Twist lock and method for operating a twist lock

Abstract

A twist lock and a method for operating a twist lock, wherein the twist lock comprises a housing (12), an elongated shaft element (149), and a top element (18) for interconnection with a device module or part of a cargo container, the shaft element and the top element being simultaneously rotatable and longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical connection of objects, such as connecting container modules to mounting surfaces.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a twist lock and a method for operating a locking mechanism.

[0003] The twist lock of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in combination with standard cargo containers or equipment modules having sizes that correspond to 20-foot or 40-foot cargo containers, or to multiple interconnected cargo containers, and these are connected to mounting surfaces such as mounting surfaces of maritime vessels. [Background technology]

[0004] In the technical fields of transporting containers or equipment modules, or general transport, it is known that equipment modules or cargo containers can be interconnected to mounting surfaces such as ship decks, trucks, or freight trains by using manually operated standard twist locks, such as ISO twist locks, which are suitable for use with standard container corners, such as standard ISO 1161 container corners.

[0005] For example, in operations involving interconnecting containers or equipment modules to mounting surfaces such as ship decks, trucks, or freight trains, it is known that operators must manually operate locks to the locked position or vice versa. Therefore, this operation is time-consuming, and because the containers or modules are extremely heavy, typically weighing several tons, it poses a safety risk to the operator.

[0006] In particular, when loading modules or containers onto cargo ships where containers / modules are arranged in a stacked configuration with close proximity to each other, it is difficult, dangerous, and cumbersome for operators to manually lock / unlock twist locks. Furthermore, in situations where containers / modules are arranged in a stacked configuration relative to each other, it is impossible for operators to access all twist locks, and therefore these twist locks cannot be locked. As a result, some containers / modules are not fully interconnected with their mounting surfaces.

[0007] Furthermore, when a container module is locked to a mounting surface, it is not completely fixed to the surface in a vertical plane, and known twist locks do not pull the module / container toward the mounting surface.

[0008] Another example is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which describes a lifting device for lifting a module / container to a mounting surface on a ship. This document further discloses an automated twist lock in which the top element is vertically displaceable and then rotated to lock the module / container to the mounting surface.

[0009] Such known twist-lock systems require multiple actuators / drive mechanisms, at least one actuator / drive mechanism for vertical displacement, and at least one additional actuator / drive mechanism for rotation of the twist-lock.

[0010] Placing multiple actuators / drive mechanisms in relation to each twist lock has the disadvantage of making the operation of the twist lock considerably more complex, because the movement of each actuator / drive mechanism needs to be synchronized.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple actuators / drive mechanisms associated with each twist lock consume space, which becomes a drawback when multiple twist locks need to be positioned in close proximity to each other. This is often the case, as modules / containers are typically arranged in close proximity to each other, for example, on the deck of a ship, making the installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement of individual twist locks problematic.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0012]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a more simply configured twist lock that has all the necessary functions of a twist lock but is operated in a simpler manner that requires only a single actuator / drive means.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a twist lock that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks, and a method for operating the twist lock.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] The above object and advantages are achieved, according to a first aspect of the present invention, by a twist lock suitable for interconnecting a device module or a cargo container to a mounting surface, the twist lock comprising a housing, an elongated shaft element, and a top element for interconnecting with a part of the device module or the cargo container, the twist lock comprising displacement means such that the shaft element and the top element are simultaneously rotatable and longitudinally displaceable within the housing.

[0016] The twist lock is thus suitable for removable or permanent installation in a confined space, for example, on a ship's deck, a truck, or a freight train, and the locking mechanism can be in at least two positions: a first position in which the top element is disengaged from the equipment module or part of the freight container, and a second position in which the top element is engaged with the equipment module or part of the freight container.

[0017] The twist lock may therefore be mounted on the mounting surface, and by positioning the upper part of the twist lock flush with the mounting surface, the twist lock will not interfere with any object on it.

[0018] Preferably, the module / container has a section for connection at each corner, which is preferably arranged as a standard ISO container corner. Each module / container may have fewer or more such connection sections for interconnection with a corresponding number of twist locks located on or on the mounting surface.

[0019] Twistlocks may be used in a system that includes multiple twistlocks on a mounting surface, where the multiple twistlocks are arranged in a pattern called a footprint, and the number and position of the twistlocks correspond to multiple connection points, such as container corners, or one or more containers, located on the mounting surface.

[0020] After the shaft element is displaced such that at least a portion of the top element protrudes to engage with a portion of the module / container, the shaft element and the top element are rotatably positioned within the housing, and after rotation, the top element engages with a portion of the module / container to prevent vertical movement of the module / container. The rotational movement of the shaft element and the portion of the top element is automatically performed by a single drive means, which may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, or mechanical, and the drive means is preferably operated in the longitudinal direction of the twist lock.

[0021] When the top element protrudes from the module / container portion for connection, it prevents the module / container from unintentionally moving across the mounting surface.

[0022] The twist lock is preferably detachably positioned on the mounting surface. The locking mechanism comprises a housing in which an elongated shaft element and a top element are arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The housing may be provided with means for connection to a mounting surface, thereby allowing the twist lock to be positioned within the mounting surface. The means for connection may include bolt fastening means or other suitable fastening means for releasably connecting the twist lock to the mounting surface.

[0024] The mounting means may include a mounting surface element, which is arranged as a plate-like element that can be removably incorporated into the mounting surface such that the upper part of the plate-like element forms part of the mounting surface. The plate-like element has an opening, and a twist lock can be connected to the lower surface of the plate-like element so that at least the top element can extend through the opening and engage with a portion of the module / container.

[0025] The housing is preferably sealed and configured as a fluid-tight housing to prevent, for example, water, oil, moisture, dirt, etc., from entering the inside of the locking mechanism. Therefore, appropriate sealing means, such as packing, for example, rubber packing / O-ring, is provided between the housing and the shaft element and / or top element to prevent the intrusion of any unwanted substances that could cause malfunction of the locking mechanism.

[0026] The twist lock includes drive means for simultaneously performing rotation and longitudinal displacement of the shaft element and top element relative to the housing, thereby allowing the top element to move between a position where the lock is disconnected from the module / container and a position where the locking mechanism is connected to the container. The drive means may be incorporated into the twist lock or may be arranged as an external drive mechanism for displacing and rotating the shaft element and top element.

[0027] Preferably, the drive means comprises a hydraulic piston, a threaded mechanism, or a rack and pinion mechanism incorporated into the housing and operated in the longitudinal direction of the twist lock and therefore in the longitudinal direction of the shaft element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the top element is a conical top element suitable for connecting to a standard ISO container corner.

[0029] Upon activation of the drive mechanism, the top element rotates to engage with the module / container portion, simultaneously with the longitudinal displacement of the shaft element and the top element itself.

[0030] The twist lock includes a collar portion, which interacts with the opening of the module / container portion when the elongated shaft element and / or top element is displaced. Preferably, the opening corresponds to the standard elongated opening of a standard ISO container corner.

[0031] When the top element is displaced to engage with a portion of the module / container, the collar portion protrudes into the opening, thereby holding it in a non-rotating position relative to the housing. Arranging a twist lock with such a collar portion provides a stable position for the module / container in the horizontal direction.

[0032] When the twist locks are installed on a mounting surface as independent elements, but preferably as part of a footprint comprising multiple twist locks as described above, it is preferable that they be connected to a control system for controlling all twist locks simultaneously and / or independently. The control system may operate the twist locks, preferably via sensors, and monitor their positioning and engagement with the device module and container during operation and / or over time. This allows for the determination and correction of any connection errors or unintended movements of the module / container over time.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the displacement means is arranged such that the shaft element and the top element are non-rotatably and longitudinally displaceable over a first distance relative to the housing, and simultaneously rotatably and longitudinally displaceable over a second distance relative to the housing.

[0034] Arranging the displacement means such that the shaft element and top element are non-rotatable and longitudinally displaceable over a first distance relative to the housing, and simultaneously rotatable and longitudinally displaceable over a second distance relative to the housing, has the advantage that the top element can be displaced to engage with the module / container before it is rotated.

[0035] The range of the first distance is typically determined by the distance between the mounting surface and the interconnection portion of the module / container, but may be set according to specific needs. The first and second distances may therefore be set longer so that the top of the twist lock can be displaced beyond the initial distance between the mounting surface and the interconnection portion of the module / container, thereby giving the twist lock the function of lifting the module / container before locking it to the mounting surface.

[0036] After the top element is displaced over a first distance, the twist lock is displaced over a second distance in the same direction while the top element is simultaneously rotated. This is possible because the twist lock has the same single drive mechanism that performs both longitudinal displacement and rotation.

[0037] The upper end of the shaft element may be provided with a contact element having an upper contact surface suitable for contacting the underside of a portion of the module / container, and a collar for engaging with an opening in the module / container. During displacement of the shaft element and top element over at least first and second distances, the twist lock via the contact element having a contact surface acts as a lifting mechanism, lifting the module / container above the mounting surface. Lifting the module / container above the mounting surface has the technical effect that when positioning the module / container using a loader / crane that supports the module / container from below by a lifting arm, the module / container can be supported in a lifted position by multiple twist locks, while the lifting arm is positioned or withdrawn from below the module / container.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal displacement over the first and second distances is in the same direction relative to the housing, and the shaft element and the top element are further longitudinally displaceable over a third distance, the longitudinal displacement over the third distance is opposite to the longitudinal displacement over the first and second distances.

[0039] The twist lock is further positioned so that the shaft element and top element are further displaceable longitudinally over a third distance, and the longitudinal displacement over the third distance is opposite to the longitudinal displacement over the first and second distances. This allows the module / container to be inserted into a section, e.g., an opening in a container corner, and after being rotated, the top element moves toward the mounting surface, contacts the inner surface of the module / container, and is thus locked.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the displacement means is arranged such that the top element is rotatable simultaneously with longitudinal movement over the third distance.

[0041] The top element is preferably rotatable simultaneously with its longitudinal displacement. Arranging the rotation of the top element simultaneously with the movement over the second and third distances has the effect that during each movement over the distance, the top element rotates only a portion of its total rotation, thus reducing the force required to generate the rotation.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the displacement means is arranged such that the shaft element and the top element are non-rotatably displaceable over a fourth distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the inner surface of the top element is suitable for contacting the equipment module or cargo container and for exerting a downward force upon it in order to press the equipment module or cargo container against the mounting surface.

[0043] To securely fasten the module / container to the mounting surface, the twist lock is positioned such that the shaft element and top element are non-rotatably displaceable over a fourth distance in a second direction, more specifically, a downward movement of the shaft and top elements relative to the mounting surface during installation. The movement over the fourth distance ensures that the top element engaged within the module / container, for example, engaged within the container corner, presses the module / container against the mounting surface with an appropriate force, depending, for example, the weight of the module and the estimated movement of the vessel.

[0044] For example, when transporting expensive or delicate equipment on moving transport surfaces such as ship decks, it is extremely important that modules / containers cannot move across the mounting surface, such as the ship's deck.

[0045] In particular, when modules / containers carry equipment for shipboard use, such as radar systems, surveillance systems, or naval equipment like launch or firing systems, the secure positioning of the modules / containers is of paramount importance. Any slight movement of the modules / containers during operation of the systems defined above will cause either a malfunction or an improper functioning of the system. Therefore, the characteristics defined above ensure that any container / module mounted on a mounting surface is protected from any movement after installation.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the displacement means comprises a groove pattern on the shaft element for engagement with a guide element on the inner surface of the housing, or the inner surface of the housing comprises a groove pattern for engagement of the shaft element with a guide element.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the displacement means is provided as a groove pattern extending across the surface of the shaft element and as guide elements fixedly connected to the housing and positioned to protrude from the inner surface of the housing, thereby engaging the guide elements with the groove pattern. The housing may comprise one or more guide elements that engage with the groove pattern. The housing is fixed, for example, to a mounting surface on the deck of a ship, and the shaft element is connected rotatably and displaceably within the housing, and the drive means is connected to the shaft element, so that when the shaft element is displaced by the drive means, it is displaced by the engagement between the grooves and the guide elements, and only one drive means is required.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the groove pattern is located on the inner surface of the housing, and the guide element is located on the surface of the shaft element.

[0049] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the groove pattern comprises grooves extending longitudinally with respect to the shaft element and grooves extending circumferentially with respect to the shaft element.

[0050] The groove pattern comprises grooves extending longitudinally with respect to the shaft element, and the displacement of the guide element within the longitudinal groove causes non-rotational displacement of the shaft element within the housing. The groove pattern further comprises grooves extending circumferentially with respect to the shaft element. The circumferentially positioned grooves are angled with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft element and extend both circumferentially and longitudinally, so that the mutual displacement between the circumferential grooves and the guide element causes both rotational and longitudinal displacement of the shaft element.

[0051] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the shaft element or housing comprises a series of longitudinally and circumferentially extending grooves.

[0052] The twist lock is preferably arranged with a series of grooves comprising multiple longitudinal grooves and multiple circumferential grooves, thereby allowing several different operations / movements to be associated with the groove pattern.

[0053] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the top element is rotatable by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction during longitudinal displacement over second and third distances.

[0054] The top element needs to be rotated approximately 90 degrees so that the twist lock can switch between an unlocked configuration where the module / container is unlocked from the twist lock and a locked configuration where the module / container is locked to the twist lock.

[0055] The top element and shaft element are displaced both longitudinally and rotationally over second and third distances. Displacement over the second distance is performed by downward-extending (relative to the upper end of the twist lock) and circumferential grooves that are oblique to the longitudinal direction. The drive means displaces the shaft element upward relative to the housing, thereby causing the guide element to move through the downward-extending oblique groove, thereby causing both rotational and longitudinal displacement of the shaft element and top element.

[0056] Displacement over a third distance is performed by upward-facing (relative to the top of the twist lock) and circumferentially extending grooves that are oblique to the longitudinal direction. The drive means displaces the shaft element downward relative to the housing, thereby causing the guide element to move through the upward-facing oblique groove, thereby causing the shaft element and the top element to rotate further in the same direction and be displaced longitudinally in the downward direction.

[0057] By arranging two diagonally positioned grooves, the top element can be rotated by the required 90 degrees with an optimized ratio between the force required for longitudinal displacement and the force required for rotational displacement.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the top element is rotatable about a portion of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction during longitudinal displacement over a second distance, and rotates about the remaining portion of approximately 90 degrees during longitudinal displacement over a third distance.

[0059] The inclinations of the upward and downward-extending grooves may differ, or the extent of the circumferential grooves may differ, but the rotational displacement of the top element over a first distance is a portion of 90 degrees, and the displacement of the top element over a third distance is approximately the remaining portion of 90 degrees, thereby ensuring that the top element is rotated a total of 90 degrees.

[0060] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the groove pattern comprises continuous grooves extending around the entire circumference of the shaft element or the inner surface of the housing, such that the top element can rotate infinitely in the same direction.

[0061] By arranging a twist lock with a groove pattern that extends continuously around the shaft element, the shaft element and the top element may be displaced longitudinally and rotated infinitely in the same direction, and the groove extends around the entire circumference of the shaft element.

[0062] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned objectives and advantages are: A method for operating a twist lock suitable for interconnecting equipment modules or cargo containers to a mounting surface, wherein the twist lock comprises a housing, an elongated shaft element, and a top element for interconnecting with a portion of the equipment module or cargo container, the shaft element and the top element being rotatable and displaceable longitudinally within the housing, and the method is The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and top element over a first distance in the first longitudinal direction of the shaft element such that the top element protrudes from the container portion, The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and the top element over a second distance in the first longitudinal direction of the shaft element, and simultaneously rotating the top element around at least a portion of the longitudinal direction that is approximately 90 degrees; The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and top element over a third distance in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, such that the top element locks the module or container to the mounting surface, Methods including This is achieved by [method].

[0063] In the manner defined above, the twistlock is operated by only one drive mechanism and can be operated between a configuration in which the twistlock is unlocked from the module / container and a configuration in which the top element is rotated to lock the module / container into the twistlock.

[0064] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, during the step of displacing the shaft element over a second distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, and during the step of displacing the shaft element over a third distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the remaining portion.

[0065] The inclinations of the upward and downward-extending grooves may differ, or the extent of the circumferential grooves may differ, but the rotational displacement of the top element over a first distance is a portion of 90 degrees, and the displacement of the top element over a third distance is approximately the remaining portion of 90 degrees, thereby ensuring that the top element is rotated a total of 90 degrees.

[0066] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the method further includes the step of displacing the shaft element and the top element over a second longitudinal distance without rotation such that the inner surface of the top element abuts against the equipment module or cargo container and applies a downward force thereto press the equipment module or cargo container against the mounting surface.

[0067] To securely fasten the module / container to the mounting surface, the twist lock is positioned such that the shaft element and top element are non-rotatably displaceable over a fourth distance in a second direction, more specifically, downward movement of the shaft and top elements relative to the mounting surface during installation. Movement over the fourth distance ensures that the top element engaged within the module / container, for example, engaged within the container corner, presses the module / container against the mounting surface with appropriate force.

[0068] For example, when transporting expensive or delicate equipment on moving transport surfaces such as ship decks, it is extremely important that modules / containers cannot move across the mounting surface, such as the ship's deck.

[0069] When modules / containers carry equipment for shipboard use, such as radar systems, surveillance systems, or naval equipment like launch or fire systems, the secure positioning of the modules / containers is of paramount importance. Any slight movement of the modules / containers during operation of the systems defined above will cause either a malfunction or an improper functioning of the system.

[0070] This prevents any container / module mounted on the mounting surface in the manner defined above from being moved after installation.

[0071] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the method is: A step of displacing the shaft element over a fifth distance in a first direction while simultaneously rotating the top element by at least a portion of approximately 90 degrees with respect to its longitudinal direction, Steps include displacing a shaft element over a sixth distance in a second direction and the first distance in the second longitudinal direction so that the top element is pulled back from part of the container or module, It also includes.

[0072] As defined above, the twistlock is operated by only one drive mechanism and can be operated between a configuration in which the twistlock is locked to a module / container and a configuration in which the top element is rotated to unlock the module / container from the twistlock.

[0073] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, during the step of displacing the shaft element over a fifth distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to its longitudinal direction, and during the step of displacing the shaft element over a sixth distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to its remaining direction.

[0074] The inclination of the upward and downward-extending grooves may vary, and / or the extent of the grooves in the circumferential direction may vary, but the rotational displacement of the top element over the fifth distance is a portion of 90 degrees, and the displacement of the top element over the sixth distance is approximately the remaining portion of 90 degrees, thereby ensuring that the top element is rotated a total of 90 degrees.

[0075] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the shaft element comprises a contact element having an upper contact surface suitable for contacting the underside of a portion of the module / container, and during displacement of the shaft element and top element over at least first and second distances, the twist lock via the contact element having the contact surface acts as a lifting mechanism, lifting the module / container above the mounting surface.

[0076] Lifting the module / container above the mounting surface has the technical effect of allowing the module / container to be supported in a lifted position by multiple twist locks when positioning the module / container using a loader / crane that supports the module / container from below with a lifting arm, while the lifting arm is positioned or withdrawn from below the module / container.

[0077] According to an alternative to the second aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned objectives and advantages are: A method suitable for operating a twist lock according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method is: The steps include engaging the device module or cargo container with the mounting surface using the aforementioned twist lock, The steps include locking the twist lock after engagement with the device module or cargo container, The twist lock exerts a downward force on the device module or cargo container, pressing the device module or cargo container against the mounting surface. Methods including This is achieved by [method].

[0078] A twist lock that can be displaced vertically can be operated by an actuator that provides vertical displacement such that the twist lock is displaced in a direction relative to the support surface, so that the container / module is "pulled" to the support surface.

[0079] For example, when transporting expensive or delicate equipment on moving transport surfaces such as ship decks, it is extremely important that modules / containers cannot move across the mounting surface, such as the ship's deck.

[0080] In particular, when modules / containers carry equipment for shipboard use, such as radar systems, surveillance systems, or naval equipment like launch or firing systems, the secure positioning of the modules / containers is of paramount importance. Any slight movement of the modules / containers during operation of the systems defined above will cause either a malfunction or an improper functioning of the system. Therefore, the characteristics defined above prevent any containers / modules mounted on a mounting surface from moving after installation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0081] [Figure 1A] A first perspective view of a twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 1B] A first perspective view of a twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 2A] This is a second perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 2B] This is a second perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 3A] A third perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 3B] A third perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 4A] A fourth perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 4B] A fourth perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 5A]This is a fifth perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 5B] This is a fifth perspective view of the twist lock, shown with and without a housing. [Figure 6] This is a cross-section of a twist lock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0082] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make this disclosure detailed and complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Therefore, the same elements are not described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0083] Figures 1A and 1B are first perspective views of the twist lock 10, showing the case with and without the housing 12.

[0084] Figure 1A shows a twist lock 10 with a housing 12, where the twist lock is positioned in a fully retracted configuration. The twist lock 10 can be installed detachably or permanently on a mounting surface such as a ship's deck, a truck, or a freight train (not shown).

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the twist lock is removably mounted on the mounting surface such that the flange collar 12'' located at the upper end of the housing is positioned within the opening of the mounting surface. In relation to the flange collar 12'', the twist lock comprises a flange 24 connected to the mounting surface, suitable for connection via mounting means such as bolts, welds, or other fastening means.

[0086] The illustrated embodiment is particularly suited for connection to the mounting surface from below, but may also be connected to the mounting surface from above.

[0087] The twist lock 10 further comprises a housing 12' bottom that defines the lower end of the twist lock 10 and is removably connected to the housing via suitable fastening means such as bolts or screws.

[0088] The top edge of the housing is open and defined by the upper edge of the 12'' housing collar.

[0089] The twist lock 10 includes a shaft element 14 that is rotatably and slidably connected to the inside of the housing 12.

[0090] The upper end of the shaft element 14 has a contact element 28 and a conical shape, but alternatively, it may have a top element 18 that has a different shape.

[0091] The top element 18 may correspond to a top element of a known type of twistlock, protruding from and connecting to a portion of a module / container (not shown).

[0092] The contact element 28 includes an upper contact surface 30 suitable for contacting the underside of a portion of the module / container, and a collar 22 for engaging with the opening of the module / container.

[0093] The conical top element 18 and collar 22 are shown in an elongated shape, so that they may protrude into corresponding openings in a part of the module / container, such as an ISO container corner. The part of the module / container may be positioned differently from such an ISO container corner.

[0094] In the shown embodiment, the top element 18 is interconnected to the shaft element 14 via a top element shaft (not shown) that rotatably extends through the collar 22 and the contact element 28, so that the rotation of the shaft element 14 causes the rotation of the top element 18.

[0095] The contact element 28 and the collar 22 are thus rotatably positioned relative to the top element 18 and the shaft element 14, but it is preferable that they be positioned together with a releaseable locking mechanism, such as a ball lock, at the interface between the contact element 28 and the shaft element 14 in order to index the collar and the contact element during engagement with an opening in part of the device module or cargo container.

[0096] The shaft element 14 is connected at its lower end to a drive mechanism 26, preferably a hydraulic drive mechanism, which extends through the bottom of the housing 12'. The drive mechanism 26 is not limited to a hydraulic drive mechanism and may be mechanical, pneumatic, or any other drive mechanism suitable for displacing the shaft element 14 relative to the housing 12.

[0097] The surface of the shaft element 14 has multiple interconnected grooves 20 1 ~20 6 The housing 12 comprises a plurality of guide elements 16 for engaging with a plurality of grooves. The housing 12 is shown with two guide elements 16, but alternatively, it may be arranged with only one guide element 16 or with more than two guide elements 16. The guide elements 16 are preferably arranged symmetrically or evenly distributed around the periphery of the housing 12. In a preferred embodiment, the guide elements are arranged to be replaceable with respect to the housing 12 due to the possibility of wear.

[0098] Multiple interconnected grooves 20 1 ~20 6 This includes a plurality of grooves 20 arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft element 14. 1 , 20 4 , and a plurality of grooves 20 arranged at an oblique angle to the longitudinal direction of the shaft element 142 and 20 3 and 20 5 and 20 6 comprises. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 20 1 to 20 6 are arranged as a series of interconnected grooves around the shaft element 14.

[0099] When the guide element is located at the upper end of the first groove 20 1 , the shaft element 14 is arranged in a fully retracted configuration and the top element 18 is arranged below the mounting surface.

[0100] When the guide element 16 is located in the parallel grooves 20 1 , 20 4 , the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 are displaced within the housing 12 only in the longitudinal direction of the twist lock 10 by the operation of the drive means 26. The shaft element 14 can thus be displaced in both longitudinal directions of the twist lock 10.

[0101] When the guide element 16 is located in the inclined grooves 20 2 , 20 3 , 20 5 , 20 6 , the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 can be rotated and displaced longitudinally simultaneously with respect to the housing 12 by the operation of the drive means 26.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 20 1 to 20 6 are arranged such that, when viewed from above, the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 rotate counterclockwise with respect to the housing 12. Alternatively, the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 may be arranged to move clockwise with respect to the housing 12.

[0103] When the guide element 16 moves downward / upward in the parallel 20 1 , 20 4 , the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 move only in the first and second longitudinal directions of the twist lock 10.

[0104] Guide element 16 is in a downward-facing inclined groove 20 2 , 20 5 As they move inside, the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 rotate counterclockwise relative to the housing 12 and move upward.

[0105] Guide element 16 is an upward-facing inclined groove 20 3 , 20 6 As they move inside, the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 rotate counterclockwise relative to the housing 12 and move downward.

[0106] The terms downward and upward should be understood in relation to the upper and lower ends of the twist lock 10.

[0107] Figures 2A and 2B are second perspective views of the twist lock 10, showing the case with and without the housing 12.

[0108] In the configuration shown, the drive mechanism 26 is activated, moving the shaft element 14 upward relative to the housing 12. The guide element 16 is in the parallel groove 20 1 It is positioned in such a way that the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 can move upward relative to the housing 12 from a fully retracted configuration. The contact surface is substantially flush with the mounting surface (not shown).

[0109] If the module / container is already on the mounting surface, the contact surface 30 contacts the underside of the module container. The collar 22 and top element 18 protrude from parts of the module / container, such as the container corners, e.g., standard ISO corners. The collar, which has an elongated shape and is indexed to the housing, corresponds to an opening in part of the module / container.

[0110] Guide element 16 is parallel groove 20 1 In the downward-facing inclined groove 20 2When moving downwards to the connection point, the contact surface rises a predetermined distance relative to the mounting surface.

[0111] When using a lifting device such as that described in International Publication No. 2022 / 069087, the beam element supporting the module / container supports the module / container at a certain distance above the mounting surface. By raising the contact surface (and top element 18) extending at least this certain distance, the twist lock 10 engages with the module / container, which is still supported by the beam element.

[0112] Figures 3A and 3B are third perspective views of the twist lock 10 with and without the housing 12. In the shown configuration, compared to the configurations in Figures 2A and 2B, the drive means 26 is further actuated by an upward force on the shaft element 14, thereby driving the groove 20 in the longitudinal direction. 2 This causes further downward and angled displacement of the guide element 16 within the structure.

[0113] Diagonally arranged grooves 20 2 This moves the shaft element 16, the contact element 28, and the top element 18 upward, and simultaneously twists / rotates the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 connected to it. The degree of rotation is determined by the angled groove 20 2 It depends on the range. The longer the groove range, the larger the rotation angle. In the shown embodiment, the top element is rotated approximately 20 degrees between 0 and 45 degrees. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to approximately 20 degrees of rotation. The present invention will similarly function with any rotation between 0 and 45 degrees. When the top element 18 is rotated approximately 45 degrees, the upward inclined groove 20 3 It is unnecessary.

[0114] A module / container (not shown) positioned in relation to the twist lock 10 is further raised relative to the mounting surface, thereby allowing a lifting beam, such as that described in International Publication No. 2022 / 069087, to be pulled out from below the module / container, which is currently supported by twist locks 10, preferably positioned at least at each corner of the module / container. It should be understood that the larger and / or heavier the module / container, the more twist locks 10 may be required that function as both twist locks 10 and lifts.

[0115] Figures 4A and 4B are fourth perspective views of the twist lock 10 with and without the housing 12. In the shown configuration, compared to the configurations in Figures 3A and 3B, the drive means 26 exerts a downward force on the shaft element 14 and operates it in the opposite direction, thereby driving the inclined groove 20 3 This causes the guide element 16 to move upward and at an angle within the groove 20, resulting in the shaft element 14, contact element 28, and top element 18 moving downward, and the shaft element 14 and top element 18 rotating. In the shown embodiment, the guide element 16 moves within the groove 20 3 and 20 4 When positioned at the connection point between the two, the shaft element 14 and the top element 18 rotate by the remaining 90 degrees compared to the configurations in Figures 3A and 3B. The module / container is now fully locked in place by the twist lock 10 and lowered toward the mounting surface.

[0116] Figures 5A and 5B are fifth perspective views of the twist lock 10 with and without the housing 12. Compared to the configurations in Figures 4A and 4B, the drive means 26 is further actuated on the shaft element 14 with a downward force, thereby moving the groove 20 in the longitudinal direction. 4This causes an upward displacement of the guide element 16 within the twist lock 10, thereby causing the shaft element 14, contact element 28, and top element 18 to descend further relative to the housing 12 without rotation. In the shown configuration, the twist lock 10 thus positions the module / container fully locked to the mounting surface. In the shown configuration, the contact surface is slightly lowered relative to the upper edge of the housing collar, which is intended to be mounted flush with the mounting surface. This exerts a tensile force on the module / container toward the mounting surface, generating a constant force from the twist lock 10 toward the module / container toward the mounting surface. This securely locks the module / container and presses it toward the mounting surface. This force depends on the operation of the drive mechanism and can be adjusted accordingly.

[0117] When the drive mechanism is activated again and the shaft element, collar 28, and top element 18 are displaced upward and then downward relative to the housing 12, the guide element 16 moves through the passage 20 5 , 20 6 , and 20 1 It moves through this, so that the twist lock takes on the configuration shown in Figures 1A and 1B. At this point, the container can be removed from the mounting surface.

[0118] During this procedure, the guide element moves to groove 20 5 and 20 6 When in the connection between the two, a beam element, such as that disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 069087, may be inserted between the mounting surface and the module / container to support the container. During rotation, the top element takes a position aligned with the opening to the module / container, and as a result the top element is pulled out from the module / container and the module / container is disengaged from the twist lock 10.

[0119] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the twist lock 10 shown in Figures 1A to 5B. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 10 Twist Lock 12 Housing 12" Housing bottom 12'' Housing Color 14 Shaft Elements 16 Guidance Elements 18 Top Elements 20 1 ~20 6 groove 22 colors 24 flange 26 Driving means 28 Contact elements 30 Contact surface 32. Releasable locking mechanism 34 Mounting surface elements 36 Module / Container Section 36' Module Partial Opening

Claims

1. A twist lock (10) suitable for interconnecting equipment modules or cargo containers to a mounting surface, the twist lock (10) comprising a housing (12), an elongated shaft element (14), and a top element (18) for interconnecting with a part (36) of the equipment module or cargo container, wherein the twist lock (10) includes displacement means (20) such that the shaft element (14) and the top element (18) can be simultaneously rotated and displaced longitudinally within the housing (12). １ ~20 ６ A twist lock (10) is provided.

2. The twist lock (10) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement means is arranged such that the shaft element and the top element are displaceable with respect to the housing over a first distance in the non-rotatable and longitudinal direction, and simultaneously displaceable with respect to the housing over a second distance in the rotatable and longitudinal direction.

3. The twist lock (10) according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal displacement over the first and second distances is in the same first direction relative to the housing, the shaft element and the top element are further displaceable longitudinally over a second direction and a third distance, and the longitudinal displacement over the third distance is opposite to the longitudinal displacement over the first and second distances.

4. The twist lock according to claim 3, wherein the displacement means is arranged such that the top element is rotatable simultaneously with the longitudinal movement over the third distance.

5. The twist lock according to claim 4, wherein the displacement means is such that the shaft element and the top element can be displaced non-rotatably over a fourth distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the inner surface of the top element is in contact with the device module or cargo container and is arranged to exert a downward force on it in order to press the device module or cargo container against the mounting surface.

6. The twist lock according to any of the prior claims, wherein the displacement means comprises a groove pattern in the shaft element for engagement with a protruding element on the inner surface of the housing, or the inner surface of the housing comprises a groove pattern for engagement with a protruding element of the shaft element.

7. The twist lock according to claim 6, wherein the groove pattern comprises grooves extending longitudinally with respect to the shaft element and grooves extending circumferentially with respect to the shaft element.

8. The twist lock according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the shaft element or the housing comprises a series of longitudinally and circumferentially extending grooves.

9. The twist lock according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the top element is rotatable by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction during the longitudinal displacement over the second and third distances.

10. The twist lock according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the top element is rotatable about a portion of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction during the longitudinal displacement over the second distance, and rotates about the remaining portion of approximately 90 degrees during the longitudinal displacement over the third distance.

11. The twist lock according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the groove pattern comprises continuous grooves extending around the entire circumference of the shaft element or the inner surface of the housing, such that the top element can rotate infinitely in the same direction.

12. A method for operating a twist lock suitable for interconnecting equipment modules or cargo containers to a mounting surface, wherein the twist lock (10) comprises a housing (12), an elongated shaft element (14), and a top element (18) for interconnecting with a portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container, the shaft element (14) and the top element (18) being rotatable and longitudinally displaceable within the housing (12), and the method is The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and the top element over a first distance in the first longitudinal direction of the shaft element such that the top element protrudes from the part of the container, The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and the top element over a second distance in the first longitudinal direction of the shaft element, and simultaneously rotating the top element around at least a portion of the longitudinal direction at approximately 90 degrees, The steps include displacing the elongated shaft element and the top element over a third distance in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, such that the top element locks the module or container to the mounting surface, Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein during the step of displacing the shaft element over the second distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, and during the step of displacing the shaft element over the third distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the remaining portion.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of displacing the shaft element and the top element over a fourth distance in the second longitudinal direction without rotation, such that the inner surface of the top element abuts against the device module or cargo container and a downward force is applied thereto, thereby pressing the device module or cargo container against the mounting surface.

15. The aforementioned method, The steps include displacing the shaft element over a fifth distance in the first direction while simultaneously rotating the top element by at least a portion of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, The steps include displacing the shaft element over a sixth distance in the second direction and a first distance in the second longitudinal direction so that the top element is pulled back from the container or the portion of the module, The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein during the step of displacing the shaft element over the fifth distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, and during the step of displacing the shaft element over the sixth distance, the top element rotates approximately 90 degrees with respect to the remaining portion.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the shaft element (14) comprises a contact element (28) having an upper contact surface (30) suitable for contacting the lower side of a portion of the module / container, and during the displacement of the shaft element and top element over at least the first and second distances, the twist lock via the contact element having the contact surface acts as a lifting mechanism to lift the module / container above the mounting surface.

18. The aforementioned method, The steps include engaging the device module or cargo container with the mounting surface using the aforementioned twist lock, The steps include locking the twist lock after engagement with the device module or cargo container, The twist lock exerts a downward force on the device module or cargo container, pressing the device module or cargo container against the mounting surface. A method suitable for operating a twist lock according to any one of claims 3 to 11, including the following:

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