An automatic positioning and locking mechanism for container racks

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack, comprising a latch assembly, a lock cylinder assembly, and a drive assembly, wherein the drive assembly is disposed on the latch assembly; the latch assembly includes a latch seat and a latch, the latch being rotatably connected within the latch seat, and a first notched thread structure being provided on the outer wall of the latch; the drive assembly is drivenly connected to the latch; the lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder seat, a lock cylinder, and a pre-tightening elastic element, the lock cylinder being slidably connected within the lock cylinder seat, the lock cylinder being disposed opposite to the latch and being able to slide toward it; the pre-tightening elastic element is disposed between the lock cylinder and the lock cylinder seat, and when the lock cylinder slides toward the latch, it causes the pre-tightening elastic element to elastically compress; one end of the lock cylinder facing the latch is provided with a mating hole, and the inner wall of the mating hole is provided with a second notched thread structure; the latch can extend into the mating hole, and after extending, rotating the latch causes the first notched thread structure to engage with the second notched thread structure, and when engaged, it causes the lock cylinder to slide toward the latch, and the sliding lock cylinder compresses the pre-tightening elastic element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of container rack technology, and particularly relates to an automatic positioning and locking mechanism for container racks. Background Technology

[0002] In modern logistics and warehousing, container racks are widely used as essential logistics equipment in the processes of cargo loading, handling, stacking, and storage. Their initial design purpose is to provide effective fixation and protection for goods through a stable frame structure, facilitating mechanized operations such as lifting and forklifting, thereby significantly improving logistics efficiency and safety. However, in practical applications, especially when multi-layered stacking of container racks, ensuring precise positioning and secure locking between each layer has become a key factor affecting stacking stability and safety.

[0003] Currently, common container racks on the market have certain limitations in their positioning and locking mechanisms. Traditional positioning methods mainly rely on the simple cooperation of positioning pins and positioning holes. Although this method can achieve basic positioning functions, it is often difficult to guarantee positioning accuracy and stability when faced with complex and changing stacking environments and external forces, which can easily lead to distortion and shaking during the stacking process.

[0004] Regarding the locking function, existing technologies mostly employ mechanical components such as wedges, pins, and bolts. While these locking methods effectively increase the connection strength between containers, their operation is often cumbersome and requires manual completion, increasing labor costs and demanding higher levels of expertise from operators. Furthermore, these locking components are prone to wear and loosening during long-term use, further affecting the safety and stability of stacking.

[0005] In summary, existing container racks have low integration in positioning and locking functions, are complex to operate, and have high maintenance costs, making it difficult to meet the urgent needs of the modern logistics industry for efficient, safe, and automated operations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an automatic positioning and locking mechanism for container racks, which can automatically lock the upper and lower container racks.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] An automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack includes a latch assembly, a lock cylinder assembly, and a drive assembly. The latch assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively disposed on upper and lower container racks, and the drive assembly is disposed on the latch assembly.

[0009] The latch assembly includes a latch seat and a latch, the latch is rotatably connected to the latch seat, and a first notch thread structure is provided on the outer wall of the latch. The drive assembly is drivenly connected to the latch and is used to drive its rotation.

[0010] The lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder seat, a lock cylinder, and a pre-tightening elastic element. The lock cylinder is slidably connected within the lock cylinder seat, and the lock cylinder is disposed opposite to and can slide toward the bolt. The pre-tightening elastic element is disposed between the lock cylinder and the lock cylinder seat. When the lock cylinder slides toward the bolt, it causes the pre-tightening elastic element to compress elastically. The end of the lock cylinder facing the bolt is provided with a mating hole, and a second notched thread structure that matches the first notched thread structure is protruding from the inner wall of the mating hole.

[0011] The first notched threaded structure can be rotated to be axially misaligned with the second notched threaded structure. When misaligned, the locking tongue can extend into the mating hole. After extending, rotating the locking tongue can cause the first notched threaded structure to engage with the second notched threaded structure, thereby locking the locking tongue assembly and the lock cylinder assembly. When engaged, the lock cylinder slides towards the locking tongue, and the lock cylinder slides and compresses the pre-tightening elastic element, thereby achieving elastic pre-tightening of the locking tongue assembly and the lock cylinder assembly, thereby locking the upper and lower containers together.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock cylinder assembly includes a reset elastic element disposed between the lock cylinder and the lock cylinder seat, the reset elastic element being used to apply an elastic force to the lock cylinder to slide toward the lock bolt when the lock cylinder slides away from the bolt.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bolt seat has a first receiving hole at one end facing the lock cylinder assembly, and the bolt is disposed in the first receiving hole;

[0014] The lock cylinder seat has a second receiving hole at one end facing the lock tongue seat, and the lock cylinder is disposed in the second receiving hole;

[0015] When locked, the end of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat extends into the second receiving hole, the end of the lock cylinder facing the latch extends into the first receiving hole, and the latch extends into the mating hole of the lock cylinder.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral sidewall of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat gradually tapers toward the lock cylinder seat.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the latch seat includes a positioning pin seat and a first pressure cover. The positioning pin seat has an opening at one end away from the lock cylinder seat and the first pressure cover is provided at the opening. The peripheral sidewall of the positioning pin seat at one end facing the lock cylinder seat gradually contracts toward the lock cylinder seat. The driving assembly passes through the first pressure cover and is driven to connect with the latch.

[0018] The locating pin seat is provided with a tapered roller bearing, and the locking tongue passes through the tapered roller bearing; a Glyd ring is provided on the side of the locating pin seat away from the tapered roller bearing, and the Glyd ring is fitted onto the locking tongue.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock cylinder seat has a receiving cavity at one end away from the bolt seat, the lock cylinder passes through and is slidably connected in the structure between the second receiving hole and the receiving cavity, and the lock cylinder extends into the receiving cavity at one end away from the bolt seat and is provided with a mounting member at that end;

[0020] The pre-tightening elastic element is disposed in the accommodating cavity and is located between the mounting component and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity facing the locking tongue seat;

[0021] The reset elastic element is disposed within the accommodating cavity and is located between the mounting element and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity at the end away from the latch seat.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a guide rod is included, disposed within the accommodating cavity, the guide rod passing through and slidably connected to the mounting member, and the two ends of the guide rod are respectively connected to the cavity walls at both ends of the accommodating cavity;

[0023] Both the pre-tightening elastic element and the reset elastic element are sleeved on the guide rod.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pre-tightening elastic element is a butterfly spring, and the reset elastic element is a helical spring.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock cylinder base includes:

[0026] A positioning hole seat, wherein the second receiving hole is provided at one end of the positioning hole seat facing the latch seat;

[0027] The mounting base is connected to the end of the positioning hole seat away from the bolt seat. The receiving cavity is located inside the mounting base, and the mounting base is open at the end facing the positioning hole seat. The lock cylinder passes through and is slidably connected to the end of the positioning hole seat facing the mounting base.

[0028] The second pressure cap is located on the end of the mounting base away from the positioning hole base.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive assembly includes a motor, a reducer, and an encoder. The motor is connected to the reducer, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the input shaft of the reducer. The output shaft of the reducer is connected to the locking tongue. The encoder is located at the end of the motor away from the reducer, and its input shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively disposed in two opposite uprights of the upper and lower containers.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are fixedly connected to the riser via a flange.

[0032] Because the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0033] 1. The present invention enables the locking of the locking tongue assembly and the locking cylinder assembly through the first notch thread structure on the locking tongue and the second notch thread structure on the locking cylinder. The thread structure ensures the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism and effectively prevents the container rack from accidentally moving or separating during the stacking process.

[0034] The application of a preload spring allows for elastic preload between the bolt assembly and the lock cylinder assembly. This design not only enhances locking stability but also offers multiple advantages. It adapts to minor differences and deformations under varying stacking conditions, ensuring the locking force remains optimal. Simultaneously, elastic preload helps reduce loosening caused by vibration or impact, improving the overall structural durability and security. Furthermore, it compensates for dimensional changes due to material aging or temperature variations, extending the service life of the positioning and locking mechanism.

[0035] 2. The present invention is equipped with a reset elastic element. When the lock cylinder is compressed due to misalignment between the lock tongue seat and the lock cylinder seat during the stacking of the container rack, the lock cylinder can move away from the lock tongue seat within the lock cylinder seat. When the lock tongue seat and the lock cylinder seat change from misalignment to alignment, the reset elastic element resets the lock cylinder, which can prevent structural damage to the lock cylinder caused by impact.

[0036] 3. In this invention, the bolt and lock cylinder are respectively concealed within the first and second receiving holes. This design provides the bolt and lock cylinder assemblies with anti-collision characteristics. During the stacking process on the rack, even if they are not placed perfectly aligned, collisions between the bolt and lock cylinder and other components can be effectively avoided, thereby preventing structural damage and significantly improving the product's durability and reliability.

[0037] The sidewall of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat has a gradually tapering guide structure. This ingenious design makes it easier for the latch seat to enter the second receiving hole during stacking. It not only serves as a guide and positioner but also greatly reduces the difficulty of alignment during stacking, thus improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention installed on a container rack;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram and exploded view of the present invention installed on the container rack;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking tongue assembly of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving component of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the latch and lock cylinder of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 1. Locking tongue assembly; 11. Locking tongue; 12. Locating pin seat; 13. Tapered roller bearing; 14. First pressure cap; 15. Glyd ring; 16. First receiving hole; 17. First notched thread structure; 2. Lock cylinder assembly; 21. Lock cylinder; 211. Mounting component; 212. Second notched thread structure; 22. Locating hole seat; 221. Second receiving hole; 23. Butterfly spring; 24. Guide rod; 25. Helical spring; 26. Mounting seat; 261. Receiving cavity; 27. Second pressure cap; 3. Drive assembly; 31. Motor; 32. Motor output shaft; 33. Deep groove ball bearing; 34. Motor base; 35. Adapter plate; 36. Third pressure cap; 37. Encoder; 38. Reducer. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise ratios, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0049] See Figures 1 to 6 The core of this invention is to provide an automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack, including a locking tongue assembly 1, a locking cylinder assembly 2 and a driving assembly 3. The locking tongue assembly 1 and the locking cylinder assembly 2 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower containers racks, and the driving assembly 3 is disposed on the locking tongue assembly 1.

[0050] For details, please refer to Figure 1 The combination of the latch assembly 1 and the drive assembly 3, and the lock cylinder assembly 2 are respectively housed in two opposite risers of the upper and lower frames, achieving concealed installation. This design not only makes the automatic positioning and locking mechanism more aesthetically pleasing but also effectively protects the latch assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2 from external environmental interference and damage. Furthermore, the latch assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2 are fixedly connected to the risers via flanges.

[0051] The latch assembly 1 includes a latch seat and a latch 11. The latch 11 is rotatably connected to the latch seat. A first notched threaded structure 17 protrudes from the outer wall of the latch 11. In this embodiment, the first notched threaded structure 17 has two notches. The drive assembly 3 is drivenly connected to the latch 11 and is used to drive its rotation.

[0052] The lock cylinder assembly 2 includes a lock cylinder seat, a lock cylinder 21, and a pre-tightening elastic element. The lock cylinder 21 is slidably connected inside the lock cylinder seat. The lock cylinder 21 is disposed opposite to the bolt 11 and can slide toward it. The pre-tightening elastic element is disposed between the lock cylinder 21 and the lock cylinder seat. When the lock cylinder 21 slides toward the bolt 11, it causes the pre-tightening elastic element to be elastically compressed. The end of the lock cylinder 21 facing the bolt 11 is provided with a mating hole. The inner wall of the mating hole is provided with a second notch thread structure 212 that matches the first notch thread structure 17. The second notch thread structure 212 also has two notches.

[0053] The first notched threaded structure 17 can be rotated to be axially misaligned with the second notched threaded structure 212. When misaligned, the locking tongue 11 can extend into the mating hole. After extending, rotating the locking tongue 11 allows the first notched threaded structure 17 to engage with the second notched threaded structure 212, thereby locking the locking tongue assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2. During engagement, the lock cylinder 21 slides towards the locking tongue 11, and the sliding lock cylinder 21 compresses the pre-tightening elastic element, thereby achieving elastic pre-tightening of the locking tongue assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2, thus locking the upper and lower containers together. Furthermore, the displacement of the lock cylinder 21 can be controlled by controlling the rotation angle of the locking tongue 11, thereby providing a controllable pre-tightening force for the locking mechanism.

[0054] The present invention enables the locking of the locking tongue assembly 1 and the locking cylinder assembly 2 through the first notch thread structure 17 on the locking tongue 11 and the second notch thread structure 212 on the locking cylinder 21. The thread structure ensures the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism and effectively prevents the container from moving or separating accidentally during the stacking process.

[0055] The application of a pre-tensioning elastic element enables elastic pre-tensioning between the latch assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2. This design not only enhances locking stability but also offers multiple advantages. It can adapt to minor differences and deformations under varying stacking conditions, ensuring the locking force remains optimal. Simultaneously, elastic pre-tensioning helps reduce loosening caused by vibration or impact, improving the overall structural durability and security. Furthermore, it compensates for dimensional changes caused by material aging or temperature variations, extending the service life of the positioning and locking mechanism.

[0056] The lock cylinder assembly 2 includes a reset elastic element, which is located between the lock cylinder 21 and the lock cylinder seat. The reset elastic element applies an elastic force to the lock cylinder 21 as it slides away from the bolt 11. When the lock cylinder 21 is compressed due to misalignment between the bolt seat and the lock cylinder seat during the stacking of the container, the lock cylinder 21 can move away from the bolt seat within the lock cylinder seat. When the bolt seat and the lock cylinder seat are aligned again, the reset elastic element resets the lock cylinder 21, thus preventing structural damage to the lock cylinder 21 caused by impact.

[0057] Furthermore, the end of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder assembly 2 is provided with a first receiving hole 16, and the latch 11 is disposed in the first receiving hole 16; the end of the lock cylinder seat facing the latch seat is provided with a second receiving hole 221, and the lock cylinder 21 is disposed in the second receiving hole 221; when locked, the end of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat extends into the second receiving hole 221, the end of the lock cylinder 21 facing the latch 11 extends into the first receiving hole 16, and the latch 11 extends into the mating hole of the lock cylinder 21.

[0058] In this invention, the latch 11 and the lock cylinder 21 are respectively concealed within the first receiving hole 16 and the second receiving hole 221. This design gives the latch assembly 1 and the lock cylinder assembly 2 anti-collision characteristics. During the stacking process of the container rack, even if they are not placed in perfect alignment, the latch 11 and the lock cylinder 21 and other components can be effectively prevented from colliding with each other, thereby preventing structural damage and significantly improving the durability and reliability of the product.

[0059] Furthermore, the peripheral wall of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat gradually tapers towards the lock cylinder seat. This tapering guide structure on the peripheral wall of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat is a clever design that allows the latch seat to more easily enter the second receiving hole 221 during stacking. It not only serves as a guide and positioner but also significantly reduces the difficulty of alignment during stacking, thus improving operational efficiency.

[0060] Specifically, the latch seat includes a positioning pin seat 12 and a first pressure cover 14. The positioning pin seat 12 is open at one end away from the lock cylinder seat and the first pressure cover 14 is provided at the opening. The peripheral sidewall of the positioning pin seat 12 gradually shrinks towards the lock cylinder seat. The drive assembly 3 passes through the first pressure cover 14 and is driven to connect with the latch 11.

[0061] A pair of tapered roller bearings 13 are provided inside the locating pin seat 12. The locking tongue 11 passes through the tapered roller bearings 13. The inner rings of the pair of tapered roller bearings 13 are respectively installed at both ends of the stepped shoulder of the locking tongue 11, and the outer rings are respectively installed on the bearing mounting positions inside the locating pin seat 12 and on the bearing mounting positions on the first pressure cover 14, allowing the locking tongue 11 to rotate freely along its center. A Glyd ring 15 is provided on the side of the locating pin seat 12 away from the tapered roller bearings 13. The Glyd ring 15 is installed in the sealing groove inside the locating pin seat 12 and is fitted onto the locking tongue 11. The Glyd ring 15 is used for waterproofing and dustproofing.

[0062] The drive assembly 3 is connected to the end of the latch seat away from the lock cylinder seat. The drive assembly 3 includes a motor 31, a reducer 38, and an encoder 37. The motor 31 is connected to the reducer 38, and the output shaft of the motor 31 is connected to the input shaft of the reducer 38. The output shaft of the reducer 38 is connected to the latch 11, which has a connecting hole with an internal keyway. The output shaft of the reducer 38 extends into the connecting hole and connects to the internal keyway via a key. The encoder 37 is located at the end of the motor 31 away from the reducer 38, and its input shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31. The encoder 37 measures the rotation angle of the motor 31 to control the rotation angle of the latch 11, thereby providing a controllable preload force for the locking mechanism.

[0063] Specifically, an adapter plate 35 is installed at the input end of the reducer 38, the stator of the motor 31 is installed in the motor 31 mount, and the rotor of the motor 31 is installed on the motor output shaft 32; the inner rings of a pair of deep groove ball bearings 33 are installed on the bearing mounting positions at both ends of the motor output shaft 32, and the outer rings are respectively installed on the bearing mounting positions of the adapter plate 35 and the third pressure cover 36. The motor output shaft 32 is connected to the input hole of the reducer 38 by a key. The end of the motor 31 mount away from the reducer 38 is provided with a third pressure cover 36, which is fixedly connected to the motor 31 mount by bolts, ensuring that the rotor of the motor 31 can rotate arbitrarily around the center of the stator. It has power output; the encoder 37 is fixed on the third pressure cover 36 through the flange, and the input shaft of the encoder 37 is connected to the output shaft 32 of the motor to ensure that the angle signal of the motor 31 is read normally by the encoder 37, and the rotation angle of the locking tongue 11 is controlled according to the reduction ratio of the reducer 38; the drive assembly 3 is fixedly connected to the locking tongue assembly 1 through the flange of its reducer 38, and is installed together with the locking tongue assembly 1 in the riser cavity of the container; the output shaft of the reducer 38 in the drive assembly 3 is connected to the keyway countersunk hole of the locking tongue 11 in the locking tongue assembly 1 by a key to ensure the torque transmission between the output shaft of the reducer 38 and the locking tongue 11.

[0064] The lock cylinder seat has a receiving cavity 261 at the end away from the bolt seat. The lock cylinder 21 passes through and is slidably connected in the structure between the second receiving hole 221 and the receiving cavity 261. The end of the lock cylinder 21 away from the bolt seat extends into the receiving cavity 261, and a mounting member 211 is provided on this end. A pre-tightening elastic member is provided in the receiving cavity 261 and is located between the mounting member 211 and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 261 facing the bolt seat. A reset elastic member is provided in the receiving cavity 261 and is located between the mounting member 211 and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 261 away from the bolt seat.

[0065] Furthermore, a guide rod 24 is disposed within the accommodating cavity 261. The guide rod 24 passes through and is slidably connected to the mounting member 211, and both ends of the guide rod 24 are respectively connected to the cavity walls at both ends of the accommodating cavity 261. A pre-tightening elastic element and a reset elastic element are both sleeved on the guide rod 24. In this embodiment, the pre-tightening elastic element is a disc spring 23, and the reset elastic element is a helical spring 25.

[0066] This embodiment includes four guide rods 24, four butterfly springs 23 and four helical springs 25. The four guide rods 24 are respectively inserted and slidably connected to the four corners of the mounting component 211, and the four butterfly springs 23 and four helical springs 25 are respectively sleeved on the four guide rods 24.

[0067] The lock cylinder seat specifically includes a positioning hole seat 22, a mounting seat 26, and a second pressure cover 27. A second receiving hole 221 is located at the end of the positioning hole seat 22 facing the bolt seat. The mounting seat 26 is connected to the end of the positioning hole seat 22 away from the bolt seat. A receiving cavity 261 is located within the mounting seat 26, and the end of the mounting seat 26 facing the positioning hole seat 22 is open. The lock cylinder 21 passes through and is slidably connected to the end of the positioning hole seat 22 facing the mounting seat 26. The second pressure cover 27 is located on the end of the mounting seat 26 away from the positioning hole seat 22.

[0068] The working process of this invention will be further explained below:

[0069] 1. First, connect the locking tongue assembly 1 and the drive assembly 3 through the gearbox flange of the drive assembly 3.

[0070] 2. Next, the combined assembly from step 1 is inserted into the upper cavity of the lower container stand tube and fixedly connected to the container through the flange on the locking tongue assembly 1.

[0071] 3. Insert the lock cylinder assembly 2 into the lower cavity of the upper container stand tube, and fix it to the container through the flange on the lock cylinder assembly 2.

[0072] 4. Stack the racks containing the bolt assembly 1 and the cylinder assembly 2. When stacking, the positioning pin seat 12 and the positioning hole seat 22 must be aligned. After alignment, the upper rack moves downward. The end of the positioning pin seat 12 facing the cylinder seat extends into the second receiving hole 221, the end of the cylinder 21 facing the bolt 11 extends into the first receiving hole 16, and the bolt 11 extends into the mating hole of the cylinder 21.

[0073] 5. Start the drive assembly 3 to drive the locking tongue 11 to rotate, so that the first notch thread structure 17 and the second notch thread structure 212 are engaged. After engagement, the lock cylinder 21 is driven to move towards the locking tongue assembly 1. The preload of the butterfly spring 23 in the lock cylinder assembly 2 is determined according to the encoder 37 reading in the drive assembly 3. When the preload between the stacked containers reaches the required value, the action stops, completing the positioning and locking function of the stacked containers, and recording the angle increment read by the encoder 37 in the drive assembly 3.

[0074] 6. Start the drive assembly 3, drive the latch 11 in the latch assembly 1 to disengage from the lock cylinder 21 in the lock cylinder assembly 2, and take the angle increment read by the encoder 37 in step 5 as the stop signal. That is, when the angle increment read by the encoder 37 in the drive assembly 3 is consistent with the angle increment read by the encoder 37 in the drive assembly 3 when the stacked container is locked, it is considered that the stacked container unlocking function has been completed.

[0075] This invention provides an automatic positioning and locking mechanism for container racks, aiming to achieve automatic positioning and locking between racks during the stacking process, providing adjustable preload. This positioning and locking mechanism features a simple design, high integration and automation, greatly simplifying installation and maintenance, reducing operating costs, and improving work efficiency. It meets the requirements for automated positioning, locking, and unlocking of container racks during stacking, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency and accuracy. It effectively solves the technical problems of uncontrollable preload and the need for manual intervention during rack stacking in existing container rack positioning and locking mechanisms, improving the overall performance and user experience of the container rack system. The positioning, locking, and unlocking methods are simple and convenient to operate, not only reducing the skill requirements for operators but also improving work efficiency, possessing broad practical value and market potential.

[0076] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack, characterized in that, It includes a bolt assembly, a lock cylinder assembly, and a drive assembly. The bolt assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively mounted on upper and lower frames, and the drive assembly is mounted on the bolt assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch seat and a latch, the latch is rotatably connected to the latch seat, and a first notch thread structure is provided on the outer wall of the latch. The drive assembly is drivenly connected to the latch and is used to drive its rotation. The lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder seat, a lock cylinder, and a pre-tightening elastic element. The lock cylinder is slidably connected to the lock cylinder seat, and the lock cylinder is disposed opposite to the bolt and can slide toward it. The pre-tightening elastic element is disposed between the lock cylinder and the lock cylinder seat. When the lock cylinder slides toward the bolt, it causes the pre-tightening elastic element to compress elastically. The end of the lock cylinder facing the bolt is provided with a mating hole, and a second notch thread structure matching the first notch thread structure is provided on the inner wall of the mating hole. The first notched threaded structure can be rotated to be axially misaligned with the second notched threaded structure. When misaligned, the locking tongue can extend into the mating hole. After extending, rotating the locking tongue can cause the first notched threaded structure to engage with the second notched threaded structure, thereby locking the locking tongue assembly and the lock cylinder assembly. When engaged, the lock cylinder slides towards the locking tongue, and the lock cylinder slides and compresses the pre-tightening elastic element, thereby achieving elastic pre-tightening of the locking tongue assembly and the lock cylinder assembly, thereby locking the upper and lower containers together.

2. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock cylinder assembly includes a reset elastic element disposed between the lock cylinder and the lock cylinder seat. The reset elastic element is used to apply an elastic force to the lock cylinder as it slides away from the bolt.

3. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The latch seat has a first receiving hole at one end facing the lock cylinder assembly, and the latch is disposed in the first receiving hole; The lock cylinder seat has a second receiving hole at one end facing the lock tongue seat, and the lock cylinder is disposed in the second receiving hole; When locked, the end of the latch seat facing the lock cylinder seat extends into the second receiving hole, the end of the lock cylinder facing the latch extends into the first receiving hole, and the latch extends into the mating hole of the lock cylinder.

4. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The peripheral sidewall of the latch seat at the end facing the lock cylinder seat gradually tapers towards the lock cylinder seat.

5. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The latch seat includes a positioning pin seat and a first pressure cover. The positioning pin seat has an opening at one end away from the lock cylinder seat and the first pressure cover is provided at the opening. The peripheral sidewall of the positioning pin seat at one end facing the lock cylinder seat gradually contracts towards the lock cylinder seat. The driving assembly passes through the first pressure cover and is driven to connect with the latch. The locating pin seat is provided with a tapered roller bearing, and the locking tongue passes through the tapered roller bearing; a Glyd ring is provided on the side of the locating pin seat away from the tapered roller bearing, and the Glyd ring is fitted onto the locking tongue.

6. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lock cylinder seat has a receiving cavity at one end away from the bolt seat. The lock cylinder passes through and is slidably connected in the structure between the second receiving hole and the receiving cavity. The lock cylinder extends into the receiving cavity at one end away from the bolt seat and is provided with a mounting part at that end. The pre-tightening elastic element is disposed in the accommodating cavity and is located between the mounting component and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity facing the locking tongue seat; The reset elastic element is disposed within the accommodating cavity and is located between the mounting element and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity at the end away from the latch seat.

7. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes a guide rod disposed within the accommodating cavity, the guide rod passing through and slidably connected to the mounting component, and the two ends of the guide rod being respectively connected to the cavity walls at both ends of the accommodating cavity; Both the pre-tightening elastic element and the reset elastic element are sleeved on the guide rod.

8. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pre-tightening elastic element is a butterfly spring, and the reset elastic element is a helical spring.

9. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lock cylinder base includes: A positioning hole seat, wherein the second receiving hole is provided at one end of the positioning hole seat facing the latch seat; The mounting base is connected to the end of the positioning hole seat away from the bolt seat. The receiving cavity is located inside the mounting base, and the mounting base is open at the end facing the positioning hole seat. The lock cylinder passes through and is slidably connected to the end of the positioning hole seat facing the mounting base. The second pressure cap is located on the end of the mounting base away from the positioning hole base.

10. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor, a reducer, and an encoder. The motor is connected to the reducer, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the input shaft of the reducer. The output shaft of the reducer is connected to the locking tongue. The encoder is located at the end of the motor away from the reducer, and its input shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor.

11. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latch assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively located in two opposite uprights of the upper and lower containers.

12. The automatic positioning and locking mechanism for a container rack according to claim 11, characterized in that, The latch assembly and the lock cylinder assembly are fixedly connected to the riser via flanges.

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