WO2022184329A1

WO2022184329A1 - Transport system having a modular container

Info

Publication number: WO2022184329A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/025103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günter Hackenfort; Thomas Hilker
Original assignee: Werbetechnik Hilker GmbH
Priority date: 2021-03-02
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: DE102021001115A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport system (F, F') having a container (G, G'), which is intended to hold goods, piece goods or similar articles to be transported (W, W') in an interior space (7) substantially enclosed by means of a bottom wall (1), a top wall (2) and four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6), the container (G, G') having corner connectors (8). According to the invention a container provided as a loading module (E, E') for the interior (9) of a standard transport container (10) is designed as an equipment box (11) which can be variably dimensioned (L, W, H) starting from this standard, and which has securing assemblies (12, 12') running at least in the region of vertical edges between an upper and a lower corner connector (8, 8') which are mutually opposed, said securing assemblies being activatable in such a way that a plurality of equipment boxes (11, 11') can be connected and released largely automatically (HT) during loading and unloading and/or during stacking in a horizontal or vertical direction.

Description

"Transport system with a modular container"

Description:

The invention is aimed at a transport system with a special container, the basic structure of which results from the preamble of claim 1.

Various container concepts (DE 91 10 046.1 U1) have long been proposed for solving transport tasks, with the use of different large-capacity containers (DE 10 2008005 665 A1) being provided with modular concepts

According to DE 10 2009 051 795 B3, a special container is proposed for intermodal transport with an airplane or the like, which has special fittings in its corner areas in order to enable easy stacking and securing. In a proposal according to DE 10 2011 014320 A1, a container designed as a pallet container is provided with a special flap system which has respective latches for positioning in respective recesses of the container. This container is combined with a removable bottom. US 2012/0152798 A1 shows a similar system, in which case several containers provided with locking corners can be stacked on top of one another on a base part.

Another system with removable containers relates to so-called air freight containers (DE 10 2014 110 478 B4), these having special fixing elements in the interior, so that even partially filled air freight containers enable the piece goods in the interior to be securely fixed. The proposal according to PCT/GB2015/000157 is also aimed at safe transport of the goods, whereby in particular the stacking of general cargo on special pallets is provided for the optimal utilization of transport spaces of trucks.

A container to be placed on a pallet is shown in US 3,995,736, where the container can be assembled from stackable top and bottom panels. From DE 10 2015 222 343 A1 is a Remove storage container, which is preferably suitable for long-term storage of contaminated workpieces in an upper sea container. In connection with long-term load securing, the storage volume available in the ISO container should be optimally used. The transport system according to DE 20 2016 101 455 U1 is based on a collapsible container, in which the frame parts of the floor and the ceiling are connected by respective corner connectors, which have a disadvantageous overhang. Respective locking recesses in the corner connectors are used to achieve a stable connection of the side walls that are directly adjacent to each other with the respective frame parts.

Based on the transport systems of the prior art that use a large number of different container types, the invention deals with the problem of providing a container that can be used as a loading module, with which the respective goods are delivered from the producer to an end customer who takes them over with optimal transport technology, space utilization and logistics be able.

The invention solves this problem using a container for a transport system with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous configurations result from the dependent claims 2 to 14.

Known transport systems use different designs of containers in which the respective goods, piece goods or the like objects to be transported are accommodated in an interior space largely enclosed by means of a bottom wall, a top wall and four side winches. It goes without saying that these walls form a stable structure for absorbing transport loads. In this case, frame struts—at least in the vertical direction—and corner connectors can be provided, which serve to stabilize the structure. The container according to the invention also has corner connectors, which are used to connect the container to adjacent components of a transport system, for example to adjacent containers of the same type, or with locks, which are used to fasten the container to a transport platform. The corner connectors of the container must therefore not necessarily serve to connect wall elements of the container to one another. Rather, two adjacent wall elements can be formed by a common material blank which is bent at an angle in order to create these two wall elements of the container without the use of frame struts or corner connectors.

The transport system according to the invention is based on the assumption that the containers suitable as load modules for the interior of a standard transport container are now designed as equipment boxes, which can also be dimensioned variably based on this international standard. These equipment boxes, which are intended in particular for the transport-ready equipment and filling of containers having ISO standard dimensions in length, width and height, are provided with respective safety assemblies at least in the area of the vertical edges, which each extend between an upper and a lower corner connector. For example, it can be provided that a frame strut of the container, which can be designed as a hollow profile element, runs in the area of the vertical edges. In the thus formed inner space of the hollow profile elements, a securing assembly running between the vertically opposite corner connectors is introduced in each case. This can preferably be designed with a largely automatic activation option. With this equipment box, it is possible to automatically create a connection between the adjacent equipment boxes when loading and unloading and/or when stacking in the horizontal or vertical direction. The detachment of this safety assembly or safety assemblies can also be realized largely automatically. The invention is described below—purely as an example—using a container whose interior is enclosed by bottom and side walls and a top wall, which form a stable structure with the aid of at least vertical frame struts and corner connectors.

If, in a further embodiment in the area of the vertical edge, no frame strut runs, a separate profile element in the area of the vertical edge mounted. This creates the cavity which extends in the vertical direction and in which the automatically controllable fuse assembly is arranged in a protected manner. For example, a curved or L-shaped profile element can be inserted into the vertical edge from the inside to create the cavity. It is also conceivable that a complete hollow profile element is inserted into the vertical edge from the inside, firstly to create the cavity for receiving the safety assembly and secondly to additionally strengthen the edge mechanically. If the equipment box is designed as a thermal container and has a thermal insulation layer, a cavity can be created in this insulation, for example if the insulation consists of a dimensionally stable material such as rigid foam. In this case the fuse assembly can be arranged in the cavity of the insulation. If the insulation does not consist of a dimensionally stable material, a profile element can be inserted into the insulating layer in the manner described above in the region of the vertical edge in order to create the cavity for accommodating the fuse assembly.

An advantageous embodiment of the transport system with the specific equipment box as a modular load module provides that the equipment box, which in the corner areas in particular defines a contour that does not protrude, with a length L=essentially 1200 or 1198 mm, a width B=essentially 800 mm ( with a depth T=748 mm) and a height H=, which can be 800 or 850 mm, for example.

These equipment boxes, which do not protrude on the outer circumference and can therefore be optimally connected to one another and on top of one another, can therefore be used for the first time for the optimal equipping of standard containers according to ISO/668 and pallets according to DIN EN 13698 (1). Other standardized transport aids can also be used. Theoretically, the length and width dimensions of the equipment boxes, which have a special structure as load modules, should ideally be exactly 1200 x 800 mm in accordance with the standards. The above indications of the length and width dimensions as "substantially" 1200 mm and 800 mm mean in this This means that the actual dimensions may deviate slightly from the target dimensions of 1200 mm and 800 mm, which are standardized for the ISO container. For example, deviations in the range of a few millimeters, z. B. between 1 and 5 mm, in particular as falling below the target dimensions to tolerate.

Exceeding the standard dimensions can make it difficult or even impossible to accommodate the containers in a transport or storage unit, e.g. B. placing two containers side by side or three containers side by side on a 2400 mm wide loading area of a truck. On the other hand, falling below the standard dimensions not only facilitates such handling of the containers, but also takes into account climatic influences, e.g. B. a thermally induced expansion of the container at high temperatures and / or intense sunlight, so that even with such an expansion, the target dimensions are not exceeded and the handling of the container is not made more difficult.

The length, width and height dimensions given above relate to the outer dimensions of the container. From these dimensions z. B. result in a usable inner dimension as a so-called depth T = 748 mm or T = 733 mm, which results from an outer width of 800 mm.

Based on these "basic dimensions" L = essentially 1200 mm and B = essentially 800 mm and different height dimensions H, the modular system with safety assembly can also be adapted to the standard transport volume and its optimal utilization with enlarged or reduced modules.

The advantageous design of the equipment box provides that in the area of the safety assemblies provided in the corner areas of the four side walls, it is provided with a push-through connection that can be connected and disconnected largely automatically. This internal system is accommodated in the hollow profile elements so that it is safe from damage. It goes without saying that a compact design of the equipment box must be designed in order to achieve a low intrinsic weight. Provision is made for the respective components made of light metal to be used at least in certain areas. An advantageous structure provides that the equipment box can be made largely in one piece with the upper cover part in the area of at least one of the walls provided as the front wall. In this area, the conditions of use and handling properties are improved in that at least one transition area provided between these two wall parts acts as a resiliently flexible zone.

In the area of the modular equipment box, a front wall is defined, which can be provided with at least one recessed grip. In contrast to other handles, this means that a cumbersome, outwardly protruding overhang can be avoided. In contrast to other handle openings, for example a simple bore in the front wall, the recessed grip enables the front wall to be designed in a closed manner. The goods to be transported in the equipment box are thus protected from moisture, dirt and animals such as insects, rodents or the like.

The equipment box can advantageously be provided with a lock part in the area of the front wall mentioned. This first lock part is intended to interact with a further lock part referred to as a counter-member, so that the lock part and the counter-member work together as a lock and enable the equipment box to be locked. Accordingly, when the front wall is closed, the counter member is located adjacent to the front wall to enable cooperation with the lock part. For example, the front wall of the equipment box can have a stable plate section towards the bottom part, and the mating member of the lock can be formed on this section. Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the front wall, which is flexibly connected to the upper ceiling wall, forms a jointly removable assembly of the equipment box.

In order to adapt to different conditions of use of the equipment box in land, air and/or ship traffic, provision is made for the equipment box to be provided with a seal that acts as a water deflector, at least in the area of the peripheral edges of the upper ceiling wall. In order to adapt to the weight loads, it is provided that the bottom wall of the equipment box is formed from a plate element that is resistant to vibration and/or bending.

In one configuration of the base wall, for example of the mentioned base-side plate element, it can be provided that the base wall is provided with a respective seal at least in the area towards the respective corner connectors. This can be configured as a sealing cap, for example. With the seal it can be achieved that the equipment box can be made largely tight, at least in the bottom area, for example to prevent the ingress of vermin or fluid-tight in such a way that the ingress of moisture, at least splashing water, can be prevented.

A further embodiment provides that the equipment box has at least one electronic lock. Advantageously, its energy store, which can be in the form of a battery, accumulator, capacitor or the like, can be charged via a USB connection or a similar standardized charging technology. In particular, the possibility of charging the energy store inductively supports the most possible closed outer surface of the equipment and a configuration of the charging technology that is insensitive to the effects of the weather.

In the area of its corner connectors, the equipment box can be provided with supporting and/or latching elements that interact at least when several equipment boxes are stacked. These can be added if necessary to the members of the safety assemblies that are effective in this area of the container corners. It is also conceivable that support and/or latching elements can be connected to the safety assemblies, with manual operation or an automatic effect by forced locking or unlocking aids being conceivable.

An expedient embodiment is aimed at the respective corner connectors of the equipment box interacting with one of the safety assemblies during lifting transport, for example when loading by means of a gripper, and a supporting or locking element is used in addition to this. In particular, vertical and/or horizontal push-through connectors that can be used are provided for this purpose in the corner areas.

Building on these design features of the equipment box according to the invention, the basis for a transport system that can be used in a complex manner becomes clear. The equipment box, designed as a load module with variable dimensions, can be optimally adapted to the Euro pallets (according to DIN EN 13698) and the standard containers (according to ISO standard 668), so that the transport box can perform a large number of transport and handling functions in cargo units that can be set up variably respective distribution variants using the "double standard" can be implemented. The filled equipment boxes can be distributed individually in only one of the boxes transporting systems or temporarily stored. It is also conceivable that the equipment boxes are provided locked in variable "stacking systems". It is conceivable that, via automatic security systems, access to the equipment boxes forming the system will only be possible for designated customers.

It goes without saying that the equipment boxes, due to the constructively optimized standard dimensions, can be used both on aviation pallets and in special containers or containers that comply with the international standard, with receiving areas designed in a fan-like manner can be transported. This ensures that, based on the dimensions of the ISO standard 668, which have been in force for a long time, the maximum loadable transport container can be used and the equipment boxes enable optimal transport volumes in each case.

Further details of the transport system with the equipment box according to the invention can be found in the following description in conjunction with the drawings. A large number of application variants of the system according to the invention are illustrated schematically in such a way that the basic concept becomes clear. In detail, the drawings show:

1 shows a distribution system with an equipment box from the producer to the end user,

2 shows a schematic representation of the transfer of an equipment box from the compartments of a transport unit to an individual transporter,

3 shows an open position of the equipment box according to the invention,

4 shows an enlarged detail view in the area of the frame structure, the equipment box,

Figures 5 to

7 respective detailed representations similar to FIG. 4 with details in the area of the corner connectors interacting with hollow profile elements,

Fig. 8 and

9 respective perspective views of the equipment box in the closed and open position,

10 shows a representation of several equipment boxes in a stacked position,

Fig. 11 and

12 respective perspective representations of the corner connectors in the area of the fuse assembly with push-through connector,

13 shows an exploded view of the handling of the equipment box with safety assembly and gripper in the area of a pallet,

Fig. 14 and 15 respective individual representations of different

Lift displacements of the equipment box using a gripper,

16 shows an enlarged perspective view of the equipment box in the closed position,

17 shows a detailed representation of a movable partial area of the walls of the equipment box,

18 shows a basic illustration similar to FIG. 15 with the equipment box set down on a Euro pallet without protruding,

19 shows a stacked layer of equipment boxes with different configurations in the area of the side walls,

Fig. 20 schematic representations of combinations of

Equipment boxes also of different dimensions in stacked position with corner protection,

21 shows a schematic diagram of a lock provided for the equipment box,

Fig. 22 and

23 respective structural details of the locking device in the area of the wall-side hollow profiles,

Fig. 24 and

25 respective variants for the transport of the equipment box, FIG. 26 an enlarged representation of the transport system with several equipment boxes on an air freight pallet,

27 shows an overview of the transport system with options for equipping distribution units with equipment boxes, and

28 shows a system intended to accommodate the equipment boxes with the basic dimensions according to ISO standard 668.

From an overview representation in Fig. 1 results in a transport system denoted overall by F, in which a container G is used on the input side. This container G is loaded with respective goods, general cargo or the like. Objects W to be transported. It goes without saying that the container G can accommodate the goods W in an interior space 7 (FIG. 3), this being by means of a bottom wall 1, a Top wall 2 (Fig. 2) and four side winds 3, 4, 5, 6 (Fig. 3) is largely enclosed tightly. It is also known that these walls form a stable structure (Fig. 18 to Fig. 20) at least by means of respective vertical frame struts R (Fig. 4 to 7, Fig. 11 and 12) and respective corner connectors 8 (Fig. 5 to 7). .

To implement the transport system F shown schematically in FIG. 1, it is provided that a loading module E, E' (FIG. 2) for the interior 9 of a standard container 10 (FIG. 2), in particular having the container dimensions according to ISO/668 Container G, G' is now designed according to the invention as an equipment box 11--which can be variably dimensioned (L, W, T, H) based on this standard.

The overview representations according to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 illustrate the complex use of this universally applicable equipment box 11 in a logistics plan designed as an end-to-end system for variable flows of goods. The transport system F shows that variable transfer stations US1, US2 and US3 can be used to provide variable distribution vehicles for the standard equipment box 11. In any case, a continuous concept is designed up to the buyer of the goods W'.

From the further detailed representations according to FIGS. 2 to 28 it is clear that the equipment box 11, at least in the area of the vertical frame struts R, is equipped with hollow profile elements P,

P' is provided. It is clear from the overview representations according to FIGS. 11 and 12 that a securing assembly 12, 12' running between the opposite corner connectors 8, 8 is preferably provided in these profile elements P (here the vertical ones). These respective fuse assemblies 12 can be constructed with variably executable constructions so that automatic or controlled actuation is possible. Provision is preferably made for the fuse assemblies 12, 12' to have a push-through connection D (FIG. 13, d) that can be connected and disconnected largely automatically. With this concept of frame construction in the area the equipment boxes 11 are a variety of handling options (Fig. 13 to 15, Fig. 24 to 26) open. 19 and 20 result in further possible variations when stacking the equipment box 11, whereby these can either be placed in a transport container 10 (FIG. 2) or on-site with appropriate safety technology (FIGS. 21 to 23). - Allow stacking and locking systems allow access.

2, 3, 9 and 16 together it becomes clear that the equipment box 11 defining a protruding contour in the corner areas (at 8, 8') preferably has a length L=1198 mm , a width B = 800 mm and a height H = 800 or 850 mm for an optimal assembly of the standard container 10 according to ISO/668, pallets PT according to DIN EN 13698 or other standardized transport aids (Fig. 27) can be used. A possible variant of the stacking depth T for the interior is indicated in the area of the standard container 10 in FIG.

The "lightweight construction" of the equipment box 11 becomes clear from the individual representations according to FIGS. 16 to 19, the representation according to FIG. 17 making it clear that the equipment box 11 is largely in one piece with the upper Cover part 2 'can be performed. This construction, which can be carried out as a complete structure (Fig. 16) in lightweight construction, also provides that at least one transition region 13 provided between these two wall parts 4", 2' can act as a resiliently flexible zone Z, Z'.

It is provided that in an expedient embodiment of the equipment box 11 it has at least one recessed grip 14, 14' and/or a lock part 15 in the area of the front wall 4. It becomes clear that the front wall 4'', which is flexibly connected to the upper ceiling wall 2', can form a jointly detachable subassembly K of the equipment box 11. (Fig.17) 3, 9 and 17 together. It becomes clear that the front wall 4 of the equipment box 11 can have a stable front panel section 16 towards the base part 1 . This is provided in particular in order to form a counter-member 17 for the lock 15 on this. It is clear from FIG. 9 that at least the upper top wall 2' can also be designed as a double-layered plate or foldable segment (not shown in detail). In an advantageous embodiment, it is also provided that the equipment box 11 can be equipped with a seal DK that acts as a water deflector or water repellent, at least in the area of the peripheral edges 18 (FIG. 9) of the upper ceiling wall 2, 2'. To further stabilize the system, it is provided that the bottom wall 1 of the equipment box 11 can be formed from a plate element that is resistant to vibration and/or bending.

The bottom plate element 1 can be provided with a respective sealing cap DK' at least in the area towards the two respective corner connectors 8' (FIG. 3). This means that the equipment box 11 can be designed to be largely fluid-tight, at least in the floor area 1 . It is also provided that a marking M (FIG. 8 to FIG. 10) that can be used to identify it in each of the transport phases (FIG. 1) is attached to the peripheral area of the equipment box 11 . For the embodiments of a lock 15 shown in principle in FIGS. 21 to 23, it is provided that an electronic lock ES is preferably attached. This or its battery can be charged from the outside via a USB connection 19 .

A particularly advantageous variation of the equipment box 11 is provided in the area of the push-through connection D (FIG. 12, FIG. 13) illustrated by a movement arrow. When several of the equipment boxes are stacked (ST, ST', FIG. 20), effective support and/or or latching elements 12 (FIGS. 5 to 7, FIG. 12) are used without protruding and sunk into the contours. In Fig. 5 to 7 respective locking aids R", R''' are shown, which are connected to the in Fig. 12 in Connection position lowered and provided as a locking element locking rod 12 'can interact. This means that the respective reach-through position of the connector can be locked or released at D.

Starting from FIGS. 13 to 15, an advantageous phase during handling within the transport system F is illustrated in more detail. In particular, it is provided that the respective corner connectors 8, 8' of the equipment box 11 interact with the integrated safety assembly 12' (by locking D) in addition to being secured with latching elements during lifting transport with grippers HT or fixing in stacks ST, ST. The fixation on the pallet PT (Euro pallet with dimensions according to B", Fig. 13) is provided. This concept also becomes clear in the illustrations according to FIGS. 15 and 18.

24 and 25 show the further application of a lower building TW or TW', also in combination with the pallet PT. In the illustration according to FIG ' and B'.

The complexity of the transport system F with the concept of the equipment boxes 11, which can be transported and transshipped on variable delivery and distribution vehicles both in combination and individually, results from a summary of the illustrations in FIGS. 27 and 28. Different basic transport systems TH are shown schematically in FIG. 27, and FIG. 28 shows the transport of the equipment boxes 11 in a closed system (truck according to FIG. 28a). A loading situation at a loading ramp is shown in FIG. 28b, from which the distribution vehicle TH can be equipped with the equipment boxes (not shown in detail here).

Claims

Expectations:

1 . Transport system (F, F') with a container (G, G') for receiving goods, general cargo or the like. Objects (W, W') to be transported in a largely by means of a bottom wall (1), a top wall ( 2) and four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6), the container (G, G') having corner connectors (8), characterized in that a loading module (E, E') container (G, G') provided for the interior (9) of a standard transport container (10) is designed as an equipment box (11) that can be variably dimensioned (L, W, H) based on this standard and that has at least four vertical edges each has a safety assembly (12, 12') running between opposite corner connectors (8, 8'), which can be activated individually or together and thus protect the equipment box(es) (11, 1T) both during loading and unloading as /also when stacking in horizontal or vertical direction largely automatically (HT) fixable or detachable ar is such that the equipment box (11) defining an overhang-free contour in the corner areas (at 8, 8') with a length (L) of essentially 1200 mm and a width B of essentially 800 mm for optimal standard equipment -Containers (10) according to ISO/668, pallets (PT) according to DIN EN 13698 or other standardized transport aids (TH) can be used.

2. Transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment box (11) in the area of the corner areas (8, 8 ') of the four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) provided security assemblies (12, 12') a respective has largely automatically connectable and detachable push-through connection (D).

3. Transport system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the equipment box (11, 11') in the area of its corner connectors (8, 8') with at least when stacked (ST, ST') supporting and/or latching elements (12) which interact with several equipment boxes and can be controlled automatically or brought into the respective operating position by means of locking aids (R", R'").

4. Transport system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the respective corner connectors (8, 8') of the equipment box (11) in the case of lifting transport (HT) or stacking (ST, ST') in addition to the locking element (12) interacting with the fuse assembly (12').

5. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the safety assembly (12 ') interacts with respective counterparts in the area of a pallet (PT), a carriage (TW) or a distribution vehicle (TH).

6. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the compact equipment box (11) has at least partially respective components made of lightweight material (LM).

7. Transport system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the equipment box (11) is designed largely in one piece with the upper cover part (2') in the area of at least one of the walls (4") provided as the front wall (4'), in such a way that at least one transition area (13) provided between these two wall parts (4", 2') acts as a resiliently flexible zone (Z, Z').

8. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the equipment box (11) in the area of the front wall (4) with at least one recessed grip (14,

14').

9. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the equipment box (11) is provided with a lock part (15) in the area of the front wall (4).

10. Transport system according to claim 9, characterized in that the front wall (4) of the equipment box (11) to the bottom part

(1) towards a stable plate section (16) and on this a counter-member (17) is formed, which interacts functionally with the lock part (15) to create a lock (15).

11. Transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that the front wall (4"), which is flexibly connected to the upper ceiling wall (2'), forms a jointly removable subassembly (K) of the equipment box (11),

12. Transport system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the equipment box (11) is provided with a seal (DK) that acts as a water deflector, at least in the area of the peripheral edges (18) of the upper ceiling wall (2, 2').

13. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the bottom wall (1) of the equipment box

(11) is designed as a plate element that is resistant to vibration and/or bending.

14. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the bottom wall (1) is provided with a respective seal (DK) at least in the area towards the respective corner connectors (8').

15. Transport system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the equipment box (11) has an electronic lock (ES).