Device for sealing container door and method for operating same

• US 10,012,011 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2013
• Issued: 07/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: S-WINNUS Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: S-WINNUS Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Choi, Hyungrim, Kim, Jaejoong, Lee, Jaekee, Hong, Soongoo, Kim, Chaesoo, Kwark, Gwanghoon, Lee, Gangbae, Lee, Eunkyu, Son, Jungrock, Choi, Sungpill, Moon, Youngsik, Shin, Joongjo, Lee, Jinwook, Son, Heemok, Choi, Woocheol, Kim, Yoonji, Jung, Junwoo, Kim, Minjung, Kim, Minho, Park, Hansoo, Oh, Jaeseong
• Primary Examiner(s): Small, Naomi J
• Application Number:
  US14/917,954
• Publication Number:
  US 20160215533A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,743 Days
• Field of Search: 3405729
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/008 Doors for containers, e.g. ISO-containers locking E05B83/12
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/22 Safety features floating covers B65D88/34; arrangements of indicating or measuring devices B65D90/48; fire-fighting A62C
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0058 by batteries
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0095 Mechanical aspects of locks controlled by telephone signals, e.g. by mobile phones electronic locks G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/22 Padlocks with sliding shackles, with or without rotary or pivotal movement
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/02 Locks for railway freight-cars, freight containers or the like; Locks for the cargo compartments of commercial lorries, trucks or vans
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/14 with provisions for sealing
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A device for sealing a container door are configured for the sake of a container security in such a way that the device for sealing a container door is installed at a locking device of a container door so as to detect if the container door is forcibly opened or closed by an unauthorized person during a container transportation from a freight-loaded place to a freight-unloaded place, and a result of such a detection is wirelessly transmitted to a container security system. The device for sealing a container door includes a main body, a locking member, a fixing unit, a stopper unit, a seal-release authentication unit, a holding unit, a seal-sensing unit, a LED state display unit, a battery, and a control board.

Claims

1. A device for sealing a container door, comprising:

a main body 10 on the upper end of which a guide hole 11 and a locking hole 12 are penetratingly formed;

a locking member 20 which is installed on the main body 10 so as to slide vertically along the guide hole 11, and which is provided on one end with a locking bar 21 that is inserted into a mechanical seal hole 2a on the container door by moving in and out of the locking hole 12;

a fixing unit which is installed inside the main body 10, for fixing the locking member 20 when the locking bar 21 on the locking member 20 is inserted into the inside of the locking hole 12, and of which one end protrudes out of the main body 10 so that the fixed state of the locking member 20 can be released through an operation by a user;

a seal-release authentication unit which is installed on the main body 10, for wirelessly communicating with a near field communication module carried by an outside user;

a holding unit 60 which is installed inside the main body 10 so as to come into contact with or separate from a portion of the fixing unit by means of electrical energy, for fixing the fixing unit by coming into contact with the fixing unit so that a release operation of the fixing unit does not occur when the seal-release authentication is not carried out by the seal-release authentication unit, and for allowing a release operation of the fixing unit by separating from the fixing unit when the seal-release authentication is performed;

a seal-sensing unit for sensing a locked and an open state of the locking member 20, according to the vertical movement of the locking member 20; and

a telecommunication module for wirelessly communicating, to an external security control server, the locked or the open state sensed by the seal-sensing unit;

a stopper unit which is able to fix the locking member 20 with respect to the main body 10 if the locking member 20 moves upward of the main body 10, and the locking bar 21 positions at a predetermined height of an outer portion of the locking hole 12;

wherein the stopper unit comprises;

a stopper bar 40 which includes at an end portion thereof a stop removing button 41 which is formed protruding outward of one side surface of the main body 10, and is configured to slide in a lateral direction in response to a user'"'"'s pressing action, wherein the stopper bar 40 includes a through hole 42 through which the locking member 20 passes,

a stopper protrusion 43 which is formed protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the through hole 42 of the stopper bar 40 and is able to support the locking member 20 as it is inserted inside an engaging groove 23 formed concave at the locking member 20, and

a stopper spring 44 which is installed inside the main body 10 and is able to elastically support the stopper bar 40 with respect to the main body 10.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit comprises:

a fixing bar 30 which includes at an end portion thereof a seal-release button 31 which is formed protruding outward of one side surface of the main body 10, and is configured to slide in a lateral direction in response to a user'"'"'s pressing action, wherein the fixing bar 30 includes a through hole 32 through which the locking member 20 passes;

a coupling protrusion 33 which is formed at an inner circumferential surface of the through hole 32 of the fixing bar 30 and is able to fix the locking member 20 as it is inserted inside a coupling groove 22 formed at an outer circumferential surface of the locking member 20; and

a fixing bar spring 34 which is installed inside the main body 10 and is able to elastically support the fixing bar 30 with respect to the main body 10.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the coupling groove 22 and the coupling protrusion 33 are formed in ratchet tooth shapes.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the holding unit 60 comprises:

a solenoid 61 which is installed inside the main body 10 and around which a coil is wound, wherein electric power is supplied thereto in response to a seal-release authorization;

a plunger 62 which is installed in such a way to reciprocate by a predetermined distance with the aid of electromagnetic field generated by the solenoid 61 and is configured to contact with or separate from the fixing unit, thus fixing or unfixing the fixing unit; and

a plunger spring 63 which is able to elastically support the plunger 62 with respect to the solenoid 61.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal-sensing unit comprises:

a sensing bar 51 which is installed horizontally movable at the top of the main body 10, wherein an end portion thereof is formed protruding inward of the locking hole 12, and when the locking bar 21 is inserted inside the locking hole 12, the sensing bar 51 contacts with an outer surface of the locking bar 21 and slides in a horizontal direction;

a sensor dog 52 which is installed extending downward at the sensing bar 51 and is configured to move together with the sensing bar 51; and

a sensing switch 53 which is installed at a portion of the sensor dog 52 and contacts with or separates from the sensor dog 52 in response to the movement of the sensor dog 52.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the sensor dog 52 is formed in a U-shape and is configured to elastically contact with the sensing switch 53.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal-release authentication unit comprises:

an authorization start button 71 which is installed exposed to the outside at the main body 10 and is configured to start a sealing authorization work in response to a user'"'"'s operation; and

a near field communication antenna 72 which is able to wirelessly communicate with a near field communication module that a user is carrying, when a sealing authorization work starts in response to an operation of the authorization start button 71.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the near field communication module that the user is carrying is either a near field communication (NFC) module mounted at a portable mobile communication terminal or a NFC tag, and the near field communication antenna 72 is a NFC antenna.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein a lower end portion of the locking hole 12 of the main body 10 is formed communicating with a drainage hole 13 formed passing through outward of the main body 10.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking member 20 is formed in an inverted U-shaped bar type.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a battery 85 which is mounted at the main body 10 and is able to supply electric power; and

a non-contact type reed sensor which is installed near the battery 85 and inside the main body 10 and is able to react in response to a magnetic substance provided at the battery 85 and detect if the battery 85 is randomly disassembled in the middle of operation.

12. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 1, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

13. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 1, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

14. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 1, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

15. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 2, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

16. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 3, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

17. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 4, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

18. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 5, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

19. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 6, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

20. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 7, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

21. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 8, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

22. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 9, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

23. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 10, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.

24. A method for operating a device for sealing a container door of claim 11, comprising:

a step (a) wherein a sealing is carried out in such a way that a locking bar 21 of a locking member 20 descends and is inserted inside a mechanical seal hole 2a of the container door and a locking hole 12 of a main body 10, and the locking member 20 is fixed with respect to the main body 10;

a step (b) wherein an operation where the sealing has been completed by the locking member 20 is wirelessly communicated with an external security control server via a telecommunication module, and an authorization information of a near field communication module, wherein a seal-release authorization is available, is received from an external security control server;

a step (c) wherein a sealing state of the container door is wirelessly communicated with the external security control server in real time via the telecommunication module during the transportation of the container;

a step (d) wherein the authorization information is confirmed for the sake of a seal-release in such a way to carry out a near field wireless communication between the near field communication module that a user is carrying, and the seal-release authentication unit when the container has arrived at the destination;

a step (e) wherein if the authorization information is confirmed, the fixed state of the fixing unit is removed by supplying electric power to a holding unit 60;

a step (f) wherein the fixed state of the locking member 20 is removed in such a way that the user operates the fixing unit; and

a step (g) wherein the sealing is broken by ascending the locking member 20.