JP2017507067A - Front pin latch system for automatically securing the container to the container chassis - Google Patents

Abstract

A front pin latch system for automatically securing a container to a container chassis is provided. A front pin latch system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of a container chassis. The shelf and container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent opening and a linkage disposed on the inner surface of the container chassis. The link mechanism is operably connected to the shelf and the pin. When the container is placed on the container chassis, the shelf moves and the linkage moves the pins so that the containers are automatically secured to the container chassis by the pins. [Selection] Figure 9

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is incorporated by reference to Lanigan, Sr. et al. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 184,166, Lanigan, Sr. et al., Entitled "Latching System for Automatic Security of a Container to a Container Chassis" (Case No. C0443 / 40686). U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 184,196, entitled “Front Pin Latching System for Automatic Security of a Container to a Container Chassis” (Case No. C0443 / 40700), and Ranigan. Claims the benefit of US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 184,421 entitled “Latching System for Automatic Security of a Container to a Container Chassis” (Case No. C0443 / 40701). These applications are all filed on February 19, 2014 and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(Federal support research or development statement)
Not applicable

(Sequence list)
Not applicable

  The present application relates generally to latch systems. The present application relates to a container latch, particularly for a container chassis.

  In a conventional container chassis used to transport containers, the container is spaced apart in each of two front corners of the container chassis and two latches spaced apart in each of the two rear corners. It is fixed to the container chassis by two arranged latches. These latches are manually operated by the driver or other personnel. The rear latch may have a twist lock that is inserted into the bottom of the corner casting of the container. The twist lock may be operated by a lever that moves the twist lock between the latch release position and the latch position. A conventional chassis front latch that is 40-53 feet in length may have a locking pin that extends horizontally into the opening of the corner casting of the container. The front latch of a conventional chassis that is 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length may use twist locks and manual levers rather than lock pins.

  Such conventional latch devices are manually operated by the chassis operator or other personnel when placing the container on the chassis. The conventional latch device is then manually unlocked before the container is removed from the chassis. If a driver or other person improperly or incompletely locks or unlocks the latching device, the container may be improperly removed from the chassis or moved or lost during road transport. Thus, a need exists for an automatic latch system that does not require human intervention.

  In the rail transport industry, containers are typically secured using swing latches at the four corners of a flat car. The container is secured to the flat car by two swing latches spaced apart at each of the two front corners of the flat car and two swing latches spaced apart at each of the two rear corners. Is done. Similar to the container chassis twist lock latch, the flat car swing latch enters the opening along the bottom of each corner casting of the container. Unlike the twist lock latch, the swing type latch is always biased to a predetermined position by a spring. When the container is placed in the flat car, the latch is pushed back into the spring until it clears the bottom surface of the corner casting. The latch is designed so that the container will not disengage from the flat car unless significant force is applied to the latch. About 700 pounds (317.5 kilograms) of container weight is required to load the container into the flat car, and about 2,000 pounds (907.2 kilograms) is required to remove the container from the flat car. The power of is used.

  A front pin latch system is provided for automatically securing the container to the container chassis. The front pin latch system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on the outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent opening and a linkage disposed on the inner surface of the container chassis. The link mechanism is operably connected to the shelf and the pin. When the container is placed on the container chassis, the shelf moves and the linkage moves the pins so that the containers are automatically secured to the container chassis by the pins.

  A front pin latch arrangement is also provided for automatically securing the container to the container chassis. The front pin latch device includes first and second latch systems that are positioned proximate to the two corners of the container chassis and each automatically secures the container to the container chassis. The front pin latch device also includes an interlock assembly operably coupled to the first and second latch systems. The interlock assembly is configured to perform a fail-safe operation so that the first and second latch systems maintain the fixed state of the container with respect to the container chassis.

  Finally, a method for automatically securing a container to a container chassis is also provided. The method moves the shelf vertically on the outer surface of the container chassis, moves the pins horizontally through adjacent openings in the shelf and the container chassis, and the shelf has a container chassis opening that receives the pins. Placing the container on the container chassis to receive corner casting of the container and moving the pins in response to the movement of the shelf so that the container is automatically secured to the container chassis.

  Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description.

FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of a container chassis including a latch device and a front pin latch device. FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a latch device. FIG. 6 is an exploded rear isometric view of the latch device. FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the latch system in the latch release position. FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of the latch system shown in FIG. 4 in a latched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a front pin latch device. FIG. 6 is an exploded rear isometric view of the front pin latch device. FIG. 3 is a front side isometric view of the front pin latch system in a first position. FIG. 9 is a front side isometric view of the front pin latch system shown in FIG. 8 between a first position and a second position. FIG. 9 is a front side isometric view of the front pin latch system shown in FIG. 8 in a second position. FIG. 11 is an enlarged isometric side view of the detail A shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the interlock assembly of the front pin latch device in a first position. FIG. 13 is a side isometric view showing the interlock assembly of the front pin latch device shown in FIG. 12 in a second position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a latch device. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a latch system in an unlatched position. FIG. 15B is a rear isometric view showing an alternate embodiment of the latch system shown in FIG. 15A in the unlatched position. FIG. 15B is a partial rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system shown in FIG. 15A in the unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a latch system in a partially latched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system in the latched position. FIG. 17B is a rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system shown in FIG. 17A in the latched position. FIG. 17B is a rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system shown in FIG. 17A in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a partial rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view showing a second alternative embodiment of a latching device in an unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view showing a second alternative embodiment of the latch system in the unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view showing a second alternative embodiment of the latching device in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view showing a second alternative embodiment of the latch system in the latched position. FIG. 20 is a rear isometric view of the second alternative embodiment of the latch system shown in FIG. 19B in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a latch device. FIG. 21 is an exploded rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch device shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a latch system in an unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a latching system in a partially unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the latch system in the latched position. FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of a front pin latch device. FIG. 27 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the front pin latch device shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is an exploded front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the front pin latch device shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 6 is a front isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a front pin latch system in an unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of a front pin latch system in a partially unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of a front pin latch system in a partially unlatched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of a front pin latch system in a latched position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of an interlock assembly of an alternative embodiment of the front pin latch device.

  Various self-latching container latch systems for use in a container chassis are described herein. With such a system, empty containers, filled containers, or partially filled containers can be automatically latched and unlatched with respect to the container chassis as follows. In the figures, like reference numerals all denote like structures.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the container chassis 50 features two container latch systems described herein for securing the container 52. The latch device 100 having the connectors 106 a and 106 b is provided on the rear portion 50 a of the chassis 50. Each bottom surface of the two rear corner castings 52a-1, 52a-2 of the container 52 has a rectangular hole 53a (shown in FIG. 5) that receives the connectors 106a, 106b in the unlatched position. A front pin latch device 150 having a front pin 160 is provided on the front portion 50 b of the container chassis 50. Each front surface of the two front corner castings 52b-1 and 52b-2 of the container 52 has a hole 53b (shown in FIG. 8) for receiving the front pin 160. Latch device 100 and front pin latch device 150 are described in more detail below.

  The container chassis 50 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 may have a length of, for example, 40 to 53 feet (13.1 to 16.2 meters). A 20-foot long container chassis (not shown) may use a latching device 100, described below, or alternative latching devices 200, 250 at the rear and / or front.

Latch device 100
An exemplary latch device 100 for automatically securing the container 52 to the container chassis 50 is shown in FIG. The latch device 100 includes a first latch system 101a and a second latch system 101b disposed in proximity to two corners of the front or rear of the container chassis 50, and the first and second latch systems 101a and 101b. With an interlock assembly 108 operably coupled to the device. When the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 as shown in FIG. 1, each rear corner casting 52a causes the first and second actuators 102a, 102b of the first and second latch systems 101a, 101b, respectively. When pressed, the first and second connectors 106a and 106b move from the latch release position shown in FIG. 4 to the latch position shown in FIG.

  More specifically, when the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the operating devices 102a and 102b of the first and second latch systems 101a and 101b are operated, and the link mechanisms 104a and 104b are connected to the connector 106a. , 106b are respectively moved, and the container 52 is automatically fixed to the container chassis 50. In the latched position, the connectors 106 a, 106 b prevent the container 52 from moving away from the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 108 is configured to perform a fail-safe operation so that the fixed state of the container 52 with respect to the container chassis 50 is maintained by the first and second latch systems 101a and 101b.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connectors 106a and 106b may be twist locks. Other connection means such as bolts, latches, or pins may be used. Similarly, the actuation devices 102a, 102b in the exemplary embodiment seen in FIG. 2 may be plungers, although other actuation means are envisioned. Examples of possible non-powered mechanical means include, but are not limited to, plunger levers, switches, lever arms, drive bars, and buttons. Also, automatic drive mechanical means such as an air solenoid, an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder may be used.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary latch device 100 is shown in an exploded view. The first and second latch systems 101a and 101b of the latch device 100 include actuators 102a and 102b, link mechanisms 104a and 104b, and connectors 106a and 106b, respectively. The link mechanisms 104a and 104b in this example include lever links 110a and 110b, pivots 114a and 114b, fasteners 112a and 112b, structures 115a and 115b, fasteners 123a and 123b, connector links 122a and 122b, respectively. Arms 124a and 124b, fasteners 125a and 125b, bolts 129a and 129b, springs 116a and 116b, spring housings 117a and 117b, and brackets 118a-1 and 118a-2 are provided. The interlock assembly 108 in this example includes an actuating device 134, first and second pivots 140a, 140b, first and second structures 141a, 141b, and first and second arms 138a, 138b. , Spring 133, first and second rods 136a, 136b, first and second guides 142a, 142b, first and second stop bolts 144a, 144b, and first and second structures. 146a, 146b, first and second bolts 147a, 147b, and first and second bolts 148a, 148b. The actuating device 134 is a vertical plate 137 having first and second protrusions 135a and 135b extending horizontally.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the actuation device 102 is disposed on the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. In particular, the actuator 102 extends through and through the top surface 54 of the container chassis 50 when the connector 106 is in the unlatched position. Actuator 102 is flush with top surface 54 of container chassis 50 when connector 106 is in the latched position. As described above, the connector 106 is located on another surface 132 higher than the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The connector 106 includes a head 128 disposed above another surface 132 of the container chassis 50 and a shaft 126 extending through the top surface 54 and the other surface 132 of the container chassis 50. The link mechanism 104 is disposed below the upper surface 54.

  As best seen in FIG. 5, the corner casting 52 a includes an opening 53 a that receives the connector 106 on its bottom surface 56. Another surface 132 has a height corresponding to the thickness of the bottom surface 56 of the rear corner casting 52a. Actuator 102 is dimensioned such that connector 106 enters opening 53a prior to actuation of actuator 102.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the link mechanism 104 converts the vertical movement of the actuator 102 into the rotational movement of the connector 106 when the actuator 102 is operated by placing the container 52 on the container chassis 50. . In the illustrated example, the connector 106 includes a twist lock that rotates approximately 90 degrees when the actuating device 102 is actuated.

  More specifically, the first end portion 110-1 of the lever link 110 is connected to a pivot 114 attached to a structure 115 welded to the back side of the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 opposite to the first end 110-1 is connected to the first end 122-1 of the connector link 122 by the fastener 123, and is capable of rotational movement. is there.

  Similarly, the fastener 125 connects the second end 122-2 of the connector link 122 to the arm 124. The arm 124 is fixed to the cylindrical shaft 126 and extends horizontally. The arm 124 may be welded to the shaft 126 or may be formed of the same type as the shaft 126. Referring back to FIG. 3, the shaft 126 is coupled to the shaft 127 of the connector 106 via a bolt 129 such that the shaft 126 and the shaft 127 have a common axis.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the spring 116 of the linkage 104 is biased to resist movement of the lever link 110. The spring 116 is disposed in the spring housing 117 between the second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 and the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50. The bracket 118a may be attached to the outer surface 118 and receive the spring 116.

  In the unlatched position shown in FIG. 4, the actuating device 102 is disposed on the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50 and the spring 116 biases the lever link 110 away from the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50. Actuator 102 engages lever link 110 by fastener 112. Specifically, when the actuation device 102 is depressed, the lever link 110 rotates about the pivot 114 in the direction of the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50 to resist the bias of the spring 116, thereby causing the connector 106 moves from the latch release position shown in FIG. 4 to the latch position shown in FIG.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the interlock assembly 108 can perform a fail-safe operation so that the first and second latch systems 101 a and 101 b maintain the fixed state of the container 52 with respect to the container chassis 50. For example, when non-uniform lift occurs due to cornering during transport or improper removal of the container, the interlock assembly 108 acts like a spring-loaded latch, bringing the latch systems 101a, 101b into the latched position. To maintain. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the actuating device 134 is actuated, and the interlock mechanism 132 moves the first and second rods 136a and 136b to the first and second latch systems 101a and 101b, respectively. Move towards. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 134 of the interlock assembly 108 is spaced from the actuators 102a, 102b of the first and second latch systems 101a, 101b, respectively. The rods 136a, 136b may be flat rods or plates, round rods, squares or rods having other geometric cross sections.

  FIG. 2 shows the first and second latch systems 101a, 101b positioned proximate to the two front or rear corners of the container chassis 50. FIG. The actuating device 134 is disposed on the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50, and the interlock mechanism 132 is disposed below the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The first and second rods 136a, 136b extend from the interlock mechanism 132 to the first and second latch systems 101a, 101b, respectively. The first and second rods 136a, 136b are in a first position when the actuating device 134 is not actuated and are in a second position when the actuating device 134 is actuated.

  The interlock mechanism 132 converts the vertical motion of the actuation device 134 into the horizontal motion of the first and second rods 136a and 136b when the actuation device 134 is actuated by placing the container 52 on the container chassis 50. . The interlock mechanism 132 includes a spring 133, first and second arms 138a and 138b, and first and second pivots 140a and 140b. A spring 133 disposed between the bottom surface 59 of the container chassis 50 and the actuating device 134 is biased to resist the movement of the actuating device 134.

  With the first and second arms 138a and 138b, the plate 137 of the actuating device 134 is moved to the first ends 136a-1 and 136b-1 of the first and second rods 136a and 136b as shown in FIG. Each is connected. The arms 138a and 138b rotate around first and second pivots 140a and 140b fixed to the first and second structures 141a and 141b attached to the back side of the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50, respectively. To do. Also, the arms 138a and 138b are operably connected to the actuator 134 such that when the actuator 134 moves downward, the arms 138a and 138b rotate about the pivots 140a and 140b, respectively. Arms 138a, 138b are also connected to first ends 136a-1, 136b-1 of first and second rods 136a, 136b, respectively, such that arms 138a, 138b move about pivots 140a, 140b. As a result, the rods 136a and 136b move outward toward the latch systems 101a and 101b, respectively.

  In particular, the plate 137 of the actuator 134 includes first and second protrusions 135a, 135b that extend horizontally from the plate and move vertically with the actuator 134. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second protrusions 135a, 135b are pins that are extruded horizontally from the plate 137. The first and second cutouts 139a and 139b along the inner surfaces of the arms 138a and 138b receive the first and second protrusions 135a and 135b, respectively. The first and second protrusions 135a and 135b communicate with the first and second arms 138a and 138b, more specifically, the first and second cutouts 139a and 139b. Accordingly, the actuating device 134 can move vertically, and the first and second arms 138a and 138b rotate around the first and second pivots 140a and 140b, respectively.

  As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end 136-2 of the rod 136 of the interlock assembly 108 is associated with the latch system 101. A guide 142 having a slot 143 is coupled to the second end 136-2 of the rod 136. The slot 143 receives a bolt 147 connected to a structure 146 attached to the container chassis 50 or otherwise fixed. As the latch system 101 moves between the unlatched position (see FIG. 4) and the latched position (see FIG. 5), the bolt 147 moves along the slot 143.

  The stop bolt 144 also moves with the second end 136-2 of the rod 136 between a latch release position (see FIG. 4) and a latch position (see FIG. 5). The plate 149 fixed to the lever link 110 is positioned adjacent to the stop bolt 144. The rod 136 and lever link 110 are spaced between a latched position and an unlatched position so that the spacing 145 is maintained between the stop bolt 144 of the rod 136 and the plate 149 of the lever link 110 during normal use. Always move at the same time. When the link mechanism 104 cannot maintain the lever link 110 in the latched position, the stop bolt 144 prevents the lever link 110 from moving so that the lever link 110 is held in place against the spring 116. , The spacing 145 disappears and the connector 106 remains in the latched position.

  A second bolt 148 secured to the structure 146 provides a second link for the lever link 110 when the latch system 101 moves between the unlatched position (see FIG. 4) and the latched position (see FIG. 5). The end portion 110-2 is positioned so as to swing toward and away from the second bolt 148. This second bolt 148 provides a surface that supports the lever link 110 when the latch system 101 is in the unlatched position.

  Next, the operation of the latch device 100 will be described. Referring again to FIG. 4, the latch system 101 is shown in the unlatched position. Actuator 102 extends from top surface 54 of chassis 50. As shown in FIG. 5, when the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the actuation device 102 is pushed along the path A. When the actuating device 102 is depressed, the second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 moves along path B, and the second end 122-2 of the connector link 122 moves along path C. To do. As the second end 122-2 of the connector link 122 moves, the arm 124 and connector 106 rotate along path D to the latched position.

  When the container 52 is detached from the chassis 50, the spring 116 pushes the lever link 110 toward the center of the chassis 50. By this operation, the connector link 122 and the arm 124 move away from the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50, and the connector 106 rotates to the unlatched position.

  When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 in this way, the interlock assembly 108 is moved from the first position (partially shown in FIG. 4) to the second position (partially shown in FIG. 5). ) When the actuating device 134 is depressed, the first and second arms 138a, 138b move the first and second rods 136a, 136b toward the first and second latch systems 101a, 101b, respectively. When the container 52 is detached from the chassis 50, the actuating device 134 is raised by the spring 133, so that the rods 136 a and 136 b move horizontally away from the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50.

Front pin latch device 150
Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary front pin latch device 150 for automatically securing the container 52 to the container chassis 50 is shown. The front pin latch device 150 includes a first front pin latch system 151 a and a second front pin latch system 151 b disposed proximate to the two front corners of the container chassis 50. In this example, the front pin latch systems 151a, 151b move between a first latch release position (shown in FIG. 8) and a second latch position (shown in FIG. 10), a shelf 154 (FIG. 8). And a pin 160. As shown in FIG. 1, when the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50, the shelf 154 receives the corner casting 52b of the container 52, and the pin 160 is inside the corner casting opening 53b (shown in FIG. 8) of the corner casting 52b. The container 52 is fixed to the container chassis 50 by moving downward so as to extend outward.

  More specifically, when the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the shelf 154 moves, and the link mechanism 162 moves the pin 160 so that the container 52 is automatically fixed to the container chassis 50 by the pin 160. Move. The pin 160 limits the movement of the container 52 between the corner casting 52b and the container chassis 50 so that the container 52 is automatically secured to the container chassis 50 by each front pin latch system 151.

  In this example, the front pin latch device 150 also includes an interlock assembly 152 operably coupled to the first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b. The interlock assembly 152 is configured to perform a fail-safe operation so that the first and second front pin latch systems 151a and 151b maintain the fixed state of the container 52 with respect to the container chassis 50.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the front pin latch systems 151a, 151b secure the container 52 to the container chassis 50 using pins 160a, 160b. Other connection means such as screws or latches may be used. Similarly, the exemplary container chassis 50 of FIG. 6 includes a first insert 158a and a second insert 158b with first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b mounted therein, respectively. One skilled in the art can also attach the front pin latch systems 151a, 151b directly to the container chassis 50 without the need for inserts 158 or other independent components.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, the front pin latch device 150 is shown in an exploded view. The first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b are attached to the first and second inserts 158a, 158b, respectively, and the inserts 158a, 158b each fit in two opposite corners of the container chassis 50. Dimensions. The inserts 158a, 158b may be welded into the container chassis 50 or otherwise secured. In this exemplary embodiment, the front pin latch systems 151a, 151b include shelves 154a, 154b, pins 160a, 160b, and linkages 162a, 162b. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the link mechanisms 162a and 162b include links 166a and 166b, springs 172a and 172b, plates 174a and 174b, and spring housings 176a and 176b. In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 152 includes a rod 182, a first tab 184a adjacent to the first front pin latch system 151a, and a second adjacent to the second front pin latch system 151b. 2 tabs 184b.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the shelf 154 is configured to move vertically on the outer surface 156 of the insert 158. The shelf 154 and the insert 158 have adjacent openings 155 and 159, respectively. The pin 160 is positioned within the container chassis 50 relative to the shelf 154 and is configured to move horizontally through adjacent openings 155, 159. The pins 160 are also configured to move vertically with the shelf 154 while the container 52 is mounted on the container chassis 50. Therefore, the pin 160 enters the corner casting opening 53b when the shelf 154 moves downward. The link mechanism 162 is disposed on the inner surface 157 of the insert 158.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the shelf 154 is in the first position when the container 52 is not stacked on the container chassis 50. The shelf 154 is in the second position when the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 as shown in FIG. As the shelf 154 moves from the first position to the second position, the pins 160 extend outward from the container chassis 50. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the pin 160 moves vertically and horizontally between a first position and a second position.

  In this embodiment, the linkage 162 is operable on the shelf 154 and the pin 160 to convert the vertical movement of the shelf 154 to the horizontal movement of the pin 160 while the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50. Connected. The plate 174 of the linkage 162 disposed on the inner surface 157 of the insert 158 is configured to move vertically with the shelf 154. The perforated portion 173 of the plate 174 maintains the vertical position of the pin 160 as the pin 160 moves vertically with the plate 174. The pin 160 also moves horizontally between the first position and the second position through the perforation 173. The horizontal movement of the pin 160 is performed by the link 166 of the link mechanism 162 while the shelf 154 moves.

  As best shown in FIG. 11, the link 166 of the linkage 162 rotates about a pivot 168 that is attached, welded, or otherwise secured to a portion 170 of the insert 158. The opposite end of link 166 is operably connected to pin 160. The link 166 is dimensioned such that when the shelf 154 moves downward, the link 166 rotates about the pivot 168 and the pin 160 moves horizontally through the adjacent openings 155, 159 of the shelf 154 and insert 158. To position.

  As best seen in FIG. 8, the linkage 162 also includes a spring 172 that is biased to resist movement of the shelf 154. The spring 172 biases the shelf 154 to the first position as shown in FIG. The spring housing 176 is fixed to the plate 174. The spring 172 is compressed between the cover 178 (see FIG. 9) of the spring housing 176 and the bottom surface 59 of the container chassis 50.

  Referring back to FIG. 7, the interlock assembly 152 performs a fail-safe operation so that the first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b maintain the container 52 secured to the container chassis 50. Can do. The rod 182 extends between the first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b. First and second tabs 184a, 184b are coupled to rod 182 and are positioned proximate to first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b, respectively. Tabs 184a, 184b may be secured to rod 182 by bolting, pinning, or any suitable method. The rod 182 may also be a round rod, a flat rod or plate, a square or other rod having a geometric cross section.

  As seen in FIG. 12, the tab 184 has a cam surface 186 adjacent to the front pin latch system 151 that follows the operation of the front pin latch system 151 while the container 52 is mounted on the container chassis 50. . The tab 184 is disposed at the first position before the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50. FIG. 13 shows the tab 184 placed in the second position after the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50. The rod 182 and the tabs 184a, 184b move between the first position and the second position as the first and second shelves 154a, 154b of the first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b move. Rotate between.

  More specifically, the hook portion 188 of the tab 184 is disposed in contact with the plate 174 of the front pin latch system 151 in the first position shown in FIG. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 and the plate 174 moves downward, the plate 174 contacts the cam surface 186 of the tab 184, thereby rotating the tab 184 and the rod 182 connected thereto. In the second position shown in FIG. 13, the hook portion 188 of the tab 184 receives the upper edge 175 of the plate 174. With the first and second tabs 184a, 184b in the second position, the first and second front pin latch systems 151a, 151b, respectively, are arranged such that the container 52 remains secured to the container chassis 50. A fail safe is performed to maintain the positions of the first and second pins 160a and 160b.

  Next, the operation of the front pin latch device 150 will be described. Referring to FIG. 8, the shelf 154 of each front pin latch system 151 is in the first position before the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50. The pin 160 is in a state of being disposed in the insert 158. When the corner casting 52b of the container 52 is placed on the shelf 154, the shelf 154 moves downward to the second position. By moving in this way, the link 166 pushes the pin 160 outward from the insert 158 as shown in FIG. When the shelf 154 reaches the lowest position as shown in FIG. 10, the pins 160 extend completely from the shelf 154 into the opening 53b of the corner casting 52b.

  Also, as the shelves 154a, 154b of the front pin latch systems 151a, 151b move downward, the interlock assembly 152 moves between a first position and a second position. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 and the plate 174 of the front pin latch system 151 moves downward, the plate 174 contacts the cam surface 186 of the tab 184 so that the tab 184 rotates. The hook portion 188 of the tab 184 captures the upper edge 175 of the plate 174 and prevents upward movement of the plate 174 and the front pin latch system 151 connected thereto.

  When the container 52 is disengaged from the container chassis 50, the springs 172 of each of the front pin latch systems 151 bias the plate 174 and the shelf 154 upward so that the link 166 rotates about the pivot 168. As link 166 rotates, pin 160 moves horizontally into insert 158. Also, as the plate 174 moves upward, the cam surface 186 of the tab 184 rotates away from the plate 174 so that the spring 172 resists the upper edge 175 of the plate 174 against the hook portion 188 of the tab 184. So that it can be energized.

Latch device 200
Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative embodiment latch device 200 is provided. In this embodiment, the latch device 200 includes a first latch system 201a and a second latch system 201b that are spaced apart from each of the two rear corners of the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 202 is located between the first and second latch systems 201a, 201b. When the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 (see FIG. 17B), the actuating device 204 (see FIG. 15A) of each latch system 201 is pushed down by each rear corner casting 52a. When the actuating device 204 is depressed, the latch 206 moves between the unlatched position of FIG. 15A and the latched position of FIG. 17A so that the container 52 is secured to the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 202 seen in FIG. 14 performs a fail-safe operation to ensure that the first and second latches 206a, 206b of the first and second latch systems 201a, 201b, respectively, remain in the latched position.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, each latch system 201 includes an actuator 204, a latch 206 (see FIG. 15C) located in the latch housing 207, and a link mechanism 208. In this example, the link mechanism 208 includes a structure 210, a link 212 that rotates about a link pivot 214, a spring 216, and a plate 218. In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 202 includes a rod 220, a first tab 222a adjacent to the first latch system 201a, and a second tab 222b adjacent to the second latch system 201b. Prepare. FIG. 15B shows the latch system 201 from another point of view.

  In the exemplary embodiment, actuator 204 is the upper surface 224 of box 226 that receives structure 210 of linkage 208. The structure 210 extends through the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. Referring to FIG. 15C, the inner surface 230 of the box 226 has an inverted U-shape that extends downward on either side of the link 212 of the linkage 208. As shown in FIG. 15A, the plate 218 is mounted or otherwise secured to the bottom surface 59 of the container chassis 50. Guide slots 232 in plate 218 receive extensions 234 of structure 210 and further control movement of structure 210 between the latched and unlatched positions. Finally, the structure 210 also includes a bottom surface 228 that is parallel to the top surface 224 of the box 226 and is biased by the spring 216.

  The latch housing 207 is disposed above the box 226 of the structure 210. The latch 206 extends through the box 226 and rotates about a latch pivot 236 mounted in the latch housing 207. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 and the structure 210 moves downward, the latch housing 207, the actuating device 204, and the structure 210 move downward.

  The link mechanism 208 converts the vertical movement of the actuator 204 into a rotational movement of the latch 206 about the latch pivot 236. The link 212 of the link mechanism 208 is operably connected to a link pivot 214 fixed to the container chassis 50. Link 212 is operably coupled to latch 206 at the opposite end. As best seen in FIG. 15C, the inner surface 230 of the box 226 straddles the link 212 at the midpoint of the link 212. The spring 216 biases the actuator 204 to resist the container 52 from being placed on the container chassis 50. When the actuator 204 is activated (ie, the box 226 moves downward), the link 212 rotates about the link pivot 214 and the latch 206 rotates about the latch pivot 236 to the latched position (see FIG. 17A). ).

  As seen in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, the actuator 204 is disposed above the top surface 54 of the container chassis 50 in the unlatched position.

  FIG. 16 shows a latch system 201 that moves between a latched position and an unlatched position. The extension 234 of the structure 210 is at an intermediate point in the guide slot 232 of the plate 218, and the latch 206 extends partially from the latch housing 207.

  Referring to FIG. 17A, the latch system 201 is shown in the latched position. The actuating device 204 is level with the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The latch 206 extends completely from the latch housing 207.

  Referring again to FIG. 14, the interlock assembly 202 operates similarly to the interlock assembly 152 of the front pin latch device 150. The rod 220 of the interlock assembly 202 has first and second tabs 222a, 222b located adjacent to the first and second latch systems 201a, 201b, respectively. As the first and second actuating devices 204a, 204b of the first and second latch systems 201a, 201b move, the rod 220 and tabs 222a, 222b move to the unlatched position shown in FIG. 15C and the latch shown in FIG. 17A. Rotate between positions. In the latched position, the first and second tabs 222a, 222b are connected to extensions 234a, 234b, and so that the latches 206a, 206b are held in the latched position and the container 52 remains secured to the container chassis 50. Maintain the position of the other parts of the latched system 201a, 201b. The rod 220 may be a flat rod or plate, a round rod, a square or other rod having a geometric cross section.

  More specifically, the hook portion 221 of the tab 222 is disposed in contact with the extension 234 of the structure 210 of each of the latch systems 201a and 201b in the latch release position shown in FIG. 15C. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 and the structure 210 moves downward, the extension 234 pushes the lower surface 223 of the tab 222, thereby rotating the tab 222. In the latched position shown in FIG. 17A, the hook portion 221 of the tab 222 receives the upper edge 235 of the extension 234. The interlock rod 220 extends through the tabs 222a and 222b. The rod 220 and the tabs 222a, 222b may be welded together or formed from the same mold, and the tab is bolted to the rod.

  Next, the operation of the latch device 200 will be described. 15A, 15B, and 15C show the latch system 201 in the unlatched position. In this example, the actuator 204 extends upward from the top surface of the container chassis and the latch 206 is within the latch housing 207. The tab hook 221 of the tab 222 is in contact with the extension 234. In FIG. 16, the latch system 201 is shown in a partially latched position. The latch housing 207 enters the hole 53a (shown in FIG. 17B) of the corner casting 52a, and the bottom surface of the corner casting 52a depresses the actuating device 204. When pressed in this manner, the link 212 of the linkage 208 rotates about the link pivot 214, whereby the latch 206 rotates about the latch pivot 236 and extends from the latch housing 207. Also, when pressed in this manner, the extension 234 of the structure 210 of the latch system 201 moves downward and contacts the lower surface 223 of the tab 222 so that the tab 222 and the rod 220 connected thereto rotate. To do. Referring to the latch position shown in FIGS. 17A-D, the latch 206 extends completely from the latch housing 207 and the actuator 204 is fully depressed. The tab hook 221 of the tab 222 captures the upper edge 235 of the extension 234 and prevents upward movement of the extension 234 and the latch system 201 connected thereto.

Latch device 250
Referring to FIG. 18A, another alternative embodiment latch device 250 is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the latch device 250 includes a first latch system 251a and a second latch system 251b spaced apart from each of the two rear corners of the container chassis 50; Bar 252 extending between the latch systems 251a, 251b and an interlock assembly 254 located below the rod. When the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 (see FIG. 19C), the container 52 depresses the first actuator 256a and the second actuator 256b of the first and second latch systems 251a and 251b, respectively. The When the actuating devices 256a, 256b are depressed, the first and second latches 258a, 258b move between the unlatched position of FIG. 18A and the latched position of FIG. 19A so that the container 52 is secured to the container chassis 50. Move between. In this embodiment, the interlock assembly 254 performs a fail-safe operation to ensure that the first and second latches 258a, 258b of the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b respectively remain in the latched position.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the bar 252 includes a flat bar or plate, although in other embodiments, a rod having a curved, square, or any geometric cross section may be used.

  Referring to FIG. 18A, each of the latch systems 251a, 251b includes an actuator 256, a linkage 260, and a latch 258 (see FIG. 19A) disposed on a latch pivot (not shown) in the latch housing 262. . In this example, the link mechanism 260 includes a link 264, a spring 266, and a structure 268. In this example, the interlock assembly 254 includes first and second arms 270a, 270b, first and second plates 272a, 272b, first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b, And second guides 276a and 276b.

  The first and second actuators 256a, 256b are located along the rear of the container chassis 50 and spaced from each other and from the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, the first and second actuators 256a, 256b include a rear portion 60 of the container chassis 50 and first and second main beams 62a, 62b extending vertically from the rear portion 60, respectively. Are located at the junctions 58a and 58b.

  As seen in FIG. 18B, the linkage 260 of the latch system 251 converts the vertical motion of the actuator 256 into a rotational motion of the latch 258 about the latch pivot. The first and second actuators 256a, 256b extend upward from the bar 252 such that when the actuators 256a, 256b move downward, the bar 252 moves downward. The first and second links 264a, 264b of each of the first and second link mechanisms 260a, 260b are operatively connected to the first and second structures 268a, 268b, respectively, at opposite ends of the bar 252. . The first and second links 264a, 264b are also operatively coupled to the first and second latches 258a, 258b of the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b, respectively.

  A spring 266 in each of the latch systems 251a, 251b disposed between the bar 252 and the bottom surface 56 of the container chassis 50 biases the actuator 256 to resist placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50. To do. As each actuator 256 is actuated (ie, the bar 252 moves downward), the latch 258 rotates about the latch pivot to the latched position (see FIG. 19A). Bar 252 extends through first and second rod guides 280a, 280b adjacent to first and second latch systems 251a, 251b, respectively, and movement of bar 252 is controlled.

  FIG. 19A shows the latch device 250 in the latched position. Actuator 256 is depressed against top surface 54 of container chassis 50 and latch 258 extends completely from latch housing 262. Actuator 256 is depressed by the movement of the cross brace between the bottom or corner casting 52a-1, 52a-2 of container 52. The operation of latch system 251 is described in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIG. 18A, the interlock assembly 254 works with the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b. The first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b are located adjacent to each other and move horizontally in the opposite direction through the first and second guides 276a, 276b. At the first ends of the first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b, the first and second arms 270a, 270b connect the first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b to the bar 252 respectively. To do. At the second ends of the first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b, the first and second plates 272a, 272b are secured adjacent to the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b, respectively. The Each plate 272a, 272b has a notch 273 sized to receive one of the first and second protrusions 278a, 278b extending horizontally from the bar 252. As the bar 252 moves downward, the first and second arms 270a, 270b move the first and second interlock rods 274a, 274b toward the first and second latch systems 251a, 251b, respectively. . The first and second cutouts 273a and 273b of the first and second plates 272a and 272b respectively latch the first and second protrusions 278a and 278b of the bar 252 at the latch positions as shown in FIG. 19A. receive. As the plates 272a and 272b are interlocked with the protrusions 278a and 278b, the bar 252 is restricted from moving in any direction, thereby securely fixing the container 50 to the container chassis 52.

  Next, the operation of the latch system 251 will be described. 18A and 18B show the latch system 251 in the unlatched position. In this configuration, the actuator 256 extends upward and the latch 258 is in the latch housing 262. The spring 266 pushes the bar 252 upward. In the latched position of FIG. 19C, the latch housing 262 enters the hole 53a of the corner casting 52a, and the bottom surface 56 of the rear 52a of the container 52 depresses the actuator 256. When the actuating device 256 is depressed, the bar 252 moves downward, the linkage 260 is actuated, and the latch 258 extends from the latch housing 262. When pressed in this manner, the arm 270 moves downward and pushes each interlock rod 274 outward toward the latch system 251. Referring to the latch position shown in FIGS. 19A-C, the latch 258 extends completely from the latch housing 262 and the actuator 256 is fully depressed. When the plate 272 is engaged with the protrusion 278, the upward movement of the bar 252 is prevented.

Latch device 300
Referring to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment latch device 300 is provided. Similar to the latch device 100, the latch device 300 includes a first latch system 301 a and a second latch system 301 b that are spaced apart from each of the two rear corners of the container chassis 50. An interlock assembly 308 is located between the first and second latch systems 301a, 301b. When the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 17B), the actuator 302 of each latch system 301 is depressed by each rear corner casting 52a. When the actuating devices 302a and 302b are pressed, the first and second connectors 306a and 306b move from the latch release position shown in FIG. 22 to the latch position shown in FIG. Similar to the connector 106 of the latch system 101, the connector 306 of the latch system 301 is disposed on another surface 132 above the top surface 54 of the container chassis 50.

  More specifically, when the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the operation devices 302a and 302b of the first and second latch systems 301a and 301b are operated, and the link mechanisms 304a and 304b are connected to the connectors 306a and 304b. Each of the containers 306b is moved to automatically fix the container 52 to the container chassis 50. In the latched position, the connectors 306a, 306b prevent movement of the container 52 away from the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 308 is configured to perform a fail-safe operation so that the fixed state of the container 52 with respect to the container chassis 50 is maintained by the first and second latch systems 301a and 301b.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, the connectors 306a and 306b may be twist locks. Other connection means such as bolts, latches, or pins may be used. Similarly, the actuating devices 302a, 302b in the exemplary embodiment may be plungers, but other actuating means are envisioned. Examples of possible non-powered mechanical means include, but are not limited to, plunger levers, switches, lever arms, drive bars, and buttons. Also, automatic drive mechanical means such as an air solenoid, an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder may be used.

  Referring now to FIG. 21, an exemplary latch device 300 is shown in an exploded view. The first and second latch systems 301a and 301b of the latch device 300 include actuators 302a and 302b, link mechanisms 304a and 304b, and connectors 306a and 306b, respectively. The link mechanisms 304a and 304b in this example include lever links 310a and 310b that rotate about pivots 314a and 314b, plates 315a and 315b, springs 316a and 316b, fasteners 317a and 317b, and structures 318a and 318b, respectively. Connector links 322a, 322b, fasteners 323a, 323b, arms 324a, 324b connected to brackets 338a, 338b, fasteners 325a, 325b, casings 326a, 326b, bolts 329a, 329b, fasteners 339a, 339b. In this example, the interlock assembly 308 includes a bar 334, brackets 336 a and 336 b from which C-shaped portions 337 a and 337 b extend, and a bolt 312. Plates 315a, 315b include upper edges 348a, 348b that engage brackets 336a, 336b, described in more detail below.

  The latch system 301 performs the same function as the latch system 101, but the shape of the parts is different. Such differences allow different attachment methods to the container chassis 50 as required. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the structure 318 providing the pivot 314 is attached to the bottom surface 59 of the container chassis 50 by bolts, fasteners, or other suitable means. In contrast, the pivot 114 that is the center of rotation of the lever link 110 of the latch system 101 is provided by a structure 115 that is welded or otherwise secured to the back side of the top surface 54 of the container chassis 50 as shown in FIG. Is done.

  The components of the latch system 301 also allow for different manufacturing methods that are unique to each component. For example, the bracket 338 includes two opposing sides 344 having aligned through holes that receive the casing 326. Fastener 339 extends through the through hole and securely fixes bracket 338 to casing 326. The arm 324 also extends horizontally from the bottom of the bracket 338 so that the rotation of the arm 324 is converted to the rotation of the connector 306.

  Referring to FIG. 22, as the actuator 302 moves, the lever link 310 rotates about a pivot 314 attached to the structure 318. Specifically, the lever link 310 includes a pin 342 that extends horizontally through an opening 346 in a plate 315 fixed to the actuator 302. When the lever link 310 rotates, the connector link 322 moves horizontally, and the arm 324 and the bracket 338, the casing 326, and the connector 306 fixed to the casing 326 rotate around the central axis.

  FIG. 23 shows the operation of the actuator 302, link mechanism 304, and connector 306 when the actuator 302 is partially moved downward. When the actuator 302 moves downward, the structure 318 moves downward, and the lever link 310 rotates around the pivot 314. The spring 316 is disposed between the extension 313 of the structure 318 and the extension 311 of the lever link 310 so as to be biased against the movement of the lever link 310. FIG. 24 shows the latch system 301 in the latched position.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the latch device 300 includes a limit switch 340 that detects whether the latch system 301 is latched or unlatched and informs the driver of the state by an indicator light (not shown). May be. During operation, limit switch 340 may monitor the operation of actuator 302, linkage 304, or connector 306.

  Referring again to FIGS. 21-24, the interlock assembly 308 of the latch device 300 operates similarly to the interlock assembly 152 of the front pin latch device 150. Bolts 312 that extend through structure 318 provide a pivot that is the center of rotation of bracket 336. When the actuating device 302 moves downward, the operation of the C-shaped portion 337 cooperates with the operation of the plate 315. Specifically, when the plate 315 moves downward, the bar 334 rotates around the bolt 312 and the C-shaped portion 337 is hooked on the upper edge portion 348 of the plate 315. Also, in this embodiment, the bar 334 includes a flat bar or plate, but in other embodiments, a rod having a curved, square, or any geometric cross section may be used. The cross-sectional size and dimensions of the bar can be adjusted based on load requirements. For example, the larger the cross-sectional area, the larger the support.

  Next, the operation of the latch device 300 will be described. FIG. 22 shows the latch system 301 in the unlatched position. In this example, the actuator 302 extends upward from the top surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The C-shaped part of the bracket 336 is in contact with the plate 315. In FIG. 24, the latch system 301 is shown in a partially latched position. The connector 306 enters the hole 53a (see FIG. 17B) of the corner casting 52a, and the bottom surface 56 of the corner casting 52a pushes the actuator 302. When pressed in this manner, the lever link 310 of the link mechanism 304 rotates about the pivot 314 and the connector 306 rotates. Referring to the latched position shown in FIG. 25, the connector 306 is fully rotated within the corner casting 52a and the actuator 302 is fully depressed. The bracket 336 of the interlock assembly 308 captures the edge 348 of the plate 315 of the linkage 304 and prevents upward movement of the plate 315.

Front pin latch device 350
Referring to FIG. 26, an alternative embodiment front pin latch device 350 for automatically securing the container 52 to the container chassis 50 is shown. Similar to the previously described front pin latch device 150, the front pin latch device 350 includes a first front pin latch system 351a disposed proximate to the two front corners of the container chassis 50 and a second front pin latch system. Part pin latch system 351b. In this example, the front pin latch systems 351a, 351b move between a first latch release position (shown in FIG. 29) and a second latch position (shown in FIG. 32), respectively, shelves 354a, 354b. And a pin 360 (shown in FIG. 32). As shown in FIG. 1, when the container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50, the shelf 354 receives the corner casting 52b of the container 52, and the pin 360 is in the corner casting opening 53b (see FIG. 8) of the corner casting 52b. The container 52 is fixed to the container chassis 50 by moving downward so as to extend outward.

  When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50, the shelf 354 moves, and the link mechanism 362 moves the pin 360 so that the container 52 is automatically fixed to the container chassis 50 by the pin 360. The pins 360 limit movement between the corner casting 52b of the container 52 and the container chassis 50 so that each front pin latch system 351 automatically secures the container 52 to the container chassis 50. In this example, the front pin latch device 350 also includes an interlock assembly 352 operably coupled to the first and second front pin latch systems 351a, 351b. The interlock assembly 352 is configured to perform a fail-safe operation by the first and second front pin latch systems 351a, 351b so that the fixed state of the container 52 with respect to the container chassis 50 is maintained.

  The front pin latch device 350 operates in the same manner as the front pin latch device 150 described above, and uses alternative components to accomplish the above objectives. Such differences allow different attachment methods to the container chassis 50 as required.

  Referring to FIG. 28, the front pin latch device 350 is shown in an exploded view. The first and second front pin latch systems 351a and 351b include shelves 354a and 354b, pins 360a and 360b, and link mechanisms 362a and 362b, respectively. As shown in the example of FIG. 30, the link mechanisms 362a and 362b include links 366a and 366b, pin housings 368a and 368b, structures 370a and 370b, springs 372a and 372b, inner frames 374a and 374b, Frames 376a and 376b. In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 352 includes a bar 382, brackets 384a, 384b from which C-shaped portions 373a, 373b extend, and bolts 386a, 386b. The shelves 354a, 354b include upper edges 356a, 356b that engage brackets 384a, 384b, described in more detail below.

  As can be seen in FIG. 29, shelf 354, inner frame 374, and outer frame 376 allow for a secure fit of the parts and may be installed directly on the container chassis, if desired, without the need for inserts. More specifically, the shelf 354 includes a flat portion 355 that extends through the opening 377 of the outer frame 376. The inner frame 374 includes a flat part 375 disposed on the flat part 355 of the shelf 354. The flat portions 375 and 355 include tabs 378 and 357 extending vertically, respectively. Bolts 379 or other fasteners extend through tabs 378, 357, and frames 374, 376 are secured together.

  Referring to FIG. 30, as the shelf 354 moves downward, the inner frame 374 moves downward and the pin 360 moves horizontally through the pin housing 368. The shelf 354 moves downward along the outer frame 376. The spring 372 biases the flat portion 375 of the inner frame 374 and the flat portion 355 of the shelf 354 connected thereto so as to resist downward movement. FIG. 31 shows a state where the shelf 354 is in a further advanced latch position, and FIG. 32 shows a state where the shelf 354 is in the lowest latch position.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the structure 370 includes a notch 371 through which the bracket 384 of the interlock assembly 352 extends. Bolts 386 extending through structure 370 provide a pivot that is the center of rotation of bracket 384. When the shelf 354 moves downward, the bracket 384 and the bar 382 attached thereto rotate so that the C-shaped portion 373 is hooked on the upper edge portion 356 of the shelf 354. In the exemplary embodiment, bar 382 is a flat bar having a rectangular cross section. The cross-sectional size and dimensions of the bar can be adjusted based on load requirements. For example, the larger the cross-sectional area, the larger the support.

  Next, the operation of the front pin latch device 350 will be described. Referring to FIG. 29, the shelf 354 of each front pin latch system 351 is in the unlatched position before the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50. The pin 360 is arranged in the pin housing 368. When the corner casting 52b of the container 52 is placed on the shelf 354, the shelf 354 moves downward to the latch position. By moving in this manner, the link 366 pushes the pin 360 outward from the shelf 354 as seen in FIGS. When the shelf 354 reaches the lowest position shown in FIG. 32, the pin 360 extends completely from the shelf 354 into the opening 53b of the corner casting 52b.

  Also, as the shelves 354a, 354b of each of the front pin latch systems 351a, 351b move downward, the interlock assembly 352 moves between a first position and a second position. When the container 52 is placed on the container chassis 50 and the shelves 354a, 354b of the front pin latch systems 351a, 351b move downward, the brackets 384a, 384b rotate about the bolts 386a, 386b, respectively. The C-shaped portions 373a and 373b of the brackets 384a and 384b are respectively connected to the upper edges 356a of the shelves 354a and 354b when the shelves 354a and 354b are moved downward so as to prevent the shelves 354a and 354b from moving upward. 356b.

  When the container 52 is detached from the container chassis 50, the springs 372a, 372b of the front pin latch systems 351a, 351b respectively bias the shelves 354a, 354b upward and the links 366a, 366b are pins 360a, 360b, respectively. Are moved horizontally into the pin housings 368a, 368b, respectively. When the shelves 354a and 354b are moved upward, the brackets 384a and 384b are arranged so that the C-shaped portions 373a and 373b of the brackets 384a and 384b release the upper edges 356a and 356b of the shelves 354a and 354b, respectively. , Respectively, about the bolts 386a, 386b, so that the springs 372a, 372b can bias the upper edges 356a, 356b of the shelves 354a, 354b upward, respectively.

  This disclosure has been made exemplary so that those skilled in the art can make and use this disclosure, and the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. . The present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed, and all modifications, equivalents, and variations of the present disclosure that are possible from the above teachings and that can be ascertained by one skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of such claims. It is understood that All patents, patent publications, and other references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (31)

A front pin latch system for automatically securing a container to a container chassis,
A shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis and having an opening adjacent to the container chassis;
A pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent opening;
A link mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the container chassis and operably connected to the shelf and the pin;
The shelf moves when the container is placed on the container chassis, and the link mechanism moves the pin so that the container is automatically fixed to the container chassis by the pin. Pin latch system.   The front pin latch system of claim 1, wherein the container chassis comprises an insert to which the front pin latch system is attached.   The front pin latch system of claim 1, wherein the shelf receives a corner casting of the container chassis, the corner casting having a corner casting opening into which the pin enters when the shelf moves downward.   The front pin latch system of claim 3, wherein the pin restricts movement between the corner casting of the container and the container chassis.   The front pin latch system of claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism converts vertical movement of the shelf into horizontal movement of the pins while the container is mounted on the container chassis.   The shelf according to claim 5, wherein the shelf is in a first position when the container is not loaded on the container chassis, and is in a second position when the container is loaded on the container chassis. Front pin latch system.   The front pin latch system of claim 6, wherein the pins extend outward from the container chassis when the shelf is moved from the first position to the second position.   The front pin latch system of claim 7, wherein the pin is configured to move vertically with the shelf while the container is mounted on the container chassis.   The link mechanism includes a plate having a perforated portion disposed on an inner surface of the container chassis, the plate is configured to move vertically with the shelf, and the pin moves horizontally through the perforated portion. The front pin latch system of claim 6. The link mechanism further includes
A pivot attached to the container chassis;
A link having a first end coupled to the pin and a second end coupled to the pivot;
10. The front pin latch system of claim 9, wherein as the shelf moves, the pin moves as the link rotates about the pivot.   The front pin latch system of claim 6, wherein the linkage comprises a spring biased to resist movement of the shelf.   The front pin latch system of claim 11, wherein the spring biases the shelf to the first position.   The front pin latch system of claim 12, wherein the linkage further comprises a spring housing attached to the shelf, the spring being disposed between a cover of the spring housing and a bottom surface of the container chassis. .   The front pin latch system of claim 6, wherein the linkage further comprises a mating inner frame and an outer frame, the inner frame moving relative to the outer frame during operation. A front pin latch device for automatically securing a container to a container chassis,
First and second latching systems disposed proximate to the two corners of the container chassis, each automatically securing the container to the container chassis;
An interlock assembly operably coupled to the first and second latch systems, the interlock assembly having the container secured to the container chassis by the first and second latch systems. A front pin latch device configured to perform a fail-safe operation to be maintained.   16. The front portion of claim 15, wherein the container chassis comprises a first insert and a second insert, and the first and second latch systems are attached to the first and second inserts, respectively. Pin latch device. The interlock assembly is
A bar extending between the first and second latch systems;
A first tab and a second tab disposed proximate to the first and second latch systems, respectively, and coupled to the bar;
The first and second tabs are adjacent to the first and second latch systems, respectively, that follow the operation of the first and second latch systems while the container is mounted on the container chassis. 16. The front pin latch device of claim 15 having first and second cam surfaces respectively. Each of the first and second latch systems includes a shelf that moves vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis,
A pin configured to move horizontally through an adjacent opening in the shelf and wall adjacent to the inner surface of the container chassis;
18. A front pin latch device according to claim 17 comprising:   19. The front pin latch device of claim 18, wherein when the container is placed on the container chassis, the shelf and pins move so that the container is automatically secured to the container chassis by the pins. .   The first and second latch systems further comprise plates respectively disposed on the inner surface of the wall, the plates configured to move vertically with the shelf, each of the first and second tabs. 19. The front pin latch device according to claim 18, wherein the cam surface follows the edge of each of the first and second plates while the first and second plates move.   The first and second cam surfaces of each of the first and second tabs are disposed on the first and second edges of the first and second plates, respectively, at the second position. 21. The front pin latch device of claim 20, wherein:   The first and second tabs are arranged at a first position before the container is placed on the container chassis, and are arranged at a second position after the container is placed on the container chassis. 18. The front pin latch device of claim 17, wherein:   The first and second tabs are arranged in the second position after the first and second pins have moved so that the container remains fixed to the container chassis. 23. The front pin latch device of claim 22, wherein the front pin latch device performs fail safe to maintain each of the second pins in place. The interlock assembly is
A bar extending between the first and second latch systems;
A first bracket and a second bracket disposed proximate to each of the first and second latch systems and coupled to the bar, wherein the first and second brackets are the first and second brackets; First and second C-shaped portions that extend adjacent to each of the second and second latch systems and follow the operation of the first and second latch systems while the container is mounted on the container chassis. Each having
16. A front pin latch device according to claim 15. Each of the first and second latch systems includes a shelf that moves vertically along an outer surface of the container chassis;
A pin configured to move horizontally through an adjacent opening in the shelf and the wall adjacent to the inner surface of the container chassis;
25. A front pin latch device according to claim 24.   The first and second shelves are first and second edges that respectively engage the first and second C-shaped portions of the first and second brackets of the interlock assembly, respectively. 26. The front pin latch device of claim 25, each comprising: A method for automatically securing a container to a container chassis,
Moving the shelf vertically on the outer surface of the container chassis;
Moving pins horizontally through adjacent openings in the shelf and the container chassis;
Placing the container on the container chassis such that the shelf receives a corner casting of the container having a container chassis opening for receiving the pins;
Moving the pins in response to movement of the shelf such that the container is automatically secured to the container chassis.   28. The method of claim 27, further comprising moving the pin vertically with the shelf. Detaching the container from the container chassis such that the shelf moves vertically on the outer surface of the container chassis;
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising moving the pin in response to removal of the container.   28. The method of claim 27, further comprising converting vertical movement of the shelf to horizontal movement of the pin.   31. The method of claim 30, wherein converting the vertical motion includes providing a linkage operatively connected to the shelf and the pins disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the container chassis.