Ladder handrail linkage for tank container

By using a ladder-handrail linkage mechanism, the ladder and handrail can be operated synchronously, which solves the problem that the ladder and handrail need to be operated separately in the existing technology. This improves safety and operational efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances the stability and safety of the ladder.

CN120864065BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-25NANTONG TANK CONTAINER CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511403756.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-29
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Estimated Expiration
2045-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tank containers require the ladder and handrail to be opened separately during operation, which poses safety hazards and increases costs. Furthermore, operators may forget to open the handrail, leading to risks associated with working at heights.

Method used

A ladder handrail linkage mechanism was designed to achieve synchronous unfolding and retraction of the ladder and handrail through mechanical linkage. The linkage mechanism is driven by steel wire rope and pulley block. The linkage mechanism includes ladder assembly, handrail assembly and linkage mechanism. It adopts a double plate folding structure of connecting plate A and connecting plate B, and is equipped with locking component and locking mechanism to ensure safety and reliability.

Benefits of technology

It enables simultaneous operation of the ladder and handrail, avoids human error, improves the safety and efficiency of high-altitude operations, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances the stability and safety of the ladder.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a tank container with a ladder handrail linkage, and relates to the technical field of tank containers. The tank container with the ladder handrail linkage comprises a container frame. The container frame comprises side frames and end frames. A ladder assembly is rotatably installed on the end frames. The lower end of the ladder assembly is connected through connecting plates A and B. The connecting plates A and B are rotatably connected at one end close to each other. A horizontally arranged support plate is connected to the connecting plate A. A linkage mechanism is connected to the horizontally arranged support plate. The support assembly comprises a fixed plate connected to the end frame. A support frame is fixedly connected to the fixed plate. A cylinder is connected to the fixed plate through a hinge seat. The other end of the cylinder is hingedly connected to the horizontally arranged support plate. A handrail assembly is rotatably installed on the side frames. The handrail assembly is connected to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism controls the unfolding and closing of the handrail assembly by controlling the ladder assembly. The handrail at the top can be automatically opened when the ladder is opened, so that a safer operation environment is formed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tank container technology, and more specifically to a tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, tank containers are equipped with separate ladders and handrails. Operators need to use the ladder to climb to the top of the tank container and then open the handrails. This method only allows the handrails to be opened at the top and has a certain safety gap, requiring operators to be cautious when opening the handrails at the top. Some special products are equipped with handrails that can be accessed from the ground. These handrails are opened from the ground, and then the ladder is used to climb to the top of the container. This method is safer than the first, but it significantly increases costs and weight, which is not conducive to maximizing cargo loading for customers. Furthermore, some operators may forget to open the handrails while on the ground, only realizing the need to open them when they reach the top, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage, which aims to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage, including a container frame;

[0006] The container frame includes side frames and end frames. A ladder assembly is rotatably mounted on the end frame. The lower end of the ladder assembly is connected by connecting plate A and connecting plate B. The ends of connecting plate A and connecting plate B that are close to each other are rotatably hinged. The other end of connecting plate A is rotatably connected to the end frame by a bracket assembly. The other end of connecting plate B is rotatably connected to the lower end of the ladder assembly. A horizontal support plate is connected to the connecting plate A, and a linkage mechanism is connected to the horizontal support plate.

[0007] The bracket assembly includes a fixed plate connected to the end frame, a support frame fixedly connected to the fixed plate, a connecting plate A hinged to the support frame, and a cylinder connected to the fixed plate via a hinge seat, the other end of the cylinder being hinged to a horizontal support plate.

[0008] A handrail assembly is rotatably mounted on the side frame. The handrail assembly is connected to a linkage mechanism. By controlling the ladder assembly, the linkage mechanism controls the opening and closing of the handrail assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the ladder assembly includes a ladder, the upper end of which is hinged to the upper part of the end frame, and a locking component is connected to the lower side of the ladder.

[0010] The locking assembly includes a U-shaped frame connected to the bottom side of the ladder, a locking pin slidably inserted into the U-shaped frame, a first spring fitted onto the locking pin, a handle connected to the top of the locking pin, and a positioning groove matching the locking pin connected to the end frame.

[0011] Preferably, the horizontal support plate is disposed on the upper side of the connecting plate A. When the ladder is in the open state, the connection between the connecting plate A and the connecting plate B is set at a downward V-shaped angle of 165-175 degrees, and the upper part of the connecting plate B abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal support plate. When the operator climbs the ladder, there is a downward force, and the baffle on the ladder assembly will prevent the ladder from retracting, thus playing a role in stabilization and fixation.

[0012] When the ladder is closed, the connection between connecting plate A and connecting plate B is set at an upward V-shaped angle of 0-15 degrees.

[0013] Preferably, the linkage mechanism includes a steel wire rope with one end connected to the horizontal support plate;

[0014] It also includes a first pulley and a second pulley mounted on the end frame, the first pulley and the second pulley being arranged vertically, and the wire rope passing around the first pulley and the second pulley and connecting to the handrail assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the handrail assembly includes a mounting shaft evenly connected to the side frame, a rotating cylinder rotatably connected to the mounting shaft, a support rod connected to the rotating cylinder, a fixing sleeve rotatably connected to the other end of the support rod, and a handrail rod fitted onto the fixing sleeve.

[0016] An extension cylinder is coaxially connected to the rotating drum near one end of the end frame, and an extension rod is connected to the side of the support rod on the rotating drum near one end of the end frame. The other end of the wire rope is connected to the extension rod. The support rod is rotated around the mounting shaft by pulling the wire rope. A locking mechanism for locking the handrail assembly is also connected to the side frame.

[0017] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a support rod connected to the side frame, the other end of the support rod being connected to an inclined housing, an inclined groove being provided inside the housing, a slider being slidably connected inside the inclined groove, the slider extending to the outside of the housing, and a support wheel being connected to the outside of the slider, the wire rope passing over the support wheel, and a second spring being installed inside the inclined groove in the housing, one end of the second spring abutting against the slider, and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the inclined groove;

[0018] The lower side of the housing has a clearance hole, and a spring seat is provided below the clearance hole. A support shaft is connected to the upper part of the side frame, and a locking lever is rotatably connected to the support shaft. One end of the locking lever near the housing extends into the clearance hole. A spring groove is provided on the locking lever, and a third spring is installed between the spring groove and the spring seat.

[0019] Preferably, the other end of the locking lever is provided with a locking part, and a ring of locking holes is provided on the extension cylinder, wherein the locking part and the locking holes are matched with each other;

[0020] When the wire rope is tightened, it exerts a downward force on the support wheel, causing the slider connected to the support wheel to move downward. The movement of the slider is applied to one end of the locking lever, causing the locking lever to rotate downward, thereby causing the locking part at the other end of the locking lever to disengage from the locking hole.

[0021] When the wire rope loosens, the downward force exerted by the wire rope on the support wheel decreases, and the slider is reset by the second and third springs. The locking lever is also reset, locking the handrail assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the extension rod is slidably connected to the support rod and is locked in place by bolts. The tension of the wire rope is adjusted by adjusting the position of the extension rod.

[0023] Preferably, a handle is connected to the side of the connecting plate A.

[0024] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. This application achieves synchronous deployment and retraction of the ladder and handrail through a mechanical linkage design involving the ladder assembly, handrail assembly, and linkage mechanism. Operators on the ground only need to perform a single action to deploy the ladder and forcibly raise the handrail, avoiding the risks associated with separate ladder and handrail operations in existing technologies, which can easily lead to the handrail being overlooked and resulting in high-altitude work risks. This linkage method requires no additional power source, relying solely on the mechanical transmission of wire ropes and pulley systems. It features a simple structure, high reliability, and low maintenance costs, eliminating human error such as "lowering the ladder without raising the handrail," significantly improving the safety and operational efficiency of high-altitude operations.

[0026] 2. This application employs a double-plate folding structure consisting of connecting plate A and connecting plate B, forming a downward-facing V-shaped stable support after the ladder is unfolded. The angle is controlled between 165° and 175°, with its upper end abutting against a horizontal support plate, thus constituting a stable triangular force-bearing system. When operators climb the ladder, the gravity and impact forces generated are dispersed and transferred to the side frame, effectively preventing structural swaying or damage caused by single-point force. Compared to traditional single-plate support structures, this structure not only improves the overall load-bearing capacity and stability of the ladder but also maintains stability and reliability during use, significantly reducing the risk of falls caused by ladder swaying and ensuring the safety of climbers.

[0027] 3. The locking components and locking mechanism in this application provide dual safety protection for both the ladder and the handrail. When the ladder is being stored, the locking pin automatically inserts into the positioning slot under the action of the first spring, preventing accidental unfolding during transportation. The handrail assembly automatically locks and unlocks via a steel wire rope, a slider, and a locking lever with double spring return. When the handrail is raised to the working position, the system automatically locks to ensure reliable support of the railing. Even if the steel wire rope breaks accidentally, it can quickly and automatically lock the handrail, preventing secondary injuries from the handrail falling. This design implements the logic of "normal locking, action unlocking," significantly improving the safety and reliability of the device throughout transportation and use. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the extended structure of the ladder assembly and handrail assembly of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the ladder assembly and handrail assembly of the present invention when they are extended;

[0031] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ladder component structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 8Enlarged structural diagram at point C;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the handrail assembly of the present invention, showing the position of the steel wire rope being extended.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for closing the steel wire rope in the handrail assembly of the present invention.

[0040] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0041] 1. Container frame; 11. Side frame; 12. End frame;

[0042] 2. Ladder assembly; 21. Connecting plate A; 22. Connecting plate B; 23. Horizontal support plate; 24. Ladder; 25. Locking assembly; 251. U-shaped frame; 252. Locking pin; 253. First spring; 254. Lifting handle; 255. Positioning groove; 27. Handle;

[0043] 3. Bracket assembly; 31. Fixing plate; 32. Support frame; 33. Hinge seat; 34. Cylinder;

[0044] 4. Linkage mechanism; 41. Steel wire rope; 42. First pulley; 43. Second pulley;

[0045] 5. Handrail assembly; 51. Mounting shaft; 52. Rotary cylinder; 53. Support rod; 54. Fixing sleeve; 55. Handrail bar; 56. Extension cylinder; 57. Extension rod;

[0046] 6. Locking mechanism; 61. Support rod; 62. Housing; 621. Inclined slide groove; 63. Slider; 64. Support wheel; 65. Second spring; 66. Clearance hole; 67. Spring seat; 68. Support shaft; 69. Locking lever; 691. Spring groove; 692. Third spring; 693. Locking part; 694. Locking hole. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Please see the appendix Figures 1-12 A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage, including a container frame 1;

[0049] The container frame 1 includes a side frame 11 and an end frame 12. A ladder assembly 2 is rotatably mounted on the end frame 12. The lower end of the ladder assembly 2 is connected by a connecting plate A21 and a connecting plate B22. The ends of the connecting plates A21 and B22 that are close to each other are rotatably hinged. A handle 27 is connected to the side of the connecting plate A21. The other end of the connecting plate A21 is rotatably connected to the end frame 12 by a bracket assembly 3. The other end of the connecting plate B22 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the ladder assembly 2. A horizontal support plate 23 is connected to the connecting plate A21. A linkage mechanism 4 is connected to the horizontal support plate 23.

[0050] The bracket assembly 3 includes a fixing plate 31 connected to the end frame 12, a support frame 32 fixedly connected to the fixing plate 31, a connecting plate A21 hinged to the support frame 32, and a cylinder 34 connected to the fixing plate 31 via a hinge seat 33. The other end of the cylinder 34 is hinged to the horizontal support plate 23.

[0051] A handrail assembly 5 is rotatably mounted on the side frame 11. The handrail assembly 5 is connected to the linkage mechanism 4. By controlling the ladder assembly 2, the linkage mechanism 4 controls the unfolding and closing of the handrail assembly 5. This solves the problem that the ladder and handrail need to be operated separately in the prior art, and realizes the function of simultaneously unfolding the ladder and raising the handrail in one operation on the ground. This greatly improves the operating efficiency, reduces the time spent working at height, and enhances the safety of the operation.

[0052] The ladder assembly 2 includes a ladder 24, the upper end of which is hinged to the upper part of the end frame 12, and a locking assembly 25 is connected to the lower side of the ladder 24.

[0053] The locking assembly 25 includes a U-shaped frame 251 connected to the bottom side of the ladder 24, a locking pin 252 slidably inserted into the U-shaped frame 251, a first spring 253 fitted onto the locking pin 252, a lifting handle 254 connected to the top of the locking pin 252, and a positioning groove 255 matching the locking pin 252 connected to the end frame 12.

[0054] The locking component 25 addresses the safety hazard of the ladder 24 potentially unfolding unexpectedly when retracted. When the ladder 24 is retracted, the locking pin 252 automatically inserts into the positioning slot 255 under the action of the first spring 253, securely locking the ladder 24. When the ladder 24 needs to be used, the operator simply pulls the handle 254, overcoming the spring force to remove the locking pin 252. This structure is simple and reliable, and the automatic locking function ensures safety during transportation.

[0055] The horizontal support plate 23 is set on the upper side of the connecting plate A21. When the ladder 24 is in the open state, the connection between the connecting plate A21 and the connecting plate B22 is set at a downward V-shaped angle of 165-175 degrees, and the upper part of the connecting plate B22 abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal support plate 23.

[0056] The double-connecting plate folding structure of connecting plate A21 and connecting plate B22 solves the problem of structural instability during the traditional ladder's unfolding and retraction. When the ladder 24 is in the open state, the connection between connecting plate A21 and connecting plate B22 is set at a downward V-shaped angle of 165-175 degrees. At this time, the upper part of connecting plate B22 rests against the lower surface of the horizontal support plate 23, forming a stable supporting triangular structure. The downward force generated when the operator climbs the ladder is effectively decomposed and transmitted to the end frame 12 through this V-shaped structure, greatly improving the stability and load-bearing capacity of the ladder during use.

[0057] The extension and retraction of cylinder 34 drives the horizontal support plate 23 and connecting plate A21 to rotate, thereby achieving the automatic deployment and retraction of the ladder. The power provided by cylinder 34 is stable and reliable, and the operation is smooth, avoiding the risk of sudden falls that may occur during manual operation. At the same time, the stroke and thrust of cylinder 34 are precisely calculated. The introduction of cylinder 34 transforms the previously physically demanding extension / retraction operation into an easy button or valve-type operation. This greatly reduces the operator's workload.

[0058] The linkage mechanism 4 includes a steel wire rope 41 with one end connected to the horizontal support plate 23;

[0059] It also includes a first pulley 42 and a second pulley 43 installed on the end frame 12. The first pulley 42 and the second pulley 43 are arranged vertically. The path of the wire rope 41 is as follows: after being led out from the horizontal support plate 23, it passes around the first pulley 42 and the second pulley 43 installed on the end frame 12 in sequence, and its other end is finally connected to the handrail assembly 5.

[0060] The linkage mechanism 4 converts the opening motion of the ladder into the pulling motion of the wire rope 41, realizing the mechanical linkage between the ladder and the handrail. When the ladder is unfolded, connecting plates A21 and B22 unfold, driving the horizontal support plate 23 to move downwards. The wire rope 41 slowly tightens, changing the direction of force through the pulley system, pulling the handrail assembly 5 to unfold. No additional power source is required; the linkage can be achieved solely through mechanical transmission. The structure is simple, highly reliable, and has low maintenance costs. Because the ladder and handrail are forcibly linked, the handrail must be raised as soon as the operator unfolds the ladder for climbing. This fundamentally eliminates the human error of "only lowering the ladder without raising the handrail" due to operator negligence or time constraints.

[0061] The handrail assembly 5 includes a mounting shaft 51 evenly connected to the side frame 11. A rotating cylinder 52 is rotatably connected to the mounting shaft 51 via a coil spring. A support rod 53 is connected to the rotating cylinder 52. A fixing sleeve 54 is rotatably connected to the other end of the support rod 53. A handrail 55 is fitted onto the fixing sleeve 54.

[0062] An extension cylinder 56 is coaxially connected to the rotating drum 52 near one end of the end frame 12. An extension rod 57 is connected to the side of the support rod 53 on the rotating drum 52 near the end frame 12. The extension rod 57 is slidably connected to the support rod 53 and is locked in place by bolts. Adjusting the position of the extension rod 57 adjusts the tension of the wire rope 41. The other end of the wire rope 41 is connected to the extension rod 57. Pulling the wire rope 41 causes the support rod 53 to rotate around the mounting shaft 51.

[0063] By adjusting the position of the extension rod 57, the tension of the wire rope 41 can be precisely adjusted to ensure the reliability of the linkage mechanism 4. When the handrail 55 is retracted, it fits against the side frame 11 without occupying extra space; when extended, it forms a continuous guardrail, providing reliable safety protection for operators.

[0064] A locking mechanism 6 for locking the handrail assembly 5 is also connected to the side frame 11. The locking mechanism 6 includes a support rod 61 connected to the side frame 11. The other end of the support rod 61 is connected to a housing 62 that is inclined. The position of the support rod 61 is higher than the mounting shaft 51 to increase the vertical force at the initial stage of the handrail unfolding. An inclined groove 621 is provided inside the housing 62. A slider 63 is slidably connected inside the inclined groove 621. The slider 63 extends to the outside of the housing 62, and a support wheel 64 is connected to the outside of the slider 63. A steel wire rope 41 passes over the support wheel 64. A second spring 65 is installed inside the inclined groove 621 in the housing 62. One end of the second spring 65 abuts against the slider 63, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the inclined groove 621.

[0065] A clearance hole 66 is provided on the lower side of the housing 62. A spring seat 67 is provided below the clearance hole 66 on the housing 62. A support shaft 68 is connected to the inner upper part of the end frame 12. A locking lever 69 is rotatably connected to the support shaft 68. One end of the locking lever 69 near the housing 62 extends into the clearance hole 66. A spring groove 691 is provided on the locking lever 69. A third spring 692 is installed between the spring groove 691 and the spring seat 67.

[0066] The other end of the locking lever 69 is provided with a locking part 693, and a ring of locking holes 694 is provided on the extension tube 56. The locking part 693 and the locking holes 694 are matched with each other.

[0067] When the wire rope 41 is taut, it exerts a downward force on the support wheel 64. This force is transmitted to the slider 63 through the support wheel 64, causing the slider 63 to slide downward along the inclined groove 621. The downward movement of the slider 63 pushes one end of the locking lever 69 to rotate downward. According to the lever principle, the locking part 693 at the other end of the locking lever 69 rotates upward and disengages from the locking hole 694, thereby releasing the lock on the handrail assembly 5 and allowing the handrail to rotate freely.

[0068] When the wire rope 41 loosens, the force exerted by the wire rope 41 on the support wheel 64 decreases, the elastic force of the second spring 65 pushes the slider 63 to return to its original position, and at the same time the third spring 692 pushes the locking lever 69 to return to its original position, and the locking part 693 re-inserts into the locking hole 694, firmly locking the handrail assembly 5 in its current position.

[0069] The locking mechanism 6 solves the problem of reliable locking of the handrail in any position, achieving automatic locking and unlocking without manual intervention. The inclined slide 621 effectively converts the tension of the wire rope 41 into unlocking force, improving the sensitivity of the mechanism. The double spring reset ensures the reliability of the locking, maintaining stable locking even in vibration environments.

[0070] The working process of this application:

[0071] During transport or storage, the entire device is fully locked. The ladder 24 is stowed close to the end frame 12, and connecting plates A21 and B22 are almost completely folded, forming a compact storage structure. The locking pin 252 of the locking assembly 25, under the action of the first spring 253, deeply inserts into the positioning slot 255, firmly locking the ladder 24 and preventing accidental unfolding during transport. All support rods 53 of the handrail assembly 5 are retracted horizontally downwards, with the handrail rods 55 conforming to the surface of the side frame 11 without any protrusion. The locking part 693 of the locking mechanism 6 is inserted into the corresponding locking hole 694, locking the handrail in the retracted position. At this time, the wire rope 41 is completely slack, the cylinder 34 is in the retracted state, and the entire system maintains a stable lock without external power.

[0072] During the opening process, the operator first pulls handle 254 to disengage locking pin 252 from positioning groove 255, thus releasing the lock on ladder 24. Then, the ladder 24 is pulled outwards, simultaneously activating cylinder 34. The piston rod extends, pushing the horizontal support plate 23 and connecting plate A21 to rotate, causing ladder 24 to unfold. During unfolding, the angle between connecting plate A21 and connecting plate B22 gradually increases, eventually forming a downward V-shaped structure. The upper surface of connecting plate B22 abuts against the lower surface of horizontal support plate 23, forming a stable supporting triangle. Simultaneously, the downward movement of horizontal support plate 23 causes steel wire rope 41 to gradually tighten. When steel wire rope 41 reaches a certain tension, it presses down on slider 63 via support wheel 64. Sliding slider 63 slides down along inclined groove 621 and pushes locking lever 69, causing locking part 693 to disengage from locking hole 694, thus releasing the lock on handrail assembly 5.

[0073] The steel wire rope 41 continues to pull the extension rod 57, causing the support rod 53 to reach a vertical position. The handrail 55 rises to form a guardrail. When the support rod 53 rotates to a vertically upward position, the handrail 55 rises to the working height to form a guardrail. At this time, because the support rod 53 reaches the vertical position, the angle between the tension direction of the steel wire rope 41 and the support rod 53 becomes extremely small, resulting in a significant reduction in the vertical component force acting on the support wheel 64. When this component force is less than the preset elastic force of the second spring 65, the slider 63 is pushed back to its original position by the spring, and then the locking lever 69 is reset through the third spring 692, automatically locking the handrail assembly 5 in the unfolded position. When the pressure is less than the restoring force of the second spring 65, the slider 63 automatically moves upward to its original position, the locking lever 69 rotates under the action of the third spring 692, and the locking part 693 automatically inserts into the nearest locking hole 694, locking the handrail in the unfolded position.

[0074] When the wire rope 41 breaks unexpectedly during use, the system's automatic emergency protection mechanism is immediately activated. The tension in the wire rope 41 disappears instantly, and the downward pressure on the support wheel 64 also disappears. The second spring 65 immediately pushes the slider 63 to quickly move upward and reset along the inclined slide groove 621. After the slider 63 disengages from the locking lever 69, the third spring 692 pushes the locking lever 69 to reset and rotate. The locking part 693 automatically finds and inserts into the nearest locking hole 694, locking the handrail assembly 5 in its current position. This emergency locking process is completed within half a second, ensuring that the handrail will not suddenly fall due to loss of tension. At the same time, because the cylinder 34 remains extended, the V-shaped support structure of the connecting plate A21 and the connecting plate B22 remains stable, and the ladder 24 remains in the extended state and usable, ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0075] Before closing, the operator must confirm that no one is on the ladder, and then climb down from ladder 24. After climbing down, the operator pulls ladder 24 outward from the ground, causing the piston rod of cylinder 34 to extend slightly, instantly increasing the tension of the wire rope 41. This, in turn, pushes the locking lever 69 through the support wheel 64 and slider 63, releasing the lock on the handrail assembly 5. After unlocking, cylinder 34 begins to retract smoothly, causing ladder assembly 2 and handrail assembly 5 to retract synchronously. Due to the design of cylinder 34 and the weight of the handrail assembly 5 when closed, the wire rope 41 maintains a certain downward force, at which point the locking part 693 disengages from the locking hole 694; after the handrail is reset, the tension of the wire rope 41 is released, and the locking mechanism 6 automatically locks the handrail in the retracted position. As cylinder 34 retracts, it causes the horizontal support plate 23 to rise, and the angle between connecting plate A21 and connecting plate B22 gradually decreases, causing ladder 24 to move closer to end frame 12. When the ladder 24 is fully in contact with the end frame 12, the locking pin 252 automatically slides into the positioning groove 255 under the action of the first spring 253, thus completing the automatic locking.

[0076] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage, comprising a container frame (1), characterized in that: The container frame (1) includes a side frame (11) and an end frame (12). A ladder assembly (2) is rotatably mounted on the end frame (12). The lower end of the ladder assembly (2) is connected by a connecting plate A (21) and a connecting plate B (22). The ends of the connecting plates A (21) and B (22) that are close to each other are rotatably hinged. The other end of the connecting plate A (21) is rotatably connected to the end frame (12) by a bracket assembly (3). The other end of the connecting plate B (22) is rotatably connected to the lower end of the ladder assembly (2). A horizontal support plate (23) is connected to the connecting plate A (21). A linkage mechanism (4) is connected to the horizontal support plate (23). The bracket assembly (3) includes a fixing plate (31) connected to the end frame (12), a support frame (32) fixedly connected to the fixing plate (31), a connecting plate A (21) hinged to the support frame (32), and a cylinder (34) connected to the fixing plate (31) via a hinge seat (33). The other end of the cylinder (34) is hinged to the horizontal support plate (23). A handrail assembly (5) is rotatably mounted on the side frame (11). The handrail assembly (5) is connected to the linkage mechanism (4). By controlling the ladder assembly (2), the linkage mechanism (4) controls the opening and closing of the handrail assembly (5). The horizontal support plate (23) is set on the upper side of the connecting plate A (21). When the ladder (24) is in the open state, the connection between the connecting plate A (21) and the connecting plate B (22) is set at a downward V-shaped angle of 165-175 degrees, and the upper part of the connecting plate B (22) abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal support plate (23). When the ladder (24) is closed, the connection between the connecting plate A (21) and the connecting plate B (22) is set at an upward V-shaped angle of 0-15 degrees. The linkage mechanism (4) includes a steel wire rope (41) with one end connected to the horizontal support plate (23). It also includes a first pulley (42) and a second pulley (43) mounted on the end frame (12), the first pulley (42) and the second pulley (43) being arranged vertically, and the wire rope (41) passing around the first pulley (42) and the second pulley (43) and connecting to the handrail assembly (5); The handrail assembly (5) includes a mounting shaft (51) evenly connected to the side frame (11), a rotating cylinder (52) rotatably connected to the mounting shaft (51), a support rod (53) connected to the rotating cylinder (52), a fixing sleeve (54) rotatably connected to the other end of the support rod (53), and a handrail rod (55) fitted onto the fixing sleeve (54). Among them, an extension cylinder (56) is coaxially connected to a rotating cylinder (52) near one end of the end frame (12), and an extension rod (57) is connected to the side of a support rod (53) on a rotating cylinder (52) near one end of the end frame (12). The other end of the wire rope (41) is connected to the extension rod (57). The support rod (53) is driven to rotate around the mounting shaft (51) by pulling the wire rope (41). A locking mechanism (6) for locking the handrail assembly (5) is also connected to the end frame (12).

2. The tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ladder assembly (2) includes a ladder (24), the upper end of which is hinged to the upper part of the end frame (12), and a locking assembly (25) is connected to the lower side of the ladder (24). The locking assembly (25) includes a U-shaped frame (251) connected to the bottom side of the ladder (24), a locking pin (252) slidably inserted into the U-shaped frame (251), a first spring (253) sleeved on the locking pin (252), a handle (254) connected to the top of the locking pin (252), and a positioning groove (255) matching the locking pin (252) connected to the side frame (11).

3. A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (6) includes a support rod (61) connected to the side frame (11), and the other end of the support rod (61) is connected to a housing (62) that is inclined. The support rod (61) is positioned higher than the mounting shaft (51). An inclined groove (621) is provided inside the housing (62), and a slider (63) is slidably connected inside the inclined groove (621). The slider (63) extends to the outside of the housing (62), and a support wheel (64) is connected to the outside of the slider (63). The wire rope (41) passes over the support wheel (64). A second spring (65) is installed inside the inclined groove (621) in the housing (62). One end of the second spring (65) abuts against the slider (63), and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the inclined groove (621). The housing (62) has a clearance hole (66) on its lower side. A spring seat (67) is provided below the clearance hole (66) on the housing (62). A support shaft (68) is connected inside the end frame (12). A locking lever (69) is rotatably connected to the support shaft (68). The end of the locking lever (69) near the housing (62) extends into the clearance hole (66). A spring groove (691) is provided on the locking lever (69). A third spring (692) is installed between the spring groove (691) and the spring seat (67).

4. A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The other end of the locking lever (69) is provided with a locking part (693), and a ring of locking holes (694) is provided on the extension tube (56). The locking part (693) and the locking holes (694) are matched with each other. When the wire rope (41) is tightened, the wire rope (41) applies a downward force to the support wheel (64), causing the slider (63) connected to the support wheel (64) to move downward. The movement of the slider (63) is applied to one end of the locking lever (69), causing the locking lever (69) to rotate downward, thereby driving the locking part (693) at the other end of the locking lever (69) to disengage from the locking hole (694). When the wire rope (41) loosens, the downward force exerted by the wire rope (41) on the support wheel (64) decreases, and the slider (63) is reset by the second spring (65) and the third spring (692), the locking lever (69) is reset, and the handrail assembly (5) is locked.

5. A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extension rod (57) is slidably connected to the support rod (53), and the extension rod (57) is locked by bolts.

6. A tank container with a ladder and handrail linkage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the connecting plate A (21) is connected to a handle (27).

Citation Information

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