LARGE CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A LARGE CONTAINER

Abstract

Embodiments of a large container may include a container base and a circumferential container wall. An upper end of the wall is closed by a container cover in the form of a metal disc. An annular, circumferential support element is secured at an upper end region of the wall. The disc spans the upper open end of the container wall. A lower side of the disc is welded to the support element and/or to the upper end region of the container wall by a continuous first welding seam. An upper side and/or an edge of the disc is welded to the support element by a continuous second welding seam. The first and second weld seams have respective first and second roots which merge into one another or at least come together.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: a container base; a circumferential container wall which forms a receiving space, the container wall having an upper end; an annularly encircling support element fixed on an upper end region of the container wall a cover which comprises a metal disc which spans the upper end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner and closes the upper end of the container wall; the metal disc having a lower side which faces the receiving space the lower side of the metal disc being welded in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner to the support element and/or to the upper end region of the container wall by a continuous first weld seam which has a first root; the metal disc having an upper side and an edge, the upper side and/or the edge of the metal disc being welded to the support element by a continuous second weld seam which has a second root, the first root and the second root coming together.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc runs horizontally.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc is welded to the support element without overlapping the support element.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc has an outer diameter which substantially corresponds to an inner diameter of the support element.

5. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element has, in cross section, a first side which runs substantially parallel to the container wall, the support element also having, in cross section, a second side which runs orthogonally to the container wall and runs substantially parallel to the metal disc, the support element having, in cross section, substantially the shape of a rectangle.

6. A container as claimed claim 1, wherein the support element has, in cross section, at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section running at right angles to one another, and wherein the support element is connected to the upper end region of the container wall such that the first section of the support element runs substantially parallel to the container wall and is fixed on the container wall and the second section of the support element runs substantially parallel to the metal disc.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the metal disc is welded to a transitional region between the first section and the second section of the support element by of the first weld seam and/or the second weld seam.

8. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element has a cross-sectional profile which is either a U-profile or an angle profile.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the support element is a U-profile which is arranged such that, when viewed in cross section, an end of the first section of the support member which faces away from the second section of the support member is adjoined by a third section of the support member, the third section running substantially parallel to the second section.

10. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element is connected to the upper end region of the container wall by material bonding and/or by nonpositive engagement.

11. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first root of the first weld seam and the second root of the second weld seam merge into one another.

12. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc thin and flexible.

13. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc is configured in such a way that the metal disc (6) can be rolled up to form a roll and can be rolled out again in order to cover the upper end (2b) of the container wall.

14. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc is tensioned radially before being welded.

15. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc has a thickness of 0.5 to 4.0 mm.

16. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal disc is formed from a plurality of metal strips plates which are welded to one another.

17. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container wall is a circular cylinder.

18. the container wall is formed from helically bent sheet-metal webs.

19. A method for producing a container having a container base, a container cover and a circumferential container wall which forms a receiving space, the container wall having an upper end which is closed by the container cover, said method comprising the steps of: fixing an annularly encircling support element on an upper end region of the container wall; forming the container cover as a metal disc; spanning the upper end of the container wall with the metal disc in a self-supporting manner, and closing the upper end by (a) welding a circumferential gap in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous first weld seam, the circumferential gap being located between (i) a lower side of the metal disc, the lower side facing the receiving space, and (ii) the support element and/or the upper end region of the container wall, and by (b) welding the support element, by means of a continuous second weld seam, to the upper side of the metal disc and/or to an upper edge of the metal disc, the first weld seam having a first root, the second weld seam having a second root, the first root and the second root being merged into one another.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the metal disc is welded to the support element without the disc overlapping the support element.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the support element is connected to the upper end region of the container wall by material bonding and/or by nonpositive engagement.

22. (canceled)

23. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the metal disc is a thin and flexible metal disc.

24. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the metal disc is rolled up to form a roll and is rolled out again, tensioned and welded in order to close the upper end of the container wall.

25. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the support element is a U-profile which is arranged such that, when viewed in cross section, an end of the second section of the support member which faces away from the first section of the support member is adjoined by a third section of the support member, the third section running substantially parallel to the first section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a large container according to the invention;

[0107] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a large container according to the invention;

[0108] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of detail III of FIG. 2 in a first embodiment;

[0109] FIG. 4a shows a schematic illustration of section III of FIG. 2 in a second embodiment;

[0110] FIG. 4b shows a schematic illustration of detail III of FIG. 2 in a third embodiment;

[0111] FIG. 4c shows a schematic illustration of detail III of FIG. 2 in a fourth embodiment;

[0112] FIG. 5a shows a schematic illustration of section III of FIG. 2 in a fifth embodiment; and

[0113] FIG. 5b shows a schematic illustration of detail III of FIG. 2 in a sixth embodiment;

[0114] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of the method for mounting the metal disc in such a way that it spans the upper, open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner; and

[0115] FIG. 7 shows another schematic illustration of a detail of an upper region of a large container according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0116] Large containers and methods for producing a large container are known in principle from the prior art, for which reason only the features which are essential for the invention are described in more detail below.

[0117] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a large container which is suitable particularly as a drinking-water container, as a food container or as a container for pharmaceutical products.

[0118] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the large container shown schematically in FIG. 1.

[0119] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the large container has a container base 1 and a circumferential container wall 2, which forms a receiving space 3 for the medium to be received. The medium to be received may, in principle, be a liquid, gaseous or solid medium.

[0120] The large container shown in the exemplary embodiment is suitable in a particularly advantageous way for solid and liquid media.

[0121] The large container shown in the exemplary embodiment is a drinking-water container, but the invention and the exemplary embodiment are not to be understood as being limited to this.

[0122] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the container base 1 is arranged on a foundation 4. The foundation 4 can be, for example, a foundation made of steel-reinforced concrete. The container base 1 can preferably be produced from metal, in particular from steel. In the exemplary embodiment, production from stainless steel is envisaged.

[0123] The container wall 2 can be produced from concrete or steel-reinforced concrete. The container wall 2 can preferably be produced from metal, in particular steel. In the exemplary embodiment, the container wall is made of stainless steel.

[0124] In the exemplary embodiment, the container wall 2 is formed by helically bent sheet-metal webs 20 of stainless steel. It is preferable if the container wall 2 is produced by what is referred to as an endless strip method. The stainless steel webs or stainless steel strips used for this purpose are pre-profiled and welded together spirally on the inner side and on the outer side. In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made for the two weld seams to meet, with the result that a double weld with joined roots is formed. The sheet-metal webs 20 have integrally formed circumferential reinforcing ribs 5, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 1. As an option, however, the container wall 2 can also be designed to be smooth on the outer side (with the exception of any weld seams) or in some other way; this is not of essential importance within the scope of the invention. In principle, the container wall 2 can be produced in any desired manner, for example also in stages from individual sections. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner side of the container wall 2 is of edgeless design.

[0125] The container base 1 is preferably welded to a lower end 2a of the container wall 2.

[0126] As can furthermore be seen from FIGS. 1 to 6, an upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2 is closed by a container cover 6. In this case, the container cover 6 has at least a diameter of three meters (3 m).

[0127] In the exemplary embodiment, it is envisaged that the large container has a diameter of three meters to fifty meters (3 to 50 m), preferably five meters to forty meters (5 to 40 m), and therefore the container cover 6 also has a corresponding diameter. In the exemplary embodiment, it is furthermore envisaged that the receiving space 3 of the large container has a volume of from forty cubic meters to fifty thousand cubic meters (40 to 50,000 m.sup.3), preferably a volume of from one hundred cubic meters to ten thousand cubic meters (100 to 10,000 m.sup.3) in an embodiment as a drinking-water container.

[0128] The container wall 2 is preferably designed as a cylinder, in particular as a circular cylinder, as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0129] As can be seen, in particular, from FIGS. 3 to 5, an annularly encircling support element 7 is fixed on an upper end region of the container wall 2, in the exemplary embodiment on the upper end 2b of the container wall 2.

[0130] According to the invention, the container cover 6 in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a metal disc which spans the upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2 in a self-supporting manner. The metal disc 6 closes the upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2 in that a lower side 6a of the metal disc 6, which side faces the receiving space 3, is welded in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner to the support element 7 (compare FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5a) and/or to the upper end region of the container wall 2 (compare FIG. 5b) by means of a continuous first weld seam 8. In particular, provision can be made for a circumferential edge 6b of the metal disc 6 to be appropriately welded to the support element 7 and/or to the end region of the container wall 2 (compare in particular FIGS. 3, 4a and 5a).

[0131] In addition, the circumferential edge 6b and/or an upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 can be welded to the support element 7 by means of a continuous second weld seam 9, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b and 5a. As an alternative or in addition to a second weld seam 9, however, provision can also be made, for example, for the metal disc 6 to be additionally adhesively bonded, riveted or screwed to the support element 7. Purely by way of example and schematically, a screw 90 is indicated in this regard in FIG. 4c.

[0132] As can be seen from the figures, the metal disc 6 is arranged in such a way that it spans the upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2 while running horizontally. However, provision can also be made for the metal disc 6 to be designed to be curved, for example to be designed to be curved inward or outward. FIG. 1 shows three variants for the profile of the metal disc 6 by way of example in dashed lines.

[0133] Particularly in the case of the outwardly curved metal disc 6, but, where appropriate, also in the case of the horizontal or inwardly curved metal disc 6, a stabilizing means can optionally be provided (likewise shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1) in order to bring about bracing or stabilization of the metal disc 6, Nevertheless, the metal disc 6 can be self-supporting in the sense according to the invention.

[0134] Provision is preferably made for the metal disc 6 to be welded to the support element 7 without overlapping, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2, 3, 4a and 5a. In these exemplary embodiments, the outer diameter of the metal disc 6 substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the support element 7. However, provision can also be made for the metal disc 6 to overlap the support element 7. Depending on the fastening technique, overlapping of the support element 7 can be advantageous, for example if, in addition to the first weld seam 8, an adhesive connection, riveted connection or screw connection is provided. By way of example, FIGS. 4b, 4c and 5b show exemplary embodiments of the invention with metal discs 6 that overlap the support element 7.

[0135] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 to 5b, the support element 7 has, in cross section, at least two sections running at right angles to one another.

[0136] The support element 7 can be connected to the upper end region, in the exemplary embodiment the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, in such a way that a first section 7a of the support element 7 runs substantially parallel to the container wall 2 and is fixed on the container wall 2, and a second section 7b of the support element 7 runs substantially parallel to the metal disc 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5a. In the exemplary embodiments mentioned, the annular support element 7 is welded to the upper end region of the container wall 2, or directly to the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, by means of a weld seam 10. The support element 7 thus extends the container wall 2 upward at the upper end 2b.

[0137] However, the support element 7 can also be secured on an outer side of the container wall 2, for example in such a way that the support element 7 preferably terminates at the same height as (but possibly also higher or lower than) the container wall 2. The support element 7 can thus form a collar in order to reinforce the container wall 2, for example as illustrated in FIG. 5b.

[0138] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 to 5b, the metal disc 6 is welded substantially to a transitional region 70 between the first section 7a and the second section 7b of the support element 7 by means of the first weld seam 8 and/or the second weld seam 9. In this case, the transitional region 70 may preferably be an edge, in particular an outer edge, of the support element 7.

[0139] As is indicated schematically in FIGS. 3, 4a and 5a, the first weld seam 8 and the second weld seam 9 can be set in such a way that a root of the first weld seam 8 and a root of the second weld seam 9 come together or merge into one another, with the result that a double weld seam with joined roots is formed.

[0140] In FIGS. 3 to 4c, a design of the support element 7 is illustrated in cross section as a U-profile. In FIGS. 5a and 5b, a design of the support element 7 is illustrated in cross section as an angle profile.

[0141] In principle, further profile geometries can also be provided. The specific geometry is not a matter of absolutely essential importance within the scope of the invention, although the U-profile and the angle profile, in particular, have proven to be advantageous. In principle, the support element 7 can thus be present in a variety of forms if they are suitable for enabling gas-tight or liquid-tight welding of the support element 7 both to the container wall 2 and to the metal disc 6.

[0142] The U-profile can be welded in various orientations to the container wall 2 and the metal disc 6. Two particularly preferred orientations of the support element 7 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4a.

[0143] FIG. 3 shows an arrangement of the U-profile of the support element 7 in such a way that, when viewed in cross section, a third section 7c, which runs substantially parallel and at a distance from the first section 7a, adjoins that end of the second section 7b which faces away from the first section 7a.

[0144] FIGS. 4a-c show that the U-profile of the support element 7 is arranged in such a way that, when viewed in cross section, a third section 7c, which runs substantially parallel and at a distance from the second section 7b, adjoins that end of the first section 7a which faces away from the second section 7b.

[0145] In the exemplary embodiment, it is envisaged that, when viewed in a plan view, the metal disc 6 is designed as a circular disc since, when viewed in cross section, the container wall 2 is also designed as a circular ring. In principle, the metal disc 6 can have any desired shape. The shape of the metal disc 6 is selected in such a way that it is suitable for spanning the upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2 in a self-supporting manner and for closing it in that an edge 6b of the metal disc 6 is welded to the support element 7 by means of the two weld seams 8, 9.

[0146] The metal disc 6 being designed in such a way that it has the shape of a circular disc is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0147] In the exemplary embodiment, the metal disc 6 is designed as a thin and flexible metal surface. Such thin and flexible metal surfaces are also referred to as diaphragm covers in the prior art.

[0148] The metal disc 6 is configured in such a way that, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the metal disc 6 can preferably be rolled up to form a roll. In order to use the metal disc 6 as a flat cover for covering the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, the metal disc 6 is then preferably unrolled again at the construction site. This is preferably done by rolling out the metal disc 6 on the upper side of the container and welding it to the annular support element 7.

[0149] In a manner not shown in detail, provision can be made for the metal disc 6 to be tensioned in order to remove creases or to smooth the metal disc 6 before the metal disc 6 is welded to the support element 7.

[0150] In the exemplary embodiment, the metal disc 6 has a thickness of zero point five millimeters to four point zero millimeters (0.5 to 4.0 mm), preferably zero point five millimeters to three point zero millimeters (0.5 to 3.0 mm), more preferably zero point five millimeters to two point five millimeters (0.5 to 2.5 mm), more preferably zero point eight millimeters to two point five millimeters (0.8 to 2.5 mm), even more preferably one point zero millimeters to two point zero millimeters (1.0 mm to 2.0 mm) for example 1.5 mm.

[0151] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, the metal disc 6 is formed from a plurality of metal strips 60 or plates which are welded to one another and preferably run parallel to one another. Production in this way makes it possible to produce the metal disc 6 at low cost and individually in the desired shape or the desired diameter.

[0152] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 shows another advantageous embodiment of the support element 7 in cross section. In this case, the support element 7 has, in cross section, a first side 701 which runs substantially parallel to the container wall 2. The support element 7 furthermore has a side 702 which runs orthogonally thereto and which runs substantially parallel to the metal disc 6.

[0153] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the support element 7 has substantially the shape of a rectangle in cross section. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the support element 7 is a rectangle in cross section.

[0154] It has also proven advantageous if the support element 7 has substantially the shape of a triangle in cross section or is a triangle in cross section.

[0155] The support element 7 according to FIG. 7 can be connected to the metal disc 6 or the container wall 2 in the manner already described with reference to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 to 5b. It is particularly advantageous if the support element 7 illustrated in FIG. 7 is welded by means of a continuous first weld seam 8 and by means of a continuous second weld seam 9, wherein the first weld seam 8 preferably welds a lower side 6a of the metal disc 6 to the support element 7 and the second weld seam 9 preferably welds an upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 to the support element 7. The weld seams 8, 9 are preferably set in such a way that a root of the first weld seam 8 and a root of the second weld seam 9 come together or merge into one another.

[0156] In FIG. 7, the support element 7 is preferably formed by a plurality of annular segments, which are connected to one another in such a way that the support element 7 according to the invention, which runs around in the form of a ring, is formed. The individual annular segments can preferably be connected to one another by adhesive bonding, riveting, screwing or welding.

[0157] Formation of the circumferential support element 7 by a plurality of annular segments is also suitable for the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 to 5b.

[0158] The support element 7 illustrated in FIG. 7 is preferably designed as an annular plate or formed by annular plate segments.

[0159] The support element 7 shown in FIG. 7 preferably has a height or thickness of ten millimeters to thirty millimeters (10 to 30 mm). Here, the thickness corresponds to the extent of the support element 7 along the first side 701.

[0160] The support element 7 illustrated in FIG. 7 furthermore has a width, i.e. an extent, starting from the side which adjoins the container wall 2 or extends it, in a direction orthogonal to the container wall 2 and thus along the second side 702, which is preferably one hundred millimeters to seven hundred millimeters (100 to 700 mm), in particular one hundred millimeters to six hundred millimeters (100 to 600 mm), particularly preferably three hundred millimeters to six hundred millimeters (300 to 600 mm).

[0161] The above description also serves to explain an exemplary embodiment for the method according to the invention. Placement of the metal disc 6 on the upper, open end 2b of the container wall 2, during which the metal disc 6 is initially present as a roll and is then unwound or unrolled, is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0162] Welding of the metal disc 6 to the support element 7 and/or to the upper end region of the container wall 2 can preferably be accomplished in that, first, a circumferential gap between the lower side 6a of the metal disc 6, which side faces the receiving space 3, and the support element 7 and/or the upper end region of the container wall 2 is welded (first weld seam 8). In addition, the upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 and/or its circumferential edge 6b can then be welded to the support element 7 by means of the continuous second weld 9. Welding is preferably carried out in such a way that a double weld with joined roots is obtained.

[0163] An advantageous method according to the invention for producing a large container can preferably comprise the following steps: [0164] preparation of the foundation 4 on which the container base 1 is placed. The container base 1 can in this case be formed from a plurality of metal strips, which are welded together. [0165] creation of the container wall 2. Here, the container wall 2 can preferably be formed by the helically bent sheet-metal webs 20, it being possible to use the endless strip method. [0166] welding of the support element 7 to the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, preferably when the container wall 2 has reached a height of 1 to 4 m, preferably 2 to three meters (3 m). [0167] rolling out the metal disc 6, wherein the metal disc 6 is preferably produced from metal strips 60 welded together. [0168] welding of the metal disc 6 by means of the first weld seam 8 and additionally by means of the second weld seam 9 to the support element 7 and/or to the upper end region of the container wall 2 (as described), preferably in such a way that a double weld joined at the roots is obtained. [0169] optionally setting a second weld seam 9 in such a way that the root of the second weld seam 9 comes together with the root of the first weld seam 8, which is set from below.

[0170] In the exemplary embodiment, provision can be made finally for a bitumen layer or the like to be applied to the upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 and for this layer to be weighed down with gravel or the like.

[0171] The metal disc 6, the container wall 2, the support element 7 and the container base 1 are preferably formed from the same material, preferably a weldable material, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel. In principle, any desired weldable material combinations can be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, it is envisaged that high-alloy, austenitic and ferritic-austenitic stainless steels, preferably with the material numbers 1.4404, 1.4571, 1.4162 or 1.4462, are used as the material.

[0172] While the invention has been described with reference to various preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or application of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed but rather, that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the Doctrine of Equivalents.