Transport of various bulk materials

Abstract

A device for transporting bulk cargo and pumpable material, in particular a trailer for a tractor vehicle, comprises a first container compartment and a second container compartment, wherein the first container compartment comprises a fluid port for emptying the first container compartment through a pipe, and wherein the second container compartment comprises a drain opening for emptying the bulk cargo from the second container compartment.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for transporting bulk goods and pumpable material, in particular a semi-trailer for a tractor unit, comprising a first container compartment and a second container compartment. State of the art

[0002] Bulk goods such as beets, potatoes, demolition materials from construction sites like road surfacing material, rubble, gravel, etc., but also pumpable materials such as liquids, cement, sand, sugar, chemicals, etc., are typically transported today by truck or rail, especially by freight car or tank car, from a point of origin to a destination. For example, US 2192593A discloses a tank car for transporting liquids according to the preamble of claim 1. Particularly in these areas of transportation, many empty runs still occur today. After the cargo is unloaded at the destination, the truck, for example, returns with an empty container to be reloaded at the point of origin. Such empty runs are expensive and should generally be avoided, as they render the truck unusable for half of its operating time. Description of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a device belonging to the aforementioned technical field, with which the number of empty journeys in freight transport can be reduced.

[0004] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the first container compartment comprises a fluid connection for emptying the first container compartment by means of a pipeline, and the second container compartment comprises a discharge opening for emptying bulk materials from the second container compartment.

[0005] Because the device includes a first container compartment for pumpable materials and for bulk goods and a second container compartment, both bulk goods and pumpable materials can be transported with the device.

[0006] In practice, construction sites are typically supplied with raw materials for construction, and demolition material is also transported away. With the device according to the invention, cement can now be transported to a construction site in the first container compartment on a single trip, while demolition material is transported away in the second container compartment. If the device is designed as a semi-trailer for a truck, the utilization can be doubled; that is, while previously two trucks each made one round trip for this purpose, the same service can now be performed with a single truck in one round trip using the device according to the invention.

[0007] In another example, the device can be used to deliver sugar beets to a refinery in the second container compartment, and refined sugar can then be transported away in the first container compartment. Those skilled in the art are aware of other possible applications.

[0008] A particular advantage lies in the fact that, with the device according to the invention, in a truck with a limited loading capacity, for example, a truck with a load limit of 40 tons on 5 axles, the two container compartments can be dimensioned such that the first container compartment or the second container compartment can be loaded with up to a total weight of 40 tons on its own. This achieves a particularly high utilization of the truck. In variants, the first container compartment or the second container compartment can also have a lower capacity, which means that the container compartments can be designed with a smaller size.

[0009] The term "bulk materials" also includes materials that are not pumpable. Bulk materials can include, for example, demolition material from construction sites, such as road surfaces, especially asphalt or concrete surfaces, construction debris, and coarse rock. Furthermore, bulk materials can also include unprocessed agricultural produce, such as sugar beets, potatoes, and the like. Additionally, bulk materials can include municipal or industrial waste, such as glass, cardboard, scrap metal, etc. Of course, pumpable materials can also be transported in the second container compartment.

[0010] The term "pumpable material" refers to all materials that can be pumped and thus transported via pipelines. This includes, in particular, cement, pellets (e.g., wood pellets for heating), ground or fine-grained foodstuffs such as sugar, flour, etc., fine-grained or powdered chemicals such as raw materials for the chemical industry or agronomic products such as fertilizers, fine-grained plastics, liquid foodstuffs such as milk, syrup, oils, wine, and liquid chemicals such as alcohol, oils, acids, etc. Experts are aware of other materials that are pumpable and therefore fall under this category.

[0011] The device comprises a first container compartment and a second container compartment. The first container compartment is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the second container compartment. The connection can, for example, include a common support frame.

[0012] The first compartment includes a fluid connection for emptying it via a pipeline. This makes the first compartment suitable for loading with a pumpable material. The first compartment can have an upper filling opening through which the pumpable material is poured. For emptying, the first compartment includes a fluid connection to which, for example, a pipeline can be directly connected. Alternatively, the fluid connection can simply be a closable opening, allowing the pumpable material to drain by gravity through the fluid connection.

[0013] Preferably, the fluid connection includes a pipe fitting to which a pipeline can be detachably attached. The fluid connection can be designed such that a pipeline can be attached, for example, via a bayonet fitting, a screw fitting, or the like. Alternatively, a pipeline can also be attached to the pipe fitting using a clamp or pipe collar. Other fastening methods are known to those skilled in the art. In some variations, the pipe fitting can be omitted.

[0014] Preferably, the fluid connection further includes a closing device. This closing device can, for example, comprise a gate valve, a valve (e.g., a ball valve), or the like within a pipe fitting. This prevents the pumpable material from escaping at the fluid connection during pipeline assembly. In some variants, the closing device can be omitted.

[0015] The second container compartment includes a discharge opening for emptying bulk materials from the second container compartment. This discharge opening is thus suitable for draining non-pumpable material. Preferably, the second container compartment includes a second filling opening in a vertically upper region of the second container compartment, through which bulk material can be filled into the second container compartment. The second filling opening preferably has a clear opening that comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of the area of ​​a maximum cross-sectional plane of the interior of the second container compartment. This allows the bulk material to be introduced into the second container compartment particularly efficiently. In variants, the clear opening can also be smaller than 50% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second container compartment.

[0016] Preferably, the second container compartment includes two, in particular opposing, secondary emptying openings, thus enabling more efficient and complete emptying of the second container compartment. In variants, the second container compartment can also include exactly one or more than two emptying openings.

[0017] Preferably, the discharge opening comprises a flap that can pivot between an open position and a closed position. In other versions, the discharge opening can also comprise a slide that can be moved between an open position and a closed position.

[0018] The flap is preferably hinged to an outside of the second container compartment and is preferably hydraulically openable and closeable. This creates a particularly simple closure for the discharge opening, which can be designed to be especially lightweight. In some variations, the discharge opening can also be pneumatically or motor-driven openable and closeable. Many variations are known to those skilled in the art.

[0019] Preferably, the flap is hinged vertically above the discharge opening of the second container compartment. This allows for particularly efficient unloading of the second container compartment. In other variations, the flap can also be hinged elsewhere in the edge region of the discharge opening, for example, at a lower vertical edge or laterally to the discharge opening.

[0020] The device preferably comprises an outer flap hinged to an upper edge of the second discharge opening and an inner flap hinged to a lower edge of the discharge opening. This results in a particularly secure closing flap. The inner flap can also serve as a guide for the bulk material. In some variations, the inner or outer flap can be omitted.

[0021] Preferably, the device is designed as a trailer with at least one axle for a towing vehicle, in particular as a semi-trailer for a tractor unit. Preferably, the device comprises at least one axle and a coupling area for attaching it to a towing vehicle. Thus, the device can be designed as a trailer for a towing vehicle, in particular as a semi-trailer for a towing vehicle.

[0022] In some variants, the device can also be designed as a freight wagon for rail transport. In other variants, the device can also be permanently connected to a towing vehicle; in particular, the device can be designed as a truck, with the container compartments arranged on the truck bed. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the device is designed as a semi-trailer, in particular as a semi-trailer for a towing vehicle.

[0023] Preferably, the device includes a third container compartment. This third container compartment can be configured for bulk materials or for pumpable materials. Thus, the device comprises three container compartments. Preferably, if the third container compartment is configured for pumpable materials, the second container compartment is arranged between the first and third container compartments. Similarly, if the third container compartment is configured for bulk materials, the first container compartment is preferably arranged between the second and third container compartments. Particularly when the containers are mounted on a semi-trailer for a tractor unit, this arrangement allows for optimal load distribution across the axles of the semi-trailer and the tractor unit, respectively.The load of a fully loaded middle container compartment, while the outer compartments are empty, is thus distributed across the axles of both the trailer and the tractor unit. However, with fully loaded outer compartments and an empty middle compartment, the load of the outer compartments can be distributed between the axles of the trailer and the tractor unit. This allows, for example, a maximum payload of 24 tons, depending on the type of material, to be distributed entirely into the middle compartment or divided into 15-ton splits between the outer compartments, with both the trailer and tractor unit axles being loaded in both cases. This ensures that the tractor unit's drive axles are sufficiently loaded in both scenarios, thus guaranteeing good traction.

[0024] Variants may also include more than three container compartments.

[0025] Preferably, the capacity of the second container compartment is larger than that of the first or third container compartment. This is particularly advantageous if both the first and second container compartments are designed to hold pumpable material (or both to hold bulk materials). This allows for optimal utilization of both pumpable and bulk materials.

[0026] In some variations, the container compartments can all have the same capacity. Furthermore, the second container compartment can have a smaller capacity than the first or second container compartment, particularly if, for example, the first and third container compartments are typically loaded with a low-density material, while the second container compartment is loaded with a high-density material.

[0027] Preferably, the capacity of the first and third container compartments is between 5 and 20 m³, more preferably between 10 and 16 m³. This achieves an ideal loading volume, particularly for a semi-trailer for a 40-ton truck, allowing the truck to be optimally utilized when transporting pumpable material. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the capacity volumes can also be configured differently. Particularly in applications as freight wagons, the volume of the first, second, and / or third container compartment can also be greater than 20 m³.

[0028] Preferably, the capacity of the second container compartment is between 10 and 30 m³, preferably between 15 and 25 m³. This means the second container compartment preferably has a larger capacity than the first or second container compartment (see above). This allows for optimal utilization even when transporting bulk goods (provided the second container compartment is designed for bulk goods transport). The capacity is particularly ideal when the device is configured as a semi-trailer for a 40-ton truck. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the second container compartment can also have a capacity of less than 10 m³ or more than 30 m³.

[0029] Preferably, the trailer is designed as a multi-axle trailer, in particular as a three-axle trailer. This allows the device to be configured as a semi-trailer for a 40-ton truck (a truck with a gross vehicle weight of 40 tons). The towing vehicle can have three axles, with the semi-trailer being supported by two axles. Thus, when operating as a semi-trailer, the device is preferably supported by five axles, allowing the total load to be distributed across all five axles. It is understood by those skilled in the art that this configuration is merely an example. The device can also be configured as a trailer with only two or one axle. Furthermore, more than three axles can also be provided.

[0030] Preferably, the third container compartment includes a fluid connection for emptying the third container compartment via a pipeline. Thus, the third container compartment is preferably designed to hold pumpable material. The second container compartment is preferably arranged in the middle, between the first and the third container compartments.

[0031] Preferably, the trailer is designed as a semi-trailer, with the first container compartment resting on at least one axle and the third container compartment resting on a fifth wheel coupling plate, which is designed for coupling to a tractor unit. This allows part of the load to be borne by the tractor unit. In variations, the device can also be designed as a trailer.

[0032] Particularly when the device is configured as a semi-trailer for a tractor unit, the first container compartment can be positioned above the axles of the semi-trailer or as an overhang in the area of ​​the axles. The third container compartment is preferably located in the area of ​​a fifth wheel coupling for resting on the tractor unit, and thus, during operation, in the area of ​​the tractor unit's axles. Finally, the second container compartment is positioned between the axles and the fifth wheel coupling of the semi-trailer – the second container compartment can also partially rest on the fifth wheel coupling and / or on the axles of the semi-trailer.

[0033] Preferably, the second container compartment is arranged between the first and third container compartments. This places the container compartment with the discharge opening for bulk materials centrally between two container compartments for pumpable materials. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in semi-trailer applications, as it allows the discharge opening for the bulk material – which typically requires significantly more space than a fluid connection – to be positioned between the fifth wheel and the axles of the semi-trailer. This area provides sufficient space to accommodate one or more large discharge openings and also to install the flaps for closing a discharge opening. In some variations, two container compartments with fluid connections can also be arranged side by side.

[0034] Preferably, the fluid connection of the first and / or third tank compartment includes a coupling device for a fluid-tight connection of a pipeline. This allows for particularly efficient emptying of pumpable material from the first and / or third tank compartment. In particular, this enables the emptying of the first and / or third tank compartment to be supported or controlled by a pump or similar device. In some variations, the coupling device can be omitted, and the pumpable material can be drained directly, for example, via a funnel or similar device.

[0035] Preferably, the device comprises a container in which a first partition and a second partition are arranged such that the second container compartment is located between the first and second partitions. This results in a particularly simple design of the device. In a variant with only two container compartments, each container would comprise exactly one partition, thus separating the first and second container compartments from each other.

[0036] In some versions, the container can be omitted. The container compartments can also be designed as separate units.

[0037] The second container compartment is self-unloading via the discharge opening and is specifically positioned laterally. This allows for quick and easy unloading of the second container compartment. Furthermore, it enables a particularly lightweight construction of the second container compartment, which in turn allows for a large payload.

[0038] In variants not according to the invention, self-discharging can also be omitted. In this case, the device can include conveying means, or the discharge opening can be designed such that the second container compartment can be unloaded by means of conveying means. The conveying means can include, for example, conveyor belts, screw conveyors, or the like.

[0039] Preferably, a bottom section of the second container compartment has an angle of inclination of at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, towards the discharge opening. This enables efficient unloading. In some variants, the angle of inclination can also be less than 30°, particularly if unloading aids are provided.

[0040] Preferably, the second container compartment is equipped with a device for efficient unloading, in particular with movable chains, a vibration system, a tilting device for a container bottom, or a coating to reduce static friction between the bulk material and an inner container surface, especially a polyurethane coating. In some variants, these means can be omitted.

[0041] Preferably, the first and / or third container compartment tapers downwards towards the fluid connection of the first container compartment or the fluid connection of the second container compartment, respectively. This enables efficient and complete unloading of a pumpable material from the first and / or third container compartment. In some variants, this taper towards the fluid connection can be omitted.

[0042] Preferably, the first and / or the third container compartment is equipped with a device for the efficient discharge of pumpable material, in particular with a device for compressed air pulsation. Other techniques for the efficient discharge of pumpable material are also known to those skilled in the art. In some variants, this device can be omitted.

[0043] In the method for transporting bulk materials according to claim 15 with such a device, preferably either the first and third container compartments are loaded with a pumpable material, while the second container compartment remains empty; or the second container compartment is loaded with a bulk material, while the first and third container compartments remain empty. However, the device can be used in such a general way that it can also have a load in each of the container compartments. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the device as a semi-trailer; Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the semi-trailer. Figure 1Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view transverse to a longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer through the second container compartment of the semi-trailer. Figure 1 Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a rear view of the semi-trailer of the Figure 1 ; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a side view of an embodiment of the device as a semi-trailer in greater detail with the second container compartment open.

[0045] Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0046] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the device as a semi-trailer 1. The semi-trailer 1 comprises a frame 40 with a fifth wheel plate 41, which in this case includes a kingpin 42, allowing the semi-trailer to be attached to a tractor unit. Three wheel axles 43, 44, and 45 are also arranged on the frame 40. A container comprising three compartments is mounted on the frame.

[0047] A first container compartment 10 is mounted on the frame 40 at the rear of the main direction of travel, partially overhanging beyond the rearmost wheel axle 45. The first container compartment 10 extends to approximately the middle of the second wheel axle 44. Thus, when the first container compartment 10 is loaded, the entire load rests on the axles 43-45 of the semi-trailer 1.

[0048] The first container compartment 10 includes a fluid connection 11, which is located behind the last wheel axle 45, at a vertically lower end of the first container compartment 10, relative to the main direction of travel. This design ensures particularly ergonomic operation, making the first container compartment 10 easily accessible for unloading over a large circumference. Pumpable materials, such as cement, rice, liquids, etc., can be transported in the first container compartment 10. The first container compartment 10 is dimensioned such that its side walls slope relatively steeply downwards towards the fluid connection 11. This facilitates efficient discharge of the pumpable material. The angle of inclination is at least 125°. The first container compartment 10 has a capacity of 14 m³. Its length in the main direction of travel is 4 m.

[0049] Furthermore, the semi-trailer 1 includes a second container compartment 20, which is designed for receiving bulk goods, i.e., goods that are not pumpable. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that pumpable materials can also be transported in the second container compartment 20. Unlike the first container compartment 10, the second container compartment 20 has a flap 21 on the side, through which the bulk goods can be unloaded from the second container compartment 20. The second container compartment 20 has a second flap 21 on the opposite side, so that the bulk goods can be unloaded from both sides. The second container compartment is located behind the fifth wheel 41 with respect to the main direction of travel and lies above the first wheel axle 43 and partially above the second wheel axle 44. The load of the second container compartment 20 is thus distributed between the tractor unit and the wheel axles 43-45. The second container compartment has a capacity of 19 m³ and a length of 4.6 m up.

[0050] Finally, the semi-trailer 1 includes a third container compartment 30, which, like the first container compartment 10, has a fluid connection 31 in a vertically lower section. The third container compartment 30 is thus again designed for transporting pumpable materials and is located on the frame 40 in front of the second container compartment 20 with respect to the main direction of travel. The fluid connection 31 is located between the first wheel axle 43 and the fifth wheel 41, making this fluid connection 31 easily accessible from both sides of the semi-trailer 1.

[0051] The third tank compartment 30 is dimensioned such that its side walls slope relatively steeply downwards towards the fluid connection 31. This facilitates efficient discharge of the pumpable material. The angle of inclination is at least 135°. The third tank compartment 30 has a capacity of 14 m³. Its length in the main direction of travel is 4 m.

[0052] The second container compartment 20 is separated from the first container compartment 10 and the third container compartment 30 by a partition wall within the container. This results in a particularly compact and material-saving design.

[0053] The Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a top view of the semi-trailer 1 of the Figure 1In this illustration, a hatch 12 is visible on the first container compartment 10 and a hatch 32 on the third container compartment 30. These serve to load the first container compartment 10 and the third container compartment 30, respectively, with a pumpable material. The second container compartment 20 includes a closable filling opening 22, through which the second container compartment 20 can be loaded. The filling opening 22 is large, allowing the second container compartment 20 to be efficiently loaded, for example, with an excavator or a conveyor belt. The filling opening 22 extends essentially over the entire length of the second container compartment 20 in relation to the main direction of travel, thus approximately 4 m in this case. The width of the filling opening, perpendicular to its length, is more than 50% of the total width of the semi-trailer 1 transversely to the main direction of travel.The filling opening 22 is closed using known techniques, in particular by means of a sliding wall or a pivoting flap or the like.

[0054] The Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view transverse to a longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer 1 through the second container compartment 20 of the semi-trailer 1. Figure 1 Here it can be seen that the second container compartment 20 has the cross-sectional shape of a circular sector with an interior angle of approximately 270°. Thus, the second container compartment includes a gable 23, which slopes down at an angle of approximately 45° on both sides. This allows the bulk material to be discharged by gravity through the side flaps 21.

[0055] The Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a rear view of trailer 1 of the Figure 1At both the front and rear, the trailer 1 includes a ladder providing access to a walk-on grating, allowing entry to the hatches of the first container compartment 10 and the third container compartment 30, respectively. This may be necessary, for example, to insert a pipe or hose into hatch 12 or 32 to fill the container compartments with the pumpable material. The trailer is equipped with hinged railings for this purpose (see below).

[0056] The Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a side view of an embodiment of the device as a semi-trailer 1 in greater detail with the second container compartment 20 open. On the one hand, the folded-up railings 60 and 61 for securing access to the grates of the first container compartment 10 and third container compartment 30 respectively are visible in this figure.

[0057] Furthermore, the Figure 5A compressed air main line 50 extends laterally along the entire longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer 1 in the direction of travel. The compressed air main line 50 has a connection 51, which can be connected to a compressor of a tractor unit. From the compressed air main line 50, lines 52 and 57 branch off, respectively, to an upper section of the third tank compartment 30 and the first tank compartment 10, respectively. Two further compressed air lines 53 and 54 each lead to the fluid connection 31, and two compressed air lines 55 and 56 lead to the fluid connection 11. Thus, the unloading process can be accelerated with the assistance of compressed air.

[0058] Experts know that the same concept can also be applied to truck trailers with a drawbar, for example via a ball coupling or similar. Furthermore, the concept can also be used for freight wagons in rail transport.

[0059] In summary, it can be stated that according to the invention a device for the transport of bulk goods and pumpable material is created, which reduces empty journeys and thus makes transport both ecologically and economically more efficient.

Claims

1. Device for transporting bulk materials and pumpable material, in particular a semitrailer for a towing vehicle, comprising a first container compartment and a second container compartment, wherein a. the first container compartment comprises a fluid connection for emptying the first container compartment by means of a pipeline, characterized in that b. the second container compartment comprises a self-discharging emptying opening for completely emptying non-pumpable bulk materials from the second container compartment, wherein the emptying opening is in particular arranged laterally on the second container compartment.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third container compartment.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the third container compartment comprises a fluid connection for emptying the third container compartment by means of a pipeline.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fluid connection of the first container compartment and / or of the third container compartment comprises a coupling device for fluid-tight coupling of a pipeline.

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second container compartment is arranged between the first container compartment and the third container compartment.

6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a container in which a first partition wall and a second partition wall are arranged such that the second container compartment is arranged between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a bottom region of the second container compartment has, towards the emptying opening, an inclination angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 45°.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second container compartment is equipped with a device for efficient discharge, in particular with movable chains, a vibration system, an inclination-adjusting device for a container bottom, or a coating for reducing static friction between the bulk material and an inner container surface, in particular a polyurethane coating.

9. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the first container compartment and / or the third container compartment tapers downward towards the fluid connection of the first container compartment, respectively towards the fluid connection of the third container compartment.

10. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the first container compartment and / or the third container compartment is equipped with a device for efficient discharge of pumpable material, in particular with a device for air-pressure pulsation.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is designed as a trailer with at least one axle, preferably as a multi-axle trailer, in particular as a tri-axle trailer, for a towing vehicle, in particular as a semitrailer for a tractor unit.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the trailer is designed as a semitrailer and the first container compartment rests on the at least one axle and the third container compartment rests on a fifth-wheel plate, the fifth-wheel plate being designed for coupling with a tractor unit.

13. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that a capacity of the second container compartment is greater than a capacity of the first container compartment, respectively of the third container compartment, and in particular a capacity of the first container compartment and of the third container compartment is in each case between 5 and 20 m3, preferably between 10 and 16 m3, and a capacity of the second container compartment is between 10 and 30 m3, preferably between 15 and 25 m3.

14. Transport vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Method for transporting bulk materials with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that for a transport either: a. the first container compartment and the third container compartment are loaded with a pumpable material while the second container compartment remains empty; or b. the second container compartment is loaded with a bulk material while the first container compartment and the third container compartment remain empty.

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