[0001] The invention relates to a container for the transport and storage of, especially
liquid or granulated, goods, more particular an intermediate bulk container, comprising
a fillable internal tank or bag and a supporting structure enclosing the internal
tank or bag.
State of the art
[0002] In the state of the art, various types of bulk containers are known for the transport
and storage of (viscous) liquids, pastes, powders, granulates and the like. Oftentimes,
so called Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) are used for this purpose. These usually
comprise a fillable internal liner bag or tank and a supporting structure enclosing
said tank or bag, thereby providing support and shielding to the tank or bag. Often,
the supporting structure is implemented as a wire mesh cage, bar frame or the like.
Intermediate bulk containers are generally stackable containers mounted on a pallet
designed to be moved using a forklift or a pallet jack and often have a cuboid shape
in order to maximally utilize the fill-volume that can be fitted on top of a standardized
pallet.
[0003] The known supporting and shielding structures made of metal have numerous disadvantages
such as the incomplete shielding because of the gaps in between the single wires/tubes
or the susceptibility to corrosion, especially when transporting aggressive substances.
Furthermore, such metal IBCs are laborious in their construction, since they have
to be pieced together out of numerous single metal bars or tubes.
[0004] Further, foldable IBCs made of polymer are known to the state of the art. These have
the disadvantage that they consist of a large number of single parts (multiple foldable
walls), which results in a high number of necessary assembly operations.
[0005] Document
WO 2017/009 748 A1 concerns a tank assembly that is mountable on a tank truck. It discloses a tank assembly
with an internal tank and a supporting structure consisting of two shell-like housing
components enclosing the internal tank.
[0006] Document
WO 2011/018 768 A1 teaches a system for shipping liquids, which comprises a container consisting of
two identical shells. The container rests on a frame, which includes pipework for
connecting to an inlet/outlet. A flexible tank is provided inside of the container
and connected to the pipework.
[0007] EP 0 657 368 A2 discloses a container including an inner product tank for liquid or semi-liquid products
and an outer protective supporting structure that comprises an upper and a lower supporting
structure. The outer protective supporting structure has downwardly extending support
legs, which enable separate containers to be stacked atop each other.
Disclosure of the invention
[0008] Because of the above stated disadvantages in known IBCs, the present invention is
directed towards providing a container for the transport and storage of liquids, pastes,
powders, granulates and the like, with a simple construction and a reduced number
of assembly steps.
[0009] The above stated problem is solved by a container according to the independent claim
1. Advantageous embodiments are object of the subordinate claims.
[0010] In accordance with the invention there is provided a container for the transport
and storage of, especially liquid, granulated, powdered, viscous or paste-like, goods
comprising an internal fillable tank of bag and a supporting structure at least partially
surrounding/enclosing/encompassing said tank or bag. According to the invention, said
supporting structure comprises at least two shell-like (cupped) housing components,
which can be (releasably) connected to enclose/encase the bag or tank at least partially,
preferably from all sides, more preferably completely. Furthermore the supporting
structure / housing is provided with stacking devices. Moreover, the supporting structure
comprises a lower housing component and an upper housing component and a gap is provided
between a top section of an inner surface of the upper housing component and a top
section of the outer surface of the tank. The tank is fittingly received by the lower
housing component. Within the scope of this document, the term shell-like shall be
defined such that each of the two housing components encompasses more than one side
of the internal tank or bag. In other words, each of the at least two housing components
is curved (bent) or angled in such a manner that it can support or shield at least
two sides of the internal tank or bag. The shell-like structure of the housing components
poses the advantage that the amount of housing components necessary to provide sufficient
enclosure can be reduced, since each single housing component can shield and support
multiple sides of the internal tank or bag. Further, the shell-like structure facilitates
the positioning of the housing components relative to the tank or bag.
[0011] Preferably the tank or bag and/or at least one of the housing components may be made
of a plastic/polymer e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene. It is preferred, that the
tank or bag and/or at least one of the housing components are manufactured in a molding
process.
[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, both of the shell-like housing components
can each cover at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%,
of the outer surface of the tank or bag. In other words, in a preferred embodiment
the two shell-like housing components can almost completely encompass/encase (in a
closed manner) the tank or bag with the exception of few functionally necessary recesses/windows
(breakthroughs) and thereby provide more complete protection than common wire mesh
cages.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the supporting and shielding
structure can comprise only (exactly) two shell-like housing components. By this means,
the supporting structure can consist of a minimum amount of components, while still
encompassing and supporting/shielding the tank or bag from all sides. Preferably,
the two shell-like housing components have a cup-shape or an open box-shape and can
be releasably joined together at their respective rims to enclose/encase the bag or
tank.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the two shell-like housing components
can be an upper housing component and a lower housing component, preferably designed
to be moved using a forklift or a pallet jack. For this purpose, the lower housing
component can comprise at least two (parallel) forklift slots, recesses, receivers
or the like. It is preferred that the forklift slots are only arranged in the back
and the lateral sides of the container - not in the front side - in order to reduce
the chances of damaging the vulnerable front side with a forklift or pallet jack.
Preferably the forklift slots are integral, more particular molded into, with the
lower housing component.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the lower housing component can comprise a (at
least partially) circumferential wall which extends in an upwards direction no more
than two thirds, preferably no more than one half, of the tank or bag's height. Because
of the (at least partially) circumferential wall of the shell-like shape of the lower
housing component, the tank or bag can be positioned and centered more easily thereon,
when compared to a common pallet. Afterwards the upper housing component need only
be placed on top and be (releasably) fixed to an upper rim constituted by said circumferential
wall.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, the two shell-like housing components
can constitute an essentially cuboid or cylindrical shape, when joined together. In
other words, the two shell-like housing components can preferably produce a cuboid
outer shape of the container when connected around the tank or bag. Preferably the
joined housing can have a cuboid shape in order to maximally utilize the fill-volume
that can be fitted on top of a the pallet-like section of the lower housing component
and in order to improve stackability of the containers.
[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the tank can have an
essentially cylindrical or cylinder-like shape. Such design can improve resilience
of the tank to pressure loads.
[0018] According to an even more preferred aspect of the invention, the tank can have an
essentially cylindrical or cylinder-like shape, while the supporting structure has
an essentially cuboid shape to the outside and an at least partially complementary
cylindrical shape to the inside.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an inner surface of the lower
housing component can be essentially complementary to an outer surface of the tank
or bag, such that the tank or bag lies fittingly in (at least a segment of) said inner
surface. According to the invention, there remains a gap between an inner surface
of the upper housing component and the outer surface of the tank or bag, while the
tank or bag lies fittingly in the inner surface of the lower housing component. Through
such design it can be achieved, that the lower housing component supports the weight
load of the tank or bag through a fitting bearing, while at the same time loads which
occur due to the stacking of multiple containers are not transferred into the tank
or bag because of the (slight) gap between the inner surface of the upper housing
component and the outer surface of the tank or bag.
[0020] The stacking devices may preferably be molded integrally with the two housing components.
More preferably the stacking devices may be arranged in proximity to the corners of
the top and bottom surfaces of the assembled housing. In such an embodiment, the vertical
edges (vertical edge sections) of the supporting structure (housing) can be reinforced
(e.g. through local material reinforcement), in order to better transfer stacking
loads. Through such design, transfer of the stacking loads through the vertical edges
of the supporting structure (housing) can be improved, thereby bypassing the tank
or bag.
[0021] Preferably, the tank or bag can comprise at least one inlet opening, more particular
an inlet opening located on or near/adjacent to an upper side of the tank or bag.
According to an additional aspect, the tank or bag may comprise at least one outlet
opening, more particular an outlet opening located near/adjacent to a lower side of
the tank or bag. It is further preferred that the supporting structure (housing) comprises
windows/recesses/breakthroughs corresponding to at least one of said inlet or outlet
openings thereby making the same accessible to external operation.
[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank may be positioned (held/suspended)
at an angle inside the supporting structure (housing), such that a decline towards
the outlet opening is formed. Preferably, this is achieved by declining the inner
surface of the lower housing component, which is formed complementary to the bag or
tank and serves as a bearing therefor. By providing a decline of the tank or bag towards
the outlet opening, complete emptying of the tank or bag can be facilitated.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outlet opening of the tank or
bag can be provided with an outlet tap (e.g. valve, spigot, or faucet). In such an
embodiment, the window/recess/breakthrough in the supporting structure exposing the
outlet opening can be configured to support the outlet tap from below with its lower
edge. In other words it can be designed such that it forms a bearing for said outlet
tap. Put differently, the lower edge of the window/recess/breakthrough exposing the
outlet opening, can form a base supporting the lower side of the outlet tap. It is
a long standing problem in intermediate bulk containers that the outlet taps break
under the load of connecting tubes or pipes. Through the above mentioned design of
the window/recess/breakthrough exposing the outlet opening, the outlet tap can be
supported by an integral bearing without necessitating any additional components or
manufacturing steps.
[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, the tank or bag can be at least partially
transparent and comprise a fill-level indicator. Preferably said fill-level indicator
can be positioned above the outlet opening, such that the fill-level can be checked
during any operation of the outlet tap. The supporting structure (housing) can preferably
comprise a corresponding window/recess/breakthrough exposing the fill-level indicator.
More preferably, the window/recess/breakthrough in the supporting structure (housing)
exposing the outlet opening can be designed such that it also exposes a fill-level
indicator located above the outlet opening. Preferably said exposing window/recess/breakthrough
in the supporting structure (housing) can be drawn upwards (be designed in its upward
dimension), such that it is formed by complementary windows/recesses/breakthroughs
in both the lower housing component and the upper housing component.
[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, an integral ladder section may be
formed in at least one wall section of the supporting structure (housing). Preferably
the integral ladder section can be constituted by a number of footholds, e.g. recesses,
horizontal edges, horizontal ribs or similar structures, which are arranged vertically
above one another and preferably spaced apart equidistantly. Even more preferred,
at least one hand rail, e.g. in the form of a vertical rib, may be provided adjacent
to the footholds. The footholds may preferably be coated or treated to provide an
anti-slip surface. The integral ladder section provides easy accessibility to the
functional units (e.g. inlet opening) located on the top side of the container without
necessitating any additional parts or manufacturing steps.
[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the tank/bag and/or the upper and lower
housing component may be made of plastic/polymer and be manufactured in a rotational
molding process. The rotational molding process provides a higher tolerance against
pressure and impact loads when compared to e.g. injection molding.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, designated surfaces for (adhesive)
labels may be provided on both of the shell-like housing components.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the minimum wall strength of
the assembled housing may be in the range of 150 to 200 mm, preferably 175 mm. Preferably,
the walls of the housing components can be constructed as hollow core walls in order
to reduce the weight and the material necessary for production of the housing while
maintaining good mechanical qualities.
[0029] In summary, one could say that a core concept of the present invention is to provide
a packaging concept based in three (rotational molded) plastic pieces/components:
a cover part (upper housing component), a pallet part (lower housing component) and
a fillable internal tank or bag.
[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to a preferred embodiment of
the invention;
Fig. 2 is a frontal view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of
the invention;
Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of
the invention;
Fig.4 is a top view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the
invention;
Fig.5 is a first sectional view of the container according to the preferred embodiment
of the invention;
Fig.6 is a second sectional view of the container according to the preferred embodiment
of the invention;
Fig.7 is a side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the
invention; and
Fig.8 is a back view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to a preferred embodiment.
The depicted container 1 is of the intermediate bulk container type. As such, the
shown container 1 is classified as bulk container for liquids and viscous liquids
and typically has a fill-volume between 500 liters and 4000 liters, preferably around
3000 liters. IBC type containers are usually mounted on top of a pallet or comprise
a pallet-like (forklift compatible) lower section. Compared to the classical transport
of liquid or granulated goods in steel barrels stacked on top of a pallet, IBCs provide
the advantage of optimally utilizing the fill-volume provided by the pallet-format
and reducing the net weight of the packaging. Furthermore, with typical 200 liter
barrels, 15 working steps are necessary to withdraw the same amount of goods, when
compared to one working step to withdraw 3000 liters from the depicted IBC. The depicted
container 1 of the preferred embodiment has a length of approximately 2385 mm, a width
of approximately 1570 mm and a height of approximately 1870 mm.
[0032] Fundamentally, the depicted container 1 is structured such that it comprises an internal
tank 2, which is encompassed/enclosed by two shell-shaped (bowl-shaped/cup-shaped)
housing components 3.1, 3.2, more particular a lower housing component 3.1 and an
upper housing component 3.2, which form a cuboid housing when assembled together.
When assembling the shown container unit, the internal tank 2 is placed onto the lower
housing component 3.1 and into the circumferential wall formed by the same. This way,
the circumferential wall of the shell-shaped lower housing component 3.1 helps in
positioning and centering the substantially cylindrical tank 2 and also provides some
stability, even without the upper housing component 3.2. Subsequently, the upper housing
component 3.2 is placed on top of the lower housing component 3.1, such that its vertical
walls sit flush with the vertical walls of the lower housing component 3.1. In other
words, both housing components 3.1, 3.2 comprise circumferential vertical wall sections,
which form circumferential edges 3.3. The upper and lower housing components 3.1 and
3.2 are assembled with said edges 3.3 facing each other and forming an assembly interface
3.3, where the two housing components 3.1 and 3.2 can be releasably connected, e.g.
through a bolt, screw, snap or similar connection. In the depicted container 1 the
side walls of the upper and lower housing components 3.1, 3.2 are each provided with
vertical grooves (beads) 3.4 respectively, which help improving the stiffness of the
housing 3.1, 3.2. Where the vertical grooves 3.4 meet the interface 3.3 between the
two housing parts 3.1, 3.2, flange-like fastening sections 3.5 are formed, which are
provided with through bores in the depicted example. The through bores serve for screwing/bolting
or otherwise fastening the two housing parts 3.1, 3.2 together. The indented positioning
of the fastening sections 3.5 inside the vertical grooves 3.4 helps to prevent an
accidental damaging of the utilized fasteners.
[0033] The provision of a supporting structure (housing) 3.1, 3.2 enclosing/encompassing
the internal tank 2, is important for supporting the tank 2 against deformation under
the load of its contents and for shielding/protecting the tank 2 against external
impacts or loads. This is especially important, since IBCs are often used for the
transport of hazardous materials. A further function of the housing 3.1, 3.2 is enabling
multiple containers 1 to be stacked, in particular in an empty state. This stacking
function can preferably be implemented such that the stacking devices 4.1 (here: stacking
cones) are arranged in the corners of the top surface of the housing 3.1 3.2, thereby
enabling the flow of stacking forces to bypass the internal tank 2 and to be led through
reinforced (pillar-like) vertical edges of the housing 3.1, 3.2 instead. The stacking
devices 4.1 can be received by stacking recesses 4.2 formed on the bottom side of
the lower housing component 3.1. As the skilled person will appreciate any other pairing
of complementary shapes will fulfill the same function as the exemplary depicted cones
4.1 and recesses 4.2. The conical shape of the stacking devices 4.1 facilitates the
threading of the stacking devices 4.1 into the stacking recesses 4.2. Additionally,
the upper housing component 3.2 comprises a stacking frame 4.3 on its top surface,
which interacts with a corresponding recess 4.4 on the bottom side of the lower housing
component 3.1 and serves as an additional point of force introduction. The stacking
frame 4.3 is further provided with eyebolts 4.5, which allow an operator to fix hooks
of safety jackets therein.
[0034] The fillable internal tank 2 is provided with an inlet opening 5 and an outlet opening
6. The inlet opening is provided in a top section of the tank 2, to enable complete
filling of the tank 2. The outlet opening 6 is provided in a frontal side wall of
the tank 2 and in proximity to the base of the tank 2, in order to facilitate complete
emptying of the tank 2. In order to provide accessibility of the inlet and outlet
openings 5, 6 in the assembled state of the container 1, the upper housing component
3.2 is provided with an inlet window 5.1, which is a breakthrough in exposing the
inlet opening of the tank 2. Correspondingly, the lower housing component 3.1 is provided
with an outlet window 6.1, which is a breakthrough in exposing the outlet opening
of the tank 2. Beneficially, a base portion 6.2 of the outlet window 6.1 forms an
integral supporting structure for an outlet tap 6.3, which is operationally connected
to the outlet opening 6 of the tank 2. As is best seen in Fig. 2, the outlet window
base 6.2 is designed complementary to a lower section of the outlet tap 6.3, in order
to maximize the supporting surface. The outlet window 6.1 in the depicted embodiment
is formed as a tall, substantially rectangular, opening, which extends up into the
upper housing component 3.2 in order to expose a fill-level indicator 2.2 provided
in a front side of the tank 2 and arranged above the outlet opening 6. The fill-level
indicator 2.2 may be integrally formed onto or engraved into tank 2. In order to provide
visibility of the fill-level of the contents of the tank 2, the tank is preferably
made of an at least partially transparent material, e.g. a (low crystallinity) polyethylene.
The outlet tap 6.3 (and preferably also the outlet window base 6.2) is indented with
respect to the outer surface of the housing 3.1, 3.2 in order to protect the outlet
tap 6.3 from damage. It is advantageous, if the outlet tap is indented at least 50
mm, preferably 200 mm, in respect to the outer surface of the housing 3.1, 3.2.
[0035] As can best be seen in the sectional views of Figs. 6 and 5, the internal tank 2
has a substantially cylindrical shape, which is complementarily received by an inner
surface of the housing 3.1, 3.2. More precisely, the tank 2 is fittingly received
by the lower housing component 3.1, while there remains a gap 2.1 between a top section
of the tank 2 and a top section of the inner surface of the upper housing component
3.2. Said gap 2.1 helps prevent the transfer of stacking forces through the tank 2
and facilitates transfer of the stacking forces through the reinforced vertical edges
of the housing 3.1, 3.2 instead. As is best seen in Fig. 6, the internal tank 2 is
supported by the bottom inner surface of the lower housing component 3.1 at a slight
angle α. This further facilitates a complete emptying of the tank 2, since the bottom
surface of the tank 2 declines towards the outlet opening 6.
[0036] In order to improve the transportability of the container 1 the lower housing component
comprises 3.1 several forklift slots 7, which are arranged in pairs each and are integrally
formed into the lower housing component 3.2. The forklift slots 7 are only arranged
in the back sides (c.f. Fig. 8) and lateral sides (c.f. Fig. 7) of the container 1
- not in the front side (c.f. Fig. 2) - in order to reduce the chances of damaging
the outlet opening 6 (especially the outlet tap) during operation of a forklift or
pallet jack.
[0037] As is best seen in Figs. 7 and 8, the side walls and the back wall of the depicted
IBC are provided with an integral ladder section 8 each. The ladder sections 8 are
each constituted by a number of integral footholds 8.1 (recesses forming a horizontal
lower edge), which are arranged vertically above one another and are spaced apart
equidistantly. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the integral ladder on the back side of the
container 1 is provided with vertical ribs 8.2 arranged adjacent to the footholds
8.1 and thereby framing the ladder section 8 as hand rails 8.2. Advantageously, the
ladder sections 8 are arranged in line with the inlet opening 5 (when viewed in container
width or length direction respectively), so as to provide easy access to the inlet
opening for the operator climbing the ladder section 8. The ladder section 8 located
in the back wall of the depicted container constitutes the main ladder providing access
to the top of the container and being fixed to the EN ISO 14122 standard. The second
ladder section in the container side wall is intended for visual inspection only in
the depicted preferred embodiment. Beneficially, the integral ladder section 8 extends
over both the upper housing component 3.2 and the lower housing component 3.1. In
the depicted preferred embodiment, the circumferential edge 3.3 of the lower housing
component 3.1 constitutes one of the footholds 8.1. The footholds 8.1 of the preferred
embodiment have a depth of 175 mm or more in order to provide stable footing to the
operator.
[0038] In Figs. 1 and 2 a venting pipe 9 is depicted, which is beneficial e.g. for allowing
emptying of the tank 2, while the inlet opening 5 is sealed or vice versa. Furthermore,
an additional venting (relief valve) 10 is provided adjacent to the inlet opening
5, as can be seen in figures 1 and 4.
Reference signs:
[0039]
- 1
- container (IBC)
- 2
- tank;
- 2.1
- gap;
- 2.2
- fill-level indicator;
- 3.1
- lower housing component;
- 3.2
- upper housing component;
- 3.3
- circumferential edge/interface;
- 3.4
- stiffening grooves;
- 3.5
- fastening section;
- 4.1
- stacking devices/stacking cones;
- 4.2
- stacking devices/recesses;
- 4.3
- stacking frame;
- 4.4
- recess;
- 4.5
- eyebolts for fixing safety jacket connector;
- 5
- inlet opening;
- 5.1
- inlet window;
- 6
- outlet opening;
- 6.1
- outlet window;
- 6.2
- outlet window base;
- 6.3
- outlet tap;
- 7
- forklift slots;
- 8
- integral ladder section;
- 8.1
- recess/foothold;
- 8.2
- vertical rib/hand rail;
- 9
- venting pipe; and
- 10
- venting.
1. A container (1) for the transport and storage of, especially liquid or granulated,
goods, more particular an intermediate bulk container, comprising:
- a fillable internal bag or tank (2); and
- a supporting structure (3.1, 3.2) at least partially enclosing said bag or tank
(2),
the supporting structure (3.1, 3.2) comprises at least two shell-like housing components
(3.1, 3.2), in form of a lower housing component (3.1) and an upper housing component
(3.2),
which can be releasably connected to enclose the bag or tank (2) at least partially,
preferably from all sides, more preferably completely,
wherein the housing components (3.1, 3.2) comprise stacking devices (4.1, 4.2) arranged
in the corners of a top and a bottom surface of the housing (3.1, 3.2),
wherein the bag or tank (2) is fittingly received by the lower housing component (3.1),
characterized in that
a gap (2.1) is provided between a top section of an inner surface of the upper housing
component (3.2) and a top section of the outer surface of the tank (2),
wherein the gap (2.1) prevents a transfer of stacking forces through the internal
bag or tank (2).
2. The container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two housing components (3.1, 3.2)
each enclose at least 20%, preferably 30%, more preferably 40%, of an outer surface
of the bag or tank (2).
3. The container (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the two shell-like housing
components (3.1, 3.2) produce a cuboid outer shape of the container (1) when connected.
4. The container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the tank (2) is cylindrical or cylinder-like
and the outer shape of the housing (3.1, 3.2) is cuboid in order to improve the stackability
of the container (1) and wherein an inner surface of the housing (3.1, 3.2) is at
least partially shaped complimentarily to the tank (2).
5. The container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stacking devices
(4.1, 4.2) are arranged in the corners of the top and the bottom surface of the housing
(3.1, 3.2).
6. The container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bag or tank (2) comprises
at least one inlet opening (5), preferably located in or adjacent to an upper side
of the bag or tank (2) and at least one outlet opening (6), preferably located in
or adjacent to a lower side of the bag or tank (2) and
the housing (3.1, 3.2) forms complementary windows (5.1, 6.1) exposing said inlet
opening (5) and outlet opening (6) in the assembled state of the container (1).
7. The container (1) according to claim 6, wherein an outlet tap (6.3) is arranged at
the outlet opening (6) of the bag or tank (2) and the complementary outlet window
(6.1) of the housing (3.1, 3.2), which exposes the outlet opening (6) of the bag or
tank (2), is configured to support the outlet tap (6.3) from below with its lower
edge.
8. The container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an integral ladder section
(8) is formed in at least one wall section of the housing (3.1, 3.2), preferably a
ladder section formed by multiple integral footholds (8.1) arranged vertically above
one another.
9. The container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tank (2) and/or at
least one of the housing components (3.1, 3.2) are made of a polymer material, and
are preferably manufactured in a rotational molding process.
1. Behälter (1) für den Transport und die Lagerung von, insbesondere flüssiger oder granulierter,
Ware, vorzugsweise ein Intermediate Bulk Container, mit:
einem füllbaren internen Beutel oder einem füllbaren internen Tank (2); und
einer Stützstruktur (3.1, 3.2), welche den Beutel oder den Tank (2) zumindest teilweise
umschließt,
wobei die Stützstruktur (3.1, 3.2) mindestens zwei schalenförmige Gehäusekomponenten
(3.1, 3.2) in Form einer unteren Gehäusekomponente (3.1) und einer oberen Gehäusekomponente
(3.2) aufweist, welche lösbar miteinander verbunden werden können, um den Beutel oder
den Tank (2) mindestens teilweise, insbesondere von allen Seiten, vorzugsweise vollständig,
zu umschließen,
wobei die Gehäusekomponenten (3.1, 3.2) Stapelvorrichtungen (4.1, 4.2) aufweisen,
welche in den Ecken einer Ober- und Unterseite des Gehäuses (3.1, 3.2) angeordnet
sind,
wobei der Tank (2) passend von der unteren Gehäusekomponente (3.1) aufgenommen ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
ein Spalt (2.1) zwischen einem oberen Abschnitt einer Innenfläche der oberen Gehäusekomponente
(3.2) und einem oberen Abschnitt einer Außenfläche des Tanks (2) vorgesehen ist, und
der Spalt (2.1) eine Übertragung von Stapelkräften über den internen Beutel oder den
Tank (2) verhindert.
2. Behälter (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die beiden Gehäusekomponenten (3.1, 3.2) jeweils
mindestens 20%, insbesondere 30%, vorzugsweise 40%, einer Außenfläche des Beutels
oder des Tanks (2) umschließen.
3. Behälter (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die beiden schalenförmigen Gehäusekomponenten
(3.1, 3.2), wenn sie miteinander verbunden sind, eine quaderförmige äußere Form des
Behälters (1) bilden.
4. Behälter (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Tank (2) zylindrisch oder zylinderartig ist
und die äußere Form des Gehäuses (3.1, 3.2) quaderförmig ist, um die Stapelbarkeit
des Behälters (1) zu verbessern, und wobei eine Innenfläche des Gehäuses (3.1, 3.2)
zumindest teilweise komplementär zum Tank (2) geformt ist.
5. Behälter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Stapelvorrichtungen (4.1,
4.2) in den Ecken der oberen Oberfläche und der unteren Oberfläche des Gehäuses (3.1,
3.2) angeordnet sind.
6. Behälter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei
der Beutel oder der Tank (2) mindestens eine Einfüllöffnung (5), vorzugsweise in oder
angrenzend an eine Oberseite des Beutels bzw. des Tanks (2), und mindestens eine Auslassöffnung
(6), vorzugsweise in oder angrenzend an eine Unterseite des Beutels bzw. des Tanks
(2) aufweist, und
das Gehäuse (3.1, 3.2) komplementäre Fenster (5.1, 6.1) bildet, welche die Einfüllöffnung
(5) und die Auslassöffnung (6) in dem montierten Zustand des Behälters (1) freigeben.
7. Behälter (1) nach Anspruch 6, wobei ein Auslasshahn (6.3) an der Auslassöffnung (6)
des Beutels oder des Tanks (2) angeordnet ist und das komplementäre Auslassfenster
(6.1) des Gehäuses (3.1, 3.2), das die Auslassöffnung (6) des Beutels oder des Tanks
(2) freigibt, konfiguriert ist, um den Auslasshahn (6.3) von unten mit seiner Unterkante
zu stützen.
8. Behälter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei ein integraler Leiterabschnitt
(8) in mindestens einem Wandabschnitt des Gehäuses (3.1, 3.2) ausgebildet ist, vorzugsweise
ein Leiterabschnitt, der durch mehrere integrale Fußtritte (8.1) ausgebildet ist,
die vertikal übereinander angeordnet sind.
9. Behälter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei der Tank (2) und/oder mindestens
eine der Gehäusekomponenten (3.1, 3.2) aus einem polymeren Werkstoff bestehen und
vorzugsweise in einem Rotationsformprozess hergestellt sind.
1. Conteneur (1) pour le transport et le stockage de marchandises, en particulier liquides
ou en granulés, plus particulièrement un conteneur pour vrac intermédiaire, comprenant
:
- un sac ou réservoir interne remplissable (2) ; et
- une structure de support (3.1, 3.2) enfermant au moins partiellement ledit sac ou
réservoir (2), la structure de support (3.1, 3.2) comprenant au moins deux composants
de logement en forme de coques (3.1, 3.2), sous la forme d'un composant de logement
inférieur (3.1) et d'un composant de logement supérieur (3.2), qui peuvent être reliés
de manière amovible pour enfermer le sac ou réservoir (2) au moins partiellement,
de préférence de tous les côtés, plus préférentiellement complètement,
dans lequel les composants de logement (3.1, 3.2) comprennent des dispositifs d'empilage
(4.1, 4.2) disposés dans les coins d'une surface supérieure et d'une surface inférieure
du logement (3.1, 3.2),
dans lequel le sac ou réservoir (2) est reçu de manière ajustée par le composant de
logement inférieur (3.1),
caractérisé en ce que
un espace (2.1) est ménagé entre une section supérieure d'une surface intérieure du
composant de logement supérieur (3.2) et une section supérieure de la surface extérieure
du réservoir (2),
dans lequel l'espace (2.1) empêche un transfert de forces d'empilage par le biais
du sac ou réservoir interne (2).
2. Conteneur (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les deux composants de logement
(3.1, 3.2) enveloppent chacun au moins 20 %, de préférence 30 %, plus préférentiellement
40 %, d'une surface extérieure du sac ou réservoir (2).
3. Conteneur (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel les deux composants
de logement en forme de coques (3.1, 3.2) produisent une forme extérieure cuboïde
du conteneur (1) lorsqu'ils sont reliés.
4. Conteneur (1) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le réservoir (2) est cylindrique
ou de type cylindrique et la forme extérieure du logement (3.1, 3.2) est cuboïde afin
d'améliorer l'aptitude à l'empilage du conteneur (1) et dans lequel une surface intérieure
du logement (3.1, 3.2) est au moins partiellement formée de manière complémentaire
à celle du réservoir (2).
5. Conteneur (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel les dispositifs d'empilage
(4.1, 4.2) sont disposés dans les coins de la surface supérieure et de la surface
inférieure du logement (3.1, 3.2).
6. Conteneur (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le sac ou réservoir
(2) comprend au moins une ouverture d'entrée (5), située de préférence dans ou de
manière adjacente à un côté supérieur du sac ou réservoir (2), et au moins une ouverture
de sortie (6), située de préférence dans ou de manière adjacente à un côté inférieur
du sac ou réservoir (2) et
le logement (3.1, 3.2) forme des fenêtres complémentaires (5.1, 6.1) exposant lesdites
ouverture d'entrée (5) et ouverture de sortie (6) une fois le conteneur (1) assemblé.
7. Conteneur (1) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel un robinet de sortie (6.3) est
disposé au niveau de l'ouverture de sortie (6) du sac ou réservoir (2) et la fenêtre
de sortie complémentaire (6.1) du logement (3.1, 3.2), qui expose l'ouverture de sortie
(6) du sac ou réservoir (2), est configurée pour supporter le robinet de sortie (6.3)
par le dessous avec son bord inférieur.
8. Conteneur (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel une section d'échelle
intégrée (8) est formée dans au moins une section de paroi du logement (3.1, 3.2),
de préférence une section d'échelle formée par de multiples points d'appui intégrés
(8.1) disposés verticalement les uns au-dessus des autres.
9. Conteneur (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel le réservoir (2) et/ou
au moins un des composants de logement (3.1, 3.2) sont constitués d'un matériau polymère
et sont de préférence fabriqués par un procédé de rotomoulage.