Locking device for securing containers, especially on ships
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GERMAN LASHING ROBERT BOCK GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing locking devices for securing containers on ships lack reliable and easy-to-use fail-safe functionality and are prone to falling out under high or extreme loads at sea.
A locking device with a translational movable locking body that moves between a locked and disengaged position, ensuring secure engagement with container corners using a protruding section, and is manually operated to prevent accidental disengagement.
The device provides reliable fall protection during loading and unloading, withstands high loads at sea, and is easy to use, with a spring mechanism ensuring the locking body remains engaged without manual effort.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for securing containers, particularly on ships, comprising a preferably one-piece base body, at least one upper locking section arranged rigidly to the base body for engaging with a lower corner fitting of an upper container; and at least one lower locking body arranged rigidly to the base body for engaging with an upper corner fitting of a lower container; wherein the lower locking body has a lower locking projection, in the locked state, projecting laterally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the locking device (which is vertical in normal operation), and which can be positively engaged with an upper corner fitting of the lower container.
[0002] Locking devices of this type are also known as locks and are used for the releasable securing of containers, particularly on board ships. In its assembled state, a locking device is positioned between two stacked containers and secures the containers to each other in such a way that they do not slip laterally or move vertically relative to each other, especially at sea. For this purpose, the locking device has at least one upper coupling or locking section with a projection that can be positively engaged with a lower corner fitting of the container. Furthermore, a locking device of this type typically has a lower coupling or locking section with a locking projection that can be positively engaged with an upper corner fitting of a lower container.In some types, the lower locking projection is integrally formed on a locking body rotatably mounted on the housing. This locking body has a shaft section and a hammerhead-like expanding locking projection, also known as a cone or crossbolt. Semi-automatic and fully automatic locks have been developed to further automate handling. Particularly in fully automatic locks, the lower locking section is designed with a fixed, laterally projecting locking projection. This projection engages positively with an upper corner fitting of the lower container through superimposed vertical and horizontal movements.
[0003] For handling at the pier, current locks are typically inserted manually by stevedores into a lower corner fitting of a container suspended from a spreader. The upper locking section of the lock engages positively with the lower corner fitting of the container, so that the lock is suspended within the fitting. In its normal state, one longitudinal axis of the locking device is vertically oriented. After a lock has been positioned appropriately in each corner, the container is lifted from the spreader onto the ship, set down, and locked in place. To prevent the inserted locks from unintentionally falling out during this phase, various anti-fall devices are known that prevent the upper locking section from detaching from the corner fitting.For fall-out prevention, for example magnets, leaf springs or a locking device utilizing gravity is used, which allows a slight tilting relative to the corner fitting; the latter fall-out prevention device is described in DE 10 2018 105 532 B3 of the applicant.
[0004] To further improve the fall-out protection during the loading of the ship, there are efforts to further develop the locks.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device for securing containers, particularly on ships, which has a reliable and easy-to-use anti-fall functionality and can withstand high to extreme loads at sea.
[0006] The invention solves the problem with a locking device of the type mentioned above by providing a locking element, which is translationally movable substantially perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal axis of the locking device, particularly for securing against falling out, on the upper locking section. This locking element is movable between a locking position in which the locking element projects laterally from the upper locking section and a disengaged position (passive position) in which the locking element is at least partially retracted into the upper locking section. (Claim 1)
[0007] The invention is characterized in that a substantial, translationally movable locking element is mounted on the upper locking section. In its locked position, the locking element projects laterally from the upper locking section. In this locked position, the locking device (lock) is inserted into the corner fitting (of an upper) container, and the locking element is positively engaged with a portion of the corner fitting by means of a projecting, laterally extending section. This projecting section can also be referred to as a lug. Since the locking element is arranged to be translationally movable, it could also be referred to as a sliding lug.The movable locking element (sliding nose) is movably mounted on the upper locking section in such a way that it can also be moved into a disengaged position, which can be described as a passive position. In this position, the locking element, particularly with its laterally projecting nose, is partially or completely retracted into the upper locking section, preferably into a recess in the upper locking section. This means that the projecting nose of the locking element no longer protrudes from the outer contour, or only minimally, of the outer contour of the upper locking section and is disengaged from sections of the lower corner fitting of the upper container. The movable locking element according to the invention serves in particular as a fall-out protection device for the locking mechanism (lock).In operation, the locking device according to the invention can advantageously be operated by the stowage personnel in such a way that the locking device is manually actuated so that the locking element is brought into its passive position, then the upper locking section is inserted into the corner fitting of a container suspended from a spreader, and then the locking element is moved into its locking position so that it engages positively in the corner fitting. The locking device then hangs securely in the corner fitting of the suspended container thanks to the movable locking element now in the locking position. In this way, several, in particular four, locking devices according to the invention can be inserted into the four lower corner fittings of a suspended container.Then, the locking devices, which are thus securely protected against falling out, are lifted onto the ship by the spreader during loading and lowered onto a container already on board. The locking device according to the invention is, in particular, a so-called (fully) automatic locking device, meaning that a positive locking connection with the upper corner fittings of the container can be achieved simply by lowering the locking device and by means of a lower lateral locking projection on the lower locking section and corresponding guide surfaces arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis. The fall-out protection according to the invention, formed by the movable locking body, is also reliable when a container is unloaded from the ship and taken ashore.On land, the movable locking mechanism is then manually and temporarily moved into the passive position by the stevedoring personnel, thus releasing the positive locking mechanism and allowing the entire locking device to be removed from the lower corner fitting and completely detached from the container. The movable locking mechanism thus forms a highly reliable anti-fall device during loading and unloading. On board the ship and at sea, the anti-fall device described above is then no longer needed, and the stacked containers are secured by the locking device, thanks to its upper and lower locking sections with cones, even in heavy seas.
[0008] The locking element can move essentially translationally. Preferably, the locking element is mounted such that, under normal operating conditions, its direction of movement is essentially horizontal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking device. Under normal operating conditions, i.e., without any heeling of the ship, the longitudinal axis of the locking device is essentially vertical, and the direction of movement of the movable locking element is essentially horizontal along a horizontal axis of motion (H). The mounting means for supporting the locking element on the upper locking section are designed accordingly.The bearing means preferably comprise a recess within the upper locking section and a correspondingly adapted shape of the movable locking body such that a sliding movement with simultaneous guidance along a translational movement path back and forth between the locking position and the passive position is possible, and the nose is thus largely retracted or extended.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable locking element is guided in a recess formed in the locking section so as to be slidably movable, and the recess, the movable locking element, and the upper locking section are designed and dimensioned such that, in the passive position, the movable locking element is completely located within the recess and, in the locked position, projects laterally from the upper locking section with a locking projection and can be brought into contact with an inner horizontal surface of the container corner via a lower contact surface in a form-fitting manner. The slidable mounting and guidance of the movable locking element in the recess ensures permanently reliable movement between the locked and passive positions, even under difficult operating conditions (e.g.,(salty seawater, sand particles, grease residues) ensure. Preferably, the locking projection is designed and shaped with its nose in such a way that it engages with an inner horizontal surface of the container corner.
[0010] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the movable locking element has a substantially hammerhead-like shape in a side view, preferably two spaced-apart lower sliding surfaces that can slide along opposing guide surfaces arranged on the upper locking section adjacent to the recess, as well as upper horizontal and / or inclined and / or curved convex sliding surfaces. Such a hammerhead-like shape and multiple spaced-apart lower sliding surfaces enable good interaction with surfaces of the upper locking section, thus ensuring good guidance of the locking element.The guidance of the movable locking body can also be further optimized by using preferred upper sliding surfaces that are essentially horizontal and / or inclined and / or curved convex, and long service lives can be achieved despite a large number of movements during loading or unloading.
[0011] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the movable locking projection has an upper, sloping nose surface which, in the passive position, is essentially flush with the outer contour of the upper locking body. Due to this flush fit, the locking body does not interfere in any way with the insertion of the lock into the container corners in the passive position. Thus, the lock can be inserted easily.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable locking element has an actuating section extending substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of movement for manual actuation of the movable locking element. Such an actuating section assists the dam operator in manually actuating the movable locking element when inserting it into or removing it from the lock. A particularly effective force application is achieved by having the actuating section extend partially or substantially perpendicularly, i.e., at an angle of 90° to the axis of movement, which runs horizontally during normal operation. This allows the manual actuating force to be applied efficiently and effectively.
[0013] Preferably, the actuating section is essentially designed as an actuating plate, which preferably has a rounded, preferably partially circular, outer contour in its lower area and / or preferably a positioning aid in the form of a recess or hole for manual actuation in its lower area. A preferably rounded or partially circular contour, optionally and preferably with a recess or hole, allows a finger to be positioned very well on the actuating section, enables the force to be applied effectively, and the recess or hole provides the operator with visual and / or tactile assistance in finding a good finger position for actuation.
[0014] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the movable locking element can be pre-tensioned into the locking position by means of a spring, preferably a coil spring, which is functionally arranged between a section of the upper locking element (cone) and a section of the movable locking element. This reliably ensures that the movable locking element is always in its locking position and therefore does not fall out unintentionally. Contrary to the spring force, however, the loading personnel can move the locking element into the passive position with relatively little force. Inserting or removing the finger after releasing it moves the locking element into the locking position due to the force of the coil spring.
[0015] A further development provides that the spring, in particular a coil spring, is arranged and positioned with one section within a recess in an inner section of the upper locking body, and preferably bears against the actuating section of the movable locking body with an opposing section, such that a substantially horizontal main axis of the actuating section and a central axis of the spring, in particular the central axis of a coil spring, essentially coincide or run very close to each other. This allows for good force distribution and ease of handling.
[0016] According to a further development, a preferably partially annular projection is formed on the actuating section for positioning the spring, in particular a coil spring. With an annular projection, the spring can be positioned very easily and reliably at the desired location. Assembly is also simplified.
[0017] Another advantageous embodiment is achieved by providing an actuating recess in the base body of the locking device, such that an operator can manually reach into the recess and make contact with the movable locking element, in particular the actuating section of the locking element, especially the actuating plate, with a finger in order to move the locking element from the locked position, preferably against the force of the spring, into the passive position. The actuating recess is preferably formed on a side wall of the upper locking section, but also partially within the base body, so that an operator can preferably reach laterally and from below into the base body with their actuating finger, for example, their thumb.Simultaneously, the entire lock can be held with the other fingers, inserted into the corner fitting, the movable locking body is brought into the passive position with the thumb, inserted, then the thumb is released and the lock is securely mounted to the container for loading, preventing it from falling out. The recess also results in a desirable weight reduction of the lock.
[0018] Preferably, the recess extends partly within the base body, partly in the area of the lower locking body, and partly in the area of the upper locking body.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the locking device has a spacer plate arranged between two containers in the installed state, wherein the recess preferably also extends partially into the area of the spacer plate. Stacked containers are held at a certain distance by means of such a spacer plate.
[0020] A further advantageous embodiment is that a first stop is formed on the upper locking section (cone), which, in the passive position of the movable locking element, can come into contact with an inner surface of the upper locking element, thus limiting the displacement of the locking element and preventing plastic deformation (overloading) of the spring, and a second stop is formed, which, in the locked position, comes into contact with a stop element of the movable locking element. The locking element can be moved back and forth in a defined manner between the two stops. Preferably, the stop element is designed as a screw or bolt that can be fastened to the movable locking element. It is preferred that the longitudinal axis of the screw or bolt is aligned with the direction of travel of the locking element.the bolt preferably extends vertically through a recess of the positioning means for the spring, in particular a coil spring.
[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper rigid locking section has a projection that extends substantially over its entire length, such that, in the installed state, it largely fills the elongated hole of the container's corner fitting and is in contact with a horizontal, upward-facing surface of the corner fitting. Such a relatively large projection ensures, even under extreme conditions when the lock is mounted at sea, that large locking forces are reliably absorbed by the lock and transferred to the corner fitting in such a way that neither the surfaces of the lock nor the corner fitting are damaged, since the contact area is large and thus the surface pressure is relatively low.
[0022] According to further training, it is provided that the locking projection has an essentially flat lower contact surface which can be brought into contact with the opposite upper contact surface of the corner fitting of the container.
[0023] The invention is further described below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures; they show: Fig. 1 A locking device (lock) according to the invention in normal operation used between two stacked containers with a substantially vertical longitudinal axis of the lock in a sectional view Fig. 2 The locking device made of Fig. 1 in a side view (without container) Fig. 3 The locking device made of Fig. 1 in a side view (without container) Fig. 4 The locking device in a sectional view with locking body in the locked position Fig. 5 The locking device in a sectional view with locking body in the passive position Fig. 6 The locking device in another side view Fig. 7 The locking device in a top view with the locking body in the locked position Fig. 8 The locking device in a bottom view Fig. 9 The movable locking body in a front view Fig. 10. The movable locking mechanism in a side view Fig. 11 The movable locking element in another front view Fig. 12 The movable locking body in a view from below Fig. 13 The movable locking body in a top view Fig. 14 The locking device when inserted into a corner fitting of a suspended container with the locking body in the locking position in a first phase Fig. 15 The locking device when inserted into a corner fitting of a suspended container with the locking body in the passive position in a second phase Fig. 16 The locking device when inserted into a corner fitting of a suspended container with the locking body in the passive position in a third phase Fig. 17 The locking device in its fully inserted state with the movable locking body in its locking position
[0024] The in the Fig. Figures 1-8, showing an exemplary locking device 1 according to the invention, serve to secure stacked items. Fig. The locking device 1 is designed as a fully automatic system for the containers 3 shown in Figure 1 on ships. In a known manner, the locking device 1 can have a preferably one-piece base body 2, an upper locking section 4 rigidly attached to the base body 2 for engaging with a lower corner fitting of an upper container 3, and a lower locking section 6 rigidly attached to the base body 2 for engaging with an upper corner fitting of a lower container 3. The locking sections 4 and 6 are also referred to as cones.
[0025] The lower locking section 6 has a lower locking projection 8 that, in the locked state, projects laterally transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the locking device (which is vertical in normal operation) and also laterally to the longitudinal axis of a container 3. This lower locking projection can be positively engaged with an upper corner fitting of the lower container 3. In a manner known per se, the locking section 6 is provided with grooves arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis L for inserting and removing the locking section 6 from the corner fitting of the container 3 by superimposed vertical and horizontal movements.
[0026] The upper rigid locking section 4 has a locking projection 10 that extends substantially over the entire length of the upper locking body 4 such that, in the installed state, it largely fills the elongated hole of the corner fitting of the container 3 and is in contact with a horizontally extending upward-facing surface of the corner fitting. During operation at sea, the (lifting) forces for securing the stacked containers 3 are transmitted by means of the locking projection 10 in the area of the upper locking section 6 and by means of the lower locking projection 8. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the locking projection 10 has a substantially flat lower contact surface 11, which can be brought into contact with the opposite upper contact surface of the corner fitting of the container 3 and is in contact during operation.
[0027] To prevent a container 3 from falling out during loading and unloading at the pier, the following means are provided, which are explained in more detail below. A locking element 12, which is translationally movable essentially perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal axis L of the locking device, is mounted on the upper locking section 4. The locking element 12 is positioned between a Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 17 shown locking position, in which the locking body 12 protrudes laterally from the upper locking section 4, and one in the Fig. 5, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown out-of-engage position (passive position), in which the movable locking body 12 is at least partially retracted into the upper locking section 4, is movable.
[0028] More precisely, the movable locking element 12 is arranged in a recess 14 formed on the locking section 4 so as to slide freely and is guided in the direction of a horizontal axis of movement H in normal operation (without heeling of the ship), as for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown. Recess 14 and locking body 12 and the upper locking section 4 are designed and dimensioned such that the movable locking body 12 in the passive position ( Fig. 5, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) is completely within the recess 14 and in the locking position ( Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 17) with a locking projection 20, which is also referred to as nose 20, which extends laterally from the upper locking section 4 and can be brought into contact with an inner horizontal surface of the container corner by means of a lower contact surface 21 in a form-fitting manner.
[0029] As in Fig. 6, Fig. 9, and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the movable locking element 12 has, in a side view, essentially a hammerhead-like shape, such that two lower, spaced-apart sliding surfaces 15, 16 are formed which, in operation, can slide along opposing guide surfaces adjacent to the recess 14 on the upper locking section 4 and which define the recess 14. The movable locking element 12 further has upper horizontal and / or inclined and / or curved convex sliding surfaces, in particular a substantially flat upper sliding surface 17 and an upper, obliquely extending nose surface 18, which, in the passive position, is essentially flush with the outer – hammerhead-like – contour of the upper locking element 4, as shown in particular in Figure 12. Fig. 5, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown.
[0030] The sloping nose surface 18 is preferably inclined and designed relative to the longitudinal axis L such that it assumes essentially the same or a similar angle of inclination as the adjacent outer surface 23 on the upper locking section 4. Nose surface 18 and outer surface 23 have at least partially essentially flat sections, so that the two surfaces 18 and 23 are essentially flush when the locking body 12 is in the passive position (see Fig. 15, Fig. 16). The angle of inclination W between the longitudinal axis L and the nose surface 18 and the outer surface 23 is preferably in the range of 35° to 45°, preferably in the range of 40°. Furthermore, two sliding surfaces 19 arranged at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis L are formed on the locking body 12.
[0031] The movable locking body 12 is preferably designed with an actuating section 24 extending substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of movement H for manually actuating the movable locking body 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating section 24 is integrally formed with the locking body 12, but alternatively it can also be a separate component connected to the locking body 12, for example by screws or other means. The actuating section 24 is essentially designed as an actuating plate, i.e., as an element that is at least partially flat in relation to its overall size. The actuating section 24 has a rounded, preferably partially circular, outer contour in its lower region, as can be clearly seen in the following illustrations. Fig. 6, Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 11 shows that the actuating section 24 preferably also has a positioning aid for manual actuation in its lower region, designed as a recess, a circular hole 25. The hole 25 is easily visible and palpable for a user, and part of the finger, in particular a thumb, can be easily positioned there.
[0032] As well illustrated in Figures 1, 4, 5, 14 to 17, the movable locking element 12 can be biased into the locking position by means of a spring, preferably a coil spring 28, which is functionally arranged between a section of the upper locking element 4 (cone) and a section of the movable locking element 12. The spring, in particular the coil spring 28, is arranged with one end section within a preferably approximately cylindrical recess 30 in an inner section of the upper locking element 4 and is positioned there.With an opposing section, the coil spring 28 rests against the actuating section 24 of the movable locking body 12, so that, on the one hand, the spring force is applied to the locking body 12, and, on the other hand, a substantially horizontal main axis HA of the actuating section 24 and a central axis of the spring, in particular the central axis of a coil spring 28, essentially coincide or run very close to each other. A preferably partially annular, preferably conically tapered projection 32 for positioning the spring, in particular the coil spring 28, is formed on the actuating section 24.
[0033] The base body 2 of the locking device 1 has a preferably approximately cuboid-shaped actuating recess 22, such that an operator can manually reach into the recess 22 and make contact with the movable locking element 12, in particular the actuating section 24 of the locking element 12, especially the actuating plate forming the actuating section 24, with a finger in order to move the locking element 12 from the locked position, preferably against the force of the spring, into the passive position. The recess 22 reduces the overall weight and extends partly within the base body 2, partly in the area of the lower locking section 6, and partly in the area of the upper locking section 8.The locking device 1 has - in a manner known per se - a spacer plate 42 arranged between two containers 3 in the installed state, wherein, according to the invention, the recess 22 preferably also extends partially in the area of the spacer plate.
[0034] A first stop 36 is formed on the upper locking section 4 (cone), which can come into contact with the movable locking body 12 in the passive position, and a second stop 38 is formed, which comes into contact with a stop body 40 of the movable locking body 12 in the locked position. The stop body 40 is preferably designed as a screw or bolt (see in particular Fig. 1), which can be attached to the movable locking body 12. For this purpose, a thread can be formed on the locking body 12. Alternatively, a bolt can also be pressed into a recess on the locking body 12. The longitudinal axis S of the screw or bolt ( Fig. 1) preferably extends vertically through a recess 14 of the projection 32 for positioning the spring, in particular a coil spring 28.
[0035] The operating mode of the locking device 1 according to the invention is explained below with reference to the figures, in particular also the Fig. 14 to Fig. 17 explained further: How Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the locking device 1 is first manually inserted into the corner fitting of the container with the upper section of the upper locking section 4. Then, as ... Fig. Figure 15 illustrates how, manually with a finger, preferably thumb, the actuating section 24 is moved against the force of the spring, thus moving the movable locking element 12 into the passive position, so that the upper locking section 6 can penetrate deeper into the corner fitting by a further upward rotational movement. Fig. Figure 16 illustrates this in more detail. Further manual insertion then achieves the locking position, as shown in... Fig.Figure 17 illustrates this. The operator has released their finger from the actuating section 24, the spring moves the movable locking element 12 into the locking position, so that the positively engaging position of the lug 20 with respect to the corner fitting is reached. The contact surface 11 of the upper locking projection 10 is in contact with the upper surface of the corner fitting. The locking device 1 is in the fully locked position with respect to the upper locking section 4. The anti-fall device according to the invention is reliably effective. The container can be lowered onto another – lower – container and positively locked there, as already described above. Reference symbol list 1 locking device 2 basic shapes 3 containers 4 upper locking section 6 lower locking section 8 lower locking projection 10 upper locking projection 11 Contact area 12 movable locking bodies 14 Exclusion 15 sliding surface 16 Sliding surface 17 Sliding surface 18 Nose surface 19 Sliding surface 20 Locking projection (nose) of the movable locking body 21 Contact area of the nose 22 Exclusion 23 outer surface 24 Actuation section 25 holes 28 spiral springs 30 Exclusion 32 lead 36 stops 38 stops 40 stop bodies 42 Spacer plate L Longitudinal axis of the locking device (vertical in normal operation) H axis of movement (horizontal in normal operation) of the movable locking body HA Main Axle S Longitudinal axis (screw) W angle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 102018105532 B3
[0003]
Claims
[1] Locking device (1) for securing containers (3), especially on ships, with - a preferably one-piece base body (2), - at least one upper locking section (4) arranged rigidly to the base body (2) for engagement with a lower corner fitting of an upper container (3); and - at least one lower locking section (6) arranged rigidly to the base body (2) for engagement with an upper corner fitting of a lower container (3); - wherein the lower locking section (6) has a lower locking projection (8) projecting laterally in the locked state transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the locking device which is vertical in normal operation and which can be brought into positive engagement with an upper corner fitting of the lower container (3), characterized by, that to prevent the locking mechanism from falling out, a locking body (12) which is translationally movable essentially perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal axis (L) of the locking device is mounted on the upper locking section (4), and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking body protrudes laterally from the upper locking section (4) and an out-of-engage position (passive position) in which the movable locking body (12) is at least partially retracted into the upper locking section (4). [2] Locking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the movable locking element (12) is guided in a recess (14) formed on the locking section (4) so as to be slidably movable, and that the recess (14), the movable locking element (12) and the upper locking section (4) are designed and dimensioned such that the movable locking element (12) is arranged completely within the recess (14) in the passive position and, in the locked position, projects laterally from the upper locking section (4) with a locking projection (20) and can be brought into contact with an inner horizontal surface of the container corner in a form-fitting manner with a lower contact surface. [3] Locking device (1) according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized by, that the movable locking body (12) has a substantially hammerhead-like shape in a side view, preferably two lower, spaced-apart sliding surfaces which can slide along opposite guide surfaces arranged on the upper locking section (4) adjacent to the recess (14), and upper horizontal and / or inclined and / or curved convex upper sliding surfaces. [4] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the movable locking projection (20) has an upper, obliquely extending nose surface which, in the passive position, is essentially flush with the outer contour of the upper locking body (4). [5] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the movable locking body (12) has an actuating section (24) extending substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of movement (H) for manual actuation of the movable locking body (12). [6] Locking device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the actuating section (24) is essentially designed as an actuating plate, which preferably has an outer contour rounded in side view in the lower area, preferably partially circular, and / or preferably has a positioning aid designed as a recess or hole in the lower area for manual actuation. [7] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the movable locking body (12) can be biased into the locking position by means of a spring, preferably a coil spring (28), which is functionally arranged between a section of the upper locking body (4) (cone) and a section of the movable locking body (12). [8] Locking device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the spring, in particular coil spring (28), is arranged and positioned with a section within a recess (14) in an inner section of the upper locking body (4) and preferably bears with an opposite section of the spring against the actuating section (24) of the movable locking body (12), such that a substantially horizontal principal axis of the actuating section (24) and a central axis of the spring, in particular central axis of a coil spring (28), substantially coincide or run close to each other. [9] Locking device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that a preferably partially annular projection for positioning the spring, in particular coil spring (28), is formed on the actuating section (24). [10] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the base body (2) of the locking device (1) an actuating recess is formed such that an operator can manually reach into the recess (14) and with a finger come into contact with the movable locking body (12), in particular the actuating section (24) of the locking body, in particular the actuating plate, in order to be able to move the locking body from the locking position, preferably against the force of the spring, into the passive position. [11] Locking device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the recess (14) extends partly within the base body (2), partly in the area of the lower locking body (6) and partly in the area of the upper locking body. [12] Locking device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the locking device (1) has a spacer plate arranged between two containers (3) in the installed state, wherein the recess (14) preferably also extends partially in the area of the spacer plate. [13] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first stop is formed on the upper locking section (4) (cone), which in the passive position of the movable locking body (12) can come into contact with an inner surface of the upper locking body (4) and thus limits the displacement of the locking body and prevents plastic deformation (overloading) of the spring; and a second stop is formed, which in the locked position comes into contact with a stop body of the movable locking body (12) in the locked position. [14] Locking device (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the stop body is designed as a screw or bolt which can be attached to the movable locking body (12). [15] Locking device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by, that the longitudinal axis (L) of the screw or bolt preferably extends vertically through a recess (14) of the positioning means for the spring, in particular coil spring (28). [16] Locking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper rigid locking body has a projection which extends substantially over the entire length of the upper locking body (4) such that, in the installed state, it largely fills the elongated hole of the corner fitting of the container (3) and is in contact with a horizontal upward-facing surface of the corner fitting. [17] Locking device (1) according to claim 16, characterized by , that the locking projection has a substantially flat lower contact surface which can be brought into contact with the opposite upper contact surface of the corner fitting of the container (3).