SE527608C2 - Distinguishing specific container by using a group number electronically stored in a container lock - Google Patents

Abstract

By using a group number electronically stored in a container lock, a specified group of locks connected with a specific container is distinguished. This group number is employed for radio control of container locks.

Description

55 65 70 75 80 95 100 527 608 4/222-P6l23 C En 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a method of identifying a group of locks that lock a container under a crane hook using information that has previously been stored in the container locks themselves. This eliminates the need for manual unlocking, and allows the system to automatically determine which container the crane should lift, which enables automatic unlocking of the locks that lock the container in question.

In order to be able to determine with certainty which locks are included in the group of locks that lock the container under the crane hook, we need a number of antennas for communication with the individual locks mounted on the crane hook, preferably out in the four corners.

A central unit mounted in the center of the yoke controls and controls the antennas.

The invention (method) is characterized in that the central unit owns which locks are found in the vicinity. This is done via the antennas mounted in the corners, where the range of each antenna covers a zone containing the adjacent locks. Each lock that carries a request responds with its assigned group identification number and its individual identification number. The central unit can now create four subsets with responses to the locks. The central unit then makes a choice based on which group identification numbers are found in all subsets. Since only one group identification number can appear in all subsets, we have in this way identified the locks that are to be unlocked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows a container lock in which the proposed method can be implemented.

Fig. 2 shows a container lock in which the proposed method can be implemented. The figure shows the lock in opened condition, where the cover has been removed, dare to show the black box that forms the electronic part of the lock, as well as the opening mechanism itself.

Fig. 3 schematically describes a system where the location of the included system parts is clarified. Ly fi yoke has a central unit mounted in the middle which in turn communicates with an antenna placed in each corner of the yoke. In each corner between the upper and lower containers is placed a container lock which communicates with the antennas.

Fig. 4 schematically describes how a container is stacked on top of an arm.

The container locks are mounted hanging under each corner of the upper container and lock automatically at the same time as the upper container is placed on top of the inner container.

Fig. 5 describes how a directed radio lobe spreads in the area nmt an antenna mounted in a corner of a lifting yoke.

FIGS. 6-7 schematically describe how different antennas create different subsets where locks from different groups are included. By correlating and comparing these subsets, the correct group can be distinguished so that the locks included in the group 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 527 608 4/222-P6123 C Sv 3 can then be remotely operated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to provide an understanding of the invention and its field of application, a generic system is also described herein in which the invention may be incorporated as part of solving the particular problems which may arise.

Figure 1 shows a container lock (1) that is used to secure containers for transport during shipment via ship. Figure 2 shows the lower half (2) of the corresponding lock (1) disassembled. The locks are equipped with electronics (3) to be able to communicate wirelessly with their surroundings within a radius of up to a maximum of two container lengths. Figure 3 shows the location of a central unit (4) that contains the necessary equipment to be able to communicate wirelessly with the locks (1). During loading as well as during unloading, the central unit (4) must be able to communicate with the locks (1) belonging to the container in question in order to send commands for unlocking and receive information about the status of the locks, etc.

When a crane hook (5) approaches a container (6) to carry it, the locks (1) that lock the container in an underlying container or a boat deck must be unlocked.

At the same time, it is important that nearby locks that lock other containers do not unlock.

When information is lacking about which individual locks lock the container in question, the invention makes it possible to identify which locks are to be unlocked in the case in question.

The invention (method) is characterized in that a central unit (4) requests which locks are found in the vicinity. This is done via the antennas mounted in the corner, (7) where the range of each antenna (7) covers a zone (8) containing the adjacent locks. When unlocking is to take place, the central unit (4) sends a radio signal with a request via the antennas (7) placed in the corner to find out which locks are located nearby. Each lock (l) that receives the radio signal on request responds with its assigned group identification number and its individual identification number according to a time-slot radio protocol. The power of the radio signal that each lock (1) sends out is limited to such that the range of the signal corresponds to approximately one container length. This transmission power can be varied depending on reception conditions, however, the maximum power is limited to approximately two container lengths. The central unit (4) can now create subsets (normally four) with answers fi from the locks (1). (See 6- g 6-7) The central unit (4) then makes a selection based on which group identification numbers are found in all subsets. As only one group identification number appears in all subsets, we have in this way identified the lock group to be unlocked. The central unit (4) sends the fool fi er an unlock command to the four locks (1) to be unlocked. The respective lock (1) responds with a status message stating that the lock Y has been unlocked, whereupon the container (6) can be lifted.

Claims (4)

1. 50 155 165 170 175 180 527 608 4/222-P6l23 C En 4 REQUIREMENTS 1. A method which enables automatic identification and unlocking of a number of container locks (1) included in a group and which is characterized in that: - automatic locking. (1) has a unique identification number stored internally in electronic form - each group of automatic locks (1) has a unique group identification number stored in each lock (1) included in the group - a central unit (4) upon unlocking sends a message about which automatic locks (1) located nearby - a cennal unit (4) using subsets of received group identification numbers can determine which group of locks (1) belong to a current container (6) - each lock (1) allows wireless remote control of the opening mechanism (2) by addressing with assigned group identification numbers. A method according to claim I, characterized in that it can be implemented in fully automatic container locks (1) and associated central unit (4) for remote automatic unlocking of these container locks (1) by unloading of containers. A method according to claims 1-6, characterized in that a central unit (4) by comparing subsets of received group identification numbers can exclude locks (1) which are not found in all subsets. A method according to claims 1-8, characterized in that the central unit (4) does not need to have knowledge of each individual lock Y identification numbers in advance.