Freight container
By installing sensors and GPS devices on the locking rod of the freight container, the problem of illegal opening of the container during transportation is solved, real-time monitoring and positioning of the goods in the container is achieved, and transportation safety and management efficiency are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380070394.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-06
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-09
AI Technical Summary
Freight containers are easily opened illegally during transportation, resulting in loss of goods or illegal activities such as drug and transmission of illegal immigrants.
The container's locking rod is installed with sensor devices and global positioning satellites (GPS) devices, wirelessly transfer data from unauthorized attempts to open the container to the control station, and monitor the container's global location in real time.
It effectively reduces the risk of illegal opening of freight containers, provides real-time monitoring and positioning of cargo in containers, and improves safety and transportation management efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN119968661A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a freight container. Background Art
[0002] Freight containers are widely used to transport goods between different regions. It is estimated that there are 70 million containers in use worldwide. Freight containers include a container body for accommodating goods, and a first door and a second door at a first end of the container body, which move between an open position and a closed position so that goods can be stored in the container body and taken out of the container body. Locking bars extend longitudinally along the outside of the door, and these locking bars are used to lock and unlock the door. Despite the locking bars and despite the closures such as customs seals, containers are often opened illegally, such as stealing goods from the container body, or placing goods in the container body. The goods placed may be drugs or people such as illegal immigrants. Summary of the invention
[0003] The present invention aims to alleviate the above mentioned problems.
[0004] Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a freight container comprising:
[0005] (i) The main body of the container used to hold goods;
[0006] (ii) a first door and a second door located at a first end of the container body, the first door and the second door being movable between an open position and a closed position to facilitate storage of cargo in and removal of cargo from the container body;
[0007] (iii) a locking bar extending longitudinally along the outer side of the door for locking and unlocking the door;
[0008] (iv) at least one sensor device mounted on at least one locking bar and wirelessly operable to transmit data indicative of an unauthorized attempt to open at least one door to a control station; and
[0009] (v) at least one global positioning satellite device mounted on at least one locking bar for indicating the global location of the container.
[0010] The control station may be a recognised authority, such as a customs agency, other type of state control agency or a private security company. The wireless transmission may typically be a telecommunications transmission. The Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device may operate in the same manner as known GPS devices.
[0011] The freight container may be a container having one or more locking bars on each of the first door and the second door. Generally, one or more sensor devices may be provided on one or more selected locking bars. Similarly, one or more GPS devices may be provided on one or more selected locking bars. Thus, the container may have one or more sensor devices and one or more GPS devices for indicating an unauthorized attempt to open at least one door and indicating the global location of the container.
[0012] The freight container may be one of the following: wherein a first sensor device is provided on a first locking bar of a first door and a second sensor device is provided on a second locking bar of a second door. In this case, the sensor devices may communicate with each other so as to be triggered in response to unauthorized relative movement between the first door and the second door. Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor device and the second sensor device may be triggered in response to other events, such as a breach of a closure seal, or an attempt to bypass the sensor devices in some manner other than unauthorized relative movement between the first door and the second door.
[0013] The freight container may be a freight container as described below, wherein the first GPS device is located on a locking bar of the first door. Alternatively or additionally, the freight container may be a freight container as described below, wherein a second GPS device is provided on a locking bar of the second door.
[0014] The GPS device is preferably formed as part of the sensor device. However, if desired, the GPS device can be formed separately from the sensor device. If the GPS device is formed separately from the sensor device, the GPS device can be located on the same locking bar as the sensor device, or on a different locking bar than the GPS device. From a manufacturing point of view, it is preferred to form the GPS device as part of the sensor device. In this way, only one unit needs to be manufactured and the unit can be made easy to install on the selected locking bar. If each unit is equipped with a GPS device, then if there are two security devices on the container, additional security can be provided. More specifically, if one of the GPS devices fails, the other GPS device is still able to provide the global position of the container.
[0015] The freight container may be a freight container as described below: wherein the first end of the container body is provided with corner abutments at four corners thereof, respectively, the first door and the second door have at least one laterally extending recessed portion, and the sensor device is mounted on a locking rod, and the locking rod is mounted on a portion of the locking rod passing through the laterally extending recessed portion, so that the sensor device is mounted in a protective space formed by the depth of the laterally extending recessed portion and the thickness of the corner abutments.
[0016] The freight container may be a freight container as described below: wherein the sensor device comprises a first part and a second part, and a fixing device for fixing the first part and the second part together around the locking rod.
[0017] The fixing means may comprise a plurality of fixing pins. Each fixing pin may have a male part which projects into a female part, wherein the male part may be wirelessly electronically controlled to move it from a locked position in the female part to an unlocked position outside the female part. Such fixing pins provide enhanced security against attempts to remove the fixing pins. The male part may be operated by a code, such as a seven-digit code.
[0018] The pins can be mounted on one or more metal support plates. This structure has good strength.
[0019] The freight container may be one of the following: the sensor device is configured to protect electronic components in the sensor device from adverse environmental conditions. The adverse environmental conditions may be, for example, rain, sea water and impact.
[0020] The electronic components may be located in the inner plastic molded part, and the inner plastic molded part may be protected by the outer plastic molded part. When the sensor device includes pins mounted on one or more metal support plates, one or more metal support plates may be provided in the outer molded part. Any suitable and appropriate plastic material can be used for the inner plastic molded part and the outer plastic molded part. The inner plastic molded part and the outer plastic molded part may use the same or different materials. The inner plastic molded part and the outer plastic molded part are typically made of a plastic material that can withstand adverse environmental conditions, and their thickness and structural type help to withstand adverse environmental conditions.
[0021] If the container is being transported by a ship, the GPS unit will be activated once the container falls from the ship. This is advantageous because if the container is floating in a nearly submerged state, it is often difficult or even impossible for other ships to see the container. However, if the GPS unit is activated, the position of the floating container can be notified to nearby ships so that the ship does not inadvertently hit the floating container and possibly be damaged or sunk due to the impact of the container.
[0022] The sensor device is advantageously capable of transmitting pictures of the interior of the container before and after opening the container for comparison. This may help the relevant authorities, such as customs authorities, to see if anything was added to the container or taken out of it during transport.
[0023] Generally speaking, the sensor device can be configured to transmit any desired detailed information about the cargo within the container. The sensor device can transmit data that provides more comprehensive information than can be obtained using a simple barcode.
[0024] The freight container may be a freight container as described below: wherein the first sensor device is located on the first door, the second sensor device is located on the second door, and a security bar extends between the first sensor device and the second sensor device. Typically, the sensor bar can only be removed in an authorized manner when the first door and the second door need to be opened. Therefore, the security bar provides additional security. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 The front of a first container of the present invention is shown;
[0027] Figures 2 to 4 The operation of a security bar assembly for securing a container door is shown;
[0028] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 The two containers are shown connected end to end, and some parts are omitted for ease of illustration and understanding;
[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A side view of two containers is shown, which include Figure 5 Parts omitted in
[0030] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a first sensor device;
[0031] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a second sensor assembly which is similar to the first sensor assembly but shorter;
[0032] Fig. 9 is a top view of a third sensor device, showing the sensor device when assembled;
[0033] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 a portion of a third sensor device as shown;
[0034] Fig.11 Shown is the installation Fig.10 A metal plate in the portion of the sensor device shown;
[0035] Fig.12 and Fig.13A fourth sensor device is shown and how it is attached to the locking bar;
[0036] Fig.14 for Fig.12 A view of the interior of the sensor device is shown;
[0037] Fig.15 is an exploded view of a fifth sensor device;
[0038] Fig.16 is with Figure 1 A similar freight container but modified to include additional safety features in the form of safety bars;
[0039] Fig.17 Shown in more detail Fig.16 safety lever as shown; and
[0040] Fig.18 Shows how the safety bar is mounted to the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] refer to Figure 1 , a freight container 2 is shown, which includes a container body 4. A first door 6 and a second door 8 are located at a first end 10 of the container body 4. The first door 6 and the second door 8 move between an open position and a closed position to enable storage and retrieval of goods from the container body 4. A locking rod 12 extends longitudinally and vertically along the outer side of the doors 6 and 8. The locking rod 12 is used to lock and unlock the doors 6 and 8. More specifically, the locking rod 12 has a hard handle 13, which enables the locking rod 12 to be rotated and released from Figure 1 The door locking position shown moves to the door unlocking position, in which the doors 6, 8 can be opened. In the door locking position, the doors 6, 8 are locked in the locking member 15. The locking lever 12 rotates in the retaining members 17 and 19.
[0042] although Figure 1 Not shown, but the container doors are equipped with corrosion resistant security bars. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A suitable safety bar assembly is shown. The assembly comprises an elongated bar made of a corrosion resistant metal, such as 316 stainless steel (also known as A4 stainless steel), with U-shaped recesses at both ends of the bar. The bar is secured to the door of the container by receiving the recessed U-shaped portion within an arcuate half-ring bracket on the door closing rod connected to both sides of the container door. When the closing rod extends into the half-ring bracket and is located in front of the rod, the safety bar is securely secured to the door.
[0043] At least one sensor device 14 is provided on at least one locking bar 12 of the freight container 2. The sensor device 14 operates wirelessly to transmit data indicating an unauthorized attempt to open at least one of the doors 6, 8 to a control station. The freight container 2 also has at least one GPS device 16 mounted on at least one locking bar 12. The GPS device 16 is used to indicate the global location of the container 2.
[0044] from Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a first sensor device of the sensor device 14 is provided on the first locking rod 12 of the first door 6, and a second sensor device of the sensor device 14 is provided on the second locking rod 12 of the second door 8. The first door 6 has another locking rod 12, which is not provided with a sensor device 12. Similarly, the second door 8 has another locking rod 12, which is not provided with any sensor device 14. In a variant of the present invention, a sensor device 14 may be provided on all locking rods 12, or on a combination of three of the four locking rods 12.
[0045] The GPS sensor device 16 is shown as forming part of the sensor device 14. In a variation of the invention, the GPS device 16 may be formed separately from the sensor device 14, in which case the GPS sensor device 16 may be positioned on one or both locking bars 12 on the doors 6, 8 that are not provided with the sensor device 14. Alternatively, when the GPS sensor device 16 is separated from the sensor device 14, the GPS sensor device 16 may be provided on the same locking bar 12 that has the sensor device 14.
[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the first end 10 of the container body 4 is rectangular, and the four corners of the first end 10 of the container body 4 are respectively provided with corner abutment members 18. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the doors 6, 8 each have three laterally extending recessed portions 21. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sensor device 14 is located in the two middle recessed portions 21. Figure 3As can be clearly seen in the figure, the sensor device 14 is constructed to be thinner than the total thickness of the depth of the recessed portion 21 plus the protruding thickness of the corner abutment 18. Therefore, the sensor device 14 can be mounted on its locking rod 12 and is located in the protection space 20 created by the depth of the recessed portion 21 and the thickness of the corner abutment 18. Therefore, the corner abutment 18 acts together with the recessed portion 21 to protect the sensor device 14 from impacts that may be caused when a plurality of containers 2 are loaded onto a ship by crane for sea transport, or onto a truck for road transport, or onto a train for train transport. In a variant of the present invention, the sensor device 14 can be located in one or more recessed portions 21 selected at will. In addition, the doors 6, 8 can each have more or less than the three recessed portions 21 shown in the figure. Therefore, for example, each door 6, 8 can have two, four or five recessed portions 21.
[0047] Figure 4 The sensor device 14 includes a first part 22 and a second part 24. The first part 22 and the second part 24 are U-shaped as shown in the figure. The first part 22 and the second part 24 can be fixed together around a selected locking rod 12. The first part 22 has a plurality of fixing pins 26. As shown in the figure, there are four fixing pins 26. Each fixing pin 26 is located in a blind hole 28 in the second part 24.
[0048] Figure 5 A second sensor device 30 is shown which is similar to but shorter than the first sensor device 14. To facilitate comparison and understanding, similar components are given the same reference numerals. Figure 5 The fixing pin 26 is shown provided with a male part 31 which projects into a female part in the form of a recess. The male part 31 can be moved into and out of the recess by wireless electronic means, for example by a radio transmitter, for additional secure fixing purposes.
[0049] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third sensor device 32 is shown which is similar to the sensor devices 14, 30. For ease of comparison and understanding, similar components are again given the same reference numerals. For additional safety reasons, the sensor device 32 has the fixing pin 26 formed as a protrusion protruding from the support plates 34, 36. The hole 28 is also facing the plate 38. The plates 34, 36, 38 help to resist attempts to separate the first and second parts 22, 24, such as by inserting a lever between the first part 22 and the second part 24.
[0050] Figure 8 An alternative design of a support plate 40 is shown. The design of the support plate 40 is an alternative design to the support plates 34 or 36. The fixing pin 26 has been shown in the figure.
[0051] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 A fourth sensor device 42 is shown, comprising a first part 44 and a second part 46. The first part 44 is provided with a fixing band 48, which is fitted around the locking bar 12 as shown. The first part 44 has a fixing pin 26 and the second part 46 has a blind hole 28. The fixing pin 26 and the blind hole 28 may be protected by the support plates 34, 36, 38.
[0052] exist Figures 6 to 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the plates 34, 36, 38 can be made of any suitable material, including, for example, metal. If the material is metal, the metal is generally a metal that will not corrode (e.g., will not rust). If a corrosive metal is used, a protective plastic coating can be applied to the metal.
[0053] Fig.12 A fifth sensor device 50 is shown, which includes a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. The first portion 52 has two beads 56. The second portion 54 has two longitudinally extending channels 58. The beads 56 slide in the channels 58. Therefore, the first portion 52 and the second portion 54 are connected together by a sliding action rather than moving directly toward each other. The first portion 52 and the second portion 54 can be selectively provided with a fixing pin or other fixing structure 60, as shown.
[0054] refer to Fig.13 , 14 and Fig.15 , a freight container 62 similar to the freight container 2 is shown. For ease of comparison and understanding, similar components are given the same reference numerals. Security bars as described in other embodiments may also be used. In the freight container 62, it can be seen that the two sensor devices 14 have a security member in the form of a security bar 64 extending between them. The security bar 64 provides additional security because it needs to be removed by authorized personnel before authorizing the opening of the first door 6 and / or the second door 8. Fig.14 The safety bar 64 is shown having a straight portion 66 and curved ends 68, 70. The straight portion 66 extends between curved rear portions 72 of the two sensors 14. As shown, the curved rear portion 72 has a groove 74 that receives the curved end 68. The curved end 70 is received in the rear portion 72 of its sensor 14. Other types of safety members may be used, for example, the safety member may be a safety cable.
[0055] The sensor devices can be produced at a commercially acceptable price and can be easily installed. They can effectively prevent unauthorized opening of the freight container 2. The GPS device used makes it possible to know the exact location of the container 2 at any time.
[0056] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings are given by way of example only and may be modified. Thus, for example, sensor devices and / or GPS devices of a different type than those shown may be employed. The various components shown in the figures are not limited to use in the figures thereof, and they may be used in the other figures and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and / or shown above, alone or in any combination.
Claims
1. A freight container, comprising: (i) The main body of the container used to hold goods; (ii) a first door and a second door located at a first end of the container body, the first door and the second door being movable between an open position and a closed position to facilitate storage of cargo in and removal of cargo from the container body; (iii) a locking bar extending longitudinally along the outer side of the door for locking and unlocking the door; (iv) at least one sensor device mounted on at least one locking bar and wirelessly operable to transmit data indicative of an unauthorized attempt to open at least one door to a control station; as well as (v) at least one global positioning satellite device mounted on at least one locking rod for indicating the global location of the container.
2. The freight container according to claim 1, wherein: A first sensor device is disposed on the first locking rod of the first door, and a second sensor device is disposed on the second locking rod of the second door.
3. The freight container according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor devices communicate with each other so as to be triggered in response to unauthorized relative movement between the first door and the second door.
4. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A first global positioning satellite device is disposed on one of the locking rods of the first door.
5. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A second global positioning satellite device is provided on one of the locking bars of the second door.
6. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The global positioning satellite device forms part of the sensor device.
7. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first end of the container body is provided with corner abutments at four corners thereof, respectively, wherein the first door and the second door have at least one laterally extending recessed portion, and wherein the sensor device is mounted on the locking rod and on the portion of the locking rod passing through the laterally extending recessed portion, so that the sensor device is installed in a protection space formed by the depth of the laterally extending recessed portion and the thickness of the corner abutments.
8. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device comprises a first part and a second part, and securing means for securing the first part and the second part together around the locking bar.
9. The freight container of claim 8, wherein the securing means comprises a plurality of securing pins.
10. A freight container according to claim 9, wherein each securing pin has a male member which projects into a female member, and wherein the male member is wirelessly electronically controllable to move from its locked position in the female member to an unlocked position outside the female member.
11. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pins are mounted on one or more metal support plates.
12. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device is configured such that electronic components in the sensor device are protected from adverse environmental conditions.
13. The sensor device of claim 12, wherein the electronic component is located in an inner plastic molded part, and wherein the inner plastic molded part is protected by an outer plastic molded part.
14. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor comprises a global positioning satellite device and the global positioning satellite device can be activated if the container is being transported by a ship and the container falls off the ship.
15. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is capable of transmitting pictures of the interior of the container before and after opening the container for comparison.
16. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A first sensor device is provided on the first door, a second sensor device is provided on the second door, and a safety bar extends between the first sensor device and the second sensor device.