Containers for holding goods

Abstract

Modular container (1) for receiving goods, with a container wall (4) forming a receiving area (2) for the goods to be received, wherein the container wall (4) has at least one bottom (6) and at least two side walls (10, 10'') and two end faces (10', 10'''), characterized by - a container module (105) with at least one container connection frame (112) on the side walls (10, 10'') and the bottom (6), - an end-face module (100) defining one of the end faces (10', 10''') and having an end-face connection frame (103) which, when assembled, is opposite the container connection frame (112) and - a plurality of connecting elements (12.i) arranged on or in the container connection frame (112) and a plurality of connecting elements (104.i) arranged on or in the end-face connection frame (103), wherein the connecting elements (12.i, 104.i) are designed to reversibly connect the end-face module (100) to the container module (105).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular container for receiving goods, with a container wall that forms a receiving area for the goods to be received, wherein the container wall has at least one bottom and at least two side walls and two end faces.

[0002] Containers of the type described above are known in the prior art and are used, for example, as transport containers in the form of roll-off or skip containers or so-called skip containers. The known containers have a metal wall that defines a receiving area for the goods to be transported. The container wall comprises or is formed from at least one bottom, at least two side walls, and two end faces.

[0003] In containers known in the prior art, the side walls and end faces are typically formed as a single unit with the base, and are in particular bonded to it by welding. This gives the containers high rigidity, allowing even heavy loads – e.g., several tons – to be moved and transported easily. Due to their overall single-piece design, such containers are complex to manufacture and, moreover, require a comparatively large amount of space or storage area after completion before being transported to their destination for subsequent use.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a container for holding goods that is easier to assemble compared to known containers and can also be transported with a significantly reduced space requirement.

[0005] The invention solves the underlying problem by means of a generic container characterized by a container module with at least one container connection frame on the side walls and the bottom, an end-end module defining one of the end faces and having an end-end connection frame which, in the assembled state, is opposite the container connection frame, and a plurality of connecting elements arranged on or in the container connection frame, wherein the connecting elements are designed such that the end-end module can be reversibly connected or joined to the container module by means of them.

[0006] The advantage of this container lies in its simplified assembly and modular, flexibly adaptable design. Instead of a complex welding process for joining the end panels to the container wall, at least one end panel can now be attached to the container wall using very simple tools, in particular by screwing it in place. Furthermore, the prefabricated components—the container module and the end panel module—of such a container according to the invention can be stored and transported with significantly reduced space requirements.Due to the modular design consisting of the container module and the end panel module, it is possible to attach one of various end panel modules to a container module as needed. These modules may differ, for example, in terms of the mechanism with which the end panel can be opened and / or in terms of dimensions, in particular the length of a bottom section, so that differently designed containers, especially of different lengths, are obtained after assembly.

[0007] The term "container module" refers in particular to a part of the overall container that includes at least the base and at least two side walls. It is possible, but not required, for the container module to have one end face. The container module specifically has one end face. The container module itself can also be modular in design, in particular by having a connecting frame on each of two oppositely arranged end faces, each frame having corresponding connecting elements, so that different container sizes can be achieved through the modular design and the reversible connection of the container modules.

[0008] The term "end-end module" refers in particular to a part of the container that can be separated from the container module, especially mechanically and reversibly, and which has and / or forms at least one end face, in particular exactly one end face. It is possible that the end-end module has a bottom section arranged parallel to the bottom of the container module when the end-end module is connected to the container module in the assembled state.

[0009] The term "side walls" refers in particular to those walls of the container that are connected to the bottom or formed as a single piece and that differ from the bottom and end faces, and in particular are not parallel to the bottom and end faces. The side walls are preferably arranged parallel to each other, at least in sections, or have an angle to each other of no more than 20° deviating from a parallel arrangement.

[0010] The term "end faces" refers specifically to those side walls of the container that are distinct from the base and the side walls and are not parallel to them. In the assembled state, the end faces are preferably arranged parallel to each other, at least in sections, or exhibit an angle to each other of no more than 20° from a parallel arrangement.

[0011] In its unassembled state, the end panel module is separate from the container module. In its assembled state, the end panel module is reversibly connected to the container module.

[0012] The term "reversibly connectable" or "connected" refers in particular to a connection that can be mechanically disassembled, especially without requiring particularly high temperatures or at least partial destruction of sections of the modules. Examples of a disassemblable connection include screwing, riveting, snapping, and clamping, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0013] The connecting elements are designed such that each connecting element of the container connecting frame corresponds to one of the connecting elements of the end-face connecting frame, particularly with regard to both their arrangement and their design. Preferably, the container connecting frame and the end-face connecting frame each have at least 10 connecting elements, more preferably at least 20 each, and more preferably at least 30 each. Too few connecting elements would reduce the strength of the connection, while too many would make assembly more complex.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, a container connection frame is arranged on each end face of the container module. This allows for the assembly of two end face modules, one on each end face. In other words, the container module does not have a complete end face. The assembled container preferably comprises one container module and two end face modules, each configured like the end face module described above.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the container connecting frame is formed in one piece with the bottom and / or at least one of the side walls of the container, or the container connecting frame is materially bonded, in particular welded, to at least two of the side walls and / or the bottom.

[0016] Preferably, the end-face module has at least, and in particular exactly, two side sections and at least, and in particular exactly, one bottom section. The side sections are understood to be sections whose longitudinal direction is at least approximately parallel to one of the side walls of the container in the assembled state. The bottom section is understood to be a section whose longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to at least one section of the bottom of the container module in the assembled state.

[0017] Preferably, the container connecting frame has a plurality of bores and / or positive locking elements. Preferably, the end-face connecting frame has a plurality of bores and / or positive locking elements that correspond to the bores and / or positive locking elements of the container connecting frame. Preferably, each of the bores and / or positive locking elements of the end-face connecting frame and / or the container connecting frame has, in particular, at least one bolt and / or pin.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements are designed as screw connections, wherein each connecting element of the container connecting frame is configured to form a screw connection with a connecting element of the end-face connecting frame, particularly together with additional mounting elements such as screws and / or nuts, in the assembled state. Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the connecting elements, in particular bores, preferably extend through parts of the side walls, the bottom, the side section, and / or the bottom section. In one embodiment, a locking system can be associated with the positive locking elements, which positively locks several or all of the locking elements, for example, one or more centrally displaceable cams that engage behind recesses or snap into projections or recesses, thereby reducing assembly time.

[0019] Preferably, each screw connection consists of at least one screw bolt and a corresponding lock nut, wherein the container connecting frame and the end-face connecting frame each preferably have, for example, two correspondingly arranged and designed bores for the screw bolts. The use of a screw bolt and a lock nut represents a structurally simple way of forming the screw connection that firmly connects the components of the container. The necessary forces for attaching the side wall to the base part can be reliably transmitted by means of such a screw connection. In the simplest embodiment, approximately 20 to 40 screw connections are used on the end-face connecting frame and the container connecting frame. The screw bolt is preferably a hexagonal or pan-head screw and has an external threaded section.The lock nut has a complementary internal thread with a diameter of [diameter missing in original text]. The lock nut can also preferably have a tensile strength of at least 800 N / mm². 2 They are subjected to load. In a preferred embodiment, two adjacent screw connections have a distance of at least 10 cm and / or a maximum of 25 cm.

[0020] Preferably, the locking nuts are attached to the container connecting frame or end-face connecting frame, preferably by a material bond, and in particular by welding. This advantageously simplifies assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the end-face connecting frame is U-shaped. Preferably, alternatively or additionally, the container connecting frame is U-shaped. U-shaped is understood to mean, in particular, a shape that at least roughly imitates the shape of the capital letter U and / or that has, in particular, at least two side sections, which are, in particular, parallel to each other or at an angle of no more than 20° to each other, as well as a base section that connects the side sections. It is possible that the base section is formed from several parts that are connected to each other.

[0022] Preferably, the container connecting frame is formed in one piece. Preferably, the container connecting frame is bonded to the side walls and / or the bottom, particularly by welding. This increases stability.

[0023] Preferably, the end-face connecting frame is formed in one piece. Preferably, the end-face connecting frame is materially bonded to the side sections and / or the bottom section of the end-face module, particularly by welding. This increases stability.

[0024] Preferably, the end-end module has at least one hinged element, which is pivotably mounted on one of the side sections and / or on the bottom section of the end-end module. This allows the end end to be opened, at least partially, for example to remove goods from the container, without having to disconnect the end-end module from the container module.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one flap element is mounted in at least one hinge. This allows for a simple and stable design of the pivoting mechanism.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the end-face module has exactly one flap element which is mounted on the side sections or on the bottom section, in particular exclusively on the bottom section. Alternatively, the flap element is mounted on a top section which is different from the bottom section and the side sections, in particular exclusively on this top section.

[0027] The design with the pivoting flap element mounted on only one side allows for easy opening of a large area of ​​the front or the entire front. This is particularly advantageous for containers designed as roll-off containers.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the end-end module has exactly two flap elements, each of which is mounted on one of the side sections. In other words, the flap elements are designed and mounted such that they can be opened individually or both outwards. This allows for easy opening of one end of the container.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the container connecting frame has a first overhang section that extends beyond an inner and / or outer contour of the side walls and / or the bottom, and / or the end-side connecting frame has a second overhang section that extends beyond an inner and / or outer contour of the side sections and / or the bottom section, wherein in particular the connecting elements are arranged in the first and / or second overhang section.

[0030] Preferably, the overlapping sections are arranged and designed such that they face each other in the assembled state, and in particular, at least partially abut each other. This advantageously enables a gap-free fit between the container modules to be joined. A fixed and pre-assembled mounting surface, in particular a screw plane, is formed by means of such an overlapping section, which can, for example, be designed like a stop flange. Preferably, the end-face connecting frame and the container connecting frame each have at least one overlapping section, each with the overlapping section of the other connecting frame extending from the end-face connecting frame.The container connecting frame is designed to correspond with the other, in particular such that at least 75% of the projecting surface of the overhanging section is opposite, and in particular in contact with, the adjacent overhanging section in the assembled state. This further simplifies assembly. Preferably, the at least one overhanging section is designed as an elongated component and extends along a side section of the end-face connecting frame or along a side wall of the container module over a predetermined length of at least 50 cm, preferably at least 20 cm, and / or a maximum of 80%, preferably a maximum of 50%, of the height of the side section or the side wall.

[0031] Preferably, a plurality of connecting elements, in particular a portion of the connecting elements already mentioned above, are provided on the protruding section. Preferably, two locknuts arranged adjacent to each other from the plurality of locknuts have a distance of approximately 10 to 20 cm. The comparatively small distance between the screw connections increases the rigidity of the container according to the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the overhanging section projects substantially at least 5 cm, and in particular at least 10 cm, beyond the outer contour of the respective side section of the end-face connecting frame or the side wall of the container module. Preferably, the overhanging section is formed integrally or by a material bond, in particular by welding, to the rest of the connecting frame. This increases the stiffness of the connecting frame and further improves the strength of the connection between the container components. Preferably, the overhanging section has a length, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side sections, of at least 10 cm and / or a material thickness of approximately 3 to 10 mm, preferably 5 mm.

[0033] The protruding section has a stiffening in a transition area between two sections running at an angle to each other, preferably in the form of a stiffening plate, e.g. a sheet metal strip, and / or a stiffening strut.

[0034] Preferably, at least one roller, and in particular at least two rollers, is arranged on the base and / or the base section. Preferably, the rollers are designed such that at least one section of the end-face module, in particular a pivotally mounted section, can roll on the roller(s), especially when the section is pivoted.

[0035] Preferably, at least one reinforcing rail, and in particular at least two reinforcing rails, is arranged on the base and / or the base section. The reinforcing rail(s) are designed such that the container rests on them and, in particular, that some, and especially all, of the container's weight is transferred via the reinforcing rail(s) into the substrate on which the container rests.

[0036] Preferably, the container comprises at least 50% by weight, and in particular at least 75% by weight, of metal or semi-metal materials. Preferably, the base of the container has dimensions of at least 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, and in particular at least one of the side lengths is at least 2 m. The mean height of the side walls of the container module is preferably at least 1 m, and in particular at least 1.4 m. It is possible for the container to be substantially cuboid and / or for the container to taper towards the top or bottom.

[0037] Preferably, the connecting elements of the container connecting frame are spaced approximately 10 to 20 cm apart. Preferably, the same applies to the connecting elements of the end-face connecting frame.

[0038] Preferably, the base of the container is formed in one piece and has a substantially flat base. The one-piece construction allows for high inherent strength. In the simplest embodiment, the base is flat, with the side walls arranged along its longitudinal sides, the side walls extending approximately perpendicularly from the base. "Approximately perpendicular" is understood to mean an angle between 85° and 95°. In a preferred embodiment, the base has several stiffening struts on its underside, extending particularly in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the container. Preferably, the side walls also have several stiffening struts, extending particularly diagonally to the side walls.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the side walls are bonded to the base by a material connection, in particular by welding, or reversibly connected, in particular by bolting. The side walls are preferably oriented at least partially at a base angle α between 60° and 110°, in particular between 85° and 95°, to the base. This design increases the inherent strength of the container module. In a container specifically designed as a settling trough, this enables high strength even under a high load generated by material received in the receiving area.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that at least one of the end faces is connected to the base and / or the side walls by means of several screw connections. Such a container, in particular a roll-off container, has a flat base to which at least one end face, preferably projecting vertically or at a maximum angle of 20° to the vertical, is attached by means of screw connections. Preferably, each screw connection consists of at least one bolt and a lock nut. Preferably, the screw connections for the end face have at least the same strength class as described above for the other screw connections.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the container module, the base and side walls are reversibly connectable. Specifically, a receptacle for a side wall is provided on each of the base's longitudinal sides. Preferably, the receptacle has protruding connectors that serve as positioning means for the side wall. The receptacle on the base, and especially the protruding connectors, ensure a fixed alignment of the side wall to the base when the components are joined, further simplifying assembly, particularly by screwing the side wall to the base.

[0042] Preferably, according to one embodiment of the container, the base has a substantially flat and, in particular, horizontally oriented contact surface for the side wall and / or a contact surface for the inside of the side wall, extending, in particular, at a right angle or with a deviation of no more than 20° to the contact surface. The connectors, in particular, project vertically or with a deviation of no more than 20° to the vertical from the contact surface of the receptacle and preferably run perpendicular to the screw connections on the container that connect the side wall to the base, which increases the strength in the connection area between the base and the side wall.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, at least the side walls, particularly vertical ones, have stiffening profiles, the lower ends of which have plug-in receptacles for interacting with connectors arranged on a base for the side walls. The stiffening profiles on the side walls give the side walls themselves increased rigidity, thus preventing twisting of the side walls during use of the container. The container, assembled by means of screw connections, therefore exhibits high strength. Preferably, in addition to the vertical stiffening profiles, each side wall has at least one further stiffening profile, in particular one extending horizontally between the side ends, which is arranged approximately at the height of the upper third of the side wall.The plug-in receptacles at the lower ends of the vertically extending stiffening profiles are preferably designed as recesses corresponding to the plug connectors of the receptacle. The plug connection formed by means of the plug-in receptacles and the plug connectors particularly counteracts movement parallel to the floor surface.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the container, it is designed as a skip or roll-off container. Preferably, the container has lifting devices, such as at least one hook, that can interact with a lifting device of a transport vehicle. This makes the container advantageously usable as a transport container.

[0045] The invention also relates to an end-face module and a container module as described above.

[0046] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1a: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention; Fig. 1b: a perspective view of the container module according to Fig. 1a; Fig. 2a: a perspective view of a first embodiment of an end-face module of a container according to the invention from an inside of the container; Fig. 2b: a perspective view of the front panel module according to Fig. 2a from an outside of the container; Fig. 3a: a perspective view of a second embodiment of an end-face module of a container according to the invention from the inside of the container; Fig. 3b: a perspective view of the front panel module according to Fig. 3a from an outside of the container; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a section of a container wall of a container according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1a shows a modular container 1 according to the invention for receiving goods, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a settling trough. The container 1 has, in particular, a receiving area 2 for receiving goods, which is defined by an upwardly open container wall 4. The container 1 has a container module 105 with at least one container connecting frame 112 on the side walls 10, 10'' and / or the bottom 6. A perspective view of the container module 112 is shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1b is shown. A section of the container module is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0048] Furthermore, the container 1 has an end-face module 100, which defines one of the end faces 10', 10''', and has an end-face connecting frame 103 which, in the assembled state, is opposite the container connecting frame 112. A corner angle β between the side walls 10, 10'' and the end faces 10', 10''' is, in particular, at least 45°, in particular at least 80° and / or a maximum of 135°, in particular a maximum of 100°. A bottom angle between the side walls 10, 10'' and the bottom 6, as well as between the end faces 10', 10''' and the bottom 6, is, in particular, at least 45°, in particular at least 80° and / or a maximum of 135°, in particular a maximum of 100°.

[0049] Furthermore, the container 1 has a plurality of connecting elements 12.i which are arranged on or in the container connecting frame 112 and a plurality of connecting elements 104.i which are arranged on or in the end-face connecting frame 103, wherein the connecting elements 12.i, 104.i are designed for reversibly connecting the end-face module 100 to the container module 105.

[0050] The container connecting frame 112 and the end-face connecting frame 103 are, for example, formed in one piece. The container connecting frame is, in particular, materially bonded to at least two of the side walls 10, 10'' and / or to the bottom 6, especially by welding.

[0051] The front-end module 100, as shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows two side sections 102.1, 102.3 and one bottom section 102.2.

[0052] The connecting elements 104.i of the container connecting frame 112 are preferably designed as bores and / or positive locking elements. The connecting elements 104.i of the end-face connecting frame 103 are preferably designed as a plurality of bores and / or positive locking elements that correspond to the bores and / or positive locking elements of the container connecting frame 112. Each of the bores and / or positive locking elements has, in particular, at least one bolt and / or pin.

[0053] The container connecting frame 112 is arranged, in particular, on both end faces 10', 10''' of the container module. The container module 112 is preferably U-shaped. The end-face connecting frame 103 is preferably formed in one piece, wherein the end-face connecting frame 103 is welded, in particular, to the side sections 102.1, 102.3 and / or the bottom section 102.2 of the end-face module 100.

[0054] The end-face module 100, for example, has at least one flap element 109 which is pivotably mounted on one of the side sections 102.1, 102.3 or on the bottom section 102.2 of the end-face module 100. The flap element(s) 109 preferably have a closure 58 which is particularly mechanically lockable and unlockable, for example by means of at least one sliding bolt and at least one eyelet interacting therewith.

[0055] In the Fig. 1a, Fig. 3a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the end-face module 100 has two flap elements 109.1, 109.2, each of which is mounted on the side sections 102.1 and 102.3 by hinges 108.i, respectively. The flap elements 109.1, 109.2 can thus be opened outwards.

[0056] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2b, the end-face module 100 has only one flap element 109, which is mounted on the side sections 102.1, 102.3 by hinges 108.1, 108.4. The flap element 109 can thus be folded upwards and is held in a closed position on the bottom section 102.2 by locking elements 115.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom 6 has several stiffening struts 30 and / or stiffening profiles 40 that reinforce the bottom 6, in particular extending in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the container 1. Preferably, the side walls 10, 10'' have several stiffening struts 30 and / or several stiffening profiles 4 that reinforce the side walls 10, 10'', in particular extending diagonally to the side walls 10, 10'', and in particular extending in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction of the container 1.

[0058] The container connecting frame 112, for example, has a first overhanging section 114 that projects beyond an inner and / or outer contour of the side walls 10, 10'' and / or the bottom 6. The end-face connecting frame 103, for example, has a second overhanging section 113 that projects beyond an inner and / or outer contour of the side sections 102.1, 102.3 and / or the bottom section 102.2, wherein, in particular, the connecting elements 12.i, 104.i are arranged in the first and / or second overhanging section 113 and / or within the side walls 10, 10'', the bottom 6, the side sections 102.1, 102.3 and / or the bottom section 102.2.

[0059] The overhanging sections 113 and 114 are designed to correspond to each other and are arranged in such a way that, in the assembled state, they are each opposite one of the overhanging sections 113, 114 of the other module 105, 112, and in particular are in contact with each other over at least 80% of an area of ​​the respective overhanging section 113, 114.

[0060] For example, the side walls 10, 10'' and the bottom 6 each have a length of approximately 2 m to 4 m. The width of the container 1 at the bottom 6 and on the undersides 107 and the end faces 10', 10'' is, for example, approximately 30% to 50% of its length. The average height of the container 1 is, for example, approximately 1 m to 2 m. The container contains, for example, at least 50% steel by weight. It is possible that the container tapers towards the bottom or top.

[0061] Preferably, at least one roller 106.1 is arranged on the base 6 and / or the base section 102.2, and in particular at least two rollers 106.1, 106.2. Preferably, the rollers are designed such that at least a part of the container 1, in particular the entire container 1 in the assembled state, can be rolled on the rollers.

[0062] On the side walls 10, 10'' and / or end walls 10', 10''', preferably one or more hooks 64 are arranged for a lifting device (not shown) of a vehicle which cooperates with the container 1 designed as a settling trough.

[0063] Identical or similar components are marked with the same reference symbols. Reference symbol list: 1 container 2 Recording area 4 Container wall 6 Floor 10, 10'' side panel 10', 10''' Front wall 12 connecting elements of the container module 30 stiffening strut 40 stiffening profile 58 Closure 64 hooks α Ground angle β Corner angle 100 end-face modules 102.1, 102.3 Page sections 102.2 Floor section 103 End-face connecting frames 104.i Connecting elements of the container connecting frame 105 Container Module 106 rolls 107 Underside 108 hinge 109 swiveling flap element 110 Frame underside 112 Container connecting frames 113 Overhang section of the end-face connecting frame 114 Overhang section of the container connecting frame 115 Locking element

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