Automatic locking mechanism, locking system and a method for operating the locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism, locking system and a method for operating the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises a housing, an elongated shaft element and a top part for interconnection with a part of an equipment module or cargo container, wherein the shaft element and top part are longitudinal displaceable within said housing.

1 . An automatic locking mechanism for the interconnection of an equipment module or cargo container to a mounting surface, said locking mechanism comprising a housing, an elongated shaft element and a top part for interconnection with a part of said equipment module or cargo container, wherein said shaft element and top part are longitudinal displaceable within said housing. 
     
     
         2 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said shaft element and at least part of said top part are arranged rotatable in relation to an axis substantial parallel with said direction of longitudinal displacement. 
     
     
         3 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said top part comprises a rotatable top element, such as a cone-shaped top element, for interconnection with said part of said equipment module or cargo container, such as an ISO container corner, of said equipment module or cargo container, by said rotation. 
     
     
         4 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein said top part comprises a collar part, extending between said top element and said elongated shaft element, said collar part being arranged for engagement with an opening in said part of said equipment module or cargo container in a non-rotationally manner. 
     
     
         5 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 4 , wherein said elongated shaft element being rotatable in relation to said collar. 
     
     
         6 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein said locking mechanism comprises drive means for displacing said elongated shaft in said longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         7 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises forcing means for creating said rotation. 
     
     
         8 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein said locking mechanism comprises locking means for locking said elongated shaft and/or said top element against longitudinal displacement and/or rotation in relation to said housing. 
     
     
         9 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a releasable locking mechanism, such as a ball lock, in an interface between said abutment element and said elongated shaft element, for indexing sad collar and said abutment element during engagement with said opening in said part of said equipment module or cargo container. 
     
     
         10 . The automatic locking mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein said top part comprises an abutment element having an abutment surface for facing said part of said equipment module or cargo container. 
     
     
         11 . A locking system, comprising at least one locking mechanism according to  claim 1 , and a mounting surface element having an upper surface for facing said equipment module or cargo container, and adapted for connection with said mounting surface, said housing being connected to said mounting surface element. 
     
     
         12 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein the mounting surface element has a downwards tapered circumferential side edge. 
     
     
         13 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein said top part being longitudinally displaceable between two positions, a first retracted position where said top element is arranged substantial non-projecting from said upper surface of said mounting element and a second projecting position in which said top element projects from said upper surface. 
     
     
         14 . A method for operating a locking mechanism according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 providing said locking mechanism in a mounting surface, said locking mechanism being arranged in a substantially non-projecting position in relation to said mounting surface,   arranging an equipment module or container at a specific location on said mounting surface, said equipment module or container comprising a part for interconnection with said locking mechanism,   displacing said elongated shaft element and said top part in a direction towards said equipment module or container, such that at least part of said top part projects into said part of said equipment module or container.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said locking mechanism being longitudinally displaceable, such that said abutment element extends above said mounting surface, for lifting said equipment module or container a distance above said mounting surface. 
     
     
         16 . A method for operating a locking system according to  claim 11 :
 providing said locking mechanism in a mounting surface, said locking mechanism being arranged in a substantially non-projecting position in relation to said mounting surface,   arranging an equipment module or container at a specific location on said mounting surface, said equipment module or container comprising a part for interconnection with said locking mechanism,   displacing said elongated shaft element and said top part in a direction towards said equipment module or container, such that at least part of said top part projects into said part of said equipment module or container.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein said locking mechanism being longitudinally displaceable, such that said abutment element extends above said mounting surface, for lifting said equipment module or container a distance above said mounting surface.