EP0251991A1 - Method of coupling at least two ISO container bodies to constitute a transport unit, as well as the transport unit - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to couple several containers (1, 1', 2, 2', 3, 3') to form a transport unit, said containers are detachably connected to form container units (1, 1', 2, 2', 3, 3') and an odd number of such container units (1, 1'; 2, 2'; 3, 3') is coupled detachably to one another in the region of their side walls, those in the upper surface of the central container unit (1, 1') being left free for the engagement of locking heads of lifting tongues. …<IMAGE>…

Description

The invention relates to a method for combining at least two container units consisting of ISO containers by releasably coupling corner fittings in the area of two adjacent container units with their side walls next to one another by means of coupling elements extending in anchoring openings, and to such a transport unit.

It is already known (DE-C2-2 242 116) to couple two ISO containers to one another via the anchoring openings provided on their end faces, so that, for example, two 20ʹ containers can be combined to form a unit which has the length and width dimensions of one Has 40ʹ containers. For this purpose, coupling elements in the form of twistlocks are used, which are each connected to one of the two containers by elements which can be actuated separately from one another. The twistlocks are first inserted into a container and are captively coupled to it. The coupling with the other container can then take place.

In this known method using the aforementioned twist locks, only two smaller standard containers can be connected to one another at the end face in such a way that the dimensions of the resulting transport unit, in particular with regard to the position of the anchoring openings in the upper surface, are such that the transport unit formed is by means of a conventional one Loader or forklift can be gripped and moved. However, this means that either only two 20ʹ containers or a 30ʹ container and a 10ʹ container can be combined to form a transport unit that corresponds to the dimensions of a 40ʹ container, or that two 10ʹ containers can be combined to form a transport unit that then Has dimensions of a 20ʹ container. 40ʹ containers or 30ʹ containers cannot be connected to each other in this way, because the resulting units cannot be handled by the existing loaders or forklifts that are set up for the standard dimensions of the containers.

In another known method (DE-C2-3 048 718), in which containers with specially designed container corners are used, two adjacent containers are connected by means of transverse elements in the form of screw connections, and lateral coupling of adjacent containers should also be possible.

It is also already known to arrange several containers side by side and to combine them by placing them on a rigid support frame and attaching them to it. For this, however, a specially designed and very bulky carrier frame is required, which also increases the dimensions of the combined containers. This procedure has therefore not been able to establish itself.

A problem with today's container transport is that a large number of containers accumulate at certain points, which have been unloaded at these points and now have to be transported as empty containers from these points to other points where a new loading takes place . For this purpose, these containers are currently handled in the same way as loaded containers, and it is an object of the invention to provide a method with which several containers can be combined so that a transport unit results that is easy to handle, so that In this way, empty containers in particular can also be transported back to a starting point at low cost.

To achieve this object, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in accordance with the invention in such a way that an odd number of container units, under the engagement of locking heads of hoists, allowing at least all anchoring openings present in the upper surface of the central container unit to be connected to one another by means of coupling elements consisting of transverse elements, and that double-function cross elements are used in the area of anchoring openings of adjacent containers of the container units, which permit a limited displacement of the containers coupled by them in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of their side walls.

In the method according to the invention, an odd number of container units are coupled with their side walls adjacent to one another, so that in any case there is a central container unit whose upper container surface, including the corners having the anchoring openings, has the standard dimensions of an ISO container, i.e. from a conventional loader or forklift can be gripped so that the entire transport unit can be raised essentially in the area of its center of gravity and moved from one parking space to another, for example from a quay to a container freighter. For this purpose, the anchoring openings in the upper surface of the middle container unit remain free for the engagement of locking heads.

However, when combining container units, it has been shown that difficulties can arise because the distances between the anchoring openings of ISO containers can vary within the permitted tolerances. Therefore, if two containers or container units are to be coupled to one another, in which the distances between the lateral anchoring openings in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the container from one another form a minimum and a maximum within the tolerance range, it can be difficult to connect by coupling using simple means Carry out transverse elements between these anchoring openings, in particular if, within the permissible tolerances, the upper anchoring openings are also offset in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the container with respect to the lower anchoring openings. For this reason, double function cross elements are used according to the invention for coupling the container units, which in the inserted state permit a limited displacement of the containers coupled by them in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of their side walls, the degree of possible displacement being of course chosen such that it causes the tolerance problems eliminated and an adaptation to the different positions of the anchoring openings is possible. In this case, double function cross elements can be used which consist of parts which can be displaced relative to one another or which thus have play and / or offset engage in the anchoring openings so that they do not hinder the displacement to the intended extent.

The invention further relates to a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that an odd number of container units, with the intervention of locking heads of lifting devices, allowing at least all anchoring openings present in the upper surface of the central container unit to be connected to one another by means of coupling elements consisting of transverse elements, that anchoring openings in the upper surfaces of the container units located laterally from the central container unit are at least partially closed and / or that between the lower surfaces of the container units located laterally from the central container unit and the storage area for the transport unit in the plane of the lower surface of the container units essentially non-relocatable support elements can be arranged.

If an odd number of container units is combined in this method, as has already been explained above, there is a risk that the transport unit will not be raised in the area of the central container unit and thus essentially in the area of its center of gravity during transport, but that it will can accidentally result in the loader or forklift being brought into engagement with a laterally arranged container unit. In order to prevent this misuse, the anchoring openings in the upper surfaces of the container units located laterally from the central container unit are at least partially closed according to the invention, for example blind twist locks can be inserted into these anchoring openings.

Furthermore, since the transport unit is preferably anchored, as usual, to the lower surface of its central container unit, for example by means of twist locks, on a storage surface, for which purpose the lower anchoring openings of the central container unit have been left free, support can be provided for the container units located laterally from the central container unit, which can be blind twist locks, for example. The support elements are held essentially immovable with respect to the lower surfaces of the container units, and their height corresponds approximately to the thickness of the plate of the anchoring twist locks of the central container unit. These support elements also bridge different distances between predetermined container parking spaces, for example on ships.

It should be mentioned that support elements do not have to be provided for all lower anchoring openings of the lateral container units. In particular, for example, the lower anchoring openings of the outer container units, which are most distant from the central container unit, can remain free of support elements.

As already mentioned, the anchoring openings provided in the lower surface of the middle container unit preferably remain free, so that anchoring elements can be introduced, by means of which the transport unit can be placed in a parking space or the like. can be anchored.

In the method according to the invention, the cross elements are usually inserted into the respective anchoring opening of the one container unit and these are then brought up to the other container unit to be coupled with them in such a way that the free ends of the cross elements into the corresponding anchoring openings of the stationary container unit enter. In order to prevent the transverse elements used from falling out of the anchoring openings of the container container or ISO containers of the container unit to be moved before they enter the anchoring openings of the adjacent container unit, and in order to be particularly suitable for insertion into the anchoring openings of the stationary container unit To maintain the aligned position, the transverse elements can be brought into positive engagement with an auxiliary element extending through an anchoring opening of the same corner fitting at least in the region of one of the container units coupled by them. Such auxiliary elements can, as will be explained later, consist, for example, of blind twist locks and also, when container units are formed, of more than one container, of which the middle twist locks connecting the containers within a container unit are formed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the double-function transverse elements used according to the invention can be inserted into the lower lateral anchoring openings, so that an adaptation to the different positions of the lateral anchoring openings is achieved.

In order to obtain a defined connection between adjacent container units, additional lateral anchoring openings of the containers coupled by the double-function transverse elements can be coupled to one another by twistlocks which can be locked with at least one end in an anchoring opening.

In order to obtain additional securing of the connection of the container units within the transport unit, coupling elements, for example lashing rods, which absorb tensile stresses substantially can be attached to the end faces of the container units and / or clips are attached obliquely and / or horizontally.

The invention further relates to a transport unit of the type mentioned at the outset, which according to the invention is characterized by an odd number of container units which are connected to one another by means of coupling elements consisting of transverse elements, at least all of the anchoring openings present in the upper surface of the central container unit being engaged by locking heads of lifting devices are enabled, and by means of transverse elements in the form of anchoring openings of adjacent containers of the container units in the form of double-function transverse elements which permit a limited displacement of the containers coupled by them in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of their side walls.

The transport unit according to the invention is thus constructed as already explained above in connection with the method according to the invention and contains double-function transverse elements which, on the one hand, cause adjacent containers to be coupled and, on the other hand, permit their displacement in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of their side walls, so that the permissible tolerances are thereby the positions of the anchoring openings of the containers can be eliminated in a simple manner.

The invention further relates to a transport unit of the type mentioned at the outset, which according to the invention is distinguished by an odd number of container units which are connected to one another by means of coupling elements consisting of transverse elements, at least all of which are present in the upper surface of the central container unit Anchoring openings are left free for the engagement of locking heads of hoists, while in the plane of the upper surfaces of the container units, which are located on the side of the central container unit, the upper anchoring openings provided are at least partially closed and / or in the plane of the lower surfaces of the container units are located on the side of the middle container unit, provided lower anchoring openings support elements are used.

The advantages of such a construction of a transport unit according to the invention have already been explained above in connection with the corresponding method.

In a transport unit according to the invention, which contains double function cross elements and optionally cross elements in the form of twistlocks, a cross element can be used which has at least on one side in the extension of its longitudinal axis a projecting pin which extends into a bore in the head of a blind twist lock, so that the Head of the blind twist lock is secured against twisting by this form-fitting engagement and thus prevents removal of the blind twist lock when the cross element is inserted, and the cross element is also held in a defined orientation in the lateral anchoring opening.

In order to simplify the insertion of the pin into the bore in the head of the blind twist lock, the bore can taper from the opening side facing the cross element to the center of the head.

When the cross member is inserted and its pin is in engagement with the bore in the head of the blind twist lock, the cross member should be as parallel as possible with its longitudinal axis to the plane of the bottom surface of the container unit extend so that all transverse elements in engagement with blind twist locks are aligned in the same way and can therefore be inserted without difficulty into the lateral anchoring openings of the other container unit. This can be achieved in that the longitudinal axis of the bore in the head of the twistlock used is somewhat lower than the center of the adjacent lateral anchoring opening. This arrangement prevents the cross element from being tilted due to the weight of its portion protruding from the container unit so that the protruding portion of the cross element is lower than the inserted portion.

If double-functional cross elements consisting of two mutually displaceable partial elements are used for coupling adjacent container units, one partial element of the double-functional cross element with its head can engage behind the upper edge region of the anchoring opening receiving it and can be located with a substantially horizontal contact surface on a shoulder on the head of the one in the locked position Support blind twist locks.

In this way, the interaction of the partial element of the double-function cross element and the blind twist lock ensures that the partial element is held securely in its locked position as long as the blind twist lock is in its locked position.

In order to also secure the blind twist lock against inadvertent removal in such an arrangement, such a double-function cross element with an axially displaceable pin can be in engagement with a recess in the head of the blind twist lock. This pin can after inserting the blind twist lock and the part element of the double function cross element that comes into engagement with it the corresponding anchoring openings are brought into engagement with the recess in the head of the blind twist lock, so that it cannot be moved out of this engagement position after coupling the container unit thus prepared to another container unit. Only when the container units are separated can the pin of the double function cross element be disengaged from the recess in the head of the blind twist lock.

If each container unit of the transport unit consists of at least two containers placed one on top of the other, these can be connected to one another by means of middle twist locks via the anchoring openings provided in their upper and lower container surfaces at all four corners. Each middle twist lock can have a lower head which corresponds to the head of a blind twist lock.

In order to secure those mid-twist locks against accidental opening in such a transport unit that are in a container unit that is not an outer container unit, for example the mid-twist locks in the middle container unit, the head of the mid-twist lock and that of the cross element can be attached to at least one Side have such a design that the head of the cross element projects into the circumferential torsion circle of the head of the middle twist lock in the assembled state. This head of the cross member is inserted into the lateral anchoring opening when the associated middle twist lock is already inserted, so that the inserted head prevents rotation of the head of the middle twist lock into the position in which the middle twist lock can be pulled out of the anchoring opening.

For example, in order to be able to move the upper container of a container unit consisting of at least two containers for coupling with another container unit to a limited extent, and thus to adapt to the dimensional differences within the tolerance range, the collar of the middle twist lock adjacent to the lower head can be larger and longer than which have a collar adjacent to the upper head, whereby the middle twist lock is fixed in its position by the relatively precise adjustment of the lower collar to the dimensions of the upper anchoring opening of the lower container, i.e. has a very precisely defined position with respect to the lower container, while the upper container because of the smaller dimensions of the top Collar against this collar and thus against the lower container is displaceable.

If the container units each consist of two or more containers, the lower containers of adjacent container units are preferably coupled via all four lateral anchoring openings and the upper containers of adjacent container units are coupled via their two upper lateral anchoring openings, so that the essential forces via the four anchoring in the area of the lower one Containers are received, while the coupling via the two upper lateral anchoring openings generally only has to absorb relatively small forces.

In order to make the coupling of the transport unit according to the invention firmer and safer, coupling elements, such as lashing rods and / or brackets, which absorb essentially tensile stresses can be attached obliquely or horizontally, for example with their ends inserted into the front-side anchoring openings of the containers on the end faces of adjacent container units.

It should be mentioned that the ISO containers to be handled are the containers which are generally used today, in particular containers of the row 1 according to ISO 668. Their shape and dimensions as well as the position, shapes and dimensions of the anchoring openings in these ISO containers are shown, for example, in the "Container and Trailer Lashing Systems" catalog by Ocean Service + Reparatur GmbH.

A blind twist lock for carrying out the method according to the invention or for a transport unit according to the invention has, as is customary for twistlocks, the dimensions of one in the upper or provided with the anchoring opening provided on the lower container surface, with which a plate and a head which come to bear against the outer edge region surrounding the anchoring opening are coupled. According to the invention, this head can be pressed into its locking position by spring force when the blind twist lock is inserted, so that it is held securely against falling out.

In order to turn the head of the inserted blind twist lock back into the insertion position and in this way to be able to remove the blind twist lock from the anchoring opening, the head can be rotatably coupled to the collar and have an engagement element which extends in the direction of the collar and plate and which has a central opening is accessible from the outside in the plate and with which an actuating element can be brought into engagement. The engagement element can consist, for example, of a screw-head-shaped section which is located in the central opening of the plate.

It is also possible to form the head, collar and plate of the blind twist lock in one piece and to provide a support lever which can be pivoted by spring force about an axis which is vertical in the assembled state and which, when the blind twist lock is inserted, presses it into the locking position on the boundary wall in a recess in the collar supports the anchoring opening.

Such a blind twist lock is particularly simple in construction and can also be inserted very easily by pivoting the support lever and removed again from the anchoring opening without the risk that it will come loose from the anchoring opening in the inserted, locked state.

In order to be able to lock an inserted blind twist lock by means of the projecting pin of a cross element, a bore extending transversely to its axis of rotation can be provided in the head of the blind twist lock. This hole is preferably designed as a through hole that narrows from both sides in a funnel shape towards the center.

By designing it as a through hole, the blind twist lock can optionally be inserted into the anchoring opening in one of its two orientations, and in any case the pin of the cross element can be inserted into the hole in the head of the blind twist lock, the funnel-shaped narrowing facilitating insertion.

In order to form a support for a partial element of a double-function cross element to be described below, the head of the blind twist lock can have between its free end and the collar a support surface lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the surface normal of which is directed towards the free end of the head.

In order to be able to stack identical transport units according to the invention on top of each other, a blind twist lock for insertion into an anchoring opening on the underside of a container can have a recess in the support surface of its plate, the depth of which is essentially equal to the thickness of the plate and its extent perpendicular to the axis of rotation Blind twist lock inserted in an anchoring opening is larger in at least one direction than the dimension of the anchoring opening in this direction. The plate of such a blind twist lock then takes with its recess the entire plate of a blind twist inserted in an anchoring opening on the top of a container of a transport unit locks so that the distance between the upper surface of the lower transport unit and the lower surface of the upper transport unit is equal to the standard height of the plate of a conventional twistlock. Of course, this design of the plates of the blind twist lock can also be interchanged.

To connect two or more containers to a container unit, middle twist locks can be used, the two heads of which are rigidly attached to the ends of a rotatable axis which extends through the plate and the two collars. The collar adjacent to the lower head when inserted has a greater width and length than the collar adjacent to the upper head.

If such a middle twist lock is inserted into an anchoring opening provided in the upper surface of a container, its collar fits relatively precisely, i.e. with the smallest possible undersize in this anchoring opening, as a result of which the middle twist lock is essentially immovable in the plane of the upper surface of the container. The upper collar of the middle twist lock, on the other hand, is much smaller, so that the upper container can not only be placed relatively easily on the four middle twist locks inserted into the upper surface of the lower container, but also to adapt to dimensional tolerances with respect to the lower container in the plane of it lower surface can be moved.

The lower head of the middle twist lock in the inserted state preferably has a bore extending transversely to the axis, which can be a through bore that narrows in a funnel shape from both sides towards the center. This hole can, as related above explained with the blind twist lock, extend a pin of a cross member so that the middle twist lock is locked in the inserted state.

A twistlock, the heads of which can be rotated with respect to the plate, can serve as a transverse element for connecting two container units within the transport unit, this twistlock carrying on at least one head a pin extending coaxially to the axis of rotation of the head and beyond it. When inserted, this pin can extend into the hole in the head of a blind twist lock or middle twist lock and lock it in its inserted position.

It is also possible to provide pins on both heads which extend beyond them, the pins then preferably having different lengths. However, such twist locks are only used to lock adjacent middle twist locks.

A double-function cross element for the method according to the invention or for the transport unit according to the invention can have two sub-elements, each of which can be brought into engagement with a lateral anchoring opening of a container and can be coupled or coupled to one another in such a way that, when inserted, they are coupled in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the coupling they have Containers can be moved relative to each other within limits.

Such a double-function cross element enables, as already explained above, an adaptation of the position of adjacent containers or container units to be coupled to the different distances of the anchoring openings within the permissible tolerance ranges.

The partial elements can be coupled to one another via a dovetail guide, and in order to permanently connect the partial elements to one another, the receiving guide can be at least partially closed at its ends.

A locking head that can be rotated to a limited extent can be provided on one partial element.

A support section can be provided on the other sub-element, which engages behind the upper edge of the anchoring opening when the sub-element is inserted into a lower lateral anchoring opening and which has a supporting surface on its area remote from the guide, the surface normal of which is directed downward when the sub-element is inserted into a lateral anchoring opening . If this supporting surface is supported on a supporting surface provided on the head of an adjacent blind twist lock when the partial element is inserted, the partial element is locked in its position within the anchoring opening and can only be released after the blind twist lock has been removed from the anchoring opening.

In the other sub-element of the double-function cross element, a locking pin can be provided which, when the sub-elements are in engagement, extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking head and can be displaced in the axial direction between a release position and a locking position, so that it is in the locking position in an opening in the head of the extends adjacent blind twist locks and sets them in its locked position. The blind twist lock can therefore only be removed from the anchoring opening when the locking pin moves into the release position and then the head of the blind twist lock in its Inserted position has been rotated.

The locking pin can be in screw engagement with the support section of the sub-element, so that it can be moved between the release position and the locking position by appropriate rotation.

If the container units of the transport unit have diagonal lashing on their end faces using lashing rods, ropes, etc. and / or have cross lashings by means of clamps, anchoring the adjacent transport units via the cross elements is also sensible, but it may be sufficient to couple them with cross elements that have a plate, on both sides of which collars are provided for insertion into lateral anchoring openings of adjacent container units are, a pin-shaped projection is provided on a collar, which extends when used in an anchoring opening into the interior of the associated container, and a locking head is arranged adjacent to the other collar.

Such a cross element is first inserted into a lateral anchoring opening of a lateral container unit and locked with this locking head in this anchoring opening. When the cross element then comes into engagement with a lateral anchoring opening of an adjacent container unit, the collar which is more distant from the locking head is located in the region of this anchoring opening and its projection extends into the interior of the container, so that the cross element effects an alignment of the adjacent container units with one another and in the level of the respective container side wall absorbs vertical and horizontal forces while separating the container unit is prevented by the diagonal and / or transverse lashings.

• Figur 1 zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung eine Transporteinheit aus drei Containereinheiten, wobei jede Containereinheit aus einem Container besteht
• Figur 2 zeigt in einer Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 eine Transporteinheit aus drei Containerein­heiten, bei der jede Containereinheit aus zwei miteinander verbundenen Containern besteht.
• Figur 3 zeigt in einer Darstellung entsprechend Figuren 1 und 2 eine Transporteinheit aus drei Container­einheiten, bei der jede Containereinheit aus drei miteinander verbundenen Containern besteht.
• Figur 4 zeigt in einer Übersichtsdarstellung verschiedene gleich aufgebaute Transporteinheiten gemäß Figur 2 in unterschiedlichen Transport- und Handhabungsstadien.
• Figuren 5A bis 5E zeigen aufeinanderfolgende Schritte bei der Herstellung einer Transporteinheit gemäß Figur 2.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine Transporteinheit gemäß Figur 2 mit schematisch angedeuteten, nur einseitig verrie­gelnden Querelementen sowie an den Endflächen vorgesehenen Diagonal-Zurrungen.
• Figur 7 zeigt in einer Teilansicht eine Transporteinheit entsprechend Figur 6, jedoch mit an den Endflä­chen vorgesehenen Querzurrungen.
• Figur 8 zeigt in einer Teilansicht eine Transporteinheit entsprechend Figur 7, jedoch mit zusätzlichen Diagonalzurrungen.
• Figur 9 zeigt eine Transporteinheit entsprechend Figur 2 mit Querelementen, die von den Blindtwistlocks und den Mitteltwistlocks der äußeren Container­einheiten in ihrer Lage verriegelt sind.
• Figuren 10A bis 10H zeigen schematisch aufeinanderfolgen­de Schritte beim Einsetzen eines unteren Blind­twistlocks, das Einsetzen eines benachbarten Querelementes in Form eines Twistlocks sowie das Einsetzen des Twistlocks in die Verankerungs­öffnung eines benachbarten Containers.
• Figuren 11A bis 11H zeigen in Darstellungen entsprechend Figur 10 das Einsetzen eines oberen Blindtwist­locks und eines benachbarten Querelementes in Form eines Twistlocks.
• Figuren 12A bis 12D zeigen das Zusammensetzen einer Transporteinheit aus drei Containereinheiten, die jeweils aus einem Container bestehen, mit den Schritten gemäß Figuren 10 und 11.
• Figuren 13A bis 13H zeigen das Einsetzen eines Mitteltwist­locks und des benachbarten Querelementes in Form eines Twistlocks sowie das Einsetzen des Twistlocks in eine Verankerungsöffnung einer benachbarten Containereinheit die Verbindung des Twistlocks mit einem Mitteltwistlock einer benachbarten Containereinheit.
• Figuren 14A bis 14I zeigen das Zusammensetzen einer Transporteinheit aus drei Containereinheiten, wobei jede Containereinheit aus zwei Containern besteht und das Zusammensetzen entsprechend den Figuren 10, 11 und 13 erfolgt.
• Figur 15 zeigt zwei übereinander gestapelte Transportein­heiten aus jeweils drei Containereinheiten, wobei jede Containereinheit aus einem Container besteht.
• Figur 16 zeigt die Anordnung zweier Mitteltwistlocks und eines als Querelement dienenden Twistlocks, der einen anderen Aufbau als der Twistlock aus Figur 13 hat.
• Figur 17 zeigt den Twistlock aus Figur 16 in Eingriff mit einem oberen Blindtwistlock.
• Figur 18 zeigt den Twistlock aus Figur 16 in Eingriff mit einem unteren Blindtwistlock.
• Figur 19 zeigt ein Doppelfunktionsquerelement in Eingriff mit einem unteren Blindtwistlock.
• Figur 20 zeigt die Ausbildung der Kragen eines Mitteltwist­locks.
• Figur 21 zeigt den Mitteltwistlock aus Figur 20 in einer um 90° gedrehten Ansicht.
• Figur 22 zeigt in einem Teilschnitt einen in eine obere Verankerungsöffnung eingesetzten Blindtwistlock.
• Figur 23 zeigt in einer Teildarstellung eine Draufsicht auf den Blindtwistlock aus Figur 22.
• Figur 24 zeigt in einem Teilschnitt einen in eine untere Verankerungsöffnung eingesetzten Blindtwistlock.
• Figur 25 zeigt teilweise aufgebrochen einen anderen in eine obere Verankerungsöffnung eingesetzten Bindtwistlock.
• Figur 26 zeigt in einer Teil-Draufsicht den Kopf des Blindtwistlocks aus Figur 25 in der Verriege­lungsstellung.
• Figur 27 zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 27-27 aus Figur 25.
• Figur 28 zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 28-28 aus Figur 25.
• Figur 29 zeigt einen Teil eines Blindtwistlocks, der entsprechend dem Blindtwistlock gemäß Figuren 25 bis 28 ausgebildet, jedoch in eine untere Verankerungsöffnung eingesetzt ist.
• Figur 30 zeigt eine Ansicht des sich in der Verriegelungs­stellung befindenden Blindtwistlocks aus Figur 29 von unten.
• Figur 31 zeigt in einem Teilschnitt den unteren Kopf eines eingesetzten Blindtwistlocks aus Figur 22 und ein Querelement in Form eines Twistlocks entsprechend Figur 16.
• Figur 32 zeigt die Achse des Twistlocks aus Figur 31 mit den an ihr vorgesehenen Köpfen.
• Figur 33 zeigt in einer Prinzipdarstellung die Lage der Köpfe des Twistlocks aus Figur 31 in der auch in Figur 32 dargestellten Verriegelungs­stellung.
• Figur 34 zeigt in einer Ansicht einen eingesetzten Mit­teltwistlock in seiner Verriegelungsstellung.
• Figur 35 zeigt den Mitteltwistlock aus Figur 34 in einer um 90° gedrehten Ansicht.
• Figur 36 zeigt in einer Darstellung ähnlich Figur 35 einen anderen Mitteltwistlock.
• Figur 37 zeigt in einer Ansicht von unten als Teildar­stellung den Mitteltwistlock aus Figur 36.
• Figur 38 zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 38-38 aus Figur 36.
• Figur 39 zeigt einen als Querelement dienenden Twistlock entsprechend Figur 31, jedoch mit an beiden Köpfen ausgebildeten, über die Köpfe hinaus­ragenden Verriegelungszapfen.
• Figur 40 zeigt in einer Teildarstellung den keinen Ver­riegelungszapfen tragenden Kopf eines Twist­locks gemäß Figur 31 in einer Lage bezüglich des Kopfes eines benachbarten Mitteltwistlocks.
• Figur 41 zeigt einen Teilschnitt entlang der Linie 41-41 aus Figur 40.
• Figur 42 zeigt teilweise im Schnitt und teilweise als Ansicht ein zwei Container koppelndes Querele­ment in Form eines Doppelfunktionsquerelementes sowie einen mit einem Teilelement des Doppelfunk­tionsquerelementes in Eingriff stehenden Kopf eines Blindtwistlocks.
• Figur 43 zeigt einen Teilschnitt entlang der Linie 43-43 aus Figur 42.
• Figur 44 zeigt die Anordnung aus Figur 42 in einer teil­weise aufgebrochenen Teildarstellung von oben.
• Figur 45 zeigt ein Doppelfunktionsquerelement mit an beiden Teilelementen ausgebildeten Verriegelungs­köpfen sowie an einem Teilelement vorhandenem Verriegelungszapfen, der in Eingriff mit dem Kopf eines Blindtwistlocks steht.
• Figur 46 zeigt in einer Teildarstellung und teilweise aufgebrochen den mittleren Bereich des Doppel­funktionsquerelementes aus Figur 45 in um 90° gedrehter Lage.
• Figur 47 zeigt teilweise aufgebrochen eine Endansicht des Doppelfunktionsquerelementes aus Figur 45.
• Figur 48 zeigt ein weiteres Querelement.
• Figur 49 zeigt eine Endansicht des Querelementes aus Figur 48.
• Figur 50 zeigt eine Teil-Stirnansicht einer Transportein­heit mit Führelementen für das Zusammenführen und Ausrichten zweier Containereinheiten.
• Figur 51 zeigt eine Teil-Draufsicht auf die Transportein­heit aus Figur 50.
• Figur 52 zeigt schematisch eine Teil-Seitenansicht der die Führelemente tragenden Containereinheit.
• Figuren 53 und 54 zeigen unterschiedliche Stellungen der Container einer Containereinheit im Bereich von durch Mitteltwistlocks gekoppelten Eckbeschlägen.
• Figur 55. zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 55-55 aus Figur 53.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures which show schematic exemplary embodiments.

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a transport unit from three container units, each container unit consisting of a container
• Figure 2 shows in a representation corresponding to Figure 1, a transport unit from three container units, in which each container unit consists of two interconnected containers.
• Figure 3 shows in a representation corresponding to Figures 1 and 2, a transport unit from three container units, in which each container unit consists of three interconnected containers.
• FIG. 4 shows an overview of various transport units of the same design according to FIG. 2 in different transport and handling stages.
• FIGS. 5A to 5E show successive steps in the manufacture of a transport unit according to FIG. 2.
• FIG. 6 shows a transport unit according to FIG. 2 with diagrammatically indicated transverse elements which only lock on one side and diagonal lashings provided on the end faces.
• FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a transport unit corresponding to FIG. 6, but with transverse lashings provided on the end faces.
• FIG. 8 shows a partial view of a transport unit corresponding to FIG. 7, but with additional diagonal lashings.
• FIG. 9 shows a transport unit corresponding to FIG. 2 with transverse elements which are locked in position by the blind twist locks and the middle twist locks of the outer container units.
• FIGS. 10A to 10H schematically show successive steps in the insertion of a lower blind twist lock, the insertion of an adjacent cross element in the form of a twist lock and the insertion of the twist lock in the anchoring opening of an adjacent container.
• FIGS. 11A to 11H show, in representations corresponding to FIG. 10, the insertion of an upper blind twist lock and an adjacent cross element in the form of a twist lock.
• FIGS. 12A to 12D show the assembly of a transport unit from three container units, each consisting of one container, with the steps according to FIGS. 10 and 11.
• FIGS. 13A to 13H show the insertion of a middle twist lock and the adjacent cross element in the form of a twist lock and the insertion of the twist lock in an anchoring opening of an adjacent container unit, the connection of the twist lock to a middle twist lock neighboring container unit.
• FIGS. 14A to 14I show the assembly of a transport unit from three container units, each container unit consisting of two containers and the assembly according to FIGS. 10, 11 and 13.
• FIG. 15 shows two transport units stacked one above the other, each consisting of three container units, each container unit consisting of one container.
• FIG. 16 shows the arrangement of two middle twist locks and a twist lock serving as a cross element, which has a different structure than the twist lock from FIG. 13.
• FIG. 17 shows the twistlock from FIG. 16 in engagement with an upper blind twist lock.
• FIG. 18 shows the twistlock from FIG. 16 in engagement with a lower blind twist lock.
• FIG. 19 shows a double function cross element in engagement with a lower blind twist lock.
• Figure 20 shows the formation of the collar of a middle twist lock.
• FIG. 21 shows the middle twist lock from FIG. 20 in a view rotated by 90 °.
• FIG. 22 shows a partial section of a blind twist lock inserted into an upper anchoring opening.
• FIG. 23 shows a partial view of a top view of the blind twist lock from FIG. 22.
• FIG. 24 shows a partial section of a blind twist lock inserted into a lower anchoring opening.
• FIG. 25 shows a partially broken twist lock inserted into an upper anchoring opening.
• FIG. 26 shows a partial top view of the head of the blind twist lock from FIG. 25 in the locking position.
• FIG. 27 shows a section along the line 27-27 from FIG. 25.
• FIG. 28 shows a section along the line 28-28 from FIG. 25.
• FIG. 29 shows part of a blind twist lock, which is designed in accordance with the blind twist lock according to FIGS. 25 to 28, but is inserted into a lower anchoring opening.
• FIG. 30 shows a view of the blind twist lock from FIG. 29, which is in the locked position, from below.
• FIG. 31 shows a partial section of the lower head of an inserted blind twist lock from FIG. 22 and a cross element in the form of a twist lock corresponding to FIG. 16.
• FIG. 32 shows the axis of the twistlock from FIG. 31 with the heads provided on it.
• FIG. 33 shows a basic illustration of the position of the heads of the twistlock from FIG. 31 in the locking position also shown in FIG. 32.
• Figure 34 shows a view of an inserted middle twist lock in its locked position.
• FIG. 35 shows the middle twist lock from FIG. 34 in a view rotated by 90 °.
• FIG. 36 shows a different middle twist lock in a representation similar to FIG. 35.
• FIG. 37 shows a partial view of the middle twist lock from FIG. 36 in a view from below.
• FIG. 38 shows a section along the line 38-38 from FIG. 36.
• FIG. 39 shows a twist lock corresponding to FIG. 31 serving as a transverse element, but with locking pins formed on both heads and projecting beyond the heads.
• FIG. 40 shows, in a partial representation, the head of a twistlock according to FIG. 31, which does not have a locking pin, in a position relative to the head of an adjacent middle twistlock.
• FIG. 41 shows a partial section along the line 41-41 from FIG. 40.
• FIG. 42 shows, partly in section and partly as a view, a cross element coupling two containers in the form of a double function cross element and a head of a blind twist lock which is in engagement with a partial element of the double function cross element.
• FIG. 43 shows a partial section along the line 43-43 from FIG. 42.
• Figure 44 shows the arrangement of Figure 42 in a partially broken partial view from above.
• FIG. 45 shows a double-function cross element with locking heads formed on both partial elements and a locking pin provided on one partial element, which is in engagement with the head of a blind twist lock.
• FIG. 46 shows, in a partial representation and partially broken away, the middle region of the double-function cross element from FIG. 45 in a position rotated by 90 °.
• FIG. 47 shows an end view, partially broken away, of the double-function cross element from FIG. 45.
• Figure 48 shows another cross member.
• FIG. 49 shows an end view of the cross element from FIG. 48.
• FIG. 50 shows a partial front view of a transport unit with guide elements for bringing together and aligning two container units.
• FIG. 51 shows a partial top view of the transport unit from FIG. 50.
• FIG. 52 schematically shows a partial side view of the container unit carrying the guide elements.
• FIGS. 53 and 54 show different positions of the containers of a container unit in the area of corner fittings coupled by middle twist locks.
• FIG. 55 shows a section along the line 55-55 from FIG. 53.

In Figure 1, a transport unit is shown, which consists of three container units 1, 2, 3, each container unit is an individual ISO container, such as a 40ʹ container. The three containers 1, 2, 3 are adjacent to one another with side walls so that their upper and lower surfaces run in one plane, and they are detachably coupled to one another via their anchoring openings provided in adjacent side walls in a manner not shown, but still to be described, whereby some of them can also be coupled via anchoring openings provided in upper and / or lower container surfaces.

In the anchoring openings in the lower and upper surfaces of the outer containers 2 and 3, blind twist locks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are still to be described, so that all the upper ones and lower anchoring openings of the outer containers 2, 3 are closed, while the anchoring openings present in the upper and lower surfaces of the middle container 1 are open.

The transport unit shown in FIG. 2 essentially corresponds to the transport unit from FIG. 1 and the same parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

Deviating from the transport unit from FIG. 1, however, each container unit consists of two containers arranged one above the other and detachably coupled to one another, i.e. the middle container unit consists of the detachably connected containers 1, 1ʹ and the two outer transport units each of the detachably connected containers 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ.

The basic construction of the transport unit according to FIG. 3 corresponds to the transport units from FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols. In this case, however, each container unit is formed by three containers arranged one above the other and detachably coupled to one another, so that the central container unit consists of containers 1, 1ʹ and 1ʺ and the outer container units each of containers, 2, 2ʹ, 2ʺ and 3, 3ʹ, 3ʺ exist.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a container ship loader 20 located on a quay, which carries a movable trolley 21 on which a so-called spreader 22 is attached. Such a spreader can be brought into engagement with the upper anchoring openings in the corner fittings of a container, its gripping elements automatically locking into the anchoring openings present in the upper surface after being placed on, and thus lifting the container is possible.

Below the spreader 22 hanging on the trolley 21 there is a transport unit according to FIG. 2, which rests with the lower container 1 of the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ on a schematically indicated vehicle 23 and on this by means of also schematically indicated twistlocks 16, 17, which in FIG locking Engagement with the anchoring openings provided in the lower surface of the container 1 are fastened in the usual way, so that the container 1 and thus the entire transport unit is firmly but releasably connected to the vehicle 23.

As can easily be seen, the transport unit rests on the vehicle only with the lower container 1 of the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ, while the lateral container units 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ protrude laterally beyond the vehicle without support. It is therefore expedient to provide such a weight distribution within the transport unit that there is no risk of tipping over, and in general empty containers are therefore combined to form such a transport unit so that these empty containers can be handled particularly simply and cost-effectively after being combined, that is to say not every single container of such a transport unit has to be handled.

As indicated, the transport unit located below the spreader 22 can be engaged by engaging the spreader with the anchoring openings located in the upper surface of the container 1ʹ of the middle container unit, while such engagement with the anchoring openings in the upper surfaces of the containers 2ʹ and 3ʹ the lateral container units 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ is not possible because these anchoring openings are closed by the blind twist locks 8, 9, 10, 11. So if the spreader 22 is brought into engagement with the container 1ʹ and then the twistlocks 16, 17 are released, the transport unit can be lifted from the vehicle 23 by means of the spreader 22 and, for example, can be parked to the left, as indicated, on the surface of the quay. In this case the Transport unit on the lower blind twist locks 4, 5, 6, 7 (Figure 2). However, it is also possible to place the transport unit by means of the spreader 22, as indicated, on three containers 26, 27, 28 anchored on the deck of a ship 24 by means of twist locks, the lower container 1 of the central container unit 1, 1 in the same way as is coupled to the vehicle 23 via twistlocks with the container 27, while the outer container units with the blind twist locks located on the lower surfaces of the lower containers 2, 3 come to rest on the containers 26 and 28.

As further indicated in FIG. 4, a transport unit can be set down and fastened directly on the deck of the ship 24, the lower container 1 of the middle container unit 1, 1 'being anchored in the usual way by means of twist locks 16', 17 'and the side container units 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ then rest on the deck with their blind twist locks 4, 5, 6, 7. As shown, a further transport unit can be placed on this anchored transport unit by means of the spreader 22ʹ of the container ship loader 20 after conventional twist locks 18, 19 have previously been inserted into the anchoring openings in the upper surface of the central container. When the additional transport unit is set down, the twistlocks 18, 19 come into engagement with the anchoring openings in the lower surface of the lower container of the middle container unit and can then be locked while the blind twistlocks 4, 5, 6, 7 of the upper transport unit lock the blind twistlocks 8, 9, 10, 11 of the lower transport unit is supported on it. The type of interaction of these blind twist locks will be described later with reference to FIGS. 22 and 24.

As can also be seen in FIG. 4, a transport unit can be transported in unchanged form, for example placed on or lifted from containers which are anchored on the deck of a lighter 25. The attachment and removal is carried out in the same way as described above.

A transport unit consisting of at least three container units can thus be handled in the same way as an individual container, which considerably reduces the effort for container handling.

A transport unit according to FIG. 2 can be assembled in the manner shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E.

As FIG. 5A shows, the lower container 3 of the lateral container unit 3, 3ʹ is first raised by means of a side stacker 50, of which only the gripping part is indicated schematically, in order to insert blind twist locks 6, 7 into the four anchoring openings in its lower surface, for example may be in the form of blind twist locks as shown in Figure 24. The container 3 is then set down, and middle twist locks 41, 42 are inserted into the anchoring openings in its upper surface, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 34 and 35. In the two lower anchoring openings of the side surface of the container 3, which in the finished transport unit faces the lower container 1 of the middle container unit, transverse elements 33, for example in the form of twist locks, are used, as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33. These come in positive engagement with the blind twist locks 6 when inserted, for example by locking pins provided on them, so that the blind twist locks cannot be removed from their anchoring openings unless the cross members 33 have been removed beforehand.

The container 3ʹ is then placed on the container 3 thus prepared, as indicated in FIG. 5B, by means of the side loader 50, so that the upper sections of the middle twist locks 41 and 42 come into engagement with the anchoring openings in the lower surface of the container 3ʹ and in the Engagement position can be locked. In this way, the container unit 3, 3ʹ is manufactured, into which the cross elements 34, which come into engagement with the lower heads of the middle twist locks 41, were inserted, for example in the form of twist locks.

5B, blind twist locks 10 are inserted into the right-hand corners of the container 3ʹ in FIG. 5B before or after the containers 3 and 3ʹ have been joined together, and by means of liquid elements inserted into the adjacent lateral anchoring opening 35, which can be constructed, for example, in accordance with the cross elements 33 and 34 Interlock locked.

The container unit 3, 3ʹ can then be connected to a prepared middle container unit 1, 1ʹ (Figure 5C). This prepared container unit 1, 1ʹ rests on a vehicle 23 and is attached to it by means of twistlocks 16, 17, which are in locking engagement with the anchoring openings in the lower surface of the container 1. The two containers 1, 1ʹ arranged one above the other are connected by middle twist locks 39, 40, the structure of which corresponds to the middle twist locks 41 and 42. At this prepared, middle container unit 1, 1ʹ, the container unit 3, 3ʹ brought up with the help of the side loader 50, and the cross members 33, 34, 35 are brought into engagement with the four anchoring openings in one side wall of the container 1 and with the upper anchoring openings in the overlying side wall of the container 1ʹ and locked in this engaged position. Before removing the side loader, supports 49 are placed under the outer blind twist locks 7 of the container unit 3, 3ʹ (FIG. 5D) in order to prevent the part transport unit formed from tipping over.

Now the other side container unit 2, 2ʹ is connected to the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ. The containers 2 and 2ʹ of the container unit 2, 2ʹ were connected in the same way as the containers of the container unit 3, 3ʹ by means of middle twist locks 37, 38 and provided with blind twist locks 4, 5, 9, and in them also transverse elements 30, 31, 32 were used Connection with the container unit 1, 1ʹ used, which correspond to the transverse elements 33, 34, 35. The connection with the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ is carried out in the same way by means of the side loader 50 as the connection of the container unit 3, 3ʹ with the container unit 1, 1ʹ, so that now on both sides of the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ over the in Side walls existing anchoring openings are arranged with her coupled container units 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ (Figure 5E).

It should be noted that the blind twist locks 8 and 11 are inserted into the outer anchoring openings in the upper surface of the container 2ʹ and 3ʹ, respectively, after the engagement with the side loader 50 has been released.

As indicated in FIG. 6, a transport unit according to FIG. 5E can additionally be made using diagonal lashings 43 and 44 are held together. These diagonal lashings run on both end faces of the transport unit and, as shown, couple as a result of engagement with the corresponding front-side anchoring openings, the inner lower corner of the container 2 with the inner lower corner of the container 3ʹ and the inner lower corner of the container 3 with the inner lower corner of the Containers 2ʹ. Such lashings can be produced, for example, with the aid of lashing rods and tensioning screws, and they can only absorb the transverse and diagonal forces occurring within the transport unit, so that the transverse elements coupling the container units need only be designed such that they are in the plane of the respective container - absorb side wall forces, i.e. prevent the container units from moving vertically relative to each other. Such a transverse element is shown, for example, in FIGS. 48 and 49.

FIG. 7 shows a transport unit corresponding to FIG. 5E, in which there are clamps 45, 46, 47 running on the end faces adjacent to the transverse elements, which serve as transverse lashings. Suitable brackets are shown in the catalog mentioned above. In this case, the coupling is carried out in the horizontal direction by the brackets, so that a cross element according to FIGS. 48 and 49 can be used.

Figure 8 shows a transport unit corresponding to Figure 5E with a combination of transverse lashings from brackets 45 and 47 corresponding to Figure 7 and diagonal lashings 48, which are located on the end face of the transport unit between the inner upper corner of the container 2 and the adjacent corner of the container 1ʹ as well as in not shown between the inner extend the upper corner of the container 3 and the adjacent corner of the container 1ʹ.

The transport unit according to FIG. 9 essentially corresponds to the transport unit from FIG. 5E, and the transverse elements, the blind twist locks and middle twist locks are identified by the same reference symbols and additional by ʹ.

In a departure from the transport unit from FIG. 5E, the inner blind twist locks 5ʹ, 9 Mitt and 6ʹ, 10ʹ and the inner middle twistlocks 38ʹ and 41ʹ of the outer container units 2, 2ʹ with the transverse elements 30ʹ, 31ʹ, 32ʹ and 33ʹ are coupled in the transport unit according to FIG. 34ʹ, 35ʹ in such a way that the blind twist locks and the lower sections of the middle twist locks secure the cross elements in their locked position in the respective container against unlocking, while in the transport unit according to FIG. 5E the cross elements unlock the inner blind twist locks and the inner middle twist locks of the outer container units prevented. For the locking according to FIG. 9, for example, transverse elements as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33 and blind twist locks as shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 can be used, the arrangement of the pin and the bore being reversed. The result of this is that the lower containers 1, 2, 3 are first connected to one another. The cross members 31ʹ and 34ʹ are used. Then the containers 1ʹ, 2ʹ, 3ʹ are put on. For this purpose, the middle twist locks 37ʹ, 38ʹ, 39ʹ, 40ʹ, 41ʹ and 42ʹ can be used, so that the middle twist locks 38ʹ and 41ʹ come into locking engagement with the cross elements 31ʹ and 34ʹ, and then the containers 1ʹ, 2ʹ, 3ʹ are placed, or the containers 1ʹ, 2ʹ, 3ʹ are placed with middle twist locks inserted in their lower anchoring openings.

In the construction according to FIG. 9, the individual container units 1, 1ʹ and 2, 2ʹ and 3, 3ʹ are only created when the entire transport unit is installed.

Details of the type of insertion of a blind twist lock and a cross element coming into locking engagement with it are shown in FIGS. 10A to 10H, the blind twist lock corresponding to FIG. 24 and the cross element corresponding to the twist lock from FIGS. 31 to 33 being able to be constructed.

The following description describes the insertion of the blind twist lock 6 into the container 3 and the insertion of the cross element 33 into the container 3 and its coupling with the container 1 (FIG. 5E), but of course the other corresponding components are assembled in the same way .

To insert the blind twist lock into a lower anchoring opening of the container 3, the head 53 of the blind twist lock 6 is rotated with respect to its plate 52 into the insertion position, so that the longitudinal axis of the locking bore 54 is parallel to the indicated adjacent lateral anchoring opening in the container 3 (FIG. 10A). In this position, the longitudinal extent of the head 53 extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the lower anchoring opening, so that the head 53 can be inserted into the anchoring opening (FIG. 10B). In this inserted position, the head 53 is then rotated through 90 ° so that it engages behind the edge of the anchoring opening and the longitudinal axis of the locking bore 54 extends perpendicular to the plane of the lateral anchoring opening (FIG. 10C).

In this position of the blind twist lock is then the transverse element 33, which has the shape of a twist lock with a plate 56, a rotating axis 55 extending therethrough with locking heads 57 and 58 provided at both ends, and a locking pin 59 extending the axis 55 (FIG 10D), into the adjacent side anchoring opening, the plate-shaped locking head 68 to be inserted being in a vertical position, that is to say its longitudinal extent corresponds to the direction of the longitudinal extent of the lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 (FIG. 10E). During this insertion, until the plate 56 abuts the outer wall of the Con tainers 3 is made, the locking pin 59 is inserted into the locking bore of the head 53 of the blind twist lock 6, so that the head 53 can not be rotated into the inserted position, but is held in its locking position by positive engagement with the locking pin 59. In order to bring the locking head 58 of the cross element 33 into a pre-locking position, the axis 55 is rotated by approximately 45 °, so that the plate-shaped locking head 57 of the cross element 33 comes into a position in which its longitudinal extension in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 runs (Figure 10F). In this position, the locking head 58 engages behind the lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 at an angle of approximately 45 ° to the vertical, so that the transverse element 33 cannot be removed from this lateral anchoring opening or cannot fall out.

In this position of the cross element 33, the outer container 3 is then brought up to the middle container 1, and the locking head 57 of the cross element 33 reaches the lower lateral anchoring opening of the container 1 (FIG. 10G). By further rotation of the axis 55 by 90 °, the locking head 57 then comes into its locking position, in which its longitudinal extension extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the lateral anchoring opening of the container 1 and in which the locking head 58 has moved into its locking position, in which he engages behind the edge of the lower lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 at an angle of 45 ° to the vertical, but by 90 ° with respect to the position shown in FIG. 10G (FIG. 10H).

FIGS. 11A to 11H show the insertion of a blind twist lock corresponding to FIGS. 22 and 23 and a transverse element corresponding to FIGS. 31 to 33 in the area of the upper corner of an upper container, in which case the insertion into the upper inner corner of the container 3ʹ and Coupling with the upper associated corner of the container 1ʹ of a transport unit according to Figure 5E is shown. In these figures, the same or corresponding parts of the blind twist lock and the cross element are identified by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 10A to 10H and additionally by ʹ.

As can easily be seen, the sequence of inserting the blind twist lock 10 and the cross element 35 and the coupling with the container 1ʹ correspond exactly to the sequence described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10H.

FIGS. 12A to 12D show the assembly of a transport unit according to FIG. 1 in details corresponding to FIGS. 10A to 10H and 11A to 11H. The flow chart essentially corresponds to the flow chart from FIGS. 5A to 5E, and the same reference numerals have been used for the same parts. However, since the container units in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12A to 12D only consist of one container each and not, as in FIGS. 5A to 5E, two containers, the upper blind twist locks are additionally identified by ʹ in FIGS. 12A to 12D.

The illustrated sequence of inserting and twisting the blind twist locks and the transverse elements to be coupled with them corresponds exactly to the sequence from the figures 10A to 10H and 11A to 11H, so that this process need not be explained again.

As can be seen in FIG. 12D, the transport unit produced in this way can be gripped by a spreader 22 (FIG. 4) in the region of the anchoring openings in the upper surface of the middle container 1 and raised after unlocking the twistlocks 16, 17 located on the vehicle 23. whereby the transport unit can be transported as a result of the central attack without the risk of tipping over.

As explained above in particular in connection with FIGS. 5A to 5E, in the case of a transport unit which contains container units from more than one container, the individual containers of the respective container unit which are arranged one above the other are connected to one another by middle twist locks, as is the case, for example, in FIGS. 34 and 35 are shown. These individual, successive steps are explained in FIGS. 13A to 13H on the basis of the insertion and locking of the middle twist lock 41 and the cross element 34 from FIGS. 5A to 5E.

The middle twist lock 41 has two locking heads 61, 63 which are seated on a common axis extending through the plate 60 and which are aligned identically, i.e. their longitudinal axes run parallel to each other. A locking bore 62 is also provided on the locking head 61, the longitudinal axis of which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking heads 61 and 63.

The middle twist lock 41 is inserted into an anchoring opening in the upper surface of the container 3 in the manner shown in FIG. 20A, that is to say by the locking device having the locking bore 62 gelungskopf 61, as usual with twistlocks, with its longitudinal extension in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the anchoring opening is inserted into the anchoring opening. In this inserted position of the locking head 61, the longitudinal axis of the locking head 63 of the middle twist lock is also directed in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the anchoring opening, so that the locking head 63 can enter the associated anchoring opening in the lower surface of this container when the upper container 3ʹ is placed on it (FIG. 13B). . Now the axis of the twistlock 41 is rotated by 90 °, so that the locking heads 61 and 63 come into their position behind the associated anchoring openings and the axis of the locking hole 62 extends perpendicular to the plane of the adjacent lateral anchoring opening.

In the locking position of the middle twist lock 41, a cross element 34 is used, which in this case has the shape of a twist lock corresponding to FIG. 39. The structure of this twistlock essentially corresponds to the twistlock with a head according to FIGS. 31 to 33, as was used in connection with the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 10A to 10H and 11A to 11H, but has on its axis 65 which extends through the plate 66 each have a locking pin 70 and 69 extending beyond a locking head 67 and 68. Since the arrangement of the locking heads 67 and 68 and the pin 69 corresponds to the arrangement 30 of the locking heads 57 and 58 and the locking pin 59 from FIGS. 10A to 10H, this becomes Twistlock also used in the same way, brought into locking engagement with the locking bore 62 of the middle twist lock 41 and locked, as was described in connection with FIGS. 10A to 10H. As can be seen, this corresponds to resulting position of the twistlock 34 in FIG. 13F exactly the position of the twistlock forming the cross element from FIG. 10F.

As also shown in FIG. 10G, the container 1 is then brought up, which in the present case is coupled to the container 1ʹ by means of the middle twist lock 40 to form a container unit. The middle twist lock 40 is constructed in exactly the same way as the middle twist lock 41 described above and the same parts are denoted by the same reference symbols and additionally by ʹ.

When the twistlock 34 is inserted into the upper lateral anchoring opening of the container 1, the locking pin 70 of the twistlock 34 enters the locking hole in the head 61ʹ of the middle twistlock 40, and the head 67 of the twistlock 34 is located behind the upper lateral anchoring opening of the container 1, but initially in a position in which its longitudinal axis runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of this anchoring opening (FIG. 13G).

By rotating them by 90 °, as has already been described with reference to FIGS. 10G and 10H, the locking heads 67 and 68 then come into the locking position (FIG. 13H).

FIGS. 14A to 14I show in detail in accordance with FIGS. 10A to 10H, 11A to 11H, 12A to 12C and 13A to 13H the assembly of a transport unit from FIG. 2 in the steps according to FIGS. 5A to 5E. The same reference numerals were used as in Figures 5A to 5E.

The components used correspond to those 10A to 10H, 11A to 11H and 13A to 13H.

In view of the explanations already given for the figures mentioned above, an additional description of the individual steps shown in FIGS. 14A to 14I no longer appears to be necessary.

As already mentioned above, the blind twist locks to be inserted into the anchoring openings of the lower surfaces of a container have differently shaped plates than the blind twist locks to be inserted into the anchoring openings in the upper surface of a container, and the shape of these plates is indicated, for example, in FIGS. 22 to 24. This configuration of the plates results in an arrangement as shown in FIG. 15 when two transport units are placed one on top of the other. This structure consists of two identical transport units according to FIG. 12D, and the same parts as in FIG. 12D are identified by the same reference numerals.

It can be seen that the plates of the blind twist locks 8ʹ, 9ʹ, 10ʹ and 11ʹ used in the upper surfaces of the containers 2 and 3 of the lower transport unit in the central openings of the plates of the blind twist locks 4, inserted in the lower surfaces of the containers 2, 3 of the upper transport unit, 5, 6, 7 protrude so that the upper transport unit with the plates of its lower blind twist locks 4, 5, 6, 7 are supported on the upper surfaces of the containers 2, 3 of the lower transport unit. The distance between the two transport units is therefore determined solely by the height of the plates of the lower blind twist locks 4, 5, 6. In addition, it follows due to the engagement of the plates of the upper blind twist locks 8ʹ, 9ʹ, 10ʹ, 11ʹ with the plates of the lower blind twist locks 4, 5, 6, 7 an additional securing of the two transport units against relative displacement in the plane of the lower surface of the upper transport unit.

While in FIGS. 13A to 13H and also in FIGS. 14A to 14J, cross elements according to FIG. 39 were used for the coupling of adjacent containers in the area of middle twist locks, a cross element is used for this case in FIG. 16, as is shown in FIGS. 31 to 33 and is also shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 and as has already been used in FIGS. 10A to 10H and 11A to 11H. For a better understanding, FIGS. 11H and 10H were therefore shown again as FIGS. 17 and 18 in addition to FIG. 16.

In the arrangement according to FIG. 16, the middle twist locks 40 and 41 are shown in the position according to FIG. 13H together with a transverse element in the form of a twist lock 34, the basic structure of which corresponds to the twist lock 34 from FIGS. 13D to 13H and which also corresponds in the position according to FIG 13H is located, in which, however, a locking pin projecting over a locking head is only present on one side. Since this twistlock has the same structure as the twistlock used in FIGS. 17 and 18, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 18 have also been used. It can be seen that the locking pin 59 is in engagement with the locking hole of the middle twist lock 41, while no locking pin extends into the locking hole of the middle twist lock 40. The locking head 57 and the locking head 61ʹ of the middle twist lock 40 can, however, be designed so that in the set state a rotation of the locking head 61ʹ is prevented (Figures 40 and 41), so that the locking head 61ʹ and thus the locking head 63ʹ can not be rotated into the inserted position as long as the locking head 57 of the twist lock 34 in the side anchoring opening of the lower container 1 of the middle container unit 1, 1ʹ is located.

FIG. 19 shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 10H, the locking position of a double function cross element, for example the double function cross element from FIG. 45, inserted into the lower 3 lateral anchoring openings of the lower containers 1, 3 of two adjacent container units.

The double function cross element 51 consists, as shown, of two partial elements 71 and 72 which are coupled to one another in a guide 73, for example a dovetail guide, so that they can be moved back and forth to a limited extent in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the containers. A rotatable locking head 74 sits on the partial element 71 and is located in the locking position in FIG. 19. A locking head 75 is attached to the sub-element 72 and can be rotated independently of the locking head 74 and is also in the locking position in FIG. 19. A locking pin 76 extends beyond the locking head 75 and engages with the locking bore of the blind twist lock 56, as was described for the locking pin 59 in connection with FIGS. 10A to 10H.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the middle twist lock 41, which has already been explained several times, is once again in its lock shown position, Figure 20 shows schematically a side view, that is, a view towards the side surfaces of the containers 3, 3ʹ and Figure 21, an end view, that is, the view previously shown in the direction of the end faces of the containers 3, 3ʹ. As can be seen, the locking heads 61 and 63 are in the locking position already described.

A collar 64, 65 is usually present between each locking head 61, 63 and the plate 60 (see also FIGS. 34 and 35). These collars are in the inserted state in the area of the associated anchoring openings and thus bring about a positioning in the planes of these anchoring openings. As indicated in FIG. 20, the dimensions of the lower collar 64 are essentially adapted to the dimensions of the associated anchoring opening, so that after insertion into the anchoring opening in the upper surface of the container 3, the middle twist lock is positioned essentially immovably in the plane of the anchoring opening. In this way, a defined, fixed position of the middle twist lock is determined.

The upper collar 65 has significantly smaller dimensions than the lower collar 64, so that when the container 3ʹ is placed on the container 3 it is not only easier to insert the anchoring head 63 and the collar 65 as well as the anchoring heads and collars of the rest into the anchoring openings in the upper one Surface of the container 3 used Mitteltwistlocks can take place, but also no difficulties arise from the fact that the distances between the individual anchoring openings and also their dimensions can be different within predetermined tolerance ranges.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the structure of a blind twist lock as used, for example, as an upper blind twist lock 10 'in a container 3 of a lower transport unit according to FIG. 15. This blind twist lock has a plate 80 which is integrally connected to a collar 81 which is inserted into an anchoring opening in the upper surface of the container 3 and whose shape corresponds essentially to the shape of this anchoring opening, while the plate 80 is rectangular and, as shown , in the edge areas of the anchoring opening on the upper surface of the container 3. A central opening 83 extends through the plate 80 and the collar 81 and forms an annular shoulder 85. A stop pin 86 is attached to the lower surface of the collar 81 and extends downward, the function of which will be explained later.

The head 82 of the blind twist lock has a length that is less than the length of the anchor opening and a width that is less than the width of the anchor opening, but the length of the head 82 is greater than the width of the anchor opening. On the top of the head 82 a pin 89 is fastened, which has the shape of a hexagon 90 at its free end and has a threaded section below it. In the assembled state shown, the pin 89 extends into the central opening 83 of the plate 80 and the collar 81, and a fastening plate 91 is screwed onto its threaded section and is supported on the annular shoulder 85 of the central opening 83. The mounting plate 91 is secured in the usual way by means of a grub screw 97.

Between the mounting plate 91 and the bottom of the collar 81 sits a coil spring 92, the pin 89 surrounds. This coil spring is at an angled end 93 in engagement with a bore 84 in the bottom of the collar 81 and at its other angled end 94 in engagement with a bore 95 in the mounting plate 91, which non-rotatably engages with the polygonal end of the pin 89 by positive engagement this is held. Due to its supports, the helical spring 92 exerts a force on the collar 81 and thus on the plate 80 and on the fastening plate 91 on the one hand on the pin 89 and thus on the head 82, by means of which the head is rotated clockwise in FIG. This means that the head 82 is pressed in the position shown as a result of the non-rotatable positioning of the collar 81 in the anchoring opening of the container 3 in the position shown, in which it abuts against the further rotation by the force of the stop pin 86 fastened in the collar 81 Spring 92 is secured.

In order to remove or also insert the blind twist lock according to FIGS. 22 and 23 from the anchoring opening in the container 3, the head 82 is gripped by means of an appropriate tool on the hexagon 90 against the force of the spring 92 with respect to the plate 80 and the collar 81 in FIG. 23 rotated counterclockwise until the stop pin 86 comes to rest in the recess 88 in the head 82 and thus prevents further rotation. In this position, the longitudinal extension of the head 82 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal extension of the collar 81, i.e. in a position rotated by 90 ° with respect to the position from FIGS. 22 and 23, so that the blind twist lock is removed from the anchoring opening or into an anchoring opening can be used. As soon as the twisting torque no longer acts on the hexagon 90, the head becomes 82 rotated back into the position shown by the action of the spring 92, which is the locking position of the blind twist lock.

As can be seen in FIG. 22, the head 82 of the blind twist lock has a locking bore 87, the longitudinal axis of which runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head 82 and in the direction of its longitudinal extent. As indicated, a locking pin of a cross element extends into this locking bore, as is indicated schematically for the cross element 34 in FIG. 15. The locking hole 87 is a through hole that tapers toward the center from both ends. The tapering simplifies the insertion of the locking pin, while the symmetrical design as a through hole makes it possible for the blind twist lock to be inserted into the anchoring opening in either of its two insertion positions.

As shown in FIG. 22, the central axis of the locking bore 87 is somewhat lower than the center of the adjacent lateral anchoring opening when the blind twist lock is inserted. Therefore, if a cross member with its locking pin is inserted into the locking hole 87, the locking pin 87 supports the cross member against tipping due to the weight of its portion protruding from the side anchoring opening and holds this portion in a substantially horizontal position so that the insertion into one lateral anchoring opening of another container is simplified.

In FIG. 24, a blind twist lock for insertion into an anchoring opening in the lower surface of a container is simplified compared to FIGS. 22 and 23 shown, which can be, for example, the blind twist lock 6 of the container 3 of the upper transport unit from Figure 15. The same or corresponding parts of the blind twist lock from FIG. 24 are identified by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 22 and 23 and additionally by ʹ.

The blind twist lock according to FIG. 24 inserted into the lower anchoring opening is in the locking position, i.e. in the position according to FIGS. 22 and 23. It differs from this blind twist lock only in the design of its plate 80ʹ, which has a significantly larger central opening than the plate 80 from Figures 22 and 23. This central opening, as indicated in Figures 22 to 24, is so large that the plate 80 of the blind twist lock from Figures 22 and 23 fits completely into this central opening, so that the lower surface of the plate 80ʹ of Blind twist locks rests on the upper surface of the lower container, so the dimensions of the plate 80 of the upper blind twist lock do not influence the distance between the two containers 3.

Furthermore, in the assembled state of the blind twist lock according to FIG. 24, the central axis of the locking hole 87ʹ in the head 82ʹ is lower than the center of the adjacent lateral anchoring opening in order to keep the cross element inserted with its indicated locking pin in a horizontal position, as is the case with FIG 22 has already been described.

The blind twist lock, which is shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 in the locked state inserted into an upper anchoring opening, is also held in its locked position by spring force. In the figures parts corresponding to the parts of the blind twist lock from FIGS. 22 and 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals and additionally by the letter "a".

The blind twist lock shown has a plate 80a, a collar 81a and a head 82a, all of which are formed in one piece. The head essentially has the shape of the anchoring opening indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIGS. 26 and 28, while the collar 81a is cut away in the region of the diagonally opposite sections of the head 82a that engage behind the edge region of the anchoring opening in the locked state (FIG. 28). The head 82a can therefore be inserted into the anchoring opening in the orientation thereof and then rotated into the position according to FIG. 28, in which it engages behind regions of the anchoring opening, while edge regions of the collar 81a rest against the opening edge.

Provided in the head 82a is a through bore 87a tapering towards the center, which, as indicated in FIG. 27, serves to receive a locking pin of a cross element.

An essentially L-shaped support lever (84a) is pivotably mounted in a recess 83a in the collar 81a on a stationary axis 89a. A coil spring 92a is attached to the shorter leg of the support lever 84a and is attached at its other end to a stationary holding pin 91a. A stationary pin 86a serves as a stop to limit the pivoting movement of the support lever 84a by the force of the spring 92a.

As already mentioned, the blind twist lock according to FIGS. 25 to 28 is covered by aligning its head 82a Lich the anchoring opening used in this, the support lever 84a is pivoted against the force of the spring in the dash-dotted position in Figure 28. If the support lever 84a is released in the inserted state, it is pivoted by the spring 92a into the position shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, in which it is supported with the outside of its longer leg on the boundary wall of the anchoring opening and thus the blind twist lock in the position shown Locked position twisted.

To remove the blind twist lock, it is only necessary to bring the support lever 84a back into the dash-dotted position according to FIG. 28, for example by correspondingly turning the blind twist lock by engaging the plate 80a, whereupon the collar 81a and the head 82a can then be removed from the anchoring opening.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a blind twist lock corresponding to the blind twist lock from FIGS. 25 to 28, which is inserted into a lower anchoring opening. In FIGS. 29 and 30, the same reference numerals with an additional ʹ are used for the parts corresponding to the parts from FIGS. 25 to 28.

As can be easily seen, the plate 80ʹa of the blind twist lock according to FIGS. 29 and 30 also has a recess corresponding to the recess in the plate 80ʹ of the blind twist lock from FIG. 24, so that containers are stacked on top of one another in the area of these blind twist locks, as shown in Figure 24 and described in connection with this.

A cross element with a locking pin, as it is indicated in the locking hole tion 87 or the locking bore 87ʹ or the locking bore 87a in the blind twist lock according to FIGS. 22 and 23 or FIG. 24 or FIGS. 25 to 28 is shown in FIGS. 31 to 33. The cross element is in the form of a twistlock with a plate 98 and integrally formed with this collar 99 and 100 provided on opposite sides of the plate 98. These collars extend in the manner indicated in FIG. 17 into upper anchoring openings in the side walls of the two lower containers 3 and 1 neighboring container units. An axis 101 runs through a central bore in the element composed of plate 98 and collar 99, 100 and can be freely rotated in this central bore and carries a locking head 102 at the end adjacent to collar 100 and a locking head 103 adjacent to collar 99. The two locking heads essentially have the circumferential shape of an anchoring opening, so that they can be inserted into them in a predetermined position. However, they are arranged on the axis 101 with respect to their longitudinal extensions offset by approximately 45 ° in the circumferential direction. A locking pin 104 extends beyond the locking head 103 in a continuation of the axis 101 and, in the arrangement according to FIG. 31, is inserted into a locking hole 87 in the head 82 of a blind twist lock, which corresponds to the blind twist lock 10 from FIG. 17 and which, for example, in detail in FIGS Figures 22 and 23 is shown. The locking head 102 is designed so that it does not hinder the insertion of the locking head of a hoist into the adjacent anchoring opening located in the upper surface of the container 1ʹ.

In order to insert the twist lock according to FIG. 31 into the lateral anchoring opening of the container 3, the locking head 103 is essentially in a position brought to the shape of the anchoring opening corresponding collar 99, in which the longitudinal extension of the locking head 103 runs parallel to the longitudinal extension of the collar 99. In this position, the twistlock can be inserted into the lateral anchoring opening in the container 3 and can thereby be brought into engagement with the locking bore 87 of the previously used blind twistlock. In this position, the axis 101 is rotated by approximately 45 °, so that the locking head 103 moves into a pre-locking position, ie the locking head 103 is in a position rotated by 45 ° with respect to the vertical, in which it engages behind edge regions of the anchoring opening , so that the twist lock cannot fall out of the side anchoring opening of the container 3. In this pre-locking position of the locking head 103, the locking head 102 is oriented such that its longitudinal extension runs parallel to the longitudinal extension of the collar 100, which is also shaped according to an anchoring opening, so that the locking head 102 and collar 100 can be inserted into a lateral anchoring opening of the adjacent container 1.

If the engagement of the lateral anchoring opening in the container 1 and the collar 100 with the locking head 102 is established, the axis 101 is further rotated in the direction of the previously performed rotation and by a further 90 °. For this purpose, there is a recess, not shown, in the collar, through which a bore 105 in the axis 101 is accessible. A lever is inserted into this bore 101, with the aid of which the rotation of the axis 101 and thus of the two locking heads 102 and 103 can be carried out, the shape of the recess usually limiting the degree of the possible rotation. After the distance Ren rotation by 90 ° is then the locking head 103 in its locking position shown in Figures 32 and 33, while the locking head 102 is rotated to a horizontal position (Figures 32 and 33), so that both locking heads 102, 103 edge areas of the in FIG. 33 reach behind the side anchoring openings of containers 1 and 3 indicated by dash-dotted lines. In this way, the containers 1 and 3 are detachably coupled to one another via the locking heads 102 and 103, as has already been explained with reference to FIG. 10.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show a middle twist lock as used, for example, as middle twist lock 41 according to FIG. 16. This middle twist lock has a plate 106 and integrally formed with this, arranged on opposite sides of collars 108, 107, the lower collar 107 in the manner described in connection with Figures 20 and 21 relatively closely to the shape of the anchoring opening in the upper surface of the Container 3 is adapted, while the dimensions of the collar 108 are significantly smaller, so that it fits with play in the anchoring opening in the lower surface of the container 3ʹ. An axis 109 extends through the unit consisting of plate 116 and collar 107 and 108, at the lower end of which a locking head 111 with a locking bore 115 is fastened. The shape and structure of the locking head 111 with the locking hole 115 provided in it correspond to the shape and structure of the head 82 with locking hole 87 of the blind twist lock in FIG. 22. At the other end of the axis 109, a locking head 110 is fastened, which has the shape of a twistlock Has locking head, so is essentially adapted in its circumferential shape to the circumferential shape of the associated anchoring opening, so that it is aligned with its longitudinal Extension parallel to the longitudinal extent of the adjacent collar can be inserted together with this into the anchoring opening.

In the position shown in Figures 34 and 35, the middle twist lock is locked, i.e. the longitudinal extensions of locking head 111 and locking head 110, which run parallel to one another, run perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the anchoring openings.

In the plate 106 there is a cutout 113 running in the circumferential direction, through which an opening 112 in the axis 109 is accessible. By engagement of a tool in the opening 112, the axis 109 can be moved between the position shown and a position rotated by 90 °, in which the longitudinal extensions of the locking head 111 and locking head 110 run parallel to the longitudinal extensions of the collars 107, 108, so that the Mitteltwistlock can be removed from the anchoring openings.

A differently constructed middle twist lock is shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, and corresponding parts of this twist lock are identified by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 34 and 35 and additionally by the letter "a".

36 to 38, the plate 106a, the upper collar 108a and the lower collar 107a are formed in one piece with the locking head 111a. An axis 109a extends through this and carries a locking head 110a at its upper end. The axis 109a can be inserted through a bore indicated in FIG. 36 in the lower locking head 111a until it has an annular shoulder on a bore sentence is applied. Then the axis 109a of the locking head 110a is attached to the upper end. The axis 109a can be rotated via an opening 112a provided in it and accessible through a cutout 113a in the collar 106a by means of an inserted tool, so that the locking head 110a can be moved between an inserted position and a locking position. As mentioned above, the axis 109a extends into the locking head 111a and has a through hole at its lower end, which in the locking position of the locking head 110a is aligned with the holes 115a in the locking head 111a and thus has a through hole corresponding to the through hole 115 in the middle twist lock according to the figures Form 34 and 35. A locking pin inserted into this then also prevents the upper locking head 110a from rotating from the locked position into the inserted position.

The plate 106a, the collar 107 and the locking head 111a are otherwise designed in accordance with the plate, the collar and the locking head of the blind twist lock according to FIG. 25 and can therefore be inserted by aligning the locking head 111a onto the anchoring opening in the container 3 and then by twisting into the can be brought into the locking position shown in FIG. 38, in which the locking head 111a engages behind the anchoring opening with regions lying diagonally opposite one another, while the collar 107a lies against the boundary wall of the anchoring opening. In this locking position, the upper collar 108a is oriented such that it can be inserted into an anchoring opening when the locking head 110a is in the inserted position.

Corresponding to the structure of the middle twist lock according to FIGS. 34 and 35, the middle twist lock according to figures also has 36 to 38, the upper collar 108a has smaller dimensions than the lower collar 107a, so that the displacement described in connection with FIGS. 20 and 21 is possible.

FIG. 39 shows a twistlock serving as a transverse element, the basic structure of which corresponds to the twistlock according to FIG. 31, and the same parts are denoted in FIG. 39 with the same reference symbols and additionally with ʹ.

Deviating from the twistlock from FIG. 31, the twistlock according to FIG. 39, as a continuation of the locking head 102ʹ, has a locking pin 102ʺ which extends coaxially to the axis 101ʹ and is somewhat shorter than the locking pin 104ʹ present on the opposite side. The additional locking pin 102ʺ serves, as indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 39, to secure the lower locking head of a middle twist lock inserted into the adjacent anchoring opening in the upper surface of the container 1 by engagement with the locking hole provided in its locking head against rotation from the locking position. The assembly and the function of such a twistlock has already been described in connection with the twistlocks 31 and 34 from FIGS. 14D to 14I.

40 and 41, the locking head 102 of the twistlock from FIG. 31 is shown in the locking position in partial views. It can be seen that the torsion circle K indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 41 of the lower locking head of a middle twist lock located in the locked position (FIGS. 34 and 35) runs through the locking head 102, so that the locking head of the middle twist lock does not can be rotated from its locking position, because it comes to a blocking contact with the locking head 102 during this rotational movement. The associated middle twist lock can therefore only be removed if the twist lock having the locking head 102 has previously been removed from the adjacent anchoring opening.

A double-function cross element, such as can be used, for example, as a double-function cross element 51 in FIG. 19, is shown in FIGS. 42 to 44. This double function cross element consists of two parts which are connected to one another by a dovetail guide 129, 138. A collar 130 adjoins the receptacle 129 of the dovetail guide, which serves as a plate of the double-function cross element, the shape of which is essentially adapted to the shape of a lateral lower anchoring opening of the container 3, but has a bevel 130a in the lower region, the function of which will be described later. A collar 131 adjoins the collar 130 and has an upwardly extending projection 132 which, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 42, engages behind the edge region above the anchoring opening. On the underside of the support section 133 there is a horizontal support surface 133 in the assembled state, which is supported on a support surface 148 on the head of a blind twist lock to be described.

The inserted guide 138 of the dovetail guide and thus the associated sub-element can be moved back and forth to a limited extent in the dovetail guide, since the receiving guide 129 is closed at its ends, as can be seen in the top view according to FIG. 44. A collar 140 adjoins the inserted guide 138, the peripheral shape of which is essentially the same as the peripheral shape corresponds to the lower lateral anchoring opening of the container 1 (FIG. 42). An axis 142 extends through the collar 140 and is held in a recess in the inserted guide 138 against axial displacement by means of a threaded bushing 143 which is screwed onto its end. A locking head 141, the shape of which corresponds, for example, to the shape of the locking head 102 from FIG. In the position shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the locking head 141 is in the inserted position. By rotation by means of a tool, which is brought into engagement with the bore 144 in the threaded bush 143 through a cutout (not shown), the axis 142 can be rotated and so on the locking head 141 can be brought into its locking position offset by 90 °.

As can be seen in particular in the partially broken top view according to FIG. 44, a bore 134 extends through the receiving guide 129, the collar 130 and the support section 131 parallel to the axis 142 and has the shape of a threaded hole in the region of the support section 131. A bolt element 136 with its threaded section 137 is screwed into it. Provided in the inserted guide 138 is a bore 145 running parallel to the axis 142, which is aligned with the bore 134 when the inserted insert 138 is displaced downward in FIG. 44 until it rests against the boundary of the guide. In this position, the bolt element 136 can therefore be rotated through the bore 145 through engagement with a tool, not shown, in the receiving recess indicated at the end of the bolt element 136 so that it either in the manner indicated in FIGS. 42 and 44 over the support section 131 protrudes or is completely screwed into it, so that the free end of the bolt 136 is then in the bore 145 and the inserted guide 138 cannot be displaced.

As can be seen in FIGS. 42 and 44, the illustrated double-function cross element can be used, for example, in connection with a blind twist lock, the head of which is configured differently from the heads of the previously described blind twist locks (in the sectional illustration according to FIG. 43, the head of the blind twist lock was used for simplification omitted). The head of the blind twist lock has a support area 146, which can be connected in the same way as the head of the previously described blind twist lock to the collar and the plate, not shown, and which is shown in FIGS. 42 and 44 in the locking position. A tapering head section 147 extends from the support area 146. Between this and the support area 146, two horizontal support surfaces 148 and 148 ′ are formed, which are diagonally opposite one another in a mirror image, the support surface 133 being located on the support surface 148, as can be seen in FIG of the support section 131. Recesses 149, 149ʹ are located on diagonally opposite sides of the head section 147. As can be seen, the free end of the threaded portion 137 of the bolt element 136 extends into the recess 149 in the illustrated state and thus blocks the head of the blind twist lock against rotation.

To mount the double-function cross element shown in FIGS. 42 to 44, the bolt element 136 is brought into the position in which it does not protrude over the support section 131, but rather into the bore 145 extends. In this position, when the blind twist lock has not yet been inserted, the support section 131 is inserted into the corresponding lower lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 and brought into the position according to FIG. 42, the insertion into the position in which the section 132 engages behind the upper edge region of the anchoring opening the bevel 130a on the collar 130 is made possible, which enables the insertion of the support section 131 in an arcuate movement from bottom to top. If the support section 131 is in the position shown, the blind twist lock is used, so that the support surface 133 of the support section 131 is supported on the support surface 148 of the support area 146 of the head of the blind twist lock and the double function cross element is no longer removed from the anchoring opening in the container 3 can.

Now the bolt element 136 is displaced by rotation so that it extends into the recess 149 in the head of the blind twist lock (FIGS. 42 and 44), whereby the blind twist lock is secured on the one hand against rotation and thus against removal from the anchoring opening and on the other hand the bolt 136 extends comes to the area of the opening 145, so that the inserted guide 138 can be moved within the dovetail guide.

In this position and with the head 141 in the inserted position, the locking head 141 and collar 140 are then inserted into a lower anchoring opening of the container 1. If the locking head 141 and collar 140 are in engagement with the associated anchoring opening in the container 1, the container can 1 with respect to the container 3 in the direction of its longitudinal extent, to the extent that which the inserted guide 138 is displaceable within the receiving guide 129. In this way, an adaptation to the different positions of the upper lateral anchoring openings of the container 1 as a result of tolerances and of the lateral anchoring openings of further containers possibly belonging to this container unit can be carried out.

The movement of the locking head 141 into the locking position takes place by engagement of a tool in the bore 144 (FIG. 42), with which the locking head 141 rotates into a position in which it engages behind opposite edge regions of the anchoring opening in the container 1.

FIGS. 45 to 47 show a double-function cross element which partially resembles the double-function cross element from FIGS. 42 to 44 and in which the same or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference symbols and additionally by mit.

As can be seen, the part of the double function cross element from FIG. 45 which has the inserted guide 138ʹ is constructed in the same way as the part of the double function cross element having the inserted guide 138 from FIGS. 42 to 44, so that this part is not repeated is described.

The other part of the double-function cross element has a receiving guide 129ʹ, which, as far as it concerns the design of the dovetail guide, corresponds to the receiving guide 129 from FIGS. 42 to 44. A collar 130ʹ adjoins the receiving guide 129ʹ, the shape of which corresponds to that of the collar 99 from FIG. 31. Through the unity of receiving leadership 129ʹ and collar 130ʹ extends a rotatably supported axis 150 which carries a locking head 151 and a locking pin 152, which correspond to the locking head 103 and the locking pin 104 of Figure 31, the locking pin 152 in this case being in engagement with the head of a blind twist lock as shown in Figure 24. The axis 150 is secured against axial displacement by means of a threaded ring which is secured against rotation by a grub screw, not shown, in the usual way on the axis 150 and cannot be pulled out in the direction of the collar 130ʹ from the receiving guide 129ʹ because of the Ring body 153 abuts an annular shoulder of the collar 150.

The locking head 151 can be rotated between the inserted position and the locked position in the same way as the locking head 141 eingesetzt by means of a lever 161, which is inserted through a recess 160 in the receiving guide 129ʹ into a bore (not shown) in the ring element 153, the Locking head 151 is in the position shown in the locking position.

The insertion of the double function cross element according to FIGS. 45 to 47 into a lower lateral anchoring opening of the container 3 and the engagement with the head of the blind twist lock takes place in the same way as described in connection with FIG. 32, while the coupling with the container 1 in connection with FIG 42 to 44 of the type explained.

To connect adjacent container units, transverse elements can also be used, which absorb the forces that occur in the coupling of adjacent containers or container units and act in the plane of the respective container side wall, while the transverse and diagonal forces are generated solely by diagonal and provided on the end faces of the container units / or transverse lashings are included (see Figures 6 to 8). Such a transverse element is shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, in which case in FIG. 49 a lateral upper anchoring opening of the container 1 is shown in dash-dot lines.

The cross element according to FIGS. 48 and 49 can be, for example, the cross element 34ʹ from FIG. 6, which is in positive engagement with the lower locking head of the middle twist lock 41, which can be a middle twist lock according to FIGS. 34 and 35, for example.

The cross element shown has a plate 170, to which a collar 172 connects in one piece on one side, which, as shown in FIG. 48, is extended in the form of a pin beyond the associated anchoring opening, so that in the inserted state it protrudes beyond the anchoring opening in the container 1 . On the side of the plate 170 opposite the collar 172 there is a collar 171 which is also formed in one piece with the plate 170. A rotatable axis 173 extends through the plate 170 and the collar 171 and carries a locking head 174 on its area adjacent to the collar 171, beyond which a pin 175 extends. The axis is fastened by means of a threaded ring 176 in a similar manner to the axis 150 of the double-function cross element from FIGS. 45 to 47. A bore 178 is present in the axis, into which over a cutout (not shown) in the plate 170, a lever can be inserted, with the aid of which the axis 173 is rotated and the locking head 174 can thus be moved between its inserted position and its locking position.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 49, the collar 172, with its peg-shaped extension, has approximately a width dimension that corresponds to the width dimension of the lateral anchoring opening, while its height dimension is significantly smaller than the height of the anchoring opening. This allows the tolerances of the position of the lateral anchoring openings to be compensated for in height.

The cross element according to FIGS. 48 and 49, if it is used, for example, as a cross element 34 6 from FIG. 6, is inserted into the upper lateral anchoring opening of the container 3, so that the pin 175 comes into engagement with the through hole in the lower locking head of the middle twist lock 41. The locking head 174 is then rotated into its locking position. When the container units 1, 1ʹ and 3, 3ʹ are brought together, the collar 172 enters the corresponding lateral upper anchoring opening of the container 1, so that the transverse element after the attachment of clamps and / or lashing rods or ropes to the end faces of the container units is in the plane the side wall of the container 1 adjacent to the container 3 absorbs forces, while the lashings on the end faces of the container units hold the container units together.

As already explained several times above, difficulties often arise when assembling containers units in that the lateral anchoring openings of the individual containers are offset from one another within the tolerances. A preferred way of overcoming these difficulties when assembling two container units is shown in FIGS. 50 to 55.

FIG. 50 schematically shows a transport unit which essentially corresponds to the transport unit from FIG. 14I, the outer container unit 2, 2ʹ already being brought into the locking position by means of transverse elements 31 and 32, for example transverse elements according to FIGS. 39 and 31, and double-function transverse elements 51, approximately according to Figures 45 to 47 is coupled to the container unit 1, 1ʹ.

To connect the container unit 1, 1ʹ with the container unit 3, 3ʹ guide elements 180, 181 and 182, 183 are attached to the upper corner fittings of the container 1 and 1ʹ in the area of the container end faces, of which the guide elements 180 and 181 by means of themselves in the Upper end-side anchoring openings of the container 1, not shown, holding elements 192, 193 are attached to the container 1, while the guide elements 182 and 183 with holding elements 190, 191 engaging in the anchoring openings provided in the upper surface of the container 1ʹ and with the front-side anchoring openings engaging holding elements 188 and 189 (Figure 52) are attached to the container 1ʹ. For this purpose, the holding elements 182 and 183 on the upper surface of the container 1ʹ lying on plate sections 186 and 187 which, as shown in FIG. 51, protrude beyond the side wall of the container 1,, but are cut out in such a way that the neighboring ones in the upper surface of the Containers 3ʹ located blind twist locks (10 in Figure 51) at Bring the container unit 3, 3ʹ out of the area of the plate sections 186, 187 remain.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 51, each guide element has a guide surface which extends in FIG. 51 in the direction of the container unit 3, 3ʹ and obliquely outwards. Thus, the guide element 182 has a guide surface 184 and the guide element 183 has a guide surface 185 (FIG. 52), and the guide elements 180 and 181 are designed accordingly.

In the side view according to FIG. 52, as in FIGS. 50 and 51, the containers 1, 1ʹ of the middle container unit are dashed and the containers 3, 3ʹ of the side container unit are indicated in solid lines. It can be seen that the guide elements 180 and 181 align the upper end face regions of the containers 1 and 3 and the guide elements 182 and 183 the upper end face regions of the containers 1ʹ and 3ʹ when the container unit 3, 3ʹ is brought up to the container unit 1, 1ʹ so that the transverse elements present here (for example 34 and 35 according to FIG. 14I) with their ends protruding from the anchoring openings of the containers 3 and 3ʹ precisely aligned with the associated anchoring openings of the containers 1, 1ʹ and can thus be inserted into them.

This orientation can lead to a displacement of the lower area of the container 1ʹ or 3ʹ with respect to the container 1 or 3 in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the container, which is indicated by the in FIGS. 53 and 54 and in connection with FIGS. 34 and 35 and 36 to 38 explained smaller dimensions of the upper collar of the middle twist locks 40 and 41 is made possible, this displacement therefore does not cause additional problems leads because no transverse elements are used in the lower side anchoring openings of containers 1ʹ and 3ʹ.

A corresponding shifting or misalignment of anchoring openings can also result in the lower region of these containers as a result of the positions of the lateral anchoring openings deviating within the tolerance range, as is indicated in FIG. 52, in which the lower lateral anchoring openings of the container 3 are offset to the right with respect to the lateral anchoring openings of the container 1. As can be seen in FIG. 55, this offset is compensated for by the use of double-function transverse elements 51ʹ, the two parts of which are displaced relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the containers.

After aligning the container units 1, 1ʹ and 3, 3ʹ and engaging the various cross elements, these cross elements are locked so that the side container unit 3, 3ʹ is firmly but releasably connected to the container unit 1, 1ʹ.

It should be mentioned that the guide elements 180 and 181 can remain on the transport unit during transport, but it is absolutely necessary to remove the guide elements 182 and 183 so that the anchoring openings present in the upper surface of the container unit 1, 1ʹ for the engagement of Locking heads are free of lifting equipment.

Claims (65)

1.Procedure for combining at least two container units consisting of ISO containers (e.g. 1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) (e.g. 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) by releasably coupling corner fittings in the area of two Adjacent container units (1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ; 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) lying next to one another with their side walls by means of coupling elements (for example 31, 32, 51) extending in anchoring openings, characterized in that an odd number of container units (1 , 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) under the engagement of locking heads of lifting devices (for example 22) allowing at least all anchoring openings in the upper surface of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) to be left by means of coupling elements (31, 32, 51) are connected to each other and that in the area of anchoring openings of adjacent containers (1, 2; 2, 3) of the container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) double function cross elements (51; 51ʹ) Nenden, which allow a limited displacement of the coupled container (1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of their side walls. 2.Procedure for combining at least two container units consisting of ISO containers (e.g. 1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) (e.g. 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) by releasably coupling corner fittings in the area of two Adjacent container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) lying next to one another with their side walls by means of coupling elements (for example 31, 32, 51) extending in anchoring openings, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that an odd Numerous number of container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) under the engagement of locking heads of hoists (e.g. 22) allowing at least all anchoring openings present in the upper surface of the middle container unit (1, 1ʹ) by means of transverse elements Coupling elements (31, 32, 51) are connected to one another so that anchoring openings in the upper surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) located laterally from the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) are at least partially closed and / or that between the lower surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) located to the side of the middle container unit (1, 1ʹ) and the storage surface for the transport unit (1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) in the plane of the lower surface of the Container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) essentially immovable support elements (4, 5, 6, 7) can be arranged. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that for closing anchoring openings in the upper surfaces of the lateral container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) and / or as support elements blind twist locks (for example 8, 9, 10, 11; 4, 5 , 6, 7) can be used. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anchoring openings present in the lower surface of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) leave the engagement of anchoring elements (16, 17) permitted. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least some of the transverse elements (eg 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) at least in the region of one of the container units coupled by them (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) are each brought into positive engagement with an auxiliary element (for example 5, 38, 9, 6, 41, 10) extending through an anchoring opening of the same corner fitting. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the double function transverse elements (51) are used in the lower lateral anchoring openings. 7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that additional lateral anchoring openings of the by the double-function transverse elements (51) coupled container (1, 2, 3) by at least one end in an anchoring opening lockable twistlocks (eg 31, 34) coupled together will. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the further containers (1ʹ; 2ʹ; 3ʹ) of the container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) in each case only by two transverse elements (32, 35) lying at the same height. be coupled together. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that three container units (for example 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) are connected to form a transport unit. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that as auxiliary elements for the transverse elements used in the lower lateral anchoring openings of the container units (eg 30, 33) in the anchoring openings of the lower surfaces of the side of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ ) located container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) blind twist locks (5, 6) are used. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that as auxiliary elements for the in the upper side anchoring openings of the container units (eg 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) used cross elements (32, 35) in the upper surfaces of the Container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) blind twist locks (9, 10) located on the side of the middle container unit (1, 1ʹ) are used. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transverse elements located between the lower and upper transverse elements (30, 33; 32, 35) in positive engagement with auxiliary elements forming two containers (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ ; 3, 3ʹ) within the container twist locks (38, 39, 41, 42) are brought. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that for connecting the container units (eg 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) on their end faces substantially tensile stress-absorbing coupling elements (43; 45, 46) obliquely and / or be installed horizontally. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that for merging adjacent container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) at one level corner fittings of at least one container (1ʹ) of a container unit (1, 1ʹ) funnel-shaped guide elements (180, 181, 182, 183) are attached and that the neighboring container unit (e.g. 2, 2 durch) by relative movement of the two container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ) with the corresponding area of their container lying at the same height (2ʹ) between the guide elements (180, 181, 182, 183) is moved. 15. Transport unit consisting of at least two coupling elements (for example 31, 32, 51) connected by detachable coupling of corner fittings by means of coupling elements extending in anchoring openings and consisting of ISO containers (for example 1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) with their side surfaces juxtaposed container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), characterized by an odd number of container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), which by means of coupling elements (31, 32, 51) consisting of transverse elements are connected to one another, at least all of the anchoring openings in the upper surface of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) being left free to enable the locking heads of lifting devices (for example 22) to engage and by containers (1, 1) lying in the area of anchoring openings lying at a height 2, 3) of the container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) provided cross elements in the form of double-function cross elements (51), which have a limited displacement of the ge allow coupled containers (1, 1ʹ, 2, 2, ʹ 3, 3ʹ) in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of their side walls. 16. Transport unit consisting of at least two coupling elements (for example 31, 32, 51) connected by detachable coupling of corner fittings by means of coupling elements extending in anchoring openings and consisting of ISO containers (for example 1, 1ʹ, 2, 2ʹ, 3, 3ʹ) with their side surfaces juxtaposed container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), in particular according to claim 15, characterized by an odd number of container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3.3ʹ), which by means of coupling elements (31 , 32, 51) are connected to one another, at least all of which are in the upper surface of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) existing anchoring openings allow the engagement of locking heads of lifting devices, while in the plane of the upper surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), which are located on the side of the central container unit, the upper anchoring openings provided are at least partially closed and / or in the lower anchoring openings provided in the plane of the lower surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), which are located to the side of the middle container unit (1, 1ʹ), support elements (4, 5, 6, 7) . 17. Transport unit according to claim 16, characterized in that in the upper and / or lower surfaces of the lateral container units (eg 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) anchoring openings are blind twist locks (eg 8, 9, 10, 11; 4, 5, 6, 7) are used. 18. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the anchoring openings present in the lower surface of the central container unit (1, 1ʹ) allow the engagement of anchoring elements (16, 17) are permitted. 19. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that at least some of the transverse elements (eg 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) at least in the region of one of the container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) are each in positive engagement with an auxiliary element (for example 5, 38, 9, 6, 41, 10) extending through an anchoring opening of the same corner fitting. 20. Transport unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the double-function cross elements (51) are inserted into the lower lateral anchoring openings. 21. Transport unit according to claim 15 or 20, characterized in that in addition to the lateral anchoring openings of the by the double function cross elements (51) coupled container (1, 2, 3) cross elements in the form of twist locks (eg 31, 34) are used, which with at least are locked at one end in an anchoring opening. 22. Transport unit according to claim 21, characterized in that the further containers (1ʹ; 2ʹ; 3ʹ) of the container units (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) each coupled by two transverse elements (32, 35) lying at the same height are. 23. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 22, characterized by three container units (for example 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ). 24. Transport unit according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that as auxiliary elements for the in the lower lateral anchoring openings of the container units (eg 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) used cross elements (eg 30, 33) in the Anchoring openings of the lower surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) located laterally from the central container unit (1, 1ʹ), blind twist locks (5, 6) are used. 25. Transport unit according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that as auxiliary elements for the transverse elements (32, 35) used in the upper lateral anchoring openings of the container units (eg 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) Surfaces of the container units (2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) located on the side of the middle container unit (1, 1ʹ) are blind twist locks (9; 10). 26. Transport unit according to one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that the blind twist locks (eg 6) have a bore (54) in their head (52), and that the adjacent transverse element (33) projects with an extension of its longitudinal axis Pin (59) extends into the bore (54) in the head (52) of the blind twist lock (6). 27. Transport unit according to claim 26, characterized in that the bore (eg 87) in the head (82) of the blind twist lock tapers from the opening side facing the cross element to the center of the head. 28. Transport unit according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the bore (87) in the head (82) of the blind twist lock used is somewhat lower than the center of the adjacent, lateral anchoring opening. 29. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that a partial element of the cross element consisting of a double-function cross element with its head (131, 132) engages behind the upper edge region of the anchoring opening receiving it and with a substantially horizontal contact surface (133 ) on a paragraph (146) on Head (146, 147) of the blind twist lock in the locked position is supported. 30. Transport unit according to claim 29, characterized in that the double function cross element with an axially displaceable pin (136) is in engagement with a recess (149) in the head of the blind twist lock. 31. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 30, characterized in that each container unit consists of a container (1; 2; 3). 32. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 30, characterized in that each container unit consists of at least two superimposed containers (1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ), each at all four corners with each other by middle twist locks (38, 39 , 40, 41, 42) are connected. 33. Transport unit according to claim 32, characterized in that each middle twist lock (for example 41) has a lower head (61, 62) formed corresponding to the head (43ʹ, 54ʹ) of a blind twist lock (10), which as an auxiliary element for the positive engagement with the adjacent cross element (eg 31, 34) is used. 34. Transport unit according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the circumferential torsion circle (K) of the lower head of the middle twist lock in the assembled state of the cross element through the head (102). 35. Transport unit according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the collar (64) adjacent to the lower head (61, 62) of the middle twist lock has a greater width and length than the collar adjacent to the upper head (63). 36. Transport unit according to one of claims 15 to 35, characterized in that on the end faces of adjacent container units (eg 1, 1ʹ; 2, 2ʹ; 3, 3ʹ) coupling elements (43; 45, 46) absorbing tensile stresses at an angle and / or are mounted horizontally. 37. Blind twist locks for carrying out the method according to one of claims 3 to 14 or for a transport unit according to one of claims 17 to 36, with a collar adapted in terms of its dimensions to the dimensions of an anchoring opening provided in the upper or lower container surface (for example 81; 81ʹ) , with which a plate (80; 80ʹ) and a head (82; 82ʹ) coming into contact with the edge region surrounding the anchoring opening are connected, characterized in that the head (82; 82ʹ) of the blind twist lock used is pressed into its locking position by spring force is. 38. Blind twist lock according to claim 37, characterized in that the head (82; 82ʹ) between the inserted position and the locking position is rotatably coupled to the collar (81; 81ʹ). 39. Blind twist lock according to claim 38, characterized in that the head (82; 82ʹ) an in the direction of the collar (81; 81ʹ) and plate (80; 80ʹ) extending engagement element (90; 90ʹ) for the rotation of the head (82 ; 82ʹ) by means of an actuating element which can be brought into engagement with the engaging element (90; 90ʹ), the Engagement element (90; 90ʹ) is accessible from the outside via a central opening (83) in the plate (80). 40. Blind twist lock according to claim 39, characterized in that the engagement element consists of a screw-head-shaped section (90; 90ʹ) which is located in the central opening (83) of the plate (80). 41. Blind twist lock according to claim 37, characterized in that the head (82a), collar (81a) and plate (80a) are formed in one piece and that in a recess (83a) in the collar (81a) a spring by a vertical in the inserted state Axle (89a) limited pivotable support lever (84a) is provided which, when the blind twist lock is inserted, supports it in the locking position by pressing it on the boundary wall of the anchoring opening. 42. Blind twist lock according to one of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that in the head (82; 82ʹ; 82a) is provided a bore (87; 87ʹ; 87a) extending transversely to the central axis of the blind twist lock. 43. Blind twist lock according to claim 42, characterized in that the bore is a through bore (87; 87ʹ; 87a) which narrows from both sides in a funnel shape towards the center. 44. Blind twist lock according to one of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that the head (146, 147) between its free end and the collar has a support surface (148) lying in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the blind twist lock, the surface normal to the free end of the head (146, 147) is directed. 45. Blind twist lock according to one of claims 37 to 41 for insertion into an anchoring opening on the underside of the container, characterized in that the plate (80ʹ) has a recess in its bearing surface, the depth of which is substantially equal to the thickness of the plate (80ʹ) and whose extent perpendicular to the central axis when the blind twist lock is inserted into an anchoring opening is greater in at least one direction than the dimension of the anchoring opening in this direction. 46. Medium twist lock for a transport unit according to one of claims 32 to 36, in which at least one of the heads (110, 111; 110a) rigidly at the ends of a rotatable, through the plate (106; 106a) and the two collars (107, 108; 107a, 108a) extending axis, characterized in that the collar (107; 107a) adjacent to the lower head (111; 111a) in the inserted state has a greater width and length than that adjacent to the upper head (110; 110a) Collar (108; 108a). 47. medium twist lock according to claim 46, characterized in that the lower head (111a), the two collars (107a, 108a) and the plate (106a) are integrally formed. 48. Mitteltwistlock according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that in the inserted state lower head (111; 111a) a transverse to the axis bore (115; 115a) is provided. 49. Mitteltwistlock according to claim 48, characterized in that the bore is a through bore (115) which narrows from both sides in a funnel shape towards the center. 50. Mitteltwistlock according to claims 48 and 49, characterized in that a transverse bore is provided in the axis (109a) which is aligned with the bore (115a) in the lower head (111a) in the locked position of both heads (110; 111a). 51. Cross member in the form of a twist lock for carrying out the method according to one of claims 7 to 14 or for a transport unit according to one of claims 21 to 36, in which the heads (102, 103) can be rotated with respect to the plate (98), characterized that a pin (104) extending coaxially to the axis of rotation of the head (103) and beyond it is attached to at least one head (103). 52. Cross element according to claim 51, characterized in that both heads (102ʹ, 103ʹ) extend beyond them pins (102ʺ, 104ʹ). 53. Cross element according to claim 52, characterized in that the pins (102ʺ, 104ʹ) have different lengths. 54. Cross element according to one of claims 51 to 53, characterized in that the heads (120, 121) can be rotated independently of one another. 55. Double-function cross element for performing the method according to one of claims 1 to 14 or for a transport unit according to one of claims 21 to 36, characterized by two sub-elements (eg 129, 130; 131; 138, 140, 141, 142), each in Engagement with a lateral anchoring opening of a container (3; 1) can be brought and coupled or coupled in such a way that they can be displaced relative to one another to a limited extent in the inserted state in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the containers (1, 3) they are coupling. 56. Double-function cross element according to claim 55, characterized in that the partial elements are coupled to one another via a dovetail guide (129, 138). 57. Double-function cross element according to claim 56, characterized in that the receiving guide (129) is at least partially closed at its ends. 58 double-function cross element according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that a limitedly rotatable locking head (141) is provided on the one partial element. 59. Double-function cross element according to claim 58, characterized in that a limitedly rotatable locking head (151) is provided on the other sub-element. 60. Double-function cross element according to claim 59, characterized in that on the locking head (151) a locking pin (152) projecting therefrom in the axial direction is provided. 61. Double-function cross element according to claim 58 for insertion into a lower anchoring opening of the container, characterized in that a support section (131, 132) is provided on the other sub-element, which engages behind the upper edge of the anchoring opening when the sub-element is inserted into a lateral anchoring opening and on its area remote from the guide (129) has a support surface (133), the surface normal of which is directed downward when the partial element inserted into a lateral anchoring opening. 62. Double-function cross element according to claim 61, characterized in that a locking pin (136, 137) is provided in the one partial element, which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking head (141) in the engaged partial elements and in the axial direction between a release position and a Locking position is shiftable. 63. Double-function cross element according to claim 62, characterized in that the locking pin (136, 137) is in screw engagement with the support section (131, 132). 64. Cross element for carrying out the method according to claim 12 or 13 or for a transport unit according to claim 36, with a plate, on the two sides of which collars are provided for insertion into lateral anchoring openings of adjacent container units (1, 3), characterized in that on Collar (172) is elongated in the form of a pin and that a rotatable locking head (174) is arranged adjacent to the other collar (171). 65. Cross element according to claim 64, characterized in that on the locking head (174) a projecting over this pin (175) is attached.

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