements are aligned perpendicular to the side frame parts.

In order to make the connection between the bottom element and the side frame parts easier and faster to assemble, it can be provided that the side frame parts have connection points, wherein the connection points in the bottom plate teilversenkt, in particular inserted.

In order to be able to adapt the shape of the container to the usually curved aircraft belly in which the cargo is usually transported, without wasting valuable space in the aircraft, it can be provided that the container has a wall section extending obliquely outwards from the base plate and a wall section Having the sloping wall portion subsequent, perpendicular to the bottom plate extending wall portion.

The assembly can be further simplified by the components of the container can be connected via connectors.

In security checks, metal objects usually cause problems, so it can be provided that the connectors are made of non-metallic materials.

The load capacity of the bottom plate with low weight increases can be increased if the bottom plate is constructed as a sandwich construction. The sandwich construction is a construction in which several layers of different properties are embedded in a material. In order to simplify the assembly and to relieve the persons involved in the assembly, it can be provided that the container constructed from the detachably connectable components is designed as a modular system and without tools, in particular by inserting and / or inserting the components one inside the other , is mountable.

Since metal is usually heavier than other materials such as plastic, to further reduce the weight of the container, it can be provided that the container, in particular completely, is free from metallic materials.

A preferred embodiment of the transverse strut is achieved if at least one transverse strut is inextricably connected at one of its ends to at least one plug-in connection, in particular jointly wound or welded in the production process. This reduces the assembly time of the container and increases, by a tighter bond of the clip to the crossbar, the stability of the container.

An increased stiffness of the container with a low weight is achieved by the side frame parts, the cross braces, the clips, the bottom plate and / or the frame of the plate elements different or equal from a glass, carbon, aramid and / or mineral , In particular basalt fibers reinforced composite plastic material are formed.

The stability of the container is further increased if the side frame members, the cross members and / or the bottom plate have a foam plastic core, wherein the foam core with a mechanically stable foamed plastic, in particular with "Rohacell" or based on a polyurethane is formed. Rohacell is the product name of Evonik for a foamed PMI plastic material. By reinforcing the components with a foam plastic core, the susceptibility of the container to shocks is reduced. In most cases, the containers are loaded and manipulated in air traffic by forklifts. Due to increased time pressure, the containers are usually handled quickly and improperly, the speed of use is increased, the Absetzhöhen be increased and again and again containers are approached in narrow warehouses or striped. As a result, the containers are often exposed to shocks that have disastrous consequences for a fiber-reinforced composite plastic material and often lead to cracks and thus the destruction of the material. Thanks to a foam plastic core, these impacts can be distributed and introduced even better in the material and reduce local stress peaks in the composite material. Plastic material and thus further increase the stability and the life of the container.

The impact propagation and the avoidance of stress peaks in the material is further improved if at least one plate element has on at least one side, in particular on all sides, at least one, in particular oblong, guide element formed in the form of a guide rail, wherein the guide element projects into at least one of the longitudinal grooves Side frame parts, the cross braces and / or the bottom plate insertable and with these form-fitting or, in particular by a press fit, frictionally connected and / or the at least one guide element of a, in particular in one piece with plate element, with glass, carbon, aramid and / or mineral, in particular basalt fiber reinforced composite plastic material is formed.

Shocks and vibrations, and thus the transfer of stress from one component to the next, can be further reduced if at least one guide element has a damping core, wherein the damping core consists of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer or rubber, and / or the damping -Kern, in particular on all sides, is enclosed by the material of the guide element.

The wear of the longitudinal grooves can be reduced if the longitudinal grooves at least one, in particular made of metal, preferably made of steel or aluminum, existing groove element, wherein the groove member for reinforcing the longitudinal groove and the protection against wear of this, is inserted in the longitudinal groove and wherein the Plate elements, in particular the guide elements of the plate elements, in the groove elements inserted and with these form-fitting or, in particular by a press fit, non-positively connected. Furthermore, in the event of impacts or improper handling, the stresses are better and more uniformly introduced into the base plate, whereby local stress peaks in the material and thus its damage can be avoided.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be described below with reference to the drawings, for example. They show schematically:

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container,

2a to c the basic, top and bottom elevation of an embodiment of the

Side frame members,

3a to c the basic and elevational view and a sectional view A-A of another embodiment of the side frame parts,

4a and b is a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the bottom plate,

5a and b show a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the rear plate element,

6a and b show a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the front lower plate element,

7a and b show a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the front plate element,

8a and b are a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the upper plate member,

9a and b show a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of a transverse strut,

9c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cross member,

9d an alternative transverse strut in cross section,

10a to f perspective views of the assembly of a container according to the invention,

1 1 an alternative embodiment of the bottom plate with longitudinal groove,

12a to 12d an embodiment of the plate elements with guide element and

Damping core in basic, top and top view as well as in isometric view,

FIGS. 13a to 13d show an embodiment of the clip in different states of the clip

Assembly.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the container in the assembled state. The bottom plate 1 (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b) of the container 10, on which the body of the container 10 is constructed, is rectangular and constructed as a sandwich construction. Sandwich constructions may have foamed or honeycomb or other intermediate layers. In the bottom plate 1, four connection points 8 'are formed. In the connection points 8 'are two perpendicular to the bottom plate aligned side frame parts 2 and 2' with connection points 8 inserted. The connection points 8 of the side frame parts 2 and 2 'are in the connection points 8' of the bottom plate 1, for fixing the side frame parts 2 and 2 ' (Fig. 2, Fig. 3), sunk. The side frame members 2 and 2 'are aligned parallel to each other, form with the bottom plate 1, the backbone of the container 10 and are in this embodiment made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Containers for aircraft, often also called ULD (Unit Loading Device), are usually adapted to the shape of the aircraft bellies and usually have a sweeping outwardly extending wall section. The side frame members 2 and 2 'may therefore be such as e.g. in Fig. 2 a-c and Fig. 3 a-c have shown a trapezoidal portion. The container 10 has one of the bottom plate 1 obliquely outwardly extending wall portion and a subsequent to the inclined wall portion, perpendicular to the bottom plate 1 extending wall portion. The bottom plate 1 of the container is smaller and shorter than the top surface and it comes to a seemingly cut portion of the container 10 in the vicinity of the bottom plate. 1 Airfreight containers have specific type and size designations such as: B: LDL Typical but non-limiting dimensions of a container according to the invention are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Dimensions of air cargo containers, BW base length; W. total length

The side frame members 2 and 2 'have a trapezoidal section. The side frame part 2 (FIGS. 2a to c) has a partially closed side surface 12, which is closed in the trapezoidal section. The side frame parts 2, 2 '(FIGS. 3 a to c) have a fully closed side surface 12.

In the side frame parts 2 and 2 'along the mutually facing inner sides longitudinal grooves 5 (Fig. 2a-c and Fig. 3a to c) are formed. Plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d (FIGS. 5 to 7b) are introduced into the longitudinal grooves 5 (FIG. 1), or pushed into the longitudinal grooves 5 during assembly. The plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d in this embodiment are flat, straight plates and consist of a frame 9 made of fiber composite material and a tarpaulin 1 1 clamped on the frame 9. The tarp 1 1 can thereby e.g. made of plastic or other suitable tarpaulin material. The plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are well stackable by their planar shape and can therefore be stored to save space. Alternatively, the plate members 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d may also be rigid plates without frames which are reinforced with struts if necessary.

Between the two side frame parts 2 and 2 ', three transverse struts 3 (FIGS. 9a to 9c) are introduced perpendicular to the side frame parts 2 and 2'. The cross struts 3 are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics and support the side frame parts 2 and 2 'and prevent slippage of the plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. The plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are held in position and secured in position by the longitudinal grooves 5 of the side frame parts 2, 2 'and the transverse struts 3. The cross braces 3 are connected to connectors 7 between the cross braces 3 and the side frame members with clips 6. The clips 6 snap into recesses on the in the side frame parts 2 and 2 'formed connectors 7 and secure the crossbars 3 by a positive connection to the side frame parts 2 and 2' and thus clamp the container 10. The entire container 10 is in the invention Embodiment of non-metallic materials and is largely made of fiber-reinforced composite material.

Alternatively, the clip 6 may already be preassembled at one end of the transverse strut 3. In such transverse struts 3, the clip 6 for connection to the side frame parts 2, 2 'is already connected in the production process of the transverse strut 3 with this. This can be done by common winding or by welding the two components.

Another embodiment of the container is shown in Fig. 9d. To reinforce the side frame parts 2, 2 'and the transverse struts 3, these have a foam plastic core 13. The foam plastic core 13 consists of a PMI (polymethacrylimide) -, PU or epoxy foam and is coated with the composite plastic material. As shown in FIG. 9d, this results in a layer structure of the side frame parts 2, 2 'and the transverse struts 3 and also optionally the frame parts 9, the plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d or the base plate 1. In the center of the cross section shown in Fig. 9d crossbar 3 is the foamed plastic of the foam plastic core 13, which fills the entire cavity of the cross member 3, at the edge of the fiber reinforced composite plastic material connects.

As an alternative to the positive connection of the individual components, e.g. the clips 6 also be positively connected to the container 10. The container may also be made of other materials such as polymeric material, fiber reinforced or non-fiber reinforced.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the components can be stored very well and save space. These can z. B. the plane-flat plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d and the bottom plate 1 superimposed, then the side frame parts are positioned 2,2 'about it and the cross braces 3 and clips 6 are placed to it. It is thus possible to stack and store or transport several container components or disassembled containers one above the other.

In Fig. 1 1, an alternative embodiment of the bottom plate 1 is shown in isometric view. The lower longitudinal groove 5 of the bottom plate 1 has an inserted or coiled in the manufacturing process or co-wound groove member 15. The groove element 15 has a similar configuration to the longitudinal groove 5 and serves to receive the plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. The groove member 15 is made of metal, here aluminum or steel, and causes less wear of the longitudinal groove 5 during insertion of the plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d and thereby increased life. Furthermore, in the case of impacts caused by improper handling, the stresses are introduced better and more uniformly into the base plate 1, as a result of which local stress peaks in the material and thus its damage can be avoided. The plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d form in the inserted state with the groove elements 15 due to a press fit force fit.

FIGS. 12a to 12d show an alternative embodiment of the plate elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d in a basic, top and top view and in an isometric view. The illustrated plate element 4 has on its sides the plate element extending guide elements 1 1. The guide elements 1 1 have on the plate element near the end of the same thickness as the plate member 4 and on the opposite, the plate member facing away from, a thickening. In the region of the thickening, a damping core 12, for example consisting of an elastic material, an elastomer or rubber, is integrated in the guide element 11. The damping core 12 is completely enclosed by the material of the guide element 1 1 and increases the elastic properties of the guide element 1 1 and thereby the impact resistance of the plate element 4. The guide element 1 1 is introduced into the longitudinal grooves 5 and forms with this, by one there trained press fit, a traction. The guide element 1 1 and the damping core 12 integrated therein extend along the entire width of the plate element 4 and can alternatively also be fixed and fastened in the longitudinal grooves 5 or on the components of the container 10 by fastening elements such as screws, rivets or the like become.

Figures 13a to 13d show another embodiment of the clip 6 in different views during the assembly process. In Fig. 13a and 13b of the assembly process of the clip 6 is shown on one of the two side frame parts 2 'and a cross member 3 on the corner or crossing point. FIGS. 13c and 13d show how the clip 6 is mounted in the crossing points of the side frame part 2 and the transverse strut 3. In the clip 6 pins are formed, which are inserted into introduced into the side frame part 2 wells, here through holes. By a press fit the pins of the clips then hold in the wells and ensure a tension of the cross member 3 with the side frame part. 2

The assembly of the container is briefly explained below:

The assembly of the container is carried out in an embodiment according to the invention according to FIGS. 10a to 10f. The plate member 4a is inserted into a groove of the bottom plate 1 and brought into position (Fig. 10a). Then the two side frame parts 2 and 2 'with the connection points 8 are sunk in the bottom plate 1 and fixed (Fig. 10b). Subsequently, the plate elements 4b, 4c and 4d are successively inserted into the grooves 5 formed in the side frame parts 2 and 2 '(FIGS. 10b to 10d). The three transverse struts 3 are then perpendicular to the Side frame parts 2 and 2 'introduced at the corner edges (Fig. 10e). In the last step, the clips 6 are attached to the connectors 7 and the container 10 is thereby braced (FIG. 10f). The connectors form with the cross braces 3 and the side frame members 2 and 2 'while a positive connection and must be slightly elastically deformed when plugging in, so that the clips 6 engage, and thereby powerfully applied.

By way of example, the container or individual parts of the container 10, the base plate 1, the side frame members 2, 2 ', the cross braces 3, the clips 6 and / or plate members 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d of fiber reinforced composite plastic material by thermoplastic fibers with a reinforcing Resin, which is in particular selected from, polyether ketone, polyphenylene sulfides, polysulfones, polyamides, polytherimides and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the parts of the container 10 may also be made of fiber reinforced plastic material by reinforcing fibers with a thermosetting resin, which is especially selected from epoxy resins, acrylic resins, phenolic resins, vinyl ether resins, bismaleimide resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and mixtures thereof. The reinforcing fibers are for example made of glass, carbon, aramid and / or mineral fibers.

Claims

claims

1. Container for the transport of cargoes in air traffic, consisting of a number of mutually reversibly releasably connectable components made of, in particular fiber-reinforced, polymer material or composite material, characterized in that a bottom plate (1) and two side frame parts (2, 2 ') are provided, are mounted on opposite edges of the bottom plate (1) perpendicular to the bottom plate (1), wherein in the region between the side frame parts (2, 2 ') at least three plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c) are used, wherein the side frame parts (2, 2 ') by at least two, in particular normal to the side frame members (2, 2') aligned, transverse struts (3) are connected, and wherein the bottom plate (1), the side frame parts (2, 2 '), the plate elements (4a, 4b , 4c) and the transverse struts (3) reversibly releasably positively or positively connected to each other.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse struts (3) with the side frame parts (2, 2 ') via clips (6) are positively or non-positively connectable and wherein the clips (6) with the cross struts (3) and / or the side frame parts (2, 2 ') are positively or non-positively connectable.

3. Container according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that in the region between the side frame parts (2, 2 ') four plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are used.

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in the side frame parts (2, 2 '), the

Cross struts (3) and / or the bottom plate (1) formed longitudinal grooves (5) can be inserted.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) comprise a frame (9) with a

Tarpaulin (11) is covered or rigid plates.

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and / or the bottom plate 1 and / or the side frame parts (2, 2 ') are flat plan and save space storable.

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2, 2 ') partially closed, in particular a closed and partially closed, side surfaces (12).

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2, 2 ^' ) have a trapezoidal section.

9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2, 2 ^' ) are aligned parallel to each other and / or the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) perpendicular to the side frame parts (2, 2 ^' ) aligned are.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2, 2 ') connecting points (8), wherein the connection points (8) in the bottom plate (1) teilversenkt, in particular inserted, are.

1 1. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) has one of the bottom plate (1) obliquely outwardly extending wall portion and a subsequent to the inclined wall portion, perpendicular to the bottom plate (1) extending wall portion.

12. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components of the container (10) via plug connections (7) are connectable.

13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in connections (7) consist of non-metallic materials.

14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom plate (1) is constructed as a sandwich construction.

15. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the constructed from the releasably connectable components container (10) formed as a modular system and without tools, in particular by inserting and / or insertion of the components, can be mounted.

16. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10), in particular completely, is free of metallic materials.

17. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transverse strut (3) at one of its ends at least with a plug connection (7) undetachable, in particular co-wound or welded in the manufacturing process, is connected.

18. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2,2 '), the transverse struts (3), the clips (6), the bottom plate (1) and / or the frame (9) of the plate elements ( 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are formed from a reinforced with glass, carbon, aramid and / or mineral, especially basalt fibers composite plastic material.

19. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side frame parts (2, 2 '), the transverse struts (3) and / or the bottom plate (1) have a foam plastic core (13), wherein the foam core (13) with a mechanically stable foamed plastic, in particular with polymethacrylmethylimide, polymethacrylimide or based on a polyurethane.

20. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one plate element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) on at least one side, in particular on all sides, at least one, in particular elongated in the form of a guide rail formed, guide element (1 1 ), wherein the guide element (1 1) in at least one of the longitudinal grooves (5) of the side frame parts (2,2 '), the transverse struts (3) and / or the bottom plate (1) insertable and with these form-fitting or, in particular by a Press fit, non-positively connected.

21. Container according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one guide element (1 1) consists of a, in particular in one piece with the plate element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), with glass, carbon, aramid and / or mineral, especially basalt fiber reinforced composite plastic material is formed.

22. Container according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the at least one guide element (1 1) has a damping core (12), wherein the damping core (12) made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer or Rubber, persists.

23. Container according to claim 22, characterized in that the damping core (12), in particular on all sides, by the material of the guide element (1 1) is enclosed.

24. Container according to one of claims 4 to 23, characterized in that the longitudinal grooves (5) at least one, in particular made of metal, preferably made of steel or aluminum, existing groove element (15), wherein the groove element (15) for reinforcing the longitudinal groove (5) and the protection against wear of these, in the longitudinal groove (5) is inserted and wherein the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), in particular the guide elements (1 1) of the plate elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) , into the groove elements (15) insertable and with these form-fitting or, in particular by a press fit, non-positively connected.