WO2016116903A1

WO2016116903A1 - Security system for goods carriage containers

Info

Publication number: WO2016116903A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/050332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco MALVESTITI
Original assignee: Malvestiti Marco
Priority date: 2015-01-23
Filing date: 2016-01-22
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

The document describes a security system for a goods carriage container comprising at least one electromechanical lock, fixable inside the container at one of its doors, and at least one electronic actuation and control group, fixable inside the container and operatively connected, through a communication system, to each electromechanical lock. The electronic actuation and control group in turn comprises a GPS receiver with integrated antenna, configured for detecting information on the geographical coordinates of the container during its transportation steps, a data transceiver device, configured for sending the information on the geographical coordinates of the container to a remote control station and for receiving instructions from the remote control station in order to monitor and control the electromechanical locks, at least one electronic actuation and control means, capable of activating or deactivating each electromechanical lock based on the instructions received from the remote control station, and at least one device for generating and/or storing electrical energy, configured for electrically powering all the components of the security system. Each electromechanical lock is provided with a blocking group of a door, actuated by a corresponding first motorised actuation means, and is provided with at least one second motorised actuation means operatively connected to the respective blocking group and configured for actuating the respective blocking group in the case of failure of the first motorised actuation means.

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM FOR GOODS CARRIAGE CONTAINERS

The present invention refers to a security system for goods carriage containers, in particular for swap bodies, containers, trailers and the like.

As known, a problem faced by goods carriage containers consisting of swap bodies, containers, trailers and the like concerns frequent thefts. Such thefts occur thanks to the possibility of dishonest people easily opening the container using suitable theft tools. This type of container, indeed, even if provided with its own closing system, normally lacks both anti-theft systems and control and signalling systems .

Some solutions present on the market foresee the use on the containers of satellite control systems, which are however capable of monitoring and signalling only some specific situations, like for example a theft having occurred. These solutions, however, are unable to ensure any defence from a theft in progress, as well as any type of active protection for the container and for the goods transported by it.

Other known systems foresee the use on the container of additional closing systems, for example consisting of suitable mechanical lever mechanisms, various kinds of electrical locks or other more or less valid additional closing devices. Additional closing systems of this type are described, for example, in patents IT-A-1387238 , IT-A-1387239 and IT-A-1387240.

None of these additional closing systems, however, are arranged totally inside the loading space and can be controlled entirely remotely for every function thereof. Moreover, due to the operating conditions in which the containers are used (humidity, salt, particularly low or high temperatures, etc.), such additional closing systems are sometimes subject to problems of malfunctioning that can even prevent the normal opening of the container. In these cases, it is thus necessary to "force" such additional closing systems, with consequent irreversible damage to the systems themselves.

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to make a security system for goods carriage containers, in particular for swap bodies, containers, trailers and the like, which is able to solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in an extremely simple, cost-effective and particularly functional manner.

In detail, a purpose of the present invention is to make a security system for goods carriage containers that is capable not only of effectively protecting goods from possible attempted thefts, but also of monitoring such goods in real time during all of the transportation steps.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make a security system for goods carriage containers that is capable of operating reliably in any environmental and operative condition.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make a security system for goods carriage containers that is capable of only and exclusively allowing authorised personnel to open the container even in the case of malfunctioning of the security system itself.

These and other purposes according to the present invention are accomplished by making a security system for goods carriage containers, in particular for swap bodies, containers, trailers and the like, as outlined in claim 1.

Further characteristics of the invention are highlighted by the dependent claims, which are an integral part of the present description.

The characteristics and advantages of a security system for goods carriage containers, in particular for swap bodies, containers, trailers and the like, according to the present invention, will become clearer from the following description, given as an example and not for limiting purposes, referring to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a generic container to which a preferred embodiment of the security system according to the present invention is applied;

figure 2 is a schematic view, from the inside, of the doors of the container of figure 1, where the main components of the security system according to the present invention are shown;

figure 3 is a perspective view of an electromechanical lock included in the security system according to the present invention;

figure 4 is a perspective view of the electromechanical lock of figure 3, shown in a first operative configuration;

figure 5 is a perspective view of the electromechanical lock of figure 3, shown in a second operative configuration; and

figure 6 is a perspective view of the electromechanical lock of figure 3, shown in a third operative configuration.

With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of the security system for goods carriage containers according to the present invention is shown. The security system is installed, for example, on a generic container 10 of the type commonly used in intermodal freight transport.

The security system firstly comprises at least one electromechanical lock 14 fixable, preferably irremovably, inside the container 10 at one of its doors 12. In detail, two electromechanical locks 14, fixed on each door 12 of the container 10 can be provided, with an upper lock 14 and a lower lock 14 that operate in combination with the system of locks normally provided on the container 10 itself.

On a typical container 10 provided with two wing doors 12, therefore, four electromechanical locks 14 are provided to lock the four potential weak points of the doors 12 themselves. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the two pairs of electromechanical locks 14 are fixed on each door 12 at the contact line between the doors 12, in opposite position with respect to the hinges of the doors 12 themselves. Therefore, the maximum security and insurance advantages linked to the reduction of the risk of the container 10 being broken into are ensured.

The security system also comprises at least one electronic actuation and control group 16, also fixable inside the container 10 and operatively connected, through a suitable communication system 18 for example consisting of a plurality of cabled electrical lines, to each electromechanical lock 14. The electronic actuation and control group 16 in turn comprises:

- a GPS receiver with integrated antenna, configured for detecting information on the geographical coordinates of the container 10 during its transportation steps;

- a data transceiver device, like for example a modem, configured for sending the aforementioned information on the geographical coordinates of the container 10 to a remote control station and for receiving instructions from such a remote control station so as to control and monitor the electromechanical locks 14;

- at least one electronic actuation and control means 20 capable of activating or deactivating each electromechanical lock 14 based on the instructions received from the remote control station; and

- at least one device for generating and/or storing electrical energy, typically consisting of one or more batteries, configured for electrically powering all the components of the security system.

With reference to figure 3, each electromechanical lock 14 is provided with a blocking group 22 of the door 12 actuated by a corresponding motorised actuation means 24, like for example an electric motor. According to the invention, each electromechanical lock 14 is provided with at least one second motorised actuation means 26 operatively connected to the respective blocking group 22. Such a second motorised actuation means 26 is configured for actuating the respective blocking group 22 in the case of failure of the first motorised actuation means 24. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the blocking group 22 consists of one or more bolts 28 slidably actuated in alternate motion by the first motorised actuation means 24 through a first threaded coupling shaft 30. The first threaded coupling shaft 30 is configured for slidably moving a mobile block 32 integral with the bolts 28.

The second motorised actuation means 26 is also provided with its own second threaded coupling shaft 34 capable of slidably moving a slide 36 operatively connectable to the blocking group 22. The blocking group 22 is thus mobile between a first operative position (figure 4), in which the bolts 28 are withdrawn and contained inside the box-shaped casing 38 of the electromechanical lock 14 and the respective door 12 of the container 10 is therefore allowed to open, and a second operative position (figure 5), in which the bolts 28 project with respect to the box- shaped casing 38 of the electromechanical lock 14 to engage with a wall of the container 10, thus keeping the respective door 12 closed even in the case in which the system of locks normally provided on the container 10 itself is unlocked. The extent of the movement of the blocking group 22 between its first operative position, or opening position, and its second operative position, or closing position, is determined by the translation of the mobile block 32 between an opening end stroke element 40 and a closing end stroke element 42, both integral with the slide 36.

The actuation of the bolts 28 of the blocking group

22, normally carried out by the first motorised actuation means 24, is controlled by the remote control station through the electronic actuation and control group 16. Such an electronic actuation and control group 16 is therefore capable of identifying possible failures, anomalies and/or breaking of the first motorised actuation means 24 and of signalling such failures, anomalies and/or breaking to the remote control station.

In the case in which such failures, anomalies and/or breaking occur when the blocking group 22 is in its second operative position, or closing position, the electronic actuation and control group 16 can be controlled by the remote control station so that it activates the second motorised actuation means 26 to take the blocking group 22 back into its first operative position, or opening position. In this condition, shown in figure 6, the mobile block 32 of the blocking group 22 is in contact with the closing end stroke element 42. The translating movement of the slide 36, controlled by the second motorised actuation means 26, causes a simultaneous translation movement of the closing end stroke element 42, so as to take the blocking group 22 back into its first operative position, or opening position, without the need for intervention by the first motorised actuation means 24.

Each electromechanical lock 14 is advantageously provided, on its box-shaped casing 38, with a plurality of tabs 44 that allow the electromechanical lock 14 itself to be irremovably fixed, through welding, on an inner wall of one of the doors 12 of the container 10. The box-shaped casing 38 of each electromechanical lock 14 is also provided with one or more sealing gaskets (not shown) for hydraulically and thermally insulating the blocking group 22 and the respective first 24 and second 26 motorised actuation means with respect to the outer environment.

The box-shaped casing 38 of each electromechanical lock 14 is finally provided with a removable cover (not shown) , suitably provided with sealing gaskets and adapted for allowing the maintenance of the blocking group 22 and of the respective first 24 and second 26 motorised actuation means. For security reasons, in the mounted configuration of each electromechanical lock 14 the cover preferably faces towards the inner wall of the door 12, so as to allow the maintenance of the blocking group 22 only when the electromechanical lock 14 is temporarily dismounted from the door 12 itself by qualified and authorised personnel.

It has thus been seen that the security system for goods carriage containers according to the present invention achieves the purposes highlighted earlier, in particular obtaining the following advantages:

- the security system according to the present invention is arranged totally inside the container, thus being less vulnerable and respecting the load bulk. Other security systems, like anti-theft systems or seals, are applied outside the container, being easy to attack and neutralise;

- the electromechanical locks use a slide moving system, which ensures the maximum reliability in any work condition (humidity, salt, high and low temperatures) . Other types of locks, which are much more complex, are affected by the variation of environmental conditions;

- each electromechanical lock is provided with a second "dormant" motor, which performs the security unlocking function in the case of damage to the main motor. The secondary motor performs the same functions as the main one, thus ensuring the possibility of concluding the transportation step with the full functionality of all the locks. Other security systems are provided with door unlocking systems that however damage the mechanisms of the locks, forcing the customer to carry out emergency maintenance ;

the security system according to the present invention is managed totally remotely by an authorised station, which controls the opening and closing of the doors of the container. The electronic actuation and control group has software restricted by security codes, known only to authorised personnel, as well as one or more latest-generation lithium polymer batteries. Other security systems use normal batteries that require continuous recharging and maintenance;

the security system according to the present invention is installed without the possibility of tampering, since initially the entire mechanism of each lock is protected with a sealed box, whereas subsequently each lock is applied inside the container in a permanent manner. Other security systems, devised to be removable, are easy to attack as well as creating numerous logistical problems for the end customers, forcing them to have stores and make various provisions.

The security system for goods carriage containers ^r the present invention thus conceived can in any case undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same inventive concept; moreover, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the technical requirements.

The scope of protection is therefore defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Security system for a goods carriage container (10), the system comprising:

- at least one electromechanical lock (14) which is fixable inside the container (10) at one of its doors

(12) ; and

- at least one electronic actuation and control group (16) which is fixable inside the container (10) and operatively connected, through a communication system (18), to each electromechanical lock (14), the electronic actuation and control group (16) in turn comprising :

- a GPS receiver with integrated antenna, configured for detecting information on the geographical coordinates of the container (10) during its transportation steps;

- a data transceiver device, configured for sending said information on the geographical coordinates of the container (10) to a remote control station and for receiving instructions from said remote control station in order to monitor and control said at least one electromechanical lock (14);

- at least one electronic actuation and control means (20) capable of activating or deactivating each electromechanical lock (14) based on the instructions received from the remote control station; and

- at least one device for generating and/or storing electrical energy, configured for electrically powering all components of the security system, wherein each electromechanical lock (14) is provided with a blocking group (22) for blocking a door (12), actuated by a corresponding first motorised actuation means (24), and wherein each electromechanical lock (14) is provided with at least one second motorised actuation means (26) operatively connected to the respective blocking group (22), said second motorised actuation means (26) being configured for actuating the respective blocking group (22) in the case of failure of the first motorised actuation means (24) .

2. Security system according to claim 1, characterised in that the blocking group (22) consists of one or more bolts (28) slidably actuated in alternate motion by the first motorised actuation means (24) through a first threaded coupling shaft (30), said first threaded coupling shaft (30) being configured for slidably moving a mobile block (32) integral with the bolts (28) so that the blocking group (22) is movable between a first operative position, in which the bolts (28) are withdrawn and contained inside the box-shaped casing (38) of the electromechanical lock (14) and therefore the respective door (12) of the container (10) is allowed to open, and a second operative position, in which the bolts (28) project with respect to the box- shaped casing (38) to engage with a wall of the container (10), thus keeping the respective door (12) closed.

3. Security system according to claim 2, characterised in that the second motorised actuation means (26) is provided with a second threaded coupling shaft (34) capable of slidably moving a slide (36) operatively connectable to the blocking group (22) .

4. Security system according to claim 3, characterised in that each electromechanical lock (14) is provided with an opening end stroke element (40) and a closing end stroke element (42), both integral with the slide (36), the extent of the movement of the blocking group (22) between its first operative position, or opening position, and its second operative position, or closing position, being determined by the translation of the mobile block (32) between said opening end stroke element (40) and said closing end stroke element (42) .

5. Security system according to any claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the electronic actuation and control group (16), when controlled by the remote control station, is configured for actuating the bolts (28) through the first motorised actuation means (24), said electronic actuation and control group (16) thus being capable of identifying possible failures, anomalies and/or breaking of the first motorised actuation means (24) and of signalling said failures, anomalies and/or breaking to the remote control station .

6. Security system according to claim 5, characterised in that the electronic actuation and control group (16), when controlled by the remote control station, is configured for actuating the bolts (28) through the second motorised actuation means (26) in case said failures, anomalies and/or breaking of the first motorised actuation means (24) occur when the blocking group (22) is in its second operative position, or closing position.

7. Security system according to any claims 2 to 6, characterised in that each electromechanical lock (14) is provided, on its box-shaped casing (38), with a plurality of tabs (44) that allow said electromechanical lock (14) to be irremovably fixed, through welding, on an inner wall of one of the doors (12) of the container (10) .

8. Security system according to any claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the box-shaped casing (38) of each electromechanical lock (14) is provided with one or more sealing gaskets for hydraulically and thermally insulating the blocking group (22) and the respective first (24) and second (26) motorised actuation means with respect to the outer environment.

9. Security system according to any claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the box-shaped casing (38) of each electromechanical lock (14) is provided with a removable cover, equipped with sealing gaskets and suitable for allowing the maintenance of the blocking group (22) and of the respective first (24) and second (26) motorised actuation means.

10. Security system according to any previous claims, characterised in that said device for generating and/or for storing electrical energy consists of one or more lithium polymer batteries.