Automatic locking mechanism, locking system, and method for operating the locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism, a locking system and a method of operating a locking mechanism comprising a housing, an elongated shaft element and an upper end for interconnection with a portion of an equipment module or cargo container, the shaft element and the upper end being longitudinally displaceable within said housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical connection of objects, such as the connection of a container module to a mounting surface. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism, a locking system comprising at least one locking mechanism for interconnecting an object to a mounting surface, and a method for operating the locking mechanism.

[0002] The locking mechanisms and locking systems of the present invention are particularly suited for use in conjunction with equipment modules having a size corresponding to a standard cargo container or a 20-foot or 40-foot cargo container or multiple interconnected cargo containers that are connected to a mounting surface, such as a mounting surface on a ship. [Background technology]

[0003] In the art of shipping containers or equipment modules, i.e. shipping generally, it is known to interconnect equipment modules or cargo containers to a mounting surface such as the deck of a ship, truck or freight train by using manually operated standard twist locks, such as ISO twist locks suitable for use on standard container corners, such as standard ISO 1161 container corners.

[0004] It is known that the act of interconnecting a container or equipment module to a mounting surface requires an operator to manually operate a lock into or out of a locked position, which is time consuming and poses a safety risk to the operator since the container or module is very heavy, typically weighing several tons. In particular, when modules or containers are placed on a cargo ship and the containers / modules are positioned and loaded in close proximity to each other, it is difficult, dangerous and laborious for workers to manually lock / unlock the twist locks. Also, in situations where the containers / modules are loaded and loaded in close proximity to each other, workers may not have access to all the twist locks and cannot lock them, which results in some containers / modules not being fully interconnected with the mounting surface.

[0005] An example of a prior art system is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,249,999. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Danish Patent Invention No. 179486 Summary of the Invention

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic locking mechanism, a locking system and a method of operating a locking mechanism that overcomes the above disadvantages.

[0008] These objects and advantages, together with numerous other objects and advantages, will become apparent from the following description of the invention and are in accordance with a first aspect of the invention obtained by: An automatic locking mechanism for interconnecting an equipment module or cargo container to a mounting surface, the locking mechanism comprising a housing, an elongated shaft element, and an upper end for interconnection with a portion of the equipment module or cargo container, the shaft element and the upper end being longitudinally displaceable within the housing.

[0009] This makes the automatic locking mechanism suitable for removably or permanently mounting on a mounting surface such as a ship deck, truck or freight train, and the locking mechanism is capable of at least two positions: a first position in which the upper end is disengaged from the equipment module or portion of the cargo container, and a second position in which the upper end is engaged with the equipment module or portion of the cargo container. In a basic embodiment, the automatic locking mechanism moves from a first position to a second position when the module / container is properly positioned on the mounting surface so that the portions of the equipment module or cargo container for connection are properly aligned with the locking mechanism. Preferably, the module / container includes a portion for connection at each corner, preferably arranged as a standard ISO container corner. Each module / container may include fewer or more such connection portions for interconnection with a corresponding number of automatic locking mechanisms located in or on the mounting surface. When the upper end projects into the portion of the module / container for connection, the module / container is prevented from unintentionally moving across the mounting surface.

[0010] The automatic locking mechanism is preferably removably disposed on the mounting surface and includes a housing having an elongated shaft element and an upper end disposed therein for longitudinal displacement. The housing includes means for connection to a mounting surface such that the locking mechanism is positionable within the mounting surface. The means for connection may include bolt fastening means or other suitable fastening means for releasably connecting the locking mechanism to the mounting surface. The mounting means preferably comprises a mounting surface element arranged as a plate-like element that can be removably assembled to the mounting surface such that an upper portion of the plate-like element forms part of the mounting surface, the plate-like element having an opening and the locking mechanism connectable to an underside of the plate-like element such that at least an upper element can extend through the opening to engage with part of the module / container. The plate-like element comprises first means, e.g. bolt holes for interconnection with the housing via a number of fastening bolts, and second means, e.g. also arranged as bolt holes for connecting the plate-like element to a mounting surface such as the deck of a ship, a truck or a freight train. The means for connecting the plate-like element to the housing and the mounting surfaces may be arranged in a manner different from bolt holes, such as variously arranged connection means for interconnection of various parts, preferably releasable interconnection, which is within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

[0011] The housing is preferably sealed and arranged as a liquid-tight housing to prevent water, oil, moisture, dirt, etc. from entering the inside of the locking mechanism. Therefore, suitable sealing means such as a packing, e.g., a rubber packing / O-ring, etc., is arranged between the housing and the shaft and / or upper end to prevent the ingress of foreign matter which may cause a malfunction of the locking mechanism.

[0012] The locking mechanism preferably comprises drive means for effecting longitudinal displacement of the elongate shaft element and / or upper end relative to the housing such that the upper end can move between a position in which the locking mechanism is disengaged from the module / container and a position in which the locking mechanism is connected to the container. The drive means may be integrated into the locking mechanism or may be arranged as an external drive mechanism for displacing the elongate shaft element and / or upper end.

[0013] Preferably the drive means is incorporated into the housing and comprises a hydraulic piston, a screw thread mechanism or a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the shaft element and / or at least a part of the upper end is arranged rotatably about an axis substantially parallel to the direction of longitudinal displacement.

[0015] The elongate shaft element and / or at least a portion of the upper end is rotatably arranged within the housing such that after the elongate shaft element is displaced so that at least a portion of the upper end projects and engages with a portion of the module / container, at least a portion of the upper end after rotation engages with a portion of the module / container to prevent longitudinal movement of the module / container. The rotational movement of the shaft element and / or at least a portion of the upper end is effected automatically by suitable force transmission means. The force transmission means may be integrated into the locking mechanism or may be arranged as an external force transmission means for rotating at least a portion of the elongate shaft element and / or upper end. The force transmission means may be actuated by any suitable force, such as hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or mechanical means.

[0016] Preferably, the force transmitting means is integrated into the housing and comprises a hydraulic piston, a screw thread mechanism or a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the top end comprises a rotatable top element, such as a conical top element, for interconnection by rotation with a part of the equipment module or cargo container, such as an ISO container corner of the equipment module or cargo container.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the top end comprises a rotatable top element, preferably a conical top element suitable for interlocking with a standard ISO container corner. By actuation of the force transmission means, the upper element rotates into engagement with a portion of the module / container.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the upper end comprises a collar portion extending between the top element and the elongate shaft element, the collar portion being non-rotatably arranged for engagement with an opening in the equipment module or portion of the cargo container.

[0020] The upper end comprises an elongate shaft element and / or a collar portion that interacts with an opening in a portion of the module / container when the upper end is displaced. Preferably, the opening corresponds to a standard slot in a standard ISO container corner. When the upper end is displaced into engagement with a portion of the module / container, the collar portion projects into the opening, thereby maintaining the module / container in a non-rotatable position relative to the housing, and such collar portion provides a locking mechanism for proper positioning of the module / container in the horizontal direction.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the elongate shaft element is rotatable relative to the collar portion.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, both the elongate shaft element and the top element are rotatably disposed within the housing and rotatably disposed relative to the collar portion.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises drive means for longitudinally displacing the elongate shaft.

[0024] As mentioned above, the locking mechanism comprises drive means for effecting longitudinal displacement of the elongate shaft element and / or upper end relative to the housing such that the upper end can move between a position in which the locking mechanism is disengaged from the module / container and a position in which the locking mechanism is connected to the container. The drive means is incorporated into the locking mechanism and arranged for displacement of the elongate shaft element and / or upper end.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the mechanism comprises force transmission means for generating the rotation.

[0026] As mentioned above, the elongate shaft element and / or at least a portion of the upper end is rotatably arranged within the housing such that after rotation at least a portion of the upper end engages with a portion of the module / container to prevent longitudinal movement of the module / container. The rotational movement of the shaft element and / or at least a portion of the upper end is preferably automatic by force transmission means integrated into the housing of the locking mechanism.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises locking means for locking the elongate shaft and / or said top element against longitudinal displacement and / or rotation relative to the housing.

[0028] To prevent unintentional displacement and / or rotational movement of the elongate shaft element and / or upper end, a locking means is provided. The locking means may include, but is not limited to, a locking pin that protrudes into the receiving opening of the elongate shaft element. Any other suitable locking means known to those skilled in the art to prevent displacement or rotation may also be incorporated.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises a releasable locking mechanism, such as a ball lock, at the interface between the abutment element and the elongate shaft element for indexing the collar portion and the abutment element upon engagement with the opening in said portion of the equipment module or cargo container.

[0030] The collar and abutment element are rotatably arranged relative to the elongated shaft element, the top element and the top element shaft, which are non-rotatably connected to the elongated shaft, provided that when the elongated shaft element and / or top end is longitudinally displaced relative to the housing to engage an opening in the module / container portion, the collar portion is non-rotatably positioned relative to the housing and therefore protrudes into the opening, and a releasable locking mechanism, which in a preferred embodiment is a commonly known ball lock, ensures that the collar and abutment element are maintained in the correct position relative to the elongated shaft element and thereby in the correct position (correct indexing) for insertion through the opening in the equipment module or cargo container portion.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the upper end comprises an abutment element having an abutment surface for facing a part of the equipment module or cargo container.

[0032] The upper end preferably comprises an abutment element having an upper surface which serves as an abutment surface for abutting a module / container, in particular for abutting a part of an equipment module or a cargo container, and thus the abutment element may serve as a support surface for the module / container. The locking mechanism may be arranged so that the drive means can displace the upper element and abutment surface above the height of the mounting surface. This feature is therefore particularly advantageous for the operation of loading the modules / containers onto a mounting surface: the modules can be hoisted onto the mounting surface, for example, by a crane which raises the modules / containers via fixing points in the upper part of the modules / containers. Alternatively, the module / container may be hoisted and loaded onto the mounting surface by loading equipment that lifts the module / container from below, for example by means of one or more elements that engage the underside of the module / container. In order to allow the lifting element to retract into the module / container from below, the locking mechanism used is raised so that the abutment surface is above the mounting surface and acts as a lift, allowing the lifting element to retract into the module / container from below. After the lifting element has been retracted, the locking mechanism is preferably lowered so that the main part of the module / container rests on the support surface, which in this position may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface.

[0033] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantageous effects are achieved as follows. A locking system comprising at least one locking mechanism according to the present invention and a mounting surface element having an upper surface for facing an equipment module or cargo container and adapted for connection to a mounting surface, wherein a housing is connected to the mounting surface element.

[0034] The locking mechanism as described above is preferably removably coupled to a mounting surface element having an upper surface for facing the equipment module or cargo container and adapted for connection with the mounting surface. The housing is preferably removably attached to the mounting surface element by suitable connecting means, such as, for example, bolts or other suitable connecting means, but may alternatively be permanently attached to the mounting surface element, such as, for example, by welding. By arranging a locking system comprising at least one locking mechanism and a mounting surface element, a system is provided that is easily connectable in a removably manner to a mounting surface. The locking system may include one locking mechanism and a mounting surface element in one embodiment, and may include multiple locking mechanisms in further embodiments. The locking system may include two, three, four, or even multiple locking mechanisms connected to the mounting surface element. Providing more than one locking mechanism on a mounting surface element is advantageous when connecting multiple modules / containers next to each other. When placing loaded modules / containers close together on a mounting surface, the accessibility of commonly known locking mechanisms, such as known twist locks, is very limited and is associated with serious integrity risks. By arranging mounting surface elements with multiple locking mechanisms, modules / containers can be installed and connected on the mounting surface with minimal intermediate distance and without human intervention.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the mounting surface element (34) has downwardly tapered peripheral side edges.

[0036] The mounting surface element preferably includes downwardly tapered peripheral side edges, which facilitates installation of the system and positions the locking system in a precisely defined position within or on the mounting surface.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the upper end is longitudinally displaceable between two positions, namely a first retracted position in which the upper element is arranged so as not to substantially protrude from the upper surface of the mounting surface element, and a second protruding position in which the upper element protrudes from the upper surface.

[0038] The locking system is thereby suitable for being removably or permanently installed on a mounting surface, and the locking mechanism can be in at least two positions: a first position in which the upper end is disengaged from the equipment module or portion of the cargo container, and a second position in which the upper end is engaged with the equipment module or portion of the cargo container. In a basic embodiment, the automatic locking mechanism moves from a first position to a second position when the module / container is properly positioned on the mounting surface so that the portions of the equipment module or cargo container for connection are properly aligned with the locking mechanism. Preferably, the module / container includes a portion for connection at each corner, preferably arranged as a standard ISO container corner. Each module / container may include fewer or more such connection portions for interconnection with a corresponding number of automatic locking mechanisms located in or on the mounting surface. When the upper end projects into the portion of the module / container intended for interconnection, the module / container is prevented from unintentionally moving across the mounting surface. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in order to store the lifting element when loading a module / container from below the module / container, the locking mechanism is raised so that the abutment surface is above the mounting surface and functions as a lift, so that the lifting element can be stored from below the module / container.

[0039] According to a further possible embodiment, the mounting surface element comprises means for raising the locking system from the mounting surface.

[0040] In order for the locking system to be raised and lowered from or to the mounting surface, the locking system may be provided with lifting means such as hoisting eyes or other suitable means for raising / lowering the locking system from or to the mounting surface.

[0041] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantageous effects are achieved as follows. A method of operating a locking mechanism or locking system according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: - providing a locking mechanism on the mounting surface, the locking mechanism being positioned so that it does not substantially protrude from the mounting surface; - placing an equipment module or container at a specific location on a mounting surface, the equipment module or container comprising a portion for interconnection with said locking mechanism; - displacing the elongate shaft element and the upper end portion in a direction toward the equipment module or container such that at least a portion of the upper end portion protrudes into the portion of the equipment module or container; Equipped with.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is longitudinally displaceable such that the abutment element extends above the mounting surface to lift the equipment module or container a predetermined distance above the mounting surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automatic locking mechanism in the retracted position, without the housing. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the auto-locking mechanism in the extended position, without the housing. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of the locking system and modular container in a retracted position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism and modular container in the retracted position. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the locking system in a retracted position and a portion of a modular container positioned on the locking system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in the retracted position and a portion of the modular container located near the locking mechanism. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the locking system in an extended position and a portion of a modular container placed on the locking system. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in an extended position and a portion of the modular container located near the locking mechanism. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a locking system in an extended position and a portion of a modular container positioned on the locking system in conjunction. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in an extended position and a portion of the modular container positioned near the locking mechanism in engagement. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the locking system in an extended locked position and a portion of a modular container placed on the locking system. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in an extended locked position and a portion of the modular container located near the locking mechanism. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the locking system in a further extended locking position and a portion of the modular container positioned elevated relative to the locking system. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in a further extended locked position and a portion of the modular container being raised by the locking mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a locking system with two locking mechanisms. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a locking system having four locking mechanisms. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism without the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Accordingly, like elements will not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic locking mechanism 10 in a retracted position, omitting the housing 12. The locking mechanism 10 comprises a housing 12 (not shown), of which only the housing bottom 12' is shown. The locking mechanism 10 comprises an elongated shaft element 14 and an upper end 16 that, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a conical top element 18, a collar 22, and an abutment element 38, the abutment element 38 having an upper abutment surface 40 adapted to abut against the underside of a module / container portion 36. The conical top element 18 and collar 22 are illustrated in an elongated configuration such that the top element 18 and collar 22 can protrude into a corresponding opening 36' in a module / container portion, such as an ISO container corner. The module / container portion 36 may be positioned differently from such an ISO container corner. The locking mechanism 10 comprises an actuating means 24, only a small portion of which is shown in the drawings. The actuating means 24 may be any suitable means for longitudinally displacing the longitudinal shaft element 14 and upper end 16 relative to the housing 12, such as hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or mechanical means, and may preferably be arranged as a actuating piston, such as a hydraulic piston. The locking mechanism 10 further comprises force transmission means 26, 26' shown as a rack and pinion mechanism arranged to rotate the elongated shaft element 14 about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft element 14. The upper element 18 is interconnected to the elongated shaft element 14 via an upper element shaft 20 (see FIG. 11 ) which, in the illustrated embodiment, rotatably extends through a collar 22 and an abutment element 38 such that rotation of the elongated shaft element 14 results in rotation of the upper element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft element 14 has an oval shape in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to an opening through a force transmission means 26, shown as a pinion, which is actuated by a force transmission means 26', shown as a rack, to transmit rotational motion of the rack to the elongated shaft element 14. The force transmission means 26, 26' are preferably supported within the housing 12 (not shown). The oval shape of the elongated shaft element may include two generally parallel faces and an opposing rounded face. The locking mechanism 10 further comprises a locking means 28 shown as two pins disposed within the housing 12 (not shown), with a midpoint that corresponds approximately to the diameter of the elongated shaft element 14 at its narrowest point. The shape of the elongated shaft element 14 and the locking means may be configured in different ways, as long as the locking means 28 allows the elongated shaft element 14 to be displaced relative to the locking means 28. Upon longitudinal displacement of the elongated shaft element 14, the shaft element 14 is displaced relative to the locking means 28, which aligns with the shaft recess 30 at a specific location on the elongated shaft element when the locking mechanism is in the extended position, thereby allowing the shaft element 14 to rotate 360 ​​degrees since the maximum diameter of the recess is less than the distance between the pins. The conical top element is provided with an opening so that the upper end can be used as a connection point for a lift or crane to raise and lower the locking mechanism relative to a mounting surface.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the automatic locking mechanism 10 in the extended position, without the housing 12. The locking mechanism 10 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the locking mechanism 10 shown in Figure 1. The figure shows the movement of the locking mechanism 10 from a retracted position to an extended position, with the upper element 18 projecting into and interlocking with a portion of the module / container (not shown). First, the drive means 24 acts in response to the elongated shaft element 14 to longitudinally displace the elongated shaft element 14 and top end 16, as indicated by the vertical arrow. After the drive means displaces the elongated shaft element 14, the top element 18 protrudes into the portion 36 of the module / container. Secondly, when the top element 18 projects into the module / container portion 36, the force transmission means 26, 26' are driven, for example by hydraulic force, to cause a rotational movement of the elongated shaft element 14 and the interconnected top element 18, thereby coupling the top element 18 with the module / container portion 36. The oval-shaped collar 22 connected to the abutment element 38 projects into a corresponding opening 36' (see Figures 3A and 3B) in the module / container portion 36, thereby preventing it from rotating with the elongated shaft element 14. Between the peripheral surface of the abutment element 38 and the inner surface of the housing 12 (not shown), the locking mechanism 10 is provided with suitable sealing means, such as an O-ring, to prevent dirt, water and / or moisture from entering the locking mechanism.

[0047] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the locking system 10' and portion 36 of the modular container in the retracted position, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism and portion 36 of the modular container in the retracted position. FIG. 3B shows a different embodiment of the locking mechanism compared to that in FIGS. 1-2, while FIG. 3A shows both embodiments. In FIG. 3B, the drive means 24' comprises a rack and pinion mechanism that acts on the lower threaded portion of the elongated shaft element instead of a movable piston. The rack is rotatably fixed to the housing 12 and can be rotated by displacement of the rack, thereby longitudinally displacing the threaded portion of the elongated shaft element 14. The force transmission means 26, 26' shown in FIG. 4B functions similarly to the force transmission means 26, 26' of FIGS. 1-2, but may include a locking means 28' arranged as a displaceable locking pin that protrudes through a portion of the force transmission means 26 into an opening in the elongated shaft element, thereby preventing the elongated shaft element from rotating. The locking means 28' can be actuated by any suitable force, such as hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, or mechanical means. FIG. 3A shows a locking system 10' comprising a locking mechanism 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 or 3 and a mounting surface element 34 arranged to be mounted to a mounting surface such as the deck of a ship, a truck or freight train. The embodiments in Figures 3A and 3B correspond to one another except for the absence of the housing 12 and mounting surface element shown in Figure 3B. In the situation shown, the locking mechanism 10 is in a retracted position in which the top element 18 does not project above the mounting surface element. In an alternative embodiment, the top element 18 and collar may project above the mounting surface element during lowering of the equipment module, shown only by the illustration of a portion 36 of the module / container.

[0048] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the locking system 10′ in a stowed position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned on the locking system 10′, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 10 in a stowed position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned near the locking mechanism 10. The embodiments in Figures 4A and 4B correspond to each other except for the absence of housing 12 and the mounting surface element shown in Figure 4B. In Figures 4A and 4B, only the bottom of module / container portion 36 is shown for illustrative purposes. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, an equipment module, shown only by portion 36, is lowered onto mounting surface element 34.

[0049] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the locking system 10′ in an extended position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned on the locking system 10′, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 10 in an extended position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned near the locking mechanism 10. The embodiments in Figures 5A and 5B correspond to one another except for the absence of the housing 12 and mounting surface element shown in Figure 5B. In the situation shown, the drive means 24' longitudinally displaces the elongate shaft element 14 and upper end 16, including the top element 18, to an extended position in which the top element 18 projects through an opening 36' in the module / container portion 36. The collar 22 also projects through the opening 36', and the abutment surface 40 of the abutment element 38 abuts / supports the underside of the module / container portion 36.

[0050] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the locking system 10′ in an extended position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned on the coupled locking system 10′, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 10 in an extended position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned near the coupled locking mechanism 10. The embodiments in Figures 6A and 6B correspond to each other except for the absence of the housing 12 and mounting surface element shown in Figure 6B. 6A and 6B show the force transmission means being actuated, thereby causing rotation of the elongated shaft element 14 and top element 18, thereby coupling with the module / container portion 36. FIG.

[0051] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the locking system 10′ in an extended, locked position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned on the locking system 10′, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 10 in an extended, locked position and a portion 36 of a modular container positioned near the locking mechanism 10. The embodiments in Figures 7A and 7B correspond to each other except for the absence of the housing 12 and mounting surface element shown in Figure 7B. In Figures 7A and 7B, the locking mechanism is already coupled to the module / container and the locking means 28' is activated, thereby preventing the elongated shaft element 14 and top element 18 from rotating out of engagement with the container.

[0052] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the locking system 10′ in a further extended locking position and a portion 36 of the modular container positioned elevated relative to the locking system 10′, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 10 in a further extended locking position and a portion 36 of the modular container being elevated by the locking mechanism 10. As previously mentioned in this application, when a module / container is loaded onto or lowered from a mounting surface using lifting equipment such as a lift or crane, the lifting equipment may need to be removed from underneath the modular container. Figures 8A and 8B show a situation where a module / container has to be lowered by a lifting means which needs to support the underside of the module / container.

[0053] The elongated shaft element 14 and the upper end 16 are displaced longitudinally so that the abutment surface (lifting surface) 40 of the abutment element 38 acts as a lift, thereby being raised a predetermined distance above the mounting surface so that the lifting equipment can extend below the module for lifting. Prior to lifting, the locking means 28' are retracted and the force transmission means 26, 26' are activated, whereby the upper element 18 rotates out of engagement with the module / container portion 36. The module can then be lifted from the locking system 10'. When the module / container is loaded onto the mounting surface, the same procedure applies in reverse order.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a locking system 10' having two locking mechanisms 10, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a locking system 10' having four locking mechanisms 10. As shown in FIG.

[0055] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism without the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Automatic locking mechanism 10´ Locking System 12 Housing 12´ Housing Bottom 14 Slender shaft element 16 Upper end 18 Upper element 20 Upper element shaft 22 Color 24, 24', 24" Drive means 26, 26´ Force transmission means 28, 28´ Locking means 30 Shaft recess 32 Releasable locking mechanism 34 Mounting surface element 36 Module / Container Part 36´ modular partial opening 38 Contact element 40 Contact surface

Claims

1. 1. An automatic locking mechanism (10) for interconnecting an equipment module or cargo container to a mounting surface, the locking mechanism (10) comprising a housing (12), an elongated shaft element (14), and an upper end (16) for interconnection with a portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container, the shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) being longitudinally displaceable within the housing (12); at least a portion of the shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) are arranged to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of the longitudinal displacement; The automatic locking mechanism (10) wherein the upper end (16) comprises an abutment element (38) having an abutment surface (40) for opposing the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container.

2. 2. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 1, wherein the upper end (16) comprises a rotatable upper element (18) for interconnection of the equipment module or cargo container with the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container by said rotation.

3. 3. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 2, wherein the upper end (16) comprises a collar portion (22) extending between the top element (18) and the elongated shaft element (14), the collar portion (22) being non-rotatably positioned for engagement with an opening (36') in the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container.

4. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 3, wherein the elongated shaft element (14) is rotatable relative to the collar portion (22).

5. 5. The self-locking mechanism (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising drive means (24, 24') for displacing the elongate shaft element (14) in the longitudinal direction.

6. 5. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 1, further comprising force transmission means (26, 26') for rotating at least a portion of the shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) about an axis parallel to the direction of the longitudinal displacement.

7. 5. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 3, further comprising locking means (28) for locking the elongated shaft element (14) and / or the top element (18) against longitudinal displacement and / or rotation relative to the housing (12).

8. at least a portion of the shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) are arranged to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of the longitudinal displacement; the upper end (16) comprises a rotatable upper element (18) for interconnection with the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container by said rotation; the upper end (16) includes a collar portion (22) extending between the top element (18) and the elongated shaft element (14); 8. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a releasable locking mechanism (32) at an interface between the abutment element (38) and the elongated shaft element (14) for indexing the collar portion (22) and the abutment element (38) upon engagement with an opening (36') in the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container.

9. 9. A locking system (10') comprising: at least one automatic locking mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a mounting surface element (34) having an upper surface for facing the equipment module or cargo container and adapted for connection with the mounting surface, wherein the housing (12) is connected to the mounting surface element (34).

10. 10. The locking system (10') of claim 9, wherein the mounting surface element (34) has downwardly tapered peripheral side edges.

11. at least a portion of the shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) are arranged to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of the longitudinal displacement; the upper end (16) comprises a rotatable upper element (18) for interconnection with the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container by said rotation; 11. The locking system (10') according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper end (16) is longitudinally displaceable between two positions: a first storage position in which the upper element (18) is positioned so as not to protrude from the upper surface of the mounting surface element, and a second protruding position in which the upper element (18) protrudes from the upper surface.

12. A method of operating a locking mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a locking system (10') according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising: a step of providing the locking mechanism (10) on a mounting surface, the locking mechanism (10) being positioned so as not to protrude from the mounting surface; placing an equipment module or container at a specific location on the mounting surface, the equipment module or container comprising a portion (36) for interconnection with the locking mechanism (10); displacing the elongated shaft element (14) and the upper end (16) in a direction toward the equipment module or container such that at least a portion of the upper end (16) protrudes into the portion of the equipment module or container; A method for providing

13. the upper end (16) comprises an abutment element (38) having an abutment surface (40) for facing the portion (36) of the equipment module or cargo container; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism (10) is longitudinally displaceable such that the abutment element (38) extends above the mounting surface to lift the equipment module or container a predetermined distance above the mounting surface.

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