Patent Publication Number: US-2021188152-A1

Title: Container binding device

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a container binding device, and more particularly, to a container binding device that smoothly locks or unlocks a container during loading or unloading, thereby eliminating inconvenience of a driver, improving work efficiency and securing reliability. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     In general, a container is a case or vessel at a certain size to carry a large amount of cargo made for land transport or maritime transport as a kind of transportation container, and refers to a loading box for safe and convenient transportation of cargo. Further, this may also be a standardized port for bulk cargo. 
     Such containers are transported over land by container vehicles, and in the case of sea, large containers are transported using large container ships for loading the same. 
     As a means of transporting containers by land, vehicles called trailers are used. The trailer is generally driven by a tractor without any driving power device or controller. 
     The trailer is designed to fit a size of the container so that the standardized container can be loaded, and is also designed in consideration of the weight of cargo in the container. The trailer designed as described above is typically equipped with one or two containers, which will prevent the container from leaving the trailer upon sudden braking, curves, ramps or other unexpected situations during transportation. Further, in order to prevent falling, a locking device for fixing the container is installed at the top. 
       FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    are cross-sectional views illustrating a state before and after operation of a manual locking device according to the prior art. 
     The manual locking device according to the prior art, as shown in  FIGS. 1 a    and  1   b,  is provided with lockers to be locked or unlocked in multiple portions of an upper frame provided in the trailer due to rotation and lifting actions of a lever  3 . In a state in which the container is mounted at a predetermined position of upper frame  1 , when a driver operates the lever  3  of the locker  2 , a head part  2 ′ provided on a top end of the locker  2  is inserted into and fastened to a coupling hole  5  formed on the bottom of the container. 
     That is, the manual locking device integrally binds a trailer and a container loaded thereon so as to implement a function of securing stability during transportation. 
     However, most drivers often operate without locking due to cumbersome operation of the locking device while the container is loaded. Especially, if the trailer is driven without locking the container on roads or sharp curves with poor road surface, tragic accidents such as the container falling over or falling off of the trailer may occur. 
     In order to solve the above problems, an automatic locking device has been proposed as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-0186762. 
       FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    are cross-sectional views illustrating the states before and after operation of the automatic locking device according to the prior art. 
     The automatic locking device according to the prior art, as shown in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , includes: an actuator  20  installed inside a housing  10  consisting of a cylindrical body mounted on the upper frame of the trailer, and having a hollow portion  21  lifted upward by elasticity of an elastic spring  22  and load of the outside; a locker  30  installed coaxially to the hollow portion  21  of the actuator  20 , which is provided with a head member  31  inserted and fastened into a container, as well as a locking sill  32  to interlock with the actuator  20  while being in contact with the same; a tubular groove  40  formed inside the locker  30  at a predetermined depth from the bottom toward an upper portion of the locker, which is provided with a slit groove  41  having a curved surface to guide the locker  30  to rotate in a predetermined range when the locker  30  moves downward; a support shaft  50  fixed on a cover  11  coupled to the bottom of a housing  10  in order to slide freely the support shaft via an elastic spring  52  inside of the tubular groove  40 ; and a pin  51  provided at the periphery of an upper end of the support shaft  50  to change a direction of the locker  30  lifted up and down along the slit groove  41  with respect to a fixed axis, that is, a position at which the pin is inserted into the slit groove  41 . 
     In other words, the automatic locking device can be automatically locked and unlocked by its own weight in a process of loading or unloading the container, thereby transporting the heavy container in a securely locked state and further preventing inconvenience due to operation of the locker. 
     Meanwhile, according to the standard or specifications of the trailer, four to twelve locking devices may be mounted at regular intervals on the upper frame and, in the case of a trailer provided with six or more locking devices, the locking device used for fixing may depend on a size of the container to be loaded. 
     However, according to the prior art, the user has to manually and separately operate a plurality of locking devices to lock and unlock the same, causing a longer working time and deterioration in work efficiency. In particular, due to bothersome work, the trailer is sometimes driven without careful locking operation, which may entail a problem of causing tragic accidents. 
     In addition, even if the existing manual locking device is replaced by the automatic locking device, the manual locking device is entirely removed and the automatic locking device should be newly installed, causing a problem of incurring considerable replacement costs. 
     Moreover, the automatic locking device in the art entails a problem that loading and unloading of the container is not possible due to frequent failure, resulting in a significant loss of business as well as increase in repair costs. 
     Further, in order to eliminate a gap in height between the trailer and the container, a corner casting formed in front of the container is typically bound to a horizontal fastening device in the horizontal direction. According to the prior art, in order to lock or unlock the horizontal fastening device bound in the horizontal direction, such operations must be done manually and separately by a user, causing a longer working time and deterioration in work efficiency. Further, due to bothersome work, the trailer is sometimes driven without careful locking operation, which may entail a problem of causing tragic accidents. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem to be Solved 
     In order to overcome the aforementioned problems derived from the background art, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic container-binding device that enables a plurality of locking devices mounted on an upper frame of a trailer to be automatically locked and unlocked depending on whether a container is loaded or unloaded. 
     Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic container-binding device that can be conveniently used by a driver and may save time for binding or releasing the container from a locking unit, thereby improving productivity. 
     Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic container-binding device that can reduce replacement costs by automation of the existing manual locking device pre-installed on the upper frame of the existing trailer. 
     Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic container-binding device that may easily switch an automatic locking device to a manual mode if the automatic locking device is inoperable due to failure or damage, thereby easily preventing operational loss in business due to not working. 
     Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic container-binding device which is mounted on an upper frame of a trailer such that a horizontal fastening device fastened in the horizontal direction can be automatically locked or unlocked. 
     On the other hand, without being limited to the above-mentioned objects, other objects of the present invention not mentioned herein will be clearly understood from the following description. 
     Technical Solution 
     In order to accomplish the above objects, according to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an automatic container-binding device, including: at least four (4) locking assemblies arranged in two rows in a length direction on an upper frame of a trailer and fastened to or unfastened from a binder of a container; a guide assembly connected to the locking assemblies in an interlocking manner to induce fastening or unfastening operation of the locking assemblies; and a drive assembly disposed between the locking assemblies arranged in two rows in order to drive the guide assembly. 
     Preferably, each of the locking assemblies includes: a cylindrical body moving up and down; a head member formed at an upper end of the body and fastened to or unfastened from a binder formed in a vertical direction of the container along a rotation angle; a first locking unit protruding from one side of a lower end of the body to be grippable and having a rotary lever to adjust the rotation angle of the head member. 
     Preferably, the locking assembly further includes: a pin type fastening member fastened to or unfastened from a thru-hole formed in a corner casting of the container; and a second locking unit having a support block to slidingly and movably support the fastening member. 
     Preferably, the rotary lever is provided with a binding pin at an end thereof, which is inserted into and released from a binding hole formed at one end of the guide assembly, wherein the binding hole is extended in a length direction to facilitate insertion of the binding pin. 
     Preferably, the first locking unit further includes: a horizontal anti-pushing block surrounding a portion of the body while being spaced at a predetermined interval; at least one anti-rotation protrusion at an adjacent portion of the body and the head member; and an anti-rotation groove to be inserted into the corresponding anti-rotation protrusion on an upper portion of the horizontal anti-pushing block. 
     Preferably, the drive assembly includes: a drive wire disposed on the upper frame in a width direction, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly; and a drive member hinge-coupled to rotate while penetrating through a thickness portion of the upper frame, wherein a lower end is connected to the drive wire and an upper end protrudes to the upper portion of the upper frame. 
     Preferably, the drive member drives the locking assembly in a state in which the drive member is spaced in the width direction of the upper frame at a distance equal to a length of a link member, wherein the drive member and the locking assembly are spaced and arranged such that a distance therebetween becomes at least ½ of a width of the upper frame. 
     Preferably, the drive assembly includes: a pair of semi-automatic wires disposed in the width direction of the upper frame, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly; a drive member hinge-coupled while penetrating through the thickness portion of the upper frame, wherein a lower end is connected to the other end of the semi-automatic wire and an upper end protrudes to the upper portion of the upper frame; and a semi-automatic control roller provided to rotate in the center of the width of the upper frame, which includes a pair of wire fixing means disposed at both opposite positions around the periphery of the roller in order to fix the pair of semi-automatic wires, respectively. 
     Preferably, the semi-automatic wire disposed between the drive member and the semi-automatic control roller consists of a first semi-automatic wire and a second semi-automatic wire, and a length-variable tension control means is connected between the first semi-automatic wire and the second semi-automatic wire. 
     Preferably, the guide assembly further includes a first guide roller installed between the guide assembly and the semi-automatic control roller to guide and support the semi-automatic wire, wherein the first guide roller leads a direction of pulling and releasing the semi-automatic wire toward the width direction of the upper frame. 
     Preferably, the drive assembly includes: an automatic wire disposed in the width direction of the upper frame, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly; a drive link disposed in the center of the width of the upper frame in order to be orthogonal to the automatic wire and provided with a wire fixing means to fix the center of the automatic wire; and a drive motor that reciprocates the drive link in a length direction of the upper frame, thereby pulling and releasing the automatic wire. 
     Preferably, the guide assembly further includes a second guide roller installed between the guide assembly and the drive link to guide and support the automatic wire, wherein the second guide roller leads a direction of pulling and releasing the automatic wire in the width direction of the upper frame. 
     Preferably, the guide assembly includes: an actuator that is bound to the rotary lever of the first locking unit at one end and is connected to the wire at the other end (hereinafter, the “wire” is any one of the drive wire, the semi-automatic wire or the automatic wire, and the “wire” mentioned later is also interpreted in the same way); a fixing member fixed to the upper frame to be spaced apart from the actuator at a predetermined interval, and having a sliding hole, through which the other end of the actuator or the wire penetrates; and an elastic member interposed between the actuator and the fixing member to elastically support the actuator. 
     Preferably, the guide assembly includes: a rotating member that is bound to the rotary lever of the first locking unit at one end and is connected to the wire at the other end; a rotary shaft member for supporting one side of the rotating member in order to be rotatable at a predetermined radius in accordance with movement of the wire; a fixing member fixed to the upper frame to be spaced apart from the rotary shaft member at a predetermined interval, and having a sliding hole, through which the wire penetrates; and an elastic member interposed between the other end of the rotating member and the fixing member to elastically support the rotating member. 
     Preferably, the guide assembly includes a pressing member that is bound for pressing or releasing a fastening member of the second locking unit at one end and is connected to the wire at the other end; a rotary shaft member for supporting one side of the pressing member in order to be rotatable at a predetermined radius in accordance with movement of the wire; and an elastic member interposed between the fastening member and the support block to elastically support the fastening member. 
     Preferably, the pressing member is provided with a manual lever extending in the outward direction of the upper frame at the other end, wherein a gripping handle is provided at the end of the manual lever in order to manually rotate the pressing member. 
     Preferably, one side of the wire close to the manual lever is connected or separated by a manual switching unit, and the pressing member is characterized in that manual rotation is possible when the wire is separated by the manual switching unit. 
     Effect of Invention 
     According to the present invention with reference to the above embodiment, the following effects are expectable. 
     First, a plurality of locking assemblies installed on the upper frame of a trailer is automatically locked and unlocked, thereby enabling simple and rapid loading and unloading operation of a container. 
     Second, since the locking assembly is locked and unlocked in an automatic manner, a driver may conveniently operate and a time for binding the container to the upper frame may be reduced, thereby enhancing productivity. 
     Third, the manual locking assembly pre-installed on the upper frame of the existing trailer may be recycled so as to easily implement automation according to the embodiment of the present invention, thereby enabling easy replacement and greatly reducing costs for replacement. 
     Fourth, even if the locking assembly becomes inoperable due to failure or damage, the assembly is easily switched to the manual mode so as to prevent operational loss due to not working. 
     Fifth, not only the first locking unit bound in the vertical direction but also the second locking unit bound in the horizontal direction may successfully undergo automation, so as to firmly secure the container to the upper frame and prevent accidents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    are cross-sectional views illustrating a state before and after operation of the manual locking device according to the prior art. 
         FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    are cross-sectional views illustrating a state before and after operation of the automatic locking device according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram illustrating the container binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation principle of the container binding device according to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a conceptual diagram for describing an example that can additionally define the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram for describing an example that can additionally define the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a conceptual diagram illustrating the container binding device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation principle of the container binding device according to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a conceptual diagram illustrating the container binding device according to a further embodiment of the preset invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a conceptual diagram specifically illustrating the first locking unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example that may be further added to the first locking unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a conceptual diagram specifically illustrating an example of the guide assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a conceptual diagram specifically illustrating another example of the guide assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a conceptual diagram specifically illustrating a further example of the guide assembly of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
             C: Container 
               10 : Upper frame 
               100 : Locking assembly 
               120 : First locking unit 
               122 : Body 
               124 : Head member 
               124   a : Anti-rotation protrusion 
               125 : Bolt 
               126 : Rotary lever 
               127 : Binding pin 
               128 : Horizontal anti-pushing block 
               128   a : Anti-rotation groove 
               140 : Second locking unit 
               142 : Fastening member 
               144 : Support block 
               150 : Connection member 
               190 : Buffer unit 
               192 : Support member 
               194 : High compression spring 
               196 : Coupling member 
               300 ,  300   a,    300   b,    300   c : Guide assembly 
               310 : Actuator 
               312 : Binding hole 
               320 : Rotating member 
               330 : Pressing member 
               332 : Sliding groove 
               340 : Manual lever 
               342 : Handle 
               350   a,    350   b : Fixing member 
               360   b,    360   c : Rotary shaft member 
               370   a,    370   b,    370   c : Elastic member 
               400 : Manual switching unit 
               420 : Second connector 
               440 ,  450 : Bolt nut member 
               460 : First connector 
               500   a,    500   b,    500   c : Drive assembly 
               510 : Guide direction switching roller 
               520 : Automatic wire 
               530 : Second guide roller 
               535 : First guide roller 
               540 : Drive link 
               545 : Semi-automatic control roller 
               550 : Support bracket 
               555 : Tension control means 
               560 : Drive motor 
               570 : Return member 
               580 : Drive wire 
               585 : Semi-automatic wire 
               585   a : First semi-automatic wire 
               585   b : Second semi-automatic wire 
               590 ,  595 : Drive member 
           
         
       
    
     BEST MODE 
     Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for accomplishing the same will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but will be implemented in various forms. Further, the embodiments are provided only for complete disclosure of the present invention and for completely explaining the full scope of the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular forms also include the plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrases. 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. On the other hand, the illustration and the detailed description of configurations easily understood by those skilled in the art and functional effects achieved by the same will be briefly summarized or omitted, instead, the detailed description will be given with respect to parts relevant to the present invention. 
     A container binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 3, 7 and 9 , may generally include a locking assembly  100 , a guide assembly  300  and drive assemblies  500   a,    500   b  and  500   c.    
     First, the locking assembly  100  may be provided on an upper frame of a trailer to be fastened to or unfastened from a binder of a container. At least four locking assemblies are arranged in two rows in a length direction of the upper frame of the trailer, while the guide assembly  300  and the drive assemblies  500   a,    500   b  and  500   c  are separately or simultaneously driven to perform locking or unlocking operation. 
     Herein, each locking assembly  100  may include a first locking unit  120  vertically bound to the container and a second locking unit  140  horizontally bound to the container. 
     The first locking unit  120 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , may include: a cylindrical body  122  moving up and down; a head member  124  formed on an upper end of the body  122  and fastened to or unfastened from a binder formed in a vertical direction of the container at a rotation angle; and a rotary lever  126  protruding at one side of a lower end of the body  122  to be gripped, thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the head member  124 . 
     At this time, the body  122 , the head member  124  and the rotary lever  126  to configure the first locking unit  120  may be accommodated in an enclosure, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The enclosure may be provided with a buffer unit  190  for buffering and supporting the container C so as to smoothly maintain left and right balance when the container C is loaded or unloaded. That is, left and right balance is maintained during loading or unloading of the container C, so that interference due to rotation of the head member  124  of the first locking unit  120  can be prevented. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the buffering unit  190  may include a support member  192  provided inside the enclosure to buffer and support the container C; a coupling member  196  extending below the support member  192  to penetrate a lower portion of the enclosure and to be coupled to the same; a high compression spring  194  interposed between a lower end of the support member  192  and a lower surface of the enclosure to elastically support the support member  192 . In this case, the buffering unit  190  is not limited to the above configuration but may be of course implemented in other modifiable configurations. 
     Further, the second locking unit  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 14 , may be provided at a corner of the upper frame of the trailer so as to enable the container C to be seated and fixed on the upper frame of the trailer. 
     The second locking unit  140  may include: a pin type fastening member  142  fastened or unfastened through a through-hole formed at a corner casting side of the container C; and a support block  144  for supporting the fastening member  142  to be slidingly movable, wherein the container C is fastened and fixed when an end of the fastening member  142  is inserted inside the through-hole of the corner casting, while the container C is unfastened when the end of the fastening member  142  is released out of the through-hole of the corner casting. 
     Next, the guide assembly  300  may be connected to be interlocked with the locking assembly  100  so as to induce locking or unlocking operation of the locking assembly  100 , and a detailed description thereof will be given after introduction of the drive assemblies  500   a,    500   b  and  500   c.    
     Then, the drive assemblies  500   a,    500   b  and  500   c  may drive the guide assembly  300 , thereby fastening or releasing the locking assembly  100  with respect to the container. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the drive assembly  500   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a drive wire  580  disposed on the upper frame  10  in a width direction, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly  300 ; and a drive member  590  hinge-coupled through a thickness of the upper frame  10  to be rotatable, wherein a lower end is connected to the drive wire  580  while an upper end protrudes to an upper portion of the upper frame  10 . 
     Herein, the drive member  590  is preferably hinge-coupled to the upper frame  10  in a state being supported by a bearing, wherein a shaft portion is firmly supported by the bearing while easily conducting axial rotation. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the drive assembly  500   a  according to the above embodiment is characterized in that the upper end of the drive member  590  protruding upward is pressed to rotate the drive member  590  when the container is loaded on the upper frame  10 , on the other hand, when the container is unloaded from the upper frame  10 , the pressed drive member  590  is rotated back to its original position by an elastic member  370   a  of the guide assembly  300 . As a result, the drive wire  580  moves in the width direction of the upper frame  10  by rotation of the drive member  590  and then drives the guide assembly  300 , thereby fastening or unfastening the locking assembly  100  with respect to a binder of the container. 
     Meanwhile, according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a connection structure between the first locking unit  120  and the guide assembly  300  is illustrated in detail. That is, it can be seen that the rotary lever  126  and an actuator  310  are bound to each other so that the first locking unit  120  and the guide assembly  300  are connected and interlocked with each other. 
     Further, a binding hole  312  is formed and extended in a length direction at one end of the actuator  310  so that a binding pin  127  formed at the end of the rotary lever  126  can be easily inserted. In this case, the binding hole  312  is preferably formed such that a surface facing the binding pin  127  is tapered. Therefore, when the binding pin  127  removed from the binding hole  312  is again bound thereto, the binding pin  127  may slide through the tapered slope surface to thus be easily inserted into the binding hole  312  even if an inserting position is not exactly fitted to the hole. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the first locking unit  120  may further include a horizontal anti-pushing block  128  surrounding a portion of the body portion  122  while being spaced at a predetermined interval, wherein at least one anti-rotation protrusion  124   a  is formed at an adjacent portion between the body  122  and the head member  124 . Further, an anti-rotation groove  128   a  corresponding to the anti-rotation protrusion  124   a  is preferably formed on an upper portion of the horizontal anti-pushing block  128 . 
     For example, if the unused first locking unit  120  is pressed by the container, the binding pin  127  of the rotary lever  126  described above is removed from the binding hole  312 . At this time, when the head member  124  and the body  122  of the first locking unit  120  rotate due to horizontal load acting on the container C, the rotary lever  126  may also rotate, hence causing position shift between the binding pin  127  and the binding hole  312 . Due to this, there is a problem that the binding pin  127  in a separate state is hard to reinsert into the binding hole  312 . 
     In other words, the horizontal anti-pushing block  128  may prevent the head member  124  and the body  122  from rotating or being pushed due to horizontal load in a state in which the first locking unit  120  is pressed by the container, thereby preventing position shift between the binding pin  127  and the binding hole  312 . 
     Further, the horizontal anti-pushing block  128  may surround the body  122  of the first locking unit  120  while being spaced from the same in a fixed state on the enclosure, so as to mitigate impact applied directly by the container C. Therefore, it is possible to improve durability and minimize functional disorder by simply implementing a coupling structure. 
     In addition, as can be seen with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the rotary lever  126  may be coupled to or separated from the body  122  by a bolt  125 . Therefore, if necessary, the binding between the rotary lever  126  and the actuator  310  is released to prevent the first locking unit  120  and the guide assembly  300  from interlocking with each other, thereby switching automatic operation of the first locking unit  120  to manual operation. That is, when the first locking unit  120  is not used or cannot be operated due to failure and switching to manual operation is required, the manual operation becomes possible by releasing the bolt  125 . 
     Herein, the structure for manual switching of the first locking unit  120  is not particularly limited but may of course be altered into another structure having the same purpose and effects. For example, the binding pin  127  mounted on the rotary lever  126  may be formed in a bolt shape to be coupled to or separated from an end of the rotary lever  126 . 
     The drive member  590  may drive the locking assembly  100  in a state in which the drive member is spaced in the width direction of the upper frame  10  at a predetermined distance equal to a length of the drive wire  580 . 
     At this time, as can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the distance between the drive member  590  and the locking assembly  100  is spaced apart to be ½ or more of the width of the upper frame  10 . In particular, the locking assembly  100  is preferably disposed to be as close as possible to the other locking assembly  100  facing the former assembly. 
     When the container is loaded, the container is inclined by centrifugal force when the corner is rotated. At this time, the outer portion facing the width direction of the upper frame  10  is lifted with a small gap. 
     Accordingly, if the drive member  590  is adjacent to the locking assembly  100  with which the drive member  590  is interlocked, the container is lifted and the pressed drive member  590  pressed may rotate in an unlocking direction. Accordingly, the locking assembly  100  interlocked with the drive member may also be released. 
     Therefore, by spacing the interlocked drive member  590  and locking assembly  100  at a predetermined distance in opposite directions to each other, it is possible to prevent the locking assembly  10  from being released even if one side of the container is lifted by centrifugal force. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , when a distance between the locking assemblies facing each other is denoted by W and another distance between the drive member  590  and the locking assembly  100  interlocked with each other is denoted by L, L must be at least W/4, preferably W/2 or more. Furthermore, it is apparent that as L is close to W, the loaded container may have improved stability. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the drive assembly  500   b  may include: a pair of semi-automatic wires  484  disposed in the width direction of the upper frame, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly  300 ; a drive member  595  hinge-coupled while penetrating through the thickness portion of the upper frame, wherein a lower end is connected to the other end of the semi-automatic wire  585  and an upper end protrudes to the upper portion of the upper frame; and a semi-automatic control roller  545  provided to rotate in the center of the width of the upper frame, which includes a pair of wire fixing means disposed at both opposite positions around the periphery of the roller in order to fix the pair of semi-automatic wires  585 , respectively. 
     With regard to the drive assembly  500   b  according to the above embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when the container is loaded on the upper frame, the upper end of the drive member  595  protruding upward is pressed to rotate the drive member  595 . On the other hand, when the container is unloaded from the upper frame, the pressed drive member  595  is rotated back to its original position by the elastic member  370   a  of the guide assembly  300 . Therefore, the semi-automatic wire  585  moves in the width direction of the upper frame by rotation of the drive member  595 , wherein the pair of semi-automatic wires  585  connected to face each other is driven simultaneously as the semi-automatic control roller  545  connected to the semi-automatic wires  585  is rotated. 
     That is, with regard to the drive assembly  500   b  according to the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the pair of semi-automatic wires  585  may be operated simultaneously by the semi-automatic control roller  545  even when only one of a pair of drive members  595  connected to the paired semi-automatic wires  585 , respectively, is pressed. Therefore, even if one side of the container is lifted due to corner rotation or vibration during driving and the drive member  595  at the corresponding position is free of pressing (“unpressed”), the other drive member  595  may be kept in a pressed state. The locking assemblies  100  arranged in two rows on both sides of the upper frame may be prevented from being released. 
     However, when the drive member  595  is free of pressing while unloading the container, simultaneously, the semi-automatic control roller  545  is rotated to its original position and, at the same time, the paired semi-automatic wires  585  are switched to the original position, thereby normally releasing the locking assembly  100 . 
     On the other hand, the semi-automatic wire  585  positioned between the drive member  595  and the semi-automatic control roller  545  may consist of a first semi-automatic wire  585   a  and a second semi-automatic wire  585   b , separately, as well as a length-variable tension control means  555  connected between the first semi-automatic wire  585   a  and the second semi-automatic wire  585   b.  Accordingly, locking and unlocking operation of the locking assembly  100  may be exactly implemented by controlling operation timing or the like, which are organically connected between the drive member  595 , the semi-automatic wires  585  and the semi-automatic controller  545 , through the tension control means  555 . 
     In this case, the tension control means  555  may be a turnbuckle which is one of typical fastening mechanisms. The turnbuckle has a threaded rod on the left and right, and the threaded portion is connected by a common nut, wherein one male screw is right hand threaded and the other male screw is left hand threaded. Therefore, these two male screws can come close to each other by rotating the common nut while being distanced from each other by rotating the common nut backward. 
     In addition, a first guide roller  535 , which is installed between the guide assembly  300  and the semi-automatic control roller  545  in order to guide and support the semi-automatic wire  585 , may further be included. The first guide roller  535  may guide a direction of pulling and releasing the semi-automatic wire  585  toward the width direction of the upper frame. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the drive assembly  500   c  may further include: an automatic wire  520  disposed in the width direction of the upper frame, one end of which is bound to the guide assembly  300 ; a drive link  540  disposed in the center of the width of the upper frame in order to be orthogonal to the automatic wire  520  and connected to the other end of the automatic wire  520 ; and a drive motor  560  that reciprocates the drive link  540  in a length direction of the upper frame, thereby pulling and releasing the automatic wire  520 . 
     With regard to the drive assembly  500   c  having the above-described configuration, a plurality of automatic wires  520  is simultaneously operated in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the single drive link  540  so that the guide assembly  300  connected to the automatic wires  520  can be driven entirely. 
     The drive link  540  is illustrated in the form of a metal bar in  FIG. 9 , but is not limited thereto. Instead, a metal wire may of course be used as the drive link. 
     Since the drive motor  560  may be electrically controlled through a control module (not shown), a drive assembly  500   c  to be automatically driven can be implemented. In this case, an operation panel (not shown) for operating the control module may be installed outside or inside a trailer. 
     Although not shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a sensor, a control module, a warning lamp, and the like, which electrically detect and interlock with the driving of the above-described components may further be added. 
     For example, a sensor may be provided at a position adjacent to the drive motor  560  of the above-described drive assembly  500   c  in order to detect whether to operate or not, thereby indicating the state of operation. Further, another sensor may be provided at a position adjacent to the locking assembly  100  to detect a locked or unlocked state. 
     A signal sensed by the sensor is transmitted to the control module so as to be utilized for extended signal processing. Furthermore, the control module may further include a warning lamp electrically connected to the control module. The warning lamp may blink a color indicating a caution when the driving motor is operated, wherein different colors indicating whether the locking assembly  100  is locked or unlocked are displayed. Therefore, a driver or the worker can easily confirm the operating state of the locking assembly  100  as well as a fixed state of the container, enabling safe operation. In addition, a warning speaker for generating a warning sound when the drive motor is operating may be electrically connected to the control module. 
     The drive assembly  500   c  may further include a support bracket  550  installed on the upper frame such that the drive link  540  penetrates the support bracket; and a return member  570  provided between one end of the drive link  540  and the support bracket  550  to elastically support the drive link  540 . Owing to this configuration, the drive link  540  is restricted from being drastically moved by the drive motor  500 , thereby being moved more flexibly. 
     Further, when the drive link  540  having moved in a direction opposite to the elastic direction of the return member  570  moves back to the original position, the drive link can return to the original position without a driving power of the drive motor  560 , thereby saving electric power. Further, the drive link  540  can be returned more accurately without leaving the original position by the support bracket  550 . 
     Meanwhile, a second guide roller  530  installed between the guide assembly  300  and the drive link  540  to be arranged on the same line as the automatic wire  520 , thereby guiding and supporting the automatic wire  520 , may further be included. The second guide roller  530  may guide a direction in which the automatic wire is pulled and released to the width direction of the upper frame. 
     According to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the guide assembly  300   a  operated by the drive assembly  500   c  may include: an actuator  310  that is bound to the rotary lever  126  of the first locking unit  120  at one end and is connected to the automatic wire  520  at the other end; a fixing member  350   a  fixed to the upper frame to be spaced apart from the actuator  410  at a predetermined interval, and having a sliding hole, through which the other end of the actuator  310  or the automatic wire  520  penetrates; and an elastic member  370   a  interposed between the actuator  310  and the fixing member  350   a  to elastically support the actuator  350   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the operation principle of the guide assembly  300   a  according to the first embodiment can be understood. As the automatic wire  520  is pulled and released according to the reciprocating movement of the drive link  540 , the actuator  310  connected to the automatic wire  520  is reciprocated to rotate the rotary lever  126  of the first locking unit  120  bound to one end of the actuator  310 . As a result, the body  122  and the head member  124  of the first locking unit  120  interlocking with the rotary lever may perform locking and unlocking operation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the guide assembly  300   b  according to a second embodiment may include: a rotating member  320  that is bound to the rotary lever  126  of the first locking unit  120  at one end and is connected to the automatic wire  520  at the other end; a rotary shaft member  360   b  for supporting one side of the rotating member  320  in order to be rotatable at a predetermined radius in accordance with movement of the automatic wire  520 ; a fixing member  350   b  fixed to the upper frame to be spaced apart from the rotary shaft member  360   b  at a predetermined interval, and having a sliding hole, through which the automatic wire  520  penetrates; and an elastic member  370   b  interposed between the other end of the rotating member  320  and the fixing member  350   b  to elastically support the rotating member  320 . 
     The guide assembly  300   b  according to the second embodiment can be understood with reference to  FIG. 13 . The automatic wire  520  is pulled or released by the reciprocating movement of the drive link  540 , so that the rotating member  320  connected to the automatic wire  520  may be rotated at a predetermined radius. As a result, the rotary lever  126  of the first locking unit  120  bound to one end of the rotating member  320  rotates and enables the body  122  and the head member  124  of the first locking unit to perform locking and unlocking operation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the guide assembly  300   c  according to a third embodiment may include: a pressing member  330  that is bound to press or release a fastening member  142  of the second locking unit  140  at one end and is connected to the automatic wire  520  at the other end; a rotary shaft member  360   c  for supporting one side of the pressing member  330  in order to be rotatable at a predetermined radius in accordance with movement of the automatic wire  520 ; and an elastic member  370   c  interposed between the fastening member  142  and the support block  144  to elastically support the fastening member  142 . 
     The guide assembly  300   c  according to the third embodiment can be understood with reference to  FIG. 14 . The wires  520   a  and  520   b  are pulled and released by the reciprocating movement of the drive link so that the pressing member  330  connected to the wires  520   a  and  520   b  may be rotated at a predetermined radius. As a result, the fastening member  142  of the second locking unit  140  is pressed or released by one end of the pressing member  330 , enabling an end of the fastening member  142  to be inserted into or removed from the corner casting. 
     In this case, in order to connect the pressing member  330  and the fastening member  142 , a connection member  150  may protrude from the head of the fastening member  142  by a predetermined length. Such a connection member  150  may prevent the pressing member  330  from being separated from the fastening member  142 . 
     As shown in an enlarged state in  FIG. 14 , the other end of the pressing member  330  may include a sliding groove  332  through which the connection member  150  is slidably inserted, thereby smoothly rotating the pressing member while reciprocating the fastening member  142 . 
     On the other hand, the elastic member  370   c  illustrated in  FIG. 14  is interposed between the fastening member  142  and the support block  144 , but is not limited thereto. That is, the elastic member may be arranged in various forms at positions included in the range of the guide assembly  300   c.  For example, the elastic member may be interposed between the pressing member  330  and the fastening member  142  as shown in  FIG. 14 , otherwise, may be interposed between a handle  343  of a manual lever  340  described later and the upper frame, thereby achieving the same functions. 
     In addition, according to an example that may be further added in the third embodiment, a manual lever  340  extending in the outward direction of the upper frame may be provided at the other end of the pressing member  330 . At the end of the manual lever  340 , a grippable handle  342  may be provided to manually rotate the pressing member  330 . 
     At this time, one side of the wire  520   a  or  520   b  in close proximity to the manual lever  340  may be connected or separated by a manual switching unit  400 , and the pressing member  330  may be manually rotatable when the wires  520   a  and  520   b  are separated by the manual switching unit  400 . 
     In other words, since the wires  520   a  and  520   b  are separated by the manual switching unit  400 , the pressing member  330  can be operated completely independently from the drive assembly  500   c,  and may also be manually operated by operation of the manual lever  340 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the manual switching unit  400  may include: a first connector  460  connected to one  520   a  of the separated wires; a second connector  420  connected to the other wire  520   b;  and bolt nut members  440  and  450  detachably coupled to the first connector  460  and the second connector  420 , respectively. That is, the first connector  460  and the second connector  420  are connected to or separated from each other by screwing or releasing the bolt nut members  440  and  450 , thereby enabling manual switching of the pressing member  330 . 
     According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, the following effects will be expected. 
     First, a plurality of locking assemblies installed on the upper frame of a trailer is automatically locked and unlocked, thereby enabling simple and rapid loading and unloading operation of a container. 
     Second, since the locking assembly is locked and unlocked in an automatic manner, a driver may conveniently operate and a time for binding the container to the upper frame may be reduced, thereby enhancing productivity. 
     Third, the manual locking assembly pre-installed on the upper frame of the existing trailer may be recycled so as to easily implement automation according to the embodiment of the present invention, thereby enabling easy replacement and greatly reducing costs for replacement. 
     Fourth, even if the locking assembly becomes inoperable due to failure or damage, the assembly is easily switched to the manual mode so as to prevent operational loss due to not working (‘down time’). 
     Fifth, not only the first locking unit bound in the vertical direction but also the second locking unit bound in the horizontal direction may successfully undergo automation, so as to firmly secure the container to the upper frame and prevent accidents. 
     The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the appended claims of the invention can be better understood. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is specified by the following claims rather than the above description, and all changes or modifications derived from the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the invention.