CONTAINER AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a connector assembly mechanically interconnecting first and second structural entities of an aircraft container. The connector assembly has first and second connector parts fastened to the first and second structural entities, respectively. In a connected state, relative movement of the second connector part is restricted with respect to the first connector part in a first direction along a first axis of action. The connector assembly has a force-limiting arrangement in a connected state that limits relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When an external force is applied to the second connector part and the external force has a first force component acting in the second direction and exceeding a threshold force the force-limiting arrangement allows the second connector part to move relative to the first connector part.

Claims

1. Connector assembly for use in mechanically interconnecting a first structural entity of an aircraft container with a second structural entity of the aircraft container comprising: a. a first connector part configured to be fastened to the first structural entity of the aircraft container and b. a second connector part configured to be fastened to the second structural entity of the aircraft container and c. when the connector assembly is in a connected state the first and the second connector parts are configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a first direction along a first axis of action and d. comprising a force-limiting arrangement, such that when the connector assembly is in the connected state, limits relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein e. when an external force is applied to the second connector part and the external force has a first force component that acts in the second direction and exceeds a specified first threshold force the force-limiting arrangement, allows the second connector part is configured to move relative to the first connector part.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the connector assembly is in the connected state, the first and the second connector parts are configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a third direction along a second axis of action that is perpendicular to the first axis of action and wherein the force-limiting arrangement limits relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction and allows the second connector part to displace in the fourth direction with respect to the first connector part if a second force component of the applied external force acts in the fourth direction and exceeds a specified second threshold force.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the force-limiting arrangement is configured to allow relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a fourth direction as soon as the first force component exceeds the first threshold force and to allow relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in the second direction as soon as the second force component exceeds the second threshold force.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the connector assembly is in the connected state, a first rotation restriction means restricts rotations of the first and the second connector parts relative to each other in at least one direction of rotation about a first axis of rotation wherein the first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first axis of action.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first rotation restriction means comprises at least one first rotation engagement surface arranged at the first connector part and at least one corresponding second rotation engagement surface arranged at the second connector part, the at least one first and second engagement surfaces arranged in physical contact in the connected state and thereby restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first rotation restriction means comprises at least one third rotation engagement surface arranged at the first connector part and at least one corresponding fourth rotation engagement surface arranged at the second connector part, the at least one third and fourth engagement surfaces arranged in physical contact in the connected state and thereby restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the force-limiting arrangement comprises at least one sacrificial member that fails under a critical force and thereby enables a relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the sacrificial member comprises a shear pin that fails under the critical force.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a centering means assists in positioning of the first and the second connector relative to each other when the connector assembly is in the connected state.

10. A container comprising a base structure having at least three perimeter edges constituting a base plane, and further comprising a superstructure that is mechanically interconnected with the base structure by at least one connector assembly according to claim 1 preceding claims, wherein the first connector part of the at least one connector assembly is arranged at one of the at least three perimeter edges and fastened to the base structure such that the first axis of action is essentially in parallel with the base plane and the first direction points away from the base structure.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the superstructure comprises multiple beams that constitute a framework.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the framework comprises at least one vertical beam that is aligned perpendicular to the base plane and comprises a first beam end that is fastened to the second connector part of the at least one connector assembly.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the at least one vertical beam has a second beam end that is fastened to the second connector part of a second connector assembly, the second connector assembly arranged such that the first axis of action of the second connector assembly is in parallel with the base plane and the first direction of the second connector assembly points to the outside of the container and the first connector part of the second connector assembly being fastened to a top structure of the superstructure.

14. The container according to claim 11, wherein the framework comprises at least one panel that comprises at least one strut which interconnects two diagonally opposite corners of the panel.

15. A structural module to be used for the container according to claim 10, wherein the structural module comprises at least one structural entity and at least one first or second connector part of the connector assembly according to claim 1.

16. The container according to claim 10, wherein a. multiple panels extend between at least one of beams of the superstructure and the base structure to enclose a cargo space, and b. at least one removable panel is covering a cargo opening into the cargo space.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the removable panel of the container.

18. The container according to claim 16, wherein the removable panel is made of plastic tarpaulin.

19. The container according to claim 16, wherein the removable panel has the shape of the cross-section of the cargo space in a direction parallel to the removable panel.

20. The container according to claim 16, wherein the removable panel is a roller blind.

21. The container according to claim 16, wherein the container comprises at least one panel made of composite material.

22. The container according to claim 16, wherein the container comprises a rear side having a tapered surface.

23. The container according to claim 22, wherein the rear side is covered by at least one rear panel made of metal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.

[0037] FIG. 1 schematically shows a variation of a container according to the present invention in a perspective view from above;

[0038] FIG. 2 shows detail H of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 3 schematically shows a variation of a connector assembly fastened to a base structure in a perspective view from above;

[0040] FIG. 4 shows cross-section A of FIG. 3

[0041] FIG. 5 shows cross-section B of FIG. 4;

[0042] FIG. 6 schematically shows a first and a second connector part of a variation of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a perspective view from above;

[0043] FIG. 7-9 schematically show application of an increasing external force to a structural entity on a container interconnected with a variation of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a perspective view from above;

[0044] FIG. 10 a variation of a structural module according to the present invention in a perspective view from above;

[0045] FIG. 11 shows a further variation of a container according to the present invention in a perspective view from above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a variation of a container 10 according to the present invention, which has a base structure 20 that comprises four perimeter edges 21a-d that constitute a base plane D. The container 10 further comprises a superstructure 30 that is mechanically interconnected with the base structure 20 by four connector assemblies 1a-d according to the present invention. These four connector assemblies 1a-d each comprise a first connector part 100 that is arranged at a perimeter edge 21a-d and fastened to the base structure 20. Each connector assembly 1a-d has a first axis of action S1 that is essentially in parallel with the base plane D and aligned such that first directions v1 of the connector assemblies 1a-d point away from the base structure 20, respectively point to the outside of the container 10. As can be seen, the superstructure 30 comprises multiple beams 32a-d, 33 that constitute a framework 30. All beams 32a-d, 33 of the embodiment of a framework 31 shown are essentially made from a carbon-reinforced plastic. However as described above, for other applications also at least some structural entities, respectively beams 32a-d, 33, may be at least partially made from a metal. The framework 31 comprises vertical beams 32a-d, which are aligned essentially perpendicular to the base plane D and positioned at the four corners 22a-d of the base structure 20. The lower beam ends 34 of the vertical beams 32a-d are fastened to second connector parts 200 of four connector assemblies 1a-d. As well, the vertical beams 32a-d have second beam ends 35 that are fastened to the second connector parts 200 of four connector assemblies 1e-h that are arranged close to the top of the container 10. These top connector assemblies 1e-h are arranged such that their first axes of action S1 (not shown in the Figures) are essentially also in parallel with the base plane D and their first directions v1 (not shown in the Figures) point to the outside of the container 10. The first connector parts 100 of the second connector assemblies 1e-h are fastened to a frame-like top structure 36 of the superstructure 30. The two vertical beams 32b, 32c arranged at the rear side of the container 10 as shown in FIG. 1 are not straight but bent and interconnected with each other by a horizontal beam 33 that at its both ends is interconnected with the vertical beams 32b, 32c at the bends 37 by means of connector assemblies 1i, 1j. The connector assemblies 1i, 1j are aligned such that they comprise first directions v1 (not shown in detail) that point to the outside of the container 10.

[0048] FIGS. 3 to 6 depict a variation of a connector assembly 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector assembly 1 has a second connector part 200 that comprises a sleeve which acts as a second fastening means 210 in order to establish a good mechanical interconnection with a beam (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the connector assembly 1 is in a connected state, the first and the second connector part 100, 200 restrict relative movement of the second connector part 200 with respect to the first connector part 100 in a first direction v1 along a first axis of action S1. In this variation, the first axis of action S1 is essentially in parallel to the y-axis. As well, the connector assembly 1 comprises a force-limiting arrangement 300 that comprises two sacrificial members 310 embodied as shear pins 311. When the connector assembly 1 is in a connected state as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, these shear pins 311 limit relative movement of the second connector part 200 with respect to the first connector part 100 in a second direction v2 opposite to the first direction v1 and along the first axis of engagement S1. The shear pins 311 of the variation shown are made from a plastic material and configured such that they fail under a certain loading which defines a first threshold force, such that when an external force Fe is applied to the second connector part 200 having a first force component Fe1 that acts in the second direction v2 and exceeds a said first threshold force the shear pin 311 fails and consequently allows the second connector part 200 to move relatively to the first connector part 100. In addition to the shear pins 311, the connector assembly also comprises a centering means 350 that assists in positioning of the first and the second connector part 100, 200 relatively to each other when the connector assembly 1 is in the connected state. The centering means 350 comprises a spring-thrust piece 352 arranged at the first connector part 100 and which engages with a recess 356 arranged in the other connector part 200 and hence constitutes a second centering means part 355. Such a variation of a centering means 350 also allows to retain the second connector part 200 in a connected position during assembly of a container (not shown) before the shear pins 311 are inserted and hence may serve as an assembly aid. In addition, when the connector assembly 1 is in a connected state, the first and the second connector part 100, 200 are configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part 200 with respect to the first connector part 100 in a third direction v3 along a second axis of action S2. In the variation shown, the second axis of action S2 is essentially perpendicular to the first axis of action S1 (and in parallel to the x-axis). As well, the force-limiting arrangement 300 also limits relative movement of the second connector part 200 with respect to the first connector part 100 in a fourth direction v4 opposite to the third direction v3 and allows the second connector part 200 to displace in the fourth direction v4 with respect to the first connector part 100 if a second force component Fe2 of the applied external force Fe acts in the fourth direction v4 and exceeds a specified second threshold force. It is clear that the variation of a connector assembly 1 as shown in these Figures comprises multiple axes of action Si with a range of orientations (in FIG. 3 illustrated by the curved arrows), which all relate to directions in which relative movements of the second connector part 200 are restricted and opposite directions in which such movements are allowed. As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the variation of a connector assembly 1 shown the first connector part 100 comprises two first alignment means 105a,105b that interact with two second alignment means 205a,205b that are arranged at the second connector part 200. These alignment means 105a,105b,205a,205b are essentially embodied as chamfers and help to align the first connector part 100 with the second connector part 200 in order to establish a proper connection between the two of them. Such a variation is e.g. particularly advantageous if a damaged structural module of a container has to be replaced and the residual structure is (non-critically) deformed.

[0049] As well, the connector assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 comprises a first rotation restriction means 400 that restricts rotations of the first and the second connector part 100, 200 relatively to each other in at least one direction of rotation about a first axis of rotation T1 that is perpendicular to the first axis of action S1. The first rotation restriction means 400 therefore comprises a first rotation engagement surface 101 that is arranged at the first connector part 100 and a corresponding second rotation engagement surface 201 arranged at the second connector part 200. The at least one first and second engagement surfaces 101, 201 are arranged such that in the connected state they are in physical contact and thereby restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation T1 in a first direction of rotation. In order to restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation T in the opposite direction of rotation, a third rotation engagement surface 102 is arranged at the first connector part 100 and a corresponding fourth rotation engagement surface 202 arranged at the second connector part 200 and act in an analogous manner like the first and the second rotation engagement surfaces 101, 201. These rotation engagement means 101, 102, 201, 202 are arranged at hook/clamp-like structures which at the same time allow to restrict relative movement of the second connector part 200 with respect to the first connector part 100 in the vertical direction (z-axis).

[0050] FIGS. 7 to 9 schematically show loading of a vertical beam 32 (for illustrative purposes only the lower part is shown) that is part of a major structural framework of container (not shown) by an increasing external force Fe, the vertical beam 32 being fastened to a variation of a connector assembly 1 according to the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the external force Fe causes damage to the vertical beam 32, but is not yet critical for the major structural framework of the container. Just after the external force Fe is increased, the shear pins 311 of the connector assembly 1 break and allow the second connector part 200 to move relatively to the first connector part 100 along the axis of action S1. By this relative movement, the vertical beam 32 is partially decoupled/disconnected from the rest of the framework of the container. This reliably prevents the residual framework from mechanical damage due to overloading. It is clear, that depending on the application, the shear pins 311 may also be configured such that a relative movement is already allowed before the vertical beam 32 is significantly damaged.

[0051] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a structural module 700 to be used for a container as e.g. shown in FIG. 1. The structural module 700 comprises a beam 32, which has at its first as well as at its second beam ends 34,35 second connector parts 200 of a connector assembly 1 as shown in the other Figures. Such a structural module 700 may e.g. be used as a structural replacement part for a mechanically damaged beam of a container (not shown).

[0052] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the Spirit and scope of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 11 shows a further variation of the container 10 according to the invention. The shown container 10 is a container 10 according to FIG. 1 with additional panels 600 attached to the respective sides of the container 10. The panels 600 are attached to the superstructure 30 and the base structure 20 via interconnection means 500. In the shown variation, the interconnection means 500 attach the panels 600 to the respective beams of the superstructure and the base structure 30, 20.

[0054] The rear side 41 of the container 10 hereby features a tapered surface 43, which extends between the two (bend) vertical beams 32, as explained before. The rear side 41 may be covered by at least one rear panel 603. Preferably, the rear panel(s) 603 are made of metal sheets. For additional stiffness, the superstructure 30 may feature an additional beam in the area of the tapered surface 43 (not shown) and/or the at least one rear panel 603 covering the tapered surface 43 may feature a thicker sheet metal.

[0055] The container 10 further comprises a cargo opening 900 extending over an entire side surface 40 of the container 10. A removable panel 602 (shown schematically), made e.g. of plastic tarpaulin, may cover and temporary close the cargo opening. As it can be seen, the respective removable panel 602, covering the side surface 40 can have an irregular hexagonal shape. However, other shapes are also possible. Alternatively, a roller blind may be attached to temporally close the cargo opening 900. The side surface 40 opposite of the removable panel 602 is preferably closed by a side panel.

[0056] In the shown variation, the front panel 604, the side panel opposite of the removable panel 602 as well as the top and the bottom panel 606, 607 are made of composite material. The at least one rear panel 603 is made of metal. However, other combinations of materials are also possible.

TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF DESIGNATIONS  1,1a-j Connector assembly  10 Container  20 Base structure (plate)  21a-d Perimeter edge  22a-d Corner  30 Superstructure  31 Framework  32 Vertical beam  33 Horizontal beam  34 First beam end  35 Second beam end  36 Top structure (frame)  37 Bend  40 Side surface  41 Rear side  42 Front side  43 Tapered surface 100 First connector part (lower) 101 First rotation engagement surface 102 Third rotation engagement surface 105a, b First alignment means 110 First fastening means 200 Second connector part (upper) 201 Second rotation engagement surface 202 Fourth rotation engagement surface 205a, b Second alignment means 210 Second fastening means 300 Force-limiting arrangement 310 Sacrificial member 311 Shear pin 350 Centering means 351 First centering means part 352 Spring-thrust piece 355 Second centering means part 356 Recess 400 First rotation restriction means 500 Interconnection means 600 Panel 601 Strut 602 Removable panel 603 Rear panel 604 Front panel 606 Top panel 607 Bottom panel 700 Structural module 800 Cargo space 900 Cargo opening D Base plane v1 First direction v2 Second direction v3 Third direction v4 Fourth direction S1 First axis of action S2 Second axis of action T1 First axis of rotation Fe External force (impact force) Fe1 First force component Fe2 Second force component