Lifting attachment for lifting a container

Abstract

A lifting attachment for lifting one or more containers, the lifting attachment comprising a lifting attachment frame (3) and an arm (4) on each end of the lifting attachment frame (3), wherein the arm (4) comprises an upper locking mechanism (5) and a lower locking mechanism (6). Each arm (4) further comprises a pivotable extension (7) connected to an actuator (13), wherein a proximal end of the extension (7) comprises a pivot point (12) connecting the extension (7) to the arm (4), and a distal end of the extension (7) comprises a support portion (14), wherein in a rest position the distal ends of the extensions (7) are turned to move the support portions (14) towards each other, and in an operating position the distal ends of the extensions (7) are turned downwards to support a container from its side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting attachment for simultaneously lifting and transporting one or two containers, wherein the two containers have the same width. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, empty or partially loaded shipping containers were moved within the terminal area, for example, by lifting one container on top of another, and then lifting the container below to move both containers. This method of container handling was time-consuming because it required first setting down the two stacked containers, removing the top container, and then moving the bottom container. Furthermore, lifting a single container from the ground required that the upper container space of the attachment be empty.

[0003] In some solutions, a single container is attached to the lifting attachment from the longitudinal side of the two upper longitudinal corner castings using horizontal torsion locks or hooks, and the lower part of the container is supported on the fixed support structure of the lifting attachment.

[0004] One solution is to use the same lifting attachment to lift two containers, placing the second container on top of the first. Two horizontal twist locks or hooks are used on the upper longitudinal corner caster of the lower container to lift both containers simultaneously, and the upper container is secured with additional twist locks via other mechanisms. Using this system, both containers are moved simultaneously, which is the fastest way to handle two containers when picking them from a stack. Stacking refers to containers being arranged on top of each other, typically at a height of 6 to 8 containers.

[0005] Another solution is to move individual containers separately by gripping them from the top corners using vertical twist locks and supporting their lower parts on the fixed support structure of the lifting attachment. In some cases, this is the fastest way to move a single container, but it cannot lift two containers simultaneously.

[0006] Using the above solution, different lifting attachments are only optimized under certain lifting conditions, and the lifting attachments cannot easily change from lifting one container to lifting two containers when both containers are stably fixed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a space-saving and robust lifting attachment for using the same lifting attachment rather than several different lifting attachments to lift containers together or individually. This object is achieved by the arrangement characterized by the contents of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the following description, the invention will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are described,

[0009] Figures 1A to 1C A lifting attachment according to one embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows according to Figures 1A to 1C Rear view of the lifting attachment in the implementation scheme;

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows according to Figures 1A to 1C A side view of the lifting attachment in the implementation scheme;

[0012] Figure 4 It shows according to Figures 1A to 1C Another side view of the lifting attachment in the implementation scheme;

[0013] Figure 5 A closer view of the lower locking mechanism is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B A closer view of the extension of the implementation scheme. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figures 1A to 1C A lifting device comprising a cab 202 and a lifting attachment 2 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein... Figure 1A The lifting attachment 2 is shown using the upper locking mechanism 5 to lift the container. Figure 1B The lifting attachment 2 is shown using the lower locking mechanism 6 to lift the container, and Figure 1C The illustration shows the lifting attachment 2 using the lower locking mechanism 6 to lift both the upper and lower containers. In this document, the term "upper container" refers to the container lifted primarily above the lower locking mechanism 6, and the term "lower container" refers to the container lifted primarily below the lower locking mechanism 6.

[0016] The lifting attachment 2 can be connected to the lifting mast 1, which has a substantially vertical orientation. The orientation of the mast 1 can be adjustable, for example, by arranging the pivot joint 200 near the lower end of the mast 1 to connect the mast 1 to the machine, and further arranging the extension cylinder 201 on the upper level. The lifting attachment 2 can also be mounted, for example, at the end of a cantilever bracket instead of on the lifting mast 1.

[0017] Cargo containers are standardized, and each container has corner castings at each corner, resulting in a total of eight corner castings on each container. The corner castings are oval-shaped holes (such as...) on each visible surface. Figure 5 The corner castings are reinforced with elliptical holes 99, which are also standardized for lifting containers. Containers are lifted via the corner castings. Each corner casting has elliptical holes 99 on two vertical sides and one horizontal side of the container for lifting, allowing the container to be lifted by connecting a locking mechanism to the corner casting. A locking mechanism (referred to as a torsion lock) has a cross-section corresponding to the elliptical holes 99 in the corner casting and is locked by rotating the torsion lock 90° after it has been inserted into the elliptical holes 99 in the corner casting. The end of the torsion lock is tapered to allow self-alignment with the elliptical holes 99 in the corner casting.

[0018] The lifting attachment 2 is used to simultaneously or individually grab one or two empty or partially loaded containers and transport the containers, and to simultaneously or individually unload one or two containers using lifting devices such as lifting vehicles.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows according to Figures 1A to 1C Rear view of the lifting attachment 2 of the implementation scheme (viewed from the cab 202 side). Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows according to Figures 1A to 1C A side view of the lifting attachment 2 of the embodiment. The lifting attachment base 11 is arranged to move up and down along the lifting mast 1. The lifting attachment 2 includes the lifting attachment base 11, the lifting attachment frame 3, and arms 4 on each side of the lifting attachment frame 3. When viewed from the cab 202, one arm 4 is located on the left side of the lifting attachment 2 and the other arm 4 is located on the right side of the lifting attachment, and the distance between the arms 4 can be adjusted by sliding parts 3a, 3b to match the length of the container. Each arm 4 includes an upper locking mechanism 5 and a lower locking mechanism 6. An extension 7 is provided next to the lower locking mechanism 6.

[0020] The lifting attachment frame 3 is mounted to the lifting attachment base 11 in a substantially horizontal position. This mounting can be fixed or allow movement of the lifting attachment frame 3 relative to the base, as explained below. The lifting attachment 2 includes sliding members 3a and 3b that can support the arm 4 at relatively equal heights above the ground. The arm 4 is connected to the sliding members 3a and 3b in the lifting attachment frame 3. Viewed from the cab 202, the sliding member 3a is located on the left side, and the sliding member 3b is located on the right side. In some embodiments, viewed from the cab 202, the frame 3 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and / or move laterally.

[0021] Each arm 4 includes an upper locking mechanism 5 at its upper end and a lower locking mechanism 6 at its lower end. In this embodiment, the lock used to lock into the corner casting is a vertical or horizontal torsion lock 51; however, other types of locks may also be used. Typically, when the torsion lock 51 is inserted vertically (i.e., from the top of the container) into the corner casting, two torsion locks 51 are connected to the upper corner casting of the container closer to the cab 202. However, in some embodiments, the torsion lock 51 is inserted horizontally (i.e., from the side of the container) into the corner casting, which may be two corner castings from one longitudinal side of the container or one corner casting from each transverse side of the container.

[0022] The upper locking mechanism 5 may further include a lifting system 8 to adjust the vertical position of the torsion lock individually or simultaneously by extending the vertical distance between the lifting attachment frame 3 and the torsion lock 51. The lifting system 8 is needed to adjust the position of the torsion lock 51 and the corner casting to adjust the vertical position of the container relative to the lifting attachment 2, and also to raise and lower the upper container so that it can be lowered through the lower locking mechanism, and additionally to adjust the height of the two upper locking mechanisms 5 to handle containers of different heights. The two upper torsion locks 51 have their own lifting systems 8. For example, the lifting system 8 may include a telescopic boom.

[0023] The upper locking mechanism 5 may further include a free-moving portion that allows two torsion locks 51 to fall into corner castings at different heights from the ground when the container is tilted. Alternatively, when the lifting attachment 2 and the container to be grabbed are not aligned, one upper locking mechanism 5 may fall first, and the second upper locking mechanism 5 may fall within the tolerance of the free movement. When the two upper locking mechanisms 5 cannot fall onto the corner castings simultaneously, the lifting vehicle is tilted. The free-moving portion can move freely, for example, up and down by 10cm-30cm, which allows the upper torsion locks 51 to be lowered and raised together with the lifting attachment frame 3 when the lifting attachment frame 3 and the container are at different angles. Gravity keeps the free-moving portion downward, but when the two upper torsion locks 51 are lowered to the top of the tilted container, one torsion lock 51 will contact the container first, and the two torsion locks 51 can be lowered within the range of free movement until the two torsion locks 51 are ready to engage.

[0024] When one torsion lock 51 engages with its corresponding corner casting, the lifting attachment 2 can be lowered so that another torsion lock 51 engages with its corresponding corner casting. As the lifting attachment 2 is lowered to grip the upper corner casting of the container, both torsion locks 51 are lowered simultaneously with the lifting attachment 2. The first torsion lock 51 stops at its corresponding corner casting, and the lifting attachment 2 continues to lower against the second torsion lock 51. As the two torsion locks 51 move together with the lifting attachment frame 3, the first torsion lock 51 remains in its corresponding corner casting due to its free-moving portion, while the second torsion lock 51 continues to be lowered. The arm 4 may also include a protrusion 10 for lateral support of the upper container. The protrusion 10 is fixedly connected to the arm 4.

[0025] The lower locking mechanism 6 may include a twist lock 61 and a hook (similar to...) Figure 5 The hook 62 shown), and the rotatable locking mechanism (similar to) Figure 5 The rotating locking mechanism 63 shown is a combination of a hook and a rotating locking mechanism, or other locking elements that grip the container from the side. The lower locking mechanism 6 is used to grip the corner casting of the container from the side, such that the locking elements (twist lock, hook, rotating locking system) are horizontally pushed into the corner casting through the side opening of the container. Some specific embodiments are described below.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lower locking mechanism 6 includes a torsion lock 61 for gripping the container from the longitudinal side as viewed from the cab 202 by horizontally connecting the torsion lock 61 to the side of the corner casting of the lower container. The lower locking mechanism 6 may also include a free-moving portion as described above. In another embodiment, the torsion lock 61 is used to grip the container from the lateral side by inserting the torsion lock 61 through a vertical elliptical hole 99 in the corner casting. The lower locking mechanism 6 may also include a free-moving portion as described above, as well as vertical free movement as described with respect to the upper locking mechanism 5.

[0027] In another specific implementation, the lower locking mechanism 6 may consist only of a hook (similar to...) Figure 5 (Hook 62 shown). The hook is arranged to insert into a corner casting on the longitudinal side of the lower container. The hook can retract into the lower locking mechanism 6 when in the rest position and extend when in the operating position. When retracted, the hook will not obstruct the path of the upper container when it is lowered.

[0028] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figures 1A to 1CAnother side view of the lifting attachment in the embodiment. In this specific embodiment, the lower locking mechanism 6 includes two torsion locks 61 located above each other, referred to herein as a first lower torsion lock 61a and a second lower torsion lock 61b. The lower torsion locks 61 can be arranged to grip the container from either the longitudinal or transverse side, and can be two corner castings from one longitudinal side of the container or one corner casting from each transverse side of the container.

[0029] The lower torsion lock 61 can be arranged to retract into the lower locking mechanism 6. The first lower torsion lock 61a retracts into the lower locking mechanism 6 when in the rest position and extends when in the operating position. When retracted, the first lower torsion lock 61a or both lower torsion locks 61 will not obstruct the path of the upper container when it is lowered.

[0030] As an alternative to retracting the lower twist lock 61, the lower locking mechanism 6 may include a mechanism (not shown) that allows the first lower twist lock 61a or both lower twist locks 61 to move laterally while the lower twist locks 61 do not obstruct the path of the upper container when it is lowered.

[0031] When the lower locking mechanism 6 includes two torsion locks 61, the first lower torsion lock 61a grips the bottom corner casting of the upper container, while the second lower torsion lock 61b grips the upper corner casting of the lower container. This facilitates securing two stacked containers and picking them up simultaneously, allowing only the lower locking mechanism 6 to grip the containers without requiring the upper locking mechanism 5. When picking up two containers, the first lower torsion lock 61a can be locked first, and the second lower torsion lock 61b can be released first when the containers are dropped. Two containers can also be stacked for picking, causing the first lower torsion lock 61a to retract and the second lower torsion lock 61b to engage the upper corner casting of the lower container and lift both containers while keeping the upper container balanced on top of the lower container. The lower torsion locks 61a and 61b can be controlled independently, allowing the first lower torsion lock 61a to have a longer horizontal movement to attach to the upper container and pull it back to align with the lower container.

[0032] This specific implementation, with its upper vertical twist lock 51, lower horizontal locking system 6, and extension 7, allows for a change in the container's locking method during pickup. This applies to all implementations featuring hooks or twist locks. For example... Figure 1CAs shown, this arrangement allows for the picking of two stacked containers without using the upper locking mechanism 5. First, the upper container is picked up using the upper torsion lock 51, and the lower container is picked up using the second lower torsion lock 61b. Then, the upper container is lowered via the upper torsion lock 51, causing it to land on top of the lower container, and the upper container is locked in place using the first lower torsion lock 61a from its bottom corner caster. In this way, the containers are stacked together for transport.

[0033] This arrangement also applies to the reverse situation, where containers can be lowered stacked together or individually. When lowering a container individually, the lower torsion lock 61 is released first when releasing the lower container, while the upper torsion lock 51 remains locked to the upper container. The upper container can then be released individually by lowering the lifting attachment 2 and releasing the upper torsion lock 51.

[0034] Figure 5 Another embodiment is shown, in which the lower locking mechanism 6 may include a rotatable mechanism 63 having an upper retainer 63a and a lower retainer 63b. The term "retainer" refers to a protrusion, rotatable locking system, or hook arranged to at least partially engage within an elliptical hole 99 in the corner casting of the container. The upper retainer 63a is arranged to insert into the lower corner casting on the lateral side of the upper container, and the lower retainer 63b is arranged to insert into the upper corner casting on the lateral side of the lower container. Both the upper retainer 63a and the lower retainer 63b are rotatable together about a vertical axis Y. In this context, the vertical axis Y is the straight line around which the retainers 63a, 63b rotate, which is substantially a parallel vertical line between the upper locking mechanism 5 and the lower locking mechanism 6. The upper retainer 63a and the lower retainer 63b may be fixedly connected or movable separately. When fixedly connected, the upper retainer 63a holds the weight of the lower container via the lower retainer 63b. The upper retainer 63a and lower retainer 63b can be manufactured from a single solid casting or welded together from multiple parts. Alternatively, the upper retainer 63a and lower retainer 63b can be two or more parts, assembled together or individually to the lower locking mechanism 6. The upper retainer 63a and lower retainer 63b can have common or separate hinges for rotation about the vertical axis Y. In some embodiments, the upper retainer 63a and lower retainer 63b can be controlled independently.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hook 62, including the hook arm 62a, may be positioned above, below, or at the same level as the rotatable mechanism 63. The hook arm 62a may be designed as a straight or curved portion with a curved end. Viewed from the cab 202, the hook 62 may be inserted into the lower corner casting on the longitudinal side of the upper container, while the rotatable mechanism 63 rotates the upper retainer 63a into the lower corner casting of the upper container and the lower retainer 63b into the upper corner casting of the lower container to lock the container from the lateral side. The weight of the lower container is borne by the rotatable mechanism 63 because the lower container is engaged by the lower retainer 63b and the extension 7 supports the lower container by bearing lateral forces.

[0036] Hook 62 prevents the upper container from falling during lifting or transport. Because the elliptical hole 99 in the corner casting is large enough to easily set a lock internally, the container might bounce and detach from hook 62. An upper retainer 63a rotates within the corner casting to prevent such bouncing. Retainers 63a and 63b can be positioned between hook 62 or hook arm 62a and the container structure, leaving no room for movement and preventing the container from bouncing and detaching from hook 62. The retainers can be positioned above or below the sides of hook 62 or hook arm 62a, such that the end of hook 62 horizontally secures the container, and hook 62 or hook arm 62a bears vertical forces and may bear some horizontal forces.

[0037] Viewed from the cab 202, hook 62 can optionally be inserted into the upper corner casting on the longitudinal side of the lower container. This allows the upper container to be lifted and moved onto top of the lower container. A rotatable locking system 63 can be used to lock the upper and lower containers together. Hook 62 or hook arm 62a can support the weight of both the lower and upper containers, and the rotatable locking system 63 can withstand horizontal forces on the containers and prevent them from falling. The lower retainer 63b ensures the container does not detach from hook 62, as previously described, and the upper retainer 63a prevents the upper container from sliding or moving laterally.

[0038] Hook 62 or hook arm 62a can retract into the lower locking mechanism 6 when in the rest position and extend when in the operating position. When retracted, hook 62 or hook arm 62a will not obstruct the path of the upper container when it is lowered. The movement of hook 62 and the rotatable locking mechanism can be achieved by electro-, hydraulic, or pneumatic means. In some embodiments, hook 62 or hook arm 62a can be replaced by a torsion lock.

[0039] The controls of hook 62, hook arm 62a, or rotatable locking system 63 with retainers 63a, 63b and / or other container engagement devices can be interlocked with the load weighing system and / or systems and devices that monitor the actual status and operation of the load engagement devices. Such interlocking devices may be necessary to ensure safe operation and to ensure the correct operating sequence of the system.

[0040] The hook 62, hook arm 62a, or rotatable locking system 63 with retainers 63a, 63b can be connected to a load sensor for sensing or measuring the load to determine whether the container weight is on the hook 62 or whether the container has fallen to the ground or onto top of another container. The load sensor can be an electrical sensor, such as, for example, a strain gauge. The hook 62 or hook arm 62a can be additionally connected to a position sensor to measure the position and state of the hook 62 or hook arm 62a. The position sensor can be, for example, an angle sensor, a limit switch, or an inductive or capacitive switch.

[0041] The sensor can be part of the automation system, enabling the hook or rotatable locking system to remain in place and prevent movement if the operator sitting in the cab 202 of the lift accidentally switches the control of the hook 62 or rotatable locking system 63 from the operating position to the stationary position. If the information from the load sensor indicates that the container has not yet fallen or has not fully landed on the ground or on top of another container, the hook 62 or rotatable locking system 63 will not release the container.

[0042] Information obtained from the sensors can be displayed to the operator, for example, using on / off lights or different colors. This indication can also be displayed at the lifting attachment 2. When the lifting attachment 2 carries the upper and lower containers respectively as described above, the weights of the upper and / or lower containers are recorded or measured, and the upper container can be placed on top of the lower container and locked by the lower locking mechanism 6.

[0043] Figure 2A , Figure 3A and Figure 4 The extension 7 is shown in a stationary position, and Figure 2B and Figure 3B The extension 7 is shown in the operating position. This should not be confused with the rest and operating positions of the hook 62 or the lower twist lock 61, as the extension 7 can be operated independently of the hook 62 or the twist lock 61. The extension 7 allows the upper container to be moved in the upper locking mechanism 5 such that when the extension 7 is in the rest position, the upper container can be lowered to the ground as the lifting attachment 2 moves vertically downward, such that the bottom of the container is subsequently lower than the lowest part of the extension 7.

[0044] The extension 7 is attached to the arm 4 via a pivot point 12 located above or below the lower locking mechanism 6, although in some embodiments, the pivot point 12 may be located adjacent to the lower locking mechanism 6. The extension 7 moves from a rest position to an operating position about the pivot point 12. An actuator 13 connected to the extension 7 uses, for example, a telescopic arm to move the extension 7 relative to the pivot point 12. One end of the actuator 13 may be fixedly or hingedly connected to one side of the extension 7, wherein, in the rest position, said side faces the vertical axis of the lifting attachment 2, and the other end may be fixedly or hingedly connected to the arm 4. The actuator 13 is connected to the control system of the lifting attachment 2 and can be actuated by hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or mechanical means. The extension 7 can also be moved by other means, for example, by arranging gear-like mechanisms at the pivot point 12.

[0045] Figure 6 It shows that according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B A closer view of extension 7 of the embodiment. Extension 7 is arranged to provide lateral support for the lower container and thereby prevent the container from tilting. Extension 7 includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a pivot point 12 connecting extension 7 to arm 4, and the distal end includes a support portion 14. The support portion 14 at the distal end can extend vertically from extension 7 to support a force F caused by the weight of the lower container, the upper container, or both. The support portion 14 is fixedly connected to extension 7. The width of the support portion 14 may be the same as or smaller than the width of extension 7, and the surface area varies from square to rectangular.

[0046] Compared to the direction perpendicular to force F, extension 7 can be stronger in the opposite direction of force F. Figure 6 In the diagram, extension 7 is shown as a rod with a right-angled cross-section. However, the shape of extension 7 is not critical, as it only needs to ensure that the contact surface upon which the container rests at the distal end of extension 7 allows the force F to be supported. In some embodiments, the cross-section may be rounded or circular. Additionally, extension 7 is shown as straight, but in some embodiments, extension 7 may be curved, or may comprise two or more sections connected to each other.

[0047] When in the stationary position, the distal end is rotated to move the support portion 14 closer to each other, and when in the operating position, the distal end is rotated toward the ground. When in the stationary position, the lowest point of the extension 7 is at the same level as or above the lower locking mechanism 6, such that when the upper container is lowered to or picked up from the ground, the extension 7 remains above the bottom of the upper container. In some embodiments, when in the stationary position, the line between the proximal and distal ends of the extension forms an angle of less than 45 degrees with the lifting attachment frame 3, and more preferably, is horizontal or parallel to the lifting attachment frame 3, such that the distance between the distal ends of the extension 7 is closest to each other. In another embodiment, when in the stationary position, the extension 7 can be slightly rotated away from the lifting attachment frame 3, such that the extension 7 forms an angle of less than 40 degrees with the plane of the lifting attachment frame 3, more preferably, less than 24 degrees, and most preferably, less than 10 degrees.

[0048] When in the operating position, the line between the proximal and distal ends of the extension 7 may be parallel to the arm 4. Optionally, in some embodiments, the support portion 14 of the distal end of the extension 7 is positioned relative to the outward extension line E between the upper locking mechanism 5 and the lower locking mechanism 6 (as shown in Figures 3 to 4). Figure 4 (As shown) within 50cm, more preferably within 15cm from the push line E, and most preferably within 5cm from the push line E between the upper locking mechanism 5 and the lower locking mechanism 6. The term "push line" refers to the continuation of the line between the twist lock 51 of the upper locking mechanism 5 and the twist lock 61, hook 62, or rotatable locking system 63 of the lower locking mechanism 6, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. When the container is locked with the lifting attachment 2, the push line is also located between the centers of the left (and right) corner castings of the upper and lower containers.

[0049] Extension 7 alters the balance position of the lower container, preventing it from tilting as it would otherwise. This is because the support portion 14 of extension 7 presses against the longitudinal side of the container, thus counteracting the torque force F. The pivot point 12 can be a hinge, and most of the stress is concentrated at this pivot point and the support portion 14. Therefore, the hinge length is preferably greater than the hinge diameter. In some embodiments, the pivot point 12 can be a bearing or a ball joint.

[0050] To counteract the aforementioned force F, at least one extension sleeve 15 may be arranged to support the extension 7 between its proximal and distal ends. The extension sleeve 15 significantly reduces the target force on the pivot point 12. In one embodiment, the extension sleeve 15 may bear the reaction force and may also stop or limit the angle or position of the extension 7, thus setting the correct position of the support portion 14 when in the operating position.

[0051] The extension sleeve 15 may be, for example, a reinforcing steel plate arranged partially around the extension 7, such that it covers at least one side of the extension 7 parallel to the pivot plane. In the case of a circular cross-section, the extension sleeve 15 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the circumference of the extension 7 parallel to the pivot plane. This prevents the extension 7 from bending when the force F is concentrated at the pivot point 12 and the support portion 14. The extension sleeve 15 may be attached to the arm 4 such that, in the operating position, the extension 7 engages within the extension sleeve 15. The greater the distance between the extension sleeve 15 and the pivot point 12, the smaller the force F concentrated at the pivot point 12. However, the extension sleeve 15 should preferably be located above the lowest point of the lower locking mechanism 6. The extension sleeve 15 may be at the same level as or above the lowest point or pivot point 12 of the lifting attachment 2. For each extension 7, the extension sleeve 15 and the pivot point 12 are arranged in the arm 4 of the lifting attachment 2. The extension sleeve 15 provides stable support for the lower container.

Claims

1. A lifting attachment (2), the lifting attachment comprising: Lifting attachment frame (3), and An arm (4) is located at each end of the lifting attachment frame (3), wherein the arm (4) includes an upper locking mechanism (5) for gripping an upper container and a lower locking mechanism (6) for gripping a lower container, wherein the arm (4) is configured to grip both the upper container and the lower container simultaneously. Its features are, The upper locking mechanism (5) is located at the upper end of the arm (4), and the lower locking mechanism (6) is located at the lower end of the arm (4) opposite to the upper end. Each arm (4) also includes a pivotable extension (7) disposed at the lower end of the arm (4), next to the lower locking mechanism (6) and connected to the actuator (13), wherein the proximal end of the extension (7) includes a pivot point (12) connecting the extension (7) to the arm (4), and the distal end of the extension (7) includes a support portion (14). When in a stationary position, the distal end of the extension (7) is rotated to move the support portion (14) closer to each other, and when in an operating position, the distal end of the extension (7) is rotated downward to support the container from the side of the lower container.

2. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 1, wherein when in the stationary position, the lowest point of the extension (7) is at the same level as or above the lower locking mechanism (6).

3. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 1, wherein when in the stationary position, the line between the proximal end and the distal end of the extension (7) forms an angle of less than 45 degrees with the lifting attachment frame (3).

4. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 1, wherein when in the operating position, the support portion (14) at the distal end of the extension (7) is within 50 cm of the push line (E) between the upper locking mechanism (5) and the lower locking mechanism (6).

5. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the pivot point (12) is a hinge, and the length of the hinge is greater than the diameter of the hinge.

6. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the extension (7) includes an extension sleeve (15) located between the proximal end and the distal end of the extension (7).

7. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 6, wherein the extension sleeve (15) is a reinforcing steel plate partially surrounding the extension (7).

8. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support portion (14) located at the distal end extends vertically from the extension (7) to support the force (F) caused by the weight of the lower container.

9. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the actuator (13) comprises a telescopic arm.

10. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 9, wherein one end of the telescopic arm is fixedly or hingedly connected to one side of the extension (7), wherein, in the stationary position, the side faces the vertical axis of the lifting attachment (2).

11. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the upper locking mechanism (5) includes a lifting system (8) for adjusting the vertical position of the upper locking mechanism (5).

12. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the arm (4) includes a fixed protrusion (10) for supporting the force (F) caused by the weight of the upper container.

13. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the lower locking mechanism (6) comprises a first lower torsion lock (61a) and a second lower torsion lock (61b).

14. The lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the lower locking mechanism (6) comprises a rotatable system (63) comprising an upper retainer (63a) and a lower retainer (63b).

15. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 14, wherein the lower locking mechanism (6) further comprises a hook (62) arranged to be inserted into an elliptical hole (99) in the lower corner casting of the upper container.

16. The lifting attachment (2) according to claim 14, wherein the lower locking mechanism (6) further comprises a hook (62) arranged to be inserted into an elliptical hole (99) in the upper corner casting of the lower container.

17. A lifting device comprising a lifting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the lifting device further comprises a lifting mast (1), wherein the lifting attachment (2) is movably attached to the lifting mast (1).

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