DE4317996A1 - Process and device for moving containers Keyword: Cradle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for implementing Containers that have upper container Corner fittings for coupling with spreader coupling own means of a spreader and in their lower Corner lower container corner fittings for connection to the upper corner fittings of a lower container or with appropriate carrier fittings from a container carrier own, between a first stand at which the respective container with its lower container corner hit by detachable intermediate coupling units on the top Container corner fittings of a lower container or on appropriate carrier fittings of a container carrier is secured, and a second stand, at which the container without the intermediate coupling units should be taken, as part of this procedure the intermediate coupling units initially from the lower one Container or the container carrier can be solved, the Containers to be implemented then using a spreader taking the intermediate coupling units from the lower container or the carrier is lifted, the Intermediate coupling units then from the lower container Corner fittings are removed and that of the intermediate coupling units then freed containers to be moved is brought to said second location.

Such a method is used, for example, if one on the deck is adjacent to a quay edge Container transport ship containers are arranged and these containers through a ship loading crane or Container loading crane from deck to a shore-side warehouse must be brought. The following is now too Note: The containers are placed on the deck of the container Transport ships on the deck floor through intermediate coupling  units secured. Provided the containers on deck match are arranged differently, the respective upper container the lower container in each case also by means of an intermediate coupling units secured. The intermediate coupling units are both from the lower container or from the deck as well as detachable from the respective upper container. It will previously proceeded as follows: The one to be implemented in each case Container is from the one adjacent to the bottom Container or detached from the deck of the container ship, by maintaining the intermediate coupling units their connection with the container to be implemented from the next lower container or the deck of the Container ship can be solved. This is done by hand. The work crew on deck of the ship uses as far as the coupling points are not easily accessible are operating rods to the coupling points, d. H. to the respective actuators of the intermediate coupling units, to approach. Once a container to be moved is released, so it will, after having already solved it with a Spreader has been linked, raised and abtrans in the direction of the new onshore stand ported. Now the intermediate coupling units are always still at the bottom of the container to be moved act; on the other hand, these are intermediate coupling units but when parking the container to be moved a land-based storage area is bothersome and undesirable cost-causing. There is therefore a need the intermediate coupling units from the one to be implemented Container, d. H. uncoupling from its underside, while the container from the ship's stand is implemented on the shore-side stand. This Uncoupling the intermediate coupling units from each Container on the way has been so far led that an operating team was deployed to that protrude downward from the respective container  Dismantle intermediate coupling units and then in one Pass on bearings for intermediate coupling units. This work required by the team is extremely tedious the intermediate coupling units a weight in sizes have an order of 5-15 kg and must be handled. In addition, the actuating means, which the Loosen or couple the intermediate coupling units to the effect each container.

The same problem naturally exists when there are containers from a land-based stand or from a street transport vehicle or from a train on deck of a ship must be loaded. Here is of it assume that the containers coming from land in An fit to a usual container storage location or to the Bridge a truck or to a railroad car first are not equipped with intermediate coupling units, probably but must be populated with them before they are on the Ship to be secured there, be it on the deck of the container ship or on one already attached and secured below Container.

The invention is based, with a Ver drive to transfer containers of the aforementioned Type to shorten the implementation times, the difficult and ge restrict dangerous human work and implementation process also cheaper.

To solve this problem, one of the methods initially proposed type proposed that the to be implemented Container on its way from the first location to the second stand on an intermediate clutch holder means is discontinued, which according to one of the upper arrangement Container corner fittings with the corresponding distribution image  Receptacles for the intermediate coupling units is equipped, the intermediate coupling units with these receptacles in Intervene that the intermediate coupling units then of which opposite the intermediate clutch holder means positioned containers are uncoupled and that the Containers to be moved then leaving the Intermediate coupling units to the intermediate coupling holder is transported further towards the second Stand.

As already indicated above, the invention relates also a method for moving containers, which in their upper corners, upper container corner fittings for coupling with coupling means of a spreader on the spreader side sit and in their lower corners lower container corner Fittings for connection to upper container corner fittings of a lower container or with have the carrier fittings of a container carrier, between a second stand and a first stand place where the lower container corner fittings of the container to be implemented through intermediation coupling units to upper container corner fittings lower container or corresponding carrier fittings of a container carrier are to be coupled, whereby the container to be moved on its way from the second Stand on which he without intermediate coupling units was taken to the first stand with the intermediate coupling units and then by means of a Spreaders transported to the first stand and there on the lower container or the container Carrier put on and with the upper container Corner fittings of the lower container or the beam propose through the intermediary coupling units is connected. This procedure also applies to inventions accordingly the task of shortening the conversion times,  the amount of tedious and dangerous human labor restrict and the implementation work under the Ge to reduce the cost of time.

To solve this problem it is proposed that the move setting containers coming from the second stand is next placed on the intermediate coupling holder means which according to one of the arrangement of the upper container corner fittings or beam fittings corresponding distribution have images for intermediate coupling units and equipped with intermediate coupling units in these recordings are that the container to be moved during its position against the intermediate coupling holder means with the Intermediate coupling units is connected and that the umzu then placing containers with the entrainment of the intermediate coupling unit from the intermediate clutch holder means the first stand, there on the bottom Containers or the container carrier and sold under Ver averaging the intermediate coupling units is secured.

It is fundamental in the procedures according to the invention also possible to work semi-automatically in such a way that after positioning a container on the intermediate clutch holder means the intermediate coupling units of Hand loosened or attached to the container by an operating team on the appropriate actuators acts on the intermediate coupling units, which the Solution of or the connection with the respective container trigger. Even with such semi-automatic work A considerable advantage has already been achieved in this respect than the lifting and threading work of the heavy intermediate coupling units removed from the operating team are. Nevertheless, the operators still have to move to an endangered area where containers are floating transported, improperly placed  and possibly also from the spreader or the carrier of the spreader can fall down. It is therefore of particular concern the invention, the implementation in both directions Intermediate clutch units from the intermediate clutch holder to be transferred to the containers fully automatically or the intermediate coupling units are fully automatic Remove containers so that in the area of the intermediate coupling now only occasionally for service purposes the presence of staff is required. Then it is Use of human work in the hazardous area on a Minimum reduced. The handover of the intermediate coupling units to the containers or to the intermediate coupling holder medium is done without personnel. Also the weaning and Can anchor the container on the deck of the container ship without human effort by using the Intermediate coupling units before landing on the ship in preparatory positions in which she continues with the next Lowering inevitably by means of guide surfaces in the upper one Corner fittings in the container below or in the Beam fittings are threaded on deck and after through thread through these fittings by spring preload into one Lock the locking position. So it only remains nor the need to import the containers, d. H. at the Loading from the ship on land, each of which is below to release the container or the carrier fittings on deck.

It is desirable that the intermediate coupling units of taken from the respective recording and added to a memory leads. It should be ensured that the Transfer of the intermediate coupling units from the respective gene inclusion in a storage location while maintaining the Orientation of the intermediate coupling unit in the room or with orderly reorientation is carried out; This measure is particularly desirable because it allows the Intermediate coupling units in their received or ordered  corrected position with simple handling means too again from the memory.

Conversely, it is also provided that the intermediate coupling units from a memory of the respective recording be supplied when exporting a container, i.e. H. from a stand on land to a stand on ship to be implemented. In both cases it is desirable that the intermediate coupling units between their respective storage and the respective recording under maintenance their orientation in space or with orderly reorientation be moved.

A problem now arises in that the Corner fittings of containers, both the bottom and the upper ones, as a rule, are standardized, but on the other hand Intermediate coupling units of different design Design and different types of operation in use are. It can be assumed that one and the same Ship the same intermediate coupling units each be applied. On the other hand, in a port with the Different loading and unloading of ships Expect shipping companies that often differentiate between them Use intermediate coupling unit types. To do that Implementation according to the invention proposal also under consideration inspection of the different types of intermediate coupling to master units, one could think of the Intermediate clutch holder means on the ship transport and at the start of a loading or Ent to position the cargo phase on land. This possible speed should not be excluded, but also as one measure essential to the invention. One must but also expect that the shipping companies of the Exercise that attaching and detaching intermediate coupling units as part of loading and unloading work  It is the responsibility of the respective port administration. If now the port manage themselves with different types of intermediate must find clutch units, so the implementation of the method proposed according to the invention first once difficult.

It has now been recognized that the problem of handling Intermediate coupling units come in different designs can, by starting at their handling in places that are designed in accordance with the standardized corner fittings and therefore usually identical combinations of An provide grips. It is therefore further proposed that when running the intermediate coupling units with Positioning surfaces for engaging openings in upper container corner fittings or corresponding carrier fittings are determined and trained and with downward directed contact surfaces that are used for bearing on the Top of top container corner fittings or beams Fitting are determined, the intermediate coupling units on the recordings of the intermediate coupling holder means through these positioning and / or contact surfaces be positioned. In this way you can the inventive method in both directions relatively minor conversion or retrofitting perform work on the intermediate coupling holder means even if often from one type of clutch to another Intermediate coupling type must be changed.

Another reduction is more tedious and dangerous human work can be achieved by the fact that Intermediate coupling units from the recordings of the intermediate clutch holder means by mechanical means of transport transported to the respective storage location or from the respective storage location to the respective recording be transported by mechanical means of transport.  

The situation in many ports is often as follows: The Containers are handled by a container loading crane that can be moved along the quay edge, lifted off the ship and not brought directly to the final location, but at a transfer point from the spreader of the Ship loading crane delivered and from a shore side Transport vehicle, usually again by means of a Spreaders taken over. The land transport vehicle then get the rest of the way to a container Stacking space or a land-based means of transport, for example Truck or train. So if on the way from that ship-side stand to the shore-side final Stand or vice versa to be handed over anyway has, this becomes after a further development of the invention exploited in such a way that the container is on the way between the first and the second stand at one Place with the intermediate clutch holder means for delivery or recording the intermediate coupling units together is brought, at which a transfer between different Container transport is done.

It has already been stated that the container loading cranes are often movable along a quay edge to ver different longitudinal sections on the quay edge to be able to operate the ship one after the other. If so on the bridge girder of such a container loading Crane trolley with the container loading crane in succession to different longitudinal positions along the Quay edge, it is after further training of the inventive method advantageous if the intermediate clutch holder means with a container loading crane various workplaces of this container loading crane get picked up. Then it stands every time the Container loading crane its stand along the quay edge has changed, the intermediate coupling at the new location  holder is already available in the correct position, around one on the trolley of the bridge girder floating container in the right position receive.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a Direction for the implementation of containers between two stands places.

The basic components of such a facility are intermediate clutch holder means with receptacles for intermediate clutch units, these intermediate coupling holder means according to one of the arrangement of lower container corner fittings corresponding distribution image recordings for intermediate have coupling units.

To connect or disconnect the container to or from the intermediate clutch holder means without using human Being able to perform work is preferred provided that a respective recording of the intermediate clutch holder means of mechanical actuating means for Solution or coupling of a respective intermediate coupling unit of or on a container are assigned.

To the problem of the different constructions of commercially available intermediate coupling units can be provided that the mechanical actuation means for different types of intermediate coupling units are adjustable and / or interchangeable. To this That way you get at least the chance, at least that heavy and difficult to transport parts of the Intermediate clutch holder means not only for one type of intermediate coupling units to be able to use, but for a large number of types, if possible all commercially available Guys.  

The conversion of the intermediate clutch holder means to ver Different types of intermediate coupling units can be used be particularly facilitated in that the mechanical Actuating means at least one holder-side strength device in spatial assignment to a respective recording point and that to this holder-side strength device in An fit to different intermediate coupling units different means of attack to attack intermediate clutch units and / or power transmission means can be coupled. In this way, the conversion work can be done often on some of the specific funds for individuals Reduce intermediate coupling units.

Among the intermediate coupling units of different designs, that can be used are next to those which is a base and above and below the base each have an adjustable engagement head, too those in which the base has only a lower, the Base equipped with a rotatable engagement head and the connection with the lower corner fitting is one upper container is manufactured or solved in that the whole base with a base fixed to it Intervention head opposite the respective lower corner fitting is twisted. In this case one is part of the mechani rule actuating means of a respective recording Assign turntable, this turntable determines and is designed with lower coupling part units from Intermediate coupling units to interact with those Subunits namely, which for engagement in upper Container corner fittings or beam fittings determined and are formed so that this rotating unit by twisting the intermediate coupling unit as a whole within each opposite recording the intermediate coupling unit loosen a respective lower container corner fitting or can lock.  

In other embodiments of intermediate coupling units with a rotatable engagement head above and below a base is provided that the actuating means for Engagement with adjusting means of the intermediate coupling unit are formed, which is the solution of the respective intermediate coupling unit from or its locking on one effect the respective lower container corner fitting.

Should also transport the intermediate coupling units between the intermediate coupling holder means and one Storage without significant human labor force take place, it is provided that the recordings of the Intermediate clutch holder means via one transport each away with a memory for intermediate coupling units are bound, this transport route to the orienter attitude or orderly reorientation of the intermediate coupling units.

The memory can, in the event that handling under Different types of intermediate coupling units are provided is designed so that in one and the same memory, for example in different subjects or areas different intermediate coupling units added and off can be given.

One can usually store four for four Provide recordings of an intermediate coupling bracket; it is also conceivable and even preferred that for each Inclusion of the intermediate clutch holder means a special one Memory for intermediate coupling units is provided. The memory can be removed from the intermediate clutch holder be removable, so that you have a full memory can be replaced by an empty one and vice versa if necessary.  

It is recommended that the transport route and / or the respective Storage location for an intermediate coupling unit with orien preservation or correction means is provided, which on positioning surfaces of intermediate coupling units are matched, especially to positioning surfaces of lower subunits of intermediate couplings units that conform to standardized upper container corner fittings are fit. With this measure, you do that again Circumstance use that most commercial intermediate coupling units due to their adaptation to the corner Fittings of containers have certain areas that are in their location and assignment in all embodiments dive.

It is further suggested that the orientation guide means of correction or correction of the transport route or Storage locations of mutually facing edges and / or upward contact surfaces of slot delimitation stripes are formed. With this measure, the Made use of the fact that most intermediate Coupling units filling pieces for the engagement in upper There are corner fittings of containers, which are suitable for guiding between the slot delimitation strips and further areas which are to be supported on the ge directed contact surfaces are suitable.

The memory or the memories can be a surface be permanent or spatial storage; accordingly a lot The transport routes to the storage facility and within must be complex of the memory can be designed.

It has already been noted that there are containers under different dimensions, especially different Longitudinal dimensions there. For this reason, will continue struck that the intermediate clutch holder means out  there are relatively movable boxes, which a Setting the recordings on different distribution pictures according to the arrangement of upper and lower container Corner fittings on containers of different dimensions allow.

The memory may need significant quantities of intermediate coupling units. This can be sub problems for the coupling units and thus also for the correspondingly large storage entail. If you start again from the idea that the intermediate clutch holder means on or just above a runway are arranged and that runways Container transport vehicles are used to transport containers in position opposite the intermediate coupling holder means to bring, there may be difficulties in bringing this up To accommodate storage so that the slopes are accessible Container transport vehicles still undisturbed to the Can move intermediate clutch holder means. A possible solution to this problem is that the Individual assigned to memory or individual recordings memory for intermediate coupling units at least Part within a defined by the recordings Width dimension of the intermediate coupling holder means arranged are. The piste-accessible container transport vehicles can then at least along a track in two directions drive up to the intermediate coupling holder means or from drive it away and there is still the possibility the accumulators by extending in this direction to bring to appropriate capacity.

To the intermediate clutch holder means in the area of a Port in various places can, it is proposed that the intermediate clutch holder medium together with the recordings associated with actuation  means and / or a memory or individual memories of the Recordings are designed as a transportable unit, which can preferably be detected and implemented by a spreader are cash, if necessary also after disassembly into partial units ten.

It was already on the important point above of taking the intermediate coupling holder directly indicated by a container loading crane. To the the necessary means of transport do not inhibit for the movement of the slope-accessible container transport , it is further suggested that the Zwi Schenkkupplungshaltermittel by connecting means with one Part of a container loading crane, which are connected by a rail approaching in the container transfer position loose container transport vehicle can be driven over and against also power and control lines for the intermediate include clutch holder means. The lanyard can either grind on the slopes or through very low rollers or balls rolling on the slopes be led.

If at the transfer point and thus at the place of the intermediate clutch holder means no operation and monitoring staff is more regularly present, this is increasing Problem to exclude breakdowns automatically. A possible che breakdown could be that a spreader who is in communication with a positio on the intermediate coupling support means nated container stands, is lifted, under the wrong one Prerequisite that the container with the coupled to it th intermediate coupling units from the recordings of the twos coupling clutch holder means is decoupled. Here could extensive lifting by lifting the container of the intermediate clutch holder means, or at least one of their recordings. To counteract this  further provided that securing means are provided, which means taking a recording and the associated radio parts when lifting a container against the two prevent clutch holder means if despite issuing a release command to release the respective intermediate coupling unit from the container this release command regarding a or several intermediate coupling units not or incorrectly has been carried out. It can be provided that the safety means send a warning or control signal to a Operator or to remove the container from Deliver the lifting gear serving the intermediate coupling holder means.

For certain types of intermediate coupling units, the namely those in which the upper engaging head rigidly with the base is connected, the case may occur that Solution of the intermediate coupling unit from a lower con tainer corner fitting or for coupling to a lower one Container corner fitting the intermediate coupling unit as a whole rotated under the load of the container above must become. As already indicated above, there is a Rotary unit required on the intermediate coupling holder means Lich. Around this turntable while avoiding installation all excessive drive power take effect in good time to be able to leave a preload on the turntable assign direction, which in the release or coupling sense is biased such that when the intermediate is relieved coupling unit by the weight of the container one turn in the release or coupling sense during the relief phase takes place.

With regard to the adaptation to different containers dimensions is provided that the intermediate coupling holder means from a basic frame and at least one compared to that Base frame adjustable movement frame consist of whose adjustment the distribution picture of the recordings to the  respective container format is adaptable.

In order to make the positioning program of a container loading crane independent of the dimensions of the containers, two movement frames can be provided on the base frame, which can be adjusted symmetrically in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the container relative to the base frame and possibly accommodate one or two stores ( 68 ) .

To the intermediate clutch holder means in a simple manner To be able to implement within a port area on the intermediate coupling holder means engaging fittings for Provide coupling means on the spreader side, which are on the spreader are adaptable for different container formats.

Easy displacement of the intermediate clutch holder means can also be achieved when the intermediate coupling holder means designed as a road unit or in such a retrofittable and possibly with a tow vehicle can be coupled.

Occasionally with the presence of service personnel in the area of the receptacles of the intermediate coupling holder means It is recommended that the intermediate clutch holder means in the area of the respective receptacles Canopy are arranged on the one hand so that they except overlap with a properly approximating one or container being raised, on the other hand, that they work on the respective reception staff grant immediate protection or a short escape route. Additional There can also be security for service personnel can be achieved that the protective roof means a Barrier is assigned, which when the service Personnel from the protective roof area an approach of a  road-going container transport vehicle during the stay stopping area of the service personnel.

The positioning of containers opposite the intermediate clutch holder means especially for commuting It is intended to facilitate rope suspensions of the spreaders, that the intermediate coupling holder means with Einweisungsmit are provided for a container.

The accompanying figures explain the invention with reference to of an embodiment. It represent

Figure 1 is a view of a quay facility in the longitudinal direction of the quay edge with a container ship, a container loading crane and a container transfer device below the container loading crane.

Figure 1a is an upper corner fitting of a container for cooperation with one of the twistlock of a spreader in a plan view.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an intermediate coupling holder of FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow 11 of FIG. 1;

Figure 2a is a side view of the intercoupling holder according to Fig 2 in telescopically extended position..;

FIG. 2b shows a view of the intermediate coupling holder according to FIG. 2 in a further extended position;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the intercoupling holder according to Fig. 2b;

Figure 4 shows an intermediate coupling unit in engagement with an upper corner fitting of a lower container and at the same time in engagement with a lower Eckbe fitting an upper container.

Fig. 4a schematically shows the state of engagement of the intermediate coupling unit with the lower corner fitting of the upper container in the direction of arrow VIa-IVa of Fig. 4;

Fig. 4b schematically shows the engagement of the intermediate coupling unit with the upper corner fitting of the lower con tainer in the direction of arrow IVb-IVb of Fig. 4;

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of Figure 4 in a phase in which the upper container can be lifted with the locked at it intermediate coupling unit of the lower container.

. Figs. 5a and 5b are diagrams corresponding to Figures 4a and 4b, however, according to the state of FIG. 5;

Fig. 6 shows the corner fitting of the upper container after completion of reaction of the upper container clutch retainer to an intermediate;

Figs. 6a and 6b are schematic views corresponding to Figures 4a and 4b, where 6a schematically illustrating a grip state of the intermediate coupling unit with the intercoupling holder Fig engagement state of the intermediate coupling unit with the converted upper container and 6b...;

Fig. 7 shows the arrangement according to FIG 6 after conversion of the intermediate coupling unit into a position in which the upper container, leaving the intermediate can be lifted clutch unit of the intercoupling holder from.

Fig. 7a and 7b are schematic engagement states of the intermediate coupling unit with the container and reacted with the intercoupling holder according to Fig 7 in viewing directions corresponding to Figure 4, 4a and 4b..;

8 shows the intermediate coupling holder with an intermediate coupling unit in the relative position according to FIG. 7, but after the container to be moved has been lifted off;

Fig. 8a, the position of the upper part of the intermediate coupling device shown in FIG. 8;

Fig. 8b shows the state of engagement between the lower part of the intermediate coupling unit and the intermediate coupling holder according to Fig. 8;

Fig. 9 shows the arrangement of Figure 8 after separation of a mounted on the intercoupling holder actuation tool of an operating lever of the twistlock.

FIG. 9b shows the state of engagement between the lower part of the intermediate clutch unit and the intermediate clutch holder according to FIG. 9;

Figure 10a is the scheme of transfer of a standardized Zwischenkupplungsein from the intercoupling holder to a magazine.

Fig. 10b an intermediate phase in the transfer of an intermediate clutch unit from the intermediate clutch holder to the magazine and

Fig. 11 is a front view of the magazine in the direction of arrow XI of FIG. 10b.

In Fig. 1 a quay-edge is designated by 10; this runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. On the land side, the quay edge 10 is followed by a runway 12 for rubber-tired vehicles. Rails 14 for a container loading crane 16 are also laid parallel to the quay edge 10 on this quay runway 12 . The crane scaffold 16 consists of a portal with portal columns 16 a and a trolley bridge girder 16 b. On the trolley bridge girder 16 b a trolley 18 moves, which carries a so-called spreader via hoisting ropes 20 , ie a container receiving frame 22 , which corresponds approximately to the horizontal cross section of a container and is provided with so-called twistlocks 24 in its four corners, which are for coupling are formed on upper corner fittings 26 a of a container 26 I to be moved. The two containers 26 I and 26 II are stacked on the deck of a container loading vessel 28 Ver. The lower container 26 II with lower corner fittings 26 b is coupled by means of intermediate coupling units 30 to carrier fittings 32 of the ship 28 . On the other hand, the upper container 26 I with its lower corner fittings 26 b on upper corner fittings 26 a of the lower container 26 II is in turn coupled by intermediate coupling units 30 .

It is now assumed that the container 26 I is to be moved from its position A shown in FIG. 1 to a position B, the position B being able to be located anywhere on the quay runway 12 , for example within a container warehouse .

To do this, proceed as follows:

The spreader 22 is lowered onto the upper container 26 I and connected to it by actuating the twistlocks 24 . The Twistlocks 24 must be imagined as a hammer-shaped structure, the hammer handle of which can be rotated about a vertical axis. When the spreader 22 is lowered onto the upper container 26 I, the hammer heads of the twistlocks 24 reach through elongated holes 26 a1 of the upper corner fittings 26 a ( FIG. 1a); if they have passed through the elongated holes 26 a1, the hammer handles are rotated about their vertical axes so that the hammer heads 24 a engage under the upper corner fittings 26 a. Then the spreader 22 can raise the upper con tainer 26 I as soon as it is released from the lower container 26 II.

To the solution of the upper container 26 I of the lower Con tainer 26 II, the intercoupling units are disconnected 30 from the lower container 26 II, while this intercoupling units 30 stay with the upper container 26 I in combination. The upper container 26 I can now be moved by the spreader 22 along a path abc into a position C on an intermediate coupling holder 34 . Mind you: on the way abc, the intermediate coupling units 30 are still coupled to the container 26 I. Now, however, one wants to 26 I ultimately bring the container in the position B, and for example turn off on the quay slope 12, wherein in the position B, the intercoupling units must be 30 before uncoupled from the container 26 I for placing on the quay slope 12th

For this purpose, it is provided that the container is set to 26 I on the intercoupling holder 34 with the intercoupling units 30 that, while the container is 26 I on the intercoupling holder 34 Zwischenkupp averaging units are dissolved 30 from the container 26 I and that then the container is 26 I detached from the intercoupling holder 34 again and placed in the position B, wherein the intercoupling units are 30 remain on the intercoupling holder 34 and to be introduced from there in a memory for intercoupling units. After releasing the intermediate coupling units 30 from the container 26 I in the region of the intermediate coupling holder 34 , the container 26 I is captured by a further spreader 36 by means of twistlocks 24 also provided on this spreader 36 . The spreader 36 is suspended by means of lifting ropes 38 on a gantry truck 40 , which can run on the quay piste 12 by means of piste-accessible and preferably steerable wheels 42 to bring the container 26 I from position C to position B and open it there to drop off the quay slope 12 . Here, as already indicated, the intermediate coupling units 30 , which have come with the container 26 I from position A to position C, remain on the intermediate coupling carrier 34 and are stored there in a memory to be described in more detail below.

Since the trolley bridge girder 16 b container loading crane 16 parallel to the quay edge 10 , that is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1, can be moved to successively lift containers from different parking spaces of the ship, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the ship To be able to move the intermediate coupling holder 34 with the crane scaffold 16 in its various positions. For this purpose, the intermediate coupling holder 34 is connected via a driver connection 44 to the portal column 16 a of the crane scaffold to be carried along. The driver 44 lies directly on the quay slope 12 , so that the straddle carrier 40 when approaching the takeover position to take over the Con tainers 26 I from position C can be run over by the wheels 42 of the straddle carrier 40 . In the participant 44 all supply lines can be laid, which are necessary for the control and actuation of moving parts in the region of the intermediate coupling holder 34 .

It must also be pointed out that the intermediate coupling holder 34 must be adapted to different container formats, the adaptation can usually be limited to the longitudinal direction of the container; the containers in question are standardized across the board; in the longitudinal direction there are different formats, e.g. B. 40-foot containers, 45- foot containers and 20-foot containers.

In Fig. 2 to 34 detects the intercoupling holder in a tuned to a 20-foot container position. The intermediate coupling holder 34 consists of two boxes 46 , which leads to the placement of intermediate telescope pieces 48 in a base frame 50 ge. The boxes 46 and the intermediate telescopic pieces 48 can be adjusted synchronously with respect to the base frame 50 , so that one can optionally achieve the longitudinal dimensions according to FIGS. 2, 2a and 2b. Instructions boxes 52 are attached to the boxes 46 for the respective container to be moved.

In Fig. 3 can be seen again the driver structures 44 , which connect the base frame 50 with the portal column 16 a of the crane scaffold 16 on quay slope level 12 . On the boxes 46 , a receptacle 54 for the four intermediate coupling units 30 of a container 26 I is provided in the four upper corners.

In preparation for moving the container 26 I from position A to position C, the intermediate coupling units 30 are removed from the container. 26 II solved by hand. The same applies if, at a later time, the container 26 II is to be released from the carrier fittings 32 on the deck of the ship 28 .

In Fig. 4, an upper corner fitting 26 a of the lower Con tainers 26 II and a lower corner fitting 26 b of the upper container 26 I is shown and an intermediate coupling unit 30 between these two. The intermediate coupling unit 30 comprises a base 30 a, which consists of an intermediate plate 30 a1, a lower filler 30 a2 and an upper filler 30 a3. The lower filling piece 30 a2 fills the slot 26 a1 of the upper corner fitting 26 a essentially completely. The upper filler 30 a3 fills a corresponding slot 26 b1 of the lower corner fitting 26 b of container 26 I essentially completely. The longitudinal axis LX of the elongated holes 26 a1 and 26 b1 in FIG. 4 extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The intermediate plate 30 a1, which has an approximately square outline and with its square sides parallel to the rectangular sides of the elongated holes 26 a1 and 26 b1, has a downward contact surface 30 a12 and an upward wing 30 a13. The downward facing surface 30 a12 lies on the top 26 a2 of the upper corner fitting 26 a container 26 II, while the bottom 26 b2 of the lower corner fitting 26 b of container 26 I on the upward-facing wing 30 a13 of the intermediate plate 30 a1 lies on. In the center of the base 30 a, a shaft 30 b is rotatably mounted. This shaft 30 b carries at its upper end an upper hammer head 30 c and at its lower end a lower hammer head 30 d.

From FIGS. 4a and 4b it can be seen that in the state shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 30 b an angular position relative to the base 30 a assumes, in which the hammer head 30 d the top corner fitting 26 a engages below and the hammer head 30 c of the lower Corner fitting 26 b overlaps, so that the two corner fittings 26 a and 26 b of the two containers 26 II and 26I are locked together and are secured against vertical lifting from one another. On the base 30 a, an adjusting lever 30 e is attached, which allows the shaft 30 b to be rotated and defines various angular positions of the shaft 30 b in different positions.

According to Fig. 5, 5a and 5b, the intermediate coupling unit 30 is released from the top corner fitting 26 a of the container 26 I, as appears in particular from Fig. 5b, namely 30 d of the parallel position of the hammer head and the elongated hole 26 a1. On the other hand, the intermediate coupling unit 30 is still locked with the lower corner fitting 26 b of the upper container 26 I, as can be seen from FIG. 5 a, where the upper hammer head 30 c is transverse to the elongated hole 26 b1.

Note the new position of the control lever 30 e. In the state of Fig. 5, the container 26 I can be lifted by the spreader 22 and the position C of FIG. 1 are brought to be fitted around there to the intercoupling holder 34.

In Fig. 6 it is now shown that the container 26 I with its lower corner fitting 26 b has been brought into alignment with an intermediate coupling receptacle 54 of the intermediate coupling holder 34 . In FIG. 6, the angular position of the shaft 30 b unchanged from the angular position in Fig. 5, so that the upper hammer head 30 c fogging even at the lower corner 26 b hanging and the lower hammer head 30 b in an elongated slot 54 a of the receptacle 54 can enter unhindered. The filler 30 a2 corresponds in width to the width of the slot 54 a. The upper hammer head 30 c still overlaps the lower corner fitting 26 b.

In Fig. 7 it can be seen that on the intermediate coupling holder 34 in the region of the intermediate coupling receptacle 54 an actuating device for the control lever 30 e is attached. This Actuate supply device is designated 56. It comprises an actuating fork 56 a b on an actuating shaft 56 which has a pivot shaft 56 c diametrically traversed in its longitudinal direction within the actuation shaft 56 c in arrow Rich tung 56 and with d displaced the actuating shaft 56 c in the direction of arrow 56 e rotatable is. By means of this actuating device 56 , the adjusting lever 30 e can be brought into the position according to FIG. 7. In this position, the upper hammer head 30 c assumes a parallel position to the slot 26 b1 of the lower corner fitting 26 b of container 26 I, so that the container 26 I can be lifted off the intermediate coupling holder 34 , leaving the intermediate coupling unit 30 in the receptacle 54 of the intermediate clutch holder 34 . The whereabouts of the intermediate coupling unit 30 on the intermediate coupling holder 34 is secured by the setting of the lower Hammerkop fes 30 d, which, as is particularly evident from FIG. 7b, engages under the intermediate coupling receptacle 54 .

If the container 26 I is now removed from the intermediate coupling holder 34 by means of the spreader 36 of the straddle carrier 40 , the state according to FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b occurs.

8b only in that the actuating device 56 has been retracted by the actuating lever 30 e Figs. 9 and 9B differ from Figs. 8 and.

In Fig. 9, as already in FIGS . 6, 7 and 8, a trans port slide 58 is shown, which is displaceable along a linear guide rail 58 a. The transport slide 58 is fork-shaped and rests with its two fork legs 58 b, 58 c on the front and rear boundary surfaces of the intermediate plate 30 a1 parallel to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 9. By means of this transport slide 58 , the intermediate coupling unit 30 can be pushed out of the elongated slot 54 a in the direction of arrow 60 according to FIG. 9b. The two side surfaces 30 a21 of the filling piece 30 a2 slide along the slot boundary surfaces 54 a1 of the elongated slot 54 a. In this way, the orientation of the intermediate coupling unit 30 about its vertical axis is obtained.

In FIG. 10a, the position of the intermediate coupling unit 30 according to FIG. 9 can be seen in a section along line Xa-Xa of FIG. 9. The filler 30 a2 is still within the elongated slot 54 a between the two slotted surfaces 54 a1, while the intermediate plate 30 a1 rests on the top 54 b of the receptacle 54 . In Fig. 10a it can be seen that a transport table 62 is in position opposite the intermediate coupling receptacle 54 , in such a way that the upper sides 62 a of the transport table 62 lie flush with the upper side 54 b of the receptacle 54 and that a slot 62 b with slot boundary edges 62 b1 of the transport table 62 is in alignment with the long slot 54 a of the receptacle 54 . In this assignment, the transport slide 58 can now move the intermediate coupling unit 30 from the position shown in FIG. 10a to the position shown in FIG. 10b.

Once the intercoupling unit 30 its position has reached in Fig. 10b on the transfer table 62, the conveyor can be retracted slide 58 in a manner not shown, so that averaging unit which Zwischenkupp by means of the transport table 62 30 in two orthogonal directions corresponding to the direction of symbols 64 and 66 parallel to the front wall 68 a of a memory 68 can be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions. By means of the transport table 62 then the intermediate coupling unit 30 can be brought 68 I1 I4 68 and 68 in alignment with one of the II1-68II4 arranged in columns 68 I and 68 II storage compartments. Once the escape position to such a storage compartment has been established, the intermediate coupling unit 30 can be transported from the transport table 62 into the respective storage compartment. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the storage compartment 68 II1 is loaded. The transition from the transport table 62 in the storage compartment 68 II1 can be taken over by a saw-like transport rod 70 . This transport rod 70 can be placed in the working position against each of the storage compartments and is located below half of the storage compartment to be loaded; shown in FIG. 11 straight, the storage compartment 68 is charged II1. Accordingly, the saw-shaped transport rod 70 is located in the storage compartment 68 II2 underneath. The transfer of the intermediate coupling unit 30 from the transport table 62 according to FIG. 10b into the storage compartment 68 II1 takes place by saw teeth 70 a of the transport rod 70 . The distance between two saw teeth 70 a belonging together in pairs is matched to the length of the filler piece 30 a2, which is denoted by 1 in FIG. 10 a. The transport rod 70 is accordingly the directional symbols 72 and 74 movable and, viewed in the viewing direction V of Fig. 10b, performs a periodic movement along a rectangular path in the vertical plane. According to FIG. 10 b, two saw teeth 70 a are in register position with the filling piece 30 a 2, but according to FIG. 11 below and out of engagement with the intermediate coupling unit 30 . If now the transport rod 70 goes up in the direction 74 from the position shown in Fig. 11, the two forks with the filler piece 30 in register a2 position located saw teeth 70 a a the filler 30 a2. If the transport rod 70 then moves in the direction of arrow 72 (upward in FIG. 10b), the intermediate coupling unit 30 is pushed into the storage compartment 68II1 by the stroke h of the transport rod 70 in the direction of arrow 72 . The intermediate coupling unit 30 is prevented by the longitudinal edges 30 a21 of the filler 30 a2 on the longitudinal edges of support strips 68 b of the storage compartment 68 II1 against rotation about its vertical axis. At the same time, the intermediate plate 30 a1 rests on the strips 68 b. As soon as the transport rod 70 has finished its stroke h in the direction of arrow 72 , it moves along its rectangular path downwards again in the direction of arrow 74 , so that the teeth 70 a, which had previously forked the filler 30 a2, again out of engagement with the filler 30 kick a2. The transport rod 70 can then perform a reverse stroke in the direction of arrow 72 and after executing this reverse stroke along the arrow 74 according to FIG. 11 go up again to take over another intermediate coupling unit 30 presented by the transport table 62 and into the storage compartment 68 II1 to bring in. In this case, the intermediate coupling units 30 already contained in the storage compartment 68 II1 are each brought by the next following pairs of teeth by a stroke length h to further storage locations in the storage compartment 68 II1. In this way it is ensured that the intermediate coupling units 30 in the storage compartment 68 II1 occupy defined positions in the longitudinal direction of this storage compartment, so that they can be detected by the transport rod 70 again for the purpose of return transport on the transport table 62 . When a storage compartment is filled, the transport table 62 sets itself in alignment with another storage compartment, etc. At the same time, the transport rod 70 is brought into position opposite the storage compartment to be loaded, ie inserted into the storage compartment located under the storage compartment to be newly loaded .

A special memory can be provided for each of the four intermediate coupling receptacles 54 of the intermediate coupling holder 34 according to FIGS. 2, 2a, 2b and 3. In particular, it is advisable to provide two stores in each of the boxes 46 for the two receptacles 54 assigned to the respective box 46 . The memories 68 according to FIGS. 10a, 10b and 11 can be set loosely in the boxes 46 so that they can be removed from them and replaced, for example with a forklift.

It is readily apparent that the container 26 I can also be moved from position B via position C to position A on the deck of ship 28 . The container 26 I arriving from position B without intermediate coupling units 30 in position C is equipped on the intermediate coupling holder 34 with intermediate coupling units 30 , these being locked to it. Then the spreader 22 can again pick up the container 26 I and bring it on the path cba in the opposite direction of the arrow to position A, where it can be placed on the lower container 26 II again. After placement, the intermediate coupling units 30 are locked again with the upper corner fittings 26 a of the lower container 26 II.

It is now provided that the locking of the lower hammer heads 30 d in the upper corner fittings 26 a of the lower container 26 II or in the fittings 32 on the deck of the ship 28 takes place automatically. For this purpose, the hammer heads 30 d are brought into an intermediate position from which they can be rotated when immersed in the respective elongated hole 26 a1 by instruction bevels of the hammer head in a parallel position to the respective elongated hole 26 a1, after passing through the respective elongated hole 26 a1 below Spring action to engage under the respective upper corner fitting 26 a.

The transfer of the respective hammer head 30 d into a standby position, from which, when immersed in an elongated hole 26 a1, automatically sets itself parallel to the elongated hole 26 a1 against the spring action, is already before or during the extension of the hammer head 30 d from the elongated slot 54 a the recording 54 causes. This bringing about the standby state can in turn be done by acting on the control lever 30 e.

It should be noted here that constructions different from Kon intermediate coupling units 30 is an alternative embodiment provides that the upper hammer head 30 c of an intermediate coupling unit 30 relative to the base 30 a non-rotatable. In this case, the receptacle 54 must be designed so that the entire intermediate coupling unit 30 can rotate in it. A rotary drive is then assigned to the receptacle 54 , which causes the intermediate coupling unit 30 to rotate. This rotary drive can then engage the lower filler 30 a2 of the base 30 a. The following problem now arises: As long as an upper container 26 I rests on the intermediate clutch unit 30 or more precisely on the intermediate clutch plate 30 a1, which in turn rests on the upper side 54 b of a receptacle 54 , the base 30 a is twisted Purposes of unlocking or locking with the lower corner fitting 26 b of the container 26 I only possible against great frictional resistance. In order to circumvent this frictional resistance, it is provided that a rotary pretensioner acts on the base 30 a, which stores the actuating force for rotating the base 30 a and causes the rotation as soon as the intermediate plate is relieved.

The construction according to the invention described so far allows the containers to be moved faster. In contrast to the previous mode of operation, it is no longer necessary to manually uncouple and save the intermediate coupling units 30, which were initially taken from the lifted container, after lifting a container from a container underneath. This saves a very tedious, dangerous and expensive manual work. The same savings also occur if a container must be equipped with intermediate coupling units with which it is then to be attached to an underlying container or on the deck before being placed on a container ship. This attachment of the intermediate coupling units 30 to the container to be loaded on the ship has previously also been carried out by hand and is now being replaced by the mechanical means in the region of the intermediate coupling holder. Manual work is still necessary on the deck of the ship if a container is to be uncoupled from an underlying container or from fittings on the deck.

So far, it has been assumed that the containers are delivered to the intermediate coupling holder 34 on the land side by a container transport vehicle, for example a straddle carrier, of the type shown at 40 in the drawings. It is also conceivable that a container is brought up to the intermediate coupling holder, for example on a platform truck, and is to be placed there in position with respect to the respective receptacles for the intermediate coupling units. In this case, the intermediate coupling holder can be assigned a stationary auxiliary crane, which lifts the respective container from the platform truck and places it on the intermediate coupling holder.

However the container 26 I is transported from position C in the import operation, the following advantage results:

As soon as the container 26 I is placed on the intermediate coupling holder 34 , the spreader 22 can already be lifted off the container again and can be moved back to the ship by means of the trolley 18 to accommodate another container without having to wait until the intermediate coupling units 30 from the container 26 I are removed.

The wreath cycle is made by removing and attaching the intermediate coupling units not influenced and esp special not extended.

It should also be mentioned that the intermediate coupling holder 34 can also be used where, in the case of a container loading crane with two or more trolleys, the transfer from a spreader of one trolley to a spreader of another trolley takes place.

Claims (39)

1. Method for moving containers ( 26 I, 26 II), which in their upper corners have upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) for coupling with clutch-side coupling means ( 24 ) of a spreader ( 22 ) and lower ones in their lower corners Container corner fittings ( 26 b) for connection to the upper corner fittings ( 26 a) of a lower container ( 26 II) or with the corresponding carrier fittings ( 32 ) of a container carrier ( 28 ), between a first stand (A), at which the respective container ( 26 I) with its lower container corner fittings ( 26 b) by detachable intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) on upper container Eckbe fittings ( 26 a) of a lower container ( 26 II) or on corresponding carrier fittings ( 32 ) one Containerträ gers ( 28 ) is secured and a second location (B), at which the container ( 26 I) without the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) is to be added, which in the context of this method Intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) are first detached from the lower container ( 26 I) or the container carrier ( 28 ), then the container ( 26 I) to be moved is then removed from the lower container by means of a spreader ( 22 ) while taking the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) 26 II) or the carrier (28) is lifted, the intercoupling units (30), then from the lower container corner fittings (26 b) are removed and the units of the Zwischenkupplungsein (30) freed reacted container (26 I) then to the said second location (B), characterized in that the container ( 26 I) to be moved is placed on its way from the first location (A) to the second location (B) on an intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) which according to one of the Arrangement of upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) corresponding distribution picture is equipped with receptacles ( 54 ) for the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ), the intermediate c Coupling units ( 30 ) engage with these receptacles ( 54 ), that the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) are then uncoupled from the container ( 26 I) positioned relative to the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) and that the container ( 26 I) to be moved is then under back release of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) on the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) is transported in the direction of the second stand (B). 2. Method for moving containers ( 26 I, II), which have upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) for coupling with spreader-side coupling means ( 24 ) of a spreader ( 22 ) in their upper corners and lower container corner fittings in their lower corners ( 26 b) for connection to upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) of a respective lower container ( 26 II) or with corresponding carrier fittings ( 32 ) of a container carrier ( 28 ), between a second stand (B) and a first stand ( A), on which the lower container corner fittings ( 26 b) of the container to be moved ( 26 I) through intermediary coupling units ( 30 ) to upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) of a lower container ( 26 II) or corresponding carrier fittings ( 32 ) a container carrier ( 28 ) to be coupled, the container to be moved ( 26 I) on its way from the second location (B), where it has no intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) was added to the first stand (A) with the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) and then transported by means of a spreader ( 22 ) to the first stand (A) and there onto the lower container ( 26 II) or the container carrier ( 28 ) and connected to the upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) of the lower container ( 26 II) or the carrier fittings ( 32 ) by means of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ), characterized in that the container ( 26 I) coming from the second stand (B) is first placed on intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) which, according to an arrangement of upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) or carrier fittings ( 32 ), corresponds to distribution picture receptacles ( 54 ) for intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) has and in these receptacles ( 54 ) with intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) that the container to be moved ( 26 I) is during ner positioning relative to the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) is connected to the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) and that the container ( 26 I) to be moved is then brought with the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) to the first location (A), there placed on the lower Con tainer ( 26 II) or the container carrier ( 28 ) and secured with the intermediary of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ). 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from the respective gene receptacle ( 54 ) removed and fed to a memory ( 68 ). 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the transfer of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from the respective receptacle ( 54 ) into a storage location ( 68 I1, 68 II1 ...) while maintaining the orientation of the intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) in space or is carried out with orderly reorientation. 5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from a SpeI cher ( 48 ) of the respective receptacle ( 54 ) are supplied. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from their respective storage location ( 68 I1, 68 II1...) The respective receptacle ( 54 ) while maintaining their orientation in space or with orderly reorientation are supplied. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when executing the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) with positioning surfaces ( 30 a21, 30 a22), the fittings for engaging in openings ( 26 a1) from the upper container corner ( 26 a ) or corresponding support fittings ( 32 ) are determined and designed and with intermediate support surfaces ( 30 a12), which are intended for support on the top of upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) or support fittings ( 32 ), the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) the receptacles ( 54 ) of the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) are positioned by these positioning ( 30 a21, 30 a22) and / or contact surfaces ( 30 a12). 8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) from the Aufnah men ( 54 ) of the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) by mechanical transport means ( 62 , 70 ) to the respective storage location ( 68 I1, 68 -II1 ..) are transported or are transported from the respective storage location ( 68 I1, 68 II...) to the respective receiving location ( 54 ) by mechanical transport means ( 62 , 70 ). 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the container ( 26 I) on the way between the first (A) and the second (B) stand at one point (C) with the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) Delivery or inclusion of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) is brought together, at which a transfer takes place between different container transport means ( 18 , 22 , 40 , 36 ). 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) with a container loading crane ( 14 , 18 ) to various work places this container loading crane ( 16 , 18 ) are taken along. 11. Device for performing a method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) with receptacles ( 54 ) for intermediate coupling units ( 30 ), said intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) according to one of the arrangement of lower container corner fittings ( 26 a ) have the corresponding distribution image receptacles ( 54 ) for intermediate coupling units ( 30 ). 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that a respective receptacle ( 54 ) of the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) mechanical actuating means ( 56 ) for releasing or coupling a respective intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) from or to a container ( 26 I ) assigned. 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the mechanical actuating means ( 56 ) for different types of intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) are convertible and / or interchangeable. 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the mechanical actuating means ( 56 ) have at least one holder-side power device in spatial association with a respective receptacle ( 54 ) and that on this holder-side power device in adaptation to different intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) different union means ( 56 a) for attacking between coupling units ( 30 ) and / or power transmission means ( 56 b) can be coupled. 15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the mechanical actuating means ( 56 ) of a respective receptacle ( 54 ) comprise a rotary unit, this rotary unit is intended and designed with lower coupling part units ( 30 a2, 30 d) of intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) to cooperate, those partial units ( 30 a2, 30 d), which are intended and designed for engagement in upper container corner fittings ( 26 d) and / or support fittings ( 32 ), this turning unit by rotating the intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) as a whole within the respective receptacle the intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) can loosen or lock against a respective lower container corner fitting ( 26 b). 16. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the actuating means ( 56 ) for engagement with actuating means ( 30 e) of the intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) are formed, which the solution of the respective intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) of or whose locking on a respective lower container corner fitting ( 26 b). 17. Device according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the receptacles ( 54 ) of the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) are each connected via a transport path to a memory ( 68 ) for intermediate coupling units ( 30 ), this transport path for maintaining the orderly orientation Reorientation of the intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) is formed. 18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that for each receptacle ( 54 ) of the intermediate clutch holder means ( 34 ) a special memory ( 68 ) for intermediate clutch units ( 30 ) is provided. 19. The device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the intermediate clutch memory ( 68 ) is designed to accommodate different, optionally usable types of intermediate clutch units ( 30 ). 20. Device according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the transport path and / or the respective storage point for an intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) with orientation preservation or correction means ( 54 a1, 62 b1, 68 b) is provided, which on positioning surfaces ( 30 a21, 30 a22) of intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) are matched, in particular on positioning surfaces ( 30 a21, 30 a22) of lower sub-units ( 30 a2, 30 d) of intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) which are connected to standardized upper container corner fittings ( 26 a) are adapted. 21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the orientation preservation or correction means ( 54 a1, 62 b1, 68 b) of the transport path or the memory ( 68 I1, 68 II1...) Facing edges ( 62 b1 , 68 b) and / or upward contact surfaces ( 62 a, 68 b) are formed by slot boundary strips. 22. Device according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the memory ( 68 ) is a two-dimensional or spatial memory and accordingly has transport path in at least two or at least three mutually perpendicular transport directions. 23. Device according to one of claims 11 to 22, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) consist of boxes ( 46 ) which can be moved relative to one another and which adjust the receptacles ( 54 ) to different distribution images in accordance with the arrangement of upper and lower container Allow corner fittings ( 26 a, 26 b) on containers ( 26 I) of different dimensions. 24. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the memory (68) or individual images (54) associated with individual memory (68) for Zwischenkupp averaging units (30) at least partially within a range defined by the receptacles (54) Width of the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) are arranged. 25. Device according to one of claims 11 to 24, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) together with the receptacles ( 54 ), associated actuating means ( 56 ) and / or a memory or individual memories ( 68 ) of the receptacles ( 54 ) as a transportable unit ( 34 ) are formed, which can preferably be detected and implemented by a spreader ( 22 , 36 ), if necessary also after disassembly into subunits. 26. Device according to one of claims 11 to 25, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holding means ( 34 ) in the vicinity of a runway ( 12 ) for rail-less container transport vehicles ( 40 ) are arranged such that they ( 40 ) the possibility of bringing them up and Allow containers ( 26 I) to be put on or taken off and carried away to and from the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ). 27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) by connec tion means ( 44 ) with a part ( 16 a) of a container loading crane ( 16 ) are connected, which from a rail in the container transfer position (C) approaching loose Container transport vehicle ( 40 ) can be driven over and optionally contain energy and control lines for the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ). 28. Device according to one of claims 11 to 27, characterized in that securing means are provided which prevent entrainment of a receptacle ( 54 ) and associated functional parts ( 56 ) when a container ( 26 I) is raised relative to the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ), if despite issuing a release command to solve the respective intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) from the container ( 26 I) this release command with respect to one or more intermediate coupling units ( 30 ) has not been executed or has been carried out incorrectly or if a release command has not been issued. 29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that the securing means emit a warning or control signal to an operator or to a lifting mechanism ( 38 ) serving for removing the container ( 26 I) from the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ). 30. Device according to one of claims 11 to 29, characterized in that in the case of an intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ), which to solve a lower container corner fitting ( 26 b) or for coupling to a lower container Eckbe ( 26 b ) must be rotated as a whole under the load of the container ( 26 I), a specific rotation unit on the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) is biased by a pretensioning device in the release or coupling direction such that when the intermediate coupling unit ( 30 ) is relieved the weight of the container ( 26 I) a rotation in the release or coupling direction takes place during the relief phase. 31. Device according to one of claims 17 to 30, characterized in that the memory ( 68 ) or the memory ( 68 ) are interchangeable. 32. Device according to one of claims 11 to 31, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) consist of a base frame ( 50 ) and at least one movement frame ( 46 , 48 ) which is adjustable relative to the base frame ( 50 ), by the adjustment of which the distribution pattern of the Recordings ( 54 ) can be adapted to the respective container format. 33. Device according to claim 32, characterized in that on the base frame ( 50 ) there are two movement frames ( 46 ) which are symmetrically adjustable in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the container relative to the base frame ( 50 ) and possibly one or two stores ( 68 ) record, tape. 34. Device according to one of claims 32 and 33, characterized in that on the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) engaging fittings for spreader-side coupling means are provided, which are adaptable to spreaders for different container formats. 35. Device according to one of claims 11 to 34, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) formed as a common street unit or in such a retrofit bar and optionally with a towing vehicle coupling bar. 36. Device according to one of claims 11 to 35, characterized in that on the intermediate coupling holder means ( 34 ) in the area of the respective receptacles ( 54 ) canopy means are angeord net, on the one hand so that they overlap with a properly approaching or being lifted container ( 26 I) are, on the other hand, such that they provide immediate protection or a short escape route to service personnel working at the respective reception ( 54 ). 37. Device according to claim 36, characterized in that the protective roof means is assigned a barrier, which prevents the approach of a road con tainer transport vehicle ( 40 ) in the stay area of the service personnel when the service personnel leave the protective roof area. 38. Device according to one of claims 11 to 37, characterized in that the intermediate coupling holder means are provided with instruction means ( 52 ) for a container ( 26 I). 39. Device according to one of claims 11 to 37, characterized, that the intermediate clutch holder means a stationary Handling crane is assigned.