Container for transporting cargo, and system for transporting cargo

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for transporting cargo using a tube, comprising a body (10) provided with an internal region (10') for cargo containment and made up of a set of fixed plates (10A, 10B), upper movable plates (10C, 10D), lower movable plates (10E, 10F) and covers (10G, 10H), the covers (10G, 10H) being arranged at the longitudinal ends of the body (10), the fixed plates (10A, 10B) being fixedly joined to the covers (10G, 10H), and the upper movable plates (10C, 10D) and lower movable plates (10E, 10F) being configured to be selectively moved in relation to the fixed plates (10A, 10B), the body (10) comprising a lower profile (10I) which is fixedly joined to the covers (10G, 10H) and forms a lower recess (11) in which at least one engagement mechanism (12) is arranged, configured to selectively engage with and disengage from a traction cable (20).

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for “CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING CARGO, AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING CARGO”.

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for continuous transport of solid cargo, mainly grains, which allows the containment of the cargo inside the container with the aim of maintaining the physical conditions of the product for transport in a pipeline, over long distances, in any terrain, whether aerial or underground in its entirety or partially, and in a closed circuit, allowing simultaneous transport of multiple products in both directions in the same circuit, while doing so in a simplified manner and with little cost. Description of the State of the Art

[0002] Land transportation, over medium and long distances, currently takes place via road and rail, requiring high investments in infrastructure and maintenance, due to the high concentrated weight of the set, combined with high operating costs and the vulnerability of the transported product to looting, with consequent high insurance costs involved.

[0003] As a rule, these existing transport systems converge on central or dry or wet ports (river and sea ports), passing through highly saturated and / or congested stretches, which can be further aggravated by climatic and / or seasonal factors. To make matters worse, these transport systems are, for the most part, large consumers of non-renewable energy and pollutants.

[0004] The state of the art suggests alternatives to these traditional means of transport, as can be seen, for example, in the Swiss project “FOODTUBES” (https: / / www.food rbanism.org / foo tubes / ) and in the German project where cargo transportation solutions are proposed by use of capsules or containers propelled by magnetism or electric motors.

[0005] In another example, document US3776141 suggests the use of self-propelled, interconnected containers to transport cargo over long distances in hostile environments.

[0006] It turns out that the state-of-the-art solutions proposed above are all based on self-propelled containers, which not only makes the practical application of these solutions quite complex, but also results in occasional specific problems in each container that must be addressed individually, which makes the maintenance of each constituent element of the transport system, full of moving parts, complex and costly.

[0007] Another example of a solution found in the prior art is that seen in document CN 106740885, which deals with an aerial product transportation system using suspended platforms, divided by a system of traction cables and traction stations. However, this system also presents serious problems regarding its viability. First, the platforms are not in any way covered or protected from the elements, making it a system with a high risk of damage or loss of merchandise. Furthermore, the fact that it is transported using suspended platforms also poses difficulties in practical application, requiring the establishment of support structures whose failure could be catastrophic, and making long-distance transportation extremely difficult.

[0008] Therefore, there is no state of the art container or system for transporting large volumes and / or quantities, applicable over long distances, that allows for low-cost implementation and guarantees the appropriate physical conditions of the transported cargo. Objectives of the Invention

[0009] A first objective of the present invention is to provide a cargo transport container that ensures the physical conditions adequate loads transported over long distances, using primarily renewable energy and no CO2 emissions.

[0010] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a transport container, with reduced tare weight and with a total transported weight that is distributed along the route, reducing the cost of implementation and maintenance.

[0011] A third objective of the present invention is to provide a cargo transport container that can be applied to an external traction transport system, generated primarily by clean and local energy.

[0012] A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a cargo transportation system that makes use of the aforementioned container and is capable of allowing the transportation of cargo over long distances and transporting different loads in both directions and on parallel, preferably contiguous, underground or aerial routes, even partially, while remaining economically viable.

[0013] A fifth objective is to enable a freight transport system with continuous operation 24 hours a day, except for any scheduled or emergency stops. Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The present invention relates to a cargo transport container comprising a body with an internal cargo containment region and formed by a set of fixed plates, upper and lower movable plates and tops, the tops being arranged at the longitudinal ends of the body, the fixed plates being fixedly associated with the tops, and the upper and lower movable plates being configured to be selectively moved in relation to the fixed plates, the body comprising a lower trapezoidal profile that is fixedly associated with the tops and configures a lower recess in which at least two coupling mechanisms are arranged. configured to selectively engage and disengage from a pull cable.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, each coupling mechanism comprises a support fixedly associable to the lower profile and which receives a fitting base through a pin, the coupling mechanism further comprising at least one pair of coupling elements, preferably two pairs of coupling elements, rotatably associated with the fitting base through axles.

[0016] In another possible embodiment, the fitting base comprises a trapezoidal shape with a lower recess for passing the traction cable and a pair of holes for receiving the axles and an upper one for receiving the fixing pin, the fitting base also having an upper recess for receiving the support.

[0017] In another possible embodiment, the support comprises a trapezoidal shape to receive the fitting of the upper recess of the fitting base, and also comprises lower openings and a hole to receive the axles and the fixing pin, respectively.

[0018] In another possible embodiment, the container comprises at least two wheels fixedly associated with each top.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the container comprises pins fixed to the upper and lower movable plates, the pins being configured to engage in grooves of fixed coupling plates at the unloading and loading stations of a cargo transport system for moving the upper and lower movable plates.

[0020] The present invention also contemplates a system for transporting solid cargo that comprises a cargo transport container such as the aforementioned in any of its possible embodiments, and comprising at least one traction cable connected to at least one traction station for pulling the cable and moving the transport container through the pipeline.

[0021] In a possible embodiment, the load transport system comprises at least one traction and tensioning assembly of the traction cable, the traction and tensioning assembly comprising at least one traction pulley connected to the traction cable and at least one tensioning pulley, which in turn is optionally coupled to a controllable traction system, generated by a preferably hydraulic or similar effort.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, the cargo transport system comprises a transport duct, metallic or not, configured to contain the cargo transport container inside it, the cargo transport container being configured to move inside the tube by means of traction performed by the traction cable.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, the load transport system is such that the transport pipeline comprises at least one lower opening in the pipeline to accommodate at least part of the traction and tensioning assembly. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on an example of execution represented in the drawings. The figures show:

[0025] Figure 1 - is an exploded perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred;

[0026] Figure 2 - is a bottom view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred;

[0027] Figure 2A - is a detail of figure 2;

[0028] Figure 3 - is an exploded perspective view of the container coupling mechanism of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred;

[0029] Figure 4 - is a bottom perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a first stage of opening of its lower mobile plates;

[0030] Figure 5 - is a bottom perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a second stage of opening of its lower mobile plates;

[0031] Figure 6 - is a bottom perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a third stage of opening of its lower mobile plates;

[0032] Figure 7 - is a top perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a first stage of opening of its upper mobile plates;

[0033] Figure 8 - is a top perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a second stage of opening of its upper mobile plates;

[0034] Figure 9 - is a top perspective view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, in a third stage of opening of its upper mobile plates;

[0035]

[0036] Figure 10 - is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the cargo transport container of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, illustrating the traction cable and pulley assembly of the transport system proposed herein;

[0037] Figure 11 - is a side view of the transport system load of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, illustrating the transport pipeline with the transport container inside it, and the traction cable and pulley assembly;

[0038] Figure 12 - is a bottom view of the load transport system of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred, illustrating the transport duct with the transport container inside it, and the traction cable and pulley assembly;

[0039] Figure 13 - is a schematic representation of the load transport system of the present invention in an embodiment considered preferred;

[0040] Figure 14 - is a schematic representation of the load transport system of the present invention in an alternative embodiment, indicating a detail “AB”; and

[0041] Figure 15 - is the detail “AB” from figure 14. Detailed Description of Figures

[0042] Initially, it should be noted that the term “preferential” used here should not be understood as “imperative” or “obligatory”, trying to characterize a configuration of particular efficiency of the invention among the many possible ones.

[0043] Figure 1 shows the cargo transport container of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. The transport container comprises a body 10 configured to receive and contain the cargo to be transported in its internal region 10'. Said body 10 is preferably formed by two circular tops 10G and 10H, joined and fixedly associated by any suitable method, for example, welding or by means of fasteners (rivets, screws and nuts, among others), to the two fixed plates 10A and 10B, as well as to the trapezoidal assembly or lower profile 101, configuring the structure of the container. Complementing the closure of the container are the upper movable plates 10C, 10D. (optional) and lower 10E, 10F, as best seen in figures 1 and 2. The aforementioned set of plates and the tops can be formed by any material, metallic or not, that is suitable for containment, transportation and maintenance of the physical conditions and qualities of the design load.

[0044] The upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F, in turn, are configured to be selectively moved relative to the fixed plates 10A, 10B, through grooves in the tops 10G and 10H. The movement of the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F relative to the fixed plates 10A, 10B can be accomplished, for example, by pins moving through grooves that serve as guides, either manually or through an automated control system, as will be further exemplified below. It will be understood that other forms of moving the movable plates may be applied if necessary or desirable. In this sense, the movement of the upper mobile plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F generates upper and lower openings for access to the internal region 10' of the body 10, thus allowing the insertion, removal and / or manipulation of the load from inside the container.

[0045] Preferably, the body 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F are preferably arranged intermediately between the fixed plates 10A, 10B and a pair of concentric rims, forming a groove 10G', 10H' of the tops 10G, 10H. In this sense, the tops 10G, 10H can each comprise a pair of concentric rims, forming a groove 10G', 10H' for confining the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F next to the fixed plates 10A, 10B, the latter having a smaller diameter than the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F for this purpose, as best seen in FIG. 2. This allows free movement of the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F in between the fixed plates. IOA, 10B and tops 10G, 10H.

[0046] The body 10 further comprises a lower profile 101 which is fixedly associated with the tops 10G, 10H and forms a lower recess 11 in which at least one engagement mechanism 12 is arranged. Said lower profile 101 may have a transverse shape, for example, trapezoidal, as best seen in figure 2A, so as to form the recess 11. Said lower profile 101 is associated with the tops 10G, 10H in any suitable manner, as already exemplified for the fixed plates 10A, IOB.

[0047] Preferably, the body 10 comprises a coupling mechanism 12 arranged at least one at each of its longitudinal ends. Said coupling mechanism 12 is configured to selectively engage and disengage from a traction cable 20, which is responsible for traction and movement of the body 10 within the pipeline for transporting the load. It is clarified that the traction cable 20 may be a steel cable, a calibrated chain, or any other element that performs a similar function.

[0048] A representation of the connection between the traction cable 20 and the body 10 is best seen in Figure 10. It can be seen that the coupling mechanisms 12 engage or attach to the traction cable 20, pressed by a spring effect, consequently configuring a fixation between the body 10 and the traction cable 20, thus allowing the traction cable 20 to pull and move the body 10. The disengagement of the coupling mechanism 12 from the traction cable 20 configures the release of the traction cable 20 from the body 10. The recess 11 thus effectively configures a “tunnel” through which the traction cable 20 passes.

[0049] Preferably, as best seen in Figure 3, the coupling mechanism 12 comprises a support 12B fixedly associable with the lower profile 101 and which receives a fitting base 12A through a pin 12'. The coupling mechanism 12 also preferably comprises at least one pair of coupling elements 12C, more preferably two pairs of coupling elements 12C, rotatably associated with the fitting base 12A through axes 12D.

[0050] Said support 12B is fixedly associated with the profile 101 through any suitable means, for example, welding, and will serve as a base for receiving the fitting base 12A, which is fitted to said support 12B through the upper recess 123A and has a corresponding shape (in this example, trapezoidal) for this purpose and fixed by the pin 12'. More preferably, the fitting base 12A comprises a trapezoidal shape provided with a lower recess 120A for passing the traction cable 20 and a pair of central holes 121 A (for passing the shafts 12D) and an upper one 122A (for the fixing pin of the fitting base 12A in the support 12B).

[0051] The support 12B, in turn, preferably comprises a trapezoidal shape for fitting the upper recess 123A of the fitting base 12A, as already mentioned, and comprises a hole 121 B for receiving the pin 12' and optional openings 120B for passing the axes 12D.

[0052] Said axles 12D allow the connection between the coupling elements 12C and the coupling base 12A, and may be of the type comprising a cylindrical longitudinal body with square ends for coupling the coupling elements 12C. Said pin 12' aims to securely associate the coupling base 12A to the support 12B and may have, for example, ends of larger diameter for this purpose, one of which is detachable or threadable to allow its passage through the respective holes 122A, 121B.

[0053] The coupling elements 12C may comprise a shape such as that seen in figure 3, being rotatable or pivotable freely and adjacent to each other preferably through an upper gear arrangement 12C'. The engagement elements 12C are further rotatable or pivotable about the axes 12D so that, in a first closing position, such engagement elements 12C exert a pressure (spring effect) on the traction cable 20 and, when pivoted to a second opening position, the engagement elements 12C release from the cable 20, consequently temporarily breaking the connection between the traction cable 20 and the body 10. The movement of this body 10 is ensured by the alternating disengagement / engagement of either the front assembly 12 or the rear assembly 12.

[0054] Preferably, each pair of latching elements 12C may comprise a return element that forces them to remain, by default, in a pressed closed position. For example, the return element may be a spring connected to each pair of latching elements 12C that keeps the elements closed and pressed against the cable 20, extending this pressure even when the latching element 12C is forced into an open position and tending to force the latching element 12C back to the closed position. The latching elements 12C can be pivoted to an open position by external elements, as will be seen below.

[0055] As already suggested, preferably, the profile 101 of the body 10 configures a pyramidal or conical profile of the recess 11, so as to allow the passage of the traction cable 20 and other elements of the transport system proposed herein, as will be seen below. Nevertheless, other transverse configurations of the recess 11 are possible, not limited to a pyramidal or conical profile.

[0056] Preferably, the body 10 comprises pins 60 fixed to the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower ones 10E, 10F, the pins 60 being configured for engagement with grooves 71 in the plates 70, which may be fixedly arranged in unloading and loading stations of a cargo transportation system, for moving the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F. The use of pins 60 is a possible example of an opening and closing mechanism for the upper movable plates 10C, 10D and lower plates 10E, 10F, although it should be understood that other forms of opening and closing said movable plates may be used as necessary and desirable. For example, as an alternative, the attachment of the pins and the grooved plates may be reversed, with the pins being attached to the fixed plates and the grooves being in the gates themselves. The present option of using sliding gates may receive other alternatives, including rotational movement by hinges, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0057] Figures 4 to 6 show an example of the actuation of the pins 60 to open the lower movable plates 10E, 10F, while Figures 7 to 9 refer to the same example, but demonstrating the opening of the upper movable plates 10C, 10D. It can be seen that the pins 60 are arranged in different positions of each movable plate, in a cadenced manner, so as to connect to different grooves 71 of the coupling plates 70. The entry and exit of the pins in the grooves 71 occurs through side openings 72 in the coupling plates 70, which are connected to the grooves 71. It is observed that the grooves 71 have a pattern that forces the movement of the pins 60 and, consequently, of the movable plates, to a certain position, parallel or concentric to the fixed plates 10A, 10B.The examples in figures 4 to 9 reveal an opening movement of the movable plates, but it will be immediately understood that the closing movement can be done in a similar manner through coupling plates 70 containing grooves in an inverse pattern. Said plates. Closing coupling 70 may be arranged in a position subsequent to the opening position at the unloading and loading station, as will be seen in more detail below.

[0058] Preferably, the cargo transport container proposed herein comprises at least one wheel set 30, preferably two wheel sets 30, fixedly associated with at least one top 10G, 10H, preferably on both tops 10G, 10H. Said fixing of the wheel set 30 may be carried out by any suitable means, preferably through an intermediate support 31 fixed to the corresponding top 10G, 10H. Said wheel set 30 may be fixed to any of the tops 10G, 10H in any number that is suitable and feasible and, preferably, are provided with a damping system.

[0059] In accordance with the aforementioned cargo transport container, the present invention further contemplates a cargo transport system comprising said container and further comprising at least one traction cable 20 connected to at least one traction station for traction of the cable 20 and movement of the shipping container. Said traction station is responsible for traction of the cable and, consequently, of the body 10 of the aforementioned cargo transport container. Said traction station is preferably operated by an electrical energy source, preferably generated locally through a renewable source, such as solar and / or wind power.

[0060] Preferably, as best seen in figures 10 to 12, the transport system proposed here comprises at least one traction and tensioning assembly 40 of the traction cable 20, the traction and tensioning assembly 40 comprising at least the pulley 41 connected to a driving force system, which transmits the movement to the traction cable 20. The pulley 43, connected to a The hydraulically controlled tensioning system 400 or similar is designed to tension the traction cable 20 in the section following the current traction station, thus ensuring proper movement of the body 10 of the shipping container. This tensioning system also has a second purpose: to dampen the inertial movement of the body 10 in the event of a system shutdown.

[0061] Still preferably, said transport system comprises a transport duct 50 configured to contain therein the aforementioned cargo transport container, the cargo transport container being configured to move within the duct by means of traction performed by the traction cable 20 by the means already explained above. More preferably, the transport duct 50 comprises at least one lower opening 51 for accommodating at least part of the traction and tensioning assembly 40.

[0062] It is observed that the traction assembly exemplified here comprises a traction and tensioning assembly 40 provided with a plurality of pulleys 41 to 44 for traction (pulley 41) and tensioning of the traction cable (pulley 43) 20 in the section subsequent to this station. It is also observed that the pulleys 41 and 44 of the assembly 40 are partially arranged inside the transport duct 50, through the lower opening 51, and that the traction cable 20 is partially arranged outside the transport duct 50 in the region where it is tractioned and tensioned by the traction and tensioning assembly 40, also passing through the lower opening 51 for exit from the duct 50 through the pulley 41 and for re-entry into the duct 50 through the pulley 44.

[0063] In this sense, from figures 11 and 12, it can be seen that the purpose of recess 11 is not only to house the traction cable 20, but also to allow, in this possible embodiment, the passage of the traction and tensioning assembly 40 through its interior without colliding with the structure of the body 10.

[0064] Figures 4 to 11 indicate, in general, the direction "S" of movement of the body 10 inside the duct 50. Particularly in figure 11, it can be seen that the passage of the body 10 through the traction and tensioning assembly 40 causes the passage of the body 10 through the pulleys 41 that are partially arranged inside the duct 50. To allow said passage of the body 10 without interrupting its movement, the front coupling mechanism 12 temporarily disengages from the traction cable 20 when it passes through the corresponding pulley 41, while the rear coupling mechanism 12 remains engaged with the traction cable 20, until the front coupling mechanism 12 passes through the pulley 44, resuming its engagement with the traction cable 20. At this moment, the rear coupling mechanism 12 disengages from the pulley 41 and repeats the operation performed by the front coupling mechanism 12.As will be understood, the distance between the front and rear coupling mechanisms 12 must be greater than the distance between the pulleys 41 and 44, to ensure continuity in the movement of the body 10.

[0065] As already explained above, this can be done by rotating or pivoting the coupling elements 12C to a temporary open position, being immediately returned to the closed position after passing through the pulley 41, for example, by return elements such as a spring associated with the coupling element 12C. To assist the passage of the coupling mechanisms 12 through the pulleys 41 and 44, said pulleys 41 and 44 that are partially arranged inside the duct 50 can comprise a thickness profile that gradually reduces as it moves diametrically away from its center, in the wedge shape, as best seen in Figure 12.

[0066] The cargo transportation system proposed here may comprise a plurality of traction stations arranged along a transportation route, each comprising a traction and tensioning assembly 40 and a minimum of two unloading and load.

[0067] It is clear, therefore, that the container and system proposed here enable long-distance cargo transportation and ensure the integrity and maintenance of the transported product's physical characteristics and conditions, through containers moved by stationary traction stations located off-road, allowing for simple implementation and low maintenance costs. Furthermore, the container and system proposed here include solutions to ensure proper operation over time, including means of tensioning the traction cable to ensure adequate tension, both in terms of the container's construction itself and in maintaining the spacing of the system's components as a whole.

[0068] In one possible embodiment, the system proposed herein also includes mini-containers for packaging the products, arranged inside the main container 10, which can be removed and placed at the unloading and loading stations through a handling system. Furthermore, the system in question can operate in a closed circuit, with two-way utilization, applicable to any terrain, underground or above ground, and primarily using renewable energy, including local energy. It is also worth noting that the system proposed herein is versatile and can be applied to any product, packaged or unpackaged, refrigerated or not, with the appropriate sizing and adaptation to the product to be transported. The system in question can be applied to small packages of various shapes, which may or may not be refrigerated. For example, the system in question can be applied to movement within a heat-insulated tube 50, in which case it can be applied to frozen products.In another example, the system can be used to transport bulk grains and fruits, as well as their aggregates, for example, fertilizers.

[0069] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic representation of the The cargo transportation system of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is described. The system is a closed transportation circuit comprising at least one traction station 100 that connects to at least two unloading and loading stations 200A, 200B. The number of traction stations 100 and unloading and loading stations 200A, 200B will vary according to the design and needs of each case. As previously explained, the shipping container proposed herein will be pulled by traction stations 100 and transported along a path 300, for example, within one or more tubes that connect the traction station 100 to the unloading and loading stations 200A, 200B.

[0070] Figures 14 and 15 show the load transport system of the present invention in an alternative embodiment, which aims to reduce the required length of the traction cables by dividing the cable circuit into sections or mini-circuits, taking advantage of the proximity of the outgoing and return ducts. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate an example of this embodiment using two sections CA and CB of the cable circuit, comprising their respective cables 20A (outgoing) and 20B (return). It will be understood that, although the example embodiment in Figures 14 and 15 shows a division into two sections CA and CB, the system may comprise more than two sections or mini-circuits, according to the design needs.

[0071] It can be seen that cables 20A and 20B are independent, with no connection between them, and both pass inside two 50' (outbound), 50" (return) transport ducts. Each 50', 50" transport duct corresponds to a 300', 300" transport path, indicated by the arrows in Figure 15. For example, in this embodiment, the first 50' transport duct can be used to transport product in a first 300' "outbound" path, while the second 50" transport duct can be used to transport the product in a second 300" path. “back”, configuring a complete transport circuit.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, cables 20A, 20B act to pull the shipping container in both shipping ducts 50', 50", limited to their respective section CA, CB. Each cable section CA, CB comprises a set of respective pulleys 41A-47A and 41B-47B, with at least one pair of pulleys 43A, 44A, 43B, 44B of each cable section CA, CB optionally being a horizontal pulley to facilitate the transmission of cable movement from a first duct 50' towards the other duct 50". At least one pulley 46A, 42B of each cable section CA, CB may be connected to a tensioning system 400, similar to that previously described for the preferred configuration of the other figures.The passage of the container from one cable section to another can be done, for example, by using a coupling mechanism combined with pulleys (for example, in this case, pulleys 41 A, 41 B, 47A, 47B), similarly to the mechanism already explained previously for the preferred configuration of the other figures.

[0073] This modality in figures 14 and 15, therefore, allows the division of the cable circuit into smaller sections, which allows a reduction in the continuous length of the cables used in the system, simplifying and facilitating maintenance, which can be carried out in the specific section where a problem occurs without the need for manipulation or disassembly of other sections.

[0074] Having described a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . Container for transporting cargo characterized by the fact that it comprises a body (10) provided with an internal region (10') for containing the cargo and being formed by a set of fixed plates (10A, 10B), lower mobile plates (10E, 10F), optionally upper mobile plates (10C, 10D), and tops (10G, 10H), the tops (10G, 10H) being arranged at the longitudinal ends of the body (10), the fixed plates (10A, 10B) being fixedly associated with the tops (10G, 10H), and the upper (10C, 10D) and lower (10E, 10F) mobile plates being configured to be selectively moved in relation to the fixed plates (10A, 10B), the body (10) comprising a lower profile (101) that is fixedly associated with the tops (10G, 10H) and configures a lower recess (11) in which at least one engagement mechanism (12) is arranged, configured to selectively engage and disengage a traction cable (20).

2. Container for transporting cargo, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the coupling mechanism (12) comprises a support (12B) fixedly associable with the lower profile (101) and that receives a fitting base (12A) through a pin (12'), the coupling mechanism (12) also comprising at least one pair of coupling elements (12C), preferably two pairs of coupling elements (12C), rotatably associated with the fitting base (12A) through axles (12D).

3. Container for transporting cargo, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the fitting base (12A) comprises a trapezoidal shape equipped with a lower recess (120A) for passing the traction cable (20) and a pair of holes (121 A) for receiving the axles (12D) and an upper one (122A) for receiving the pin (12'), the fitting base (12A) also equipped with an upper recess (123A) for receiving the support (12B).

4. Container for transporting cargo, according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by the fact that the support (12B) comprises a trapezoidal shape to receive the fitting of the upper recess (123A) of the fitting base (12A), and also comprises lower openings (120B) and a hole (121 B) to receive the axles (12D) and the pin (12'), respectively.

5. Container for transporting cargo, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least two wheels (30) fixedly associated with each top (10G, 10H).

6. Container for transporting cargo, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises pins (60) fixed to the upper (10C, 10D) and lower (10E, 10F) mobile plates, the pins (60) being configured for engagement in grooves (71) of coupling plates (70) fixed in the unloading and loading stations of a cargo transport system for moving the upper (10C, 10D) and lower (10E, 10F) mobile plates.

7. System for transporting cargo characterized by the fact that it comprises a cargo transport container as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, and comprising at least one traction cable (20) connected to at least one traction station for pulling the cable (20) and moving the transport container.

8. Load transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one traction and tensioning assembly (40) of the traction cable (20), the traction and tensioning assembly (40) comprising at least one traction pulley (41) connected to the traction cable (20) and at least one tensioning pulley (43), which in turn is optionally coupled to a controllable traction system, generated by a preferably hydraulic effort.

9. System for transporting cargo, according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises a transport duct (50) configured to contain the cargo transport container inside it, the cargo transport container being configured to move inside the tube by means of traction performed by the traction cable (20), the transport duct (50) comprising at least one lower opening (51) to accommodate at least part of the traction and tensioning assembly (40).

10. Cargo transport system, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises mini containers for packaging the products, arranged inside the main container (10), which can be removed and placed at the unloading and loading stations through a handling system.

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