CN103998356A - lock components - Google Patents

Abstract

The locking assembly (1) comprises a base (2) and a pair of arms (4) extending longitudinally from the base in opposite directions. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being engageable with the base and the distal end being remote from the base. The distal end of the arm has a locking device (10) which is movable relative to the base and is adapted to engage with a slot (20) of an object (22) to lock the object to the assembly.

Description

lock components

technical field

The present invention relates to locking assemblies, and more particularly to locking assemblies for use with marine containers to assist in container loading, unloading, and transportation. Devices and procedures for moving containers using the locking assembly are also discussed.

Background technique

Containers are used all over the world to transport and store materials. Large containers, such as shipping containers, are usually transported through ports and moved overland by trucks or rail. Most containers contain generally rectangular shells (ISO corner castings) on each corner of the container. These housings typically have holes in the bottom or top wall and the various side walls. In other words, the holes are on each surface facing away from the container. Typically, the holes in the side walls can support about 300kN, while the bottom and top holes can only support about 150kN. Typically, when shipping containers, the containers are shipped by connecting to either the bottom hole or the top hole and the containers are connected by the weakest hole accordingly.

Lifting two or more containers at the same time is called vertical tandem lift. This is limited to a maximum weight of 20 tons and can only be used for containers on the ship's deck. In practice, it is limited to two empty containers, or sometimes three empty containers, or two very lightly loaded containers. The problem with this type of lifter is that the holes allocated for lifting are only rated at 150kN, and combined with consideration of the ability to securely attach all corners of the container, the actual load is limited to 75KN in some jurisdictions.

The use of vertical tandem lifts for lifting multiple containers has only minor application, to date in only about 1-2% of lifts worldwide. Because there is a possibility that if the receiving end is not as designed (e.g. availability of large lifts, changes in port, high winds, other mechanical failures...), the vertical tandem hoisting layout cannot be refitted and potentially the vessel must be forced to abandon loading and/or or unloading hazards, so vertical tandem lifts cannot be practically used below deck on grid design ships or those with above deck container guides. Reassembly of the locking arrangement is almost impossible as the guide completely covers the corner fitting used to prevent access, and even if the guide did not fully cover the corner fitting, there is no chance of inserting another lock into the guide middle.

Also, current accessories often have a cord or handle for operating the accessory. Such a rope/handle protrudes beyond the edge of the container, thus there is a risk of damage to the handle/rope or of interfering with the container in the guide below deck.

In addition, there is a constraint on multi-lifts because the strength of the joint between the connector and the corner shell of the container cannot be verified, with all connectors engaging the container resulting in providing two additional safety factors on top of the other , the total load available is reduced to well below 20 tons, which is not economically sustainable.

Standard inter-container connections are also rarely independently identifiable, and there are widespread questions about the adequacy of maintenance arrangements. It appears that the standard maintenance regime is "fix it" which is generally unacceptable in lifts and can result in worker injury and death. In addition, current inter-container connections are not designed for lifting (just locking two containers together on a vessel), which limits the capacity of the inter-container connection and the desire to be used for multi-container lifting .

Studies of the failure modes of fittings in containers have shown that the strength of the fitting/container joint is often limited by the ability of the container corners to withstand very high localized loads, especially at the edges of the joint holes. This has combined with the high loads caused by the restricted area of the interface between the container and the fitting, causing the fitting to break through the container corners and break the connection. Even in the absence of this failure mode, joint strength is limited by the structural strength of the fitting, which is often compromised by its inability to compensate for, for example, box corner castings and/or the absence of parallel faces in the fitting.

Even if a way is devised to successfully join containers into vertical stacks, there remains the problem of how to separate them into individual units at some point in the transport chain.

There is also the potential problem that stacking when lifting multiple containers may encounter a phenomenon known as "helicoptering", which makes it difficult to accurately and safely position the containers.

Therefore, there is a need to devise methods that can be used to lift containers of full capacity. The end (and/or side) holes can be used to carry some loads but are also designed to handle the container in a standard way, and to be strapped on the deck of the ship in a safe way. There is also a need to remove uncertainty about whether the fittings are properly engaged with the container.

purpose of invention

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Contents of the invention

This article first discloses a locking assembly, which includes:

base; and

a pair of arms extending longitudinally in opposite directions from the base,

wherein each arm has a proximal end engageable with the base and a distal end remote from the base,

Wherein said distal end of said arm has locking means movable relative to said base and adapted to engage a slot of an object to lock said object to said locking assembly.

Preferably, the base is generally rectangular in shape and defines a longitudinally extending base axis.

Preferably, said arm defines a longitudinally extending arm axis substantially perpendicular to said base axis.

Preferably, said locking means is rotatable about said arm axis.

Preferably, said locking means is movable parallel to said base axis.

Preferably, the locking means comprises a tab member which, in use, is seated in the groove of the object to lock the object to the locking assembly.

Preferably, said object is a sea container.

Preferably, the container includes one or more slots at one or more corners of the container.

Preferably, the tab members lock into grooves parallel to the side or end walls of the container.

Preferably, the tab member slides in a plane substantially parallel to the base axis to engage a slot of the container.

Preferably, said locking assembly includes means for moving said locking means relative to said base.

Preferably, said moving means is an actuator.

Preferably said actuator is operatively associated with said base.

Preferably, the arm is integrally formed.

Preferably said locking means comprises further means or a spring for engaging said locking means when inserted into a slot of an object.

Preferably said arm moves with said locking means relative to said base.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes means for locking the arm into the object such that unless the locking assembly is properly engaged with the object, the locked position cannot be achieved.

Preferably, the locking assembly is adapted to connect two objects together by engaging the locking means within corresponding slots of the objects.

Preferably, the locking assembly further comprises an electronic, mechanical or other means operatively associated with the locking assembly to determine the engagement of the locking means within the slot of the object.

Preferably, the locking assembly further comprises means for reducing the overall interface pressure on the corners of the container.

Preferably, the contact area is larger than conventional fittings.

Preferably, the locking assembly further comprises means for reducing localized stresses at the interface of the locking assembly and the box corner casting.

Preferably a soft shim element is used between the hook and the box corner to reduce local stress - the shim deforms to prevent the box corner from being penetrated.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes means for mechanically operating the accessory without the need for an external wire or handle on the accessory.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes means for quickly and securely connecting the fitting to the actuator.

Preferably, the locking assembly comprises means for actuating the accessory, by means of which the accessory provides "feedback" on its current state, in particular whether it has been successfully locked or unlocked, to the actuation system and to the operator.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes an electronic and/or mechanical interlock such that the container lift (spreader) cannot be lifted unless all four fittings have been successfully locked/unlocked and the fitting below (if present) is unlocked.

Preferably, interlocking eliminates the need for a 50% reduction in load factor.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes an external actuator operable to operate the accessory when the accessory is out of reach of an operator in the stack.

Preferably, the locking assembly allows arbitrary locking and unlocking of the container on board the ship or in the yard.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes a stabilizing form for the spreader and/or container to reduce the likelihood of them encountering a "helicopter" situation.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes an actuator which positively locks the accessory in a locked or unlocked position and also provides means for automatic attachment of the accessory to the container by use of a spring.

Preferably, the locking assembly includes means for remotely identifying the accessory, and thus the operational and maintenance status of the accessory.

Description of drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the locking assembly of the present invention in a retracted configuration;

Figure 2 is the locking assembly of Figure 1 in an expanded configuration;

Figure 3 is a front view of the locking assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the locking assembly of Figure 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking assembly of Fig. 1;

Figure 6 is a side view of the locking assembly of Figure 1;

Fig. 7 is a top view of the locking assembly of Fig. 1;

Figure 8 is a side view of the locking assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an alternative embodiment of the locking assembly of the present invention;

Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of the locking assembly of the present invention;

Figures 11a, 11b and 11c illustrate the locking assembly of the present invention, wherein the locking means rotate and move;

Figures 12a, 12b and 12c illustrate the locking assembly of the present invention, wherein the locking means rotate and move;

Fig. 13 is an example of using the locking device of the present invention to load a plurality of containers on board;

Figure 14 is an example of loading multiple containers on a ship using the locking device of the present invention; and

Figures 15a to 15e show an example of the locking device of the present invention in use;

Figures 16a to 16e show an example of the locking device of the present invention in use;

Figure 17 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed ways

Depicted schematically herein and best shown in FIGS. The direction extends vertically. Each arm 4 has a proximal end 5 engageable with the base 2 and a distal end 6 remote from the base 2 . The arms 4 are generally coupled to each other and effectively pass the base 2 without any force being transmitted thereto. The distal end 6 of the arm 4 has a locking means or head 10 which is movable relative to the base 2 and adapted to engage a slot 20 of the object 22 to lock the object 22 to the assembly 1 . In a preferred form, the base 2 is generally rectangular in shape and defines a longitudinally extending base axis or plane AA. Similarly, the arm 4 defines a longitudinally extending arm axis BB that is substantially perpendicular to the base axis AA. Locking device 10 is generally rotatable about arm axis BB, and is also movable parallel to base axis AA, so that locking device 10 can be positioned to engage slot 20 of an object (eg, container 21 , etc.). The locking device 10 comprises a tab member 30 to be seated in the slot 20 of the container 21 in use to lock the container 21 to the assembly 1 . As best shown in FIG. 12 , a sea container 21 typically includes one or more slots 20 located at one or more corner shells 50 of the container 21 . The slots 20 on the sides and ends of the shell 50 are capable of carrying more weight than the slots on the bottom facing away from the container 21 . The tab members 30 preferably lock into the slots 20 parallel to the side or end walls of the container 21 . The tab member 30 is slidable in a plane parallel to the base axis AA to engage with each slot 20 of the container 21 . Assembly 1 also comprises means 40 for moving locking means 10 relative to base 2 . In a preferred form, the mobile device 40 includes an actuator 40 (as clearly shown in FIGS. 15a-15e , 16a-16e and 17 ) . It should be noted, however, that any typical type of actuator 40 or movement device may be utilized. In a preferred form, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the arm 4 is integrally formed together and moves with the locking means 10 relative to the base 2 . With the present invention, the locking assembly 1 is adapted to connect two containers 21 together by engaging the locking means 10 in corresponding slots 20 of the containers 21 . In a variation, and as best shown in Figure 10, a latch element 61 may be included to transfer loads between containers.

The base 2 is used to house the handle or arm 4 and the actuator assembly 40 . The base 2 also resists shear and compression forces between adjacent containers 21 . Furthermore, the base 2 is shaped to facilitate operation of the actuation mechanism by allowing the actuator 40 to be attached to the base 2, thereby reducing the force applied to the actuator during operation.

The actuator 40 is designed to transmit force from an external source (manual or machine) to rotate the head 30 for insertion or removal, and to translate the arm 4 along the base 2 to align the head 30 with the end as required. /side hole 20 engagement. The present invention uses a stabilizer (eg gyroscope) arrangement to prevent or reduce sway when unloading the container 21 in windy conditions.

Thus, the assembly 1 comprises a load carrying assembly consisting of two locking heads 10 attached to the handle or arm 4 . The locking assembly 1 engages with the container corner housing 50 to transmit force therebetween. This force may be generated by the movement of the vehicle on which the containers 21 are loaded, or may be a force generated by lifting one or more containers 21 together with another container 21 . The locking assembly 1 is able to rotate or translate within the corner housing 50 of an existing container 21 to engage the end (or side) aperture 20 . The locking head 10 is designed to move and spread the applied load and balance the forces on the shank or arm 4 to prevent excessive bending moments.

The assembly 1 allows more load to be carried on the corner fitting housing 50 than prior arrangements, and also greatly expands the ability to lift multiple containers 21 simultaneously. The assembly 1 also allows use below deck, on deck, and working with full and/or empty containers 21 .

The assembly 1 can also be operated by automated machinery or manually. Clusters of actuating devices 40 may be included. The core actuator 40 can take many different configurations depending on the application. Of these there are two main types: machines capable of reassembling a stack of containers 21 that already have components 1 inserted, and those machines that also insert or remove components 1 . These machines (not shown) are designed to move assemblies 1 of containers 21 away from the transfer area.

The component 1 may include a "smart label" or similar identification technology to track the use of the component 1 and its loading history for safekeeping.

Used for the ability to safely host multiple containers in a "Safe Loading Unit" (SLU, not shown) - slightly modified to allow it to host an SLU but increase throughput per machine. Examples of this include: on-board unbundling platforms that allow fast lashing/unbundling and remove potentially unpleasant and dangerous workplaces for workers. A lower and wider large trailer (bombcart) capable of carrying one or more SLUs. Add simple load constraints to the straddle to stabilize the load when carrying the SLU. Optional spreader design (standard spreader but with locking assembly capable of safely lifting larger loads1). A significantly modified automated guided vehicle (AGV, not shown) is capable of carrying the SLU, and a further modification allows disconnection of the crane/AGV cycle to reduce the amount of capital required. A simple storage rack allows the SLU with assembly 1 to be on the road without a machine, either during a swap sequence or during SLU assembly or disassembly.

The assembly 1 utilizes untapped capabilities in the box corner fitting housing 50, thereby greatly increasing the load capacity of the assembly 1 . This works in two main ways: the contact area is larger than standard locks, the lock 10 is pulled across the bottom/top of the box corner fitting housing 50 and the threshold load for failure is increased. The assembly 1 engages one or more side holes 20 of an ISO fitting housing 50 which are rated to twice the load of the bottom/top holes. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the locking assembly 1 may rely on the use of fully loaded box corner fittings 50 .

As mentioned above, the high load hole 20 is reserved for other strapping equipment. To overcome this problem, the assembly 1 is designed to be retracted from the reserved area when there is no need to create a safe lifting unit, i.e. the use of the hole 20 is justified during lifting of multiple containers, but when other strapping equipment is required (eg on deck) the head 30 is removed and fully received. By removing this constraint, assembly 1 allows the operator to optimize the load of the crane and also make it possible to develop higher capacity cranes in the future. As noted above, in an alternative embodiment, the locking assembly 1 may rely on the use of a fully loaded box corner fitting 50 .

The assembly 1 has been designed to allow rapid reassembly on site and thus the vessel can be loaded at origin in eg four SLUs and unloaded in a single container 21 at port. Depending on the weight distribution of the constituent container 21, the capacity of the cranes, the capacity of the port equipment and the future destination of the container 21 (e.g. the SLU will be transshipped in a double arrangement on a train, etc.), weather conditions, etc., the actual size of the SLU will vary. Variety.

Assembly 1 also allows for under-deck refitting. The locking assembly 1 can be operated "between the guides" from the end of the container 21 or from the side so that the guides do not prevent access. When equipping the entire load with kit 1, there is no need to insert additional fittings into the stack.

The assembly 1 has been designed together with the actuating machine. The actuator 40 is small and light so that it can be deployed between stacks of containers 21 on a vessel (including 20 foot containers stored in 40 foot units). This allows 20 foot containers to be properly restrained below deck and removes the small but significant stacking height limitation both above and below deck. Thereby the loading flexibility of the ship will be increased and in some cases the total potential load of the ship will be increased.

In a preferred form, as best shown in Figures 15a-15e, the actuator 40 is a simple linear drive with separate detent positions. The actuator 40 is accessible to the assembly 1 from either end of the base 2 to provide greater operational flexibility, and in particular to provide the ability to operate on containers 21 stored in guides or between 20 foot stacks of containers 21 ability to operate.

11a to 11c, 12a to 12c and 16a to 16l show that the head or locking device 30 can be controlled linearly via the handle or arm 4 by using the guide arm 60 for supporting the head 70. The interaction between the actuators 40 to rotate the method.

Using a strapping platform with modules 1 above deck will greatly speed up the unbaling process by reducing the number of modules 1 to be withdrawn. Only 4 components need to be withdrawn per SLU. By providing automatic or semi-automatic external actuators (not shown), the strapping platform can allow up to 6 stacks to be unbundled simultaneously.

There is also the opportunity to deploy the unmanned actuator 40 onto the stack without strapping bars. While a quay crane is required to move the equipment to the new stack, this will greatly reduce loading times and "non-revenue" movements, and will reduce the overall time spent in port by lashing activities.

Another advantage is that by using a strapping platform it is possible to develop longer strapping bars. This will further reduce the load constraints of the vessel and potentially increase loading flexibility and potentially increase overall load.

Assembly 1 and actuator 40 (externally driven actuator) will be equipped with "smart tags" or similar technology. This enables tracking of the working life and service history of the component 1, thereby ensuring that time-based or condition-based maintenance is anticipated and overcoming the usual problems associated with twist-lock conditions in service.

A de-reconfigurator (not shown) can also be used in the same way as the actuator 40, but with the addition of functions for lifting and separating the two containers 21 in the stack, inserting or removing the assembly 1 ability. This allows the preparation of the SLU to be easily automated and also removed from the congestion of the crane (not shown), thereby keeping the crane working at full load and ensuring that the feed vehicles (spreaders, trailers, etc.) can proceed. The de-reconfigurer is placed on top of the stack or places itself above the stack of containers 21 (mobile version). Loading orders on ships have been set in stacking orders. Units drop from both sides of the stack and engage each pair of containers through the container's corner castings. Small hydraulic jacks (not shown) lift the container 21 , allowing a simple indexing mechanism to insert the assembly 1 into the upper container 21 . The upper container 21 is then lowered and the assembly 1 automatically engages the corner castings 50 . The actuator 40 then pushes the assembly 1 into the locked position. Assembly 1 is disengaged and directed downwards to couple the next container 21 . Demolition is the inverse of this process. Assembly 1 thus allows loading and unloading from specially made sockets, allowing the machine to safely handle a large number of accessories without human intervention. Alternatively, there is another version for simply unlocking the containers 21 in the stack, leaving the assembly 1 at the bottom of each container 21 . The assembly 1 is removed after this process - near the door of the vehicle or at another destination where the assembly 1 is used to attach the container 21 to the vehicle without the need for an exiting drive.

Figures 15a to 15e and Figures 16a to 16l show an example of how the actuator 40 of the assembly 1 provides four working states. The actual physical arrangement of the components is variable, for example a clutch could be added to prevent over tightening.

At I1, it can be observed that the nut 200 has reached the end cap 202 (position E) and cannot move further. It can be moved away from the end cap and kept spring loaded if desired. This moves the arm on the handle 26 to maximum travel and moves the head 10 to the I1 position (see Figures 16a to 16l).

In the I1 position, the upper head 10 is aligned with the long side of the box corner casting hole. In this position the fitting is retracted from the upper container 21 . In a preferred method, this position is achieved by applying an external force to the head 108 or by operating the actuator 40 into this position and thereby locking it in place. In this position the head of the lower part is slightly inclined (15 degrees) to the long axis of the hole, locking the assembly 1 in the lower container 21 . In other forms it may be about 12 to 20 degrees.

At I2, the nut 200 has moved to position D. The bracket 210 (and thus the handle 206 ) can be moved further by placing the nut 200 in position E using the actuator 40 or by applying an external force to the head 10 to bring the head 10 against the spring 212 to the I1 position.

At I2, the position is where the lower head 10 is aligned with the long side of the box corner casting hole. In this position, the assembly 1 can be withdrawn from the lower container 21 . In a preferred method, this position can be achieved by applying an external force to the head 10 or by operating the actuator 40 into this position and thereby locking it in place or holding it in place against the spring 212 (depending on the version) . In this position, however, the upper head 10 is at 15 degrees to the long axis of the hole, thereby locking the assembly 1 in the upper container 21 . This is useful for automatic insertion of the assembly 1 by placing the container 21 onto the assembly at this position will allow its automatic connection to the container 21 .

At TL, two positions are shown in this mode. In both positions the nut 200 is in position C. In the upper figure, the assembly 1 is at rest, wherein no external force is applied to rotate the head 10 . This corresponds to the fact that the head 10 has been inserted into the box corner casting 50 as it occurs on a ship. In the lower figure, it can be seen that the external force (by pushing the head 10 directly into the bracket 210 ) against the spring 212 moves the bracket 210 to the same position as I2. The difference is that the bracket 210 will return to the rest position when the external force is removed.

At the TL or twistlock position, this position turns the heads 10 to a position where they can withstand the lashing load (eg on a ship). This position is also configured to allow movement of the head 10 and return of the spring 212 when the container 21 is pushed into the assembly 1 from above or below. The location is similar to a traditional twist lock. The purpose of this is to allow regular loading of the vessel (one at a time) without the need to move the assembly 1 to the Safelok ^TM location (SL).

At SL (Safelok ^™ position), the upper figure shows an arrangement where the bracket 210 (and thus the head 10) remains aligned with the Safelok ^™ position, but the spring 212 only holds the head 10 in this position. Nut 200 is in position A.

In the lower figure, the nut 200 is now in position B. In this position, there is the potential for little or no movement because the bracket 210 has been forced into a physical stop (shown as a triangle). The head 10 cannot be moved without moving the actuator 40 .

At SL (Safelok ^™ position), the head 10 is moved further in a circle. Here, the two heads 10 are placed slightly at 90 degrees to each side - which is the strongest position according to the loading assembly 1 . In this position, the actuator 40 is locked in place and cannot be moved unless deliberate action is taken to move the actuator 40 . In this position the assembly is a fail safe - failure of the spring 212 or mechanism will leave the assembly 1 in the safe position.

Advantageously, in embodiments, the locking assembly is configured to transfer its load to the container's groove via a relatively compliant/resilient surface. Deformation of this surface prevents excessive local loading such that the fitting penetrates the box corner casting or locally overloads the tab member.

In addition, means are provided for providing electronic or mechanical interlocking between fittings such that up to the four fittings used to carry the load are properly engaged and verified as being in the Safelok ^TM position and the four fittings below (if present) ) are properly engaged or disengaged before lifting occurs.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (19)

1. A locking assembly comprising: base; a pair of arms extending longitudinally in opposite directions from the base, wherein each arm has a proximal end engageable with the base and a distal end remote from the base, Wherein said distal end of said arm has locking means movable relative to said base and adapted to engage a slot of an object to lock said object to said locking assembly. 2. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is generally rectangular in shape and defines a longitudinally extending base axis. 3. The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the arm defines a longitudinally extending arm axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base axis. 4. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking means is rotatable about the arm axis. 5. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking means is movable parallel to the base axis. 6. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises a tab member which, in use, is seated in said slot of said object to lock said object to said lock components. 7. The locking assembly of claim 6, wherein the object is a sea container. 8. The locking assembly of claim 7, wherein the container includes one or more slots at one or more corners of the container. 9. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tab member locks into a groove parallel to a side or end wall of the container. 10. The lock assembly of claim 8, wherein the tab member slides in a plane generally parallel to the base axis to engage a slot of the container. 11. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the moving means is an actuator. 12. The lock assembly of claim 11, wherein the actuator is operatively associated with the base. 13. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the arms are integrally formed and movable together. 14. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking means includes a spring to engage the locking means when inserted into a slot of an object. 15. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the arm moves with the locking device relative to the base. 16. The locking assembly of claim 1 including means adapted to lock the arm into the object such that unless the locking assembly is properly engaged with the object, the locked position cannot be achieved. 17. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly is adapted to connect two objects together by engaging the locking means within corresponding slots of the objects. 18. The locking assembly of claim 1 including an actuator adapted to positively lock the assembly in a locked or unlocked position and further providing a mechanism adapted to cause the locking Assembly allows automatic attachment and detachment of the device from the object. 19. The locking assembly of claim 1 including means for remotely identifying said locking assembly.