EP2833342A1 - Seal device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing device (2) comprising at least one connecting element (4) with at least one transponder arrangement (8), the transponder arrangement (8) having a first resistance connection (22) and at least one further resistance connection (24), at least one fastening element ( 6) for fastening the sealing device (2) to a device to be sealed, wherein the fastening element (6) comprises a conductor arrangement (10), the conductor arrangement (10) being electrically connected to the first resistance connection (2) at least in a sealed state of the sealing device (2). 22) and the at least one further resistance terminal (24), wherein the transponder arrangement (8) comprises at least one resistance determination device (16), the resistance determination device (16) is set up to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in an initialization step, and the resistance determination device (16) is directed to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in a verification step.

Description

The invention relates to a sealing device comprising at least one connecting element with at least one transponder arrangement, wherein the transponder arrangement has a first resistance connection and at least one further resistance connection, at least one fastening element for fastening the sealing device to a device to be sealed, wherein the fastening element comprises a conductor arrangement, wherein the conductor arrangement at least in a sealed state of the sealing device is electrically connected to the first resistor terminal and the at least one further resistor terminal. Moreover, the invention relates to a system comprising the sealing device and a method for operating the system.

Electricity meters but also other devices, such as computer cases, containers, or the like, are usually protected by a sealing device to protect against unauthorized manipulation. For example, utility companies attach sealing devices to their electricity meters in the form of seals to prevent and detect tampering with an electricity meter.

Today, sealing devices are mainly used in which a manipulation due to a mechanical change can be detected by a visual inspection. Such a sealing device usually comprises a connecting element, for example in the form of a sealing plate and a fastening element for fastening the sealing device to the device to be sealed. The fastening element can be formed, for example, in the form of a wire-shaped element, such as a sealing wire. In an exemplary embodiment of such a sealing device is provided as a connecting element a lead disc with a receptacle in the form of a bore through which the first end and the other end of the Plombierdrahts can be performed. Alternatively, one end of the sealing wire may already have been permanently connected to the connecting element at the factory. After insertion of the ends of the sealing wire into the receptacle, the sealing device or seal can be pressed together with a sealing tongs. The sealing wire is clamped immovably, so that a nondestructive release is hardly possible.

The problem with such purely mechanical sealing devices, however, is that a visual inspection of a variety of sealing devices consuming and a mechanical change is sometimes difficult to detect. Furthermore, manipulation of such sealing devices can not be completely ruled out by visual inspection. So similar seals and pliers are available on the market. A destroyed sealing device can therefore be replaced unnoticed by a new sealing device. A manipulation of a power meter or other device to prevent inadmissible manipulation can therefore be made unrecognizable.

A first solution of the above problem can be found in the EP 1 831 862 B1 , which discloses a sealing device with a connecting element and a fastening element. In this case, the connecting element comprises a transponder arrangement which is electrically connected to a conductor arrangement running through the fastening element in the sealing state. If the sealing device is manipulated, for example, by a severing of the fastening element and thus of the conductor arrangement, this can be detected by the fact that readout of the transponder arrangement is no longer possible or at least the readout range of the transponder arrangement is reduced. Furthermore, the conductor arrangement may be formed in the fastening element, for example, of a plastic material with electrically conductive fibers, so that the electrical contact remains interrupted even after a restoration of the fastener and a manipulation is detectable.

The sealing device according to the EP 1 831 862 B1 Although increases the security against manipulation compared to a purely mechanical sealing device. However, the manipulation of the sealing device in a severed and restored fastener can be seen only with great effort. It must be ensured that even with a restored fastener always the conductor assembly remains completely interrupted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing device in which a manipulation of the sealing device can be detected in a simpler and at the same time more secure manner.

The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention in a sealing device according to claim 1. The sealing device comprises at least one connecting element with at least one transponder arrangement. The transponder arrangement has a first resistance connection and at least one further resistance connection. The sealing device comprises at least one fastening element for fastening the sealing device to a device to be sealed. The fastening element comprises a conductor arrangement. The conductor arrangement is electrically connected, at least in a sealed state of the sealing device, to the first resistance connection and the at least one further resistance connection. The transponder arrangement comprises at least one resistance determination device. The resistance determination device is set up to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement in an initialization step. The resistance determination device is set up to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement in a checking step.

In contrast to the prior art, according to the invention, manipulation is always reliably detected by determining a resistance value of the conductor arrangement in an initialization step of the sealing device and determining the resistance value again in a subsequent checking step. From a detected deviation of the detected resistance values, a manipulation of the sealing device can then be concluded.

The sealing device is adapted to be arranged on a device to be sealed. For this purpose, the sealing device has a connecting element and a fastening element. The fastening element is in particular a wire-shaped element having a first end and a further end. In a sealing state, the two ends of the fastener are permanently connected to the connecting element. Here, by "insoluble" is to be understood that the sealing device can be opened only by destroying the fastener and / or the connecting element again. Preferably, one end of the fastening element can already be permanently connected to the connecting element in the opened state.

The connecting element may be made of a plastic material and comprise a transponder arrangement. The transponder assembly is configured to communicate wirelessly with a reader. In particular, the transponder arrangement can be set up to transmit data recorded in the transponder arrangement and / or via a wireless channel upon receipt of an interrogation signal from a reading device. For example, a coil may be provided as an antenna and a microprocessor for data processing.

The fastening element furthermore comprises a conductor arrangement, that is to say an electrically conductive element. The conductor arrangement preferably extends from the first end of the fastening element to the further end of the fastening element. For example, the fastening element may be formed by a conductor arrangement surrounded by an insulation.

The conductor arrangement is electrically connected to the transponder arrangement at least in the sealing state. For this purpose, the transponder arrangement has two resistance connections, to which the two ends of the conductor arrangement can be electrically coupled.

In an unauthorized opening of the sealing device, the fastener and thus the conductor assembly are usually severed. The severing of the conductor arrangement causes a change in the resistance of the conductor arrangement. If the fastening element and thus the conductor arrangement are restored to obscure the manipulation, for example by soldering the separate ends of the conductor arrangement, this may restore the electrical connection. However, it has been recognized that also in this case, the resistance value of the conductor arrangement after the manipulation differs from the resistance value before the manipulation.

In order to detect this, the transponder arrangement according to the invention comprises a resistance determination device. The resistance determination device is set up to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement, that is to say the resistance value between the first resistance connection and the further resistance connection.

In order to enable the detection of a manipulation of the sealing device, the resistance determination device is set up to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement in an initialization step and a (subsequent) checking step. The initialization step is preferably carried out (immediately) after the preparation of the sealing state. The checking step is performed later in time, for example after a month, a year or the like. According to the invention, it is possible to detect a manipulation of the sealing device that has been performed between the initialization step and the verification step due to the different resistance values.

The sealing device according to the invention makes it possible to detect a manipulation in a simple and reliable manner.

According to a first embodiment of the sealing device according to the invention, at least one memory device can be provided at least for storing the resistance value determined in the initialization step. In particular, the memory device may have a tamper-proof (digital) memory device in order to store the resistance value. In a simple and reliable way, the resistance value from the initialization step can be accessed during an evaluation. Preferably, further data can be stored in the memory device. In particular, a one-to-one identification identifier of the sealing device and / or a unique identification identifier of the device to be sealed can be stored in the memory device. Such an identifier allows the unique identification of the sealing device. If, for example, during a manipulation the original sealing device is replaced by a new sealing device, a manipulation can be detected by the fact that the new sealing device has a different identification identifier. The security against manipulation can be further improved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing device according to the invention, the conductor arrangement may comprise at least one insulated from at least one return conductor Hinleiter. A first end of the Hinleiters may be electrically connected to the first resistor terminal. A first end of the return conductor may be electrically connected to the further resistance connection. The further end of the Hinleiters may be electrically connected to the other end of the return conductor. In particular, the first end of the Hinleiters and the first end of the return conductor can lead out of a single end of the fastener and contact the transponder assembly or the resistance determination device. If the conductor arrangement is severed, the forward conductor and the return conductor are short-circuited at the separation point. This changes the electrical resistance of the conductor arrangement. A complex electrical coupling of the other end of the fastener with the transponder assembly may be omitted. Both ends of the conductor arrangement are arranged at the same end of the fastening element.

Preferably, the forward conductor and / or the return conductor may consist of a plurality of wires. If a corresponding conductor arrangement is severed, the correct restoration of the electrical connections between the individual wires is hardly possible due to the plurality of wires. For example, an isolated and centered Hinleiter a plurality (20 to 40) of individual conductors or wires as return conductors to be twisted. The security against manipulation can be further improved.

Preferably, the conductor arrangement may be formed from a metallic material, in particular an alloy. According to one embodiment, the conductor arrangement may have a resistance value of 1 kOhm to 10 kOhm. On the one hand, a high resistance has the advantage that only a small current and thus a low electrical energy are required to determine the resistance value. On the other hand, it has been recognized that with a high initial resistance value there is a greater deviation from a resistance value after a manipulation. Manipulation can be easily distinguished from common deviations due to measurement inaccuracies, temperature variations, etc. Further, for example, the ladder order, ie forward conductor and return conductor together, have a length between 10 and 30 cm. It is understood that the length may depend on the device to be sealed.

In particular, the connection point between the further end of the Hinleiters and the other end of the return conductor may be located substantially at the other end of the fastener. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the sealing device according to the invention, the connection point between the further end of the Hinleiters and the other end of the return conductor in the sealing state at least be arranged within the housing of the connecting element. The housing of the connector provides mechanical protection for the joint.

In principle, the ends of the fastening element can be connected to the connecting element in any manner inseparably. For example, the first end (factory) with the connecting element be materially connected. The further end of the fastening element may preferably be non-positively connected to the connecting element. In one embodiment, the connecting element may have a receptacle configured for permanently connecting the fastening element to the connecting device. The shape of the receptacle may correspond to the shape of the end of the fastener. In addition, a fastener memory can be connected to the receptacle to arrange a part of the fastener within the connecting element.

Preferably, the receptacle may have a seal detection device configured to detect the seal state. For example, this can be detected by the transponder arrangement by means of the sealing detection device (directly) when the sealing state is reached. For example, a suitable sensor may be provided. In particular, it can be provided that a circuit has been produced by the first and / or further resistance connection via the conductor arrangement, the sealing detection device and a further connection of the transponder arrangement to which the sealing detection device is coupled.

Preferably, the resistance determination device can be set up to determine the resistance value only when the sealing state is detected. For example, the resistance determination device can only be released when the sealing state is detected. In particular, a switch may be provided. Upon detection of the sealing condition, the switch can be closed and the resistance determining means released therewith. Manipulation of the sealing device prior to sealing can be at least made more difficult.

As a further protective measure, according to a further embodiment, the receptacle can have a mechanical separating device arranged for at least partial mechanical separation of the conductor arrangement after production of the sealing state at a tensile force opposite to the direction of insertion of the fastening element. If, for example, a user attempts to pull the fastening element out of the receptacle, the conductor arrangement is preferably severed by the separating device. This can be detected in the manner described above.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the transponder arrangement is an RFID transponder arrangement. In particular, it is proposed that the transponder arrangement is passive. A passive transponder arrangement is characterized in that it derives its energy for transmitting the identification identifier exclusively from the interrogation field. A battery or other energy storage in the transponder arrangement can thus be dispensed with. Compared to active transponder assemblies are passive transponder assemblies cheaper to produce and have a longer life.

A further aspect of the invention is a system comprising at least one sealing device described above and at least one reading device configured for wireless communication with the transponder arrangement of the sealing device.

The reading device is in particular a transponder reading device for reading out the transponder arrangement. The transponder reading device preferably transmits an electromagnetic interrogation field in broadcast mode and / or due to a user action. In other words, the interrogation field can be generated by the transponder reading device and received by all transponder arrangements which are within the predefinable range of the interrogation field.

It is also possible that several transponder arrangements simultaneously sense the interrogation field. In order to avoid interference between the respective response fields emitted by the transponder arrangements, it is also proposed to carry out an anti-collision check before transmitting the response field. In this case, for example, a Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) algorithm can be used. Also, a Collision-Detect (CD) mode can be activated.

If a transponder arrangement receives the interrogation field, it evaluates the data contained in the interrogation field and reports contact the transponder reader. For this purpose, the transponder arrangement can in particular emit an electromagnetic response field, which can comprise the identification code and / or the identification code of the device to be sealed. In particular, a one-to-one identification identifier can be provided. Such an identifier may be a digit string or a string which is preferably stored in a nonvolatile memory of the transponder device. The identification code is determined in the transponder reading device from the response field. For example, it can be checked whether the received identification code is a permissible identification code.

In addition, the reading device can preferably supply the (passive) transponder arrangement inductively with electrical energy. The energy can, for example, be temporarily stored by the transponder arrangement and in particular used by at least the resistance determination device for determining the resistance value. For example, the conductor arrangement can be subjected to a specific current and the voltage between the two resistance terminals can be measured. From current and measured voltage, the resistance value can then be determined. In a preferred passive transponder arrangement, therefore, a determination of the resistance value is possible only in conjunction with a reading device.

Preferably, the transceiver of the transponder assembly and the reading device can emit high-frequency signals. Particularly suitable for the system according to the invention are signals in the range between 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz, preferably 13.56 MHz.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the transponder arrangement and the transponder reading device can comprise encryption means for encrypting data. Preferably, a symmetric encryption can take place. In particular, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) can be used. It can be ensured that the communication between the transponder arrangement and the transponder reading device or the respective transmitting / receiving devices takes place in a secure manner.

According to a first embodiment of the system according to the invention, a remotely located central computing device can be provided. For example, a central server may be provided. The reading device can be set up to communicate with the computing device. For example, the reader may communicate with the server over a network, such as the Internet, and exchange data. This allows central management of all sealing devices. For example, an authentication of the sealing device can first be carried out by means of the server. Also, an evaluation of the server can preferably be performed centrally for all sealing device.

Preferably, in one embodiment of the system according to the invention, an evaluation device configured to detect a manipulation of the sealing device in dependence on the resistance value determined in the initialization step and the resistance value determined in the checking step. The evaluation device can be implemented in the central computing device and / or in the reading device and / or in the transponder arrangement. In a simple way, a manipulation of the sealing device can be detected.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation device can be set up to detect a manipulation in the event of a deviation of the resistance value determined in the checking step from a specifiable limit range of the resistance value determined in the initialization step. For example, a limit range, ie an upper and a lower limit, can be defined in order to take into account measurement inaccuracies, temperature fluctuations, etc. In particular, the boundary region may be determined depending on the resistance value of the conductor arrangement within the housing of the connection element and the resistance value of the conductor arrangement outside the connection element. It has been recognized that the portion of the fastener disposed within the fastener is sufficiently protected by the housing from being severed. Only outside the housing, in the case of a separator from this separator, the conductor assembly can be severed in a manipulation. In other words, the resistance value after a manipulation can have at most the resistance value of the part of the fastening element which is located outside the connecting element.

For example, the resistance value of the conductor arrangement in an initialization step can be 1 kOHM. If half of the conductor arrangement is located inside the connecting element, the resistance value can be a maximum of 500 ohms when the fastening element is severed. The limit range can therefore be set to +/- 400 ohms. False detection results can be almost avoided.

Furthermore, the reading device may preferably have a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature during the determination of the resistance value. The evaluation device can be set up to take into account the temperature difference between the temperature measured in the initialization step and the temperature measured in the checking step in the detection of a manipulation of the sealing device. The resistance value of a conductor basically depends on its temperature. In the case of equipment to be sealed, which may be subject to considerable temperature fluctuations, such as containers, temperature fluctuations can lead to erroneous detection of tampering. By taking into account the temperature variations in the evaluation, erroneous detection can be easily avoided.

• Bestimmen eines Widerstandswerts der Leiteranordnung in einem Initialisierungsschritt,
• Bestimmen des Widerstandswerts der Leiteranordnung in einem Überprüfungsschritt,
• Auswerten des im Initialisierungsschritt bestimmten Widerstandswerts und des im Überprüfungsschritt bestimmten Widerstandswert,
• Detektieren einer Manipulation der Siegelvorrichtung bei einer Abweichung des im Überprüfungsschritt bestimmten Widerstandswerts von einem vorgebbaren Grenzbereich des im Initialisierungsschritt bestimmten Widerstandswerts.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of operating a previously described system, comprising:

• Determining a resistance value of the conductor arrangement in an initialization step,
• Determining the resistance value of the conductor arrangement in a verification step,
• Evaluating the resistance value determined in the initialization step and the resistance value determined in the checking step,
• Detecting a manipulation of the sealing device in the event of a deviation of the resistance value determined in the checking step from a predefinable limit range of the resistance value determined in the initialization step.

The method makes it possible to detect a manipulated sealing device in a simple and reliable manner.

Fig. 1a

eine schematische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Siegelvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem unversiegelten Zustand;

Fig. 1b

eine schematische Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 1a in einem versiegelten Zustand;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Leiteranordnung bzw. eines Befestigungselements gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Teilansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Leiteranordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung im Bereich der Versiegelungsdetektionseinrichtung;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Systems gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Fig. 5

ein Flussdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zum Betreiben des Systems gemäß Figur 4.

There are now a large number of possibilities for designing and further developing the sealing device according to the invention, the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to the independent patent claims, and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1a

a schematic view of a first embodiment of a sealing device according to the present invention in an unsealed state;

Fig. 1b

a schematic view of the first embodiment according to FIG. 1a in a sealed condition;

Fig. 2

a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductor assembly or a fastener according to the present invention;

Fig. 3

a schematic partial view of an embodiment of a conductor arrangement according to the present invention in the region of the sealing detection device;

Fig. 4

a schematic view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention; and

Fig. 5

a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention for operating the system according to FIG. 4 ,

Hereinafter, like reference numerals are used for like elements.

The FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a sealing device 2 according to the present invention in an unsealed state. The sealing device 2 comprises a connecting element 4 and a fastening element 6.

The fastening element 6 is formed in the present embodiment as a conductor assembly 10, which can be sheathed with an insulation. The fastening element 6 is formed in a wire shape and has a first end 6.1 and a further end 6.2. In particular, the fastening element 6 is formed flexibly.

The first end 6.1 is presently firmly connected to the connecting element 4, while the other end is not connected to the connecting element 4 in the unsealed state. It is understood that according to other variants of the invention in the unsealed state both ends 6.1 and 6.2 can not be connected to the connecting element 4 or only the other end 6.2.

The conductor arrangement 10 also has a forward conductor 12 and a return conductor 14. A first end 12.1 of Hinleiters 12 and a first end 14.1 of the return conductor 14 protrude from the first end 6.1 of the fastener 6 out. A detailed and exemplary construction of a conductor arrangement 10 will be described with reference to FIGS FIG. 2 explained.

The FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a conductor assembly 10 according to the present invention. Like from the FIG. 2 can be removed, the conductor assembly 10 comprises an inner Hinleiter 12. The forward conductor 12 is formed in the form of a wire or a single conductor. The forward conductor 12 is surrounded by an insulating layer 40, for example of a plastic material. The insulating layer 40 prevents (undesired) electrical contact between the forward conductor 12 and the return conductor 14.

The return conductor 14 comprises a plurality of wires. These veins are not isolated from each other. In the present embodiment, eight wires are shown in favor of a better overview. Preferably, thirty to forty cores may be provided as return conductors 14. The veins can be twisted around the lead. The return conductor 14 is presently surrounded by an additional protective layer 42 made of a plastic material.

As already described, the first end 12.1 of the lead-back 12 and the first end 14.1 of the return conductor 14 project out of the fastening element 6 at its first end 6.1. In the FIG. 1 not explicitly shown that the further end of the Hinleiters 12 is electrically connected to the other end of the return conductor 14. Preferably, this connection point is between the forward conductor 12 and the return conductor 14 at the further end 6.2 of the fastening element 6. At least the connection point is in the sealed state within the connecting element 4.

The connection element 4 comprises in its housing 32 a transponder arrangement 8. The transponder arrangement 8 comprises a resistance determination device 16, a memory device 18 and a transponder device 20. The transponder device 20 may comprise transmitting / receiving means, for example a coil, and suitable computing means, such as a microprocessor. It is understood that further analog and / or digital means may be provided which are required for communication.

The memory device 18 is set up to store data, such as at least one resistance measured value, at least one identification code of the sealing device 2, a time stamp, an identification code of the device to be sealed, etc., in particular tamper-proof.

The resistance determination device 16 is coupled to a first resistance terminal 22 and to another resistance terminal 24. The resistor terminals 24, 24 are electrically connected to the line assembly 10. In particular, the first resistor terminal 22 is electrically connected to the first end 12.1 of the Hinleiters 12 and the other resistor terminal 24 to the first end 14.1 of the return conductor 14 is electrically connected.

The resistance determination device 16 is in particular configured to detect the resistance value of the conductor arrangement 10. In other words, the resistance determination device 16 can detect the resistance of the Hinleiters 12 and the return conductor 14. For example, an analog voltage divider may be provided as resistance determination device 16. By means of A / D converter can be generated from the analog signal, a digital signal. The digital resistance value may then be stored in the memory device 18.

Furthermore, the connecting element 4 comprises a receptacle 28. The shape of the receptacle 28 corresponds in particular to the shape of the fastening element 6. The receptacle 28 is configured to receive the further end 6.2 of the fastening element 6 and to permanently connect it to the connecting element 4. By "non-detachably connect" is to be understood that without destruction of the fastener 6 (or the connecting element 4), a release of the connection between the connecting element 4 and fastener 6 is not possible.

Furthermore, a (not shown) fastener memory can be provided. A fastener memory may be configured to dispose a portion of the fastener 6 within the fastener 4. For example, a spiral fastener memory may be provided. A corresponding memory makes it possible to wind the fastening element 6 spirally within the connecting element 4.

At least one sealing detection device 30 is provided on the receptacle 28. The seal detection device 30 is configured to detect the seal state. The sealing detection device 30 is coupled to a further connection 30 of the transponder arrangement 8. The transponder arrangement 8 is in particular configured to release the resistance determination device 16 only upon detection of the sealing state. Only upon release of the resistance determination device 16 is it possible to detect the resistance value of the conductor arrangement 10. The release can be done for example by closing a switch 34.

The FIG. 1b shows the embodiment according to the FIG. 1a in a sealed condition. Like from the FIG. 1b can be seen, the fastening element 6, in particular the other end 6.2 of the fastener 6, arranged in the receptacle 28. For example, the fastener 6 may have been inserted into the receptacle 28 by a user action. The fastening element 6 is in this sealing state insoluble with the connecting element 4th connected. Various connection possibilities are known to the person skilled in the art.

In FIG. 3 FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial view of the conductor arrangement 10 in the region of the sealing detection device 30. Advantageously, the sealing detection device 30 is designed as an electrical contact. Then, the transponder assembly 8 can detect a sealed state by electrical contact between the terminals 22, 24 and the terminal 26 by the seal detecting means 30.

Furthermore, a separating device 44 may be provided. The separating device 44, for example at least one knife 44, may be adapted to at least partially sever the fastening element 6 or the conductor arrangement 10 during a movement of the fastening element 6 out of the receptacle 28, for example due to a manipulation attempt. The separation causes a short circuit between the forward conductor 12 and the return conductor 14. This leads to a change of the resistance value, so that in a checking step a resistance value of other resistance value detected in the initialization step can be detected, as will be described in detail below.

The FIG. 4 shows an exemplary system 50 according to the present invention. The system 50 comprises at least one sealing device 2 described above. The sealing device 2 can communicate with a reading device 56. In particular, the reading device 56 can be set up for this purpose be to write data in the transponder assembly 8 and / or read data from the transponder assembly 8. Communication takes place via a wireless channel. The transmission frequency may preferably be 13.56 MHz. For example, communication may be based on ISO 14443 or ISO 15693.

In addition, the energy required to operate the transponder arrangement 8 is in particular transmitted inductively by the reading device 56. The transponder arrangement 8 can in particular be a passive transponder arrangement.

Furthermore, the reading device 56 can communicate wirelessly or by wire via a communication network 52, for example the Internet or a mobile radio network, with a central and remote computing device 54. The computing device 54 may be, for example, a server.

It is understood that according to other variants of the invention, a plurality of sealing device and / or reading devices can be provided.

An example of operation of the system 50 and a sealing device 2 will be described below by means of FIG. 5 explained.

In a first step 501, the sealing device 2 can be attached to a device to be sealed. In the following embodiment, it is assumed that the device is an electricity meter. On Employees of an energy supply company, for example, manually insert the second end 6.2 of the fastener 6 in the receptacle 28 and connect mechanically inseparable with the connecting element 4.

In a next step 502, the employee may bring a reading device 56 in read range to the transponder assembly 8. The reading device 56 sends out an interrogation field in order to detect a transponder arrangement 8. The transponder arrangement 8, as soon as it is in the interrogation field, responds to the interrogation field 16 by sending its identification code, preferably encrypted. Furthermore, the transponder assembly 56 recognizes, by means of the sealing detection device 30, that the sealing device 2 is sealed, ie is in the sealed state. This causes the release of the resistance determination device 16.

Subsequently, in the initialization step 503, the current resistance value of the conductor arrangement 10, that is to say the forward conductor 12 and the return conductor 14, is detected. For this purpose, the conductor arrangement is acted upon by means of the electrical energy received by the reading device 56 with a preferably low current (in the mA range). In this way, the resistance value can be determined from a voltage measured between the terminals 22 and 24 in a simple manner.

The detected or determined resistance value can be stored in the memory device 18 of the transponder arrangement 8 in a next step 504. Alternatively or additionally, the resistance value can also be applied to the Reading device and additionally transmitted to the central server 54 and stored there. Preferably, in the server 54, the identification tag may be stored together with the determined resistance value. In addition, further data, such as a time stamp, the current ambient temperature measured by the reading device 56, the name of the responsible employee, identification code of the electricity meter, etc., can be stored in the central server 54. The reading device 56 can also be set up to write into the memory device 16 of the transponder arrangement the identification identifier of the device to be sealed, in this case the current counter.

After a certain period of time, e.g. One year, for example, a maintenance of the electricity meter may be required. It is also routinely possible to check whether the electricity meter has been manipulated. For this purpose, an employee of the power supply system can check whether the sealing device 2 has been manipulated.

In a checking step 505, the resistance determining device 16 can (re) detect the resistance value. Here, the employee can bring the transponder assembly 8 in read range to the reading device 56. Before a determination of the resistance value, the identification identifier of the transponder arrangement 8 and the identification identifier of the electricity meter can first be read out and both identifiers checked, for example by means of the server 54, in particular compared with identifiers stored in the server 54. For example, it is found that the When the identification identifier read out does not match the identification identifier stored in the server 54, the original sealing device 2 was in all probability replaced by another sealing device 2. In other words, there is a manipulation. If the check is positive, the resistance value of the line arrangement 10 can be determined in the checking step 505 by means of the energy transmitted by the reading device 56 to the transponder arrangement 8 in the manner described above.

It is understood that the employee can also perform a visual inspection of the sealing device 2.

In a next step 506, the resistance value determined in the initialization step 503 may be compared with the resistance value determined in the verification step 505. The comparison operation can be performed, for example, by an evaluation device implemented in the transponder arrangement and / or in the reading device 56 and / or in the central server 54. For example, the resistance value determined in the verification step 505 can be transmitted to the server 54 and compared with the resistance value stored in the server. Central monitoring of all sealing devices 2 is possible.

Preferably, a limit range can be preset around the resistance value determined in the initialization step 503 in order to take into account measurement inaccuracies, temperature fluctuations, etc.

It has been recognized that the limit range, ie, an upper limit and a lower limit, may preferably be determined depending on the resistance of the conductor assembly 10 within the housing 32 of the connector 4 and the resistance of the conductor assembly 10 outside of the connector 4.

A manipulation, for example a separation of the fastening element 6, always has the consequence that the resistance value of the conductor arrangement 10 changes, in particular decreases. An assembly of the separate conductor assembly ends, for example by soldering leads to a short circuit between the forward conductor 12 and the return conductor 14 at the solder joint. The resistance value changes.

If it is determined in the comparison operation that the resistance value determined in the checking step 505 is outside the allowable limit range, the sealing device 2 has been manipulated. If the resistance determined in the checking step 505 is within the allowable limit range, there is no manipulation. If the sealing device 2 is not opened by the employee, after a further period of time, the method can be continued with the checking step 505. If it is necessary to open the sealing device 2, then step 501 can be continued.

If a manipulation is detected, suitable measures can be taken in a step 507.

Claims (15)

Sealing device (2), comprising: at least one connecting element (4) with at least one transponder arrangement (8), - wherein the transponder arrangement (8) has a first resistance connection (22) and at least one further resistance connection (24), at least one fastening element (6) for fastening the sealing device (2) to a device to be sealed, - wherein the fastening element (6) comprises a conductor arrangement (10), - Wherein the conductor arrangement (10) is at least in a sealed state of the sealing device (2) electrically connected to the first resistance terminal (22) and the at least one further resistance terminal (24), characterized in that - The transponder assembly (8) comprises at least one resistance determining means (16), and - The resistance determination means (16) is arranged to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in an initialization step, and - The resistance determination means (16) is arranged to determine the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in a verification step. Sealing device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one memory device (18) at least adapted for storing the in the Initialization step detected resistance value is provided. Sealing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - The conductor arrangement (10) comprises at least one of at least one return conductor (14) insulated Hinleiter (12), wherein a first end (12.1) of the Hinleiters (12) with the first resistor terminal (22) is electrically connected, - Wherein a first end (14.1) of the return conductor (14) to the further resistance terminal (24) is electrically connected, and - Wherein the further end of the Hinleiters (12) is connected to the other end of the electrically return conductor (14). Sealing device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor arrangement (10) has a resistance value of 1 kOhm to 10 kOhm. Sealing device (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the connection point between the further end of the Hinleiters (12) and the further end of the return conductor (14) in the sealing state at least within the housing (32) of the connecting element (4) is arranged , Sealing device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Connecting element (4) has a receptacle (28) arranged for non-detachable connection of the fastening element (6) with the connecting device (4). Sealing device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that - the receptacle (28) has at least one sealing detection device (30) configured to detect the sealing state, and - The resistance determining means (30) is adapted to determine the resistance value only upon detection of the sealing state. Sealing device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the receptacle (28) has a mechanical separating device (44) arranged for at least partial mechanical severing of the conductor arrangement (10) after production of the sealing state at a tensile force against the direction of insertion of the fastening element (6 ) having. Sealing device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder arrangement (8) is an RFID transponder arrangement (8),
and or - The transponder assembly (8) is passive. System (50) comprising: - At least one sealing device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and - At least one reading device (56) set up for wireless communication with the transponder assembly (8) of the sealing device (2). System (50) according to claim 10, characterized in that - At least one remotely located central computing device (54) is provided, and - The reading device (56) is arranged to communicate with the central computing device (54). System (50) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one evaluation device is provided for detecting a manipulation of the sealing device (2) in dependence on the resistance value determined in the initialization step and the resistance value determined in the checking step. System (50) according to claim 12, characterized in that - the evaluation device is set up to detect a manipulation of the sealing device (2) in the event of a deviation of the resistance value determined in the checking step from a predefinable limit range of the resistance value determined in the initialization step, - In particular, the boundary region is determined depending on the resistance of the conductor arrangement (10) within the housing (32) of the connecting element (4) and the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) outside the connecting element (4). System (50) according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, characterized in that - The reading device (56) has a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature during the determination of the resistance value, and - The evaluation device is set up to take into account the temperature difference between the temperature measured in the initialization step and the temperature measured in the checking step in the detection of a manipulation of the sealing device (2). A method of operating a system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, comprising: Determining a resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in an initialization step, Determining the resistance value of the conductor arrangement (10) in a checking step, Evaluating the resistance value determined in the initialization step and the resistance value determined in the checking step, Detecting a manipulation of the sealing device (2) in the event of a deviation of the resistance value determined in the checking step from a predefinable limit range of the resistance value determined in the initialization step.

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