EP0975511B1 - Device for monitoring the anchor or anchor chain - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for monitoring the anchor or anchor chain, intended for facilities floating ahead of the anchor such as ships, comprising a measurement device (6) which determines by means of one or more sensors (17) the prevailing state at one or more points of the anchor chain (3) or anchor (4), between the anchor chain (3) and the ship (1) or between the anchor (4) and the ship (1), then generates an electrical signal representative of the strength to the monitoring facility (12) which, upon reception of the signal transmitted by the measurement device, sends a corresponding signal (7), and also comprising an alarm system (9) which receives the signal (7) sent by the transmitter (12) and triggers the alarm if the measured state exceeds a set value.

Description

The present invention relates to an anchor and anchor chain monitoring device for anchored swimming facilities, especially ships.

Surveillance devices are commonly used in shipping used to attach to a fastener Swimming facility in port or on a buoy to determine the applied force and, if necessary, if this Force exceeds a predetermined value, an appropriate one Trigger action to prevent the fastener tears and the relevant swimming device uncontrolled floating in the fairway.

DE-AS-21 34 104 describes a method and a device for monitoring the rope power in the mooring rope a single point mooring device for loading and unloading a Ship known. According to this known method it is Ship over the mooring rope with its bow so on the single point mooring device moored that it is unimpeded Can perform pivoting movements around the mooring device. In this state, the rope force in the mooring rope measured and converted into a signal that is a measure of this measured rope force is and which of the Single point mooring device communicated to land or ship becomes. The mooring line between the ship and the Single point mooring device is released as soon as the transmitted Signal indicates that the truss force is a predetermined Exceeds the maximum value.

DE-GM-73 16 102 discloses an anchoring device for a floating watercraft through several hawser anchored at the point. It is a monitoring device provided that has a monitoring station that Signals from several voltmeters to record the mechanical Receives and displays tension in the hawser. On Intermediate part between a rope fastening part and one For this purpose, the mounting base carries a voltmeter.

DE-OS-2 410 528 describes dynamic anchoring of Ships and similar floats known. In doing so, a equipped with propellants and on the water surface floating ship given vertically over a first Anchored at sea bottom point. One with its own dynamic anchor means equipped buoy will be at a distance of anchored to the ship, the anchor means no longer through either on the ship or at the first seabed point existing machines and apparatus are disturbed and the buoy a fixed position in relation to one can occupy the second seabed point. With the help of an the surface of the measuring device with a Course determining device of the ship cooperates the relative position of the ship in relation to the buoy and determined in relation to the course. The position deviations of the ship in relation to the first given seabed point are activated by actuating the anchor means Corrected error signals delivered measuring device.

Furthermore, DE-OS-2 410 528 describes a buoy to which dynamic anchor means as well as transmission and reflection means for electromagnetic signals.

DE-OS-25 02 020 describes a positioning method of a watercraft known. In this known method the ship is always kept within a boundary circle, which is the largest permissible slope of a drilling mud return or corresponds to a standpipe. To this Anchoring arrangement and several through purpose a computer controlled drive devices with vertical Axles rotatable blades used. The drive devices are only put into operation by the computer if the resulting one affects the ship external forces or the angle of inclination of the riser exceeds a predetermined value. With values of the outer Forces or the angle of inclination of the standpipe, which under the predetermined value, the ship is only using the Anchoring arrangement held within a small circle, whose radius is smaller than the radius of the boundary circle.

DE-GM-77 15 093 describes a shear bolt for holder devices, especially in mooring facilities for ships, known, the cross-sectional reductions at a measuring point having. Load sensors are in an axle bore of the Shear bolt arranged, the cavity with one after filled the grouting potting compound filled. The load sensors consist of strain gauges, which on the measuring points are arranged in pairs and by means of lines are connected to an electrical circuit.

DE-OS-27 48 922 is a cordage with a soul, in particular known for mooring ships. The soul is a cable that can be connected to a signaling system with at least two cable cores. The cordage shows one at the same time mechanical connection as well as a contactless circuit of the cable serving coupling piece, the one Coupling half at the end of the rope and the other coupling half is attached at a distance from it. Furthermore is a arcing and engaging in the two coupling halves Protection body provided. The one attached to the end of the rope Coupling half has one under its face Reed contact to which the cable is connected with its end is, and the other coupling half has under their end face one interacting with the reed contact Permanent magnets.

EP-A-0 242 115 describes a method and a system for Determining a position on a moving platform, such as. a ship, using signals from GPS satellites known. In this known method Signals received directly from satellites on the moving Platform with indirect interposition of base stations signals received from the satellites are compared and so the current position of the moving platform certainly.

The problem of having an anchor from swimming facilities is first using the example of a ship at anchor described.

For anchoring, a ship leaves you on an anchor chain or - hawse hanging anchor on the water floor, e.g. the seabed, sink so that both the anchor and a Most of the anchor chain / cable is lying on the water floor. It is crucial that the fixation of the ship in a certain area not by connecting the Anchor with the water bottom, but by the weight of the part of the anchor chain lying on the water floor / - hawser is effected.

The ship lying at anchor in this way can move within a certain area around the support point facing the ship move the anchor chain / cable on the seabed freely and thus against external forces acting on the ship act, such as Flow forces or wind forces give way. If now these outer, acting on the ship Forces can increase in magnitude at a particular, of depending on the weight and length of the anchor chain / cable Value can be reached in which the anchor chain / - hawser no longer lies on the water floor and over the anchor chain / cable from the ship directly onto the anchor one Force or movement is exercised. The ship then pulls the Anchor either unchecked or can, if the anchor is stuck in the water bottom, a demolition the anchor chain or break the anchor, so that the ship drifts uncontrollably in the waters and possibly running aground.

Such a condition is especially in onshore wind or near reefs, other ships, or others possible collision points in the fairway are extraordinary dangerous.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention an anchor chain, anchor movement and anchor force monitoring device to create the security of a Floating anchor at anchor increased.

This object is achieved by the subject of Claim 1 solved.

Preferred further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention has a measuring device on. This measuring device has at least one sensor, the preferably at the connection between anchor and chain / hawser, but also on another part of the anchor chain / - hawser or integrated in the anchor itself or attached to the anchor can be. It should be noted that the measuring device can be constructed so that part of the facility in the area of the anchor or the anchor chain / cable, that is, under water and another part of the measuring device in or on the swimming facility or the ship can be arranged. It is also possible to use part of the Monitoring device independent of the swimming facility and to arrange the anchor device, for example, from anchoring a ship or from land Floating device to be monitored.

Accordingly, the alarm device on the floating device yourself or elsewhere on another floating body or arranged on land and the like his.

Not only the junction is under the transition area between the anchor and the anchor chain / cable understood, but also the adjacent area of anchor and anchor chain / cable. It is only important that the Anchor and chain monitoring device at least partially is in the area that is constantly used for stable anchoring Seabed should lie and essentially no major one Condition changes should be delivered.

According to a preferred development of the invention Anchor and chain monitoring device are several sensors distributed over the anchor chain / hawser so that the local states of the anchor device are determined can.

Preferably, there is also at least one sensor in the armature itself integrated or arranged on the anchor.

The sensor preferably has a piezoelectric, resistive, capacitive or inductive sensor element.

According to a preferred development, the transmission takes place between the measuring device or the part of the measuring device which in the area of the anchor chain / rope or in the area of Anchor is arranged and the parts of the monitoring device, that are above water in the swimming facility etc. wirelessly instead, by ultrasound, by Infrared radiation, by electromagnetic waves or others suitable wireless transmission methods.

This method has the main advantage that damage a cable connection when lowering the anchor and Rewind are excluded.

The disadvantage of this design, however, is that with several swimming facilities anchored next to each other Disruptions can occur, namely by a ship Signals from an anchor or anchor chain monitoring device not belonging to it receives.

According to the invention, it is therefore proposed a corresponding one for wireless transmission Identification code to be transmitted with that of the transmitting Facility clearly identified. By using a appropriately designed identification codes, for example a digital number with a relatively high number of bits, it can be ensured that randomly received Signals cannot be identified as measurement results and then lead to a false alarm.

Instead of identification using an identification code or a special identification pattern it is also possible assign corresponding frequencies to the devices so that the risk of mutual interference is reduced.

According to the invention Transmission device on a control device, which causes the signals to be transmitted at intervals, the transmission device has a signal generation device which generates an identification signal that characteristic of the individual transmission device and this is clearly identified, the control device effects that this identification signal at least once during each transmission interval the alarm output device has a memory in which a that assigned to the associated individual transmission device Identification comparison signal stored and the alarm output device has a comparison device which checks whether this is from the transmission device broadcast identification signal with the in identification comparison signal stored in the alarm output device matches, and is forwarded or further processing of the alarm output device recorded signals only if that of the Alarm output device received and that in the alarm output device stored identification comparison signal are identical.

The anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to the invention consists of a transmission device and a separate alarm output device. This Design has the advantage that the alarm output device, which are usually connected directly to the actuator, e.g. a warning light or a siren, is combined in the Field of view or auditory field of the on board the ship or on Country located user can be arranged.

The alarm output device can also in any way be worn by the user. For example, the Alarm output device like a wristwatch immediately on Wrist of the user must be arranged.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission takes place the data and the identification signal digitally. Thereby will be greater reliability of data transmission achieved, and it is also possible to have a high number of Identification patterns to choose by this signal from a correspondingly high number of individual bits becomes.

It is possible that each transmission part already at the Production of a specific alarm output part or vice versa is assigned. However, this has the disadvantage that e.g. at a failure of the alarm output part, the associated transmission part also becomes unusable and vice versa.

According to a preferred development of the invention proposed the assignment between the transmission part and to make the alarm output part changeable.

In this case, it is preferably provided that the transmission part and the alarm output part to be used therewith brought into an identification signal change mode that enables the alarm output part to the identification signal of the transmission part assigned to it record and save. This assignment or According to a preferred development, the pairing mode has multiple security levels so that an unintended and incorrect assignment of transmission part and alarm output part is avoided.

The possibility of free assignment of transmission part and The alarm output part has considerable advantages in practical use. If the alarm output part or the transmission part falls off, only the defective device needs, but not both devices to be replaced and the remaining device can continue to be used.

The variable assignment has the further advantage that two alarm output devices and vice versa can be assigned to a transmission device. It is then possible, for example, for a coastal station to use two alarm devices with which it monitors the anchor position of two ships.

Finally, it is also conceivable that especially for the Alarm output device that correlates with other functions different device models can be offered that the user should be able to use without having to log in to have to procure a new transmission part.

Furthermore, the manufacture of the monitoring device is carried out the changeable assignment is considerably simplified.

The identification signal change mode is preferred triggered by the transmission device through a manual Activity is caused to give a certain signal to transmit the identification control signal that the Alarm output device indicates that an assignment process is taking place should. The unwanted assignment of several alarm output devices to prevent a transmission device can take appropriate security measures on the part of the alarm output device be provided.

The actual assignment is done by using the identification control signal also the identification signal of the transmission part is broadcast. That in the identification signal change mode alarm device received this identification signal and stores it in a corresponding one Save until it becomes part of a new one Assignment receives another identification signal.

According to a preferred development of the invention a computing device either in the transmission device or in Alarm output device installed. This allows the user to Anchor or anchor chain monitor is displayed the condition of the anchor and the anchor chain / cable and, for example, in terms of time or locally developed.

It is particularly preferred when using radio signals the use of signals in the long wave range, i.e. the Use of radio signals with a frequency of 5 Hertz up to 100 kilohertz.

Studies have shown that electromagnetic transmission of the signal in water a frequency range between 5 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz is particularly suitable to the transmit the desired signals.

Both the transmission and the alarm output part can can be provided with further functions.

The acquisition of the signals is another function other sensors. This can e.g. B. a burglar alarm be that with mechanical sensors on doors, windows and hatches is provided, or a motion sensor has movements, especially inside the ship detects a heel sensor that has a greater inclination of the floating body and a water intrusion sensor, which indicates when the water level in the bilge has exceeded the predetermined limit. Furthermore can one or more sensors can also be provided which measure the holding force of mooring lines with which the ship in port is moored. The central alarm device summarizes these signals together and give an alarm if one of the measured quantities reaches a critical state. This is usually the case when a predetermined Limit of force or movement is exceeded.

When using sensors for mooring lines, a critical condition can be achieved even if several Mooring lines are used and none of these lines Has a force signal.

Both in the case of an alarm device that only sensor signals includes in connection with the anchor, so also with one central signaling device, which several sensors in the detects the aforementioned way, the alarm signal can also be transmitted wirelessly to a receiving device, which from the User z. B. carried on land. The user will then automatically about the critical condition of his ship informed.

The wireless transmission can be on for these frequencies released radio areas with the known techniques for Radio transmission take place. Alternatively, it can also be provided be that the central alarm device has a suitable Modem a portable phone, e.g. B. a mobile phone after GSM standard, dials.

In all of the aforementioned wireless transmission methods from a central alarm device to the remote user can send messages acoustically or as alphanumeric Signal are transmitted. In the first case for example after a connection has been established, such as one Telephone connection, stored in the alarm device Texts reproduced acoustically, e.g. B. a text "water in Ship "or appears on the display of the receiver. It it is pointed out that the aforementioned central facility can operate even when there is no anchor chain monitoring device is active, e.g. B. if the boat only with Lines are moored in the port, or if only a line monitoring device is available.

The invention further provides a sensor for monitoring anchor chains available which are particularly suitable for use in the anchor chain monitoring device described here is suitable, but also in monitoring devices can be used, which have characteristics other than this is described in claim 1. This anchor chain sensor consists of a substantially cylindrical ring from a Piezoelectric ceramic on both sides - Is connected to metal plates, the outer diameter of which Outer diameter corresponds to the piezoelectric ring.

The metal plates are mutually such with the anchor chain and / or the anchor connected to the one on the anchor chain and / or the anchor acting tensile force to a compression of the ring leads.

Overall, the sensor is in a waterproof sealing compound cast from plastic or the like. Furthermore, the transmitter is preferably attached to one of the metallic disks and is therefore also within the protection this potting compound.

Such a device can produce a very strong signal generate when there is a corresponding load on the anchor chain or is applied to the sensor.

With this design, the transmitter is located during of normal operation in a stand-by mode, in which it uses very little electricity. Once a burden A signal from the piezo ring is activated on the sensor generated and sent to the transmitter. Because of this The transmitter is then a signal in the actual inventive Operating mode offset.

There are operating modes in this embodiment two possibilities.

The first option is stand-by mode and operating mode so coordinated that a switchover to the operating mode only occurs when the signal is above a Tax value lies, which means a critical burden. In this embodiment, so immediately after Switch from stand-by mode to operating mode a warning signal output. In other words, as soon as a jerk is exerted on the anchor or the anchor chain, the one the transmitter is switched on and alarm triggered.

In a second embodiment, one with one Sensor provided monitoring device causes the exceeding a predetermined force on the sensor first only that the monitoring device from stand-by mode is switched to the operating mode. Then works the device in an operating mode in which, as described above, a force measurement is performed and as soon as the force exceeds a predetermined threshold the alarm triggered.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Anker- oder Ankerketten-Überwachungsvorrichtung;

Figur 2

eine schematisierte Funktions-Darstellung einer Anker- oder Ankerketten-Überwachungsvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 3

eine schematisierte Darstellung der Kodierung des Übertragungssignals des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Aufbaus des Übertragungssignals im Normalbetrieb des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 5

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Aufbaus des Übertragungssignals im Identifikationsänderung-Modus des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 2; und

Figur 6

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Alarmausgabeteils des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 2

Figur 7

Schaltplan einer erfindungsgemäßen Anker- und Ankerketten-Überwachungsvorrichtung.

Figur 8

eine teilweise geschnittene Prinzipdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Sensors für die Erfassung der im Anker bzw. der Ankerkette wirkenden Kraft.

The figures show:

Figure 1

a schematic representation of the anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to the invention;

Figure 2

a schematic functional representation of an anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to the present invention;

Figure 3

a schematic representation of the coding of the transmission signal of the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4

a schematic representation of the structure of the transmission signal in normal operation of the embodiment of Figure 2;

Figure 5

a schematic representation of the structure of the transmission signal in the identification change mode of the embodiment according to Figure 2; and

Figure 6

2 shows a schematic representation of the alarm output part of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2

Figure 7

Circuit diagram of an anchor and anchor chain monitoring device according to the invention.

Figure 8

a partially sectioned schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor for detecting the force acting in the anchor or the anchor chain.

In the figures, the same reference symbols designate the same or corresponding components.

The embodiments of the invention explained below Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device are intended in connection with an anchor chain / hawser and an anchor to be used for a ship.

However, you can, if necessary, with appropriate modifications also for anchor chains of oil rigs, floating docks etc. find use.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the invention Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device.

In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 designates a ship which is in a fairway 2 is located. The ship 1 has an anchor chain or hawser 3 on the one hand by a not shown Anchor chain winch can be lowered from the ship, and on the on the other hand, an anchor 4 is attached. As shown the anchor chain / cable 3 is completely different from that not shown Windlass unwinds and lies together with the Anchor 4 partly on the bottom 5 of the water.

According to the invention is now an anchor or anchor chain monitoring device provided which z. B. from an im Transition area between the anchor 4 and the anchor chain / hawser 3 located part 6 and one on board the ship located part 8, 9 there.

It should be noted that the part 8, 9 is also in a coastal station could be.

The one in the transition area between the anchor 4 and the anchor chain / cable 3 located part 6 has a measuring device on the state changes between the armature 4 and the anchor chain / hawser 3 by means of one or more sensors grasped and a representative of the force or movement outputs electrical signal.

Furthermore, part 6 is in connection with the measuring device a transmission device is provided which the the measuring device outputs the signal, and this one corresponding transmission signal, e.g. a radio signal, which is denoted by 7 in FIG.

The part 8, 9 located on board the ship 1 includes a Alarm output device 9, which in the example shown with a Antenna 8 is provided, which from the transmission device broadcast transmission signal received. Farther is an operating / display device, not shown, on board the ship provided with the alarm output device 9 is connected and data as numbers or Indicates symbols, at least in part, from that of the receiving device 9 received transmission signal 7 derived are, the data for example the temporal or State the location of the sensors or the sensor.

Furthermore, the operation of the inventive structure constructed in this way Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device closer explained.

The transmission device has a control device, which causes the transmission signals to occur at intervals be transmitted. Furthermore is in the transmission facility provided in the signal generating device, which an identification signal is generated that for the individual Transmission device is characteristic and this clearly identified, the control device causing that this identification signal at least once within every transmission interval is transmitted.

Accordingly, there is a memory in the alarm output device 9 provided in the one of the associated individual Identification device comparison signal assigned to the transmission device is saved. The alarm output device has a comparison device which checks whether the identification signal emitted by the transmission device with that stored in the alarm output device Identification comparison signal matches and initiates a forwarding or further processing of the signals recorded to the alarm output device only if the received from the alarm device and the identification comparison signal stored in the alarm output device are identical.

This enables a clear assignment of those on board the ship 1 or based on received signals for in the transition area located between the anchor 4 and the anchor chain / hawser 3 Transmission device can be made.

Now increases the force in the area of part 6 or Movement between the anchor 4 and the anchor chain / rope 3, so in part 8, 9, which is preferably on board the Ship is triggered, an alarm signal indicating that that the ship is about to go into an uncontrolled one Condition to get so that the crew appropriate Countermeasures can be initiated.

The alarm device is preferably set such that a signal is triggered when a predetermined force value or movement value is exceeded, this Threshold of the design of the anchor, the arrangement of the Measuring sensors or measuring sensors or on the anchor, in the area between Anchor and anchor chain or the anchor chain itself depends and other things like the size of the ship etc.

To avoid that in the event of a device failure Transmission of an alarm signal will go unnoticed set up preferably at regular intervals checked and issued a warning signal when the connection between alarm device and measuring device or measuring sensors omitted.

This alarm signal can be an acoustic or visual alarm signal be and automatically take appropriate countermeasures, such as e.g. Starting the engines or automatic course recording, initiate.

It should be noted that the location of the anchor 4 or part 6 located on the anchor and anchor chain / hawser 3 the anchor / anchor chain monitoring device according to the invention with the measuring device not to the exact transition point between anchor 4 and anchor chain / cable. Rather, the location of the part can be at a predetermined location be at which a predetermined force or movement is not should be exceeded, or even several, over the position of the anchor chain / cable 3 distributed accordingly Parts 6 may be provided to enable the anchor chain / cable 3 and the armature 4 acting forces / movements to be transferred to parts 8, 9 in a spatially resolved manner.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the anchor / anchor chain monitoring device, the total designated 10 and which is a transmission part 12 which is the transmission device includes, and an alarm output part 13, which contains the alarm output device.

The transmission part 12 and one in the transition area between Anchor 4 and anchor chain / cable 3 are arranged sensor 17 arranged under water, the sensor 17 between the Anchor 4 and the anchor chain 3 acting force or movement measures.

The sensor can be any sensor, e.g. a piezoelectric, a resistive, a capacitive, an inductive etc. Sensor.

The alarm output part 13 is on board the ship in spatial Distance to the transmission part 12 is provided and is with coupled to a display device 14, which is usually immediate in the housing of the alarm output part 13 or control part is integrated.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the transmission part of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2.

The transmission part 12 shown schematically in FIG. 3 has a non-magnetic material, preferably Plastic, existing housing 110 in which the electrical and electronic elements of the transmission part 12 are included. The inside of the housing 110 of the transmission part 12 is complete with electrically non-conductive Filled with oil, silicone or the like. The area of the housing 110a in which one or more sensors 17 are arranged, is designed so that when using the anchor 4 or anchor chain / cable 3 exposed force. The rest Part of housing 110 is also sealed to a Avoid water ingress.

A battery 113 or another is also in the housing 110 Power supply housed the transmission part 12th supplied with electrical energy and thus also the Pressure in the housing 10 is exposed.

The structure of the electrical components of the transmission part 12 is detailed below with reference to FIG. 3 described.

The transmitter 26 consists, for. B. from a ferrite core with Copper wire is wrapped. Has proven to be particularly cheap an inductance of the transmission coil in the range of 10 and 50 mH proven.

The time interval between the condition measurement and the transfer of the signal is not constant, but is replaced by the Microprocessor based on a computing method within a predetermined time range varies. The transmission of the signal but always takes place before the next measured value is recorded. This time variation has the advantage that with two anchor or anchor chain monitoring devices operated at a short distance at the same time, the various anchors or Monitor anchor chains, a collision of transmitted Signal values can only happen randomly. Would be the time interval always the same between measurement interval and transmission interval, could arise the unfavorable constellation that of two transmission parts broadcast values longer collide with each other.

The signal transmission from the transmission device 12 to the alarm output device 13 takes place, for. B. by means of an electromagnetic radio frequency constant frequency. The quartz-controlled timer 21 is used to control the transmission frequency. Since the frequency of the oscillating quartz is 32,768 Hz, the structure of the transmission part is simplified if a frequency is used which is derived from this frequency with the divider 2 ⁿ . The frequencies 32,768 (n = 0), 16,384 (n = 1), 8,192 (n = 2) and 4,096 (n = 3) are therefore particularly preferred. Experiments have shown that particularly good data transmission under water is achieved by using a carrier frequency of 8,192 Hz.

In the interest of interference-free data transmission the data signals to be transmitted in the transmission part 12 digital coded. To transfer the digital values, there are in the prior art various methods in which the Frequency, the amplitude or the phase position of the carrier signal to be changed.

A known method that is also used for the anchor or anchor chain monitoring devices of the type shown could be the frequency change of the transmission signal with the so-called "frequency shift keying". at In this method, bit information contents 0 and 1 different frequencies assigned. With that, however two frequencies are transmitted, which is the transmission and effort on the receiver side increased.

The best way of transmission has been to influence the phase position with the so-called "phase shift keying" (PSK) proved, in the present embodiment used a special variant of the PSK process , namely "differential phase shift keying" (DPSK).

With this method, the transmission signal experiences one Phase jump if a 1 is determined; should transmit a 0 the transmission signal remains unchanged. There with this method the first bit of the transmitted bit pattern contains an uncertainty, it must not be used as an information carrier serve.

An example of this digital encryption is shown in FIG. 5 shown. The diagram 60 is above a time axis 61 and a number axis 62 a bit pattern consisting of the Bits 011010011 ... shown.

In diagram 64, 65 is above the same scaled time axis and a voltage signal 67 is plotted on the voltage axis 66, which has a constant frequency, but which through the prescribed DPSK modulation the bit pattern as Phase change is impressed.

A signal sequence is generated within each transmission interval transferred which, as shown in Figure 6, from a Preamble, the identification signal, a data block and one Postamble is set up. The preamble serves the Alarm output device the synchronization to the transmitted Enable signal. The identification code contains the transmitter-specific identification. On the identification codes is the actual data block to be transferred on. The data block always contains the measured one Force value, but can in a preferred embodiment also receive further sensor values, which have corresponding further sensors (not shown) can be detected. Of course, other data can also be transmitted if this is of interest in the specific application is. This is followed by the postamble, which i.a. to Error detection and correction is used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the synchronization interval includes 16 bit, the identification code 24 bit, the Data block 32 bit and the postamble 4 bit. Every signal is so 76 bits long.

Experiments have shown that it is favorable for the DPSK used is a total of 8 periods of the carrier frequency per bit 8,196 Hz. This results in a period of time the broadcast of a total of 0.976 ms / bit or an entire Signal duration of approx. 74 ms.

With reference to Figure 7, the structure of the alarm output part 13 described. The alarm output part 13 is separated from the transmission part 12, in a plastic housing 70 with a power supply and has no connection mechanical type or by means of electrical lines with the transmission part 12.

To put the device into operation and in pairing mode to confirm the assignment are switches 73 in the housing which are operated by the user.

The alarm output part 13 has one or two ferrite antennas or other transceivers 80 as shown schematically in FIG Figure 8 is shown. The received signal is initially fed to a signal processing and amplification stage 81, which is followed by a digitizing stage 82. Both components correspond to the usual design.

The digital signal is fed to a comparator 83. This Comparator 83 determines whether the received and processed Signal the identification signal or the identification control signal contains. If so, the signal will a microprocessor 85 which, controlled by an in a program stored in memory 86 for further processing takes over.

The use of the upstream comparison stage 83 has the Advantage that the microprocessor 85 only with the signal is applied when it is established that the individual Alarm output device is addressed.

The time control of the alarm output part takes place via a Timer 84.

The data evaluated from the received signal and, if appropriate the user receives further data in the display 87 displayed. The display 87 is behind a transparent Area in the wall of the housing 70 of the alarm output part 12 arranged. The display 87 is at anchor or between the anchor 4 and the anchor chain / cable 3 prevailing Force or movement and preferably the temporal and / or local development history of this state is displayed.

The respective data are shown in the display 87 as long as until after a new measurement and the transfer of the value new data are determined.

The alarm output device also has a schematic only Switching device 88 shown with those already mentioned Switches 73 on. The switches 73 can also be larger Distance to each other or in different sides of the housing 70 may be arranged.

The following describes how the assignment or the Pairing of transmission part 12 and alarm output part 13 within of the identification change mode.

As already stated, each transmission part is used in the Manufacturing an identification signal that is assigned is only awarded once. In the above embodiment a 24-bit signal is used, from which a total of 16.7 million different identification options result. This high number ensures that almost never have two transmission parts with same signal exist.

The identification signal of the transmission part 12 is in a read-only memory area of the memory 23 of the transmission part 12 filed. It is also possible for the identification signal in a RAM memory area, in this However, the signal must e.g. through simultaneous use otherwise fixed as manufacturer number in the device, so that the signal z. B. correct when changing the battery can be inserted.

The identification change mode is e.g. started when the transmission part 12 again after a battery change Is put into operation. The transmission part 12 then goes in the identification change mode, and transmits as in FIG. 6 shows a signal which consists of a preamble, an identification control signal, the actual one Identification signal and a postamble exists. In which In the exemplary embodiment, the preamble is 16 bits, the postamble 4 bits and the identification control signal and the identification signal 24 bits each.

The identification control signal is sent from all alarm output parts of the corresponding series understood. Once a Alarm output part 13 receives this signal, it is over the Microprocessor switched over the identification change mode. The processor then queries via the display 87 whether heard the identification signal of the transmission part shall be. If this is done by the user via the switching device 88 confirmed by the switch 73, the identification signal the transmission part 12 taken over and in Memory 86 is stored as an identification comparison signal.

To avoid accidentally assigning devices, has the identification change mode in the embodiment several security levels.

A first security level is provided by the alarm output part 13 the corresponding device an energy measurement of the identification change mode received signal performed. The program of the received part is so designed that whenever the identification control signal is received an energy measurement of the overall signal is carried out becomes. Only if the transmission energy a certain An assignment is possible.

The transfer of energy from the transmission part to the alarm output part depends, as is known, on the distance and in considerable Dimensions also from the respective alignment of the two antennas or encoder and transducer from each other. Only if that Devices spatially and angularly to each other in a certain way are arranged, which is picked up by the alarm output part 13 Maximum energy. The limit values for energy measurement is therefore chosen so that an assignment only can take place when transmission and alarm output part 12, 13 are assigned to each other at a predetermined distance and also a predetermined angular alignment to each other exhibit. To facilitate the angular assignment, choose the antennas or transmitters and transducers 12 and alarm output part 13 preferably so on the respective Housing arranged that they have the maximum energy a parallel or T-shaped arrangement of the devices to each other results. To rule out coincidences here too, the transmission of the identification control signal is repeated repeated, and only then of sufficient signal energy assumed when the measured value at a certain percentage of transfers above Limit is.

Finally, the user still has to, and this represents the next Security level, operate the switching device 88, to confirm the identification change. To do this for example, the three switches 73 used in a manner be that only two are operated in the identification change mode may be.

An assignment takes place only if all security levels be respected.

With reference to Fig. 8 is now an embodiment a sensor device for measuring that in the anchor chain acting force described, such a sensor in other also in other places, e.g. B. in a mooring line or between a mooring line and the corresponding one Connection part, such as. B. a bollard, on Ship or the like. Can be arranged.

The total of 200 designated sensor device is between the first part of an anchor chain 201 and the second Part of an anchor chain 202 arranged, the second part the anchor chain 202 is connected to the anchor 203.

There is a cylindrical one on each of the two chain parts 201, 202 Shaft 205a, 205b provided which is part of the sensor device is.

The sensor itself is a cylindrical ring 208 made of piezoelectric Material. There is one on each ring Metal existing cylindrical disc 210b and 210a.

The cylindrical disc 210b is over a weld seam 211b connected to the chain part 205b and is through a bore 212a guided in the cylindrical disc 210a.

Correspondingly, the chain part 205a is over a weld seam 211a connected to the cylindrical ring 210a and by a Bore 212b led.

The entire sensor is cast in an elastic mass 215, made of an electrically non-conductive plastic an asphalt or asphalt-like material or the like.

On the ring 210a, the transmitting part 220 is arranged, which in the essentially the transmission part, as is the case with reference to FIG. 3 was explained corresponds.

The function of this sensor device is as follows:

When a tensile force is applied to the cylindrical shafts 205a, 205b acts, becomes one between the metal plates 210a and 210b Pressure load effective, which compresses the sensor 208. Due to the piezoelectric properties of sensor 208 an electrical signal is output by the Transmitting device 220 is added. The signal is in the Transmitter 220 processes and causes this is switched from stand-by mode to operating mode.

Depending on the design of the transmission facility, the Switching from stand-by mode to operating mode an alarm signal triggered, or further measurements are made first made and an alarm signal is only issued if the measured force value exceeds a predetermined.

Claims (31)

1. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device for anchored floating objects, and in particular ships, having:

   a measuring means for measuring the conditions (force and/or motion) occurring on at least one position of said anchor chain/hawser (3) or on said anchor (4) between said anchor chain/hawser (3) and said ship (1) or said anchor (4) and said ship (1), which employs at least one sensor (17) to record the condition or conditions (force and/or motion) and which emits an electrical signal characteristic of said condition or conditions;

   transmitting means (12) which receives said force signal emitted from said measuring means and which transmits a signal corresponding thereto; and

   an alarm output and operating means (13),

   characterized in that
   said transmitting means (12) has a control means which induces that the signals are transmitted at intervals,
   said transmitting means (12) has a signal generating means (22) which generates an identification signal which is characteristic for the individual transmission means (12). and which uniquely identifies same,
   said control means (21) inducing said identification signal to be transmitted at least once during each transmission interval,
   said alarm output means (13) has a memory (86) in which an identification comparison signal corresponding to each individual transmitting means is stored,
   said alarm output means (13) has a comparison means (83) which analyzes, whether the identification signal emitted from the transmitting means (12) concurs with the stored identification comparison signal in the alarm output means (13) ,
   a forwarding or further processing of the signals received by the alarm output means only occurs when the signals received by the alarm output means (13) and the stored identification comparison signal in the alarm output means (13) are identical,
   said alarm output and operating means (13) receives said signals emitted by said transmitting means (12) and issues a warning alarm when the measured condition(s) exceed a predetermined critical value
   and the time interval between the condition measurements and the transmission of the signal is not constant.
2. Anchor/anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that
   said alarm output means (13) is disposed with a display means (14) for displaying said measured value(s) of force.
3. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that said sensor (17).is disposed in the junction transition section between said anchor (4) and anchor chain/hawser (3).
4. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that a plurality of sensors (17) are distributed on the chain or hawser.
5. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that at least one sensor (17) is integrated in said anchor.
6. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that said sensor (17) has a piezoelectric sensor element.
7. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that said sensor (17) has a resistive sensor element.
8. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that said sensor (17) has a capacitive sensor element.
9. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that said sensor (17) has an inductive sensor element.
10. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that at least one of the transmission paths between sensor (17), measuring means and alarm output means (13) utilizes a wireless data transmission.
11. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that a transformer (20) is provided which digitally converts the signals to be transmitted by said transmitting means (12).
12. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that at least said control means (21) and said signal generating means of said transmitting means are pooled in a first microprocessor means (22) which is controlled by a program stored in a memory (23).
13. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that said alarm output means has a microprocessor unit (85) controlled by a program stored in a memory (86) allocated to said alarm output means (13).
14. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    said transmitting means' (12) identification signal is stored as a digital numerical sequence of n-bits and that said receiver identification comparison signal is likewise stored as a digital numerical sequence of n-bits.
15. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    said identification signal stored in said transmitting means (12) and/or said identification comparison signal stored in said alarm output (13) means is/are variable, and said identification signal and/or said identification comparison signal of said transmitting and/or alarm output means (13) match each other.
16. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 15, characterized in that
    said signal generating means of said transmitting means (12) generates an identification control signal which is stored in said memory (86) of said alarm output means (13) as an identification control comparison signal, and that said comparison means (83) switches said alarm output means into an identification signal change mode as soon as said comparison means recognizes that one of the identification control signals emitted from said transmission means is identical with said identification control comparison signal stored in said alarm output means (13).
17. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to
    claim 16, characterized in that
    said transmitting means (12) has a first detector means which recognizes occurrence of a predetermined condition and induces a switching of said transmitting means (12) from a transmitting mode in which at least condition and identification signal are emitted, into a identification signal change mode in which an identification control signal and said identification signal are emitted.
18. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 15 or 16,
    characterized in that said alarm output means (13) has a receiver energy measuring means which measures the energy of the signals received from said transmitting means (12) at least when said comparison means (83) determines that one of said identification control signals emitted from said transmitting means is identical with said identification control comparison signal stored in said alarm output means.
19. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according one of claims 15-17,
    characterized in that said alarm output means has a manual operative switching means (88) and that an identification signal received during identification change mode is only stored by said alarm output means upon actuating of said manual switching means.
20. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according one of claims 15-19,
    characterized in that said alarm output means (13) only stores a received identification signal during said identification change mode when the energy of said received signal exceeds a particular predetermined value, and when the manual switching means (88) is actuated.
21. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according one of claims 1-8 and 10-19,
    characterized in that the signal transmission (12) from said transmitting means to said alarm output means (13) transpires via ultrasound.
22. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according one of claims 1-8 and 10-19,
    characterized in that the signal transmission from said transmitting means (12) to said alarm output means (13) transpires via electromagnetic waves, for example radio waves.
23. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according claim 22,
    characterized in that the frequency of said electromagnetic waves is in the long-wave range, preferably between 5 and 100 kilohertz, especially preferred between 5 and 50 kilohertz, and most particularly preferred between 5 and 15 kilohertz.
24. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according claim 21 or 22,
    characterized in that the data transmission transpires via sinusoidal signal phasing change (phase shift keying) and preferably via differential phasing change (differential phase shift keying).
25. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according one of claims 1-24,
    characterized in that said transmitting means (12) has a time emitter unit (21) and is controlled such that said measuring means measures condition in predetermined fixed intervals of time.
26. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according claim 25,
    characterized in that the condition determined during measurement is converted into a signal and transmitted prior to the next measurement taking place, and that a programmed intelligent sequence is provided to effect that the temporal interval between measurement and transmitting of said measured signal is not constant.
27. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that said transmitting means is disposed in a pressure-tight, preferably oil-filled housing.
28. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to at least one of claims 1-27,
    characterized in that said device has a central alarm means which receives and processes sensor signals which originate from a group of sensors encompassing an entry sensor which registers an intrusion of the ship, either mechanically or via registering of changes in an electric, magnetic or optical field, a flood sensor which ascertains when the water level in the ship exceeds a predetermined critical value, a wind sensor which registers the prevailing wind strength, a list sensor which registers the listing of a ship, a mooring line sensor which registers, when the ship is retained with a mooring line, the force exerted from the mooring lines onto the ship, whereby said alarm means emits a warning alarm when one of said sensors shows that an undesired condition has occurred, and that said alarm means is furthermore preferably configured such that any condition deviation is then transmitted in wireless fashion to a receiver device which is so designed that it can register signals from a ship even when situated at a remote distance therefrom.
29. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to at least one of claims 1-28,
    characterized in that the force acting on said anchor chain (3) or said anchor (4) is measured via a piezoelectric force sensor (200) which is arranged between two pressure disks (210a, 210b), whereby each of said pressure disks is connected with a tension-introducing member (205a, 205b) linked to said anchor chain (202) or anchor portion (203) and arranged on said pressure disks' (210a, 210b) far side to said piezoelectric sensor (208).
30. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 29,
    characterized in that said piezoelectric sensor (208) is of essentially cylindrical ring shape and that said pressure disks (210a, 210b) are essentially contrived as flat cylindrical rings.
31. Anchor or anchor chain monitoring device according to claim 28,
    characterized in that said tension-introducing element is arranged within the inner drill hole of said cylindrical rings (210a, 210b) .

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