EP4116181B1 - Monitoring device for monitoring goods, related monitoring system and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring goods, in particular goods transported in transport containers, with a base body that can be arranged on the goods, in particular the transport container, a floating body, which is detachably arranged on the base body by means of a decoupling device and is permanently connected to the base body via a connecting means Base body is connected, wherein the floating body is locked to the base body by means of the decoupling device in a first operating state and is released from the base body in a second operating state, the second operating state being activated in the event of the monitoring device falling overboard during sea transport, a condition monitoring unit with an in the position monitoring unit arranged on the floating body, which has a receiver for receiving signals from a navigation satellite system, and a transmission unit arranged in the floating body, which is connected to the condition monitoring unit in a data-conducting manner.

Such monitoring devices for monitoring goods, in particular goods transported in transport containers, are known from the prior art. They are regularly used to enable the goods to be located in the event of goods or transport containers falling overboard. This makes it possible to recover the goods if necessary and to ensure that environmental hazards are avoided. In particular, containers floating on or near the water surface pose a high risk of collision for ships.

Known monitoring devices typically have a base body that can be arranged on a product or a container and a base body connected to it via a line Floating body connected to the base body. The floating body can be separated from the base body by means of a decoupling device if the goods or container are detected as falling overboard. Such monitoring devices are available, for example DE 4431683 A1 or off EP 0 672 919 A2 known.

However, the disadvantage of the described prior art is that the devices often have an inadequate cost-benefit ratio, since goods falling overboard is a comparatively rare event and the monitoring device is otherwise passive on the goods or the container is arranged. This is one of the reasons why the systems in question have not been able to establish themselves on a large scale. In the case of the devices known from the prior art, a further disadvantage is that the generation of false alarms has occasionally been observed and the maintenance or operational readiness test is often complex.

Against this background, the invention was based on the object of developing a monitoring device of the type mentioned in such a way that the disadvantages found in the prior art are eliminated as largely as possible. In particular, a monitoring device had to be specified that enables higher monitoring quality to be achieved, is easier to maintain and can be used for a larger monitoring spectrum.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in a monitoring device of the type mentioned by the features of claim 1.

The invention is based on the knowledge that the monitoring device not only carries out a position determination in the event of the monitoring device falling overboard and transmits this to a wireless data network, but also in the first operating state in which regular transport of the goods or container takes place becomes. In this way it is advantageously ensured that the monitoring device is not only activated in the very rare case of the goods connected to the monitoring device falling overboard, but can also be used during the normal transport operation of the goods to locate the goods and track their geographical position . In this way, contrary to long-standing prejudices, it is no longer necessary to attach multiple devices to the goods in order to provide both general position monitoring and position monitoring in the event of overboard, but both functionalities are now combined in a single monitoring device.

This makes it possible to save costs because essential components, such as the position monitoring unit, only have to be provided once, which is not the case with known solutions. The installation effort is also significantly reduced.

The first operating mode corresponds to the state in which the floating body is locked to the base body by means of the decoupling device. This corresponds to the operating state in which the monitoring device is arranged on the goods or on the container while the goods or the container is being transported, for example on a seagoing ship or on a land-based means of transport. The second operating state is activated in the event of the monitoring device falling overboard during sea transport.

According to the invention, the condition monitoring unit further has an acceleration sensor and is set up to detect at least one of the following states depending on the acceleration signal determined by means of the acceleration sensor: vibration, deceleration, exceeding of defined acceleration limits, the transmission unit being set up to detect the conditions determined by the condition monitoring units To transmit status data to the wireless data network using the transmission unit.

In this way, the condition monitoring unit is not only enabled to determine position data, but also to detect vibrations, deceleration or exceeding of defined acceleration limits using an acceleration sensor. Such events can lead to damage to the goods and can not only be recognized through transmission to the wireless data network, but can also be assigned to a respective transport operator or transport event. In this way, the possible enforcement of insurance or compensation claims is made easier.

The condition monitoring unit preferably has a water sensor which is set up to sense water contact, the condition monitoring unit being set up to detect the monitoring device going overboard during sea transport from the signals of the water sensor and the acceleration sensor, the water sensor being used in particular as a capacitive sensor or is designed as a water switch.

According to a preferred embodiment, the acceleration sensor has a plurality of accelerometers, in particular one of the accelerometers being set up to detect a free fall and another accelerometer to detect vibrations, shocks and other events with comparatively high G-forces. Alternatively, several acceleration sensors can be provided, with one of the acceleration sensors in particular being set up to detect a free fall and another acceleration sensor being set up to detect vibrations, shocks and other events with comparatively high G forces.

The combination of water sensor and acceleration sensor can significantly improve the detection accuracy of goods provided with the monitoring device falling overboard. Acceleration events alone do not regularly allow a reliable detection that the goods equipped with the monitoring device have fallen overboard. The sole use of water sensors can also lead to false alarms in the event of moisture contact on board the ship. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the acceleration sensor, which is already required to detect acceleration signals, can not only be used in normal operation to detect vibration or deceleration conditions, but can also be used to detect goods that are equipped with a monitoring device falling overboard. This functional integration reduces the complexity of the device.

Furthermore, the condition monitoring unit is preferably set up to switch the decoupling device from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when the condition monitoring unit detects the monitoring device falling overboard during sea transport. In this way, in the event of the monitoring device falling overboard, the floating body is separated from the base body, so that in the event of the goods provided with the monitoring device sinking, the floating body can remain on the water surface within the limits specified by the connecting means and carry out the position determination or the position data can send out.

The invention is further developed in that the transmission unit is set up to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally with at least one of the following wireless data networks: mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network (LPWAN), mesh network, satellite-based network. The data networks in question have proven to be particularly suitable for the present application. The usage a mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network or a mesh network reduce the energy requirements of the monitoring device. The advantage of a satellite-based network is that it is largely independent of the geographical position of the monitoring device, with such a network also functioning securely at sea and at great distances from the mainland.

According to a preferred embodiment, the data in the first operating state is transmitted to the mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network or the mesh network and/or the data in the second operating state is transmitted to the satellite-based network. In other words, during normal transport operations, data is preferably transmitted to land-based or ship-based networks, such as a low-energy long-distance network or a mesh network. In the event that the goods connected to the monitoring device are lost overboard, it can be assumed, particularly away from coastal areas, that land-based or ship-based data networks are no longer available. In this case, communication preferably takes place with the satellite-based network.

According to a preferred embodiment, the decoupling device has a decoupling socket connected to the base body, a decoupling base which can be accommodated in the decoupling socket and is connected to the floating body and has a central bore, a spring element which is designed to apply a spring force to the decoupling socket, and one which can be rotated in the bore recorded locking axis, which can be rotated into a locking position and a release position. Preferably, at least one bore is arranged on one side of the decoupling base, in which at least one locking ball is received. Preferably, the locking axis has a recess at the level of the bore, which is designed to push the locking ball outwards in the locking position and to at least partially accommodate it in the release position. Preferably, the decoupling socket has a ball groove at the level of the bore, which partially accommodates the locking ball in the locking position, so that the decoupling socket is connected to the decoupling base, and in a release position the ball is pressed by the spring element in the direction of the locking axis, whereby the decoupling socket is released and is rejected.

Such a design of the decoupling device has proven to be particularly suitable for providing a safe and low-maintenance decoupling option, which reliably and safely separates the floating body from the base body in the event of the goods provided with the monitoring device falling overboard.

According to a preferred embodiment, the monitoring unit is further set up to communicate with sensors and/or actuators arranged outside the monitoring device and to establish a coupling with the sensors and/or actuators. In this way, the transmission unit can be coupled, for example, with temperature, humidity or door opening sensors and/or with actuators, for example relating to a cooling control or an intruder alarm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the condition monitoring unit is further set up to generate position alarms when leaving defined geographical zones based on the position data determined by the position monitoring unit. This makes it possible to ensure that the goods provided with the condition monitoring unit are located in the desired geographical zones.

The base body and/or the floating body preferably have a light-reflecting signal color. This ensures improved visibility in the water. The monitoring device preferably has a magnetic switch for switching on the monitoring device.

The invention has been described above with reference to a monitoring device. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring goods, in particular goods transported in transport containers, with a monitoring device and a cloud-based information system, wherein the cloud-based information system is connected to the monitoring device in a data-conducting manner via a wireless network.

The invention solves the problem described at the outset in relation to the monitoring system by designing the monitoring device according to one of the above exemplary embodiments.

The monitoring system takes advantage of the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the monitoring device according to the invention and vice versa.

In this regard, reference is made to the above statements and their content is included here.

In summary, the monitoring system with the cloud-based information system enables detailed monitoring, analysis and control of the monitoring device.

According to a preferred development, the cloud-based information system is set up to carry out at least one of the following: receiving data from the monitoring device, evaluating and displaying data received from the monitoring device, sending configuration data to the monitoring device, the configuration data in particular localization and/or or transmission intervals and/or geozones, sending firmware updates to the monitoring device, initiating a coupling mode for wirelessly connecting external sensors and/or actuators to the monitoring device via the wireless data network.

Preferably, the cloud-based information system is further set up to determine the position of the monitoring device based on the last transmitted position and external data, in particular based on external data relating to currents located below the sea surface, in the event of a loss of connection to the monitoring device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cloud-based information system is further set up to retrieve satellite images of the last transmitted position of the monitoring device and to use this to determine a condition of the goods provided with the monitoring device.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for monitoring goods, in particular for detecting a monitoring device arranged on a transport container falling overboard during sea transport.

The invention solves the problem described at the outset in relation to the method with the steps: detecting a free fall of the monitoring device by means of an acceleration sensor arranged in the monitoring device, determining an impact shock of the monitoring device on the water surface by means of the acceleration sensor, determining water contact of the monitoring device in particular by means of a water sensor arranged on the monitoring device, outputting an overboard signal based on the previous steps, wherein the signal characterizes the monitoring device going overboard, and wherein the monitoring device is designed in particular according to one of the above exemplary embodiments.

The method according to the invention makes use of the findings that the use of a single sensor alone often does not allow sufficiently precise conclusions to be drawn about the extent to which the goods with the monitoring device arranged on them have actually fallen overboard. The combination of the method steps according to the invention increases the detection accuracy of a relevant person going overboard.

The invention is further developed in that the method further comprises the step: Determine whether there is a connection of the monitoring device to a non-satellite-based data network, in particular to a mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network (LPWAN), the overboard signal only then being output if there is no connection between the monitoring device and the non-satellite-based data network.

The relevant procedural features further reduce the likelihood of false alarms. The presence of a non-satellite-based data network indicates that the goods are either on land or still on board the ship. Only when such non-satellite-based data networks are no longer available can it be assumed with a high degree of certainty, in conjunction with the further procedural steps, that the goods with the monitoring device arranged on them have actually fallen overboard.

According to a preferred embodiment, the output of the overboard signal in the monitoring device causes the following steps: releasing a floating body from the monitoring device so that the floating body floats on a water surface, the floating body being permanently connected to the base body of the monitoring device via a connecting means, determining a Position of the floating body, in particular by means of a position monitoring unit, which has a receiver for receiving signals from a navigation satellite system, sending the position of the monitoring device to a satellite-based data network.

A further preferred embodiment of the monitoring device or monitoring system is described below. The monitoring device is referred to below as a tracer. The tracer corresponds to the monitoring device.

Preferably, an initial device configuration and provisioning takes place in the customer account within the cloud-based platform by assigning the unique tracer device serial number to an identification number provided by the customer for the goods. This ensures that a product is clearly assigned to its respective tracer device.

Before attachment, the tracer is activated via an integrated magnetic switch by applying a magnetic field (e.g. permanent magnet). The assembly is then carried out in an easily accessible location on the goods. The first contact with the cloud-based platform takes place via a mobile radio-based LPWAN to signal the start of operations.

After provisioning and attachment, the position is continuously transmitted, provided the tracer is within range of an LPWAN or an Internet gateway belonging to a mesh network. At this point, the customer can individually configure the sending interval via the cloud-based platform.

Event-based condition monitoring sends time-stamped alarms with the position when inertial limit values are exceeded. These inertial events include shocks or vibrations during loading or transport, which serve as an indicator of potential damage to the goods.

The condition monitoring is also responsible for reading data wirelessly from external sensors and controlling the external actuators based on this. The connection and configuration between sensor values and actuator control is carried out by the customer via the cloud-based platform. External sensor data or control commands from the cloud are preferably transmitted via LPWAN. LPWAN is not available by sea, which is why data is optionally forwarded via the mesh network to an Internet gateway located on the ship's bridge. From there, the data is exchanged with the cloud-based platform via the ship's internal satellite connection.

The detection of the loss of the goods at sea is also carried out by condition monitoring, which continuously takes inertial measurements throughout the entire service life of the tracer device.

A loss begins with an inertial event in the form of a free fall. To detect false positive events, the monitoring system optionally assumes that there is no signal to a cellular-based LPWAN, as this is not available during sea transport. If a signal exists, the free fall event and subsequent loss events are discarded. If the signal is not available, the monitoring system activates a high-precision capacitive sensor and begins measuring the surrounding electric field to determine a baseline value during the fall. The free fall is followed by an impact shock due to the abrupt braking of the fall into the water or, in some cases, onto other cargo that has already fallen overboard.

This impact shock is registered via an inertial sensor. This event is followed in the next step by the detection of a larger amount of water around the tracer, which is measured by the capacitive sensor. Due to the impact into the water, the goods will be underwater, at least for a short time, whereby a characteristic signal change in the electric field will be measured by the capacitive sensor. This characteristic signal differs significantly from the previously measured baseline value, which is why smaller amounts of water, such as those to be expected during free fall caused by rain in storms, do not trigger a false alarm. As an alternative to the capacitive sensor, a simple water switch is possible, consisting of two metal rods on the outside, which close a circuit when they come into contact with large amounts of water and thus enable water detection. If the sequence of events described above has occurred, the monitoring system activates the recovery mode.

The recovery mode is initiated by applying an electrical signal to a decoupling mechanism. The decoupling mechanism unlocks a locking system which, when closed, keeps the holding part and transmitting part of the tracer firmly connected to one another. Unlocking pushes the transmitting part off the holding part. The transmitting and holding parts are still connected to each other via a cord of up to 1000 meters wound on a reel-off drum. The housing of the transmitting part is buoyant, which means that it floats to the surface of the water or falls into the water from the floating goods. This ensures that even if partial or complete If the goods have sunk, the transmitting part can float to the surface of the water and receive or send signals. The transmitting part and holding part or goods remain connected to each other via the cord. After a short delay, the transmitting part begins to continuously determine the position via GPS. Once the position has been determined successfully, the time-stamped position and the respective device serial number are transmitted via a satellite-based transmission system.

Continuous positioning and data transmission in recovery mode is active for at least 30 days. The data sent via the satellite-based transmission system is forwarded by the respective receiving satellite to the next ground station and from there sent to the cloud-based platform. The device serial number contained in the data is used to assign the device to the respective customer account.

The time interval for ongoing position determinations and data transmissions using a satellite-based transmission system is determined by the customer via the cloud-based information system at any time at which the goods or the respective tracer is on land or within the range of a mobile radio-based LPWAN or mesh network with an Internet gateway. possible.

The tracer is preferably installed via a quick-drying adhesive between the back of the holding part and an outside of the respective product. Another possible form of attachment is screwing the holding part using two screws facing backwards, which correspond to an outer wall of the product that has corresponding drill holes.

The tracer consists of the holding part and the transmitting part. Both are firmly connected to each other via a locking system. Both consist of a waterproof, strong-walled and durable plastic housing. Inside the holding part there is a roll-off drum with a wound tear-resistant cord, a mounting socket as a counterpart to the base of the uncoupling mechanism.

Inside the transmitting part there is a radio module with antenna for bidirectional data communication via a mobile radio-based LPWAN, a radio module with antenna for data transmission via a satellite-based system, a radio module with antenna for bidirectional data communication via a multi-band capable mesh network, and an acceleration sensor for detecting a free fall , an acceleration sensor for detecting vibrations, shocks and impacts in the water, a capacitive sensor with differential electrodes for detecting water, a main battery with particularly low self-discharge, a buffer battery for providing high current pulses, a rechargeable battery for storing photovoltaic electricity through energy harvesting, a break-proof CIGS solar cell, a counterweight for the vertical erection of the buoyant housing in the Water, a decoupling mechanism with a base as a counterpart for the mounting socket in the holding part.

In normal operation (not in the event of a loss), the holding and transmitting parts are firmly connected to each other via the decoupling mechanism. The base of the transmitting part is firmly snapped into the fastening socket of the holding part. In this operating mode, the condition is continuously monitored and the position is continuously determined at an individually adjustable interval. The condition monitoring position data and event data are transmitted over a cellular-based LPWAN or self-managing wireless mesh network with an Internet gateway within range after each data set is collected. The mesh network also makes it possible to exchange status and control data with or between external sensors and actuators. The tracer acts as a buffer, control center and gateway between the Internet gateway and all connected external sensors and actuators. The status and control data are preferably transmitted via LPWAN.

As an alternative to the LPWAN, which is missing by sea, the data is transmitted via the ship's mesh network and an Internet gateway located on the ship's bridge via the ship's internal satellite connection. Each tracer is a node that is connected to all neighboring nodes and thus enables data transmission to even the most remote corners of the ship through hopping.

If LPWAN is not available for a longer period of time, it is assumed that the transported goods are by sea. At this point, the condition monitoring is able to detect the loss of the goods at sea via the previously described chain of events. If the chain of events occurs, the tracer switches to recovery mode. In this mode, an electrical signal unlocks the lock between the base and the mounting socket of the decoupling mechanism, so that the transmitting part is repelled from the holding part.

Due to the buoyant housing of the transmitting part, it floats to the surface of the water, but remains connected to the goods via a cord, which is unrolled from a drum located in the holding part. Due to the targeted placement of all heavy components in the Underside of the housing, the transmitter part is aligned vertically in the water so that the upper third is always above the water surface. This ensures a clear view of the sky so that both GPS and satellite reception are available. In the recovery mode, the position of the lost goods is continuously determined over an interval that can be individually defined by the customer and transmitted via the satellite radio module.

The decoupling mechanism consists of the following individual components: metal housing with decoupling socket, decoupling base, spring, two steel balls, steel locking axle, high-torque motor.

The decoupling mechanism serves as an attachment between the holding and transmitting parts. The following description refers to Fig. 12 . It includes a housing made of milled metal, preferably steel. Alternatively, to reduce costs, at least the base and frame are made of steel. The housing has a cylindrical base with a central hole when viewed from below. This cylindrical base is partially milled into the housing with a slight flange. This recess milled into the housing serves as a cavity for inserting a spring. On the sides of the cylindrical base there are two opposite holes, each of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the steel balls that can be inserted there.

There is also a cutout in the housing for inserting a high-torque motor, onto the shaft of which a steel locking axle is attached. The motor is, for example, a stepper or servo motor with very high torque, which enables the rotor position to be precisely adjusted via external electrical signals. The locking axis fits exactly into the central hole in the cylindrical base and has two parallel recesses that correspond to the side holes in the base. The depth of the depressions is approximately one third of the diameter of one of the two balls. A steel socket is placed on the base. This socket has two holes opposite each other on the side, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than that of the balls. The socket also has an integrated thread for a fastening screw.

If the socket is completely inserted onto the base, the spring is in a tensioned state. The side holes in the base correspond to the side holes in the socket. If the locking axis is rotated by 90 degrees by the motor, the balls are pushed outwards and press against the side holes in the socket. In this condition, the blocking balls prevent the Composure about being repelled. This is the four-bar state. If the locking axis is rotated by 90 degrees again by the motor, the pressure of the spring presses the balls into the recess in the locking axis and pushes off the socket. This is the unlocked state.

The cloud-based information system includes a cluster of redundant Internet services. Tasks include receiving and storing data sent by all tracers and external devices. The data is received either as normal IP packets via CoAP or MQTT via the LPWAN or mesh network or via HTTP POST from the ground stations of the satellite-based system. The platform includes a graphical interface for visualizing this data, for example to display the respective position of a tracer on a map with the reported alarm or to graphically display status data.

Additional functionalities include multi-tenancy and options for linking tracer devices, mandates (customers) and other external metadata such as: B. Information about the currently responsible transport company.

In addition, each customer can activate a pairing mode for a respective tracer via the graphical interface. This is used to connect or pair external devices via the integrated mesh radio module. In the next step, the configuration of the external devices is possible in order to program user-defined behavior. This includes, for example, the performance regulation of a cooling unit when a temperature limit is exceeded or fallen below.

The localization and transmission intervals can be individually configured by each customer for their operational tracers via the graphical interface. Intelligent algorithms calculate the effects of these settings on battery life and display this to the customer.

To protect against theft or to adhere to routes, each customer can set up geozones individually for each of their tracers via a map view. For example, when unloading goods at the port, a geozone can be set up for a specific time interval during which the goods are not allowed to leave the specified area. Furthermore, fixed routes or areas can be defined for the goods that must be adhered to or avoided during transport due to insurance conditions. Such areas include, for example, conflict areas Although they could speed up transport, they represent an unreasonable risk for insurance companies.

For bug fixes and functionality enhancements, the cloud-based platform supports the transmission and execution of firmware updates over the cellular-based LPWAN for each tracer connected to the platform.

In the event of loss, the goods can shatter due to the impact (especially containers), in which case a tracer device would only be able to locate the respective piece of debris, but not the entire goods. After some time, pieces of debris can extend over a wide region and are sometimes buoyant. In order to determine whether the goods have shattered, current satellite images (optical and radar) of the respective region are retrieved from an external service provider via the cloud based on the current position of the goods. These images are automatically evaluated by artificial intelligence to draw conclusions about the structural integrity of the goods lost at sea. Floating debris serves as an indicator. In addition, the images are used to determine whether the goods are still floating on the surface of the water or have already at least partially sunk (no longer visible). It is also possible to track other lost and floating goods that do not have an attached tracer device.

In the event of loss, the tracer device is capable of precise localization up to a depth of 1000 meters. When this depth is exceeded, intelligent algorithms start in the cloud-based information system and continuously calculate the estimated position based on the last known position and external data on ocean currents below the water surface. This is particularly helpful for goods such as containers, which sink only slowly due to air pockets and float under the surface of the water for a long time.

With the Argos/Kineis system, Collecte Localization Satellites (CLS) provides a cost-effective satellite constellation specifically for IoT devices. It allows sending short 30 byte messages from anywhere on earth. These messages are forwarded from the respective satellite to the nearest ground station and from there sent to the cloud-based information system mentioned above. The location and monitoring system described takes advantage of this satellite system by using the appropriate transmitter module and a suitable sky-pointing antenna.

Low-energy long-distance networks are ideal on land due to their particularly low energy consumption and radio ranges of up to 10 kilometers. Due to the global distribution of the positioning and monitoring system described, global coverage of such a low-energy wide area network is of top priority. The system therefore uses the LTE-M or NB-loT mobile communications standards, which are available wherever LTE or 5G is also available. Both LTE-M and NB-loT are used in parallel by the system and automatically switch between the standards depending on availability.

The invention is described in more detail below using a preferred exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached figures.

• Fig 1: ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht;
• Fig. 2: das Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht angeordnet an einen Transportcontainer;
• Fig. 3 bis 6: das Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 in perspektivischen Darstellungen und in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen;
• Fig. 7 und 8: das Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung in Strichschnittansichten;
• Fig. 9 und 10: eine erfindungsgemäße Abkopplungsvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung sowie einer Schnittdarstellung;
• Fig. 11: ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems in einer Blockschalt-Darstellung;
• Fig. 12: ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• Fig. 13: ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in einer Blockschalt-Darstellung; und
• Fig. 14: ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel einer Überwachungsvorrichtung 2.

Show here:

• Fig 1 : an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring device according to the invention in a top view;
• Fig. 2 : the exemplary embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention Fig. 1 in a side view arranged on a transport container;
• Fig. 3 to 6 : the exemplary embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 and 2 in perspective views and in different operating states;
• Fig. 7 and 8th : the exemplary embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention in line section views;
• Fig. 9 and 10 : a decoupling device according to the invention in a perspective view and a sectional view;
• Fig. 11 : an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention in a block diagram representation;
• Fig. 12 : an alternative embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention in a schematic representation;
• Fig. 13 : an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention in a block diagram representation; and
• Fig. 14 : an alternative embodiment of a monitoring device 2.

Fig. 1 shows a monitoring device 2 for monitoring goods, in particular in transport containers 3 (see Fig. Fig. 2 ) transport goods. The monitoring device 2 has a base body 4, which can be arranged on a transport container 3 or goods. A floating body 6 is attached to the base body 4. A solar cell 62 is also attached to the floating body 6 and is designed to at least partially supply the monitoring device 2 with the energy required for operation.

Fig. 2 shows the monitoring device 2 in a side view. The base body 4 of the monitoring device 2 is arranged by means of an adhesive surface 64 on a product, in particular on a transport container 3 for transporting a product. Fig. 3 shows the monitoring device 2 in a perspective view. The floating body 6 is locked to the base body 4, which corresponds to a first operating state B1.

Fig. 4 shows the monitoring device 2 in a second operating state B2, in which the floating body 6 has been separated from the base body 4. For this purpose, the base body 4 has a decoupling socket 70 into which ball grooves 72 are introduced. By means of a seal 68, the floating body 6 is in the Fig. 1 to 3 first operating state B1 shown is sealed relative to the base body 4. The floating body 6 is permanently connected to the base body 4 via a connecting means, not shown. The connecting means can, for example, be designed as a cord, which is guided out of the base body 4 through a cord bushing 66.

Fig. 5 shows in particular an underside of the floating body 6 in the second operating state B2. On the underside of the floating body 6, a seal holder 76 is provided, which is connected to the seal 68 (cf. Fig. 4 ) interacts. The floating body 6 also has a cord fastening 74 on which the connecting means or the cord is connected to the floating body. A spring 78 arranged between the floating body 6 and the base body 4 facilitates the separation of the floating body 6 from the base body 4 in the second operating state B2.

Fig. 6 shows the monitoring device 2 in a perspective view from a back side. Arranged on the base body 4 are locking means 5 which, in the first operating state B1, engage in locking means receptacles 7 which are attached to the floating body 6.

Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the monitoring device 2. The monitoring device 2 has a circuit board 80. The circuit board 80 is arranged in the floating body 6. Batteries 82 and an accumulator 84 for supplying energy are also arranged in the floating body 6. The monitoring device 2 also has a decoupling device 8. The decoupling device 8 is in the Fig. 9 and 10 in more detail. The decoupling device 8 has a motor 9 which is connected to a locking axis 92. By rotating the locking axis 92, the decoupling device 8 is brought from the first operating state B1 to the second operating state B2. The decoupling device 8 also has a washer 94 and a fastening washer 96. A cord drum 98 is arranged in the lower region of the monitoring device 2, in particular in the base body 4. The decoupling device 8 also has a decoupling socket 70. Out of Fig. 7 The seal 68, the cord attachment 74 and the cord bushing 66 can also be seen. The cord received on the cord drum 98 is guided through the cord guide 66 to the cord attachment 74 of the floating body and attached to it.

Fig. 8 shows another line section view of a monitoring device 2, the in Fig. 8 selected cutting plane is perpendicular to that in Fig. 7 selected cutting plane. How Fig. 8 As can be seen, the monitoring device 2, in particular the floating body 6 of the monitoring device 2, has a water sensor 28. The water sensor 28 has differential electrodes 30.

As can also be seen from the figure, the decoupling device 8 has locking balls 100, the function of which is explained below using Fig. 10 will be explained in more detail. The line drum 98 is mounted using ball bearings 99.

The decoupling device 8 is based on Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 detailed. The decoupling device 8 has a decoupling socket 70. The decoupling socket 70 is connected to the base body 4. A decoupling base 86 can be accommodated in the decoupling socket 70 and is connected to the floating body 6. The decoupling base 86 has a central bore 73. The spring element 78 is designed to apply a spring force to the decoupling socket 70. The hole 73 can be rotated a locking axis 92 added. The locking axis 92 is in Fig. 10 shown in a release position F. On one side of the decoupling base 86, bores 75 are arranged, in each of which a locking ball 100 is accommodated. The locking axis 92 has a recess 77 at the level of the bore 75. The recess 77 is designed to push the locking ball 100 outwards in the locking position and to at least partially accommodate it in the release position F. The decoupling socket 70 has a ball groove 72 at the level of the bore 75. The ball groove 72 is designed to partially accommodate the locking ball 100 in the locking position, so that the decoupling socket 70 is connected to the decoupling base 86 and in the release position F, the locking ball 100 is pressed by the spring element 78 in the direction of the locking axis 92, whereby the decoupling socket 70 is released and finally rejected. A washer 94 is also arranged on the decoupling socket 70 and is held in position by a screw 96.

Fig. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring system 41. The monitoring system 41 has a monitoring device 2 and a cloud-based information system 42. The cloud-based information system 42 is data-connected to the monitoring device 2 via a wireless network 20.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the monitoring system 41. Again, the monitoring system 41 has a monitoring device 2 and a cloud-based information system 42. The cloud-based information system 42 is data-connected to the monitoring device 2 via the wireless network 20. The cloud-based information system 42 is connected to a monitoring unit 104, an updating unit 108 and an analysis unit 106. In addition, the cloud-based information system is connected to wireless networks 20, in particular a mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network (LPWAN) 32 and a satellite uplink 112. Via a gateway 114, the cloud-based information system 42 is also connected to a network (mesh 116) of further monitoring devices 2 tied together.

The monitoring device 2 is in turn connected to the mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network 32, a navigation satellite system 110 and the satellite uplink 112. The monitoring device 2 is further connected to the mesh 2. Internal sensors 132 are arranged in the monitoring device 2. Furthermore is the monitoring device 2 is set up to communicate with external actuators 118. The external actuators 118 can be, for example, a cooling control actuator 120 or an intruder alarm actuator 122.

The monitoring device 2 is also set up to communicate with external sensors 124. Examples of these external sensors 124 are a temperature sensor 126, a humidity sensor 128 or a door opening sensor 130.

Fig. 13 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the method 44 according to the invention for monitoring goods, in particular for detecting a monitoring device 2 arranged on a transport container 3 falling overboard during sea transport. The method 44 has the steps: detecting 46 a free fall of the monitoring device 2, in particular by means of an acceleration sensor 22 arranged in the monitoring device 2, determining 48 an impact shock of the monitoring device 2 on the water surface, in particular by means of an acceleration sensor 22, determining 50 a water contact of the monitoring device 2, in particular by means of a water sensor 28 arranged on the monitoring device 2, output 52 of an overboard signal 53 based on the previous steps, the signal 53 characterizing the monitoring device 2 going overboard, determining 54 whether a connection of the monitoring device 2 to a non-satellite-based data network 55, in particular to a mobile radio-based low-energy wide area network (LPWAN) 32, whereby the overboard signal 53 is only output when there is no connection between the monitoring device 2 and the non-satellite-based data network 55, with the output 52 of the overboard signal 53 at the monitoring device 2 causes the steps: detaching 56 a floating body 6 from the monitoring device 2, determining 58 a position of the floating body 6 and sending 60 the position of the monitoring device 2 to a satellite-based data network 61.

Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a monitoring device 2. The monitoring device 2 has a base body 4 and a floating body 6 arranged thereon. The floating body 6 has a condition monitoring unit 12, which has a position monitoring unit 14 arranged in the floating body 6. The position monitoring unit 14 has a receiver for receiving signals from a navigation satellite system 110. A transmission unit 16 is also arranged in the floating body 6, which communicates data with the condition monitoring unit 12 is connected. The floating body 6 also has an acceleration sensor 22, which is set up to generate acceleration signals 24. The acceleration sensor 22 can have several accelerometers (not shown), with one of the accelerometers in particular being set up to detect a free fall and another accelerometer being set up to detect vibrations, shocks and other events with comparatively high G forces. The condition monitoring unit 12 is set up to generate condition data 26.

List of reference symbols used

2

Monitoring device

3

Transport container

4

Basic body (holding part)

5

Rest means

6

Floating body (transmitting part)

7

Locking device holder

8th

Decoupling device

12

Condition monitoring unit

13

Recipient

14

Position monitoring unit

16

Transmission unit

18

Position data

20

wireless data network

22

Accelerometer

24

Acceleration signal

26

Condition data

28

Water sensor

30

capacitive sensor / differential electrodes

32

cellular-based low-energy wide area network (LPWAN)

34

Mesh network

36

satellite-based network

41

Surveillance system

42

cloud-based information system

44

Procedure for monitoring goods

46

detecting a free fall

48

detecting an impact shock

50

detecting water contact

52

Output of an overboard signal

53

Overboard signal

54

Determine whether there is a connection of the monitoring device to a non-satellite-based data network

55

non-satellite-based data network

56

Loosening a floating body of the monitoring device

58

Determining a position of the floating body

60

Sending out the position of the monitoring device

61

satellite-based data network

62

Solar cell

64

adhesive surface

66

Cord entry

68

poetry

70

Decoupling version

72

Ball grooves

73

central hole

74

Cord attachment

75

drilling

76

Seal socket

77

deepening

78

Feather

80

circuit board

82

Batteries

84

accumulator

86

Decoupling base

88

Counterweight

90

engine

92

Locking axis

94

washer

96

Fastening screw

98

Line drum

99

ball-bearing

100

Locking balls

104

Monitoring unit

106

Unit of analysis

108

Update unit

110

Navigation satellite system

112

Satellite uplink

114

Gateway

116

Mesh

118

External actuators

120

Cooling control actuator

122

Burglar alarm actuator

124

External sensors

126

Temperature sensor

128

Humidity sensor

130

Door opening sensor

132

Internal sensors

B1

first operating state

B2

second operating state

F

Release position

Claims (14)

1. Monitoring device (2) for monitoring goods, in particular goods transported in transport containers (3), having

   - a base body (4) which can be arranged on the goods, in particular on the transport container (3),

   - a floating body (6), which is detachably arranged on the base body (4) by means of a decoupling device (8) and is permanently connected to the base body (4) by means of a connecting means,

   wherein the floating body (6) is locked to the base body (4) by means of the decoupling device (8) in a first operating state (B1) and is released from the base body (4) in a second operating state (B2), the second operating state (B2) being activated in the event of the monitoring device (2) falling overboard during sea transport,

   - a status monitoring unit (12) with a position monitoring unit (14) arranged in the floating body (6), which has a receiver for receiving signals from a satellite navigation system (110), and

   - a transmission unit (16) arranged in the floating body (6), which is connected to the status monitoring unit (12) for data transfer,

   characterized in that the position monitoring unit (14) is configured to determine the position of the floating body (6) in the first operating state (B1) and in the second operating state (B2), and the status monitoring unit (12) is further configured to transmit the position data (18) determined by the position monitoring unit (14) to a wireless data network (20) in the first operating mode (B1) and in the second operating mode (B2),

   wherein the status monitoring unit (12) has an acceleration sensor (22) and is configured to detect at least one of the following states depending on acceleration signals (24) obtained by means of the acceleration sensor (22):

   - vibration,

   - deceleration,

   - violation of defined acceleration limits,

   wherein the transmission unit (16) is configured to transmit the status data (26) determined by the status monitoring unit (12) to the wireless data network (20) by means of the transmission unit (16).
2. The monitoring device (2) according to claim 1,
   wherein the status monitoring unit (12) has a water sensor (28), which is configured to sense water contact, wherein the status monitoring unit (12) is configured to use the signals of the water sensor (28) and the acceleration sensor (22) to detect the monitoring device (2) falling overboard during sea transport, wherein the water sensor (28) is designed in particular as a capacitive sensor (30) or as a water switch.
3. The monitoring device (2) according to claim 2,
   wherein the status monitoring unit (12) is configured to switch the decoupling device (8) from the first operating mode (B1) to the second operating mode (B2) if the status monitoring unit (12) detects that the monitoring device (2) has fallen overboard during sea transport.
4. The monitoring device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the transmission unit (16) is configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally with at least one of the following wireless data networks (20):

   - mobile radio-based low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) (32),

   - mesh network (34),

   - satellite-based network (36).
5. The monitoring device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein in the first operating state (B1) the data is transmitted to the mobile radio-based low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) (32) or the mesh network (34) and/or wherein in the second operating state (B2) the data is transmitted to the satellite-based network (36).
6. The monitoring device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the decoupling device (8) comprises:

   - a decoupling socket (70) connected to the base body (4),

   - a decoupling base (86) with a central bore (70), which can be accommodated in the decoupling socket (73) and is connected to the floating body (6),

   - a spring element (78), which is configured to apply a spring force to the decoupling socket (70),

   - a locking shaft (92) rotatably received in the bore (73), which can be rotated into a locking position and a release position (F), at least one bore (75) being arranged on one side of the decoupling base (86), in which at least one locking ball (100) is accommodated,

   and wherein the locking shaft (92) at the level of the bore (75) has a recess (77), which is configured to push the locking ball (100) outward in the locking position and at least partially receive it in the release position (F),

   and wherein the decoupling socket (70) has a ball race (72) at the height of the bore (75), which partially receives the locking ball (100) in the locking position, with the result that the decoupling socket (70) is connected to the decoupling base (86) and wherein in the release position (F) the locking ball (100) is pushed in the direction of the locking shaft (92) by the spring element (78), thereby releasing and repelling the decoupling socket (70).
7. The monitoring device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the transmission unit (16) is further configured to communicate with sensors and/or actuators arranged outside the monitoring device (2) and to establish a coupling with the sensors and/or actuators.
8. Monitoring system (41) for monitoring goods, in particular goods transported in transport containers (3), having:

   - a monitoring device (2), and

   - a cloud-based information system (42),

   wherein the cloud-based information system (42) is connected to the monitoring device (2) for data transfer via a wireless network (20),

   characterized in that the monitoring device (2) is designed according to any one of the preceding claims.
9. The monitoring system (41) according to claim 8,
   wherein the cloud-based information system (42) is configured to execute at least one of the following:

   - receiving data from the monitoring device (2),

   - evaluating and displaying data received from the monitoring device (2),

   - sending configuration data to the monitoring device (2), wherein the configuration data comprises in particular localization and/or transmission intervals and/or geozones,

   - sending firmware updates to the monitoring device (2),

   - initiating a coupling mode for wirelessly connecting external sensors and/or actuators to the monitoring device (2) via the wireless data network (20).
10. The monitoring system (41) according to claim 8 or 9,
    wherein the cloud-based information system (42) is configured, in the event of a loss of connection to the monitoring device (2), to determine the position of the monitoring device (2) on the basis of the last transmitted position and external data, in particular on the basis of external data relating to currents below the surface of the sea.
11. The monitoring system (41) according to any one of claims 8-10,
    wherein the cloud-based information system (42) is further configured to retrieve satellite images of the last transmitted position of the monitoring device (2) and from these to determine a status of the goods (3) equipped with the monitoring device (2).
12. Method (44) for monitoring goods, in particular for detecting a monitoring device (2) arranged on a transport container (3) falling overboard during sea transport, having the steps:

    - detecting (46) a free fall of the monitoring device (2), in particular by means of an acceleration sensor (22) arranged in the monitoring device (2),

    - detecting (48) an impact of the monitoring device (2) on the surface of the water, in particular by means of the acceleration sensor (22),

    - detecting (50) a water contact of the monitoring device (2), in particular by means of a water sensor (28) arranged on the monitoring device (2),

    - issuing (52) an overboard signal (53) based on the preceding steps, wherein the signal (53) characterizes the monitoring device (2) falling overboard, and wherein the monitoring device (2) is designed in particular according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.
13. The method (44) according to claim 12, further comprising the step:

    - determining (54) whether the monitoring device (2) is connected to a mobile radio-based low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) (32),

    wherein the overboard signal (53) is only issued if there is no connection between the monitoring device (2) and the mobile radio-based low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) (32).
14. The method (44) according to claim 13,
    wherein the issuing (52) of the overboard signal (53) in the monitoring device (2) effects the following steps:

    - detaching (56) a floating body (6) from the monitoring device (2) so that the floating body (6) floats on a water surface, the floating body (6) being permanently connected to a base body (4) of the monitoring device (2) by means of a connecting means,

    - determining (58) a position of the floating body (6), in particular by means of a position monitoring unit (14), which has a receiver for receiving signals from a satellite navigation system (110),

    - broadcasting (60) the position of the monitoring device (2) to a satellite-based data network (61).

Images