Monitoring system and method for pneumatic fenders

Abstract

This invention provides a monitoring system and method that simplifies battery replacement work and reliably transmits sensor-detected data wirelessly from pneumatic fenders to the outside. [Solution] The housing container 3, which contains the sensor 2, communication unit 7, and battery 8, is attached to the mounting hole 16a formed in the mouth fitting 15 and positioned inside the mouth fitting 15 on the outside of the bag body 14g. The communication unit 7, including the antenna 7b, and the battery 8 are housed in the resin housing section 5 located at the front end of the housing container 3. The sensor 2 is housed in the sensor housing section 4 located on the side of the mounting hole 16a. The lid 6 is opened to open the front end of the resin housing section 5 to replace the battery 8. Detection data from the sensor 2 is wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 7b to the communication device 10 installed outside the pneumatic fender 14, and management indicators based on the detection data are displayed on a specific terminal device 12 connected to the communication network 13 via the communication device 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system and method for an air fender, and more particularly, to a monitoring system and method that simplify the battery replacement operation for wireless communication in an air fender and can reliably wirelessly transmit detection data by a sensor from the air fender to the outside.

Background Art

[0002] A method has been proposed in which a container housing a sensor is attached to a fitting of an air fender, and the internal pressure and internal temperature of the fender are detected by this sensor (see Patent Document 1). In the method proposed in Patent Document 1, detection data by the sensor is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver installed outside the fender, and the state of the fender can be grasped based on this detection data.

[0003] In this method, the container body attached to the through-hole penetrating the fitting is made movable so as to protrude outside the fender bag portion. When installing the sensor inside the fender bag portion, after the container body housing the sensor is pushed into the inside of the fender bag portion, the through-hole is closed by a lid. The replacement of the sensor and battery housed in the container body can be performed at the site of use of the fender without landing the fender, while it is in use. However, operations of removing the lid that pushes the container body into the inside of the fender bag portion and moving the container body to protrude outside the fender bag portion are required.

[0004] And a chain net attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fender is connected to the fitting. This fitting and chain net cause radio wave interference when wirelessly transmitting detection data by the sensor to a receiver installed outside the fender. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a way to reliably wirelessly transmit detection data by the sensor from the fender to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-76609 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system and method for pneumatic fenders that simplifies the battery replacement work for wireless communication in pneumatic fenders and enables reliable wireless transmission of sensor detection data from the pneumatic fenders to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the pneumatic fender monitoring system of the present invention comprises a sensor that detects detection data indicating the state of the pneumatic fender, a communication unit connected to the sensor, a battery that operates the sensor and the communication unit, and a housing container installed on the pneumatic fender, wherein the housing container houses the sensor, the communication unit and the battery, and based on the detection data management A monitoring system for a pneumatic fender in which an indicator is displayed on a specific terminal device, comprising a communication device installed on the outside of the pneumatic fender and communicating wirelessly with the communication unit, wherein the housing container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and is positioned on the outside of the bag-shaped body of the pneumatic fender and inside the mouth fitting, wherein the housing container has a resin housing located at the tip of the container in which the communication unit and the battery are housed, and a sensor housing located on the mounting hole side of the resin housing in which the sensor is housed, wherein the resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its tip, and is configured so that the battery can be inserted into and removed from inside the resin housing when the lid is opened, wherein the detection data is wirelessly transmitted from an antenna constituting the communication unit to the communication device and transmitted to a communication network via the communication device, and the management indicator is displayed on the specific terminal device connected to the communication network.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for monitoring pneumatic fenders, comprising: connecting a communication unit to a sensor that detects detection data indicating the status of the pneumatic fender; operating the sensor and the communication unit with a battery; housing the sensor, the communication unit, and the battery in a housing container and installing it on the pneumatic fender; and displaying a management indicator based on the detection data on a specific terminal device, wherein a communication device that wirelessly communicates with the communication unit is installed outside the pneumatic fender, and the housing container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and the outside of the bag body of the pneumatic fender is inside the mouth fitting. The container is configured to have a resin housing located at the tip of the container, which houses the communication unit and the battery, and a sensor housing located closer to the mounting hole than the resin housing, which houses the sensor, and the resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its tip, so that the battery can be inserted into and removed from the resin housing by opening the lid, and the detection data is transmitted wirelessly from the antenna constituting the communication unit to the communication device and transmitted to the communication network via the communication device, and the management indicator is displayed on the specific terminal device connected to the communication network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the housing container is attached to the mounting hole and positioned inside the mouth fitting outside the bag body of the pneumatic fender, and a resin housing section for housing the communication unit and the battery is positioned at the front end of the housing container. Therefore, by opening the lid and opening the front end of the resin housing section, the battery can be attached to and removed from inside the resin housing section. Thus, the battery replacement work for wireless communication in the pneumatic fender becomes simpler.

[0010] The communication unit, including the antenna, is located outside the bag and inside the mouth fitting, but is housed in the resin housing located at the front end of the container. Therefore, radio waves from the antenna pass through the resin of the resin housing and are transmitted to the communication device installed outside the pneumatic fender. Consequently, even if a chain net is attached to the outer surface of the pneumatic fender, it is possible to reliably wirelessly transmit the detection data from the sensor to the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring system for pneumatic fenders. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure of the pneumatic fender shown in Figure 1, with a portion of it cut out to show a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a pneumatic fender in a front view. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of the metal fitting. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fitting with the cover plate removed. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area around the fitting with the cover plate removed, as shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the containment container and double seal valve in a side view. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the interior of the containment container in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the battery is removed. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state shown in Figure 9 from a front view. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of removing a battery from its housing, which is installed in the connector. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the resin housing section in Figure 8. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 12. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the battery in FIG. 12 is removed. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the inside of a modified example of the storage container in a longitudinal sectional view. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the battery in FIG. 15 is removed. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the inside of another modified example of the storage container in a longitudinal sectional view. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the battery in FIG. 17 is removed. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating an air fender moored to a quay wall in a plan view.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a monitoring system and method for an air fender of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0013] In the embodiment of the monitoring system 1 for an air fender illustrated in FIG. 1, the state of a horizontal air fender 14 (hereinafter referred to as the fender 14) used in a horizontal state is grasped based on detection data M by a sensor 2 housed in a storage container 3. The states of a plurality of fenders 14 (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E) are grasped using a specific terminal device 12 (12a, 12b, 12c) connected to a communication network 13. The specific terminal device 12 is a communication device that can be connected to the communication network 13 wirelessly or by wire. The communication network 13 is not particularly limited, and examples include an Internet communication network.

[0014] In this embodiment, the communication network 13 is connected to a server 11 and specific terminal devices 12 (12a, 12b, 12c) such as personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones, enabling communication between them. The server 11 is located in a management office or similar location responsible for managing the fenders 14, but a cloud server on the communication network 13 can also be used. The specific terminal devices 12 can access the server 11 via the communication network 13 by, for example, entering a pre-configured password.

[0015] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the fender 14 has a rubber bag 14g with bowl-shaped sections connected to both ends of a cylindrical section in the axial direction, and a fitting 15. A reinforcing layer is embedded in the bag 14g, and gas (air) is sealed inside. The dashed line CL in the figures indicates the cylindrical axis of the bag 14g (fender 14) extending in the axial direction Z. The Z arrow in the figures indicates the axial direction. Various known specifications of fenders 14 can be used. The fitting 15 is installed at one end of the bag 14g in the axial direction, but it may also be installed at both ends of the bag 14g in the axial direction.

[0016] A chain net 16c is attached to the outer surface of the bag body 14g. The chain constituting the chain net 16c extends in the axial direction and circumferential direction in the cylindrical portion of the bag body 14g, as illustrated in Figure 2. In the bowl-shaped portions at both ends of the axial direction of the bag body 14g, the chain extends radially from the center (mouth fitting 15) in a front view, as illustrated in Figure 3, and also extends circumferentially. Therefore, the chain forms a grid pattern on the outer surface of the bag body 14g. A tire or the like is fixed as a cushioning material at an appropriate position on the chain net 16c. The chain net 16c may not be attached to the outer surface of the bag body 14g.

[0017] As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the mouth fitting 15 is a cylindrical concave metal member. As illustrated in Figure 4, the surface opening of the mouth fitting 15 is covered with a metal cover plate 15a attached with bolts or the like. The cover plate 15a can be removed from the mouth fitting 15 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The fender 14 can also be used without attaching the cover plate 15a to the mouth fitting 15. The housing container 3 is attached to the mouth fitting 15, and other components such as a safety valve 16b and valves are also attached.

[0018] This monitoring system 1 includes a sensor 2, a communication unit 7 connected to the sensor 2, a battery 8 that operates the sensor 2 and the communication unit 7, a housing 3 installed on the fender 14, and a communication device 10 as illustrated in Figure 1. The sensor 2, the communication unit 7, and the battery 8 are housed in the housing 3 and installed on the fender 14, while the communication device 10 is installed outside the fender 14.

[0019] Sensor 2 detects detection data M indicating the state of the fender 14. Examples of detection data M include internal pressure data, internal temperature data, and acceleration data acting on the fender 14. Therefore, as sensor 2, a pressure sensor to detect the internal pressure of the fender 14, a temperature sensor to detect the internal temperature, and an acceleration sensor to detect the acceleration (external force) acting on the fender 14 can be used. The detection data M for internal pressure data, internal temperature data, and acceleration data respectively indicates the internal pressure state, temperature state, and external force load state of the fender 14. One or more of these sensors 2 are installed on the fender 14. Sensor 2 can adopt various known specifications.

[0020] The containment container 3 is attached to the fitting 15 and is positioned inside the fitting 15, outside the bag body 14g of the fender 14. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 6, the containment container 3 is attached to a mounting hole 16a formed in the fitting 15 and is positioned inside the fitting 15, outside the bag body 14g. The mounting hole 16a penetrates the fitting 15 in the direction of the cylindrical axis Z of the bag body 14g, connecting the inside and outside of the bag body 14g (fender 14).

[0021] Since the containment container 3 is located outside the bag body 14g, as illustrated in Figure 5, if the surface opening of the mouth fitting 15 is not covered by the cover plate 15a, it can be directly seen from outside the fender 14. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4, a through hole 15b is formed in the cover plate 15a at a position corresponding to the containment container 3. Therefore, even if the surface opening of the mouth fitting 15 is covered by the cover plate 15a, the containment container 3 can be directly seen from outside the fender 14.

[0022] As illustrated in Figure 6, a double-seal valve 9 is screwed into the mounting hole 16a, and the mounting portion 3a of the housing container 3 is screwed into the double-seal valve 9. Therefore, the housing container 3 is attached to the mounting hole 16a via the double-seal valve 9. As illustrated in Figure 7, the housing container 3 and the double-seal valve 9 are detachable. The threads of the mounting portion 3a protruding from one end of the cylindrical housing container 3 are screwed into the threads of the double-seal valve 9. Various known types of double-seal valves can be used.

[0023] As illustrated in Figure 6, when the container 3 is attached to the fitting 15 by screwing the mounting portion 3a into the double seal valve 9 installed in the mounting hole 16a, the double seal valve 9 opens and communicates with the inside of the bag 14g. When the mounting portion 3a (container 3) is removed from the double seal valve 9, the double seal valve 9 closes and communication with the inside of the bag 14g is cut off. Therefore, by using the double seal valve 9, the container 3 can be removed (replaced) while preventing leakage of the air filled in the bag 14g. The container 3 can also be attached to the fitting 15 without using the double seal valve 9. In this case, the mounting portion 3a of the container 3 is screwed directly into the mounting hole 16a.

[0024] As illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, the housing container 3 is a cylindrical body having a mounting portion 3a protruding from one end. In this embodiment, the housing container 3 is a cylindrical body, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a circle and may be a triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygon. The housing container 3 has a resin housing portion 5 located at the front end of the container and a sensor housing portion 4 located on the mounting hole 16a (mounting portion 3a) side of the resin housing portion 5. The front end of the housing container 3 is the side opposite to the side from which the mounting portion 3a protrudes. The sensor housing portion 4 and the resin housing portion 5 are joined together by an adhesive or the like and are integrated. The sensor housing portion 4 and the resin housing portion 5 are substantially separated and their interiors do not communicate with each other.

[0025] The sensor housing 4 houses the sensor 2. The sensor housing 4 communicates with the outside of the storage container 3 through the mounting portion 3a. Therefore, when the storage container 3 is installed on the fitting 15 as illustrated in Figure 6, the sensor housing 4 communicates with the inside of the bag 14g through the double seal valve 9 and the mounting portion 3a. As a result, a considerable internal pressure acts on the sensor housing 4, so it is preferable to make the sensor housing 4 out of metal. For example, the sensor housing 4 is made of stainless steel. Since the sensor housing 4 communicates with the inside of the bag 14g, it is possible to detect detection data M that more accurately indicates the state inside the bag 14g by detecting the sensor 2 installed in the sensor housing 4.

[0026] The resin housing 5 houses the communication unit 7 and the battery 8. The resin housing 5 has a lid 6 at its tip that opens and closes. The communication unit 7 communicates wirelessly with the communication equipment 10 installed outside the fender 14. The resin housing 5 is made of resin, not metal, to prevent the radio waves W used for wireless communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication equipment 10 from being blocked. The resin housing 5 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, PVC resin, or PP resin. The lid 6 is also made of a similar resin. To ensure stable wireless communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication equipment 10, it is preferable that the dielectric constant of the resin forming the resin housing 5 is 5.0 or less.

[0027] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, when the lid 6 is opened, the tip of the resin housing 5 opens, making it possible to access the battery 8 housed inside. In other words, the battery 8 can be inserted and removed from inside the resin housing 5 when the lid 6 is opened.

[0028] In the resin housing 5 illustrated in Figure 8, the communication unit 7 and the battery 8 are arranged with a space (gap S) between them, in order from the sensor housing 4 side toward the tip of the container. Inside the resin housing 5, two bases are provided spaced apart in the cylindrical axis direction Z. The communication unit 7 is installed on one base, and the battery 8 is installed on the other base. The battery 8 is positioned at the very front of the resin housing 5 to facilitate replacement.

[0029] The communication unit 7 comprises a module board 7a and an antenna 7b. The module board 7a includes a memory unit and a control unit (IC chip). Detection data M from the sensor 2 is stored in the memory unit, and the control unit controls the detection timing and transmission timing of the detection data M. Although the sensor housing unit 4 and the resin housing unit 5 are substantially separated, the communication unit 7 (module board 7a) and the sensor 2 are connected via a power supply unit 2a having conductors and terminals.

[0030] Antenna 7b is connected to module board 7a. An omnidirectional antenna is preferably used for antenna 7b. Various known types of omnidirectional antennas can be used.

[0031] Battery 8 powers the sensor 2 and the communication unit 7. Battery 8 can be a lithium battery or any other known type. Battery 8 and the communication unit 7 (module board 7a) are connected via a power supply section 8a having wires and terminals.

[0032] The lid 6 is positioned on the tip side of the container, beyond the battery 8. A concave engaging portion 5a (annular engaging groove) is formed on the tip surface of the resin container 5. A convex engaging portion 6b (annular engaging projection) is formed on the inner surface of the lid 6. As illustrated in Figure 8, when these engaging portions 5a and 6b engage with each other, the lid 6 is attached to the tip of the resin container 5, closing the opening at the tip of the container. As illustrated in Figure 9, by disengaging these engaging portions 5a and 6b, the lid 6 separates from the tip of the resin container 5, and the tip of the container opens. The engaging portions 5a and 6b are not particularly limited as long as they are designed to engage with each other. It is preferable to provide a sealing material (such as an O-ring) between the lid 6 and the tip of the resin container 5 to ensure watertightness.

[0033] By opening the cover 6 and opening the tip of the resin housing 5, the battery 8 can be inserted and removed from inside the resin housing 5. In other words, the battery 8 can be replaced inside the resin housing 5.

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 11, with the fender 14 in use at the site, it is possible to reach inside the fitting 15 from the outside of the fender 14, open the lid 6, and replace the battery 8 in the resin housing 5. If the fitting 15 is covered by the cover plate 15a, it is necessary to remove the cover plate 15a, but if the fitting 15 is not covered by the cover plate 15a, this step is unnecessary. After replacing the battery 8, the procedure can be reversed from the previous steps. Since it is not necessary to insert and remove the housing container 3 from the bag 14g, and the battery 8 can be replaced simply by opening and closing the lid 6, the battery replacement work at the fender 14 becomes simpler than before.

[0035] When the housing container 3 is attached to the fitting 15, detection data M is detected by the sensor 2, as illustrated in Figure 8, and the detection data M is wirelessly transmitted to the communication device 10 by radio waves W emitted from the antenna 7b. The housing container 3 is located inside the fitting 15, but the antenna 7b is housed in a resin housing 5, and the resin housing 5 is located on the front end side of the housing container 3. Therefore, the radio waves W from the antenna 7b pass through the resin of the resin housing 5 and are transmitted to the communication device 10 installed outside the fender 14. Similarly, the radio waves W emitted from the communication device 10 also pass through the resin of the resin housing 5 and can be received by the antenna 7b. Note that the cover plate 15a can cause communication interference, so the cover plate 15a is not attached to the fitting 15, or, as illustrated in Figure 4, a cover plate 15a with a through hole 15b at a position corresponding to the housing container 3 is attached to the fitting 15.

[0036] Although the battery 8 can also cause communication problems, the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the battery 8 are positioned with a space (gap S) between them. This is advantageous for wireless communication between the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the communication device 10. By using this housing 3, even if the chain net 16c is attached to the outer surface of the fender 14, it is possible to reliably wirelessly transmit the detection data M from the sensor 2 to the communication device 10.

[0037] By increasing the gap S, the amount of resin through which radio waves W can pass increases, making wireless communication between the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the communication device 10 more stable. For this reason, the gap S is made, for example, 5 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more.

[0038] The size of the housing container 3 is constrained in order to fit inside the fitting 15. Under this constraint, increasing the outer diameter of the housing container 3 (resin housing section 5) as much as possible increases the resin portion through which radio waves W can pass, which is advantageous for stable wireless communication. The outer diameter of the housing container 3 (resin housing section 5) is, for example, 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The volume ratio of metal to resin in the housing container 3, excluding the mounting section 3a, is 2:8 to 8:2, preferably around 6:4.

[0039] The containment container 3 is not limited to the specifications illustrated in Figure 8, and other specifications can also be adopted. Examples of other specifications for the containment container 3 are given below.

[0040] The housing container 3 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 differs from the housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 8 in the arrangement of the battery 8, but the other configurations are substantially the same. In the resin housing 5 illustrated in Figure 8, the communication unit 7 and the battery 8 are simply offset in the direction of the cylindrical axis Z. As a result, the battery 8 is interposed between the communication unit 7 and the lid 6. On the other hand, in the resin housing 5 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the battery 8 is positioned offset from the communication unit 7 in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis Z. That is, in the resin housing 5, the battery 8 is positioned offset from the space (the space enclosed by the dashed line in Figures 12 and 13) that extends straight along the cylindrical axis Z from the communication unit 7 located on the sensor housing 4 side toward the lid 6. As a result, this space is not obstructed by the battery 8. Therefore, the radio waves W transmitted when wirelessly communicating between the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the communication device 10 can pass through the lid 6, which is advantageous for stabilizing wireless communication.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 14, the procedure for replacing the battery 8 in this housing container 3 is the same as the procedure for the housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 9. Therefore, the battery 8 can be replaced in the fender 14 in an easy manner.

[0042] The housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 15 differs from the housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 8 in the structure of the lid 6 and the structure of the communication unit 7, but the other configurations are generally the same. In the resin housing 5 illustrated in Figure 15, the communication unit 7 (i.e., module board 7a) excluding the antenna 7b and the battery 8 are arranged in order from the sensor housing 4 side toward the front of the container, with the antenna 7b positioned on the inner surface of the lid 6. The module board 7a and the antenna 7b are connected by an energizing part 7c. The lid 6 is attached to the front of the resin housing 5 so that it can be opened and closed by a hinge part 6a.

[0043] In this resin housing 5, the antenna 7b is positioned closer to the front of the container than the battery 8, which is advantageous in avoiding communication interference caused by the battery 8. The radio waves W transmitted during wireless communication between the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the communication device 10 can pass through the lid 6, which is advantageous in stabilizing wireless communication.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 16, the procedure for replacing the battery 8 in this housing 3 is the same as the procedure for the housing 3 illustrated in Figure 9. Therefore, the battery 8 can be easily replaced using the fender 14. Since the lid 6 is rotatably attached to the tip of the resin housing 5 by the hinge portion 6a, opening and closing the lid 6 becomes even easier. In addition, since the lid 6 is not separated from the resin housing 5, it is advantageous in preventing loss of the lid 6.

[0045] The housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 17 differs from the housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 8 in the structure of the lid 6 and the structure of the communication unit 7, but the other configurations are generally the same. In this resin housing 5, the communication unit 7 (i.e., module board 7a), excluding the antenna 7b, and the battery 8 are arranged in order from the sensor housing 4 side toward the front of the container. The antenna 7b is located on the inner surface of the lid 6. The module board 7a and the antenna 7b are connected by a power supply section 7c having a conductor and terminals.

[0046] The lid 6 is configured to be separable from and connectable to the tip of the resin housing 5. An L-shaped engaging portion 5a (annular engaging groove) is formed on the tip surface of the resin container 5. The outer circumference of the inner surface of the lid 6 has a convex engaging portion 6b (annular engaging projection). As illustrated in Figure 17, when the lid 6 is connected to the tip of the resin container 5 by engaging these engaging portions 5a and 6b, the opening at the tip of the container is closed, and the module board 7a and the antenna 7b are connected via the terminals of the energizing portion 7c. As illustrated in Figure 18, when the engagement of these engaging portions 5a and 6b is released, the lid 6 is separated from the tip of the resin container 5, the tip of the container opens, and the connection between the module board 7a and the antenna 7b is severed. The engaging portions 5a and 6b are not particularly limited as long as they are designed to engage with each other.

[0047] In this resin housing 5, the antenna 7b is positioned closer to the front of the container than the battery 8, which is advantageous in avoiding communication interference caused by the battery 8. The radio waves W transmitted during wireless communication between the communication unit 7 (antenna 7b) and the communication device 10 can pass through the lid 6, which is advantageous in stabilizing wireless communication.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 18, the procedure for replacing the battery 8 in this housing container 3 is the same as the procedure for the housing container 3 illustrated in Figure 9. Therefore, the battery 8 can be easily replaced using the fender 14. Since the antenna 7b can be separated from the tip of the resin container 5 together with the lid 6, the antenna 7b can be easily replaced, its specifications can be changed, etc.

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 1, the communication device 10 is connected to the communication network 13 wirelessly. Wireless communication between the communication unit 7 installed in the fender 14 and the communication device 10 installed outside the fender 14 may be configured to use, for example, Bluetooth®. This allows the use of various communication devices 10 that support Bluetooth communication. For example, a smartphone or tablet terminal that supports Bluetooth communication can be used as the communication device 10.

[0050] Alternatively, wireless communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10 can be configured to use wireless communication based on a predetermined LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication standard. Examples of LPWA include unlicensed bands such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, WI-SUN, ELTRES, and ZETA, and licensed bands such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, and LTE Cat.1. For example, communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10 can be configured to use a communication standard based on an unlicensed band LPWA. It is particularly preferable to adopt wireless communication based on the LoRaWAN communication standard. The communication unit 7 can use various known specifications that enable wireless communication with the communication device 10 based on an unlicensed band LPWA communication standard. This communication device 10 has the function of connecting the communication unit 7 to the server 11 via the communication network 13. Therefore, as this communication device 10, gateway devices with various known specifications that can connect communication based on an unlicensed band LPWA communication standard to the communication network 13 can be used.

[0051] In this embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the communication device 10 and the communication network 13, for example, based on the LPWA communication standard of the license band described above.

[0052] Next, we will explain an example of a monitoring method procedure for using this monitoring system 1 to monitor the condition of the fenders 14 from a remote location far from where the fenders 14 are used.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 19, numerous fenders 14 are moored to the quay 17 by connecting ropes 16d. Therefore, a large number of fenders 14 are arranged over a wide area. If a portable communication device 10 is used, the communication device 10 is moved to the vicinity of each fender 14 to acquire detection data M transmitted from each fender 14.

[0054] In this monitoring system 1, the sensors 2 set on each fender 14 acquire detection data M at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour, every 12 hours, every 24 hours, etc.) or at predetermined times. The timing (interval) at which each sensor 2 acquires detection data M is set to a desired timing. The detection data M is stored in the memory of the module board 7a.

[0055] If the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10 are configured to communicate via Bluetooth, the communication range is, for example, only a few meters. Therefore, the communication device 10 is brought close enough to the fender 14 to allow communication, and the two are paired. After pairing, the detection data M is transmitted to the communication device 10 via wireless communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10. The detection data M transmitted to the communication device 10 is then sequentially transmitted from the communication device 10 to the server 11 via the communication network 13 and stored. The detection data M is transmitted from the communication unit 7 along with the identification information of the sensor 2 that detected the detection data M, and the identification information of the sensor 2 is also input to the server 11.

[0056] In a configuration where wireless communication based on the predetermined LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication standard described above is performed between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10, when the sensor 2 detects detection data M, the detection data M is sequentially transmitted to the communication device 10 by radio waves W emitted from the antenna 7b of the communication unit 7. The detection data M transmitted to the communication device 10 is sequentially transmitted from the communication device 10 to the server 11 via the communication network 13 and stored there. The detection data M is transmitted from the communication unit 7 along with the identification information of the sensor 2 that detected the detection data M, and the identification information of the sensor 2 is also input to the server 11.

[0057] Server 11 calculates and stores a management index Mi for the fender 14 based on the input detection data M. Server 11 has pre-stored the unique information of each sensor 2 along with its identification information, and the fender 14 on which each sensor 2 is installed is also identified. The server 11 also stores information about the product specifications, manufacturing history, and placement location of that fender 14. Server 11 stores the management index Mi of the fender 14 and various information about that fender 14 in association with each other. Therefore, by accessing Server 11, it is possible to obtain the management index Mi of each fender 14 at a given point in time, along with its placement location and the time when it was first installed.

[0058] The detected data M can be stored directly as the control index Mi, but the control index Mi can also be a processed data value derived from the detected data M, either in place of the detected data M or in addition to the detected data M. For example, the difference between the detected internal pressure data M and the reference internal pressure data, the difference between the detected temperature data M and the reference temperature data, and the difference between the detected acceleration data M and the reference acceleration data can be used as the control index Mi. The reference internal pressure data, reference temperature data, and reference acceleration data are pre-set as data for when the fender 14 is functioning normally. Therefore, the larger the difference between the detected data M and these reference data, the more likely it is that the fender 14 is not functioning normally.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 1, users and administrators of the fenders 14, as well as personnel from the fender manufacturers 14, can access the server 11 from specific terminal devices 12, and the management indicator Mi stored in the server 11 will be displayed on the specific terminal device 12. By referring to the management indicator Mi displayed on the display of the specific terminal device 12, the internal pressure state, temperature state, external force load state, etc., of each fender 14 can be understood.

[0060] As described above, using this monitoring system 1 makes it easier to replace the battery 8 for wireless communication on the fender 14. In addition, even if a chain net 16c is attached to the outer surface of the fender 14, it becomes possible to reliably transmit the detection data M from the sensor 2 to the communication device 10 wirelessly.

[0061] This monitoring system 1 has essential components: a sensor 2, a communication unit 7, a battery 8, a housing 3 that contains these components and is installed inside the fender 14, and a communication device 10. Therefore, it can be easily applied to existing fenders 14 by equipping them with these essential components. Thus, by applying this monitoring system 1, it becomes possible to accurately and stably grasp the condition of numerous fenders 14 already installed on quays 17 and ships. Of course, this monitoring system 1 can also be applied to new fenders 14 by equipping them with the above essential components.

[0062] If the communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10 is via Bluetooth, then various Bluetooth-compatible communication devices 10 can be used. This significantly reduces the cost and improves the ease of use of the communication device 10. Even inexperienced operators can easily obtain detection data M from each fender 14 using the communication device 10.

[0063] If the communication between the communication unit 7 and the communication device 10 is wireless communication based on the LoRaWAN communication standard, then mutual communication between the two can be carried out very freely without being subject to strict legal restrictions. For example, by sending instructions from a specific terminal device 12a of the person in charge of management to each communication unit 7 to change the timing of acquisition of detection data M by the sensor 2, or to change the frequency of transmission of detection data M from the communication unit 7 to the communication device 10, these settings can be easily changed.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the horizontal fender 14 described above, but can also be applied to vertical pneumatic fenders used in a vertical position. In the vertical fender 14, the housing container 3 (sensor 2, communication unit 7, and battery 8) is arranged inside the fitting 15 located at the upper end of the fender 14.

[0065] This disclosure encompasses the following inventions. Invention 1: The system comprises a sensor that detects detection data indicating the status of the pneumatic fender, a communication unit connected to the sensor, a battery that operates the sensor and the communication unit, and a housing container installed in the pneumatic fender, wherein the housing container houses the sensor, the communication unit, and the battery. Based on the aforementioned detection data management A monitoring system for pneumatic fenders in which indicators are displayed on specific terminal equipment, The pneumatic fender has a communication device installed on the outside of it that communicates wirelessly with the communication unit, The aforementioned containment container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and is positioned on the outside of the bag-shaped body of the pneumatic fender and inside the mouth fitting. The aforementioned housing has a resin housing located at the front end of the container, which houses the communication unit and the battery, and a sensor housing located closer to the mounting hole than the resin housing, which houses the sensor. The resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its front end, and the battery can be inserted into and removed from inside the resin housing when the lid is opened. A monitoring system for pneumatic fenders, wherein the detection data is wirelessly transmitted from an antenna constituting the communication unit to the communication device and transmitted to a communication network via the communication device, and the management indicator is displayed on a specific terminal device connected to the communication network. Invention 2: In the resin housing, the communication unit including the antenna and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, with space between them, in the air-type fender according to Invention 1. Surveillance system. Invention 3: In the resin housing, the battery is positioned offset from the space extending from the communication unit located on the sensor housing side toward the lid, and the space is not obstructed by the battery, as described in the pneumatic fender according to Invention 1. Surveillance system. Invention 4: In the resin housing, the communication unit (excluding the antenna) and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, and the antenna, which is connected to the communication unit (excluding the antenna), is positioned on the inner surface of the lid. The pneumatic fender according to Invention 1, wherein the lid is attached to the tip of the resin housing by a hinge so as to be openable and closable. Surveillance system. Invention 5: In the resin housing, the communication unit (excluding the antenna) and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, with the antenna positioned on the inner surface of the lid. The lid is configured to be separable from and connectable to the tip of the resin housing, and when the lid is connected to the tip of the resin housing, the communication unit excluding the antenna and the antenna are connected, and when the lid is separated from the tip of the resin housing, the connection between the communication unit excluding the antenna and the antenna is severed, as described in Invention 1. Surveillance system. Invention 6: Communication is performed between the communication unit and the communication device using Bluetooth®, as described in any of Inventions 1 to 5 of the pneumatic fender. Surveillance system. Invention 7: The pneumatic fender according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the dielectric constant of the resin forming the resin housing is 5.0 or less. Surveillance system. Invention 8: A method for monitoring pneumatic fenders, comprising: connecting a communication unit to a sensor that detects detection data indicating the status of the pneumatic fender; operating the sensor and the communication unit with a battery; housing the sensor, the communication unit, and the battery in a containment container and installing it on the pneumatic fender; and displaying management indicators based on the detection data on a specific terminal device, A communication device that communicates wirelessly with the aforementioned communication unit is installed outside the aforementioned pneumatic fender. The aforementioned container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and is positioned on the outside of the bag body of the pneumatic fender and inside the mouth fitting. The aforementioned housing has a resin housing located at the front end of the container, which houses the communication unit and the battery, and a sensor housing located closer to the mounting hole than the resin housing, which houses the sensor. The resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its front end, and is configured so that the battery can be inserted into and removed from inside the resin housing by opening the lid. A method for monitoring pneumatic fenders, comprising: wirelessly transmitting the detection data from an antenna constituting the communication unit to a communication device; transmitting the data to a communication network via the communication device; and displaying the management indicator on a specific terminal device connected to the communication network. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Monitoring System 2 sensors 2a Current carrying part 3. Containment container 3a Mounting part 4. Sensor housing (metal housing) 5. Resin housing 5a Engagement part 6. Lid 6a Hinge section 6b Engagement part 7 Communications Department 7a Module board 7b Antenna 7c Current carrying part 8 batteries 8a Current carrying part 9 Double seal valve 10. Communication equipment 11 Servers 12 (12a, 12b, 12c) Specific terminal devices 13 Communication Networks 14 (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E) Pneumatic fenders 14g bag 15 metal fittings 15a Cover plate 15b Through hole 16a Mounting hole 16b Safety valve 16c Chain Net 16d Connecting rope 17 Wharf W Radio Waves

Claims

1. The system comprises a sensor that detects detection data indicating the status of the pneumatic fender, a communication unit connected to the sensor, a battery that operates the sensor and the communication unit, and a housing container installed in the pneumatic fender, wherein the housing container houses the sensor, the communication unit, and the battery. A monitoring system for pneumatic fenders in which management indicators based on the aforementioned detection data are displayed on a specific terminal device, The pneumatic fender has a communication device installed on the outside of it that communicates wirelessly with the communication unit, The aforementioned containment container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and is positioned on the outside of the bag-shaped body of the pneumatic fender and inside the mouth fitting. The aforementioned housing has a resin housing located at the front end of the container, which houses the communication unit and the battery, and a sensor housing located closer to the mounting hole than the resin housing, which houses the sensor. The resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its front end, and the battery can be inserted into and removed from inside the resin housing when the lid is opened. A monitoring system for pneumatic fenders, wherein the detection data is wirelessly transmitted from an antenna constituting the communication unit to the communication device and transmitted to a communication network via the communication device, and the management indicator is displayed on a specific terminal device connected to the communication network.

2. The pneumatic fender monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein in the resin housing, the communication unit including the antenna and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, with space between them.

3. The pneumatic fender monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein in the resin housing, the battery is positioned offset from the space extending from the communication unit located on the sensor housing side toward the lid, and the space is not obstructed by the battery.

4. In the resin housing, the communication unit (excluding the antenna) and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, and the antenna, which is connected to the communication unit (excluding the antenna), is positioned on the inner surface of the lid. The pneumatic fender monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the lid is attached to the tip of the resin housing by a hinge so as to be able to open and close.

5. In the resin housing, the communication unit (excluding the antenna) and the battery are arranged in order from the sensor housing side toward the tip of the container, with the antenna positioned on the inner surface of the lid. The pneumatic fender monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to be separable from and connectable to the tip of the resin housing, and when the cover is connected to the tip of the resin housing, the communication unit excluding the antenna and the antenna are connected, and when the cover is separated from the tip of the resin housing, the connection between the communication unit excluding the antenna and the antenna is severed.

6. A monitoring system for pneumatic fenders according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein communication is performed between the communication unit and the communication device using Bluetooth®.

7. A monitoring system for a pneumatic fender according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dielectric constant of the resin forming the resin housing is 5.0 or less.

8. A method for monitoring pneumatic fenders, comprising: connecting a communication unit to a sensor that detects detection data indicating the status of the pneumatic fender; operating the sensor and the communication unit with a battery; housing the sensor, the communication unit, and the battery in a containment container and installing it on the pneumatic fender; and displaying management indicators based on the detection data on a specific terminal device, A communication device that communicates wirelessly with the aforementioned communication unit is installed outside the aforementioned pneumatic fender. The aforementioned container is attached to a mounting hole formed in the mouth fitting of the pneumatic fender that communicates the inside and outside of the pneumatic fender, and is positioned on the outside of the bag body of the pneumatic fender and inside the mouth fitting. The aforementioned housing has a resin housing located at the front end of the container, which houses the communication unit and the battery, and a sensor housing located closer to the mounting hole than the resin housing, which houses the sensor. The resin housing has a lid that opens and closes at its front end, and is configured so that the battery can be inserted into and removed from inside the resin housing by opening the lid. A method for monitoring pneumatic fenders, comprising: wirelessly transmitting the detection data from an antenna constituting the communication unit to a communication device; transmitting the data to a communication network via the communication device; and displaying the management indicator on a specific terminal device connected to the communication network.

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