Pallet-shaped base frame for transport and storage containers, and transport and storage containers equipped with the base frame.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pallet-shaped base frame (11) for a transport and storage container (10) for liquids, and the transport and storage container, wherein the base frame has a base (26), corner legs (27), and intermediate legs (28, 30) that support an internal container (12) housed in a metal outer jacket (23), which is preferably a cage (22). The corner legs and intermediate legs are positioned on runners (32, 33) and connect the runners to the base. Each runner forms a contact surface with the base frame and is made of a metal sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet-shaped base frame for a liquid transport and storage container, and a transport and storage container provided with the base frame. The base frame has a metal outer jacket, preferably a base for supporting an inner container housed in a cage, corner legs, and intermediate legs.

Background Art

[0002] A pallet-shaped base frame for a transport and storage container is known from Patent Document 1. This base frame has a base for supporting an inner container of the transport and storage container, and the base is connected to the base frame forming the ground contact surface of the transport and storage container via corner legs and intermediate legs. Since all components of this known pallet-shaped base frame are made of metal, the base frame is characterized by outstanding stability.

[0003] Furthermore, this known pallet-shaped base frame functions as a base frame of a transport and storage container. The transport and storage container has an inner container housed in an outer jacket on the base of the base frame, and can be stacked on top of each other and arranged in a stacked state. The base frame, which is a tubular frame, allows easy access to the space formed between the stacked transport and storage containers.

[0004] However, while the particularly excellent durability of the known base frame is particularly effective in extending the service life of the known pallet-shaped base frame, it may lead to an increase in wear when contacting transport equipment, which is often in the form of conveyor rollers or conveyor belts. In order to reduce wear, the use of a base frame made entirely of plastic, or the switch to the use of a base frame having both plastic parts and metal parts has been carried out.

[0005] This type of composite pallet is known from Patent Document 2, which features a metal base connected to a plastic base frame or runner via plastic corner and intermediate legs. The use of plastic allows for low-friction contact between the pallet-like base frame and the conveying system. However, known pallet-like base frames are weak due to the plastic material used. Furthermore, contact between the plastic material and the conveying device makes the plastic material susceptible to wear due to friction, and it has been found that progressive wear occurs when the pallet-like base frame is used in a conveying device. In addition, the removed plastic material can undesirably contaminate the environment of the conveying device in forms such as microplastics. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2426067 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2007 / 087857 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a pallet-shaped base frame that has high stability or excellent robustness while enabling transport with as little wear as possible by a transport device, and a transport / storage container equipped with such a base frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by a pallet-shaped base frame having the features of claim 1, and a transport and storage container having the features of claim 20.

[0009] This pallet-shaped base frame for liquid transport and storage containers has a base, corner legs, and intermediate legs that support an internal container housed in a metal outer jacket, which is preferably a cage. The corner legs and intermediate legs are positioned on a runner, which is connected to the base, and the runner each forms a contact surface and is made of a metal sheet.

[0010] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is proposed that the contact surface of the base frame be formed of metal or a metal sheet. When the pallet-shaped base frame is placed on the ground via a runner, the contact surface of the base frame becomes several times larger compared to the case of a base frame surrounded by a metal tube or frame formwork. In this case, the weight of the transport and storage container is distributed over a large area of ​​the contact surface, so the contact load per unit area becomes relatively small, enabling low-wear transport of the pallet-shaped base frame in the transport system. Furthermore, unwanted wear of plastic material on the pallet-shaped base frame can be avoided. The corner legs, intermediate legs, and / or base can basically be formed of any suitable material such as wood or plastic.

[0011] The runner is provided with a reinforcing corrugated section extending along the runner, which can constitute a lower flange forming the ground contact surface. The reinforcing corrugated section can be basically any shape relative to the cross-sectional shape of the runner and can extend along the runner or along the longitudinal axis of the runner. One or more reinforcing corrugated sections, for example, three reinforcing corrugated sections, can be formed. The reinforcing corrugated section may extend along the entire length of the runner or along only a portion of the runner. The lower flange can be formed to extend flat, or parallel, to the ground or the base of the base frame, thereby maximizing the ground contact surface formed by the lower flange of the runner.

[0012] The reinforcing corrugated section may be provided with a web extending between the upper and lower flanges of the reinforcing corrugated section. Since the upper flange's primary function is not surface contact, it can essentially have any cross-sectional shape. The web can extend linearly or curvedly between the upper and lower flanges. The upper and lower flanges, together with the web, can be trapezoidal, arched, or corrugated relative to the cross-section of the runner. The transition between the web, upper flange, and lower flange may have a certain radius. When formed in this way, the runner can be made from a relatively thin metal sheet, making it particularly lightweight and resistant to bending.

[0013] The runner may have an edge web, at least partially. The longitudinal edge of the runner may be formed by a lower flange, in which case the edge web may also be formed on the lower flange. The edge web may extend along the entire length of the runner, or along only a portion thereof. The edge web may be partially discontinuous.

[0014] The runner may have, at least partially, a passable (overrideable) sill and / or inclined section (induction slope) where the runner's height relative to the ground surface is lower. In this case, the height of the runner from the ground is lower, allowing transport means such as pallet trucks to travel over the runner more easily. If the runner has an edge web, the edge web may be intermittent in the area of ​​the passable sill. Alternatively, or in addition to this, an inclined section may be formed on the runner to allow transport means to move (override) over the runner more easily. The passable sill can also be formed by making any reinforcing corrugated sections present in the passable sill area relatively low. For example, reinforcing corrugated sections with reduced height can be provided in the area of ​​the passable sill.

[0015] The corner legs, intermediate legs, and / or base can be made of metal. Forming the corner and intermediate legs of metal makes the pallet-type base frame particularly robust and stable. The pallet-type base frame can also be made without plastic materials.

[0016] Each runner may have welding protrusions and / or through holes for screw connections to corner and intermediate legs. Each runner may have multiple welding protrusions. The welding protrusions can be embossed (extruded) into the metal sheet of the runner. In particular, the welding protrusions can be formed at each end of the runner and, optionally, for connections to intermediate regions of the runner, such as corner and / or intermediate legs. This makes it easier to weld the runner to the corner and / or intermediate legs in particular. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the corner and intermediate legs can also be screwed to the runner. This is particularly advantageous when the corner and intermediate legs are not made of metal.

[0017] Corner legs, intermediate legs, and / or runners can be constructed as deep-drawn bodies integrally formed from a metal sheet. This reduces the number of parts in the base frame as much as possible. Furthermore, deep-drawing of metal sheets allows for low-cost, mass production of corner legs, intermediate legs, and runners.

[0018] Runners can be symmetrical. This further reduces the number of different parts in the base frame and simplifies the assembly of the base frame. Each runner can be axially or point-symmetric, allowing them to be positioned arbitrarily relative to, for example, the intermediate or corner legs. In this case, it is also possible to have the same configuration for the runners regardless of whether they are attached to a particular side of the base frame. Alternatively, runners can be asymmetrical.

[0019] The base frame may have only two outer runners, or it may have one intermediate runner and two outer runners. The intermediate runner and the two outer runners can be arranged parallel to each other. The intermediate runner is positioned between the two outer runners. If the runners are formed in a symmetrical shape, the two outer runners can be made identical in shape. This simplifies the manufacturing of the base frame.

[0020] The intermediate runner can form the central leg of the base frame. The central leg can be formed, for example, by embossing the central leg onto the intermediate runner. In this case, the intermediate runner may have an arched or roof-shaped central leg in the center. For example, the central leg can be formed by two flanks (sides) that deviate from the longitudinal extension of the intermediate runner, thereby forming a U-shaped or V-shaped protrusion on the intermediate runner.

[0021] Two opposing intermediate legs may be connected to each other by a base crossbeam, or the base crossbeam may form two opposing intermediate legs. The base crossbeam is formed in the form of a runner as a deep-drawn body integrally formed from a metal sheet and may have reinforcing corrugated sections. The base crossbeam can be configured to connect two opposing intermediate legs, which are integral deep-drawn bodies formed from a metal sheet. In this case, the base crossbeam is relatively flat. Alternatively, if the base crossbeam has intermediate legs at each of its longitudinal ends, the base crossbeam can form two opposing intermediate legs, and the body of the intermediate leg itself has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate runner. In this case, the intermediate leg can be formed to have a base wall, an outer flank wall, and an inner flank wall. The base wall and flank wall are formed in a plane intersecting (orthogonal to) the longitudinal axis of the intermediate leg in the axial end region of the intermediate leg, and can form a U-shaped edge web.

[0022] The central leg of the base frame can be detachably connected directly to the base cross beam. A bowl-shaped recess extending in the direction of the central leg can be formed in the base cross beam. Thereby, the weight of the inner container can be effectively transmitted to the intermediate legs via the base cross beam. The detachable connection can be, for example, a screw connection. The screw connection can be easily formed by a single central metal sheet screw.

[0023] Therefore, it is also effective to form a rotation lock by shape fit (fitting) between the central leg and the base cross beam. In this case, an intermediate runner fixed to the base cross beam by screws can prevent the intermediate runner from moving or rotating with respect to the base cross beam. By firmly fixing the relative position of the intermediate runner with respect to the base cross beam, it becomes possible to pre-assemble the intermediate runner together with the base cross beam. The rotation lock can be formed cost-effectively, for example, by tabs formed on the intermediate runner and engagement holes in the base cross beam, or by tabs and engagement holes formed on the opposite members. The tabs can be formed by embossing, and the holes can be formed by punching. When the intermediate runner and the base cross beam are formed by deep drawing, the tabs or holes can be formed without additional processes during the deep drawing process.

[0024] The intermediate runner can be welded to the intermediate leg and directly fixed to the bowl-shaped intermediate leg formed on the base opposite thereto by screws. The intermediate runner can be welded to the intermediate leg, for example, by projection resistance welding. In this case, the intermediate leg can be fixed to one end of the intermediate runner so as not to be removable, and the intermediate runner and the intermediate leg together form one module of the base. When the base has bowl-shaped intermediate legs, that is, when the intermediate legs are formed on the base, the base or the intermediate legs formed thereon can be easily fixed to the intermediate runner by screws during the assembly of the base frame.

[0025] The outer runner can be welded to the corner leg and / or the intermediate leg. For example, the outer runner can be welded by butt resistance welding. The outer runner can be connected to the corner leg by, for example, two welding spots, preferably four welding spots. This allows the corner leg to be firmly placed on the outer runner without moving. Furthermore, it is also possible to weld the intermediate leg to the outer runner by at least two welding spots. When the intermediate leg is formed by the base cross beam, a component group consisting of the corner leg, the intermediate leg, and the outer runner can be formed, and it can be formed and handled in a small number of working steps as part of the manufacturing process of the base frame.

[0026] Furthermore, the connection between the base and the corner leg and the intermediate leg can be a separable connection. In this case, the base frame can be composed of two to three modules, and these modules are combined in the final assembly process to form the base frame. For example, one module can be composed of an outer runner with a corner leg, an intermediate leg, and a base cross beam, another module can be composed of an intermediate runner with an intermediate leg, and the third module can be formed by the base. In this case, the base can also form the intermediate leg. When the connection between the corner leg, the intermediate leg, and the runner is made by welding, the corner leg and the intermediate leg are accurately positioned or fixed in place to connect to the base. This makes it easier to screw the base to the corner leg and the intermediate leg in the final assembly process. This screwing process may be carried out in a way that simultaneously fixes the outer jacket of the transport and storage container with these screws.

[0027] The runner can form the corner legs and / or intermediate legs of the base frame. In this case, it is no longer necessary to connect the corner legs and / or intermediate legs to the runner. The corner legs and / or intermediate legs can be formed, for example, by embossing them onto the outer runner. In this case, the runner may have an arched or roof-shaped intermediate leg in the center. For example, each corner leg can be formed by two flanks that deviate from the longitudinal extension of the runner, thereby forming a U-shaped or V-shaped protrusion on the runner.

[0028] The outer edge of the runner's contact surface can be configured such that its outer edge overlaps laterally at least partially by the corner legs, and the base frame can be inserted inside the inner edge of the upper frame formwork of the outer jacket of the transport / storage container. In this case, the base frame is configured so that the transport / storage container with the base frame can be stacked with other transport / storage containers of essentially the same type. The runner can be configured so that the upper transport / storage container is centered on the lower transport / storage container, or the base frame of the upper transport / storage container is centered on the upper frame formwork of the lower transport / storage container. Because the runner can be inserted at least partially inside the inner edge of the upper frame formwork, the horizontal movement of the upper transport / storage container on the lower transport / storage container can be substantially prevented. Thus, the runner's outer edge fits inside the inner edge, achieving a horizontal fit (fit).

[0029] The liquid transport and storage container according to the present invention comprises a plastic inner container having four side walls, a lower bottom surface and an upper bottom surface, a closable filling neck formed on the upper bottom surface, and a dispensing port formed at the lower part of the side walls and having a tap fitting; a metal outer jacket, preferably a cage, for housing the inner container; and a pallet-shaped base frame according to the present invention. Further embodiments of the transport and storage container will become apparent from the description of the features of the claims dependent on claim 1.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport and storage container. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base frame module of the transport and storage container shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the base frame shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outer runner of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate runner of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the intermediate runner shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate runner in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the outer runner in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a detailed view of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a second detailed view of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a third detailed view of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a fourth detailed view of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the base frame shown in Figure 3. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the laminated transport and storage container according to Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Figures 1 to 14 together show a transport and storage container 10 for liquids equipped with a pallet-shaped base frame 11. The transport and storage container 10 comprises a plastic inner container 12 having four side walls 13, 14, 15, 16, a lower bottom surface 17, and an upper bottom surface 18; a closable filling neck 19 formed on the upper bottom surface 18; a dispensing port 20 formed at the bottom of the side wall 13 and having a tap fitting (plug fitting) 21; a metal outer jacket 23 which is a cage 22 configured to house the inner container 12; and a pallet-shaped base frame 11. The outer jacket 23 has an upper frame formwork (upper frame profile) 24 and a lower frame formwork (lower frame profile) 25 which is screwed to the pallet-shaped base frame 11.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the base frame 11, which consists of a base 26 that supports the internal container 12 housed in the outer jacket 23, corner legs 27, intermediate legs 28, 29, 30, a central leg 31, two outer runners 32, an intermediate runner 33, and a base crossbeam 34. In this example, the entire base frame 11 is made of metal. Figure 2 shows an assembly module 35 without the base 26.

[0034] Figures 4 and 8, viewed together, show one of the outer runners 32 having a reinforcing corrugated section 36 with a web 27. The web 37 extends between the upper flange 38 and the lower flange 39 of the reinforcing corrugated section 36. The lower flanges 39 each form a contact surface 40 of the base frame 11, which normally contacts the ground (not shown). Furthermore, the outer runner 32 has a partial edge web 41. The height of the outer runner 32 above the contact surface 40 is lower in some parts 42. In some parts 42, 41 is also interrupted. Thus, some parts 42 form a sill 43 through which, for example, a lift truck can pass. Furthermore, the outer runner 32 has welding projections 44 and 45 formed for forming welded joints with the corner legs 27 and the intermediate legs 28, respectively.

[0035] Looking at Figures 5, 6, and 7 together, we see an intermediate runner 33 that also has a reinforcing corrugated section 46. Here too, the web 47 extends between the upper flange 48 and the lower flange 49, forming the contact surface 40 of the base frame 11. In a portion 50, the height of the intermediate runner 33 relative to the contact surface 40 is lower, resulting in the formation of a passable sill 51. Furthermore, the intermediate runner 33 has welding projections 52 that serve to weld the intermediate runner 33 to the intermediate leg 29. In addition, the intermediate runner 33 forms a U-shaped central leg 31. The central leg 31 is formed by two flanks 53 of the intermediate runner 33, which extend toward the horizontal section 54. The horizontal section 54 or the upper flange 48 has tabs 55 and a central through hole 56.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the assembled configuration of the corner leg portion 27 and the outer runner 32 with welding spots 57 formed on the welding projection 44.

[0037] Figure 10 shows an outer runner 32 having an intermediate leg 28 that is integrally formed by the base crossbeam 34, similar to the opposing intermediate leg 28. Here, welded projections 45 are connected to the intermediate leg 28 by welded spots 58.

[0038] Figure 11 shows the intermediate leg portion 29, which is formed integrally, and the intermediate runner 33 in its assembled state. Here, the welded projection 52 of the intermediate runner 33 is connected to the intermediate leg portion 29 by weld spots 59.

[0039] Figure 12 shows the assembled state of the intermediate runner 33 and the base 26, the base 26 having bowl-shaped intermediate legs 30 embossed on the base 26. In this example, a screw connection portion 60 using screws (not shown) is formed between the intermediate runner 33 and the intermediate legs 30. Furthermore, the base 26 is also fixed to the corner legs 27 and intermediate legs 28 and 29 with screws.

[0040] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the horizontal section 54 in the assembled state of the intermediate runner 33 and the base crossbeam 34. The base crossbeam 34 has an arch 61 that extends away from the base 26. The base crossbeam 34 has two through holes 62 into which tabs 55 are inserted. Furthermore, screws 63 are screwed through the through holes 56 of the intermediate runner 33 into a projection 64 in the center of the base crossbeam 34. Because the tabs 55 are inserted into the through holes 62, a rotation lock 65 is formed by shape matching (fitting).

[0041] Figure 14 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the laminate 66 of the transport and storage container 10. In particular, the outer edge 67 of the ground surface 40 is formed so that it is inserted into the inner edge 68 of the upper frame formwork 24. The upper frame formwork 24 or its flat upper surface 69 functions to support the lower surface 70 of the corner legs 27 or intermediate legs 28, 29.

Claims

1. A pallet-shaped base frame (11) for a liquid transport and storage container (10) having a base (26), corner legs (27), and intermediate legs (28, 29, 30) that supports an inner container (12) housed in a metal outer jacket (23), which is preferably a cage (22), A base frame characterized in that the corner legs and intermediate legs are arranged on runners (32, 33), the runners are connected to the base, and the runners each form a contact surface (40) and are made of metal sheet.

2. In the base frame according to claim 1, The base frame is characterized in that the runners (32, 33) have reinforcing corrugated portions (36, 46) extending along the runners, and the reinforcing corrugated portions form lower flanges (39, 49) that form the ground contact surface (40).

3. In the base frame according to claim 2, A base frame characterized in that the reinforcing corrugated portion (36, 46) has a web (37, 47) extending between the upper flange (38, 48) and the lower flange (39, 49) of the reinforcing corrugated portion.

4. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A base frame characterized in that the runners (32, 33) have at least partially edge webs (41).

5. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The base frame is characterized in that the runners (32, 33) have, at least partially, passable sills (43, 51) and / or inclined portions that reduce the height of the runners relative to the ground surface (40).

6. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A base frame characterized in that the corner legs, intermediate legs, and / or the base are made of metal.

7. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A base frame characterized in that the runners (32, 33) each have welding protrusions (44, 45, 52) and / or through holes for screw connection to the corner legs and intermediate legs.

8. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A base frame characterized in that the corner legs (27) and / or the runners (32, 33) are deep-drawn bodies integrally formed from a metal sheet.

9. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A base frame characterized in that the runners (32, 33) have a symmetrical shape.

10. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The base frame (11) is characterized in that it has two outer runners (32), or one intermediate runner (33) and two outer runners (32).

11. In the base frame according to claim 10, A base frame characterized in that the intermediate runner (33) forms the central leg portion (31) of the base frame (11).

12. In the base frame according to claim 10 or 11, A base frame characterized in that two opposing intermediate legs are connected by a base crossbeam, or a base crossbeam (24) forms the two opposing intermediate legs (28).

13. In the base frame according to claim 12, A base frame characterized in that the central leg portion (31) of the base frame (11) is directly and detachably connected to the base crossbeam (24).

14. In the base frame according to claim 13, A base frame characterized in that a rotation lock (65) is formed between the central leg portion (31) and the base crossbeam (24) based on shape compatibility.

15. In the base frame according to any one of claims 10 to 14, The base frame is characterized in that the intermediate runner (33) is welded to the intermediate leg portion (29) and directly fixed with screws to a bowl-shaped intermediate leg portion (30) formed by the base (26) opposite to it.

16. In the base frame according to any one of claims 10 to 15, A base frame characterized in that the outer runner (32) is welded to the corner leg portion (27) and / or the intermediate leg portion (28).

17. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 16, A base frame characterized in that the connection between the base (26), the corner leg portion (273), and the intermediate leg portions (28, 29, 30) is a detachable connection.

18. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A base frame characterized in that the runner forms the corner legs and / or intermediate legs of the base.

19. In the base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The outer edge (67) of the contact surface (40) of the runner (32, 33) is configured such that the corner leg (27) protrudes at least partially across the outer edge, and the base frame (11) is a base frame in which the outer edge can be inserted inside the inner edge (68) of the upper frame formwork (24) of the outer jacket (23) of the transport and storage container (10).

20. A transport and storage container (10) for liquids, The transport and storage container (10) comprises a plastic inner container (12) having four side walls (13, 14, 15, 16), a lower bottom surface and an upper bottom surface (17, 18), a closable filling neck (19) formed on the upper bottom surface, and a dispensing port (20) formed at the lower part of the side wall (13) and having a tap fitting (21); a metal outer jacket, preferably a cage (22) for housing the inner container; and a pallet-shaped base frame (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

Images