This application represents a National Stage application of PCT/DE2011/000028 entitled “Slot Gripper” filed Jan. 14, 2011, pending.
The invention relates to a slot gripper for removing twistlocks from container fittings or for inserting twistlocks in container fittings, comprising a twistlock receptacle arranged in a receptacle plate and a tool that locks and unlocks the twistlocks arranged in the twistlock receptacle by rotating.
Several devices, in particular lashing platforms, have already been proposed for automatically removing twistlocks from container fittings or for inserting twistlocks in container fittings, that automate and carry out in a shorter time this task that is otherwise carried out accompanied by high safety requirements; see for example WO 2010/097679 A1. A lashing platform that is of particularly favourable design and works independently in terms of energy is known for example from WO 2007/098749 A1.
For inserting and removing the twistlocks, there are arranged at predetermined positions of the lashing platform that coincide with the positions of the container fittings of a container set down on the lashing platform, slot grippers that receive the twistlocks, unlock them by rotating and transfer them to a magazine, or insert twistlocks removed from the magazine into the container fittings and lock them there by rotating.
However, these automatically operating lashing platforms are problematic in that there are different twistlock types with different twistlock geometry and function that can be unlocked and locked using only specially adapted tools. A lashing platform, after having been installed, can in principle only handle one container that exhibits a certain twistlock type.
For this reason, there was already created an automatic lashing platform by RAM Spreaders Ltd (UK), known from obvious pre-use as Pinsmart, where receptacle plates that can be exchanged manually are provided for the slot grippers and that each exhibit a different geometry adapted to a twistlock type.
However, this solution has a disadvantage in that adaptation of the lashing platform to different twistlock types must take place manually, as a result of which personnel has to be brought into the danger zone of the lashing platform (or other device for inserting twistlocks in containers and/or removing them therefrom). Furthermore the exchange procedure is labour intensive and time-consuming and is a source of errors that can lead to the lashing platform (or other device), in particular the slot gripper, being damaged by inserting a wrong receptacle plate. Over and above this, the exchange plates always have to be kept available in a sufficient functional number.
The object of the invention is therefore to create a slot gripper that can lock and unlock different twistlock types using simple means. The object of the invention is in particular to create a slot gripper for different twistlock types that can be operated without a complex mechanical and electronic control system and is therefore as reliable as possible and largely maintenance free in handling operations.
The invention is described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment of particularly preferred design, in which:
Above the receptacle plate 30, there is preferably placed a wear plate 20 that protects the mechanical components of the slot gripper 10. The wear plate 20 exhibits essentially the same openings as the receptacle plate 30. Thus, an opening that is preferably arranged centrally is provided in the wear plate 20 and enables access to the twistlock receptacle provided in the receptacle plate 30 for receiving twistlocks. Here, the opening provided in the wear plate 20 can have a somewhat smaller opening for protecting the components arranged in the receptacle plate 30. Over and above this, the wear plate 20 exhibits openings that are penetrated by the first and second pins 60a, 60b that extend perpendicular from the receptacle plate 30 and the rope guide 70 that likewise extends perpendicular vertically from the receptacle plate 30.
The first pin 60a and the second pin 60b are arranged adjacent to the receptacle or the corresponding opening in the wear plate 20 and sprung-mounted in the receptacle plate 30 so that—depending on the twistlock type—either both pins 60a, 60b or only pin 60a can be pressed down and countersunk completely in the receptacle plate 30 or until the pins 60a, 60b are flush with the wear plate 20.
The rope guide 70 next to the receptacle is also supported in a sprung manner in the receptacle plates 30 and can be pressed in the case of non-use into the receptacle plate 30 by lowering a twistlock on to the rope guide, so that the twistlock can achieve its optimum orientation for inserting or removing by rotating the tool 90 and using one of the pins 60a, 60b or the clamping jaws 80 as abutment.
In case the rope guide 70 is required, it tilts the traction rope of the twistlock slightly upwards so that the locking or unlocking process can be carried out without any problems.
The clamping jaws 80 that are preferably sprung-mounted, exhibit, in a particularly preferred manner, locking means, using which the clamping jaws 80 can be locked in their position. This can take place on the one hand manually by laterally pressing the clamping jaws 80 into the receptacle plate 30 or controlled automatically by moving the clamping jaws 80 into the receptacle plate 30. It is essential that the clamping jaws 80 release the receptacle for certain twistlock types almost completely so as to guarantee a smooth process.
The function of the abutment that prevents the entire twistlock from co-rotating is assumed, when the clamping jaws 90 are pressed in or moved in, by the first pin 60a or the second pin 60b that project from the plane of the receptacle 30 or of the wear plate 20. Here it can be seen clearly that the first and the seconds pin 60a, 60b lie on a tangent imagined relative to the twistlock receptacle that is preferably of circular design. This ensures that different twistlocks have the same orientation and can experience the same handling as a result of the same structural components by a lashing platform that preferably also exhibits a magazine for provisioning and storing twistlocks.
The longitudinal axis of the rope guide 70 is arranged parallel to the imaginary tangent and is designed for guiding the twistlock rope perpendicular to the imaginary tangent, the rope being pressed slightly upwards by the rope guide.
Some twistlock types are presented as examples that can be handled automatically using the slot gripper according to the invention:
Here it is advantageous if the clamping jaws 80 do not project into the receptacle. For this purpose, the clamping jaws 80 can be moved or pressed in automatically or manually into the receptacle plate 30 and locked there during the twisting process.
Here, too, it is an, advantage if the camping jaws 80 do not project into the receptacle. As already mentioned, the clamping jaws 80 can be moved or pressed automatically or manually into the receptacle plate 30 and locked there during the twisting process.
The slot gripper is preferably designed as a structural unit of a lashing platform, but can, however, also be used in any other device for inserting and removing twistlocks. To this end, the slips the slot gripper 10 is designed such that it can be moved in particular vertically.
To avoid a manual adjustment of the clamping jaws 80, preferably a control system can be provided that moves the clamping jaws 80 in their position into the receptacle and out of it and locks them. For this purpose, particularly preferably a sensor can be provided that detects the twistlock type and moves and locks the clamping jaws 80 automatically.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
10 2010 007 675 | Feb 2010 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/DE2011/000028 | 1/14/2011 | WO | 00 | 8/7/2012 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2011/098061 | 8/18/2011 | WO | A |
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