Container bridge lock device

Abstract

The utility model provides a container bridge lock device which comprises a bridge lock body and a switch lock component, and the bridge lock body comprises a first lock hook and a second lock hook. A locking mechanism is arranged between the first lock hook and the second lock hook, and comprises a rack, a first lock hook and a second lock hook; the lock shell is fixedly connected to the second lock hook, an insertion hole allowing the rack to be inserted in a sliding mode is formed in the lock shell, and a shell cavity communicating with the insertion hole is formed in the lock shell; the gear is rotationally arranged in the shell cavity, the gear is meshed with the rack, and a coupling piece is arranged on the gear; the two locking blocks are symmetrically distributed on the left side and the right side of the gear, the locking blocks are slidably connected into the shell cavity in the vertical direction, and locking clamping teeth are arranged on the sides, facing the rack, of the upper ends of the locking blocks; the connecting rod is fixedly connected between the two locking blocks, and an inclined groove is formed in the connecting rod; the elastic piece is mounted in the shell cavity; and a positioning part is arranged on the lock shell. According to the device, the binding and unbinding efficiency of the container is improved, the cost is reduced, and the operation safety and the binding quality stability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of container lashing and fixing technology, and more specifically, to a container bridge lock device. Background Technology

[0002] Containers are a mature tool for transporting packaged or unpackaged goods and are easy to load, unload, and handle using mechanical equipment. In windy weather, stacked containers need to be secured to prevent them from being blown off. To ensure a stable connection between adjacent containers, bridge lock structures are typically used for mutual fixation. However, current bridge lock connection methods have some problems.

[0003] Firstly, there are two commonly used bridge locks. One type consists of a locking rod with oppositely oriented threads at both ends and a fixing nut in the middle. Two locking hooks are installed on the threads at both ends of the locking rod via internal threads. The distance between the locking hooks is adjusted by manually turning the nut in the middle of the locking rod with a wrench, thus locking the container. The other type has two locking hooks, one with a rack and the other with a gear and ratchet pawl mechanism. Turning the handle of the ratchet mechanism drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the rack to move, adjusting the distance between the locking hooks and locking the container. To release the lock, pressing down the handle disengages the pawl of the one-way ratchet from the gear surface, releasing the gear from its reverse rotation and opening the distance between the two locking hooks. Both types of bridge locks require the operator to manually turn the wrench or ratchet handle step by step, and this operation requires riding in a toolbox suspended from a forklift. Both methods are relatively inefficient.

[0004] Secondly, because the bridge lock is installed relatively high off the ground, securing it requires the assistance of a forklift and its operator, which increases labor costs. Furthermore, working at heights inherently carries certain safety risks.

[0005] Furthermore, the accuracy and consistency of manual operation are difficult to guarantee. Inconsistencies may exist between different operators, which can lead to unstable quality of the bridge lock connection and affect the security of container lashing.

[0006] Finally, in severe weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy rain, manually operating the bridge locks becomes more difficult and dangerous, further limiting the efficiency of container loading, unloading and securing, and increasing the safety risks for operators. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a container bridge lock device, which has the advantages of improving the efficiency of container lashing and unlashing, operational safety, cost reduction, and stable lashing quality.

[0008] This utility model provides a container bridge lock device, including a bridge lock body and a lock switch component. The bridge lock body includes a first lock hook and a second lock hook. The first lock hook is slidably connected to the second lock hook laterally, and the two are respectively used to hook into two lock holes of adjacent containers. A locking mechanism is provided between the first lock hook and the second lock hook. The locking mechanism includes: a rack, fixedly connected to the first lock hook and extending along the sliding direction of the first lock hook; a lock shell, fixedly connected to the second lock hook, with an insertion hole for the rack to slide into, and a cavity communicating with the insertion hole inside the lock shell; and a gear, rotatably disposed in the cavity, meshing with the rack. The lock housing is equipped with a coupling element. The switch and lock component drives the gear to rotate via the coupling element, thereby driving the rack to slide. Two locking blocks are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the gear. The locking blocks are vertically slidably connected in the housing cavity. The upper end of the locking block facing the rack has locking teeth for engaging with the rack's tooth grooves. A connecting rod is fixedly connected between the two locking blocks. The connecting rod has a groove. The switch and lock component drives the locking blocks to slide downward by inserting into the groove, causing the locking teeth to disengage from the rack. An elastic element is installed in the housing cavity and is used to drive the locking blocks to move upward toward the rack. The lock housing is equipped with a positioning part for positioning the switch and lock component.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the container bridge lock device proposed in this application has the following advantages: by combining gear and rack transmission with a separable locking block structure, the mechanical adjustment and automatic locking of the distance between the two locking hooks can be realized. At the same time, the inclined groove and positioning part of the connecting rod are used in conjunction with the switch lock component to complete the unlocking operation, which can realize the automatic opening and closing operation of the bridge lock device, greatly simplifying the operation process, improving work efficiency, and reducing operation time and cost.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the housing cavity is provided with a guide groove for the locking block to slide into, and the guide groove extends vertically. Compared with the prior art, the locking block can slide stably within the guide groove, ensuring accurate engagement and disengagement of the locking teeth and the rack, making the locking mechanism more stable and improving its reliability and stability.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the elastic element is a helical spring, and there are two helical springs spaced apart. The upper end of each helical spring is connected to a connecting rod, and the lower end of each helical spring is connected to a lock housing. Compared with the prior art, this ensures that the locking block always presses against the rack during normal operation, resulting in reliable drive and improved meshing stability between the locking teeth and the rack.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the switch lock component includes a rotating bit and a rotary actuator that drives its rotation. The rotating bit is used to mate with a coupling element of a gear. Compared to the prior art, the rotational bit and rotary actuator work together to provide rotational power to the gear, which pushes the rack to slide during rotation, thereby locking or unlocking the device.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the switch lock component further includes a bracket and a lever, the lever being fixedly connected to the bracket and used for insertion into a slant groove. Compared to the prior art, the lever allows the locking block to be effectively driven downwards, thereby releasing the rack from lock. The bracket provides stable connection and support, enhancing the structural stability and operational reliability of the entire switch lock component.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the front side of the lock housing has an opening communicating with the housing cavity, which allows the lever to be inserted into the housing cavity. Compared with the prior art, the design of the opening allows the lever to directly contact the inclined groove of the connecting rod, and the positioning part cooperates to ensure that the lever can effectively drive the locking block to slide downward, thereby realizing reliable unlocking of the locking mechanism.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the front end of the lever is provided with a guide ramp for guiding it into the inclined slot. When the lever is inserted into the inclined slot, the connecting rod drives two locking blocks to slide downwards, causing the locking teeth to disengage from the rack. Compared with the prior art, the design of the guide ramp allows the lever to easily enter the slot, reducing operating resistance and achieving smooth insertion of the lever and reliable disengagement of the locking blocks.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the positioning part includes a positioning hole on the lock housing, and the bracket is provided with a positioning rod that matches the positioning hole, so that the lever is guided into the inclined groove. Compared with the prior art, the precise guidance of the lever is achieved by using the cooperation between the positioning rod and the positioning hole, avoiding possible alignment deviations, ensuring that the connecting rod can be pressed downward and drive the locking block to move, thereby improving the reliability of rack and pinion unlocking.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the front end of the positioning rod is provided with a guide angle. Compared with the prior art, this allows the positioning rod to slide into the positioning hole on its own even in a non-precise alignment state, improving the positioning reliability of the positioning rod.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the gear is rotatably connected to the housing cavity via a rotating shaft, and both the gear and the coupling element are fixed on the rotating shaft. Compared with the prior art, this achieves stable rotation of the gear, improves the meshing stability of the gear and rack, and the synchronous rotation of the gear and coupling element on the rotating shaft effectively enhances the stability of torque transmission, thereby improving the reliability of the device's opening and closing locking actions. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-section of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure;

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Bridge lock body; 11. First lock hook; 12. Second lock hook; 2. Switch lock component; 21. Rotating bit; 22. Bracket; 23. Lever; 231. Guide ramp; 24. Positioning rod; 241. Guide angle; 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Rack; 32. Lock housing; 321. Insertion hole; 322. Housing cavity; 323. Guide groove; 324. Opening; 325. Positioning hole; 33. Gear; 331. Coupling component; 34. Locking block; 341. Locking tooth; 35. Connecting rod; 351. Inclined groove; 36. Elastic component; 4. Rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0026] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] The operational efficiency of container stacking systems will be limited to below the threshold of manual operation speed, making it impossible to achieve optimal scheduling of automated loading and unloading equipment. Incomplete engagement of the locking mechanism will lead to a decrease in the stiffness of the connection between stacking layers, which may cause the locking hooks to slip and fail under ship rolling or land turbulence conditions. Frequent manual intervention will also increase the uptime of port equipment, thereby affecting the cost of the entire logistics chain.

[0030] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 5 This application discloses a container bridge lock device, including a bridge lock body 1 and a lock switch component 2. The bridge lock body 1 includes a first lock hook 11 and a second lock hook 12. The first lock hook 11 is slidably connected to the second lock hook 12 in a transverse direction, and the two are respectively used to hook into two lock holes of adjacent containers. A locking mechanism 3 is provided between the first lock hook 11 and the second lock hook 12. The locking mechanism 3 includes: a rack 31, a lock housing 32, a gear 33, two locking blocks 34, a connecting rod 35, and an elastic element 36. The rack 31 is fixedly connected to the first lock hook 11 and extends in the sliding direction of the first lock hook 11. The lock housing 32 is fixedly connected to the second lock hook 12. The lock housing 32 has an insertion hole 321 for the rack 31 to slide into. The lock housing 32 forms a cavity 322 that communicates with the insertion hole 321. The gear 33 is rotatably disposed in the cavity 322. The gear 33 and the rack 31 are connected in a rotatable manner. The gear 33 is equipped with a coupling element 331. The switch lock component 2 drives the gear 33 to rotate by driving the coupling element 331, thereby driving the rack 31 to slide. Two locking blocks 34 are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the gear 33. The locking blocks 34 are vertically slidably connected in the housing cavity 322. The upper end of the locking block 34 facing the rack 31 is integrally provided with a locking tooth 341. The locking tooth 341 is used to engage with the tooth groove of the rack 31 to form a meshing lock. The connecting rod 35 is fixedly connected between the two locking blocks 34. The connecting rod 35 is provided with a groove 351. The switch lock component 2 drives the locking block 34 to slide downward by inserting into the groove 351, so that the locking tooth 341 disengages from the rack 31. The elastic element 36 is installed in the housing cavity 322 and is used to drive the locking block 34 to move upward toward the rack 31. The lock housing 32 is provided with a positioning part for positioning the switch lock component 2. That is, when the switch lock component 2 is inserted into the inclined groove 351, the driving locking block 34 slides downward against the resistance of the elastic element 36, so that the locking tooth 341 disengages from the rack 31; when the switch lock component 2 disengages from the inclined groove 351, the elastic element 36 drives the locking block 34 to slide upward, and the locking tooth 341 engages with the tooth groove of the rack 31.

[0032] As described above, when the device is in operation, the first locking hook 11 and the second locking hook 12 respectively hook into the two locking holes of adjacent containers; the switching and locking component 2, through the insertion of the inclined groove 351, causes the connecting rod 35 to drive the locking block 34 to slide downwards, and the locking teeth 341 disengage from the rack 31; simultaneously, the switching and locking component 2, through the drive coupling component 331, drives the gear 33 to rotate, driving the rack 31 to slide, thereby adjusting the relative position of the first locking hook 11 and the second locking hook 12; when the predetermined position is reached, the switching and locking component 2 exits the inclined groove 351, and the two locking blocks 34 slide upwards under the action of the elastic element 36, and the locking teeth 341 engage with the tooth groove of the rack 31, achieving locking. This design achieves precise control through the gear 33 and rack 31 mechanism, provides reliable locking through the locking block 34, and enables convenient operation through the switching and locking component 2; the positioning part ensures accurate positioning of the switching and locking component 2, improving operational reliability. These improvements collectively solve the problems of insufficient precision, low efficiency, and safety risks existing in traditional manual operation, significantly improving the automation and reliability of container fixing. There are many ways to implement the locking block 34, gear 33, and connecting rod 35. For example, they can be made of high-strength metal materials to ensure that they are not easily worn or deformed during long-term use.

[0033] In this embodiment, a guide groove 323 is provided inside the cavity 322 for the locking block 34 to slide into, and the guide groove 323 extends vertically. The guide groove 323 makes the sliding path of the locking block 34 within the cavity 322 clearer, avoiding the offset or jamming of the locking block 34 within the cavity 322, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the locking mechanism 3. The guide groove 323 can be implemented by opening a corresponding groove on the inner wall of the cavity 322, or by setting a guide rail on the inner wall of the cavity 322. The size and shape of the guide groove 323 should match the sliding part of the locking block 34 to ensure that the locking block 34 can slide smoothly within the guide groove 323. Through the guiding effect of the guide groove 323, the locking teeth 341 can better mesh with the rack 31, thereby achieving a stable locking effect.

[0034] In this embodiment, the elastic element 36 is a helical spring. There are two helical springs spaced apart. The upper end of the helical spring is connected to the connecting rod 35, and the lower end of the helical spring is connected to the lock housing 32. When the helical spring is compressed, it can effectively drive the locking block 34 to move towards the rack 31, thereby locking the first locking hook 11 and the second locking hook 12. Furthermore, the arrangement of the helical springs can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the number of springs and the spring constant can be optimized according to actual usage, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism 3 in different environments.

[0035] In this embodiment, the switch lock component 2 includes a rotating bit 21 and a rotating driver that drives its rotation. The rotating bit 21 is used to match and connect with the coupling member 331 of the gear 33. The rotating driver can be an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, and its output shaft is connected to the rotating bit 21 via a coupling. The front end of the rotating bit 21 is provided with a groove or protrusion that matches the shape of the coupling member 331. For example, the front end of the rotating bit 21 is a hexagonal groove, and correspondingly, the coupling member 331 is a hexagonal nut to realize torque transmission. Specifically, after the rotary driver is started, the output shaft drives the rotary bit 21 to rotate around the axis. The slot at the front end of the bit engages with the coupling member 331 of the gear 33, transmitting the rotational torque to the gear 33. During rotation, the gear 33 pushes the rack 31 to slide laterally, causing the first locking hook 11 and the second locking hook 12 to move relative to each other, thus locking or unlocking. During this process, the rotary driver continuously provides power, and the operator does not need to apply force manually; the operation can be completed entirely through remote control. Because the transmission paths of the rotary driver and the gear 33 are directly matched, the problem of gear 33 jamming caused by deviations in the angle of manual force application is avoided. Furthermore, the shape of the rotary bit 21 and the coupling member 331 can be matched with a standardized interface, such as an ISO standard hexagonal head, for easy replacement or maintenance.

[0036] In this embodiment, the switch lock component 2 further includes a bracket 22 and a lever 23. The lever 23 is fixedly connected to the bracket 22 and is used to insert into the inclined groove 351. The front side of the lock housing 32 is provided with an opening 324 communicating with the housing cavity 322, which is used for inserting the lever 23 into the housing cavity 322. The front end of the lever 23 is provided with a guide slope 231 for guiding it into the inclined groove 351. When the lever 23 is inserted into the inclined groove 351, the connecting rod 35 drives the two locking blocks 34 to slide downward, causing the locking teeth 341 to disengage from the rack 31. The bracket 22 serves as a rigid support structure and is fixed to the external drive robotic arm by welding or bolting. Specifically, during operation, the bracket 22 is grasped by the robotic arm and moved horizontally towards the lock housing 32. When the guide slope 231 of the lever 23 contacts the edge of the opening 324 of the lock housing 32, the component force generated by the slope guides the lever 23 to automatically slide into the opening 324. As the robotic arm continues to advance, the lever 23 penetrates the opening 324 of the lock housing 32 and extends into the housing cavity 322. At this time, the lever 23 abuts against the guide slope 231 of the connecting rod 35. During the continued advancement, the connecting rod 35 is pressed downward by the lever 23 and drives the locking block 34 to slide, so that the locking teeth 341 completely disengage from the tooth groove of the rack 31. During this process, the rigid support provided by the bracket 22 ensures that the reaction force borne by the lever 23 will not cause the component to deform. At the same time, the rigid connection between the bracket 22 and the robotic arm can provide real-time feedback of the insertion depth data, which is convenient for the control system to accurately judge the unlocking completion status.

[0037] In this embodiment, the positioning part includes a positioning hole 325 on the lock housing 32, and a positioning rod 24 matching the positioning hole 325 on the bracket 22 to guide the lever 23 into the inclined groove 351; the front end of the positioning rod 24 is provided with a guide angle 241. The positioning rod 24 is vertically fixed to the side of the bracket 22 near the lock housing 32, and its axis is parallel to the moving direction of the lever 23; the guide angle 241 is a chamfered or rounded structure, forming a slope or arc surface transitioning from the front end of the positioning rod 24 to the rod body; when the bracket 22 moves towards the lock housing 32, the guide angle 241 of the positioning rod 24 preferentially contacts the edge of the positioning hole 325, and through the guiding effect of the slope or arc surface, forces the bracket 22 to make a slight adjustment in the horizontal direction until the positioning rod 24 is completely inserted into the positioning hole 325; during this process, the lever 23 adjusts synchronously with the moving path of the bracket 22 to ensure that its front end always faces the entrance of the inclined groove 351, improving the success rate of the lever 23 insertion. At the same time, the positioning function of the positioning hole 325 and the positioning rod 24 ensures that the connecting rod 35 is reliably pressed downward.

[0038] In this embodiment, gear 33 is rotatably connected to housing cavity 322 via rotating shaft 4, and both gear 33 and coupling member 331 are fixed on rotating shaft 4. Rotating shaft 4 serves as the support shaft for the rotational movement of gear 33, with its axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of rack 31. Both ends of rotating shaft 4 are mounted on the inner wall of housing cavity 322 of lock housing 32 via bearings or shaft hole fitting structures, forming a rotating pair. Gear 33 is fixed to the middle of rotating shaft 4 via keyway fitting or interference fit, and coupling member 331 is fixed to the end of rotating shaft 4 by welding or bolt connection.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "in this embodiment," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0041] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container bridge lock device, comprising a bridge lock body and a lock / unlock component, characterized in that: The bridge lock body includes a first locking hook and a second locking hook. The first locking hook is slidably connected to the second locking hook in the lateral direction. The two are used to hook into the two lock holes of adjacent containers respectively. A locking mechanism is provided between the first locking hook and the second locking hook, the locking mechanism comprising: A rack is fixedly connected to the first locking hook and extends along the sliding direction of the first locking hook; The lock case is fixedly connected to the second lock hook. The lock case has a socket for the rack to slide into, and the interior of the lock case forms a cavity that communicates with the socket. The gear is rotatably mounted inside the housing cavity and meshes with the rack. The gear is equipped with a coupling element. The switch lock component drives the gear to rotate by driving the coupling element, thereby driving the rack to slide. Two locking blocks are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the gear. The locking blocks are vertically slidably connected in the housing cavity. The upper end of the locking block is provided with locking teeth on the side facing the rack. The locking teeth are used to engage with the tooth groove of the rack. A connecting rod is fixedly connected between two locking blocks. The connecting rod is provided with a slanted groove. The switch lock component drives the locking blocks to slide downward by inserting into the slanted groove, so that the locking teeth disengage from the rack. The elastic element is installed inside the housing cavity and is used to drive the locking block to move upward toward the rack; The lock housing is provided with a positioning part for positioning the switch lock components.

2. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The cavity is provided with a guide groove for the locking block to slide into, and the guide groove extends vertically.

3. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The elastic element is a helical spring. There are two helical springs arranged at intervals. The upper end of the helical spring is connected to the connecting rod, and the lower end of the helical spring is connected to the lock housing.

4. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The switch lock component includes a rotating bit and a rotating driver that drives its rotation. The rotating bit is used to match and connect with a gear coupling element.

5. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The switch lock component also includes a bracket and a lever, the lever being fixedly connected to the bracket and used for insertion into the inclined slot.

6. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The front side of the lock housing has an opening that connects to the housing cavity, and the opening is used for inserting the lever into the housing cavity.

7. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The front end of the lever is provided with a guide slope for guiding it into the inclined groove. When the lever is inserted into the inclined groove, the connecting rod drives the two locking blocks to slide downward, causing the locking teeth to disengage from the rack.

8. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The positioning part includes a positioning hole on the lock housing, and the bracket is provided with a positioning rod that matches the positioning hole so that the lever is guided into the inclined groove.

9. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The positioning rod has a guide angle at its front end.

10. The container bridge lock apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The gear is rotatably connected to the housing cavity via a rotating shaft, and both the gear and the coupling element are fixed on the rotating shaft.

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