Self-driven container locking device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-driven container locking device and method. The locking device comprises a base, a movable locking piece, a bearing mechanism bearing the gravity of the container and generating first mechanical displacement, a locking driving unit connected with the locking piece, an energy input conversion unit connected with the bearing mechanism, and an unlocking driving unit generating second mechanical displacement when the container is lifted. And a valve assembly and a fluid transmission system. During locking, the bearing mechanism drives the locking driving unit to move the locking piece to the locking position through the energy input conversion unit and the fluid system according to displacement under the action of gravity. During unlocking, the lifting force is in linkage with the valve assembly to switch the flow path through displacement generated by the unlocking driving unit, and the locking driving unit is driven to enable the locking piece to return to the unlocking position. Automatic locking and unlocking are achieved by completely utilizing mechanical energy in the container loading and unloading process, external power is not needed, the structure is simple and reliable, and the device is particularly suitable for passive carriers such as rail wagons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of container transportation technology, and in particular to a self-driven container locking device and method. Background Technology

[0002] As the standard unit of modern logistics transportation, the reliable securing of containers during transportation is crucial. Currently, the locking devices (commonly known as "locks") used to secure containers on transport vehicles such as railway freight cars and highway trucks are mainly divided into two types: manual and automatic.

[0003] The manual locking device has a simple structure, but it requires operators to lock and unlock each container one by one, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. This is especially true in large freight yards, where it seriously affects the efficiency of container transshipment.

[0004] To improve efficiency, the industry has developed various automatic locking devices, mostly driven by electric or pneumatic methods. For example, a motor drives a lead screw or gear mechanism, or a cylinder pushes a locking pin to achieve automatic opening and closing of the lock head. However, these automatic devices have inherent drawbacks: First, they require an external energy supply, necessitating independent power systems (such as motors, air compressors, and batteries) and complex electrical control circuits or pneumatic pipelines. For transport vehicles like railway freight cars, which typically do not have independent power or air sources, adding such systems is not only costly and difficult to modify, but also exposes the wiring and pipelines to harsh outdoor environments for extended periods, leading to high failure rates and difficult maintenance. Second, the complexity of the system also means a larger overall size and weight, resulting in relatively lower reliability. Existing technologies often struggle to achieve highly automated locking functions without altering the main structure of the vehicle, and this dependence on energy has become a bottleneck restricting their large-scale application in the railway freight sector.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a container locking device that requires no external power, has a simple and reliable structure, and can automatically lock and open is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a self-driven container locking device and method, which aims to solve the technical problems of existing automatic locking devices relying on external energy, having complex structures, and being difficult to apply to passive vehicles such as railway freight cars.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the first aspect of the present invention provides a self-driven container locking device, comprising: a base; a locking element movably disposed on the base for engaging with a container corner fitting in a locked position and disengaging from the container corner fitting in an unlocked position; the device further comprising: a bearing mechanism configured to bear the weight of the container and generate a first mechanical displacement; a locking drive unit driven by the locking element for driving the locking element to the locked position; an energy input conversion unit driven by the bearing mechanism for converting the first mechanical displacement into a first fluid pressure output; and an unlocking drive unit. The unit is configured to generate a second mechanical displacement when the container is lifted; a valve assembly; and a fluid transmission system connecting the energy input conversion unit, the locking drive unit, the unlocking drive unit, and the valve assembly; wherein, in the locking condition, the valve assembly controls the fluid transmission system to direct a first fluid pressure output by the energy input conversion unit to the locking drive unit to drive the locking element to the locking position; in the unlocking condition, the second mechanical displacement generated by the unlocking drive unit triggers the valve assembly to switch the flow path to drive the locking element to the unlocking position.

[0008] This invention utilizes a cleverly designed passive fluid transmission system to convert the gravitational potential energy of the container during its descent and the mechanical energy during its lifting into driving forces for locking and unlocking actions, respectively. The entire process requires no external energy supply, thus achieving self-driving of the device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy input conversion unit is a first hydraulic cylinder, the locking drive unit is a second hydraulic cylinder, and the unlocking drive unit is a third hydraulic cylinder. By using hydraulic cylinders as actuators, the technical solution is mature and reliable, has high energy conversion efficiency, and is easy to implement in a compact layout.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, under locking conditions, the bearing mechanism is pressed down, driving the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder to retract, causing hydraulic oil to be discharged from its rodless chamber; the valve assembly guides the hydraulic oil discharged from the rodless chamber to the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, driving its piston rod to extend, thereby driving the locking device to the locking position.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the locking condition is completed, the valve assembly is in the closed position to lock the oil circuit of the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, forming a hydraulic self-locking mechanism. By achieving hydraulic self-locking through the closure of the valve assembly, vibration and impact during transportation can effectively prevent the locking devices from loosening or mis-locking, greatly improving transportation safety.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during the unlocking process, the container corner fitting lifts the locking fastener and base upwards, causing the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder to extend; the extension of the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder is linked to the valve assembly to switch the flow path. The triggering mechanism for the unlocking action is clearly defined, utilizing the necessary operation of lifting the container to drive the unlocking; the design is ingenious and requires no additional operation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the valve assembly switches the flow path, it guides the hydraulic oil discharged from the rod chamber of the third hydraulic cylinder to the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, while simultaneously connecting the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder to the oil tank. This drives the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder to retract, causing the locking device to move to the unlocked position. By clearly defining the hydraulic transmission path during the unlocking process, the reverse drive of the locking drive unit is achieved, completing the unlocking action.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a first reset mechanism for resetting the load-bearing mechanism to its initial position after the container is lifted away. By providing the first reset mechanism, the device can automatically return to standby mode after completing one operation, preparing for the next locking operation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first reset mechanism is a spring. Using a spring as the reset mechanism results in a simple structure, low cost, and high reliability.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a second reset mechanism for resetting the unlocking drive unit and the valve assembly after the container is lifted away. By providing the second reset mechanism, it is ensured that the unlocking-related components can also be automatically reset, guaranteeing the complete cycle of the system.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base is connected to the transport vehicle via a self-locking connection mechanism. By employing a self-locking connection mechanism, it is possible to further resist impacts and vibrations during transportation, prevent relative rotation between the entire locking device and the transport vehicle, avoid misoperation, and enhance safety.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the self-locking connection mechanism is a worm gear mechanism. The worm gear mechanism has a natural reverse self-locking characteristic, making it an ideal choice for achieving the aforementioned self-locking connection.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking device is a rotatable lock head. Using a rotatable lock head is a mature solution for container locking devices and fits well with standard container corner fittings.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0021] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a second aspect of the present invention provides a self-driven container locking method, comprising the following steps: a locking step, comprising: a) utilizing the gravity of the container to act on a supporting mechanism, causing the supporting mechanism to generate a first mechanical displacement; b) converting the first mechanical displacement into a driving force for a locking drive unit via a fluid transmission system; c) the locking drive unit driving a locking fastener to move to the locking position, thereby completing the locking of the container; an unlocking step, comprising: d) applying a lifting force to the container, using the lifting force to cause an unlocking drive unit to generate a second mechanical displacement; e) using the second mechanical displacement to trigger a flow path switching of the fluid transmission system; f) driving the locking drive unit through the switched flow path, causing the locking fastener to move to the unlocking position, thereby completing the unlocking.

[0022] By converting the gravitational and mechanical energy during container loading and unloading into the power for locking and unlocking, a fully automated operation process is achieved, requiring no external power or manual intervention.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after step c), the method further includes: locking the locking oil circuit connected to the locking drive unit in the fluid transmission system via a valve assembly to achieve hydraulic self-locking. This ensures the stability of the container after locking and prevents accidental unlocking.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step f) includes: connecting the output terminal of the unlocking drive unit to the unlocking input terminal of the locking drive unit, and simultaneously connecting the locking input terminal of the locking drive unit to the oil tank. This defines the fluid path during the unlocking process, ensuring the precise execution of the unlocking action.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. Self-driving without external energy: This invention cleverly utilizes the gravitational potential energy of the container itself and the mechanical energy of the hoisting operation as a power source to drive the hydraulic system to complete the entire process of locking and unlocking. It does not require any external power source such as electricity or gas, and is particularly suitable for transport vehicles such as railway freight cars and unpowered trailers. It has excellent energy saving and versatility.

[0027] 2. Fully automated operation, improving work efficiency: The process of placing and lifting containers is controlled by locking and unlocking commands, requiring no manual intervention throughout the entire process. This achieves true automation, greatly saving labor costs and improving the efficiency of container transshipment.

[0028] 3. Compact structure and high reliability: By eliminating components such as motors, pumps, and complex circuits, the structure of this invention is greatly simplified, resulting in a small size and light weight. The purely mechanical and hydraulic linkage method reduces moving parts and potential failure points, leading to higher operational reliability and a longer service life in harsh outdoor environments.

[0029] 4. High safety: With the dual protection of hydraulic self-locking and self-locking connection mechanism (such as worm gear), it effectively prevents accidental unlocking caused by vibration during transportation, thus ensuring transportation safety. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention in the locked state.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions (including preferred technical solutions) of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of listing some optional embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] This embodiment provides a self-driven container locking device, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, its hydraulic principle is as follows: Figure 3As shown. This device is mainly used on transport vehicles such as railway freight cars and container trucks to automatically lock and unlock standard containers.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device includes a base 30 mounted on the frame of a transport vehicle (not shown). A locking fastener 10, specifically a rotary lock head in this embodiment, is rotatably mounted on the base 30. The locking fastener 10 has a head for engaging with a hole in a container corner fitting 20. The locking fastener 10 can... Figure 1 The unlock location and Figure 2 Rotate between the locking positions shown.

[0039] The core of this device is a self-driven fluid transmission system, specifically a hydraulic system. This system includes:

[0040] A support mechanism 40, in this embodiment, is a corner piece platform that can move up and down. The support mechanism 40 is located on the base 30 and is used to directly support the weight of the container corner piece 20 when it falls.

[0041] An energy input conversion unit, in this embodiment, is a first hydraulic cylinder 2. The cylinder body of the first hydraulic cylinder 2 is fixed on the base 30, and the end of its piston rod is connected to the bottom of the bearing mechanism 40. When the bearing mechanism 40 is pressed down, the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 2 is pushed into the cylinder body.

[0042] A locking drive unit, in this embodiment, is a second hydraulic cylinder 1. The second hydraulic cylinder 1 is mounted obliquely on the base 30, and the end of its piston rod is connected to the rotation shaft of the locking device 10 through a linkage mechanism (not shown). The extension and retraction of the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 can drive the locking device 10 to rotate between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0043] An unlocking drive unit, in this embodiment, is a third hydraulic cylinder 4. The cylinder body of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 is connected to the base 30, and its piston rod is connected to a linkage component that can be lifted together with the base 30.

[0044] A valve assembly 3, in this embodiment, is a shut-off valve mechanically linked to the third hydraulic cylinder 4. The valve assembly 3 is used to control the on / off switching of the hydraulic oil circuit.

[0045] In addition, the hydraulic system also includes an oil tank 6 and several check valves 5, which together form a complete hydraulic circuit.

[0046] Workflow details:

[0047] 1. Locking process (container lowering):

[0048] As the crane lifts the container over the truck and lowers it, the container corner fitting 20 lands precisely on the load-bearing mechanism 40 (corner fitting platform). The container's enormous weight (typically several to tens of tons) is instantly applied to the load-bearing mechanism 40, causing it to overcome the elastic force of the first reset mechanism below (e.g., a spring, not shown) and move downwards, generating the first mechanical displacement.

[0049] The downward movement of the bearing mechanism 40 pushes the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 2 connected to it to retract. At this time, the volume of the rodless chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder 2 decreases, the hydraulic oil in the chamber is pressurized, and is pumped out through the pipeline to form the first fluid pressure output.

[0050] At this time, valve assembly 3 is in its initial state (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, it directs the high-pressure oil from the rodless chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder 2 to the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1. After the high-pressure oil enters the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1, it pushes its piston rod to extend.

[0051] The extension of the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 drives the locking fastener 10 to rotate approximately 90 degrees via a linkage mechanism. Figure 1 The unlock position moves to Figure 2 The locking position. In the locking position, the head of the locking member 10 is fully engaged in the hole of the container corner fitting 20, thus completing the locking of the container.

[0052] Once the locking fastener 10 is rotated into place, the weight of the container corner bracket 20 is fully distributed between the locking fastener 10 and the base 30, eliminating the load on the load-bearing mechanism 40, which then slightly rebounds under the action of the first reset mechanism. At this point, the pressure from the first hydraulic cylinder 2 disappears, but because the oil passage of the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 is jointly locked by the valve assembly 3 and the check valve 5, the hydraulic oil in the chamber cannot flow back, thus forming a reliable hydraulic self-locking mechanism. This ensures that even if the vehicle is bumpy during subsequent transportation, the locking fastener 10 will not loosen.

[0053] 2. Unlocking process (container lifting):

[0054] When it is necessary to unload the container, the crane spreader hooks onto the container corner fitting 20 and lifts it upwards. Since the locking fastener 10 is engaged with the corner fitting 20 at this time, the lifting force will first lift the entire base 30 of the locking device (along with the locking fastener 10) upwards.

[0055] The upward displacement of the base 30 pulls the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 to extend, generating a second mechanical displacement. The piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 is mechanically linked to the valve assembly 3. After the piston rod extends a certain distance, it actuates the valve assembly 3, switching its oil circuit. This linkage mechanism ensures that the unlocking procedure is only triggered when the lifting force is continuously applied and generates sufficient physical displacement, thus physically preventing accidental locking caused by momentary bumps or vibrations during transportation.

[0056] After valve assembly 3 switches, two things happen: First, it opens the return oil passage from the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 to the oil tank 6; second, it connects the rod chamber of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 with the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1. During the piston rod extension, the hydraulic oil in the rod chamber of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 is squeezed out, and this oil is pumped into the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1.

[0057] Hydraulic oil entering the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 pushes its piston rod to retract, while oil in its rodless chamber smoothly returns to the oil tank 6. The retraction of the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 drives the locking fastener 10 to rotate approximately 90 degrees in the opposite direction, returning to its original position. Figure 1 The unlock location is shown.

[0058] Once the locking fastener 10 is completely disengaged from the container corner fitting 20, the container can be lifted away smoothly.

[0059] After the container is lifted off the ground, the entire device loses its load, and the base 30 returns to its original position under its own weight or the action of the return spring. The load-bearing mechanism 40 has already been reset by the action of the first reset mechanism. The return of the base 30 causes the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder 4 to retract under the action of the second reset mechanism (e.g., a spring), and links the valve assembly 3 to reset to its initial state, preparing for the next locking operation.

[0060] To further enhance the safety of the device and prevent accidental locking under long-term, severe vibration conditions during transportation (such as rail transport), this embodiment preferably includes a self-locking connection mechanism 60 between the base 30 and the frame of the transport vehicle. This mechanism can specifically be a worm gear mechanism. The rotating shaft of the base 30 is connected to the worm gear, and the worm gear fixed to the frame meshes with the worm gear. Because the worm gear drive has a reverse self-locking characteristic, unless the worm gear is actively rotated, any impact or torque applied to the base 30 (i.e., the worm gear) will not cause it to rotate, thus eliminating the possibility of accidental rotation of the entire locking device.

[0061] In this embodiment, all hydraulic cylinders can be standard engineering hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic oil should be of moderate viscosity, wear-resistant, and adaptable to a wide temperature range (e.g., -40°C to 60°C) to meet the requirements of all-weather outdoor use. All hydraulic lines can use high-pressure resistant hoses or rigid pipes, and reliable sealing is required at the connections. The entire device should be made of high-strength steel and treated with anti-corrosion measures to ensure its durability.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] This embodiment provides a self-driven container locking method, which is implemented using the device described in Embodiment 1. The method includes two main steps: locking and unlocking.

[0064] Locking steps:

[0065] S101: Placing the container. Operate the crane to align the corner fittings 20 of the container and place them smoothly onto the support mechanism 40 of the locking device.

[0066] S102: Gravity driven. The weight of the container acts on the supporting mechanism 40, causing it to produce a downward first mechanical displacement.

[0067] S103: Hydraulic Conversion and Transmission. The first mechanical displacement drives the first hydraulic cylinder 2 to compress, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy and generating a high-pressure hydraulic oil flow. This high-pressure oil flow is guided to the locking chamber (rodless chamber) of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 through the valve assembly 3, which is in its initial position at this time.

[0068] S104: Locking is performed. High-pressure oil drives the second hydraulic cylinder 1 to rotate the locking fastener 10 to the locking position, fully engaging with the container corner fitting 20.

[0069] S105: Automatic locking. After locking is completed, valve assembly 3 and check valve 5 work together to close the oil circuit of the locking chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 1, forming a stable hydraulic self-locking system.

[0070] Unlocking steps:

[0071] S201: Lifting the container. Operate the crane to apply an upward lifting force to the container corner fittings 20 using the spreader.

[0072] S202: Trigger unlocking. Due to the engagement of the locking fastener 10, the lifting force causes the base 30 to move upward, thereby causing the unlocking drive unit (third hydraulic cylinder 4) to generate a second mechanical displacement.

[0073] S203: Switching the oil circuit. The second mechanical displacement linkage valve assembly 3 is switched from the locking passage to the unlocking passage.

[0074] S204: Reverse drive unlocking. After the oil circuit is switched, the hydraulic oil discharged from the third hydraulic cylinder 4 is introduced into the unlocking chamber (rod chamber) of the second hydraulic cylinder 1, while the locking chamber (rodless chamber) of the second hydraulic cylinder 1 is connected to the oil tank 6. This drives the second hydraulic cylinder 1 to move in the reverse direction, causing the locking device 10 to rotate to the unlocking position.

[0075] S205: Unlocking and reset completed. After the locking fastener 10 separates from the corner piece 20, the container is lifted away. Subsequently, the device automatically returns to its initial standby state under the action of each reset mechanism.

[0076] The method of this invention is applicable not only to the operation of a single locking device, but also to the synchronous operation of a group (typically four or more) of locking devices installed on a transport vehicle. Since each locking device is an independent, self-driving unit, they can automatically and synchronously complete locking or unlocking actions during container loading and unloading, eliminating the need for any central control system and greatly simplifying the system architecture.

[0077] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, combinations, substitutions, improvements, etc., made under the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-driven container locking device, characterized in that, include: Base; The locking fastener is movably disposed on the base and is used to engage with the container corner fitting in the locked position and to disengage from the container corner fitting in the unlocked position. The load-bearing mechanism is configured to bear the weight of the container and generate the first mechanical displacement; A locking drive unit is connected to the locking device for driving the locking device to move to the locking position; An energy input conversion unit is connected to the bearing mechanism and is used to convert the first mechanical displacement into a first fluid pressure output. Unlock the drive unit and configure it to generate a second mechanical displacement when the container is lifted; Valve assembly; And a fluid transmission system that connects the energy input conversion unit, the locking drive unit, the unlocking drive unit, and the valve assembly; In the locking condition, the valve assembly controls the fluid transmission system to direct the first fluid pressure output by the energy input conversion unit to the locking drive unit, so as to drive the locking device to the locking position; In the unlocking condition, the second mechanical displacement generated by the unlocking drive unit is linked to the valve assembly to switch the flow path, thereby driving the locking device to the unlocking position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy input conversion unit is a first hydraulic cylinder, the locking drive unit is a second hydraulic cylinder, and the unlocking drive unit is a third hydraulic cylinder.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Under locking conditions, the bearing mechanism is pressed down, driving the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder to retract, causing hydraulic oil to be discharged from its rodless chamber; the valve assembly guides the hydraulic oil discharged from the rodless chamber to the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, driving its piston rod to extend, thereby driving the locking device to the locking position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the locking condition is completed, the valve assembly is in the closed position to lock the oil circuit of the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, forming a hydraulic self-locking.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the unlocking condition, the container corner piece lifts the locking fastener and base upwards, causing the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder to extend; the extension of the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder is linked to the valve assembly to switch the flow path.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the valve assembly switches the flow path, it guides the hydraulic oil discharged from the rod chamber of the third hydraulic cylinder to the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, while simultaneously connecting the rodless chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder to the oil tank, thereby driving the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder to retract and causing the locking device to move to the unlocked position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism; the first reset mechanism is configured to drive the load-bearing mechanism to reset upward after the container is lifted off; the second reset mechanism is configured to drive the unlocking drive unit and valve assembly back to their initial state.

8. A self-driven container locking method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The locking steps include: a) The weight of the container acts on a load-bearing mechanism, causing the load-bearing mechanism to produce a first mechanical displacement; b) The first mechanical displacement is converted into a driving force for a locking drive unit through a fluid transmission system; c) The locking drive unit drives a locking element to move to the locking position to complete the locking of the container; Unlocking steps include: d) Apply a lifting force to the container, and use the lifting force to cause a second mechanical displacement of an unlocking drive unit; e) Triggering the flow path switching of the fluid transmission system using the second mechanical displacement; f) The switched flow path drives the locking drive unit, causing the locking element to move to the unlocking position and complete the unlocking.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Following step c), the following is also included: Hydraulic self-locking is achieved by closing the locking oil circuit connected to the locking drive unit in the fluid transmission system through a valve assembly.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Step f) includes: The output terminal of the unlocking drive unit is connected to the unlocking input terminal of the locking drive unit, and the locking input terminal of the locking drive unit is connected to the oil tank.

Images