Device for locking / unlocking a lower corner fitting of a container having standardized fastening elements, and container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (D) for locking / unlocking a lower corner fitting (15) of a container (1) having a standardized fastening element (10'), comprising: - an actuating handwheel (100) movable between an engaged position and a rotational position; - a twist lock (500) including a first locking member (510) rotatably movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; - a device for mechanical connection between the handwheel and the twist lock, including a lever disposed on the first locking member and a transmission mechanism (200) including a finger connected to one end of a connecting cable (400) connected to the other end of the connecting cable, the finger being translatable as the handwheel rotates toward its rotational position, thereby causing the first locking member to rotate toward its unlocked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for locking / unlocking the lower corner fitting of a first container having standardized fastening elements, which are formed by the upper corner fitting or support bracket of a second container arranged below the first container. Background Technology

[0002] A device for locking / unlocking a lower corner fitting of a first container having such a standardized fastening element is known from US 3,980,185 A, the device comprising: - An actuating handwheel is used to permanently fix the handwheel in the corresponding upper corner fitting of the first container. The handwheel can be engaged and rotated between an engaged position and a rotating position by an external control component. - A twist lock for permanently securing to the lower corner fitting of the first container, and including a first locking member comprising a lower pin adapted to be inserted into the fastening element, the first locking member being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position is used to secure the twist lock to the fastening element when the lower pin is received therein, and the unlocked position is used to allow the lower pin to be inserted into or removed from the fastening element; - A connecting shaft that rigidly connects the handwheel and the lower pin of the torsion lock, such that rotation of the handwheel from its engaged position to its rotatable position causes rotation of the first locking member from its locked position to its unlocked position, and vice versa.

[0003] Unfortunately, in cases where the actuator wheel or shaft becomes stuck or damaged due to impact or deformation, such as that of the first container, it is no longer possible to ensure that the lower corner fitting is unlocked from the standardized fasteners.

[0004] Furthermore, because the twist lock is permanently fixed to the lower corner fitting, containers equipped with this locking / unlocking device cannot be securely connected to supports with integrated twist locks.

[0005] To address these issues, a locking / unlocking device of this type is known from FR 3 088 626 A1, in which a twist lock can be detached from the lower corner fitting of the first container.

[0006] To this end, the document proposes a torsion lock having a claw-shaped connecting member that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lock's shaft and lower pin are connected, and in the disengaged position, the two elements are disengaged, thereby allowing the torsion lock to detach from the lower corner fitting.

[0007] Therefore, the detachable nature of the twist lock allows containers equipped with this locking / unlocking device to be securely attached to supports with integrated twist locks.

[0008] In the event that the actuating wheel or shaft is jammed or damaged, moving the claw-shaped connecting member to the disengaged position allows the lower pin of the twist lock to be manually rotated to its unlocked position, thereby ensuring that the lower corner fitting of the first container is unlocked from the standardized fastening element.

[0009] However, this device requires a connecting member, which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft and permanently housed in the lower corner fitting located on the axis of rotation.

[0010] The connecting member, which is placed in the upper central area of ​​the lower corner fitting to align with the vertical axis of rotation of the lower pin, unfortunately interferes with certain types of torsion locks integrated into the supports, thus preventing the corner fitting from locking onto these supports. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to improve this situation.

[0012] To this end, a device for locking / unlocking the lower corner fittings of a first container is proposed, the first container having standardized fastening elements, which are formed by the upper corner fittings of a second container arranged below the first container or by a support bracket.

[0013] The device includes: - An actuating handwheel is used to permanently fix the handwheel in the corresponding upper corner fitting of the first container. The handwheel can be engaged and rotated between an engaged position and a rotating position by an external control component. - A twist lock for removably securing to the lower corner fitting of the first container, and including a first locking member comprising a lower pin adapted to be inserted into the fastening element, the first locking member being rotatable between a locked position for securing the twist lock to the fastening element when the lower pin is received therein, and an unlocked position for allowing the lower pin to be inserted into or removed from the fastening element; - A means for ensuring mechanical connection between the handwheel and the torsion lock, such that rotation of the handwheel from its engaged position to its rotatable position causes rotation of the first locking member from its locked position to its unlocked position, and vice versa.

[0014] According to the invention, the coupling device includes a lever disposed on the first locking member and a transmission mechanism intended to be permanently fixed within the lower corner fitting along one of its edges. The mechanism includes a finger mounted for translational movement and connected to a first end of a connecting cable, the second end of which is connected to the handwheel. As the handwheel rotates toward its rotational position, the finger is able to translate via the connecting cable, thereby acting on the lever and causing the first locking member to rotate toward its unlocked position.

[0015] The advantage of this transmission mechanism, which engages with the lever on the first locking member of the twist lock, is that it can be embedded along the edge of the container into the lower corner fitting of the container without any risk of interference with the upper pin of another type of twist lock integrated into the support in this area, thereby allowing the container equipped with the locking / unlocking device according to the invention to be securely connected to such a support equipped with an integrated twist lock.

[0016] For reasons of simplicity and cost, the transmission mechanism preferably includes a sleeve and a bushing, the bushing being slidably mounted within the sleeve and rigidly connected to the finger passing through the sleeve at a slot extending along the sleeve.

[0017] To ensure the automatic return of the fingers when the handwheel returns to its engaged position, the transmission mechanism advantageously includes a main spring housed in the sleeve, located between the bushing and a stop end formed at one end of the sleeve, the main spring elastically returning the fingers and the bushing to their rest positions.

[0018] In order to “absorb” the additional tensile displacement of the connecting cable caused by the residual rotation of the handwheel, the transmission mechanism also advantageously includes a shuttle rigidly connected to the first end of the connecting cable and slidably mounted within the bushing, and an overtravel spring housed within the bushing between its end wall and the shuttle.

[0019] To optimize the operation of the device according to the invention, the torsion lock preferably includes a first spring that permanently pushes the first locking member to its locked position so that when the handwheel is brought back to its engaged position, it automatically returns to the locked position.

[0020] In this configuration, in order not to interrupt the rotational movement of the first locking member toward its unlocked position—a movement achieved by fingers fixed to the bushing acting on the lever—the overtravel spring of the transmission mechanism advantageously has a greater stiffness than the first spring equivalent to the torsion lock and the main spring of the transmission mechanism.

[0021] In order to obtain sufficient traction on the connecting cable during the rotation of the handwheel, the second end of the connecting cable is advantageously rigidly connected to the handwheel at a connection point that is radially offset from its axis of rotation.

[0022] In order to allow the twist lock to disengage from the standardized fastening element in the event of damage to the handwheel, connecting cable, or transmission mechanism, the twist lock advantageously includes a control cable with a gripping handle at one end, which, when pulled by an operator with a certain pulling force, can drive the first locking member toward its unlocked position.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to allow the twist lock to disengage from the lower corner fitting of the first container, the twist lock preferably includes a second locking member comprising an upper pin for insertion into the lower corner fitting. The second locking member is rotatable relative to the first locking member between a first locked position and an unlocked position. The first locked position is used to secure the twist lock to the lower corner fitting when the upper pin is received therein, and the unlocked position is used to allow the upper pin to be withdrawn from the lower corner fitting.

[0024] Preferably, and in order to facilitate the disengagement of the twist lock from the lower corner fitting of the first container, the control cable is also capable of driving the second locking member toward its unlocked position when the operator pulls the control cable with greater force.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a container comprising four such locking / unlocking devices, each locking / unlocking device being arranged along a corresponding vertical edge of the container. Attached Figure Description

[0026] A detailed, illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments of the invention will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a container equipped with the four locking / unlocking devices according to the invention, taken along the vertical mid-transverse plane of the corner fittings at the first longitudinal end of the container; - Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This illustrates how four locking / unlocking devices according to the invention can be used to... Figure 1 The continuous steps of connecting the first container to the second container; - Figure 5 This is a top view of the actuator handwheel of the device according to the invention, which is permanently fixed in... Figure 1 The upper corner fitting of the container shown is inside, and in its mating position; - Figure 6 This is a front view of the transmission mechanism of the device according to the invention, which is permanently fixed in... Figure 1Inside the lower corner fittings of the container shown; - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The transmission mechanism shown is a cross-sectional view along its central vertical transverse plane. - Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the torsion lock of the device according to the invention, which is used for detachably securing to... Figure 1 On the lower corner fittings of the container shown; - Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows perspective views of the torsion lock from different angles, without the housing. - Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The enlarged view of the lower part of the torsion lock shown shows that the housing is not present. - Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A perspective cross-sectional view of the torsion lock on a horizontal plane passing through its housing; - Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 12C and Figure 12D They are Figure 8 Top view and horizontal sectional view of the torsion lock at different heights when it is in its static configuration; - Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 13C and Figure 13D They are shown respectively Figure 8 Top and horizontal sectional views of the torsion lock at different heights in its intermediate configuration; - Figure 14 This is a top view of the actuator handwheel of the device according to the invention, which is located at the middle position corresponding to the torsion lock of the device reaching its intermediate configuration; - Figure 15 and Figure 16 Top views of the torsion lock and handwheel of the device according to the invention are shown respectively when the handwheel reaches its rotating position; and - Figure 17A and Figure 17B They are Figure 8 Top view and horizontal sectional view of the torsion lock at its end configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figures 1 to 4 A container 1 is shown equipped with four locking / unlocking devices D according to the invention, each locking / unlocking device being arranged along a corresponding vertical edge of the container 1 and allowing it to be connected to a second container 2 arranged below the container 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown in the diagram) or support (not shown), or detached from the second container 2 or support.

[0028] An orthogonal reference system XYZ is defined relative to container 1, which includes three mutually perpendicular axes, namely: - The X-axis defines the longitudinal direction of container 1 and is parallel to the ground; - The Y-axis defines the lateral direction of container 1, is parallel to the ground, and together with the X-axis defines the horizontal XY plane; and - The Z-axis defines the vertical direction, perpendicular to the ground and the horizontal XY plane.

[0029] In the remainder of the instruction manual, referring to the reference system defined above, the term "longitudinal" or "longitudinally" will refer to the direction parallel to the X-axis, the term "lateral" or "laterally" will refer to the direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the term "perpendicular" or "vertically" will refer to the direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0030] Furthermore, by convention, the terms "lower" and "upper" will be understood in relation to the overall orientation of container 1. Therefore, the term "lower" will indicate that it is closer to the ground in the vertical direction than the term "upper".

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, container 1 has vertically aligned and spaced-apart upper corner fittings 10 and lower corner fittings 15 at each of its vertical edges.

[0032] These corner fittings 10 and 15 are roughly rectangular in shape and hollow, so as to define their internal volume.

[0033] Each upper corner fitting 10 (or lower corner fitting 15) has a longitudinally oriented rectangular upper opening 11 (or lower opening 16) on its upper wall 10A (or lower wall 15A).

[0034] Each locking device D includes an actuating wheel 100, which is permanently housed in a corresponding upper corner fitting 10 of the container 1 and rotatably mounted on the lower wall 10B of the upper corner fitting about a vertical axis of rotation V. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The shown joint position and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The movement is shown between rotational positions approximately 90° relative to the former.

[0035] like Figure 5 As better illustrated, the actuating handwheel 100 is intended to be engaged and rotated by an external control component O mounted on a lifting device such as a crane, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0036] The external control member O is able to occupy an insertion position (not shown) in which the external control member O extends in the longitudinal direction, such that the external control member O can be inserted into the upper corner fitting 10 through its opening 11 and is rotatably connected to the actuating handwheel 100.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the external control member O can also be rotated about 90° from the insertion position to the operating position, in which the external control member O extends in the lateral direction, thereby also causing the actuator handwheel 100 to rotate to its rotation position.

[0038] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, in this operating position, the external control component O protrudes laterally on both sides of the opening 11 in the corresponding upper corner fitting 10, fixing it to the upper corner fitting 10 of the container 1 and allowing the container to be lifted by the lifting equipment.

[0039] Each locking device D also includes a transmission mechanism 200, which is permanently fixed within the lower corner fitting 15 by means of merging along one of its upper lateral edges.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 The transmission mechanism 200 includes a cylindrical sleeve 210 having a transverse axis, which is connected to the side wall 15B of the lower corner fitting 15 by screws and is closed at one end by a stop end 220.

[0041] The sleeve 210 houses a helical compression spring 230, the first end of which abuts against the stop end 220 and is referred to hereinafter as the main spring.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, the transmission mechanism 200 also includes a hollow cylindrical bushing 240, which is slidably mounted laterally within the sleeve 210 and rigidly connected to a curved finger 250 that passes through the sleeve 210 at a slot 211 extending along the sleeve 210.

[0043] The end wall 241 of the bushing 240 abuts against the second end of the main spring 230, causing the main spring 230 to elastically bias the bushing 240 and the finger 250 toward their rest position, as shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0044] Bushing 240 houses a second helical compression spring 260, the first end of which abuts against its end wall 241 and is referred to below as an overtravel spring.

[0045] The transmission mechanism 200 also includes a shuttle 270, which is slidably mounted laterally within the bushing 240, with one end 271 of the shuttle 270 abutting against the second end of the overtravel spring 260.

[0046] The shuttle 270 is rigidly connected to the first end of the connecting cable 400, which passes in sequence through the overtravel spring 260, the end wall 241 of the bushing 240, the main spring 230, the stop end 220, and the side wall 15B of the lower corner fitting 15 facing the interior of the container 1.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The connecting cable 400 then extends vertically along the corresponding vertical edge of container 1, and then passes through the lower part of the side wall of the corresponding upper corner fitting 10 facing the interior of container 1. For example... Figure 5 As shown, its second end is also rigidly connected to the handwheel 100 at connection point P, which is radially offset from its vertical axis of rotation V.

[0048] To avoid any risk of water flowing into the interior of the container 1 through the port provided in the lower part of the side wall of the upper corner fitting 10 for the passage of the connecting cable 400, a curved conduit through which the connecting cable 400 passes and rises vertically along the side wall will advantageously be attached to the periphery of the side wall from the side facing the interior of the container 1 and sealed.

[0049] Each locking device also includes a twist lock 500, which is detachably secured to the corresponding lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1.

[0050] The removable feature of the twist lock 500 allows the container 1 equipped with this locking / unlocking device D to be securely attached to the support with the integrated twist lock.

[0051] The removable nature of the twist locks 500 also means that they can be maintained regularly (especially by cleaning and lubrication) to ensure optimal operation throughout their service life, and can be replaced if necessary without disassembling the entire locking device D.

[0052] exist Figure 8 As shown separately, the torsion lock 500 includes a first locking member 510, which includes a lower pin 511 adapted to be inserted into a standardized fastening element, the standardized fastening element being composed of, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper corner fitting 10' of the second container 2, which is arranged below the container 1, is either formed by a support bracket such as a ship deck or trailer floor.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the first locking member 510 also includes a shaft 512 having a vertical axis V extending upward from the lower pin 511 and a tapered head 513 forming a shoulder at its top.

[0054] The first locking member 510 is preferably made of metal material by injection molding or machining into a single piece, and the first locking member 510 also includes a lever 514 extending radially from the tapered head 513 of the shaft 512.

[0055] The twist lock 500 also includes a second locking member 520, which includes an upper pin 521, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the upper pin 521 is housed in the corresponding lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1 so as to secure the twist lock 500 to the container 1.

[0056] Reference Figure 9 The second locking member 520 also includes a cylindrical sleeve 522 and an annular collar 523, the cylindrical sleeve 522 having a vertical axis V extending below the upper pin 521, and the annular collar 523 extending radially from the lower end of the sleeve 522.

[0057] Advantageously, the second locking member 520 consists of two hollow metal halves screwed together by several bolts. The second locking member 520 also has a blind recess 524 having a vertical axis V. Figures 1 to 4 It can be seen that it has an opening at its lower end.

[0058] As shown in these figures, the blind recess 524 accommodates the upper portion of the shaft 512, which is complementary to the recess 524, such that the second locking member 520 can only rotate about the vertical axis V of the shaft 512 relative to the first locking member 510 (the engagement between the tapered head 513 forming the shoulder and the upper portion of the recess 524 prevents any relative translational movement between the two locking members 510, 520 in the vertical direction).

[0059] The second locking member 520 also has a cutout 525, which is formed in the upper pin 521 and opens at the top of the recess 524. Figure 9 As can be seen, it was pierced by lever 514.

[0060] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first locking member 510 also includes a flange 515 protruding from the lower part of the shaft 512, and a protrusion 516 protruding from the lower part of the shaft 512 above the flange 515.

[0061] like Figure 8As shown, the twist lock 500 also includes a hollow housing 530 that extends vertically between the lower pin 511 and the upper pin 521 and surrounds the elements of the locking members 510 and 520 arranged between the two pins 511 and 521, such that the locking members 510 and 520 can rotate about the vertical axis V relative to the housing 530.

[0062] The housing 530 includes an upper nesting portion 531 and a lower nesting portion 532. The upper nesting portion 531 has a shape and size complementary to the opening 16 of the lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1, and the lower nesting portion 532 has a shape and size complementary to the opening 11' of the standardized fastening element, which is formed by the upper corner fitting 10' of the second container 2 or a support bracket.

[0063] from Figure 8 As can be seen, the housing 530 is advantageously composed of two symmetrical hollow halves, which are fastened together by four bolts, and each half is made of metal material as a single piece by injection molding or machining.

[0064] The torsion lock 500 also includes a first torsion spring 540, which is arranged around the shaft 512 below the flange 515.

[0065] Reference Figure 10 The first vertical end strand 541 of the first torsion spring 540 passes through a complementary-shaped notch 515A provided on the flange 515, thereby being constrained to rotate together with the first locking member 510 about the vertical axis V.

[0066] like Figure 11 As shown, its second end strand 542, which is oriented in the horizontal direction, remains against the inner stop wall 533 of the housing 530, thereby being constrained to rotate together with the housing 530 about the vertical axis V.

[0067] The torsion lock 500 also includes a second torsion spring 550 arranged above the flange 515 around the shaft 512.

[0068] Refer again Figure 10 The first vertical end strand 551 of the second torsion spring 550 passes through a complementary-shaped notch 516A formed in the protrusion 516, thereby being constrained to rotate together with the first locking member 510 about the vertical axis V. The first end strand 551 also passes through an arcuate hole 523A formed in the lower wall of the collar 523, centered on the vertical axis of rotation V. Its second vertical end strand 552 passes through a port 523B of a corresponding size also formed in the lower wall of the collar 523, thereby being constrained to rotate together with the collar 523 and the second locking member 520 about the vertical axis V.

[0069] Finally, the twist lock 500 includes a control cable 560, one end of which is connected to and partially wound around the collar 523, the control cable 560 being connected via port 534 (see...). Figure 8 It passes through housing 530 and has a gripping handle (not shown) at its second end located outside housing 530.

[0070] exist Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figures 12A to 12D In the static configuration of the twist lock 500 shown, the first locking member 510 occupies its locked position, in which the first stop surface 515B of the flange 515 abuts against the inner wall 535 of the housing 530 (see...). Figure 12D And the first torsion spring 540 elastically biases itself toward the locked position.

[0071] In the locked position of the first locking member 510, it can be noted that the lower pin 511 is oriented at an angle of about 60° relative to the lower nesting portion 532 of the housing 530, and protrudes laterally from the lower nesting portion 532 on both sides, so that when the lower pin 511 is accommodated in the standardized fastening element, the twist lock 500 is fixed to the standardized fastening element (10').

[0072] Still in the static configuration, the second locking member 520 also occupies the first locking position. The second locking member 520 is elastically biased toward the first locking position by the second torsion spring 550, and in the first locking position, its upper pin 521 is oriented at an angle of about 90° relative to the upper nesting portion 531 of the housing 530, and protrudes laterally from the upper nesting portion 531 on both sides, so that when the upper pin 521 is accommodated in the corresponding lower corner fitting 15, the torsion lock 500 is fixed to the corresponding lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1.

[0073] It will be noted that in this static configuration, the first vertical end strand 551 of the second torsion spring 550 is close to the first end edge of the bow-shaped hole 523A.

[0074] In order to lift and position the first container 1 onto the second container 2 (or onto a support, not shown), the first container 1 must first be connected to the lifting equipment (not shown).

[0075] For this purpose, each external control component O of the lifting device must first pass through the opening 11 of the corresponding upper corner fitting 10 of the container 1 (or the opening of the corresponding support bracket) so as to be rotatably connected to the corresponding actuating handwheel 100.

[0076] like Figure 2As shown, these external control components O must then be rotated approximately 90° to their operating position, in which they extend laterally so as to also rotate the actuator handwheel 100 to their rotation position.

[0077] Thus, each external control component O is fixed to the upper corner fitting 10 of the container 1 that houses the external control component O, thereby connecting the first container 1 to the lifting device. The container 1 can then be lifted by the lifting device and moved in alignment with the second container 2 (or support).

[0078] The rotation of each handwheel 100 caused by the rotation of the corresponding external control member O also pulls the connecting cable 400, causing the bushing 240 to move along the sleeve 210 against the main spring 230, so that the finger 250 acting on the lever 514 causes the first locking member 510 of the corresponding torsion lock 500 to rotate against its first torsion spring 540.

[0079] This rotation continues until these torsion locks reach 500. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 13A to 13D The intermediate configuration shown aligns their lower pins 511 with the lower nesting portion 532 of their housing 530, so that they no longer protrude laterally (see...). Figure 13D ), and as Figure 3 As shown, these lower pins 511 can be inserted into the upper corner fittings 10' of the second container 2 (or into the support bracket), while the lower nesting portion 532 of the housing 530 is accommodated in the openings 11' of these upper corner fittings 10' (or support brackets).

[0080] like Figure 13D As shown, the first locking member 510 of these twist locks 500 then occupies their unlocked position, in which the second stop surface 515C of the flange 515 abuts against the inner wall 536 of the housing 530.

[0081] It will be noted that, due to the first end strand 551 of the second torsion spring 550 and the first end edge of the arc-shaped hole 523A (see...), Figure 13B The abutting engagement between the first locking member 510 and the second locking member 520 causes the second locking member 520 to rotate simultaneously in the same direction. The second locking member 520 occupies a second intermediate locking position, in which it forms an angle of approximately 30° with respect to the upper nesting portion 531 of the housing 530, and continues to protrude laterally from the upper nesting portion 531 on both sides (see...). Figure 13A Thus, the twist lock 500 is kept fixed to the lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1.

[0082] It should also be noted that once the handwheel reaches 100... Figure 14 As shown in the middle position, the torsion lock 500 occupies the middle configuration just before the rotational movement of the handwheel 100 ends.

[0083] Since this intermediate configuration of the twist lock 500 corresponds to the end position of the first locking member 510 (due to the abutment between the second stop surface 515C of the flange 515 and the inner wall 536 of the housing 530), as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the presence of the overtravel spring 260 enables it to "absorb" the additional tensile displacement of the connecting cable 400 caused by the residual rotation of the handwheel 100 to its rotational position.

[0084] In order to avoid interrupting the rotational movement of the first locking member 510 toward its unlocked position—which is achieved by the action of the finger 250 fixed to the bushing 240 on the lever 514—the overtravel spring 260 advantageously has a stiffness significantly greater than that of the springs equivalent to springs 230 and 540, so that it is not compressed during the movement of the first locking member 510.

[0085] Once the first container 1 has been positioned on the second container 2 (or on the support), the external control components O must pivot back to their insertion position to allow them to be removed from the upper corner fitting 10 of the container 1, as shown. Figure 4 As shown.

[0086] This rotation of the external control component O will also cause the actuator handwheels 100 to rotate back to their engaged positions, and the connecting cable 400 to slacken.

[0087] Since the levers 514 are no longer biased by the connecting cable 400, the first locking members 510 automatically return to their initial locking positions by means of the restoring force of the first torsion spring 540, securing the torsion locks 500 to the upper corner fittings 10' (or support brackets) of the second container 2, and thus locking them to the lower corner fittings 15 of the first container 1, so that the first container 1 can be attached to the second container 2.

[0088] Furthermore, since the finger 250 is no longer constrained by the lever 514, the springs 230 and 260 will also cause the bushing 240 and the finger 250 to return to their rest positions.

[0089] In order to remove the first container 1 from the second container 2 (or from the support), it is understood that each twist lock 500 must be detached from the corresponding upper corner fitting 10' (or from the corresponding support bracket) of the second container 2.

[0090] This disengagement can be achieved very easily by means of four external control components O installed on the lifting equipment, which are inserted through corresponding openings 11 in the upper corner fittings 10 of the container 1 (or in the upper corner fittings of the support bracket) so as to be rotatably connected to the corresponding actuating handwheels 100.

[0091] Then, these external control components O must be rotated approximately 90° relative to the insertion position to their operating position so that the actuating handwheel 100 rotates to its rotational position, and the twist lock 500 is brought to their intermediate configuration via the connecting cable 400 (see...). Figure 3 In this intermediate configuration, the first locking member 510 of these twist locks 500 occupies their unlocked position, allowing the lower pin 511 to be pulled out from the upper corner fitting 10' of the container 2 (or from the support bracket).

[0092] Then container 1 is removed from container 2 (or the support) so that it can be lifted and moved by the lifting equipment.

[0093] In the event of damage to, for example, the handwheel 100 of locking device D, connecting cable 400, or transmission mechanism 200, the twist lock 500 of device D can also be manually disengaged from the corresponding upper corner fitting 10' of container 2 (or from the corresponding support bracket).

[0094] To this end, the operator must apply a certain tension to the control cable 560 by gripping the handle (not shown) and overcoming the first torsion spring 540, thereby causing the first locking member 510 and the second locking member 520 to rotate simultaneously until the torsion lock 500 occupies its position. Figures 13A to 13D The intermediate configuration shown.

[0095] In order to overcome the first torsion spring 540 and keep the torsion lock 500 in this intermediate configuration when the handle is released, the housing 530 will advantageously include a means (not shown) for holding the control cable 560 in the pulled position.

[0096] After the first locking member 510 of the twist lock 500 has entered and remained in its unlocked position, the first container 1 is separated from the second container 2 (or support) so that it can be lifted and moved by the lifting equipment.

[0097] As already mentioned, each twist lock 500 can also be manually detached from the lower corner fitting 15 of container 1, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0098] To do this, the operator must first apply a certain tension to the control cable 560 by gripping the handle (not shown) and overcoming the first torsion spring 540, thereby causing the first locking member 510 and the second locking member 520 to rotate simultaneously until the torsion lock 500 occupies its position. Figures 13A to 13DThe intermediate configuration shown.

[0099] The operator must then overcome the increased tension exerted on the control cable 560 by the two springs 540 and 550, causing only additional rotation of the second locking member 520 until the torsion lock 500 reaches its destination. Figure 17A and Figure 17B The end configuration shown has the second locking member 520 in its unlocked position, wherein its upper pin 521 no longer protrudes laterally from the upper nested portion 531 of the housing 530, thereby allowing its upper pin 521 to pass through the opening 16 and be pulled out from the corresponding lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1.

[0100] Figure 17B This additional rotation of the second locking member 520 is made possible by the arcuate hole 523A in the collar 523, in which the first vertical end strand 551 of the second torsion spring 550 moves along the arcuate hole 523A in its frame of reference.

[0101] To reattach the twist lock 500 to the lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1, its first locking member 510 must first be manually rotated relative to the housing 530 (by grasping its lower pin 511) and rotated to its unlocked position against the first torsion spring 540, in which the twist lock 500 occupies its position as if... Figures 13A to 13D The intermediate configuration shown.

[0102] While manually holding the first locking member 510 in the unlocked position, the operator must position the twist lock 500 below the lower corner fitting 15 of the container 1, so that the upper nesting portion 531 of the housing 530 is aligned with the lower opening 16 of the lower corner fitting 15.

[0103] Then, the torsion lock 500 must be slid vertically upwards so that, through the engagement between the periphery of the opening 16 and the inclined contact surface of the upper pin 521, the second locking member 520 is rotated additionally in the same direction as before to its unlocked position (corresponding to...). Figure 17A and Figure 17B (As shown in the end configuration of the twist lock 500), in the unlocked position, the upper pin 521 no longer protrudes laterally from the upper nesting portion 531 of the housing 530, thereby allowing the upper pin 521 to pass through the opening 16 and be inserted into the lower corner fitting 15, while the upper nesting portion 531 is accommodated in the opening 16.

[0104] Once the upper pin 521 has passed through the opening 16, the torsion lock 500 automatically returns to its original position using the restoring force of the second torsion spring 550. Figures 13A to 13D The intermediate configuration ensures that the torsion lock 500 is secured to the lower corner fitting 15.

[0105] Then, the operator can release the torsion lock 500, so that the torsion lock 500 automatically returns to its stationary configuration by means of the restoring force of the first torsion spring 540.

[0106] According to an embodiment not shown, certain elements of the locking / unlocking device D according to the invention can be formed differently. Its actuation mechanism may, for example, lack an overtravel spring and / or its torsion lock reset device may be of a different type.

[0107] Of course, many other embodiments of the present invention are conceived, and in this regard it should be remembered that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above and in the accompanying drawings, but also includes all implementation variations within the scope of the skill of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device (D) for locking / unlocking a lower corner fitting (15) of a first container (1), the first container (1) having a standardized fastening element consisting of an upper corner fitting (10') or a support bracket of a second container (2) disposed below the first container (1), the device (D) comprising: - An actuating handwheel (100) for permanent fixation in a corresponding upper corner fitting (10) of the first container (1), the handwheel (100) being able to be engaged and rotated between an engaged position and a rotating position by an external control member (O); - A twist lock (500) for removably securing to the lower corner fitting (15) of the first container (1) and including a first locking member (510) comprising a lower pin (511) adapted to be inserted into the fastening element (10'), the first locking member (510) being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position being for securing the twist lock (500) to the fastening element (10') when the lower pin (511) is received in the fastening element, and the unlocked position being for allowing the lower pin (511) to be inserted into or withdrawn from the fastening element (10'); - A device (514, 200, 400) for ensuring the mechanical connection between the handwheel (100) and the twist lock (500) such that rotation of the handwheel (100) from its engaged position to its rotatable position causes rotation of the first locking member (510) from its locked position to its unlocked position, and vice versa; The connecting device is characterized in that it includes a lever (514) disposed on the first locking member (510) and a transmission mechanism (200) designed to be permanently fixed within the lower corner fitting (15) along one of its edges. The mechanism (200) includes a finger (250) mounted for translational movement and connected to a first end of a connecting cable (400) connected to a second end of a handwheel (100). The finger (250) is capable of translating via the connecting cable (400) as the handwheel (100) rotates toward its rotational position, thereby acting on the lever (514) and causing the first locking member (510) to rotate toward its unlocked position.

2. The apparatus (D) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (200) includes a sleeve (210) and a bushing (240), the bushing being slidably mounted within the sleeve (210) and rigidly connected at a slot (211) extending along the sleeve to the finger (250) passing through the sleeve (210).

3. The apparatus (D) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (200) includes a main spring (230) housed in the sleeve (210), the main spring being located between the bushing (240) and a stop end (220) formed at one end of the sleeve (210), the main spring (230) elastically returning the finger (250) and the bushing (240) to their rest positions.

4. The apparatus (D) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (200) further includes a shuttle (270) rigidly connected to the first end of the connecting cable (400) and slidably mounted within the bushing (240), and an overtravel spring (260) housed within the bushing (240) between its end wall (241) and the shuttle (270).

5. The apparatus (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The torsion lock (500) includes a first torsion spring (540) that permanently pushes the first locking member (510) to its locked position so that when the handwheel (100) is brought back to its engaged position, the first locking member is automatically returned to the locked position.

6. The apparatus (D) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that, The overtravel spring (260) of the transmission mechanism (200) has a greater stiffness than the first torsion spring (540) of the torsion lock (500) and the main spring (230) of the transmission mechanism.

7. The apparatus (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second end of the connecting cable (400) is rigidly connected to the handwheel (100) at a connection point (P) radially offset from its axis of rotation (V).

8. The apparatus (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The twist lock (500) includes a control cable (560) with a gripping handle at one end, which, when pulled by an operator with a certain pulling force, can drive the first locking member (510) toward its unlocked position.

9. The apparatus (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The twist lock (500) includes a second locking member (520) having an upper pin (521) for insertion into the lower corner fitting (15). The second locking member (520) is rotatable relative to the first locking member (510) between a first locked position and an unlocked position. The first locked position is used to secure the twist lock (500) to the lower corner fitting (15) when the upper pin (521) is received in the lower corner fitting, and the unlocked position is used to allow the upper pin (521) to be withdrawn from the lower corner fitting (15).

10. The apparatus (D) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that, When the operator pulls the control cable (560) with greater force, the control cable is also able to drive the second locking member (520) toward its unlocked position.

11. A container (1) comprising four locking / unlocking devices (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, each locking / unlocking device being arranged along a respective vertical edge of the container (1).

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