Container management system

Abstract

The invention relates to a container management system (1) having a plurality of containers (2) and a plurality of extraction / filling stations, which are designed to extract liquid from the containers (2) or to deliver liquid to the containers. The containers are provided with an electronically readable code which characterizes the container. The extraction / filling stations are provided with an electronic reading unit by means of which the code of the containers (2) can be read. The data read by the electronic reading unit are delivered to a cloud-based computer system (13) which is designed to store and evaluate the data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container management system and a method for running the container management system. Background Technology

[0002] Such container management systems typically include multiple containers in which liquids, especially chemicals, are stored.

[0003] It is known that an automated extraction system is used for extracting liquids.

[0004] Such extraction systems are known from DE 10 2013 109 799 A1.

[0005] The extraction system described therein is used for filling and emptying a container and includes a container closure that is inserted into the container opening of a receiving plug. A submersible tube connected to the plug has an extraction connection element connected to either the submersible tube or the plug. Furthermore, a transponder is provided to generate a transponder signal, wherein a monitoring signal is generated based on the transponder signal, indicating whether the permissible connector of the extraction connection element is abutting the container.

[0006] This ensures that the container closure is not incorrectly connected to the container.

[0007] In addition, the extraction system has a control unit that controls the delivery of liquid to the container and / or the extraction of liquid from the container based on the monitoring signal from the transponder.

[0008] Automatic control, implemented through the control unit, is thus achieved by extracting or filling liquid into the container, and by notifying the corresponding container of the permissible connection of the extraction connection element via a monitoring signal, thereby reliably avoiding misconfiguration. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a container management system with high functionality.

[0010] To solve this task, the features of the present invention were developed. Advantageous embodiments of the invention and further embodiments that meet the objectives are described in the specification and drawings.

[0011] This invention relates to a container management system comprising multiple containers and multiple extraction / filling stations. Each container is assigned an electronically readable code characterizing it. The extraction / filling stations are designed to extract liquid from or deliver liquid to the containers. Each extraction / filling station is equipped with an electronic reading unit capable of reading the container's code. Data read by the electronic reading unit is transmitted to a cloud-based computer system designed to store and evaluate the data.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for running a container management system.

[0013] One of the key advantages of this invention is that it enables the inspection of distributed, particularly even worldwide, container systems and the attachment of said container systems for emptying and / or filling containers through a cloud-based computer system.

[0014] Therefore, data from the container, measured by the electronic reading unit and transmitted to the cloud-based computer system, can be stored and evaluated within the cloud-based computer system. Advantageously, the cloud-based computer system is designed to implement control and inspection functions, particularly based on data read via the electronic reading unit. The data stored in the cloud-based computer system can be used not only by users but also by suppliers of the liquid stored in the container. Furthermore, the data stored in the cloud-based computer system can be used for automating work processes implemented via the container. In particular, measures can also be implemented in the cloud-based computer system to improve fault tolerance during said work processes.

[0015] The container of the system according to the invention is typically characterized by an electronically readable code. By preferably equipping each extraction / filling station with an electronic reading unit, liquid can be extracted from or delivered to the container. The electronic reading unit reads the code of the corresponding container and transmits the code to a cloud-based computer system, which can then check whether the correct extraction / filling station has been configured for the container.

[0016] Here, the container can be designed almost arbitrarily. In principle, the container can be constructed from bottles. Advantageously, larger containers are arranged like barrels. In the latter case, submersible tubes, stoppers, or fittings can be used as connectors for the container. The container can also, in principle, be constructed from tank trucks.

[0017] The extraction / filling station can also be designed in any implementation scheme. In particular, the extraction / filling station can be designed as a head component that can connect to a container connector. This is especially advantageous if the container has a submersible tube through which liquid can be extracted from or delivered to the container. Depending on requirements, the head component can be designed as an extraction head or a filling head.

[0018] Because electronic codes can be pre-defined in large quantities, the container management system according to the present invention can be used for a large number of containers, wherein all containers can be unilaterally identified by coding.

[0019] Electronic reading units are configured to extract / fill stations, wherein the configuration is fixedly pre-defined and stored in a cloud-based computer system. In particular, when the reading unit is designed as a head component, the electronic reading unit can be advantageously and fixedly connected to the extract / fill station.

[0020] Based on the configuration and by reading the container's code, it is possible to verify and check whether the container is connected to the correct extraction / filling station in a cloud-based computer system. In other words, the incorrect configuration of the container with the extraction / filling station can be avoided through the cloud-based computer system.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, electronic codes are stored in chips integrated into the connector of the container. These chips are, in particular, RFID chips.

[0022] The chip can have high storage capacity and can be integrated into the container's connector in a space-saving manner. In the simplest case, a passive RFID chip is used, where only a unique numerical sequence is stored as an encoding.

[0023] Corresponding to the design scheme of the chip as an RFID chip, each electronic reading unit is advantageously an RFID reading unit.

[0024] Advantageously, the corresponding electronic reading unit is fixedly configured to the extraction / filling station, preferably integrated into the head assembly, thereby achieving a unilateral and permanent configuration relationship between the electronic reading unit and the head assembly.

[0025] More advantageously, the container's data and / or data on the liquid within the container can be stored in the container's chip.

[0026] The data, except for the encoding representing the container characteristics, is stored in the chip.

[0027] When the chip has been activated at the factory, basic data can be stored in that chip. Specifically, the container's hardware data belongs to this basic data, which may indicate, for example, the connector type, and in particular, may be in the form of a product code, serial number, or order number.

[0028] The basic data may be supplemented by container data, which in particular includes container specifications defined by container product code or container order number or the remaining useful life of the container.

[0029] Container data can be determined by scanning the barcode on the corresponding container with a barcode reader and then input into the chip. Alternatively, the container data can be directly input into the chip.

[0030] In addition, chemical data, that is, data representing the characteristics of the liquid in the corresponding container, can also be stored in the chip, which can be done using a barcode reader or by directly inputting it into the cloud.

[0031] The corresponding chemical specifications of the liquid, the remaining service life of the liquid if necessary, and safety data sheets belong to the chemical data.

[0032] All the data contained in the chip can be read out by the configured electronic reading unit and transmitted to a cloud-based computer system.

[0033] In one advantageous embodiment of a container management system, electronic reading units are connected individually or in groups to interface units, which in turn are connected to cloud-based computer systems via contactless data transmission units.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one control unit is connected to the interface unit, by means of which the extraction and / or filling process of the container can be controlled.

[0035] It is also possible that the electronic reading unit and the interface unit are combined into a single unit. The electronic reading unit can be movably connected to the interface unit, for example, via wires and coils. The entire electronics of both units can be integrated into the interface unit.

[0036] The interface unit consists of a gateway, which is connected to the electronic reading unit and the control unit via a wired and / or contactless data connection device.

[0037] The interface unit's connection to the cloud-based computer system is advantageously achieved through a contactless data transmission unit, as the interface unit and the cloud-based computer system constitute a distributed unit. Data transmission via wired connections within enterprise networks connected to the Internet is also possible.

[0038] Advantageously, a connection can be achieved via the Internet, wherein secure data transmission is preferably used for this purpose.

[0039] According to an advantageous implementation, a cloud-based computer system generates control instructions for the extraction and / or filling process based on data transmitted via an electronic reading unit.

[0040] Therefore, the extraction and filling process of all containers in the entire system is controlled by a cloud-based computer system.

[0041] Of particular advantage, the control is implemented by a cloud-based computer system outputting control commands to the control unit.

[0042] Cloud-based computer systems use precise pre-defined control commands to determine how control units control individual processes, particularly the extraction and filling of containers.

[0043] This allows cloud-based computer systems to accurately pre-define and monitor the functions of all control units.

[0044] Particularly advantageously, based on the valid encoding of the container read by the electronic reading unit and the transmission of the encoding to the cloud-based computer system, an enable signal for the extraction or filling process of the container is generated as a control command in the cloud-based computer system.

[0045] This control prevents the extraction / filling station from being misconfigured with the container.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, status information for containers is generated in a cloud-based computer system based on data from the reading unit.

[0047] In particular, it generates status information such as the container's fill level, container location, or container failure status.

[0048] Thus, the current state of all containers in the container management system can be detected in a time-related manner, preferably in real time, and can be tracked for the inspection purposes of users of the cloud-based computer system.

[0049] Record management can also be implemented in a cloud-based computer system based on the determined status of containers throughout the system. Appropriate record documentation must also be generated and provided in cases involving liquids, particularly chemicals, stored in containers. Analysis certificates, specifications, and safety data sheets are among the appropriate record documents. All such record documents are managed in the cloud-based computer system.

[0050] It can also generate a current state report about the container's status as a record document.

[0051] The complete traceability of the product is also ensured by continuously monitoring all containers and the liquids stored within them in a cloud-based computer system.

[0052] A particular advantage here is the ability to track the current location of individual containers via a cloud-based computer system. The current location can be entered into the container's individual chip and into the cloud. It is particularly advantageous to equip each chip with a GPS receiver for this purpose.

[0053] Furthermore, it can detect when and where containers are filled or emptied. Specifically, it can detect how long a container is connected to the extraction / filling station. Using self-learning algorithms, it can determine when to empty the container and when the next container must be provided to the extraction / filling station. Tamper-proof detection can also be achieved using blockchain technology, which is important for security-critical applications in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries.

[0054] By continuously tracking containers, data delivered to cloud-based computer systems can be used to determine fault status, in particular.

[0055] It is also possible to control the removal of containers. This would allow the containers to be received directly at the site and would not need to be transported back to the chemical supplier.

[0056] Therefore, it is possible to determine, within a cloud-based computer system, whether the liquid in the container or the container itself has exceeded its lifespan. It can also identify erroneous container supply and when a container is connected to an incorrect header component.

[0057] In cases where contaminated or non-compliant chemicals are identified in a container, a lock-up signal can be generated in a cloud-based computer system to prevent harm or danger to humans; that is, the corresponding container can be locked. This locking can be performed in real time, specifically by the user of the cloud-based computer system stopping the corresponding process so that, for example, the corresponding container no longer needs to be emptied.

[0058] Furthermore, cloud-based computer systems can generate alarm signals or information such as when a container is incorrectly connected to the head assembly and cannot be filled or emptied. Alarm signals or information can also be generated in cloud-based computer systems when it is determined that the liquid in the container has expired. Information or alarm signals are typically generated when interference is detected in the container handling process. These messages or alarm signals are preferably sent to suitable recipients, such as chemical suppliers or chemical users.

[0059] Furthermore, data collected in cloud-based computer systems can be used for production process control.

[0060] Therefore, based on data such as the container's fill status or multiple containers in circulation, a cloud-based computer system can automatically trigger a procurement process, such as the provision of new containers. Furthermore, container storage management can also be controlled via a cloud-based computer system. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the container management system according to the present invention is shown.

[0062] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A partial detail diagram of the container management system. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 An embodiment of the container management system 1 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0064] The container management system 1 is used to automatically handle containers 2 containing liquids, especially chemicals. Container 2 can be made of bottles, cans, or similar containers. Figure 1 It is constructed in the form of a bucket, as shown in the diagram.

[0065] Each container 2 has a connector 3, through which an extraction / filling station, or in this case a head component 4, can be connected to the connector. The head component allows liquid to be extracted from or delivered to the container 2. Emptying or filling of the container 2 is performed automatically, as in... Figure 1 The left container 2 is shown as an example.

[0066] In this case, the head component 4 is configured as an extraction head. After the extraction head is connected to the connector 3 of the container 2, the pump 6 can be activated by the control unit 5, and the liquid is pumped out of the container 2 through the pipeline 7 and the extraction head by means of the pump.

[0067] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates multiple arrangements of container 2, which can be distributed in different locations. Multiple arrangements can also include significantly more head components 4 and containers 2, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Each container 2 can be connected to a head assembly 4 to extract or fill liquid. For this purpose, the head assembly 4 can be configured with a pump 6 controlled by a control unit 5, wherein the control unit 5 can also control multiple pumps 6, and multiple head assemblies 4 can be connected to one pump 6.

[0068] According to the invention, each container 2, particularly in its connector 3, has a chip in which an electronically readable code is stored, the code unilaterally representing a characteristic of the container 2. In this case, the chip is designed as an RFID chip 8.

[0069] Each head component 4 integrates an electronic reading unit in the form of an RFID reading unit 9. In principle, the electronic reading unit can also be spatially configured to the head component 4 without a physical connection. If the container 2 is connected to the head component 4, the RFID chip 8 integrated therein in the connector 3 is within the reading area of ​​the RFID reading unit 9, allowing the RFID reading unit to read the code from the RFID chip 8. The RFID chip 8 can also be arranged separately on the container 2.

[0070] According to the present invention, the head component 4 is connected individually or in groups to the interface unit 11 via a wired or contactless data connection 10. The control unit 5 is also connected to the interface unit 11 via the data connection 10. The interface unit 11 is configured as a gateway, and the interface unit is connected to a cloud-based computer system 13 via a data transmission unit 12 in the form of an Internet connection device. The cloud-based computer system 13 has a distributed arrangement of computer units in the form of process computers and web servers.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the individual container 2 is characterized by barcode 14. Barcode 14 encodes detailed container data specifying container 2 and detailed chemical data specifying the liquid within the corresponding container 2. The data encoded in barcode 14 can be read by barcode reader 15.

[0072] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A specific structural design scheme for the container management system 1. Figure 1 The upper side of a container 2 in the form of a barrel is shown, wherein a connector 3 in the form of a plug is provided on the upper side. A submersible tube (not shown) extends from the plug and is guided into the inner cavity of the barrel.

[0073] The head component 4, in the form of an extraction head, is mounted on the connector 3. The extraction head has a spiral closure for secure attachment to the connector 3.

[0074] An RFID chip 8 is integrated into the plug. An RFID reading unit 9 is laterally fixed to the extraction head. The RFID reading unit 9 is connected to a gateway constituting an interface unit 11, which is connected to a cloud-based computer system 13 via an Internet connection serving as a data transmission unit 12.

[0075] Pipeline 7 leads from the extraction head to pump 6, which is controlled by control unit 5, which is in the form of an SPS control device. Control unit 5 is also connected to the gateway.

[0076] The container management system 1 works by having a cloud-based computer system 13 control all container processing, particularly the extraction or filling process of container 2, which is also performed through the head component 4.

[0077] Therefore, not only is the code of container 2 stored in RFID chip 8, but basic data, such as details specifying the connector 3 of container 2, is also stored there. Furthermore, container data and chemical data are stored in corresponding RFID chips 8. For this purpose, the barcode 14 of container 2 is read by barcode reader 15. The data determined here is stored in RFID chip 8.

[0078] In addition, the current container location can be stored in the RFID chip 8 or the cloud, for example, via a GPS receiver.

[0079] When the container 2 is connected to the head component 4, the RFID reading unit 9 on the head component 4 reads data from the RFID chip 8 of the container 2 and transmits the data to the cloud-based computer system 13.

[0080] Based on all such data transmitted to the cloud-based computer system 13, the information logging, inspection, and control of the container management system 1 are implemented in the cloud-based computer system 13.

[0081] In particular, the cloud-based computer system 13 generates control instructions for the extraction and / or filling process based on data sent via an electronic reading unit.

[0082] Here, control commands are output from the cloud-based computer system 13 to the control unit 5.

[0083] In particular, based on the valid encoding of container 2 read by the electronic reading unit and the transmission of the encoding to the cloud-based computer system 13, an enable signal for the extraction or filling process of container 2 is generated as a control command in the cloud-based computer system.

[0084] All extraction and filling processes of the cloud-based computer system 13 are controlled in the manner described above. In particular, the cloud-based computer system 13 checks the correct configuration relationship between the container 2 and the head component 4.

[0085] Furthermore, the state information of container 2 is evaluated within the cloud-based computer system 13. The container's location, fill level, and similar status are included in this state information.

[0086] In addition, the status information of container 2 is generated in cloud-based computer system 13 based on the data from the reading unit.

[0087] For example, the filling level of container 2, the location of container 2, or the fault status of container 2 can be generated as status information.

[0088] In particular, in cloud-based computer systems 13, record documents and / or time-related status reports are generated based on status information.

[0089] Furthermore, in the cloud-based computer system 13, control instructions and / or information for the procurement and warehousing processes are generated based on status information.

[0090] Finally, a locking signal or alarm signal can be generated based on the status information in the cloud-based computer system 13.

[0091] Full traceability of the container (2) is achieved through the container management system according to the invention. In particular, it is possible to detect when and where the container (2) is filled or emptied. It is also possible to detect how long the container (2) is connected to the extraction / filling station. It is also possible to predict when the container (2) will be emptied at the extraction / filling station and when the next container (2) must be provided. It is also possible to control the removal of the container (2).

[0092] List of reference numerals

[0093] 1 Container Management System

[0094] 2 containers

[0095] 3 connectors

[0096] 4-head component

[0097] 5 Control Unit

[0098] 6 pumps

[0099] 7 Piping

[0100] 8 RFID chips

[0101] 9 RFID Reading Units

[0102] 10 Data connection device

[0103] 11 Interface Unit

[0104] 12 Data Transmission Units

[0105] 13 Cloud-based computer systems

[0106] 14 Barcodes

[0107] 15 Barcode Readers

Claims

1. A container management system (1) having a plurality of containers (2) and a plurality of extraction / filling stations, which containers are provided with an electronically readable code characterizing the container, the extraction / filling stations being designed for extracting liquid from the containers (2) or delivering liquid to the containers, characterized in that, The extraction / filling station is equipped with an electronic reading unit by means of which the code of the container (2) can be read, and the data read by the electronic reading unit are transmitted to a cloud-based computer system (13) which is designed to store and evaluate the data, and by means of which a distributed container system, even a worldwide distributed container system, and the systems associated with the container system for emptying and / or filling the containers can be monitored, wherein the electronic reading unit is connected to an interface unit (11) individually or in groups, the interface unit is connected to the cloud-based computer system (13) by means of a data transmission unit (12) which works contactlessly, wherein at least one control unit (5) is connected to the interface unit (11), wherein the cloud-based computer system generates control commands for the extraction and / or filling process from the data transmitted by the electronic reading unit, wherein the extraction and filling process of all containers of the entire system is controlled by the cloud-based computer system, and wherein the cloud-based computer system sends the control commands to the control units, wherein the cloud-based computer system precisely prespecifies by the control commands how the control units control the control process of the individual extraction and filling process of the containers, and the cloud-based computer system precisely prespecifies and monitors the functioning of all control units, wherein from the valid code of the container (2) read by the electronic reading unit (9) and the transmission of the code by the interface unit (11) to the cloud-based computer system (13), an enabling signal for the extraction or filling process of this container (2) is generated in the cloud-based computer system (13) as the control command.

2. The container management system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic code is stored in a chip, respectively, which is integrated in the connector (3) of the container (2).

3. The container management system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The chip is an RFID chip, and each electronic reading unit is an RFID reading unit.

4. The container management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electronic reading unit is integrated in the extraction / filling station.

5. The container management system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The data of the container (2) and / or of the liquid received in the container (2) are stored in the chip of the container (2).

6. The container management system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The electronic reading unit forms a structural unit with the interface unit (11).

7. The container management system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The extraction and / or filling process of the container (2) can be controlled by means of the at least one control unit.

8. The container management system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 and 7, characterized in that, State information for the container (2) is generated in the cloud-based computer system (13) from the data of the electronic reading unit.

9. The container management system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The degree of filling of the container (2), the position of the container (2) or a fault state for the container (2) are generated as state information and / or a locking signal or an alarm signal is generated.

10. The container management system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that Control instructions and / or information for the procurement process and the warehousing process are generated in the cloud-based computer system (13) from the state information.

11. The container management system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that A log document and / or a time-dependent status report is generated in the cloud-based computer system (13) from the state information.

12. A method for operating a container management system (1) having a plurality of containers (2) and a plurality of extraction / filling stations, which containers are provided with an electronically readable code characterizing the container, the extraction / filling stations being connectable to a coupling (3) of a container (2) respectively, in order to extract a liquid from the container (2) or to deliver a liquid to the container, characterized in that, The extraction / filling station is equipped with an electronic reading unit by means of which the code of the container (2) can be read and the data read by the electronic reading unit are transmitted to a cloud-based computer system (13) which is designed to store and evaluate the data and by means of which a distributed container system, even a worldwide distributed container system, and the systems associated with the container system for emptying and / or filling the containers can be monitored, wherein the electronic reading unit is connected to an interface unit (11) individually or in groups, the interface unit is connected to the cloud-based computer system (13) by means of a data transmission unit (12) which works contactlessly, wherein at least one control unit (5) is connected to the interface unit (11), wherein the cloud-based computer system generates control commands for the extraction and / or filling process from the data transmitted by the electronic reading unit, wherein the extraction and filling process of all containers of the entire system is controlled by the cloud-based computer system, and wherein the cloud-based computer system sends the control commands to the control units, wherein the cloud-based computer system precisely prespecifies by the control commands how the control units control the control process of the individual extraction and filling process of the containers, and the cloud-based computer system precisely prespecifies and monitors the functioning of all control units, wherein on the basis of the valid code of the container (2) read by the electronic reading unit (9) and the transmission of the code by the interface unit (11) to the cloud-based computer system (13), an enabling signal for the extraction or filling process of this container (2) is generated in the cloud-based computer system (13) as the control command.

Images