DE102008004292A1 - Electronic sealing device for sealing of freight container, has recognition cable formed such that connection between evaluation device and integrated circuit for production of digital signal is inevitably interrupted when opening device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a recognition cable (EK) attached to an evaluation device (AE). The recognition cable i.e. electrically protected twisted 2-wire line, has a transmitting unit, which transmits a digital signal assignable to the cable to the evaluation device in a sealed condition of the sealing device at request of the evaluation device. The cable is formed such that the connection between the evaluation device and an integrated circuit e.g. DS2411-integrated circuit, for production of the assignable digital signal is inevitably interrupted when opening the sealing device.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to an electronic sealing device in particular for the sealing of freight containers.

State of the art

seal serve to open or manipulate containers, To indicate doors or similar devices. There is a wide variety of seal types and procedures which are selected depending on the type of use.

easy Seals, such as B. glued paper strips, sealing wax or seals with fuse wire are chosen for applications in which only slight mechanical stresses can occur or the seal can be easily and completely removed should.

All Seals have basic tasks to accomplish, each opening (Breaking) of the seal must be clearly recognizable and unintentional open the seal is difficult to be possible. Furthermore, it is counterfeit security what the sealing materials are not easily obtainable should be or be clearly marked, so that a changed (new) seal is detectable in any case.

For The use of high volume seals is also particularly low cost of individual seals of advantage, for example in the sealing of consumption meters (water, gas u. Electricity meters)

In Logistics application, in particular when transporting goods by means of (standardized) Container, a seal is of particular importance. Next It is also essential for the protection of goods against theft that the contents of the containers are no longer changed during transport can be, for example, the transport of illegal goods to complicate.

In In these fields of application, it is also advantageous if, in addition to the simple Display of the seal break also the time and possibly also the location of this process is automatically captured, stored and (for example via wireless data connection) to a control center becomes.

The sealing of freight containers is only possible with cross-border transport in some countries with seals certified according to certain standards. For example, the US Customs Administration recognizes seals in accordance with the Standards C-TPAT and ISO / PAS 17712 at.

Currently provided for this purpose seals (bolt seals, fork seals or tape seals) can only prove the breakage of the seal, of course, since without electronics, not the time and place, but are after ISO / PAS 17712 certifiable. A number of manufacturers offer seals that meet this standard. Eg ESTO IndustrieTechnik ( www.verplomben.com ) or Shanghai Xinfan Container Fittings Co. ( www.xfseal.com ).

Known electronic devices which, like alarm systems, detect the opening by interrupting a current-carrying conductor loop (eg. US2006 / 0202824 ) can use integrated electronics to determine the time of opening and document and z. For example, by means of GPS (Global Positioning System) determine the location of this process and transmit (eg by means of GSM mobile) to a control center, but are not according to ISO / PAS 17712 certifiable. In particular, the possibility of subsequently not detectable manipulation of this current-carrying conductor loop, ie the electrical bridging makes this type of electronic seal for use in freight containers unsuitable.

in principle is the solution possible by mechanical Design of the electronic seal, especially by mounting in the Container interior to prevent this possibility of manipulation, but this is a mechanical change (remodeling) of the freight container required. This is by logistics companies not accepted, especially since freight containers are mostly not in the Ownership of logistics companies and a mechanical processing the freight container would be too costly and expensive.

Presentation of the invention

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object of an electronic sealing device, in particular to specify for the sealing of freight containers which the disadvantages of the solutions according to the State of the art does not have and in particular no changes the freight container requires.

The The object is achieved by a device having the features of the claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments are the subject dependent claims.

The basic idea of the invention according to an electronic sealing device from a recyclable part (Auswerteeinrich tion), which comprises an evaluation logic, power supply and other electronic assemblies and a non-reusable part (recognition cable), which is inevitably destroyed when the seal is opened.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that Detect recognition cable reusable.

Of the Main aspect of the invention proposed Solution is that the recognition cable comprises means, which is the electrical bridging of the detection cable makes recognizable for the evaluation. According to the invention the recognition cable is equipped with an identification logic, which is installed at the end of the detection cable in a way that any manipulation of this identification logic inevitably with destruction or visible damage the detection cable or the identification logic is connected and this identification logic on request of the evaluation with a clearly assignable to each individual recognition cable digital signal to the evaluation responds.

to Generation of this uniquely assignable signal is recommended integrated Circuits (for example DS2411 or DS2443 of the manufacturer "Dallas Semiconductor "), which is a different for each copy output digital signal (serial number) serially. It is also the generation of a unique signal by means of, for example an electronic circuit intended for this purpose possible, a particularly reasonably priced and energy-saving Solution, however, is the use of these integrated circuits receive.

A essential property of the invention Sealing device is that each recognition cable a unique assignable and no further recognition cable also assigned Identifier receives which the recognition cable on request the evaluation sends to the evaluation.

Thereby the advantage can be achieved that the manipulation security of sealing device according to the invention essential is higher than in solutions according to the State of the art, as for the manipulation of the sealing device on the one hand access to the electrical connections in the detection cable and on the other hand exactly that digital signal must be fed into these electrical connections, which is also generated by the identification logic.

A expedient development of the invention sees that of the identification logic at the request of the evaluation to this evaluation device sent digital signal changing to design. For this purpose, the evaluation device comprises means, which the next of the identification logic expected digital signal.

The Evaluation device according to the invention comprises a Power supply (typically an accumulator), which at least sufficient for the planned service period (transport duration) electrical energy stores and an evaluation logic, which the Connecting and Removing a Detection Cable to the Can recognize evaluation, and a data interface by means of which the processes stored in the evaluation logic (especially Processes which mark the break of the seal) are read out can be. Furthermore, the evaluation includes Means to make a conductive connection (short circuit) between the electrical shield of the detection cable and at least one Data line to be detected in the detection cable.

• – das Erkennungskabel von der Auswerteeinrichtung gelöst wird, oder
• – auf Abfrage der Auswertelogik an die Identifikationslogik kein digitales Signal von der Identifikationslogik an die Auswertelogik gesandt wird, oder
• – auf Abfrage der Auswertelogik an die Identifikationslogik ein anderes als das erwartete digitale Signal von der Identifikationslogik an die Auswertelogik gesandt wird, oder
• – ein elektrischer Kurzschluss zwischen der Schirmung des Erkennungskabels und mindestens einer Datenleitung im Erkennungskabel erkannt wird.

The evaluation logic recognizes a break of the seal, or a manipulation if

• - The recognition cable is released from the evaluation, or
• - No query is sent to the evaluation logic of the evaluation logic to the evaluation logic on query the evaluation logic to the evaluation logic, or
• - is sent to query the evaluation logic to the identification logic other than the expected digital signal from the identification logic to the evaluation logic, or
• - An electrical short circuit between the shield of the detection cable and at least one data line is detected in the detection cable.

Preferably the mechanical design of the evaluation device takes place in one Way, that the evaluation easily attached to standardized freight containers can be, without changes to the freight containers to have to make. Furthermore, the evaluation device in such a way that manipulations at the evaluation device only by overcoming considerable obstacles can be done so that subsequent manipulation clearly by the damage to the evaluation is recognizable.

When As a result of the formation according to the invention, the Sealing device on all standard cargo containers be used without even minor changes to make on these freight containers.

An embodiment of the invention provides to provide the evaluation device with a communication device which sends a message to a control center on the occurrence of a fracture of the seal or a manipulation indicating condition. Conveniently, this communication device is implemented in the form of a standardized communication device that can access widely used network infrastructure. It is particularly advantageous to implement this communication device as a GSM terminal (Global System for Mobile Communication).

In order to The advantage that can be achieved by the timely detection of a Siegelbruchs or a manipulation the circumstances appropriate Measures can be taken early.

A Further embodiment of the invention provides, the evaluation to be provided with a location determining device, which on occurrence a condition indicating the breakage of the seal or a manipulation detects and stores the position of the evaluation device, or this detected position via an optionally existing communication device sent to a control center. Thus the advantage can be achieved that through the known place of seal breach, or manipulation facilitating the identification of responsible persons becomes.

Brief description of the drawings

It show by way of example:

1 the representation of the basic structure of an electronic sealing device.

2 the representation of the basic structure of a detection cable, which can be opened without destruction.

3 the representation of the basic structure of a detection cable in standard bolt seal form.

4 the representation of the basic structure of another embodiment of a detection cable in standard bolt seal form.

5 the representation of the basic structure of a detection cable for use in fork locks.

Embodiment of the invention

1 shows by way of example and schematically the basic structure of an electronic sealing device. The electronic sealing device comprises an evaluation device AE and a recognition cable EK. The evaluation device AE includes a power supply B, a data interface SS and an evaluation logic AL.

Farther the evaluation device AE a location determination device and a communication device, these are in this Embodiment not shown.

The Detection cable EK is detachable with the evaluation device AE connected, or may be in another embodiment be inextricably linked to the evaluation AE. The recognition cable EK comprises at the evaluation device facing away Page an identification logic integrated into the recognition cable EK IL. This identification logic IL is in such a way in the recognition cable EK integrates that access or dismantling not without visible Damage to the detection cable is possible. The electrical connection between the evaluation device AE and the Identification logic IL is by means of at least one data line DL executed. In this example, there are 2 data lines DL shown, it is also possible to have only one data line use, in this embodiment, the electric Shielding S takes over the function of the electrical ground connection. The recognition cable EK further includes one, the data lines DL surrounding electrical shielding S, which with the evaluation AE electrically connected.

2 shows by way of example and schematically an embodiment of a detection cable EK, which can be opened to open the sealing device without destruction and closed again. For this purpose, the recognition cable EK comprises an electrical cable K, a top OT, an upper shell OH and upper contacts OK, which detachably with an assembly consisting of a lower part UT, lower contacts UK, a lower shell UH, an identification logic IL and a locking mechanism S is connected. Typically, the lower contact UK is made to the identification logic IL by means of a flexible printed circuit board. The upper contact OK is advantageously carried out by means of spring-loaded contact pins. Conveniently, the upper shell OH and the lower shell UH are made of plastic. The two closures V1, V2 of the cargo container doors contain bores, which are coaxially in cover with closed doors. The sealing process is done after closing the doors by inserting the upper part OT in this brought into coincidence bores and insertion of the lower part UT in the upper part OT and subsequent actuation of the locking mechanism S, which is preferably designed as a bayonet lock. Subsequently, a mechanical seal MS through the openings of the upper part OT and the lower partly UT are plugged through and secured by means of a conventional mechanical seal seal MSV. Thus, a double seal is achieved because the electronic seal can be opened only after opening the mechanical seal MS.

In order to open the electronic sealing device, in a first step an optionally present mechanical seal MS is to be removed. In a second step, the closing mechanism S is to be opened, wherein the electrical connection between the (in 2 not shown) evaluating device AE and the identification logic IL is inevitably interrupted. The evaluation device AE recognizes that the identification logic no longer sends a digital signal to the evaluation logic after opening the closing mechanism S, that the seal has been broken.

The mechanical design of the detection cable EK ensured in this embodiment, the recyclability of the Detection cable EK.

3 shows an example and schematically an embodiment of a detection cable EK, which must be destroyed to open the sealing device. The recognition cable comprises an electrical cable K, which on one side the (in 3 not shown) evaluating device AE is releasably connected and is permanently connected to the other side with a seal shell SOT. The sealing upper part SOT is designed mechanically in the form of a standard bolt seal and comprises a, opposite to the cable connection end, hidden in the sealing top SOT integrated identification logic IL which is electrically connected to the cable K.

To the Closing the sealing device becomes a sealed lower part SUT pushed onto the opposite end of the cable, wherein the seal lower part (by means of a not shown Mechanism) permanently connected to the seal top SOT.

To the Solving the electronic sealing device is that Cutting through the sealing shell SOT required, with the electric Connection between the evaluation device AE and the identification logic IL is inevitably interrupted and thus by the evaluation AE is detected.

4 shows by way of example and schematically a further embodiment of a detection cable EK, which must be destroyed to open the sealing device. The mechanical construction takes place as in the 3 illustrated embodiment, wherein the identification logic is hidden in the sealed bottom part SUT integrated. The sealing upper part SOT and the lower sealing part SUT comprise contacts K, which are connected when the seal is closed and establish the electrical connection between the evaluation device AE and the identification logic IL. To release the electronic sealing device, the severing of the sealing upper part SOT is required, wherein the electrical connection between the evaluation device AE and the identification logic IL is inevitably interrupted and thus recognized by the evaluation device AE. In any case, the mechanical destruction of the sealing lower part SUT is not suitable for opening the sealing device without interrupting the electrical connection between the evaluation device AE and the identification logic IL, which results in even greater manipulation security.

5 shows by way of example and schematically a further embodiment of a detection cable EK for use on freight containers with so-called fork locks. The two closures V1, V2 are designed in rod form and must be pulled apart to open the container door. In 5 the positions of the shots V1, V2 are shown in open and closed state. A mechanical fork seal MGS closes and seals the closures V1 and V2 in the closed state. The shutters V1 and V2 are mechanically designed so that it is not possible to deduct the recognition cable from the closures V1, V1 in the closed position.

The recognition cable EK comprises an electrical cable K, which on one side to the (in 5 not shown) evaluation device AE is connected and is executed on the other side in the form of a closed loop with a divisible cable closure KV. The cable closure KV is divided into two parts and allows the resealable opening of the cable loop.

cable lock KV includes an identification logic IL and places in closed Condition the electrical contact between the end of the cable K and the identification logic IL, so when open of the cable closure KV the electrical connection between the Evaluation AE and the identification logic IL inevitably is interrupted and thus recognized by the evaluation device AE becomes.

Of the Cable closure KV is designed in a way that it is not possible to enlarge the cable loop.

AE

evaluation

EK

detection cable

IL

identification logic

DL

data lines

S

shielding

AL

evaluation logic

B

power supply

SS

Data Interface

V1, V2

Closure 1, 2

MS

mechanical seal

MSV

mechanical seal closure

K

electric wire

S

closing mechanism

OT

top

UT

lower part

OH

upper shell

UH

lower shell

OK

upper contact

UK

under contact

SOT

Seal shell

SUT

Seal base

KO

contacts

MGS

mechanical fork seal

KV

cable lock

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2006/0202824 [0010]

Cited non-patent literature

• - Standards C-TPAT and ISO / PAS 17712 [0008]
• - ISO / PAS 17712 [0009]
• - www.verplomben.com [0009]
• - www.xfseal.com [0009]
• - ISO / PAS 17712 [0010]

Claims (4)

Electronic sealing device comprising an evaluation device and a recognition cable connected to this evaluation device, characterized in that the recognition cable comprises means which, in the sealed state of the sealing device at the request of the evaluation device, send a digital signal which can be uniquely assigned to this detection cable to the evaluation device and the recognition cable is designed in this way in that, when the sealing device is opened, the connection between the evaluation device and the means for generating the unambiguously assignable digital signal is inevitably interrupted. Electronic sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that for opening the sealing device inevitably a destruction of the detection cable is required. Electronic sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing device opened without damaging the detection cable can be. Electronic sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection cable as electrical Shielded twisted 2-wire cable is executed, wherein the evaluation device comprises means which cause a short circuit of the recognize electrical screen with one of the data lines and this Store short circuit as opening of the sealing device.