|
(11) | EP 3 573 898 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
|
|
| (54) |
GROUND TRANSPORT DRIVE CONTAINER, METHOD FOR POSITIONING A DRIVE CONTAINER BODENTRANSPORT-ANTRIEBSCONTAINER, VERFAHREN ZUR POSITIONIERUNG EINES ANTRIEBSCONTAINERS CONTENEUR D'ENTRAÎNEMENT DE TRANSPORT SOL, MÉTHODE DE POSITIONNEMENT D'UN CONTENEUR D'ENTRAÎNEMENT |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present technology relates to a ground transport drive container and a method for positioning a drive container.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The basic unit for transporting goods has been the truck. Being the basic unit, the truck has defined limitations on intermodal containers that may typically be transported by, for example, ships, trains, and trucks. Much of commerce today for which intermodal containers are most convenient are high volume, low weight products. Thus, volume, instead of weight, typically creates the limiting factor in the design of intermodal containers.
[0003] Intermodal containers have greatly facilitated and lowered the cost of cargo transportation. However, air cargo, such as airplane and helicopter cargo, has generally been excluded from participation in intermodal cargo systems. Aircraft of a size capable of carrying substantial cargo have typically been designed first as passenger aircraft. Cylindrical fuselages and lack of large access ports thereto in such passenger aircraft limit the use of such aircraft for truly intermodal cargo systems. In addition, the weight of intermodal cargo systems often reduce the payload an aircraft is able to carry. In such conventional systems, the aircraft becomes the basic unit with odd shaped and smaller sized containers. As a result, even with containerized cargo, a truck must often be loaded with multiple individual containers for efficient distribution of air cargo. Military transports are also not particularly compatible with conventional intermodal cargo systems, as they are designed for oversized cargo such as rolling equipment (e.g., tanks and trucks), and palletized, irregularly shaped cargo. Most aircraft specifically designed for the military are often mission-directed and overall efficiency for competitive cargo transportation is not a first priority.
[0004] The inability of aircraft to practically participate in intermodal container cargo systems has been disadvantageous to international commerce. Business principals such as just-in-time supply and changing business environments including rapid global internet communication have created a demand for much more rapid international shipping than can be provided by conventional ships or ground transport. However, air cargo systems remain both expensive and inconvenient to intermodal shipping. Furthermore, even with respect to ground and water transport, size restrictions and other restrictions imposed by conventional intermodal cargo systems severely limit the ability of conventional intermodal cargo systems to maximize the efficiency and interchangeability that could be offered by such systems.
[0005] Document US 2003/0190221 A1 describes a container transport apparatus for transporting a shipping container. The apparatus includes a front unit and a separate rear unit for supporting forward and rear ends of the container. The front and rear units each include a frame with upper and lower hydraulically extendible vertical arm members. Locking pins on the vertical arm members engage sockets on the corners of the shipping container to facilitate vertical lifting and support of the container above the ground without tilting the container. A forwardly extending trailer tongue on the front unit attaches to a hitch of a towing vehicle. The rear unit is provided with drive wheels and steering wheels for maneuvering the rear unit into position against the rear end of the container. The rear unit is also provided with inflated road tires to enable towing of the apparatus by a motor vehicle.
[0006] Document US 2006/0108477 A1 describes an aircraft for carrying at least one rigid cargo container. The aircraft includes a beam structure with a forward fuselage attached to the forward end of the beam structure and an empennage attached to the rearward end of the beam structure. Wings and engines are mounted relative to the beam structure and a fairing creates a cargo bay able to receive standard sized intermodal cargo containers. Intermodal cargo containers of light construction and rigid structure are positioned within the cargo bay and securely mounted therein. The beam structure is designed to support flight, takeoffs and landings when the aircraft is empty but requires the added strength of the containers securely mounted to the beam structure when the aircraft is loaded. The aircraft is contemplated to be a drone.
[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of fittings are positioned along a periphery of the fitting panel.
[0011] In an embodiment, the fitting panel comprises a substantially rectangular face, and the fitting panel comprises a fitting at each corner of the rectangular fitting panel face.
[0013] In an embodiment, the method is further comprising positioning a second drive container proximate a second end of the container, lowering the second drive container fitting panel to the lowered configuration, securing the container to the second drive container fitting panel, and raising the first drive container fitting panel and the second drive container fitting panel simultaneously to cause the container to be raised.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
FIGURE 43 depicts a perspective view of a drive container in a stowed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 44 depicts a perspective internal view of the drive container of FIGURE 43, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 45 depicts a perspective view of the drive container of FIGURE 43 in a partially deployed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure..
FIGURE 46 depicts a side plan view of the drive container of FIGURE 45.
FIGURE 47A depicts a front plan view of the drive container of FIGURE 45.
FIGURE 47B depicts a front plan view of the drive container of FIGURE 45 in a wide wheel configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 48 depicts a perspective view of two drive containers moving to secure a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] The figures depict various embodiments of the disclosed technology for purposes of illustration only, wherein the figures use like reference numerals to identify like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated in the figures can be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosed technology described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Various embodiments of the present disclosure treat the container (or container assembly) as the load carrying structure, chassis, and/or propulsion system for powering (i.e., propelling) of a truck. FIGURE 43 shows a 5' drive container 4300 that has been modified into a ground transport propulsion system. The drive container 4300 includes an outer container 4301 that is generally cuboid or box-like in shape, and a drive wheel assembly 4304 housed within the outer container 4301. The outer container 4301 can include vertical sliding panels that can cover the drive wheel assemblies 4304 and completely enclose the drive container 4300. FIGURE 43 depicts the drive container 4300 in a stowed configuration, in which drive wheel assemblies 4304 are completely contained within the outer container 4301. In the stowed configuration, the drive container 4300 acts as any other container described herein such that it can secured to other containers, secured to a spine on a transport assembly, and/or be shipped, for example, via intermodal transportation modes.
[0017] The drive container 4300 has fittings 4302 along the outer container 4301 that allow the drive container 4300 to attach to other containers as described herein. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the drive container 4300 can also include built-in fitting connectors 4303 on a rear portion of the drive container 4300. The built-in fitting connectors 4303 can engage with corresponding fittings on another container to secure the other container to the drive container 4300. In certain embodiments, the built-in fitting connectors 4303 can be controlled by a controller built into the drive container 4300. In various embodiments, the built-in fitting connectors 4303 can correspond to one or more of the various fitting connectors described herein in various combinations.
[0018] FIGURE 44 provides an internal view of the drive container 4300 to view the propulsion system that is stowed away within the outer container 4301 of the drive container 4300. The drive container 4300 includes two drive wheel assemblies 4304. The drive wheel assemblies 4304 are currently shown in a retracted or stowed state. Each drive wheel assembly comprises one or more wheels 4326 and a propulsion system for powering (i.e., propelling) the one or more wheels. In the depicted embodiment, the propulsion system comprises an in-wheel electric motor installed within one or more of the wheels 4326. Brakes are also installed within the wheels 4326. In other embodiments, other propulsion systems are possible. For example, hydraulic systems can drive the wheels, or articulating jointed drive shafts can be used to transmit power generated by a fuel and/or electric motor located inside the drive container 4300.
[0019] The drive wheel assemblies 4304 are attached to pivot arms 4322 which are rotatably secured to the drive container 4300 (e.g., the outer container 4301) via pivot shafts 4324 for rotatably deploying and/or retracting the drive wheel assemblies 4304 between various configurations (e.g., a stowed configuration and one or more deployed configurations). The pivot arms 4322 may be secured to an actuating mechanism, such as a hydraulic pump or electric actuator, for rotating the pivot arms 4322 between the various configurations. In the depicted embodiment, the pivot arms 4322 are attached to hydraulic pumps for actuating the pivot arms (more clearly shown in FIGURE 45). It should be understood that while various embodiments of the present disclosure show wheels and/or drive wheel assemblies being deployed rotationally using a pivot arm, any kind of deployment mechanism can be used. For example, a vertical deployment (similar to the deployment of the casters 4320 described below) may be used, or a horizontal deployment mechanism, or any combination. Furthermore, wheels and/or drive wheel assemblies may be deployed in any direction, e.g., front, rear, side, top, and/or bottom.
[0020] The drive container 4300 also includes deployable and/or retractable casters 4320, and double acting hydraulic cylinders 4318 for deploying and/or retracting the casters 4320, the operation of which will be described in greater detail below. The casters 4320 are shown in a retracted state in FIGURE 44. The casters 4320 may be attached to any actuating mechanism for deploying and/or retracting the casters, such as, for example, hydraulic cylinders or electric actuators. In one embodiment, rotation of the pivot arms 4322 (and, therefore, deployment and/or retraction of the drive wheel assemblies 4304) can also performed by the hydraulic cylinders 4318 or, in other embodiments, may be performed by a separate actuating mechanism, such as separate hydraulic cylinders, electric actuators, or the like. In the depicted embodiment, rotation of the pivot arms 4322 is performed by separate hydraulic cylinders, which are more clearly shown in FIGURE 45.
[0021] In the depicted embodiment, the drive container 4300 also includes an energy system which comprises a diesel engine 4306, an electric generator and controller 4308, a battery array 4310, a fuel tank 4312, and a radiator 4314. In the depicted embodiment, these components can be used to generate power for powering the in-wheel electric motors that propel the drive wheel assemblies 4304. It should be appreciated, however, that alternative energy systems may be used including, for example, an electric and/or hydrogen fuel cell system. A container control CPU and communications system 4316 can receive data from various sensors such as cameras, proximity systems, lasers, attached containers, GPS, laser gyroscopes, etc., which may be used for autonomous navigation.
[0022] In one embodiment, the drive container 4300 can be transitioned between three configurations: (1) a stowed configuration (shown in FIGURES 43 and 44), (2) a short distance or partially deployed configuration (FIGURE 45), and (3) a long distance or fully deployed configuration (FIGURE 50). FIGURE 45 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the drive container 4300 deployed in a short distance configuration (which may also referred to herein as a partially deployed configuration). In this example configuration, the pivot arms 4322 of the drive wheel assembly 4304 have been partially rotated about the pivot shafts 4324 using hydraulic pumps 4325 such that the drive wheel assembly 4304 is partially deployed, while the caster wheels 4320 are fully deployed. As described above, each drive wheel assembly 4304 includes one or more wheels 4326. In the depicted embodiment, each drive wheel assembly includes two wheels 4326. In each drive wheel assembly 4304, the wheels 4326 are supported by a central shaft 4502 and a rotation joint 4504 that allows the wheels 4326 to rotate and provide steering. The short distance configuration shown in FIGURE 45 can, in certain embodiments, be used when the drive container 4300 does not have any additional containers attached. For example, the short distance or partially deployed configuration may be used when the drive container 4300 is traveling on its own, or on smooth roads, or when the drive container 4300 is traveling towards another container to be attached to the drive container 4300, as will be demonstrated later on.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the drive container 4300 may be configured for ground operation only and may not include additional fittings for mating with spines (e.g., may include only corner fittings). Various configurations could mate with the presently disclosed containers and standard ISO containers. If a drive container is to be secured to standard ISO containers, then, in various embodiments, the corner connections could be used.
[0024] FIGURE 46 provides a side plan view of the drive container 4300 deployed in the short distance or partially deployed configuration shown in FIGURE 45. The casters 4320 are fully deployed and the drive wheel assembly 4304 is partially deployed. In various embodiments, the casters 4320 and the drive wheel assembly 4304 can actuate up and down as necessary to mate with a container. For example, this may be performed by actuating the hydraulic cylinders 4318 to lower or raise the casters 4320 and/or actuating the hydraulic cylinders 4325 to rotate the pivot arms 4322 (thereby lowering or raising the drive wheel assemblies 4304).
[0025] FIGURE 47A provides a front plan view of the drive container 4300 deployed in the short distance or partially deployed configuration shown in FIGURE 45. In certain embodiments, the drive wheel assembly 4304 can be deployable in both a narrow configuration and a wide configuration. FIGURE 47B depicts a front plan view of the drive container 4300 in a wide configuration. In FIGURE 47B, the drive container 4300 is in a "fully deployed" configuration, resulting in greater ground clearance compared to the partially deployed configuration, as will be described in greater detail below. In various embodiments, the narrow and wide configurations may be used in any of the drive wheel assembly's configurations, including the stowed configuration, short distance configuration, and long distance configuration. The drive wheel assembly 430 can transition between the narrow configuration and the wide configuration by, for example, moving the pivot arm 4322 along the pivot shaft 4324. For example, the wide configuration may provide greater stability when necessary.
[0026] FIGURE 48 shows two drive containers 4300 deployed in the short distance configuration and maneuvering to mate with a container 4800. In one embodiment, the container 4800 may be substantially similar or identical to the container 100 of FIGURES 1A-B. In various embodiments, the drive containers 4300 may be controlled remotely by an operator, or may be controlled automatically by a software program. In certain embodiments in which the drive container 4300 is configured to accept a driver, the drive container 4300 may be controlled manually by a driver. Many variations are possible. Built-in fitting connectors 4303 on the rear sides of the drive containers 4300 can mate with and secure to corresponding fittings on the container 4800. When mating with existing ISO type containers, the corner attachments could be used.
an outer container having a cuboid shape; and
a plurality of wheels (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) secured to the outer container, wherein
the outer container comprises a fitting panel (15710) comprising plurality of fittings (4302, 4303, 6608) for securing the outer container to another apparatus, and
the fitting panel (15710) can be actuated between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, characterised by a propulsion system that is stowed away within the outer container.
optionally, wherein the propulsion system (4304, 6206, 6602, 7002) comprises one or more in-wheel electric motors.
a substantially rectangular face; and
the fitting panel comprises a fitting (4303, 6608) at each corner of the rectangular fitting panel face.
positioning a drive container (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) proximate a first end of a container (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), the drive container (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) comprising
an outer container having a cuboid shape;
a propulsion system that is stowed away within the outer container; and
a plurality of wheels (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) secured to the outer container, wherein the outer container comprises a fitting panel (15710) comprising plurality of fittings (4302, 4303, 6608) for securing the outer container to another apparatus, and
the fitting panel (15710) can be actuated between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration;
lowering the fitting panel (16710) to the lowered configuration;
securing the container (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) to the fitting panel (15710); and
raising the fitting panel /15710) to cause the container (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) to be raised.
positioning a second drive container (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) proximate a second end of the container (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), the second drive container (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) comprising a second outer container having a cuboid shape; and
a second plurality of wheels (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) secured to the outer container, wherein the second outer container comprises a second fitting panel (15710) comprising plurality of fittings (4302, 4303, 6608) for securing the second outer container to another apparatus, and
the second fitting panel (15710) can be actuated between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration;
lowering the second fitting panel (15710) to the lowered configuration;
securing the container (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) to the second fitting panel (15710), wherein raising the fitting panel (15710) comprises simultaneously raising the second fitting panel (15710) to cause the container(4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) to be raised.
einen Außenbehälter in Form eines Quaders; und
eine Vielzahl von Rädern (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710), die an dem Außenbehälter befestigt sind, wobei
der Außenbehälter eine Befestigungsplatte (15710) umfasst, die eine Vielzahl von Befestigungen (4302, 4303, 6608) zum Befestigen des Außenbehälters an einer anderen Vorrichtung umfasst, und
die Befestigungsplatte (15710) zwischen einer angehobenen und einer abgesenkten Stellung verstellt werden kann,
gekennzeichnet durch ein Antriebssystem, das im Außenbehälter verstaut ist.
optional, wobei das Antriebssystem (4304, 6206, 6602, 7002) einen oder mehrere radinterne Elektromotoren umfasst.
eine im Wesentlichen rechteckige Fläche; und
die Befestigungsplatte an jeder Ecke der rechteckigen
Befestigungsplattenfläche eine Befestigung (4303, 6608) aufweist.
Positionieren eines Antriebsbehälters (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) in der Nähe eines ersten Endes eines Behälters (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), wobei der Antriebsbehälter (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) umfasst:
einen Außenbehälter in Form eines Quaders;
ein Antriebssystem, das im Außenbehälter verstaut ist; und
eine Vielzahl von Rädern (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710), die an dem Außenbehälter befestigt sind, wobei der Außenbehälter eine Befestigungsplatte (15710) umfasst, die eine Vielzahl von Befestigungen (4302, 4303, 6608) zum Befestigen des Außenbehälters an einer anderen Vorrichtung umfasst, und
die Befestigungsplatte (15710) zwischen einer angehobenen und einer abgesenkten Stellung verstellt werden kann;
Absenken der Befestigungsplatte (16710) in die abgesenkte Konfiguration;
Befestigen des Behälters (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) an der Befestigungsplatte (15710); und Anheben der Befestigungsplatte /15710), um den Behälter (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) anzuheben.
Positionieren eines zweiten Antriebsbehälters (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) in der Nähe eines zweiten Endes des Behälters (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), wobei der zweite Antriebsbehälter (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) umfasst:
einen zweiten Außenbehälter in Form eines Quaders; und
eine zweite Vielzahl von Rädern (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710), die an dem Außenbehälter befestigt sind, wobei der zweite Außenbehälter eine zweite Befestigungsplatte (15710) umfasst, die eine Vielzahl von Befestigungen (4302, 4303, 6608) zum Befestigen des zweiten Außenbehälters an einer anderen Vorrichtung umfasst, und
die zweite Befestigungsplatte (15710) zwischen einer angehobenen und einer abgesenkten Konfiguration verstellt werden kann;
Absenken der zweiten Befestigungsplatte (15710) in die abgesenkte Konfiguration;
Befestigen des Behälters (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) an der zweiten Befestigungsplatte (15710), wobei das Anheben der Befestigungsplatte (15710) das gleichzeitige Anheben der zweiten Befestigungsplatte (15710) umfasst, um zu bewirken, dass der Behälter (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) angehoben wird.
un contenant extérieur de forme cubique; et
plusieurs roues (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) fixées au conteneur extérieur, dans lesquelles
le conteneur extérieur comprend un panneau de fixation (15710) comportant plusieurs raccords (4302, 4303, 6608) destinés à fixer le conteneur extérieur à un autre appareil, et
le panneau de montage (15710) peut être actionné entre une configuration relevée et une configuration abaissée,
caractérisé par un système de propulsion rangé à l'intérieur du conteneur extérieur.
éventuellement, dans lequel le système de propulsion (4304, 6206, 6602, 7002) comprend un ou plusieurs moteurs électriques dans les roues.
une face sensiblement rectangulaire; et
le panneau de montage comprend un raccord (4303, 6608) à chaque coin de la face rectangulaire du panneau de montage.
positionner un conteneur d'entraînement (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) à proximité d'une première extrémité d'un conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), le conteneur d'entraînement (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) comprenant
un contenant extérieur de forme cubique;
un système de propulsion rangé dans le conteneur extérieur; et
plusieurs roues (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) fixées au conteneur extérieur, dans lequel le conteneur extérieur comprend un panneau de fixation (15710) comprenant plusieurs raccords (4302, 4303, 6608) pour fixer le conteneur extérieur à un autre appareil, et
le panneau de montage (15710) peut être actionné entre une configuration relevée et une configuration abaissée;
abaisser le panneau de montage (16710) en configuration abaissée; fixer le conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) au panneau de montage (15710); et
en soulevant le panneau de montage /15710) pour faire monter le conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730).
positionner un second conteneur d'entraînement (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) à proximité d'une seconde extrémité du conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730), le second conteneur d'entraînement (4300, 5600, 6200, 7000, 7100, 15702) comprenant
un deuxième récipient extérieur de forme cubique; et
une deuxième pluralité de roues (4326, 5602, 6208, 6710) fixées au conteneur extérieur, dans lequel le deuxième conteneur extérieur comprend un deuxième panneau de fixation (15710) comprenant plusieurs raccords (4302, 4303, 6608) pour fixer le deuxième conteneur extérieur à un autre appareil, et
le second panneau de montage (15710) peut être actionné entre une configuration relevée et une configuration abaissée;
abaisser le second panneau de fixation (15710) en configuration abaissée;
fixer le conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730) au second panneau d'ajustement (15710), le relèvement du panneau d'ajustement (15710) consistant à relever simultanément le second panneau d'ajustement (15710) pour faire remonter le conteneur (4800, 5400, 5800, 6004, 6104, 7404, 7604, 7804, 7904, 10700, 15720, 15730).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description