Container with locking device, locking device, use of a locking device and pressure vessel system

Abstract

Container (1), in particular pressure vessel (1), with - a wall (3) defining the interior of a container (10), - a base (6) defining the interior of a container (10), - a container opening, - a lid (5) that can be coupled to the wall (3) for closing the container opening, - a longitudinal axis (2) running between the base (6) and the lid (5), - a sealing agent arranged between the wall (3) and the lid (5) for sealing the container (1) closed by means of the lid (5), - a locking device (11) designed to lock the lid (5) and container (1) together in the closed position, wherein the locking device (11) has at least one locking part (15, 15') which is arranged in the area of ​​the container opening to lock the lid (5) relative to the wall (3) in the closed state, wherein the locking part (15) is held in a locking position by means of a locking unit, in which the locking part (15) positively locks the lid (5) relative to the wall (3), and can be moved from the locking position into an open position by a movement which has at least one movement component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (2) of the container (1), characterized by the fact that the cover (5) has a first recess (17) which is designed to accommodate the locking part (15), and the container (1) has a second recess (19) which is designed to accommodate the locking part (15, 15').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container, in particular a pressure vessel, comprising a wall defining the interior of the container, a bottom defining the interior of the container, a container opening formed in the wall, a lid that can be coupled to the wall for closing the container opening, a longitudinal axis extending between the bottom and the lid, a sealing means arranged between the wall and the lid for sealing the container closed by means of the lid, and a locking device which is configured to lock the lid and the container together in the closed state, wherein the locking device has at least one locking part which is arranged in the area of ​​the container opening in order to lock the lid to the container wall in the closed state.

[0002] In the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, for example, pressure vessels, also called pressure tanks, are used to mix liquid, pasty, or solid substances, particularly to produce free-flowing products. High pressures or vacuums prevail inside these pressure vessels. During these mostly highly automated processes, the pressure vessels must be opened, closed, and locked regularly.

[0003] To open and close the pressure vessel lid, it is usually moved vertically, diagonally, or horizontally using a lifting device, which is electrically or hydraulically operated, for example, to fill the container with raw materials or to carry out maintenance or repair work. Manual, and sometimes semi-automatic, locking devices are currently used to secure the pressure vessel to the lid when closed. The reliability of locking devices for pressure vessels is of particular importance due to the significant risk of damage to property and personal injury.

[0004] In addition to the high mechanical loads inherent in the process, which act on the locking devices due to the container pressure, the opening / closing process places a mechanical strain on the locking device and leads to increased wear.

[0005] DE69818088T2 discloses a bolt clamping device for locking pressure vessels. Several bolts are proposed, which pass through recesses in a lid and a flange of the pressure vessel. Furthermore, the bolts extend through a hole in a movable plate. The plate is adjacent to the flange or the lid. A hydraulic control mechanism clamps the bolts and the plate against each other to clamp the flange and the lid. The locking mechanism, which involves relative movement of the plate relative to the plurality of bolts, constitutes a third, essential component that must be manufactured separately and is also prone to wear and requires intensive cleaning and maintenance.

[0006] DE10016805A1 discloses a closure for a pressure vessel which locks a flange of the pressure vessel to a flange of the vessel lid by means of retaining elements that grip them. The retaining elements are preferably two semi-rings with an internal circumferential groove that receives the flanges when the lid is closed. The locking device again constitutes a third, essential component that must be manufactured separately. Furthermore, the manual or semi-automatic guiding of the semi-ring elements along the circumference of the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel flange until the pressure vessel is fully opened results in long cycle times and requires intensive cleaning.

[0007] US 2 797 948 A and US 2012 / 0 187 123 A1 disclose a pressure vessel according to the preamble of claims 1 and 7.

[0008] Containers with separate and individualized locking mechanisms, as known from the prior art, are generally prone to wear and tear, require extensive maintenance, and are costly. Securing these containers in the event of malfunctions requires further optimization. Furthermore, the complex locking mechanisms necessitate manual or semi-automatic operation of the locking devices on these pressure vessels and hinder comprehensive process automation in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries, for example.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to overcome, as far as possible, the disadvantages found in the prior art for containers, particularly pressure vessels of the type mentioned above. The invention was based in particular on the objective of proposing a container with a fail-safe locking device that locks the container to the container lid in the closed state, without requiring a third, essential component that would need to be manufactured separately and would be costly and difficult to clean. The aim is thus to increase safety, reduce production downtime due to maintenance work, and simplify cleaning.

[0010] The invention solves the underlying problem by proposing a container with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The locked position, as used here, refers to a position of the locking element in which the container is locked in a defined position relative to the lid by a connection between the container wall, the locking element, and the container lid. The open position, as used here, refers to a position in which the lid is movable relative to the container, for example, by means of a lifting device. The locking element is moved from the locked position to the open position by a movement that has at least one component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0012] According to the invention, a movement which has at least one component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the container is understood as a movement which, with respect to its temporal progression, has at least one component in said direction. Consequently, the movement of the locking element can be achieved through a linear movement, a pivoting or rotating movement, or through other non-linear movements. The movement can be automated or manual, for example.

[0013] A locking unit is understood here to be an element or assembly designed to hold the locking part in the locked position. According to a second aspect of the invention, this locking is achieved by a locking force, in particular a spring force, but according to the first aspect of the invention, it can also be achieved by a releasable frictional or positive locking connection.

[0014] Reducing the number of components lowers manufacturing costs and maintenance, thus minimizing production downtime. Furthermore, the improved accessibility, simple design, and resulting small surface area of ​​the device facilitate cleaning the container. The locking mechanism, secured in the locked position by the locking unit, ensures that the container remains locked even in the event of malfunctions. A reliable and, in particular, fail-safe locking mechanism for the pressure vessel is essential not only for occupational safety but also for economic reasons. A malfunction of such a locking device, and the resulting damage to the pressure vessel itself or the surrounding production facility, leads to production downtime and significant financial losses.Since the movement of the locking element has at least one component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the container, a high degree of design flexibility is possible. Furthermore, the locking element can, at least to a limited extent, prevent the container and the container lid from moving relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element can be moved into the open position by a linear movement, which preferably runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the container. Locking by a linear movement of the locking element enables short cycle times and good automation potential.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element can be moved into the open position by a pivoting motion. This makes it possible to move the locking element from a locked position to an open position even in confined spaces and difficult access.

[0017] According to the invention, the locking element positively locks the lid relative to the wall. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the positive locking connection is easily automated and also suitable for repeated opening and closing operations.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is cylindrical. This reduces wear on the locking element due to the cylindrical shape and the elimination of edges.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is wedge-shaped and, in particular, tapers towards the center of the container. The wedge shape of the locking element facilitates its insertion into a receptacle and promotes the closing process of the container, due to the tapered shape of the locking element towards the center of the container.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the container further comprises a container flange formed on the wall, which extends around the area of ​​the container opening, and a lid flange corresponding to and connectable with the container flange. The locking device is designed to positively lock the lid flange relative to the container flange in the closed state. Locking the lid flange relative to the container flange in the closed state facilitates access to the locking device and reduces the mechanical stress on the container wall and lid.

[0021] Preferably, the locking element is arranged on the cover flange. This arrangement advantageously facilitates access for assembly and maintenance of the locking element. Furthermore, arranging the locking element on the cover flange reduces the distance between the locked and open positions, and thus the cycle time.

[0022] According to the invention, the lid, in particular the lid flange, has a first recess designed to accommodate the locking element, and the container, in particular the container flange, has a second recess designed to receive the locking element. The robust design of the container and the container lid, necessitated by the pressure conditions within the container, is thus utilized to provide a receptacle for the locking element, forming a positive-locking connection. This allows for the direct locking of the container and container lid by the locking element without the need for additional components that would increase the maintenance requirements of the locking device.

[0023] The insertion of the locking element through the first recess results in a positive-locking connection between the locking element and the lid or lid flange; furthermore, the receiving of the locking element through the second recess also results in a positive-locking connection between the locking element and the container wall or the container flange, since the recess is designed in such a way that at least the relative movement of the locking element in the direction of the container lid is blocked.

[0024] The invention is further advantageously enhanced by a sliding bushing, which is arranged in the first recess and configured to guide the locking element. A deviation of the intended position of the locking element from the container relative to the lid or the locking element can lead to increased friction between the first recess and the locking element, which promotes wear. The low-friction passage of the locking element through the sliding bushing reduces mechanical stress and counteracts premature wear.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element has a direction of movement that is essentially horizontal towards the center of the container, wherein the container is preferably rotationally symmetrical and the direction of movement of the locking element corresponds to a radial direction of the container. Thus, the forces exerted on the locking element by the container lid and the container act essentially orthogonally to the direction of movement of the locking element and in opposite directions to each other. The invention further utilizes the fact that a rotationally symmetrical design of the container optimizes its design, particularly as a pressure vessel. The number of locking elements whose direction of movement is essentially horizontal towards the center of the container, particularly in a radial direction, is also scalable.

[0026] According to a second aspect, which is also a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the invention solves the aforementioned problem by means of a container according to claim 7.

[0027] The container includes an actuator which is operatively connected to the locking element and configured to move the locking element from the locked position to the open position. Thus, according to the invention, a locking device is proposed which provides for complete process automation through the movement of the locking element by means of an actuator.

[0028] The actuator thus acts against the locking unit, which exerts a spring force on the locking part, and moves the locking part out of the locked position.

[0029] It is further advantageous that at least one actuator is a hydraulic actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator and / or an electromechanical actuator. This allows the actuator drive to be selected according to the available installation space and the container.

[0030] The present invention is further advantageously enhanced by a plurality of sensors configured to detect at least one observation parameter, in particular pressure and / or temperature and / or position. Thus, a plurality of sensors are provided which, by detecting the observation parameters, indicate a malfunction and recognize the position of the locking element relative to its defined open and locked position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing element is designed as a ring and preferably has a round cross-section. Thus, according to the invention, a circumferential sealing element is provided in the area of ​​the opening, which preferably has a round cross-section, so that an area of ​​maximum height is provided, which increases the sealing of the container.

[0032] The invention is advantageously further developed by providing a groove in the area of ​​the opening, particularly in the lid flange, which is designed to receive the sealing element. Thus, the invention takes advantage of the fact that a groove in the area of ​​the opening enables simple and reproducible positioning of the sealing element.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element has a fillable chamber with an opening. A valve is associated with the sealing element, which is preferably fluid-conducting and connected to an opening of the sealing element. The valve can be connected to a fluid source for supplying fluid. Preferably, the valve is arranged in the opening or in a component adjacent to the sealing element, for example, the groove in the cover flange. The invention utilizes the fact that the expansion of the sealing element as a result of filling the chamber with a fluid allows for individually adaptable and highly reliable sealing. Thus, according to the invention, the sealing is not solely achieved through the locking mechanism, but is supported by the expandable sealing element.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has a control unit which is connected to the plurality of sensors via signal transmission. Thus, all observational variables detected by the sensors are supplied to the control unit, enabling the process to be fully monitored and self-regulating.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to receive a command to close the container, to receive a command to open the container, and to issue a command to the actuator to move the locking element from the locked position to the open position. Thus, according to the invention, a container with a control unit for automated opening and closing or locking is provided.

[0036] The invention is advantageously further developed in that the control unit is connected to the valve associated with the sealing means in a signal-conducting manner and is further configured to issue a supply command to the valve in the locked position in order to supply a pressurized fluid to the sealing means, and in the open position to issue a discharge command to the valve associated with the sealing means in order to discharge the pressurized fluid.

[0037] According to the invention, a control unit is proposed which obtains information relevant to the process and the position of the locking part from a multitude of sensors and derives an instruction for controlling the actuator and / or the valve based on this information.

[0038] The invention is further advantageously developed by connecting the control unit to the plurality of sensors via a signal conductor, wherein the sensors detect at least one observed variable and the control unit is further configured to compare the observed variable with a setpoint and to output an error message in the event of a deviation. Thus, according to the invention, a control unit is proposed which detects process disturbances at an early stage.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention, the underlying problem is solved by a locking device according to claim 15.

[0040] Regarding the advantages achieved and preferred embodiments, reference is made to the above descriptions of the container.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method according to claim 16. With regard to the advantages achieved and preferred embodiments, reference is made to the above descriptions of the container. The method for locking such a pressure vessel takes advantage of the corresponding benefits.

[0042] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures and preferred embodiments.

[0043] This shows: Fig. 1: a section of a pressure vessel in a perspective view, Fig. 2: a section of a lid and a locking device according to the figure in a sectional view, Fig. 3: a section of the lid and the locking device according to Fig. 2 in a perspective view, Fig. 4: a section view of a cover and a locking device according to a further preferred embodiment, Fig. 5: a section of the lid and the locking device according to Fig. 4 in a perspective view, Fig. 6: a section of the lid Fig. 4 in a perspective view, Fig. 7: a section of the container in the area of ​​the opening according to Fig. 4, Fig. 8: a diagram of the pressure vessel control unit according to Fig. 1.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pressure vessel 1 with a wall 3 and a schematically shown bottom 6, which define the interior of the vessel 10. A vessel opening is formed in the wall 3, which is closed by a lid 5 that can be coupled to the wall 3. A longitudinal axis 2 runs between the bottom 6 and the lid 5.

[0045] The pressure vessel 1 also includes a control unit 8, which is described below (see below). Fig. 8) is described in more detail.

[0046] A container flange 9 is formed on wall 3, which extends around the area of ​​the container opening.

[0047] A lid flange 7 is formed on the container lid 5. The container flange 9 and the corresponding lid flange 7 are locked together in the closed state by a locking device 11. The locking device 11 is arranged on the lid 5 of the pressure vessel 1.

[0048] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the container lid 5 and the locking device 11 according to a first preferred embodiment of the container 1 according to the second aspect.

[0049] How in particular Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the container flange 9 formed on the wall 3 has a recess 19.

[0050] How in particular Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, the lid 5, in particular the lid flange 7, has a further recess 17. A sliding bushing 27 is arranged in the recess 17 in the lid 5 of the container 1. Furthermore, a receptacle 29 for the locking device 11 is formed in the area of ​​the lid flange 7. The receptacle 29 has a plurality of recesses 33, which are designed to engage with fasteners, preferably screws.

[0051] How Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the locking device 11 comprises a locking part 15, an actuator 13 operatively connected to the locking part 15, and a locking unit 12. The locking unit 12 exerts a locking force on the locking part 15.

[0052] The locking element 15 can be moved from a locked position to an open position by a movement, in this case a linear movement. The locking element 15 is cylindrical, and the recesses 17 and 19 are correspondingly at least partially cylindrical, with the recesses 17 and 19 being arranged concentrically to each other.

[0053] The locking device 11 further comprises a connecting plate 21, which is designed to connect the locking device 11 to the container lid 5.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting plate 21 of the locking device 11 has a central recess 24, which is designed to allow at least part of the actuator 13 to pass through. The recess 24 is designed as a bore.

[0055] The part of the actuator 13 that passes through the bore is designed as a piston rod on which the locking part 15 is mounted.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting plate 21 has a plurality of recesses 23 which are designed to accommodate fasteners 22, preferably screws, for connecting the connecting plate 21 to the lid 5 of the container 1. The actuator 13 is coupled to the connecting plate 21.

[0057] Preferably, the locking unit 12 can be coupled to the container lid 5 by means of the connecting plate 21 and the connecting means 22.

[0058] How Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the pressure vessel 1, and in particular the lid 5, further features a groove formed in the area of ​​the opening. The groove accommodates a sealing material for sealing the closed vessel 1. The sealing material has a round cross-section.

[0059] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the container lid 5 and the locking device 11' according to a first preferred embodiment of the container according to the first aspect (not shown).

[0060] How Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5, the container flange 9 and the lid flange 7 have the recesses 19 and 17.

[0061] How Fig. 4 and especially also Fig. Figure 6 shows that the receptacle 29 is formed in the area of ​​the cover flange 7. The receptacle 29 has a plurality of recesses 33, which are designed to engage with the connecting means 22, preferably screws. Furthermore, the cylindrical recess 17 is formed on the flat surface of the receptacle 29, which is designed to guide the locking element 15, 15' through it.

[0062] The pressure vessel according to the second embodiment differs from the embodiment described above by a locking device 11'.

[0063] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the locking device 11' has a locking part 15' and a locking unit 31.

[0064] The locking unit 31 exerts a locking force on the locking part 15'. The locking part 15' can be moved from the locked position to the open position.

[0065] The locking part 15' is cylindrical and the recesses 17 and 19 are at least partially cylindrical corresponding to the locking part 15', with the recesses 17 and 19 being arranged concentrically to each other.

[0066] How in particular Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the locking unit 31 has a first side on which the locking element 15' is centrally arranged and a second side on which a handle 35 for moving the locking element 15' is formed. The locking unit 31 also has a plurality of recesses 37, which are designed to allow the connecting elements 22, preferably screws, to pass through in order to connect the locking unit 31 to the lid 5 of the container 1. The groove formed in the area of ​​the opening receives the sealing element for sealing the closed container in a known manner. The sealing element has a round cross-section.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 shows the cover flange 7 with the receptacle 29. The receptacle 29 has recesses 33 which are designed to engage with the fasteners 22, preferably screws. Furthermore, the cylindrical recess 17 is formed on the flat surface of the receptacle 29.

[0068] How Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the container flange 9 has the at least partially cylindrical recess 19. The recess 19 comprises a first part 19a, which is formed by a straight web, and a second part 19b, which is formed by a circular arc. The web-shaped part 19a of the recess 19 is designed to facilitate the insertion of the locking part 15, 15'. The shape of the recess 19 corresponds to the locking part 15, 15' in the area of ​​the circular arc (see Figure 7). Fig. 3 and Fig. 5).

[0069] Fig. Figure 8 shows a diagram of the control unit 8 of the pressure vessel 1 according to Fig. 1. The control unit 8 is equipped with a pneumatic actuator 13, a multitude of sensors (not shown) and the sealing medium (see. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) connected via signal conductors.

[0070] The actuator 13 is connected to a compressed air source (not shown) via a fluid-conducting connection. A solenoid valve 4 is arranged between the compressed air source and the actuator 13. The solenoid valve 4 is configured to supply compressed air to the piston side of the actuator 13's cylinder or to disconnect the cylinder from the compressed air source. The solenoid valve 4 is connected to the control unit 8 via a signal conductor.

[0071] The groove has a valve (not shown) associated with the sealing material, which is preferably a solenoid valve. The valve (not shown) is configured to supply a fluid to the sealing material, causing it to expand. Furthermore, the valve (not shown) associated with the sealing material is configured to discharge the fluid from the sealing material, causing it to contract. The valve (not shown) is connected to the control unit 8 via a signal conductor.

[0072] The numerous sensors (not shown) send signals to the control unit 8, which relate to the position of the locking part 15 and the process progress.

[0073] Does the control unit 8 receive a command to open the container 1 manually or via the multitude of sensors (not shown)? Fig. 1) The control unit 8 sends a command to the solenoid valve 4 to supply compressed air to the piston side of the actuator 13 cylinder. The actuator 13 then moves the locking element 15 from the locked position to the open position. Furthermore, the control unit 8 sends a command to the valve (not shown) associated with the sealant to discharge the fluid from the sealant, causing it to contract.

[0074] If the control unit 8 receives a command to close the container 1, either manually or via the numerous sensors (not shown), the control unit 8 sends a signal to the solenoid valve 4 to release the compressed air from the cylinder of the actuator 13 on the piston side. The locking element 15 then moves from the locked position to the open position. Furthermore, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the valve (not shown) associated with the sealing compound to supply fluid to the sealing compound, causing it to expand and the container 1 (see figure) to close. Fig. 1) is sealed.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 13 is a hydraulic or an electromechanical actuator. According to the embodiment above, a valve (not shown) or a mechanical drive receives a command to open the container 1 (see Figure 1). Fig.1), so that the actuator 13 moves the locking part 15 from a locked position to an open position.

Claims

[1] Container (1), in particular pressure vessel (1), with - a wall (3) defining the interior of a container (10), - a base (6) defining the interior of a container (10), - a container opening, - a lid (5) that can be coupled to the wall (3) for closing the container opening, - a longitudinal axis (2) running between the base (6) and the lid (5), - a sealing agent arranged between the wall (3) and the lid (5) for sealing the container (1) closed by means of the lid (5), - a locking device (11) designed to lock the lid (5) and container (1) together in the closed position, wherein the locking device (11) has at least one locking part (15, 15') which is arranged in the area of ​​the container opening to lock the lid (5) relative to the wall (3) in the closed state, wherein the locking part (15) is held in a locking position by means of a locking unit, in which the locking part (15) positively locks the lid (5) relative to the wall (3), and can be moved from the locking position into an open position by a movement which has at least one movement component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (2) of the container (1), characterized by , that the cover (5) has a first recess (17) which is designed to accommodate the locking part (15), and the container (1) has a second recess (19) which is designed to accommodate the locking part (15, 15'). [2] Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the locking part (15, 15') can be moved into the open position by a linear movement which preferably runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (2) of the container (1), wherein the locking part (15) locks the lid (5) relative to the wall (3) in a form-fitting manner. [3] Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking part (15, 15') can be moved into the open position by a pivoting movement, the locking part (15) locks the cover (5) relative to the wall (3) in a form-fitting manner. [4] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the container (1) furthermore has a container flange (9) formed on the wall (3), which extends around the area of ​​the container opening and has a lid flange (7) corresponding to and connectable with the container flange (9), and the locking device (11) is designed to lock the lid flange (7) relative to the container flange (9) in the closed state. [5] Container (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the locking part (15) is arranged on the cover flange (7). [6] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking part (15, 15') has a direction of movement which is essentially horizontal in the direction of the container center, wherein the container (1) is preferably rotationally symmetrical and the direction of movement of the locking part (15, 15') corresponds to a radial of the container (1). [7] Container (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking unit is configured to hold the locking part (15) in the locked position by applying a spring force as a locking force, and the container (1) has at least one actuator (13) operatively connected to the locking part (15) which is configured to act against the locking unit and to move the locking part (15) out of the locked position. [8] Container (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that at least one actuator (13) is a hydraulic actuator (13) and / or a pneumatic actuator (13) and / or an electromechanical actuator (13). [9] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a groove is formed on the container (1) in the area of ​​the opening, which is designed to receive the sealing means, wherein the sealing means is formed as a ring and preferably has a round cross-section. [10] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing agent has a fillable chamber, wherein a valve is formed on the sealing agent which can be connected to a fluid source in a fluid-conducting manner. [11] Container (1) according to one of claims 7, 8 or 10, characterized by a large number of sensors designed to detect at least one observation parameter, in particular pressure and / or temperature and / or position. [12] Container (1) according to claim 11, characterized by a control unit (8) which is connected to the plurality of sensors via a signal conductor, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to: - to receive a command to close the container (1), - to receive a command to open the container (1), and - to issue a command to the actuator (13) to move the locking part (15) from the locked position to the open position, and / or to compare an observed value detected by the sensors with a target value and to issue an error message in case of a deviation. [13] Container (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the control unit (8) is connected to the valve associated with the sealing medium via a signal conductor and is further configured to, - to issue a feed command to the valve in the locked position to supply a pressurized fluid to the sealing compound, and - in the open position, to issue a discharge command to the valve associated with the sealing compound in order to discharge the pressurized fluid. [14] Container (1) at least according to claim 4, characterized by , that the container flange (9) has the second recess (19) and the lid flange (7) has the first recess (17). [15] Locking device (11, 11') for locking a container (1) according to at least one of claims 7-13, which is configured to lock the lid (5) and the container (1) together in the closed state, wherein the locking device (11, 11') comprises: - at least one locking element (15, 15') arranged in the area of ​​the container opening to lock the lid (5) relative to the wall (3) in the closed state, and - a locking unit (31) designed to hold the locking part (15) in a locked position by applying a spring force as a locking force, and - has at least one actuator (13) operatively connected to the locking part (15), which is configured to act against the locking unit and to move the locking part (15) out of the locking position, wherein the locking part (15, 15') can be moved into an open position by a movement which has at least one movement component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the container (1). [16] Method for locking a container according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising the steps: - Receiving a signal regarding the position of the container lid (5) and / or receiving a manual locking command, - Issuing a command to the actuator (13) to move the locking part (15) from the open position to the locked position, - Issuing a feed command to the valve associated with the sealing compound, - Receiving a signal regarding the container pressure or container temperature and / or receiving a manual opening command, - Issuing a command to the actuator (13) to release the locking part (15), and - issuing a discharge command to the valve associated with the sealing compound.

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