FI20235299A1 - Device for attaching containers to a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for attaching lashing means for containers to a vehicle, in particular a ship, having at least one lashing plate (12) and a double plate (14) rotatably attached to the at least one lashing plate (12) by means of a connecting pin (18), which has at least two lashing eyes (16) for receiving in each case one lashing means. The at least two lashing eyes (16) form a two-armed lever with respect to the connecting pin (18). In order to provide a proper force balance to be achieved by the device (10), while preventing faulty lashings, the device (10) comprises a means for restricting a rotational movement of the double plate (14) about the connecting pin (18).

Description

[File: P5188FI00 EN.docx // SEO6K88] Claims March 18, 2022 J,

Force balancer with spring support EA i J

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG ae

Device for attaching lashing means for containers to a vehicle

Description

The present invention relates to a device for attaching lashing means for containers to a vehicle, having at least one lashing plate and a double plate with at least two lashing eyes, the device generating a force balance between at least two forces acting on the at least two lashing eyes.

Such a device is known from EP 3 612 442 BI.

Container stacks aboard ships are secured by means of lashing rods and clamping screws. The so-called external lashing, which is described for example in DE 10 2013 103 951 Al, has proven to be particularly advantageous and effective.

Lashings in an almost parallel arrangement are one possibility to ensure that limits of the forces to be discharged are not exceeded. For this purpose, they are absorbed via two instead of one attaching point. In practice, the two lashings in their almost parallel arrangement are preferably attached to two containers stacked on top of one another and mutually coupled with container couplers. For this purpose, one lashing rod is placed in the top corner fitting of the lower container, and the other lashing rod is placed in the bottom corner fitting of the upper container. Each lashing rod is provided with a clamping = screw positioned at the ends opposed to the corner fittings of the containers. The other

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N end of each of the two clamping screws is connected to the respective retainers of a double <t <Q 25 plate acting as a see-saw, which is known as a fitting plate in the background art. The

N latter is rotatably supported on the lashing plate. Such a device can for example be seen

E from EP 3 612 442 BI mentioned at the beginning. o

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Force balancer with spring support s j G

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Seo

The above-mentioned devices are all capable of generating a good force balance.

Whenever the force introduced by one of the two lashings into the fitting plate exceeds the force introduced by the other one of the two lashings, the fitting plate undergoes torsion in proportion with the force and leverage ratios. Once a moment eguilibrium is established, the fitting plate will assume a rest position.

Although the function of this device is very advantageous during operation of a ship, lashing the containers can be quite problematic. This is because an optimal functionality of the device requires the pretension of the two lashings arranged at a fitting plate to be at a defined mutual ratio. For this purpose, a stevedore has to tighten two clamping screws that are largely independent of one another and also attached to the rotatably supported fitting plate, so that this is rarely achieved in practice.

Therefore, the invention has the aim to describe a device that provides a proper — force balance in operation but prevents possible faulty lashings.

According to the invention, the aim is achieved by a device according to Claim 1.

Advantageous variants are the object of the dependent claims.

The device for attaching lashing means to a vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one lashing plate and a double plate. The double plate is rotatably & arranged on the at least one lashing plate via a connecting pin, thus having a rotary degree

N of freedom in relation to the at least one lashing plate. Further, the double plate has at

S 25 — least two lashing eyes which serve the purpose of introducing and absorbing forces in the

N device according to the invention. Clamping screws can be attached to the at least two

E lashing eyes, for example by means of shackles. Fach of the at least two lashing eyes can 2 be arranged eguidistant from the connecting pin of the double plate at the at least one 3 lashing plate.

O 30 2/11

Force balancer with spring support s g

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Seo

When a force is introduced into the double plate via a clamping screw or via its shackle, it will generate a torgue about the connecting pin. For so long as the forces introduced via the at least two lashing eyes cause a moment eguilibrium relative to the connecting pin of the double plate on the at least one lashing plate, the system remains at rest and does not change its position. However, if a moment equilibrium is lost, the double plate will rotate about the connecting pin. This causes a change in introduced forces and possibly also in leverage until a moment eguilibrium is re-established and the system reaches a rest position. Such a device, as known for example from EP 3 612 442 BI, is used to compensate asymmetrically introduced forces by diverting a force excess at one — of the lever arms to the other one of the lever arms, thereby reducing the forces acting on the lashing plate. On the one hand, this reduces the risk of containers aboard ships being damaged or getting lost and, on the other, this design allows a reduction in size of the entire device.

With such a device, however, proper lashing of containers aboard ships is a challenge for stevedores. In a double-plate arrangement with two lashing eyes, one clamping screw with a lashing rod attached thereto, which is arranged at the bottom corner fitting of the upper container of a two-container stack, is attached to one of the lashing eyes. Similarly, another clamping screw with a lashing rod attached thereto, which is — arranged at the top corner fitting of the lower container of the two container-stack, is attached to the other lashing eye. A stevedore who tightens one of the clamping screws for lashing the container connected via the lashing rod will cause initial torsion of the = double plate about the connecting pin. He will then have to tighten also the other one of

N the clamping screws for compensation. In practice, he will thus change often between the

S 25 two clamping screws whereby this process becomes very time-consuming. Otherwise

N there will be arisk that the stevedore, for saving time, will first tighten one of the clamping

E screws until the stop is reached and then tighten the other one of the clamping screws. 2 Therefore, the risk of improper lashing of at least one of the two containers is very high.

N Further, initial torsion of the double plate involves a risk of contact so that it cannot fulfil

S 30 its force-balancing function to the full extent. 3/11

Force balancer with spring support s g

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Seo

Therefore, an object of the invention is to restrict the rotatable arrangement of the double plate on the at least one lashing plate at least temporarily in order to minimize the risk of incorrect lashing by the stevedore.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, it comprises a spring having such a spring stiffness that torsion of the double plate in relation to the at least one lashing plate is prevented up to a certain force. The forces usually applied in tightening the clamping screws are a guasi-stiff system. The risk of incorrect lashing is thus minimized.

However, in case of occurrence of significantly higher forces, for example from sea — motion and due to high container masses, the double plate can fulfil its force-balancing function almost unaffected by the spring.

According to a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned desirable effect is achieved by means of a leaf spring. The latter is arranged between the at least one lashing plate and the double plate. In case of torque caused by an asymmetrical introduction of force, the leaf spring provides a counteracting force. As regards the construction, the maximum obtainable counteracting force is selected such that it is above the forces typically occurring in lashing, but below the forces occurring in operation.

Instead of a leaf spring, it is also possible to use at least one torsion spring. The latter is arranged around the connecting pin, where one element of the torsion spring cooperates with an anti-torsion element at the connecting pin, for example with an anti- & torsion pin, to prevent free rotation of the torsion spring about the connecting pin. Further,

N the at least one torsion spring comprises an element that is arranged at or connected to the

S 25 — at least one lashing plate and prevents the torsion spring from torsion about the at least

N one lashing plate. The working principle of such an arrangement is similar to what has

E been described above for the foregoing embodiment having a leaf spring. An 2 asymmetrically introduced force is discharged into the at least one lashing plate up to a

N defined maximum value which is set by the selection of the at least one torsion spring. If

N 30 the acting forces exceed said maximum value, the desired force-balancing effect is

N provided by torsion of the double plate. 4/11

Force balancer with spring support s j G

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Seo

In an embodiment with only one lashing plate, a torsion spring is used that has identical properties in both load directions, especially identical torsional stiffnesses. In this way, an asymmetrical behaviour of the device can be prevented, and a possible source of error during lashing by a stevedore can be eliminated. Such an embodiment with only — one lashing plate is suitable for environments with limited space. However, it has the disadvantage that the introduction of a force from the double plate through the torsion spring into the lashing plate is asymmetrical and thus increases the canting risk of the connecting pin.

Therefore, an embodiment is preferred that comprises two lashing plates and one torsion spring arranged on each of them. This ensures a symmetrical support of the connecting pin on the lashing plates in relation to the point of force introduction, thereby eliminating the risk of canting of the connecting pin. Also, it is possible to assign a working direction to each of the two torsion springs. A first torsion spring may be used to — supportatorgue of the double plate in a first rotational direction whereas a second torsion spring provides the support of a torque of the double plate in a second rotational direction.

This makes it possible to select torsion springs having less stringent reguirements, because the torsional stiffness needs to be defined in one load direction only.

Further, an embodiment with two lashing plates and one torsion spring can be envisaged. The risk of canting of the connecting pin is eliminated in a similar way as in the immediately preceding embodiment. Similarly, the above explanations regarding an & embodiment with one lashing plate and one torsion spring are also applicable in terms of

N the reguirements for the torsion spring.

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N One advantageous embodiment of the invention can do without any springs at all.

E A pin, for example a socket pin, which penetrates the at least one lashing plate and the 2 double plate in the mounted condition, is provided to fix the double plate relative to the

N at least one lashing plate. Introducing the pin eliminates the rotational degree of freedom

N 30 — of the arrangement of at least one lashing plate and one double plate. This corresponds to

N the position that is required for lashing the containers, because the clamping screws can 5/11

Force balancer with spring support s j G

SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Seo be tightened without reciprocal influence. After lashing is completed, the pin is removed and the double plate can produce the desired force-balancing effect.

For easier handling by the stevedore, it is beneficial that the pin comprises a grip piece that allows for ergonomic introduction and removal of the pin. Additionally, or alternatively, the pin can comprise an anti-loss device. The latter can for example be a chain having a free end to be attached to one of the at least two lashing plates. This ensures that the pin will not be lost after removal or will be immediately available next time it is needed.

Another preferred embodiment for temporary deactivation of the force-balancing effect uses one or more electromagnets. They are arranged on at least one of the at least one lashing plate and/or the double plate. When an appropriate voltage is applied, the electromagnetic field generated by the at least one electromagnet causes the double plate — to adopt the optimal orientation for the lashing of the containers. Further, the magnetic force produced by the electromagnetic field is so strong that typical lashing forces will not cause any torsion of the double plate in relation to the at least one lashing plate. After lashing is complete, the power supply to the at least one electromagnet is interrupted and the double plate can provide the desired force balance.

The above-described embodiments allow the usability of force balancing, as known for example from EP 3 612 442 B1. Furthermore, they facilitate enormously the work of = a stevedore when lashing the containers, thereby significantly increasing the security of

N the lashed containers aboard a ship.

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N Hereinafter, the invention is described in more detail by way of an exemplary

E embodiment shown in the drawing. In the drawing: o

N Fig. 1a shows a first embodiment of the invention;

S 30

Fig. Ib shows a second view of the embodiment of Fig. 1a; 6/11

Force balancer with spring support AQ

SEC Ship's Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG NÅS

Fig. 2a shows a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2b shows a second view of the embodiment of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3a shows another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 3b shows a second view of the embodiment of Fig. 3a.

Fig. 1a shows a device 10 for attaching lashing means for containers to a vehicle, — in particular a ship. The device 10 comprises two lashing plates 12 which are connected to a deck, a hatch cover, or a lashing bridge by means of a connection not shown in detail, for example a welded connection. The device 10 further comprises a double plate 14. The double plate 14 is connected to the lashing plates 12 via a connecting pin 18, the double plate 14 being rotatably supported via the connecting pin 18 in relation to the lashing — plates 12. The double plate 14 further comprises two lashing eyes 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. la, the lashing eyes 16 are arranged equidistant from the connecting pin 18. The lashing eyes 16 are used to attach fastening means, preferably shackles. They are provided with for example clamping screws that are used to tension lashing rods for the lashing of containers aboard a ship.

The device 10 further comprises a leaf spring 20 which is arranged between the lashing plates 12 and the double plate 14. Asymmetrical force introduction via the two & lashing eyes 16 generates a torque about the connecting pin 18. The leaf spring 20 resists

N said torgue by generating a counteracting force. The maximum possible counteracting

S 25 — force is selected such that it is above the forces typically occurring during lashing. As

N such, a deflection of the double plate 14 during the lashing of the containers can be

E prevented. o & Fig. 1b shows a sectional top view of the device 10 of Fig. 1a. The symmetrical & 30 arrangement of the lashing plates 12 about the double plate 14 ensures that in case of a

N force acting on the double plate 14 the double plate 14 will rotate only about the 7/11

Force balancer with spring support AQ

SEC Ship's Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Sa connecting pin 18. This can prevent canting of the connecting pin 18 as might happen from just unilateral support.

Figs. 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention. It is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1a in so far as it comprises also two lashing plates 12, a double plate 14 with two lashing eyes 16, and a connecting pin 18, all of which fulfil the same function. Instead of the leaf spring 20 used in Fig. la, the embodiment of Figs. 2a and 2b uses two torsion springs 22. They are each arranged about the connecting pin 18, each having an anti-torsion element 24 in conjunction with one end of the torsion springs 22 preventing the latter from being freely rotatable about the connecting pin 18. The other end of each torsion spring 22 is located in a recess 26 of the lashing plates 12.

A force introduced asymmetrically through the double plate 14 is transferred to the torsion springs 22 via the connecting pin 18 and the anti-torsion elements 24. The force is supported by the recesses 26 in the lashing plates 12. The torsional stiffness of the torsion springs 22 is selected such that the double plate 14 will not undergo any torsion under forces typically occurring during the lashing of containers. Whenever the introduced forces exceed said threshold, what happens regularly in ship operation and the — associated motion of the sea, the double plate 14 can fulfil its force-balancing function.

Another embodiment is shown in Figs. 3a and 3b. Again, this device 10 comprises & two lashing plates, 12, a double plate 14 with two lashing eyes 16, and a connecting pin

N 18. To restrict the rotational motion of the double plate 14 about the connecting pin 18,

S 25 — this embodiment, however, does not use a spring but a bolt 28. The latter, as can be seen

N in Fig. 3b, extends through the two lashing plates 12 and the double plate 14. This

E eliminates the rotational degree of freedom of the double plate 14 in relation to the o connecting pin 18, and the two clamping screws in contact with the lashing eyes 16 can & be tightened without reciprocal interaction. For easier handling by the stevedore, the end & 30 of the bolt 28 comprises a grip piece 30 which facilitates the introduction and removal of

N the bolt 28. 8/11

[File: P5188FI00_EN.docx // SE06K88] Claims March 18, 2022 sa,

Force balancer with spring support EA i i

SEC Ship's Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Ed

List of reference numerals 10 device 12 lashing plate 14 double plate 16 lashing eye 18 connecting pin 20 leaf spring 22 torsion spring 24 anti-torsion element 26 recess 28 pin grip piece n

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Claims (7)

Deepl Force balancer with spring support s | g SEC Ship's Eguipment Centre Bremen GmbH & Co. KG Sasi Claims

1. Device (10) for attaching lashing means for containers to a vehicle, in particular a ship, having at least one lashing plate (12) and a double plate (14) rotatably attached to the at least one lashing plate (12) by means of a connecting pin (18), which has at least two lashing eyes (16) for receiving in each case one lashing means, the at least two lashing eyes (16) forming a two-armed lever with respect to the connecting pin (18), characterized by a means for restricting a rotational movement of the double plate (14) about the connecting pin (18).

2. — Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the restriction of the rotational movement of the double plate (14) about the connecting pin (18) is effected by at least one spring.

3. The device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the at least one spring is a leaf spring (20).

4. The device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the at least one spring is a torsion spring (22).

5. — Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the restriction of the co rotational movement of the double plate (14) about the connecting pin (18) is < provided by a bolt (28). S 25

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6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bolt (28) comprises a I grip piece (30) and/or an anti-loss device. a

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7. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the restriction of the 2 30 rotational movement of the double plate (14) about the connecting bolt (18) is N effected by an electromagnet. 10/11