Container and method for transporting container

Abstract

The invention discloses a container and a transportation method of the container. The container is used for storing and transporting liquid materials. The container comprises a front end wall, a rear end wall, a left side wall and a right side wall, the end walls and the side walls extend in the vertical direction, and the height of the container is smaller than or equal to 2 m. According to the container, the container is a square container, under the same length, width and height, the volume is larger than that of a round tank container, the cargo transportation amount can be increased, and the transportation cost can be reduced. Due to the fact that the height of the container is small, when the empty container is transported, the container can be stacked, or the container and other objects can be transported at the same time, the size limitation of road transportation cannot be exceeded, and therefore the empty container transportation cost can be reduced. In addition, due to the fact that the height of the container body is reduced, the amount of loaded liquid is reduced, the requirement for the strength of the container body is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the container is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of containers, and more specifically to a square container for storing and transporting liquid materials and a method for transporting such containers. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tank truck transportation is a relatively mainstream mode of transport for liquid goods. However, tank trucks are expensive to purchase, and in actual use, empty tanks are often returned, resulting in low capacity utilization, inefficient turnover, and high operating costs.

[0003] Therefore, a container is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, the first aspect of this application provides a container for storing and transporting liquid materials, the container comprising: front and rear end walls and left and right side walls, the end walls and the side walls extending in a vertical direction, and the height of the container being less than or equal to 2m.

[0006] According to this application, the container is a rectangular box, which, with the same length, width, and height dimensions, has a larger volume than a circular tank container, thus increasing cargo capacity and reducing transportation costs. Due to its smaller height, empty containers can be stacked or transported simultaneously with other goods without exceeding the size restrictions for road transport, thereby reducing empty container transportation costs. Furthermore, the reduced container height allows for a smaller volume of liquid, lowering the strength requirements for the container and reducing the processing costs of the side and end walls.

[0007] Optionally, the width of the container is 2m to 3m; and / or The containers range in length from 20 feet to 45 feet.

[0008] According to this application, the length and width dimensions of the container are standard dimensions.

[0009] Optionally, at least one of the two end walls and the two side walls includes a corrugated plate. The thickness of the corrugated plate is 1.5 mm to 4 mm; and / or the corrugation depth of the corrugated plate is 35 mm to 100 mm.

[0010] According to this application, corrugated sheets can increase the strength of the container walls without significantly reducing the internal volume of the container. The semi-high liquid container can meet the strength requirements for transporting liquids without requiring additional reinforcing beams inside, or the use of specially designed corrugated sheets for the side walls and end plates.

[0011] Optionally, the container further includes: Two bottom side beams, and two side walls respectively connected above the two bottom side beams; Multiple bottom crossbeams, each bottom crossbeam having two bottom side beams connected to its two ends respectively; and A floor, which is disposed above the bottom crossbeam and the bottom side beam, and is connected to both the bottom crossbeam and the bottom side beam. The distance between the lower end of the bottom side beam and the lower end of the bottom cross beam and the upper surface of the floor along the height direction of the container is 20mm to 120mm.

[0012] According to this application, because the height of the enclosure is reduced, the requirements for the strength and rigidity of the base frame are lowered, thus allowing for a smaller base frame size. This facilitates an increase in the internal volume of the enclosure.

[0013] Optionally, the container further includes: A feed inlet, wherein the feed inlet is located on the top plate of the container; and The discharge port is disposed on the end wall and / or the side wall.

[0014] According to this application, the positions of the inlet and outlet facilitate the loading and unloading of liquid materials.

[0015] Optionally, at least one of the two end walls and the two side walls is constructed as a flat plate, and the flat plate is provided with at least one back beam, wherein, The thickness of the plate is 1.5 mm to 6 mm; and / or the thickness of the back beam is 15 mm to 100 mm.

[0016] According to this application, since the height of the container is reduced, the walls can adopt a flat plate plus back beam structure, which can also ensure the strength requirements of the liquid being loaded.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the two end walls and the two side walls includes at least one arcuate portion, the axial direction of which is vertical, and the arcuate portion protrudes outward toward the outside of the container. The thickness of the plate at the arc-shaped portion is 1.5 mm to 6 mm; and / or, in the vertical projection of the container, the distance between the two ends of the arc-shaped portion is 150 mm to 2500 mm.

[0018] According to this application, the arcuate portion can increase the strength and rigidity of the tank wall, enabling the tank wall to withstand the pressure of the liquid.

[0019] Optionally, the height of the container is less than or equal to 1.8m.

[0020] According to this application, the container's lower height allows for stacking of empty containers or simultaneous transport with other goods without exceeding the size limits for road transport, thus reducing empty container transportation costs. Furthermore, the reduced container height allows for a smaller volume of liquid, lowering the strength requirements for the container and resulting in lower manufacturing costs for semi-high liquid containers.

[0021] A second aspect of this application provides a method for transporting a container, for transporting a container according to any one of the first aspects, the method comprising: Two empty containers according to any one of the first aspects are stacked one on top of the other on a transport vehicle, such that the transport vehicle transports the two containers simultaneously, wherein the containers are empty.

[0022] According to this application, since the container is relatively short, two empty containers can be stacked and transported in one vehicle without exceeding the height limit for road transport, which saves on transportation costs compared to transporting one container per vehicle.

[0023] A third aspect of this application provides a method for transporting a container, for transporting a container according to any one of the first aspects, the method comprising: Place the first transport vehicle onto the second transport vehicle. A container without loaded materials, according to any one of the first aspects, is placed on the first transport vehicle so that the second transport vehicle simultaneously transports the container and the first transport vehicle. The containers mentioned were not loaded with materials.

[0024] According to this application, since the container is relatively short, when transporting empty containers, the second transport vehicle can load the first transport vehicle and the empty containers on it, without exceeding the height limit for road transport. Thus, the first transport vehicle is used for cargo transport, saving transport energy compared to driving itself. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and their descriptions, thereby explaining the principles of the application.

[0026] In the attached image: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a container according to a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a container according to a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a rear view of the container. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a right-side view of the container. Figure 5 for Figure 1 A side sectional view of the bottom structure of the container shown. Figure 6 for Figure 1 A partial side sectional view of the container shown; Figure 7 For along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of line AA; Figure 8 for Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B in the diagram; Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the wall of a container according to a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the wall of a container according to a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the first mode of transport for containers; Figure 12 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the second mode of container transportation.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10: Corner post 11: Top Slab 12: Floor 13: Left side wall 14: Right side wall 15: Front wall 16: Backend wall 17: Top and side beams 18: Top beam 19: Interior Space 20: Wave deflector 21: Manhole 30: Back beam 31: Tablet 32: Curved part 41: Base frame 42: Bottom crossbeam 44: Bottom corner piece 47: Bottom side beam 48: Bottom beam 51: Heating element 52: Thermometer 61: First through hole 62: Second through hole 63: Climbing item 64: Twist lock 71: Feed Inlet 72: Discharge port 73: Ventilation device 74: Corner piece 80: Corrugated sheet 81: Convex wave 82: Concave wave 91: First transport vehicle 92: Second transport vehicle 93: Transport vehicle 100: Container Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0029] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided below. It is obvious that the implementation of embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may also be available in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0030] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0032] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0033] Ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Moreover, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component”, and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component”.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0035] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0036] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0038] This application provides a square container for storing and transporting liquid materials and a method for transporting such containers.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the square container 100 can be used for storing and transporting liquid materials. In this application, the container 100 can also be referred to as a square box 100. With the same length, width, and height dimensions, a square box has a larger volume than a circular tank container.

[0040] The container 100 is roughly hexahedral in shape, consisting of a top plate 11, a base frame 41, two ends (front and rear), and two side panels (left and right). The container 100 has an internal space 19. The internal space 19 is used to accommodate materials (cargo), especially liquid materials.

[0041] The front end includes a front wall 15. The rear end includes a rear wall 16. The front wall 15 and the rear wall 16 are spaced apart along the length direction DL of the container 100. The left side includes a left wall 13. The right side includes a right wall 14. The left wall 13 and the right wall 14 are spaced apart along the width direction DW of the container 100. The left wall 13, right wall 14, front wall 15, and rear wall 16 are also referred to as the walls of the container 100. The top panel 11, left wall 13, right wall 14, front wall 15, and rear wall 16 are also the outer walls of the container 100. The underframe 41 includes two bottom side beams 47, multiple bottom crossbeams 42, and a floor 12. The two bottom side beams 47 extend along the length direction DL of the container 100 and are spaced apart along the width direction DW of the container 100. The multiple bottom crossbeams 42 are connected between the two bottom side beams 47, that is, the bottom crossbeams 42 extend along the width direction DW of the container 100, and their ends are respectively connected to the two bottom side beams 47. Floor 12 is positioned above and connected to both bottom crossbeam 42 and bottom side beam 47. Top panel 11 and floor 12 are spaced apart along the height direction DH of container 100. The interior space 19 is essentially enclosed by top panel 11, floor 12, left side wall 13, right side wall 14, front wall 15, and rear wall 16.

[0042] Each of the four corners of the base frame 41 is provided with a corner post 10, which extends upward from the base frame 41. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the left side wall 13, right side wall 14, front wall 15, and rear wall 16 are connected between two adjacent corner posts 10. The corner posts 10 extend vertically, so the left side wall 13, right side wall 14, front wall 15, and rear wall 16 also extend vertically, making the container 100 generally a cuboid structure.

[0043] The base frame 41 has two bottom beams 48 at its front and rear ends respectively. The bottoms of the front end wall 15 and the rear end wall 16 are connected to the two bottom beams 48 respectively. The tops of the front end wall 15 and the rear end wall 16 are each provided with a top beam 18. The bottoms of the left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14 are each connected to two bottom side beams 47 respectively. The tops of the left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14 are each provided with a top side beam 17. The two top beams 18 and the two top side beams 17 are connected end to end to form a top frame. The top plate 11 is set on this top frame.

[0044] The corner post 10 has a bottom corner piece 44. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the lower surface of the bottom corner piece 44 is located below the bottom side beam 47, the bottom end beam 48, and the bottom crossbeam 42. A top corner piece 74 is provided at the top of the corner post 10. The upper surface of the top corner piece 74 is higher than the top plate 11 and is the highest point of the container 100.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top plate 11 is provided with an inlet 71 (liquid material flows into the internal space 19 from the inlet 71). The inlet 71 is usually covered by a cap. The rear end wall 16 is provided with an outlet 72, from which the liquid material flows out of the internal space 19. A discharge valve is usually provided at the outlet 72, and the outlet 72 opens when the discharge valve is open. The outlet 72 can also be provided on the side wall. Alternatively, outlets 72 can be provided on both the end wall and the side wall. The outlet 72 is provided as close to the bottom as possible to facilitate full discharge. A cap can also be provided at the outlet 72 to prevent the discharge valve from being accidentally touched. The top plate 11 is also provided with a venting device 73 for ventilating the internal space 19 with the external environment. The venting device 73 can be, for example, a valve, which connects the internal space 19 to the external environment when the valve is open. When unloading is required, first operate the ventilation device 73 to allow the internal space 19 to ventilate with the external environment to maintain consistent air pressure, and then open the unloading valve so that air can be continuously replenished into the internal space 19, so that the internal and external pressure of the container 100 is balanced, and the outer wall of the container 100 will not deform due to the imbalance of internal and external pressure.

[0046] Inlet 71 is also used for personnel passage, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a climbing member 63 is installed on the outer side of the cavity wall of container 100 for personnel to grip and step on when climbing. The climbing member 63 is located on the same side as the discharge port 72, for example, both are located on the rear end wall 16.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, to reduce surges caused by liquids during transportation, at least one wave deflector 20 is installed inside the container 100. The wave deflector 20 is generally perpendicular to the length direction DL of the container 100, that is, generally parallel to the front and rear end walls. The container 100 may include multiple wave deflectors 20, which are spaced apart along the length direction DL of the container 100. The wave deflectors 20 divide the internal space 19 into several smaller spaces, so that the liquid in the internal space 19 can only surge in the smaller spaces between two adjacent wave deflectors 20, thereby reducing surges and improving the safety factor. Preferably, the wave deflector 20 is provided with a manhole or opening 21 for personnel passage.

[0048] In some implementations, since the height of the container is reduced and the surge is not significant, the wave deflector 20 can be omitted.

[0049] The container 100 may also be equipped with a thermometer 52 and a heating element 51. The temperature of certain liquid materials needs to be maintained within a suitable temperature range. The thermometer 52 is used to detect the liquid temperature. The thermometer 52 is installed, for example, on the rear end wall 16. The heating element 51 is disposed in the internal space 19 to contain the liquid for heating. When the temperature reading of the thermometer 52 indicates that the liquid temperature in the internal space 19 is too low, the heating element 51 is connected to an external device, allowing high-temperature liquid to flow through it, thereby heating the liquid material in the internal space 19. The heating element 51 is installed, for example, on the floor 12. The rear end wall 16 is provided with a first through-hole 61 and a second through-hole 62, respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating element 51 (e.g., respectively accommodating the two ends of the heating element 51). The thermometer 52, the first through-hole 61, and the second through-hole 62 may also be disposed at other locations on the outer wall of the container 100.

[0050] To reduce the total weight of container 100 while maintaining the strength of the outer walls, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, preferably, at least one of the front and rear end walls (15 and 16) and the left and right side walls (13 and 14) includes a corrugated plate 80. The corrugated plate 80 extends vertically. Preferably, all four of the front and rear end walls (15 and 16) and the left and right side walls (13 and 14) are constructed using the corrugated plate 80. The two bottom end beams 48 and the two bottom side beams 47 can be collectively referred to as the bottom beams of the container 100. The corrugated plate 80 is supported by the bottom beams, or in other words, the bottom of the corrugated plate 80 is connected to the bottom beams, for example, to the upper surface of the bottom beams. The two top side beams 17 and the two top top beams 18 can be collectively referred to as the top beams of the container 100. The top of the corrugated plate 80 is connected to the top beams of the container 100, for example, to the lower surface of the top beams.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, the corrugated sheet 80 includes a plurality of convex waves 81 and a plurality of concave waves 82, which are arranged alternately in sequence. The convex waves 81 and concave waves 82 are also referred to as the waves of the corrugated sheet 80. In this application, the convex waves 81 and concave waves 82 are defined from the perspective of viewing the corrugated sheet 80 from the interior space 19; the portion protruding towards the interior space 19 is the convex wave 81, and the portion protruding towards the exterior of the container 100 is the concave wave 82. The wave depth DD of the waves (convex waves 81 or concave waves 82) of the corrugated sheet 80 is, for example, 35 mm to 100 mm. The sheet thickness DT of the corrugated sheet 80 is, for example, 1.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0052] To make container 100 suitable for storing and transporting liquid materials, preferably, the height of container 100 is less than or equal to 2m. Because the height of the container is reduced compared to a standard liquid container (approximately half the height of a standard liquid container), the amount of liquid loaded is smaller, and the strength requirements for the container are reduced accordingly. Therefore, the half-height liquid container 100 does not require additional reinforcing beams inside, and the side walls and end walls do not need to use specially designed corrugated plates to meet the strength requirements for transporting liquids. The manufacturing cost of container 100 is low.

[0053] Furthermore, the height of container 100 can be less than or equal to 1.8m (e.g., 1.7m), or less than or equal to 1.5m.

[0054] The width of container 100 can be 2m to 3m (e.g., 2.4m). The length of container 100 can be 20 feet to 45 feet.

[0055] By reducing the height, the container 100 can reduce the height of the underframe 41, thereby maximizing the height of the internal space 19 to transport more materials and reduce transportation costs. Figure 6 As shown, for example, the distance HB between the lower end of the bottom side beam 47 and the lower end of the bottom crossbeam 42 and the upper surface of the floor 12 along the height direction DH of the container 100 is 20mm to 120mm. Typically, the container 100 is placed on a transport vehicle before loading, allowing the load to be transferred to the vehicle. When the height of the container 100 is reduced and the cargo capacity decreases, the requirements for the strength and rigidity of the underframe 41 are reduced, thus allowing the underframe 41 to be smaller. This is mainly achieved by reducing the height dimensions of the bottom side beam 47 and the bottom crossbeam 42.

[0056] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, at least one of the two end walls and two side walls is constructed as a flat plate 31. At least one back beam 30 is provided on one or both sides of the flat plate 31. For example, the back beam 30 is provided on the side of the wall facing the interior space 19. Multiple back beams 30 are provided, for example, at equal intervals. The thickness DP of the flat plate 31 is, for example, 1.5 mm to 6 mm. The thickness DB of the back beam 30 is, for example, 15 mm to 100 mm. The thickness DB of the back beam 30 is the dimension of the back beam 30 in the direction perpendicular to the flat plate 31, that is, in the same direction as the thickness DB of the flat plate 31. Because the height of the container is reduced, the walls can adopt a flat plate plus back beam structure, while still ensuring the strength requirements for loading liquids.

[0057] Optionally, the cross-sectional structure of the back beam 30 is a non-linear, non-closed shape. Optionally, in the projection of the container 100 along the height direction DH, the back beam 30 and the flat plate 31 form a non-closed shape. Thus, the back beam 30 and the flat plate 31 form an open structure (the component formed by the back beam 30 and the flat plate 31 has only an outer surface and no inner surface), and all surfaces of the back beam 30, as well as the inner surface of the flat plate 31, are exposed to the environment (e.g., exposed to the interior space 19 of the container 100), facilitating the application of coatings (e.g., anti-rust paint, anti-corrosion paint, etc.) to these surfaces. For example, the back beam 30 can be welded to the inner surface of the flat plate 31 first, so that the back beam 30 and the flat plate 31 are firmly connected, and then all surfaces can be coated, thereby preventing components in contact with liquid materials from being corroded by the liquid materials. The cross-section of the back beam 30 can be J-shaped, L-shaped, T-shaped, Z-shaped, S-shaped, etc.

[0058] Alternatively, in the projection of the container 100 along its height direction DH, the back beam 30 and the flat plate 31 form a closed shape. The top of the back beam 30 connects to the lower surface of the top beam. The bottom of the back beam 30 connects to the lower surface of the bottom beam. This creates a closed space between the top beam, bottom beam, back beam 30, and flat plate 31, preventing liquid materials from entering this closed space. The inner surface of the outer wall of this closed space is not corroded by liquid materials and does not require coating. The cross-section of the back beam 30 can be C-shaped, U-shaped, etc. Alternatively, the cross-section of the back beam 30 can be a closed shape; for example, the back beam 30 can be constructed using a square tube.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, at least one of the front and rear end walls (15 and 16) and the left and right side walls (13 and 14) includes at least one arcuate portion 32. The arcuate portion 32 increases the strength and rigidity of the tank wall, enabling it to withstand liquid pressure. The arcuate portion 32 extends in a vertical direction. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, the cross-section of the arc-shaped portion 32 is an arc that protrudes outward toward the container 100, making the axial direction of the arc-shaped portion 32 vertical, and the arc-shaped portion 32 protrudes outward toward the container 100. The arc-shaped surface can convert liquid pressure into circumferential stress, thereby improving the deformation resistance of the container wall. For example, the top of the arc-shaped portion 32 contacts the top beam of the container 100, and the bottom contacts the bottom beam of the container 100.

[0060] Optionally, at least one of the two end walls and two side walls includes a plurality of arcuate portions 32. Optionally, each of the two end walls and two side walls is provided with a plurality of arcuate portions 32. Both the end walls and side walls can be formed by splicing (e.g., welding) multiple steel plates, wherein each steel plate is pressed with an arcuate portion 32. The plurality of arcuate portions 32 provided on the same end wall are arranged along the width direction DW of the container 100. The plurality of arcuate portions 32 provided on the end wall are parallel to each other. The arcuate chords of the arcuate portions 32 provided on the end wall extend along the width direction DW of the container 100. The plurality of arcuate portions 32 provided on the same side wall are arranged along the length direction DL of the container 100. The plurality of arcuate portions 32 provided on the side wall are parallel to each other. The arcuate chords of the arcuate portions 32 provided on the side wall extend along the length direction DL of the container 100. The container wall between two adjacent arcuate portions 32 is, for example, constructed as a flat plate.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, in the projection of container 100 along the vertical direction (i.e., the height direction DH), the arcuate portions 32 in the two end walls are symmetrically arranged about the center plane P1 of container 100, which is perpendicular to the length direction DL of container 100. Of course, they can also be arranged asymmetrically about the center plane P1. The arcuate portions 32 in the two side walls are symmetrically arranged about the center plane P2 of container 100, which is perpendicular to the width direction DW of container 100. Of course, they can also be arranged asymmetrically about the center plane P2.

[0062] The plate thickness (DCP) at the curved section 32 is, for example, 1.5mm to 6mm, 2.5mm to 4mm, or 3mm. The curved section 32 is, for example, made of duplex stainless steel with a thickness of 3mm. The curved section 32 increases the strength and rigidity of the container wall, thereby reducing the container wall thickness, which is beneficial for reducing container weight and increasing volume.

[0063] In the vertical projection of container 100, the distance LC between the two endpoints of the arcuate portion 32 (the straight-line distance between the two endpoints of the arc forming the arcuate portion 32, i.e., the chord length corresponding to the arc) is, for example, 150mm to 2500mm. The dimension LC of the arcuate portion 32 of the end wall and the dimension LC of the arcuate portion 32 of the side wall can be the same or different. The dimension LC of the arcuate portion 32 of the front wall 15 and the rear wall 16 can be the same or different. The dimension LC of the arcuate portion 32 of the left wall 13 and the right wall 14 can be the same or different.

[0064] Setting the curved section 32 is equivalent to constructing a corrugated plate.

[0065] Reducing the height of the container also helps to lower the cost of returning empty containers.

[0066] For example, in the first transportation method, on the outbound journey, at the departure point, a container 100 is loaded with liquid cargo, and a first transport vehicle 91 loads this container 100 and transports it to the destination. A second transport vehicle 92 loads other cargo and transports it to the destination. At the destination, the liquid cargo in container 100 is unloaded, and the cargo carried by the second transport vehicle 92 is also unloaded. On the return journey, container 100 is empty (without cargo), resulting in a lighter overall weight. Figure 11 As shown, the empty container 100 is placed on the first transport vehicle 91, and the second transport vehicle 92 loads the first transport vehicle 91, meaning the second transport vehicle 92 simultaneously transports the first transport vehicle 91 and its empty container back to the origin. This cycle repeats. On the return trip, the second transport vehicle 92 carries the first transport vehicle 91 and the empty container, saving the first transport vehicle 91 transportation costs, reducing empty-run costs, and effectively improving turnover rate.

[0067] For example, in the second transportation method, on the outbound journey, two containers 100 are each loaded with liquid cargo at the departure point, and then two transport vehicles 93 each load a fully loaded container 100 and transport them to the destination. At the destination, after unloading the liquid cargo, the overall weight of the containers is reduced. Figure 12 As shown, on the return trip, due to the significantly reduced weight of the empty containers, two empty containers can be stacked tightly, locked one on top of the other, and transported back to the origin by a single transport vehicle 93. Another transport vehicle 93 can then transport other goods. This cycle continues. Compared to tank trucks or a one-truck-one-container transport method, this double-container stacking transport solution frees up the capacity of one vehicle on the return trip, effectively improving turnover rate and reducing transportation costs.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, when two containers 100 are stacked one on top of the other, a twist lock 64 can be used to connect the two containers 100. For example, the twist lock 64 can connect the bottom corner piece 44 of the upper container 100 and the top corner piece 74 of the lower container 100, thereby firmly connecting the two containers 100.

[0069] Regardless of the mode of transport, in the loaded state (e.g.) Figure 11 and Figure 12 (As shown) The total dimensions of the vehicle and cargo do not exceed the limits for road transport. For example, in the loaded state, the total height H of all containers 100 and all transport vehicles does not exceed 4.0m.

[0070] This application utilizes a semi-high container structure adapted for liquid storage and transportation, coupled with a double-container stacking and mother-daughter truck return intermodal transport mode. This significantly reduces upfront investment and return transport capacity in liquid cargo transportation, effectively improving vehicle turnover efficiency. Compared to traditional tank trucks, it significantly reduces losses caused by empty tank transport on the return trip, lowering overall logistics costs. In practice, the price of one tank truck is approximately equivalent to four semi-high liquid containers; the same investment can purchase four times the number of semi-high containers as tank trucks, greatly improving the turnover efficiency of transport containers.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0072] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A container for storing and transporting liquid materials, characterized in that, The container includes: front and rear end walls and left and right side walls, both of which extend vertically, and the height of the container is less than or equal to 2m.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the container is 2m to 3m; and / or The containers range in length from 20 feet to 45 feet.

3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two end walls and the two side walls includes a corrugated plate. The thickness of the corrugated plate is 1.5 mm to 4 mm; and / or the corrugation depth of the corrugated plate is 35 mm to 100 mm.

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container also includes: Two bottom side beams, and two side walls respectively connected above the two bottom side beams; Multiple bottom crossbeams, each bottom crossbeam having two bottom side beams connected to its two ends respectively; and A floor, which is disposed above the bottom crossbeam and the bottom side beam, and is connected to both the bottom crossbeam and the bottom side beam. The distance between the lower end of the bottom side beam and the lower end of the bottom cross beam and the upper surface of the floor along the height direction of the container is 20mm to 120mm.

5. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container also includes: A feed inlet, wherein the feed inlet is located on the top plate of the container; and The discharge port is disposed on the end wall and / or the side wall.

6. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two end walls and the two side walls is constructed as a flat plate, and the flat plate is provided with at least one back beam, wherein, The thickness of the plate is 1.5 mm to 6 mm; and / or the thickness of the back beam is 15 mm to 100 mm.

7. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two end walls and the two side walls includes at least one arcuate portion, the axial direction of which is vertical, and the arcuate portion protrudes outward toward the outside of the container. The thickness of the plate at the arc-shaped portion is 1.5 mm to 6 mm; and / or, in the vertical projection of the container, the distance between the two ends of the arc-shaped portion is 150 mm to 2500 mm.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The height of the container is less than or equal to 1.8m.

9. A method for transporting a container, for transporting a container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The transportation method includes: Two containers according to any one of claims 1 to 8 are stacked on a transport vehicle so that the transport vehicle transports the two containers simultaneously, wherein the containers are not loaded with materials.

10. A method for transporting a container, for transporting a container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The transportation method includes: Place the first transport vehicle onto the second transport vehicle. A container without loaded materials according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is placed on the first transport vehicle, so that the second transport vehicle simultaneously transports the container and the first transport vehicle. The containers mentioned therein were not loaded with materials.

Images