WO2005115811A1 - Antitheft system for trailers - Google Patents

Antitheft system for trailers Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005115811A1
WO2005115811A1 PCT/IT2004/000309 IT2004000309W WO2005115811A1 WO 2005115811 A1 WO2005115811 A1 WO 2005115811A1 IT 2004000309 W IT2004000309 W IT 2004000309W WO 2005115811 A1 WO2005115811 A1 WO 2005115811A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
trailer
control unit
electronic control
remote transceiver
sensors
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2004/000309
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mario Nava
Original Assignee
Mitzi S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitzi S.R.L. filed Critical Mitzi S.R.L.
Priority to PCT/IT2004/000309 priority Critical patent/WO2005115811A1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2005/001418 priority patent/WO2005115810A2/en
Publication of WO2005115811A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005115811A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/02—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism
    • B60R25/022—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism operating on the steering wheel, e.g. bars locked to the steering wheel rim
    • B60R25/0225—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism operating on the steering wheel, e.g. bars locked to the steering wheel rim using a rod locked on the steering wheel rim
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/08—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on brakes or brake systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/1004—Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/102—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/104—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/30—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems
    • B60R25/302—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems using recording means, e.g. black box
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/30—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems
    • B60R25/305—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems using a camera
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00—Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/20—Communication devices for vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/205—Mobile phones

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to an antitheft system for trailers and semi-trailers and, in particular, to an apparatus and a method for preventing the trailers and the semi-trailers from being stolen and/or tampered.
  • US-B 1-6338534 discloses the use of solenoid valves which allow for unlocking of the parking brake of a trailer only in the case the signal emitted by a transmission unit on the traction vehicle is recognized as being valid by a receiving unit provided in the trailer.
  • US patent n. US-A-5378929 discloses an antitheft system wherein the solenoid valves for controlling the pneumatic supply to the circuit of the parking brake are activated in radiofrequency by way of a remote command which can only transmit the activation/deactivafion commands for the antitheft system. In the same way, on the trailer is located a receiving only unit which is able to distinguish only the activation/deactivation commands.
  • an object of the present invention to provide' an antitheft system which can guarantee not only a secure immobilization of the trailer, but also an improved protection of the load in the trailer.
  • an antitheft system and a related method which permit to reduce the possibilities of theft and/or tampering of a trailer and its load.
  • Another particular object of the present invention is to provide an antitheft system and a method which permit to achieve a strict surveillance of the trailer and of the load it contains.
  • an antitheft system for a trailer comprising at least one immobilizer device acting on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake of the trailer, wherein at least one microprocessor electronic control unit is provided which is electrically connected to an electronic driving circuit joined with the immobilizer device, characterized in that the electronic control unit comprises at least one section for exchanging codified data and commands in radiofrequency with at least one remote transceiver device.
  • the remote transceiver device may be constituted for example by a telephonic device connected to the fixed network or by a mobile phone connected to the GSM network.
  • the authorized operator or driver can send codified commands to the electronic control unit, for example in the form of vocal commands, tones of the DTMF type or SMS messages, as well as he can receive from it the information on the state of the trailer and the load.
  • a remote transceiver device is also incorporated in a supervisory central unit, located for example at the head office of the fleet, or at private and/or public vigilance stations. All the information concerning the state of each trailer reach the supervisory central unit and, if it is necessary, commands are sent from it to the electronic control unit installed on a specific trailer.
  • One or more sensors are preferably connected to the electronic control unit in order to generate signals which represent one or more malfunction and/or tampering conditions of the trailer.
  • At least one camera may be provided connected to the electronic control unit for taking images of the trailer. The information supplied by the sensors and eventually the images provided by the camera are stored in a specific memory card located in the electronic control unit, in such a way that this data collection can be sent to the supervisory headquarter and/or to a mobile phone for example when a certain event occurs, or however at preset time intervals.
  • a method is provided to prevent theft and/or tampering of a trailer, wherein at least the immobilization of the trailer is provided by acting on the respective pneumatic circuit of the parking brake, and wherein controlling of the immobilization function is provided through at least one microprocessor electronic control unit which is electrically connected to a driving electronic circuit combined with at least one immobilizer device, characterized by comprising the exchange of codified data and commands in radiofrequency between the electronic control unit and at least one remote transceiver device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view which illustrates a possible embodiment of an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention and the related links in transceiving
  • - Figure 2 is a scheme of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake provided with an immobilizer device according to the present invention
  • - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an immobilizer device in an apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Modes for carrying out the invention Figure 1 shows a trailer 10 on which it is installed an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention.
  • the apparatus comprises an immobilizer device 20 which gets on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake of the trailer 10.
  • the antitheft apparatus comprises at least one microprocessor electronic control unit 30 which is electrically connected to a driving electronic circuit 40 ( Figure 3) incorporated in the immobilizer device 20.
  • the electronic control unit 30 preferably incorporates its own independent electrical supply which can guarantee the operation for a preset time.
  • the electronic control unit 30 comprises at least one transceiver section for permitting the exchange of codified data and commands in radiofrequency with at least one remote transceiver device, like for example a mobile phone 50 or a remote device 60 located in a supervisory headquarter 65.
  • the link between the electronic control unit 30 located on the trailer and the remote devices 50 or 60 is preferably carried out through the different bridges 70 (only one is represented for simplicity in Figure 1 ) of the GSM network.
  • the part of the apparatus installed on the trailer 10 also comprises an external portion 31 contained in a security casing to include at least one antenna connecting to the GSM network, a beeper, like for example a warning horn, and at least one shock sensor able to detect possible tampering attempts.
  • the shock sensor present in the external portion 31 is connected to the electronic control unit 30 to send to the same a signal representative of the tampering condition acting on the external portion 31.
  • perimetric protection sensors 32 mechanical stops, magnetic actuators, collision sensors, etc.
  • volumetric protection sensors 33 are provided to report for example the presence of people inside the container of the trailer 10, or at least in the access area to the load vane.
  • At least one camera 34 may be also connected to the electronic control unit 30, the camera being able to take images in correspondence of specific events, like for example the doors opening, the detection of people in the load vane or the like. The taking over of images by the camera 34 may be also remotely controlled, for example from the supervisory headquarter 65.
  • FIG. 2 it is represented the scheme of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake which comprises an immobilizer device 20 in a trailer 10 like the one represented in Figure 1.
  • the immobilizer device 20 is installed at the input of the pneumatic circuit and integrates the distribution unit normally provided in these circuits to connect the ducts 21 of the source of pressurized air supplied by a traction vehicle (not shown) to the single actuators 22 of the brakes of each wheel.
  • the pressurized air provided by a traction vehicle is also supplied to a tank 23.
  • the immobilizer device 20, represented more in detail in Figure 3, preferably comprises two solenoid valves 25 of the type having direct activation to activate and deactivate the operation of the parking brake, thus gllowing for the immobilizotion of the trailer 10.
  • At least one electronic driving circuit 40 connected to the electronic control unit 30 may be advantageously integrated in the body of the immobilizer device 20.
  • both the circuits 30 and 40 may be incorporated in the immobilizer device 20.
  • the incorporated circuits are encapsulated in a resin, in such a way that any attempt of breaking leads to the destruction of the circuit(s). Later on the operation of an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention will be disclosed.
  • Activation and deactivation of the apparatus can be operated remotely by way of a mobile phone 50 which is previously authorized by including its ID in a list kept secret at the supervisory headquarter 65.
  • the same commands may be also transmitted by a phone connected to the fixed network, but authorized.
  • the activation provided by an operator implies the activation both of the immobilizer device 20 and of the other functions carried out through the sensors.
  • the activation of only the functions carried out through the sensors may be also enabled from the supervisory headquarter 65, instead leaving the immobilizer device deactivated.
  • all the protection functions may be preferably activated also when the trailer 10 is moving. In the case that the trailer 10 is isolated from the GSM network, any deactivation of the antitheft apparatus is inhibited.
  • the antitheft apparatus may thus comprise also means for the data input (for example keyboards or the like) which, allow for inputting codes and/or keywords for the authorization.
  • Each event detected by the connected sensors is stored in the electronic control unit 30 and immediately transmitted, or anyhow on request or in a settled time, to the supervisory headquarter 65.
  • each action performed is stored in the electronic control unit 30, along with a code which identifies the operator which has performed the action.
  • the 30 may be realized through a pair of non polarized wires by which it receives both the electrical supply and the commands.
  • the data exchange between the circuits 30 and 40 is achieved by way of a suitable protocol.
  • a mutual checking procedure is provided between the electronic control unit 30 and the driving circuit 40. This procedure, based for example on the supplying and elaboration of random numbers, permits to obtain the information necessary for achieving the opening or closing of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake, which is obtained by activating one of the two solenoid valves 25 of the immobilizer device 20.
  • the task of the electronic control unit 30 is also to supply an appropriate power for a short period of time while the device 20 will provide for operating the commutation.
  • the electrical connection between the circuits 30 and 40 provides voltages not higher than 15Vcc; the current in transmission mode is about 20mA while the maximum current available for the commutation of the solenoid valves 25 is about 500mA. Consequently any attempt for local tampering in electric way is not possible, since there is not a sufficient power source.
  • At least the electric driving circuit 40 is embedded through an epossidic resin in a housing 41 ( Figure 3) and the assembly screws are shrouded thus preventing the disassembly of the parts.
  • the solenoid valves 25 are preferably of the "metal on metal" sealing type and guarantee the commutation in a range of temperatures from - 20 to +60°C without the need for lubricating, with an operative pressure included between O ⁇ l .OMPa. Concerning the tampering, it is impossible to execute a simple pneumatic bypass through the immobilizer device 20 because it would be necessary to provide the distribution of a single inlet through more different outlets all of which have to be pressurized in order to remove the immobilization of the vehicle.
  • a system according to the present invention may be also utilized for the localization of the trailer.
  • any message returned by the electronic control unit 30 installed on the trailer 10 for example a message of the SMS type, may contain the current geographical position on the base of the registration of the GSM cell through which the connection is established.

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for preventing the theft and/or the tampering of a trailer (10) are disclosed, wherein at least the immobilization of the trailer (10) is provided by acting on the respective pneumatic circuit of the parking brake. The apparatus is controlled by at least one microprocessor electronic control unit (130)which is electrically connected to an electronic driving circuit joined to an immobilizer device (20).

Description

"ANTITHEFT SYSTEM FOR TRAILERS" **********
Field of the invention The present invention generally relates to an antitheft system for trailers and semi-trailers and, in particular, to an apparatus and a method for preventing the trailers and the semi-trailers from being stolen and/or tampered.
Background of the invention The majority of the antitheft systems known in the art provides the immobilization of the trailer by acting on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake which, in order to be excluded, needs the pressurized air supplied by a compressor or by one or more pressurized air tanks installed on a vehicle. In order to avoid the trailer from being coupled to any other vehicle not authorized to its removal, antitheft systems have so far proposed which provide the unlocking of the parking brake only by authorized personnel, or however only when the trailer is coupled to a identifiable vehicle between the authorized ones. For example, US patent n. US-B 1-6338534 discloses the use of solenoid valves which allow for unlocking of the parking brake of a trailer only in the case the signal emitted by a transmission unit on the traction vehicle is recognized as being valid by a receiving unit provided in the trailer. US patent n. US-A-5378929 discloses an antitheft system wherein the solenoid valves for controlling the pneumatic supply to the circuit of the parking brake are activated in radiofrequency by way of a remote command which can only transmit the activation/deactivafion commands for the antitheft system. In the same way, on the trailer is located a receiving only unit which is able to distinguish only the activation/deactivation commands. All these examples related to the known technique, though allowing for the immobilization of the trailer, are only partial solutions to the types of thefts and tampering which the unattended trailers may experience. In fact it is not possible to exclude that sufficiently experienced thieves may be able however to neutralize or exclude the operation of an antitheft system of the known type. Moreover, the case is frequent enough wherein the load is anyway stolen, partially or entirely, from a trailer also immobilized.
Summary of the Invention Generally, it is an object of the present invention to provide' an antitheft system which can guarantee not only a secure immobilization of the trailer, but also an improved protection of the load in the trailer. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an antitheft system and a related method which permit to reduce the possibilities of theft and/or tampering of a trailer and its load. Another particular object of the present invention is to provide an antitheft system and a method which permit to achieve a strict surveillance of the trailer and of the load it contains. According to a first aspect of the present invention, these objects are achieved by an antitheft system for a trailer, comprising at least one immobilizer device acting on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake of the trailer, wherein at least one microprocessor electronic control unit is provided which is electrically connected to an electronic driving circuit joined with the immobilizer device, characterized in that the electronic control unit comprises at least one section for exchanging codified data and commands in radiofrequency with at least one remote transceiver device. Thus a complete interaction is possible between the electronic control unit provided on the trailer and a remote device, in such a way that at any time the information related to the state of the trailer and to its load are made available, as well as it is made possible to send commands to the antitheft system installed on the trailer when for example anomalous events are observed. The remote transceiver device may be constituted for example by a telephonic device connected to the fixed network or by a mobile phone connected to the GSM network. In this case the authorized operator or driver can send codified commands to the electronic control unit, for example in the form of vocal commands, tones of the DTMF type or SMS messages, as well as he can receive from it the information on the state of the trailer and the load. Preferably, a remote transceiver device is also incorporated in a supervisory central unit, located for example at the head office of the fleet, or at private and/or public vigilance stations. All the information concerning the state of each trailer reach the supervisory central unit and, if it is necessary, commands are sent from it to the electronic control unit installed on a specific trailer. One or more sensors are preferably connected to the electronic control unit in order to generate signals which represent one or more malfunction and/or tampering conditions of the trailer. At least one camera may be provided connected to the electronic control unit for taking images of the trailer. The information supplied by the sensors and eventually the images provided by the camera are stored in a specific memory card located in the electronic control unit, in such a way that this data collection can be sent to the supervisory headquarter and/or to a mobile phone for example when a certain event occurs, or however at preset time intervals. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided to prevent theft and/or tampering of a trailer, wherein at least the immobilization of the trailer is provided by acting on the respective pneumatic circuit of the parking brake, and wherein controlling of the immobilization function is provided through at least one microprocessor electronic control unit which is electrically connected to a driving electronic circuit combined with at least one immobilizer device, characterized by comprising the exchange of codified data and commands in radiofrequency between the electronic control unit and at least one remote transceiver device. Brief Description of the Drawings Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description made as a non limitative but illustrative example with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 is a schematic view which illustrates a possible embodiment of an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention and the related links in transceiving; - Figure 2 is a scheme of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake provided with an immobilizer device according to the present invention; and - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an immobilizer device in an apparatus according to the present invention. Modes for carrying out the invention Figure 1 shows a trailer 10 on which it is installed an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus comprises an immobilizer device 20 which gets on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake of the trailer 10. The antitheft apparatus comprises at least one microprocessor electronic control unit 30 which is electrically connected to a driving electronic circuit 40 (Figure 3) incorporated in the immobilizer device 20. The electronic control unit 30 preferably incorporates its own independent electrical supply which can guarantee the operation for a preset time. According to the invention, the electronic control unit 30 comprises at least one transceiver section for permitting the exchange of codified data and commands in radiofrequency with at least one remote transceiver device, like for example a mobile phone 50 or a remote device 60 located in a supervisory headquarter 65. The link between the electronic control unit 30 located on the trailer and the remote devices 50 or 60 is preferably carried out through the different bridges 70 (only one is represented for simplicity in Figure 1 ) of the GSM network. The part of the apparatus installed on the trailer 10 also comprises an external portion 31 contained in a security casing to include at least one antenna connecting to the GSM network, a beeper, like for example a warning horn, and at least one shock sensor able to detect possible tampering attempts. The shock sensor present in the external portion 31 is connected to the electronic control unit 30 to send to the same a signal representative of the tampering condition acting on the external portion 31. Also other types of sensors are connected to the electronic control unit 30 which are suitable to generate signals representative of one or more tampering and/or malfunction of the trailer 10. For example, perimetric protection sensors 32 (mechanical stops, magnetic actuators, collision sensors, etc.) may be provided to report for example the condition wherein the doors of the trailer 10 are open, as well as volumetric protection sensors 33 are provided to report for example the presence of people inside the container of the trailer 10, or at least in the access area to the load vane. At least one camera 34 may be also connected to the electronic control unit 30, the camera being able to take images in correspondence of specific events, like for example the doors opening, the detection of people in the load vane or the like. The taking over of images by the camera 34 may be also remotely controlled, for example from the supervisory headquarter 65. Other types of sensors may be also connected to the electronic control unit 30, for example inclination sensors for detecting possible movements of the trailer which involve changes in the trim, or also environmental protection sensors, for example sensors able to detect modifications in the temperature and/or in the humidity inside the load vane also for preventing possible damaging of the transported goods. In Figure 2 it is represented the scheme of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake which comprises an immobilizer device 20 in a trailer 10 like the one represented in Figure 1. The immobilizer device 20 is installed at the input of the pneumatic circuit and integrates the distribution unit normally provided in these circuits to connect the ducts 21 of the source of pressurized air supplied by a traction vehicle (not shown) to the single actuators 22 of the brakes of each wheel. The pressurized air provided by a traction vehicle is also supplied to a tank 23. The immobilizer device 20, represented more in detail in Figure 3, preferably comprises two solenoid valves 25 of the type having direct activation to activate and deactivate the operation of the parking brake, thus gllowing for the immobilizotion of the trailer 10. At least one electronic driving circuit 40 connected to the electronic control unit 30 may be advantageously integrated in the body of the immobilizer device 20. Alternatively, both the circuits 30 and 40 may be incorporated in the immobilizer device 20. In any case, the incorporated circuits are encapsulated in a resin, in such a way that any attempt of breaking leads to the destruction of the circuit(s). Later on the operation of an antitheft apparatus according to the present invention will be disclosed. Activation and deactivation of the apparatus can be operated remotely by way of a mobile phone 50 which is previously authorized by including its ID in a list kept secret at the supervisory headquarter 65. The same commands may be also transmitted by a phone connected to the fixed network, but authorized. Generally, the activation provided by an operator implies the activation both of the immobilizer device 20 and of the other functions carried out through the sensors. The activation of only the functions carried out through the sensors may be also enabled from the supervisory headquarter 65, instead leaving the immobilizer device deactivated. Moreover, all the protection functions may be preferably activated also when the trailer 10 is moving. In the case that the trailer 10 is isolated from the GSM network, any deactivation of the antitheft apparatus is inhibited. In this case procedures are provided for permitting the deactivation of the apparatus depending only on procedures and codes defined by the supervisor. Thus the operator in charge for moving the trailer will have to contact the supervisor, for example through a fixed telephone network, in order to receive the codes and/or the authorizations necessary for the deactivation of the apparatus. The antitheft apparatus may thus comprise also means for the data input (for example keyboards or the like) which, allow for inputting codes and/or keywords for the authorization. Each event detected by the connected sensors is stored in the electronic control unit 30 and immediately transmitted, or anyhow on request or in a settled time, to the supervisory headquarter 65. In the same way, each action performed is stored in the electronic control unit 30, along with a code which identifies the operator which has performed the action. In any case, all the operations and the events are stored and transmitted to the supervisory headquarter 65. A recording of these signals received from the trailer 10 is kept in this headquarter, along with the information related to the date and the time of transmission and/or receiving. Also the pictures taken by the camera are stored in the electronic control unit 30 and immediately sent, or however sent as soon as possible, to the supervisory headquarter 65. Concerning the operation of the immobilizer device 20, the solenoid valves 25 allow for intercepting, and then for preventing, the pneumatic supply to actuators 22 coupled to eoch brake, thus substantially producing the activation of the parking brake of the trailer 10. The link between the driving circuit 40 and the electronic control unit
30 may be realized through a pair of non polarized wires by which it receives both the electrical supply and the commands. The data exchange between the circuits 30 and 40 is achieved by way of a suitable protocol. In order to guarantee the inviolability of the command, a mutual checking procedure is provided between the electronic control unit 30 and the driving circuit 40. This procedure, based for example on the supplying and elaboration of random numbers, permits to obtain the information necessary for achieving the opening or closing of the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake, which is obtained by activating one of the two solenoid valves 25 of the immobilizer device 20. The electrical supply provided by the unit 30 to the immobilizer device
20 while the information is exchanged is not sufficient to permit the activation of the solenoid valves 25. Thus the task of the electronic control unit 30 is also to supply an appropriate power for a short period of time while the device 20 will provide for operating the commutation. In fact, the electrical connection between the circuits 30 and 40 provides voltages not higher than 15Vcc; the current in transmission mode is about 20mA while the maximum current available for the commutation of the solenoid valves 25 is about 500mA. Consequently any attempt for local tampering in electric way is not possible, since there is not a sufficient power source. At least the electric driving circuit 40 is embedded through an epossidic resin in a housing 41 (Figure 3) and the assembly screws are shrouded thus preventing the disassembly of the parts. The solenoid valves 25 are preferably of the "metal on metal" sealing type and guarantee the commutation in a range of temperatures from - 20 to +60°C without the need for lubricating, with an operative pressure included between O÷l .OMPa. Concerning the tampering, it is impossible to execute a simple pneumatic bypass through the immobilizer device 20 because it would be necessary to provide the distribution of a single inlet through more different outlets all of which have to be pressurized in order to remove the immobilization of the vehicle. A system according to the present invention may be also utilized for the localization of the trailer. In fact, any message returned by the electronic control unit 30 installed on the trailer 10, for example a message of the SMS type, may contain the current geographical position on the base of the registration of the GSM cell through which the connection is established.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An antitheft apparatus for a trailer, comprising at least one immobilizer device acting on the pneumatic circuit of the parking brake of said trailer, wherein at least one microprocessor electronic control unit is provided electrically connected to an electronic driving circuit joined to said immobilizer device, characterized in that said electronic control unit comprises at least one section for exchanging codified data and commands in radiofrequency with at least one remote transceiver device.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said remote transceiver device is constituted by a telephonic device connected to the fixed network.
3. An apparatus according to cloim 1 , wherein sgid remote transceiver device is constituted by a mobile phone connected to the GSM network.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said remote transceiver device is incorporated in a central supervisory unit.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said electronic control unit comprises at least one supplying section for selectively supply a power to said electronic driving circuit sufficient to activate said immobilizer device.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein one or more sensors are connected to said electronic control unit for generating signals representative of one or more malfunctioning and/or tampering conditions of the trailer.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one camera is connected to said electronic control unit for taking pictures of said trailer.
8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control unit comprises at least one memory card for storing the information related to the operations performed on said trailer and/or to the events detected by said sensors and/or to the images taken by said at least one camera.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said immobilizer device comprises at least one pair of directly-operated solenoid valves.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pneumatic distribution unit of the parking brake circuit is integrated in said immobilizer device.
1 1. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least said electronic driving circuit is integrated in said immobilizer device.
12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one warning horn is provided for signaling that one or more pre- established events or remote commands are taking place.
13. A method for preventing the theft and/or the tampering of a trailer, wherein at least the immobilization of the trailer is provided by acting on the respective pneumatic circuit of the parking brake, and wherein the control of the immobilization function is provided through at least one microprocessor electronic control unit which is electrically connected to an electronic driving circuit joined to at least one immobilizer device, characterized by providing the exchange of codified data and commands in radiofrequency between said electronic control unit and at least one remote transceiver device.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said remote transceiver device is constituted by a telephonic device connected to the fixed network.
15. A method according to claim 13, wherein said remote transceiver device is constituted by a mobile phone connected to the GSM network.
16. A method according to claim 13, wherein said remote transceiver device is incorporated in a supervisory central unit.
17. A method according to claim 13, wherein said electronic control unit selectively supplies an electrical power sufficient to permit the activation of said immobilizer device.
18. A method according to claim 13, wherein said electronic control unit receives and processes signals representative of one or more malfunctioning and/or tampering conditions of the trailer detected by one or more sensors.
19. A method according to claim 13, wherein said electronic control unit receives and processes the images of said trailer taken by at least one camera.
20. A method according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the storing of the information related to the operations performed on said trailer and/or to the events detected by said sensors and/or to the images taken by said at least one camera is provided in a memory of said electronic control unit.
21. A method according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the transmission of the information related to the events detected by said sensors and/or to the images taken by said at least one camera is provided to said supervisory central unit.
22. A method according to claim 13, wherein the immobilization of said trailer is achieved by acting on at least one pair of directly-operated solenoid valves.
PCT/IT2004/000309 2004-05-27 2004-05-27 Antitheft system for trailers WO2005115811A1 (en)

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PCT/IB2005/001418 WO2005115810A2 (en) 2004-05-27 2005-05-25 Immobilizer device for vehicles and antiheft system equipped with such a device

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