EP3494557B1 - Security system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a security system is used to pack and secure a product to be packaged. For this purpose, the security system has a base plate and a tarpaulin. The packaged goods are placed on the base plate. Then the packaging material is wrapped with the tarpaulin and the lower edge of the tarpaulin is secured with a rope, for example a steel cable, so that the packaging material is enclosed on all sides by the base plate and the tarpaulin.

The security system can in particular be designed as a pallet security system, that is to say the packaging material enclosed with the base plate and the tarpaulin is placed on a pallet and preferably fixed there. The unit thus formed is then sent to the respective addressee using suitable means of transport such as airplanes, trucks, ships and the like.

A major problem with such systems is that, especially when the packaging system is used to transport valuable packaging goods, the tarpaulin is cut open by unauthorized persons or detached from the base plate in order to then steal parts of the packaging material. Furthermore, contraband goods are often added to the packaged goods after the tarpaulin has been opened, which is then removed again later.

The US 2009/0189763 A1 (D1) relates to a security system for packaging goods. The packaging goods are stored on a pallet and are packed with a encased several flaps box. Laminate foils with electrically conductive structures and associated transponders are fastened in the flaps of the box. These form sensor structures that extend over the entire surface of the box and are integrated in a safety circuit. If the conductive structures are interrupted, an alarm message is generated.

The WO 2006/048872 A2 (D2) relates to a protective sheath with a reticulated structure of electrically conductive filaments which are connected to a closure unit. The state of the closure unit can be sent to an external unit via a contactlessly operating transmission link.

The WO 2009/018 591 A1 relates to a protective device for luggage. A flexible protective covering with a network structure of conductive elements can be inserted into the luggage. The conductive elements are connected to a monitoring unit, which is connected to a GPS system.

The EP 2 489 561 A2 relates to a protective covering in the form of a tarpaulin which has linear electrical conductors which are connected to a measuring device. Interruptions in the electrical conductors can be detected with the measuring device.

The invention is based on the object of designing a security system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it is protected as extensively as possible against unauthorized interference.

The features of claim 1 are provided to achieve this object. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a security system with a base plate and a tarpaulin, wherein in a securing position a packaged product is stored on the base plate and is covered with the tarpaulin. The tarpaulin is secured to the base plate by means of an electrically conductive cable running around it in the circumferential direction. The tarpaulin has an electrically conductive structure extending over its surface, a sensor being provided by means of which interruptions of this structure can be detected. The rope forms a closed safety circuit with the sensor and an alarm device. The alarm device outputs control signals to the safety circuit, wherein in an error-free state, a control signal that passes through the safety circuit and is read back into the alarm device corresponds to a target value specified in the alarm device. In the event of an error, a deviation of the read back control signal from the desired value is registered in the safety circuit in the alarm device, whereupon an alarm message is generated in the alarm device. The alarm device is electrically contacted with the free ends of the rope.

The basic idea of the invention is to monitor the electrically conductive structure of the tarpaulin and the electrically conductive rope fixing the tarpaulin to the base plate with regard to unauthorized manipulation, in particular with regard to interruptions, in only one security circuit.

This is achieved according to the invention in that the sensor, which detects unauthorized cutting of the tarpaulin by interruptions in the electrically conductive structure, is integrated into the safety circuit with the electrically conductive rope.

Unauthorized tampering with the rope or the electrically conductive structure of the tarpaulin can be detected with a high level of error security by the fact that the

Alarm device generates a control signal that is output to the safety circuit, circulates there and is then read back into the alarm device. There, the control signal for the detection of manipulations is compared with a target value. In the error-free state, the control signal, preferably within a predetermined tolerance range, corresponds to the target value, so that no security measure is initiated by the alarm device. In the event of a fault, that is to say when the rope and / or the electrically conductive structure is interrupted by external interventions, the control signal deviates from the target value and an alarm message is generated in the alarm device as a safety measure.

The security function achieved with the security system can be expanded further in that an electrically conductive structure is also provided in the base plate, which extends over the entire surface of the base plate and which is checked for manipulations, in particular interruptions, with a further sensor. Then this sensor is also integrated into the safety circuit so that the entire security system, consisting of a base plate, is then used with the alarm device, which outputs the control signal to the safety circuit with the electrically conductive rope and the sensors for the electrically conductive structure of the tarpaulin and the base plate , Rope and tarpaulin can be monitored for manipulations.

This ensures complete securing of the packaged goods with the security system, which is advantageously formed by a pallet security system.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the running time of the control signal is detected by the safety circuit in the alarm device and compared with a target value.

A defined time, which the control signal needs to pass through the safety circuit, is then specified as the target value in the alarm device if there are no errors in the components of the safety circuit. Will through If the electrically conductive rope is tampered with, the control signal will no longer be returned to the alarm device.

In the alarm device, a defined time is then specified as the target value, which the control signal needs to pass through the safety circuit if there is no fault in the components of the safety circuit. If the electrically conductive rope is interrupted by manipulation, the control signal no longer comes back to the alarm device. If there is an interruption or manipulation, such as a short circuit, in the electrically conductive structure of the tarpaulin or the base plate, this is registered in the assigned sensor, which then delays or blocks the control signal circulating in the safety circuit. In this way, the control signal is no longer received within the setpoint time in every fault case, whereupon an alarm message is generated in the alarm device.

In order to implement a permanent monitoring function, the control signal is output to the safety circuit cyclically, that is, repeatedly within predetermined time intervals. The repetition period between the transmission of two control signals is typically in the range of one or a few seconds.

The control signal advantageously has a coding, whereby control signals can be reliably distinguished from interference signals.

The tarpaulin of the security system according to the invention can in principle be formed from a film or the like. The tarpaulin is particularly advantageously made of a textile material. In particular, the tarpaulin can consist of a woven fabric, a knitted fabric or a fleece.

A preferably lattice-shaped, electrically conductive structure is incorporated into the tarpaulin formed in this way, wherein electrically conductive threads which consist of metallic but also non-metallic electrically conductive materials are used to produce the electrically conductive structure. The distances between adjacent threads are preferably so small that a knife does not fit through the spaces between the threads, so that when the tarpaulin is cut open locally, an interruption in the electrically conductive structure that can be registered on the associated sensor occurs in any case. The threads can, for example, be worked into the textile surface forming the tarpaulin using Velcro knitting machines or Raschel machines.

The base plate of the security system according to the invention consists of a rigid, preferably impact-resistant solid material, for example a plastic injection molded part. The base plate can be formed by a flat body, a trough-shaped body or a body with a multi-floor structure.

An electrically conductive structure in the base plate can be created by using electrically conductive pastes. Furthermore, electrically conductive particles, such as nano tubes in particular, can be used in the injection molding process to produce the electrically conductive structure of the plastic injection molded part.

The base plate and the tarpaulin advantageously form a transport unit in such a way that, after use of the security system for packaging the packaged goods, the tarpaulin can be folded up and attached to or on the base plate, thus forming a compact unit that can be returned to the sender of the packaged goods.

According to a first embodiment, the rope for fastening the tarpaulin to the base plate can be formed by a solid steel rope, that is to say the rope is made entirely of steel. In this case, the entire rope forms an electrically conductive body for guiding the control signal.

According to an alternative, advantageous embodiment, the rope has a steel sheath which has a core consisting of an electrical insulator. Inside the insulator runs the entire length of the rope extending electrical conductor, which is designed to carry the control signal. This embodiment is advantageous because the electrical conductor carrying the control signal is secured against external interference by the surrounding insulator and by the steel jacket.

In order to form the closed safety circuit, the cable for connecting the or a sensor has a separation point, electrical lines leading to the sensor from the end faces of the cable delimiting the separation point.

Furthermore, the alarm device is electrically contacted with the free ends of the rope via the tensioning device.

The alarm device can thus output a control signal to the safety circuit, the control signal being able to be read back into the alarm device after passing through the safety circuit.

In order to fix the tarpaulin to the base plate, a motorized tensioning device is provided, by means of which the rope fixing the tarpaulin to the base plate can be tensioned.

The tensioning device is advantageously formed by a reciprocating piston which can be actuated by means of an electric drive.

The rope is tensioned automatically and without manual intervention. The tensioning can preferably be triggered by two buttons arranged on the base plate. This not only makes it easy to use. Rather, a further safety function is achieved in that an operator has to press the buttons with two hands, thereby preventing injuries to the operator when the tensioning device is actuated.

The rope can be locked particularly advantageously in its tensioned position by means of a security lock.

The rope is secured against unauthorized opening of the tarpaulin by locking with the safety lock. A code-secured security lock is advantageously used. This ensures that only authorized persons who know the correct code for the security lock can open the security lock.

When a deviation of the control signal read back from the safety circuits is detected, the alarm device can generate a preferably visual or acoustic alarm message locally on the security system.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alarm device has an interface for data exchange with an external unit.

In particular, the interface provides access to the Internet.

The alarm device can then send an alarm message via the interface to an external unit. In particular, the alarm message can be sent to the sender of the packaging goods so that the sender can keep track of when the packaging goods were tampered with.

This security functionality can be further increased by the fact that a GPS tracker is integrated in the alarm device.

The signals of the GPS tracker can also be sent via the interface to an external unit, in particular to the sender of the packaged goods, which enables the packaged goods to be continuously located. In particular, it can be determined in connection with the alarm message where and when the packaging goods were manipulated.

Furthermore, status parameters of the security system can be removed from an external unit via the interface.

This enables the sender, in particular, to receive complete, time-resolved information about the security system and the packaged goods secured with it.

Finally, the locking of the security lock can be released via the interface.

In the simplest case, this can be done by the sender sending the code for opening the security lock to the customer receiving the goods to be packaged. Alternatively, a release command can be sent to the security system, specifically the alarm device, via the interface, so that the security lock can be opened and the packaged goods can be unpacked.

The security system further advantageously has an input unit and / or a data interface, via which a command to release the locking of the security lock can or can be entered.

This means that the security lock can be opened on site at the security system by entering the appropriate code.

Figur 1:

Schematische Darstellung eines auf einer Platte und einer Bodenplatte eines Sicherungssystems angeordneten Verpackungsguts.

Figur 2:

Anordnung gemäß Figur 2 bei Aufbringen einer Plane auf das Verpackungsgut.

Figur 3:

Anordnung gemäß Figur 1 bei auf dem Verpackungsgut aufgebrachter Plane.

Figur 4:

Schematische Darstellung einer elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur der Plane gemäß Figur 3.

Figur 5:

Schematische Darstellung einer Spannvorrichtung zum Spannen eines die Plane an der Bodenplatte fixierenden Seils.

Figur 6:

Erste Ausführungsform eines Sicherheitskreises des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherungssystems.

Figur 7:

Zweite Ausführungsform eines Sicherheitskreises des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherungssystems.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1:

Schematic representation of a packaged goods arranged on a plate and a base plate of a security system.

Figure 2:

Arrangement according to Figure 2 when a tarpaulin is applied to the packaged goods.

Figure 3:

Arrangement according to Figure 1 with tarpaulin attached to the packaging.

Figure 4:

Schematic representation of an electrically conductive structure according to the tarpaulin Figure 3 .

Figure 5:

Schematic representation of a tensioning device for tensioning a rope fixing the tarpaulin to the base plate.

Figure 6:

First embodiment of a safety circuit of the safety system according to the invention.

Figure 7:

Second embodiment of a safety circuit of the safety system according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a packaged goods 2 stored on a pallet 1. The packaged goods 2 do not stand directly on the pallet 1, but on a base plate 3, which is part of the security system according to the invention. The cross-sectional area of the base plate 3 is adapted to the cross-sectional area of the pallet 1. In the present case, the base plate 3 consists of an injection molded plastic part which is formed from a stable, dimensionally stable, electrically insulating plastic.

A tarpaulin 4 is provided as a further component of the security system. Figure 2 shows how the tarpaulin 4 is applied to the packaging material 2. In the present case, the tarpaulin 4 is mounted on a packaging lid 4a, which is preferably made of plastic. The cross-sectional area of the packaging lid 4a is adapted to the cross-sectional area of the base plate 3. As Figure 2 shows, can be attached to the packaging lid 4a, a wire rope 5, which is attached to a lifting device or the like, so as to place the tarpaulin 4 with the lifting device over the packaging material 2.

Figure 3 shows the tarpaulin 4 completely slipped over the packaging material 2. The lower edge of the tarpaulin 4 is secured to the base plate 3 with a rope 6 as a further component of the securing system. The packaging material 2 is thus completely encased by the base plate 3 and the tarpaulin 4 as components of the security system.

The tarpaulin 4 and the base plate 3 can be combined as a transport unit in such a way that the tarpaulin 4 is folded up in the packaging lid 4a and then the base plate 3 is placed on the packaging lid 4a.

The tarpaulin 4 shows how Figure 4 shows an electrically conductive structure 7 extending over its entire surface. The electrically conductive structure 7 is designed in the form of a grid, the distances between two adjacent grid structures being so small that the grid structure is interrupted in any case when cutting into the tarpaulin 4, which can be detected using suitable sensor means. In the present case, the tarpaulin 4 consists of a textile surface, in particular a woven fabric, a knitted fabric or a fleece. The electrically conductive structure 7 is formed by electrically conductive threads that are incorporated into the textile surface.

In general, an electrically conductive structure extending over its surface can also be incorporated into the base plate 3, interruptions in the electrically conductive structure 7 also being detected here using suitable sensor means. The grid spacings of this electrically conductive structure 7 are selected in accordance with the electrically conductive structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4.

Figure 5 shows the principle of fixing the tarpaulin 4 to the base plate 3. The rope 6 is guided on the one hand in a seam 8 on the lower edge of the tarpaulin 4 and on the other hand in a guide of the base plate 3. The rope 6 runs around the circumference of the base plate 3. The free ends of the rope 6 are guided on a tensioning device. In the present case, the tensioning device is formed by a reciprocating piston 9 which is driven by an electric drive is. The longitudinal axis of the reciprocating piston 9 runs perpendicular to the edge of the base plate 3. The reciprocating piston 9 lies in a recess in the base plate 3, which opens out at the edge thereof.

Through a linear movement of the lifting piston 9, the free ends of the cable 6, which are supported in this, are drawn into the inner region of the base plate 3, whereby the cable 6 is tensioned and the tarpaulin 4 is thus firmly connected to the base plate 3. The tensioning device is actuated by means of two buttons 10a, 10b, which are arranged on the outer wall of the base plate 3. For safety reasons, the keys 10a, 10b are spaced such that they can only be operated by an operator with both hands.

The rope 6 is locked in its tensioned position with a security lock. The security lock, not shown, is located in the area of the tensioning device, preferably in the reciprocating piston 9. The security lock is secured with a code, ie it can only be opened by entering the code. A suitable input unit such as a keypad or a keyboard can be provided for code entry. Furthermore, the code can generally also be entered via contactless data interfaces such as Bluetooth interfaces and the like.

The rope 6 is designed as a steel rope and has a conductor extending over its entire length. In the simplest case, the rope 6 is formed as a full-surface steel rope, so that the entire body of the rope 6 forms the electrical conductor. In the present case, the rope 6 only has a steel sheath that encloses an insulator. An electrical conductor, like a wire, extends inside the insulator and extends along the cable 6.

The monitoring functions of the security system are controlled by an alarm device 11, which is integrated in a security circuit 12. The alarm device 11 has a computer unit 13 and an interface 14 for data exchange with an external unit. In the present case, with the interface 14 provides access to the Internet. In particular, the interface 14 can therefore include a SIM card. Furthermore, a GPS tracker, not shown, is connected to the alarm device 11 and can be arranged in the area of the tarpaulin 4 or the base plate 3. Alternatively, a GPS tracker can also be arranged in the alarm device 11.

Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of such a safety circuit 12. The alarm device 11 is connected via electrical contacts to the free ends of the cable 6, an electrically conductive connection being established between the conductor of the cable 6 and the alarm device 11 via the contacts. The rope 6 is thus integrated into the safety circuit 12.

With the alarm device 11, a monitoring function is implemented in such a way that it outputs a control signal to the safety circuit 12, reads back this control signal after it has passed through the safety circuit 12, and then compares it with a predetermined target value. In the present case, the components of the safety circuit 12 are checked by means of a transit time measurement. The alarm device 11 sends a coded control signal to the security circuit 12 and determines the running time of the control signal by the security circuit 12. The coding encodes the control signal and thus protects it against manipulation. If the runtime of the control signal corresponds to the setpoint value stored in the alarm device 11, the components of the safety circuit 12 are in an error-free state, that is to say neither the rope 6 has been manipulated nor the electrically conductive structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4 has been manipulated.

The control signal is sent out cyclically, preferably with a repetition time in the range of one or a few seconds. In contrast, the signal duration of the control signal is short and is preferably in the millisecond range.

If the rope 6 has been tampered with, for example if it has been cut through, the control signal can no longer return or can only be returned with a delay Alarm device 11 arrive. In the alarm device 11, the manipulation is recognized in that the running time of the control signal does not match the target value.

If the electrically conductive structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4 has been manipulated, for example by a local incision in the tarpaulin 4, this is detected by the assigned sensor 15, 16. The sensor 15, 16 then blocks or delays the control signal, so that the transit time of the control signal no longer overrides the setpoint and the manipulation of the electrically conductive structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4 is thereby recognized in the alarm device 11.

If a deviation in the value of the duration of the control signal from the setpoint value caused by manipulation of the cable 6 and / or the electrically conductive structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4 is registered in the alarm device 11, an alarm message is generated by the alarm device 11. The alarm message can be generated locally on the security system by the alarm device 11 activating an acoustic or optical signal transmitter connected to it, whereby an acoustic or optical alarm message is generated.

Alternatively or additionally, the alarm message, preferably together with current position values, is output to an external unit via the interface 14 of the alarm device 11. The alarm message is preferably sent to the supplier of the packaging goods 2. On the basis of the alarm message, this can track interventions in the packaged goods 2, with the position data of the GPS tracker being able to locate these interventions. This is particularly important for the theft tracking.

The interface 14 of the alarm device 11 can also be used by a user, in particular the supplier of the packaged goods 2, to query status parameters of the security system.

Furthermore, the supplier can, via the interface 14, grant the customer, as soon as he has received the packaged goods 2, access to the packaged goods 2. In the simplest case, the supplier sends the customer the code with which he can open the security lock.

The customer can then enter the code at the security lock via an input unit such as a keyboard, or via a contactless interface 14 such as a Bluetooth interface 14, and open the security lock. In principle, the security lock can be opened via suitable release commands directly via the interface 14 of the alarm device 11.

Figure 7 shows an expansion of the safety circuit 12 according to Figure 6 . In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 6 are in the security circuit 12 according Figure 7 not only the alarm device 11, the cable 6 and the sensor 15 monitoring the electrically conductive surface structure 7 of the tarpaulin 4, but also a sensor 16 with which an electrically conductive structure 7 present in the base plate 3 is monitored for manipulations.

The alarm device 11 monitors the cable 6 and both sensors 15, 16 by sending control signals into the safety circuit 12 and then reading back the control signal and comparing them with a target value. Accordingly, the alarm message 11 is generated in the alarm device 11 if at least one of the Components of the safety circuit 12 (ie the rope 6 and the sensors 15, 16) a manipulation is determined.

Reference list

(1)

palette

(2)

Packaged goods

(3)

Base plate

(4)

Plans

(4a)

Packing lid

(5)

Wire rope

(6)

rope

(7)

electrically conductive structure

(8th)

hem

(9)

Reciprocating piston

(10a)

button

(10b)

button

(11)

Alarm device

(12)

Safety circuit

(13)

Computing unit

(14)

interface

(15)

sensor

(16)

sensor

Claims (14)

1. Security system with a base plate (3) and a tarpaulin (4), wherein in a security position a packaging material (2) is mounted on the base plate (3) and enclosed by the tarpaulin (4), wherein the tarpaulin (4) is secured by means of an electrically conductive cable (6), which is encircling in circumferential direction of the base plate (3), to this, that the tarpaulin (4) has an electrically conductive structure (7) extending over the area of the tarpaulin, wherein a sensor (15, 16) is provided, by means of which interruptions of this structure are detectable, that the cable (6) forms together with the sensor (15, 16) and an alarm device (11) a closed security circuit (12) and that the alarm device (11) issues check signals on the safety circuit (12), wherein in a fault-free state a check signal, which transits the security circuit (12) and is read back to the alarm device (11), agrees with a target value predetermined in the alarm device (11) and wherein in a fault case in the safety circuit (12) a departure of the read-back check signal from the target value is registered in the alarm device (11), whereupon an alarm report is generated in the alarm device (11), characterised in that the alarm device (11) is electrically contacted with the free ends of the cable (6) by way of a tightening device.
2. Security system according to claim 1, characterised in that a fault case is present when the cable (6) is interrupted or when an interruption of the electrically conductive structure (7) of the tarpaulin (4) is detected by the sensor (15, 16).
3. Security system according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the base plate (3) has an electrically conductive structure (7) extending over the area thereof and that the base plate (3) is incorporated in the security circuit (12) in such a way that the alarm report is generated in the alarm device (11) when an interruption of the electrically conductive structure (7) of the base plate (3) is registered by means of a sensor (15, 16).
4. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the transit time of the check signal through the safety circuit (12) is detected in the alarm device (11) and compared with a target value.
5. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the cable (6) consists completely of steel or comprises a steel casing surrounding an insulator, wherein an electrical conductor is guided within the insulator.
6. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the cable (6) has a separating point for connection of the or a sensor (15, 16), wherein electrical conductors are led to the sensor (15, 16) from end surfaces, which bound the separating point, of the cable.
7. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a motorised tightening device is provided, by means of which the cable (6) fixing the tarpaulin (4) to the base plate (3) is tightenable.
8. Security system according to claim 7, characterised in that the tightening device is formed by a stroke piston (9) actuable by means of an electric drive.
9. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the cable (6) is lockable in its tightened position by means of a security lock.
10. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the alarm device (11) comprises an interface (14) for data exchange with an external unit and/or as access to the Internet.
11. Security system according to claim 10, characterised in that the alarm report can be issued by way of the interface (14) and/or status parameters of the security system are derivable from an external unit and/or the locking of the security lock can be cancelled.
12. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that a global positioning system tracker is integrated in the alarm device (11).
13. Security system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that this comprises an input unit and/or a data interface by way of which a command for cancellation of the locking of the security lock can be input.
14. Security system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that this is a pallet security system.

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