Sensor device for measuring the level of material contained in a container

Abstract

A sensor device (1) for measuring the height of material (M) in a container (2) includes: - a housing (11); - at least one non-contact height sensor (12) housed within the housing (11); the housing (11) includes a measuring window (15) that allows a detection signal (S13) emitted by the sensor (12) to pass through, and allows the detection signal (S14) to pass through after being reflected by a free surface (S14) of the material (M) within the container (2). The sensor device (1) further includes a fastening mechanism (16) fixed to the housing (11), thereby allowing the sensor device (1) to be removably fastened to a connecting device (3) fixed to the container (2) from the outside of the container (2), and the measuring window (15) of the housing (11) is positioned opposite to a corresponding opening (23) formed in the container (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for measuring the height of materials in a container, particularly for unstable materials whose properties change over time, such as yeast or fermentation agents, especially for measuring the liquid level of liquid yeast or liquid fermentation agents.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a complete set of equipment, which includes such a sensor device and a mechanism for connecting to a container.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a system comprising such a complete set of equipment and a container.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the interior of the shell of a container for such a system.

[0005] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for remotely monitoring information relating to a container, and processing circuitry configured to perform the method and a processor-readable memory unit comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method. Background Technology

[0006] Typically, containers containing the material (especially unstable materials whose properties change over time, particularly yeast or leavening agents, especially liquid yeast or liquid leavening agents) are filled in the production plant and then transported to the place where the material is used, for example, to the baker in the case of yeast or leavening agent.

[0007] In order to enable the container to be reused, once the material is emptied, the container is sent back to the producer of the material for cleaning and refilling.

[0008] Therefore, the producers of the material may end up with an extremely large queue of containers, distributed across different locations in a fairly large geographical area, such as several countries or even different locations on several different continents, which complicates the logistics management of such container parks.

[0009] To encourage users to return containers to producers, a deposit system could be set up to incentivize users to return empty containers through economic means. However, this approach is not entirely satisfactory, as many users still keep empty containers despite the financial loss.

[0010] To facilitate the flow of different containers within a queue of different containers, and to enable the monitoring of the use of containers holding the produced materials, especially when the queue comprises a large number of containers distributed across different locations over a large geographical area (e.g., on one or more continents), it may be advantageous for producers to benefit from real-time information on the individual containers located with the user, particularly real-time information on the material height or precise geographical location within the containers located with the user.

[0011] Therefore, for example, once the material level inside the container drops below a predetermined threshold, the action of sending the container back to the production plant can be automatically initiated. The return can also be optimally scheduled based on the container's geographical location and may be combined with the delivery of a new container to hold the material.

[0012] Therefore, producers of materials that wish to be transported in containers and used by end users can benefit from devices that allow for real-time determination of container-related information so that this information can be transmitted to the producers to facilitate the logistics of the containers.

[0013] For example, a sensor device for measuring the height of material in a container is known, the container including a sealed housing for receiving the material, the device being constructed by... The company sells it, and this is partially described in patent application WO 2018 / 219683 A1.

[0014] This sensor device is used to determine the material height in a container based on a measured pressure applied to a pressure sensor. For this purpose, the pressure sensor is positioned between the lower wall of the container's shell and a support (e.g., a tray) that supports the lower wall of the shell; the sensor is inserted between the lower wall of the shell and the support. Therefore, the pressure measured by the sensor essentially corresponds to the weight of the container, from which the volume of material within its shell can be inferred, and thus the material height can be deduced, in order to transmit information related to that material height.

[0015] This sensor device has several drawbacks.

[0016] First, the positioning of this sensor device between the lower wall of the container shell and the support requires the presence of a support associated with the container from a system perspective. However, for some applications, such as when the container is intended to be stored in a suspended state, this support is not present, making it impossible to position the sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, if such a sensor device is to be installed on an existing container, the sensor's location requires complete separation between the container's shell and support structure before installation. This significantly increases the time required to install the sensor device and thus makes it unsuitable for installation on existing containers, and even less suitable for installation on an existing container queue.

[0018] Similarly, in the context of maintenance operations on sensor devices or containers, approaching the sensor device or removing it from the container shell requires complete separation between the container shell and the support structure beforehand, which complicates the maintenance operation and significantly increases the time required for the operation.

[0019] Furthermore, the pressure sensors of the sensor device are located in hard-to-access (difficult to reach) locations, which may complicate maintenance and alter its ability to transmit data, for example, via cellular networks. Their location may also block radio waves, which could be obstructed by some components of the container.

[0020] Therefore, for the purpose of cleaning the container shell, the sensor device is typically fixed to the shell and support. Consequently, the sensor device itself is exposed to harsh conditions (pressure, temperature, pH) during the container cleaning operation, which may affect its lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0021] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing sensor devices by providing a sensor device to facilitate the flow of materials in containers or in a queue of multiple containers, and in particular to allow for the measurement of the height of materials in containers, and to be able to be installed on a wide variety of containers in terms of shape and size.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that can be easily and quickly installed on an existing container.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that is easy to maintain, and also easy to maintain the container in which it is installed.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that can easily transmit data, particularly by transmitting data via radio waves.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device with a long energy self-sufficiency period (especially several years of energy self-sufficiency period).

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that is simple in design and has reduced cost.

[0027] The present invention provides a sensor device for measuring the height of material in a container, the container including a sealed housing configured to accommodate material defining a free surface within the housing.

[0028] The sensor device includes:

[0029] -shell,

[0030] - At least one non-contact height sensor, comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a detection signal and a receiver configured to receive a reflected detection signal, the reflected detection signal including a reflected detection signal, the height sensor being housed within the housing.

[0031] According to the invention, the housing includes a measurement window that allows a detection signal emitted by the transmitter to pass through the interior of the housing and to the interior of the container's shell, and allows a reflected detection signal to pass through the interior of the container's shell and to the receiver inside the housing after being reflected by a free surface of the material inside the container's shell.

[0032] According to the invention, the sensor device further includes a fastening mechanism fixed to the housing, the fastening mechanism being configured such that the sensor device can be removably fastened to a connection mechanism fixed to the housing wall of the container from the outside of the housing, while the measuring window of the housing is positioned opposite to a corresponding opening formed in the housing wall of the container.

[0033] According to the present invention, the height sensor is configured to transmit a measurement signal relating to the height of the material inside the shell of the container, which is a function of a reflection detection signal received by a receiver.

[0034] According to optional features of the present invention, the following features can be considered individually or in combination:

[0035] - The fastening mechanism includes a thread around the measuring window, which is configured to engage with a tap of the connecting mechanism by tightening / loosening, the tap being configured to surround the opening of the container;

[0036] - The detection signal emitted by the transmitter is an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or an ultrasonic signal;

[0037] -The device also includes a geolocation device configured to transmit a signal that enables the determination of the geographic location of the sensor device;

[0038] - The outer shell comprises at least one thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene;

[0039] - The device includes a user interface connected to the height sensor, the user interface including a display configured to display information related to the height of the material inside the container's shell based on measurement signals emitted by the height sensor;

[0040] - The display includes multiple light-emitting diodes associated with multiple markers, and the user interface includes at least one actuation button connected to the display, the actuation button being configured to trigger a measurement of the height of the material inside the container shell by a height sensor and the display of information related to the height of the material inside the container shell;

[0041] - The device also includes a data transmitter configured to transmit data from the height sensor to a remote server, including data relating to the height of the material inside the container's shell, created based on measurement signals emitted by the height sensor.

[0042] - The data transmitter is configured to transmit data with a remote server via a low-speed cellular network in a frequency band included in the 800MHz to 1000MHz range;

[0043] The device also includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature around the device.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a complete set of equipment, comprising:

[0045] -The sensor device according to the present invention

[0046] - A connecting mechanism adapted to be fixed to the wall of the container shell.

[0047] According to the invention, the connecting mechanism has a through hole for being opposite to and aligned with an opening formed in the wall of the container's shell.

[0048] According to the invention, the sensor device is configured to be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism by its fastening mechanism, while the measuring window of its housing is opposite to and aligned with the through hole of the connecting mechanism and the opening formed in the housing wall of the container, the through hole being configured to allow the detection signal emitted by the transmitter to pass through and the reflected detection signal intended to be received by the receiver to pass through.

[0049] According to one implementation method:

[0050] - The fastening mechanism of the sensor device includes threads around the measurement window of the sensor device housing, and

[0051] - The connection mechanism includes a tap around the through hole, the tap being configured to form an opening in the wall of the container housing, the tap being configured to engage with the thread of the fastening mechanism to ensure that the sensor device is removably fastened to the connection mechanism by tightening / loosening.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes a first stop wall and a second stop wall, the second stop wall being positioned opposite to and substantially parallel to the first stop wall and capable of translation relative to the first stop wall, the first stop wall and the second stop wall being configured to grip the shell of the container in order to ensure that the connecting mechanism is secured to the shell of the container.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a system comprising:

[0054] -The complete set of equipment according to the present invention

[0055] - A container including a sealed housing, the housing including walls, the housing being able to contain material therein, and an opening formed in the walls of the housing being configured to connect the interior and exterior of the housing.

[0056] According to the present invention, the connecting mechanism is fixed to the wall of the housing, while its through hole is opposite to and aligned with the opening of the container.

[0057] According to the present invention, the sensor device is removably fastened to the connecting mechanism, while its measuring window is aligned with the through hole of the connecting mechanism and the opening of the container, such that the transmitter of the height sensor can transmit a detection signal into the interior of the container shell, and the receiver of the height sensor can receive the reflected detection signal after reflection from the free surface of the material inside the container shell.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the opening is formed in the upper wall of the housing, and the sensor device is fastened to the upper wall of the housing of the container.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the shell of the container contains an unstable material that has properties that change over time, and the unstable material is in particular yeast or a fermenting agent.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the shell of a container of a system according to the present invention, comprising:

[0061] Separate the sensor device from the connecting mechanism;

[0062] The sensor device was moved away.

[0063] Clean the housing at temperatures above 60°C.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a method for remotely monitoring information related to a container using a sensor device according to the invention, the container comprising a sealed housing capable of containing an unstable material having properties that change over time, the method comprising:

[0065] Measure the height of the material inside the container shell.

[0066] Generate data representing the height of the material inside the container's shell.

[0067] Transmit data indicating the height of the material inside the container's shell.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a processing circuit configured to perform a method according to the invention for monitoring information relating to a container.

[0069] Finally, the present invention relates to a processor-readable memory cell including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement a method for monitoring information relating to a container according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and analysis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a system including a container, a connecting mechanism, and a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0072] Figure 1bis A schematic cross-sectional view of a system including a container, a connecting mechanism, and a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0073] Figure 2 A front view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the device comprising: The company representative manufactured the product under confidentiality.

[0074] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A bottom view of the sensor device.

[0075] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV.

[0076] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV, wherein the sensor device is fastened to the wall of the container shell partially shown in the system according to an embodiment of the invention via a connecting mechanism.

[0077] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV, wherein the sensor device is fastened to the connection mechanism of the assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 6bis It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV, wherein the sensor device is fastened to the connection mechanism of the assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV, wherein the sensor device is secured to the wall of the container housing of the system according to an embodiment of the invention via a connecting mechanism.

[0080] Figure 7bis It shows Figure 2 The sensor device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV, wherein the sensor device is secured to the wall of the container housing of the system according to an embodiment of the invention via a connecting mechanism.

[0081] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a method for cleaning the interior and / or exterior of a container shell according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0082] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a method for remotely monitoring information related to a container, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a processing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 11 This is a schematic bottom view of the receiver of the height sensor of the sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 12A This is a schematic front view of the transmitter of the height sensor of the sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 12B This is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the interior of the container housing of the sensor device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 12C This is a schematic front view of the receiver of the height sensor of the sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The accompanying drawings and the following description essentially contain certain elements. Therefore, these elements can not only be used to better understand the invention, but also help to define the invention where necessary.

[0089] Throughout this application, the terms "up," "down," and "lateral" in relation to the position of some elements of the container device, connecting device, or container should be understood in accordance with the fundamental vertical direction in space.

[0090] The present invention relates to a sensor device 1 for measuring the height of material M in a container 2, the container including a sealed housing 21 configured to accommodate material M within the housing 21 that defines a free surface SL.

[0091] According to the present invention, sensor device 1 includes:

[0092] -Outer shell 11,

[0093] - At least one non-contact height sensor 12 includes a transmitter 13 configured to transmit a detection signal S13 and a receiver 14 configured to receive a reflected detection signal S14, the reflected detection signal S14 including the reflected detection signal S13, the height sensor 12 being housed inside the housing 11.

[0094] According to the invention, the housing 11 includes a measurement window 15 that allows a detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 to pass through the interior of the housing 13 and to the interior of the shell 21 of the container 2, and allows a reflected detection signal S14 to pass through the interior of the shell 21 of the container 2 and to the receiver 14 inside the housing 11 after being reflected from the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0095] According to the present invention, the sensor device 1 further includes a fastening mechanism 16 fixed to the housing 11, the fastening mechanism 16 being configured such that the sensor device 1 can be removably fastened to the connection mechanism 3 fixed to the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2 outside the housing 21, while the measuring window 15 of the housing 11 is positioned opposite to a corresponding opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0096] According to the present invention, the height sensor 12 is configured to transmit a measurement signal relating to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, which is a function of the reflection detection signal S14 received by the receiver 14.

[0097] Throughout this application, such as Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment, "the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2" should be understood as the height H of the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2 relative to the reference lower wall 22I of the shell 21, according to the generally vertical direction of the space.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown more specifically in the embodiments, in order to determine the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2, the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 is intended to be reflected by the surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2, or by the lower wall 22I of the shell 21 when the shell 21 is empty, and at least partially forms the reflected detection signal S14 received by the receiver.

[0099] Therefore, the sensor device 1 according to the present invention can be easily installed on various types of containers 2, the housing 21 of which can be placed on a support or not, and in particular, can be easily installed on existing containers 2. This allows for easy and rapid provision of the sensor device 1 to existing queues of containers 2, unlike the method described above. The sensor device sold by Nanolike and partially described in document WO 2018 / 219683 A1.

[0100] It turns out that the installation of the sensor device 1 on the container 2 is particularly simple and quick, as it only requires the fastening mechanism 16 to be secured to the connecting mechanism 3, without having to disassemble any container component 2 beforehand.

[0101] Therefore, the sensor device 1 according to the present invention can be easily and quickly installed on containers 2 with various geometries.

[0102] Furthermore, the height sensor 12 is a non-contact sensor and therefore should not be placed inside the container housing 21 to come into contact with the material M whose height is to be measured.

[0103] In addition, such as in Figure 1 and 7 As shown more specifically in the embodiments, the sensor device 1 can be advantageously located on the upper wall 22S of the housing 21 of the container 2, and is therefore easily accessible to perform its installation, as well as maintenance operations on the sensor device 1 or the container 2, which require separating the sensor device 1 from the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0104] Furthermore, the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2 is typically located at the upper part of shell 21, opposite to the upper wall 22S of shell 21. Therefore, the height sensor 12 of sensor device 1 is located at the position closest to the free surface SL of material M, which helps to measure the height of material M inside the shell 21 of container 2.

[0105] Advantageously, the fastening mechanism 16 fixed to the outer shell 11 can be used, like the opening 23, for fastening to the connection mechanism 3 formed on the wall 22 of the container shell 21, which is not specifically designed for this purpose. For example, the connection mechanism 3 and the opening 23 can belong to a system for balancing the pressure between the outside and inside of the container shell 21.

[0106] Then, the sensor device 1 can be quickly and easily installed on the existing container 2 without requiring any specific structural modifications to the container 2.

[0107] At least, drilling an opening 23 in the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container 2 and installing a connecting mechanism 3 fixed to the wall 22 of the shell 2 of the container 2 can be done easily and quickly on different types of containers, especially on containers 2 belonging to the existing container 2 queue.

[0108] Advantageously, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown in the embodiment, the measuring window 15 can be formed on the lower wall 11I of the housing 11, and is particularly intended to be positioned opposite the upper wall 22S.

[0109] Similarly, Figures 3 to 6 As shown in the embodiments, in order to facilitate access to the interior of the housing 11 and thus to approach the height sensor 12, for example to perform maintenance operations on the sensor 12, the housing 11 can be advantageously provided in the form of two or more parts, such as an upper part 11S and a lower part 111 that are advantageously fastened together by means of a removable fastening mechanism (such as fastening screws).

[0110] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the embodiments, the measuring window 15 may be formed by a through hole in one of the walls of the outer shell 11 of the container device 1 (especially in the lower part 111 of the outer shell 11).

[0111] Advantageously, and in order to prevent external elements (such as material M contained in the shell 21 of container 2) from penetrating the measuring window 15, the measuring window 15 may also include a blocking wall configured to close the measuring window 15, for example, at one end. For example, the blocking wall may be made of a transparent material so that the detection signal S13 and the reflected detection signal S14 can pass through it.

[0112] The height sensor 12, and possibly other electronic components of the sensor device 1, can be powered by an energy storage device (such as a battery) advantageously housed within the housing 11. The use of the energy storage device eliminates the need to connect the sensor device 1 to an electrical network for it to function.

[0113] Advantageously, the energy storage mechanism can be used to give the altitude sensor 12 significant operational autonomy, particularly for several years, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for frequent charging or replacement of the energy storage mechanism.

[0114] Specifically, the sensor device 1 can be fastened to the connection mechanism 3 having a through hole 32, which is intended to be positioned opposite and aligned with the opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2. The through hole 32 is configured to allow the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 to pass through and the reflected detection signal 14 intended to be received by the receiver 14 to pass through.

[0115] Then, the sensor device 1 can be configured to be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism 3 by its fastening mechanism 16, while the measuring window 15 of its housing 11 is opposite to and aligned with the through hole 32 of the connecting mechanism 3 and the opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0116] According to a specific example, the sensor device 1 is intended to be fastened to the container 2, the housing 21 of which has a capacity of more than 300 liters.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 16 includes a thread T16 surrounding the measuring window 15, the thread T16 being configured to engage with a tap 31 of the connecting mechanism 3 by tightening / loosening, the tap 31 being configured to surround the opening 23 of the container 2.

[0118] This fastening method, by tightening between the fastening mechanism 16 and the connecting mechanism 3, allows for a secure, sealed fastening between the sensor device 1 and the connecting mechanism 3, and thus between the sensor device 1 and the container 2, that can be easily and quickly installed / removed.

[0119] However, without departing from the scope of the invention, another robust, sealed fastening system that can be easily and quickly installed / removed, such as a bayonet system or a sliding system, etc., may be provided.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the detection signal emitted by transmitter 13 is an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or an ultrasonic signal.

[0121] For example, the height sensor 12 can be a radar sensor, lidar sensor, infrared sensor, laser sensor, or other sensors.

[0122] According to a specific example, the height sensor 12, which utilizes the optical detection signal S13, provides satisfactory results in terms of the accuracy of measuring the height of the material M in the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0123] Furthermore, the height sensor 12, which utilizes the optical detection signal S13, requires less electrical energy to operate, which has proven advantageous for the sensor device 1 according to the invention, which is designed to operate for extended periods (several years) powered by a storage mechanism (not shown), such as a battery, during which the storage mechanism is typically not recharged or replaced.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the sensor device 1 further includes a geolocation device 17 configured to transmit a signal that enables the determination of the geographical location of the sensor device 1.

[0125] Advantageously, when the sensor 1 is secured to the container 2, this geolocation device 17 enables the determination of the geographical location of the sensor device 1, thereby determining the geographical location of the container 2, which facilitates the logistics operations of the container 2.

[0126] For example, a geolocation device may include a GPS plotter.

[0127] As an alternative or supplement, where the sensor device 1 is intended to transmit data via a mobile telecommunications network, the geolocation device 17 may use a geolocation method utilizing the mobile telecommunications network, particularly triangulation. Even though this geolocation method has lower accuracy compared to GPS technology, it requires less power, which has proven particularly advantageous for the sensor device 1 according to the invention, which is intended to operate for extended periods (several years) powered by a storage mechanism such as a battery, during which time the storage mechanism is typically unusable for charging or replacement.

[0128] Advantageously, such as Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments, the geolocation device 17 can be housed within the housing 11 of the sensor device 1 in order to isolate and protect it from the surrounding environment.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the housing 11 comprises at least one thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene.

[0130] The use of this thermoplastic material makes it possible to have an impact-resistant housing 11 that is easy to manufacture. The housing 11, and more specifically, the upper part 11S and the lower part 111 when the housing 11 is manufactured in multiple parts, can be easily made by molding, especially by injection molding.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the sensor device 1 includes a user interface 4 connected to the height sensor 12. The user interface 4 includes a display 41 configured to display information related to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, based on measurement signals emitted by the height sensor 12.

[0132] Therefore, in addition to transmitting information related to the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2 to, for example, the production plant of the material M for monitoring the container 2, the information can also be displayed on the display 41 to a user located near the sensor device 1 and thus near the container 2, who may be interested in knowing the height of the material M inside the container 2.

[0133] To facilitate information reading by a user located near the sensor device 1, the interface 4, and in particular the display 41, may be arranged at least partially on the housing 11 of the sensor device 1.

[0134] According to one embodiment, and more specifically as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment, the display 41 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 42 associated with a plurality of marks 43.

[0135] In particular, compared to a screen, the design of the display 41 is especially simple and consumes less power.

[0136] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments, the display may include, for example, a plurality of LEDs 42 associated with a plurality of markers 43, such that the display 41 displays information relating to the percentage of material M remaining in the housing 21 of the container 2, for example, relative to the initial amount of material M. In practice, the user of the container 2 typically does not need to know the exact amount of material M in the housing 21 of the container 2; the user typically wants to be able to roughly estimate the amount of material M in order to estimate when material M needs to be supplied again.

[0137] Advantageously, mark 43 is positioned opposite each of LEDs 42.

[0138] For example, there may be five LEDs 42 associated with the markings “0”, “25”, “50”, “75” and “100” respectively, so that the display 41 can display the height of the material M in the shell 21 of the container 2 corresponding to the percentage of material M in 25% increments.

[0139] As a possible addition, the user interface 4 may also include at least one actuation button 44 connected to the display 41, which is configured to trigger the measurement of the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2 by the height sensor 12 and the display of information related to the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2 on the display 41.

[0140] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment, the actuation button 44 may be, for example, a button that is pressed.

[0141] A second actuation button 44 may also be provided, configured to trigger another action performed by the display 41 or any other element of the sensor device 1. For example, actuation of the second actuation button 44 may trigger an operational testing phase of the display 41 or the height sensor 12, or the geolocation device 17 or any other electronic element of the sensor device 1, during which the operation of the electronic element is tested, and information relating to the operational status of the element may be displayed on the display 41. Alternatively, the operational testing phase may also be triggered by the first actuation button 44.

[0142] In particular, other markings 43 may be provided in association with one or more of the LEDs 42 described above, which do not correspond to information about the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, such that the lighting of one or more of the LEDs 42, when activated by the actuation button 44 by the user, corresponds to information about the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, and also to information of a different nature than the information about the height.

[0143] The sensor device 1 may be equipped with an electronic control mechanism, which includes, for example, processing circuitry configured to control the operation of the sensor device 1 according to the invention. The processing circuitry specifically includes a processor and a memory unit, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable control of the operation of the sensor device 1. These electronic components may be housed within the housing 11 of the sensor device 1.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the sensor device 1 further includes a data transmitter configured to transmit data from the height sensor 12 to a remote server, the data including data relating to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, created based on measurement signals emitted by the height sensor 12.

[0145] Therefore, information relating to the height measurement of material M inside the shell 21 of container 2 can be transmitted at a certain distance from container 2, particularly at a location that manages the logistics of container 2, such as the production plant of material M, to facilitate such logistics.

[0146] Sensor device 1 may also include a data receiver configured to receive data from a remote server and transmit the data to the height sensor 12.

[0147] Therefore, for example, a remote query can be sent to sensor 12 to trigger a measurement of the height of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2.

[0148] The data receiver and / or data transmitter may also be configured to transmit data to any other element of the sensor device 1 and receive data from any other element of the sensor device 1, particularly from the geolocation device 17, the temperature sensor 18, or the user interface 4, and may also update the internal management software of the sensor device 1.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the data transmitter is configured to transmit data with a remote server via a low-speed cellular network in a frequency band included between 800MHz and 1000MHz.

[0150] Transmitting data via a low-speed single-cell network enables data transmission over long distances (hundreds of kilometers) with low transmitter power consumption, and may transmit data of sufficient size to contain information related to the height of the material M in container 2.

[0151] For example, low-speed cellular networks can be The network refers to a low-speed cellular network transmitted in the 868-869MHz frequency band. Specifically, The network's extensive deployment across Europe, and its eventual global expansion, enables the monitoring of containers located over a wider geographical area. For example, another alternative is... The network is established in different countries, but has not yet provided the possibility of interoperability between countries (known as "roaming").

[0152] As an alternative or supplement, especially in order to be able to identify sensor device 1, or to enable the processor of the electronic control mechanism of sensor device 1 to transmit data to memory, sensor device 1 may be equipped with a mechanism that utilizes radio identification technology (more commonly known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology), especially dual-mode RFID technology.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the sensor device 1 further includes a temperature sensor 18, which is configured to measure the ambient temperature of the sensor device 1 and emit a measurement signal related to the ambient temperature of the sensor device 1.

[0154] In fact, according to the inventors' findings, knowing the temperature, especially the temperature inside its shell 21, may be advantageous in order to ensure monitoring of container 2. However, in order to avoid any contact between the temperature sensor and the material M inside the shell 21 of the container (which could be harmful to said material M), it has proven particularly advantageous to simply determine the ambient temperature of the sensor device 1, thereby determining the ambient temperature of container 2, the exterior of the outer shell 11, and the shell 21 of container 2, and it may also be possible to infer (derive) the temperature inside the shell 21 of container 2.

[0155] Advantageously, the temperature sensor 18 can be housed within the housing 11 to minimize the size of the sensor device 1.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the sensor device 1 further includes a magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, which is configured to emit a measurement signal relating to a magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, which is advantageously fixed to the housing 11 and, in particular, positioned at the fastening mechanism 16.

[0157] like Figure 1bis and 6bis As shown in the embodiments, the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 may advantageously include a Hall effect sensor or a magnetic switch with flexible blades, also known as a "reed" switch, which is advantageously oriented toward the bottom of the sensor device 1, particularly toward the measuring window 15.

[0158] Advantageously, as described above, the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 can be connected to the electronic control mechanism and / or data transmitter and / or data receiver.

[0159] Advantageously, this magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 can be used to measure the magnetic field emitted by an element located near the sensor device 1, in particular by a detection element 51 made at least partially of magnetic material, which is fixed to the connecting mechanism 3 as described below, or fixed to the housing 21 of the container 2, in particular the wall 22 of the housing 21, so as to be able to detect the fastening of the sensor device 1 to the housing 21, in particular the fastening by the connecting mechanism 3.

[0160] In fact, the detection element 51 is at least partially made of magnetic material, and when the detection element 51 is close to the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, the magnetic field value measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 increases significantly. In particular, a threshold value can be advantageously determined such that if the magnetic field value measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 exceeds a first threshold value, it can be concluded that the sensor device 1, particularly by means of the connecting mechanism 3, is correctly secured to the housing 21, i.e., secured in the desired position. Furthermore, to reduce the energy consumption of the sensor device 1, particularly electrical energy consumption, the sensor device 1 can be configured to switch to a standby state if the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 does not detect that the sensor device 1 is correctly secured to the housing 21 of the container 2. And, if the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 detects that the sensor device 1 is correctly secured to the housing 21 of the container 2, the sensor device 1 is activated.

[0161] According to one embodiment, such as Figure 1bis , 6bis As shown in the embodiments of 7bis, the sensor device 1 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponder 6, which includes a memory having data related to the sensor device 1.

[0162] Advantageously, the RFID transponder 6 can be configured to transmit and receive radio waves at ultra-high frequency. Generally, ultra-high frequency radio waves are contained between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

[0163] Specifically, the data relating to sensor device 1 may include data that enables sensor device 1 to be identified, such as a unique identification reference.

[0164] Therefore, as described above, this RFID transponder 6 can be designed to enable the identification of sensor device 1 by cooperating with an RFID reader configured to read the identification data of sensor device 1 stored in the memory of RFID transponder 6. For example, such a reader can be installed in a container 2 containing (filled with) unstable material M, and in a position where sensor device 1 is fastened to container 2 after the container is filled with unstable material M.

[0165] Advantageously, as described above, the RFID transponder 6 can be connected (particularly via at least one wired connection) to the electronic control mechanism and / or data transmitter and / or data receiver, so as to enable data to be read and / or written to the memory of the RFID transponder 6 via the electronic control mechanism or via the data transmitter and / or data receiver.

[0166] According to one embodiment, such as Figure 1bis and Figure 7bis As shown in the embodiments:

[0167] The transmitter 13 is configured to emit an optical detection signal S13, particularly light, especially infrared light, and preferably a laser.

[0168] - Receiver 14 is configured to receive a reflected optical detection signal S14, which is in particular light, especially infrared light, and preferably laser light.

[0169] - At least one lens E19, R19 is inserted between the transmitter 13 and the measurement window 15 and the receiver 14 and the measurement window 15, respectively.

[0170] In fact, according to the inventors' findings, although the prior art is biased in using optical detection mechanisms to measure the liquid level of a liquid surface due to the reflection and diffraction of light after it has entered the liquid medium, particularly in terms of inaccuracy and / or error risk when measuring the liquid level of a liquid surface by means of optical signals (especially light), it has been proven that by using a transmitter 13 configured to emit an optical detection signal S13 (especially an infrared optical detection signal S13, especially a laser optical detection signal S13) and a receiver 14 similarly configured to receive a reflected optical detection signal S14 (especially an infrared optical detection signal S14, especially a laser optical detection signal S14), combined with at least one lens E19, R19 respectively inserted between the transmitter 13 and the measuring window 15 and between the receiver 14 and the measuring window 15, it is possible to obtain a particularly reliable and accurate measurement signal related to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0171] Therefore, the liquid level on the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2 can be determined based on the speed of light and the time elapsed between the emission of the detection signal S13 emitted by transmitter 13 and the reception of the reflected detection signal S14 by receiver 14. The reflected detection signal S14 is formed by the detection signal S13 after being reflected by the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2.

[0172] Furthermore, at least one lens E19, R19, correspondingly inserted between the transmitter 13 and the measuring window 15 and between the receiver 14 and the measuring window 15, respectively enables the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 to be directed toward the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, and the reflected detection signal S14 to be directed toward the receiver 14 within the outer shell 11. This advantageously allows the omission of the cumbersome step of calibrating the height sensor 12 after fastening it to the container 2 to ensure proper orientation of the receiver 14 and the transmitter 13 relative to the shell 21 of the container 2, so that the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 reaches the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2 and / or the reflected detection signal S14 reaches the receiver 14.

[0173] Advantageously, the transmitter 13 and / or receiver 14 and / or at least one lens E19 inserted between the transmitter 13 and the measurement window 15 and / or at least one lens R19 inserted between the receiver 14 and the measurement window 15 can be integrated on the same electronic component, for example by... The sensor sold by the company has the part number VL53L1X.

[0174] According to one embodiment, and as in Figure 7bis As shown more specifically in the embodiment, an optical separation wall P12 separates the transmitter 13 from the receiver 14. The optical separation wall P12 is configured to prevent the optical detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 from reaching the receiver 14 without passing through the measurement window 15 and exiting the housing 11.

[0175] This advantageous arrangement of the invention advantageously allows for the elimination of measurement errors that may be caused by dirt on the measuring window 15, particularly dirt on its blocking walls as described above. In fact, if at least a portion of the measuring window 15 is dirtied, particularly at least a portion of its blocking walls, at least partially reducing its transparency, the optical detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 may be partially reflected by the dirt on the measuring window 15 and arrive directly at the receiver 14, instead of reaching the free surface SL of the material M stored in the shell 21 of the container 2, thus resulting in an erroneous measurement of the height of the material M in the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0176] Conversely, the optical separation wall P12 prevents the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 from reaching the receiver 14 without passing through the measurement window 15 and being reflected by the free surface SL of the material M in the shell 21 of the container 2, and thus prevents measurement errors that may result therefrom.

[0177] Advantageously, the transmitter 13, receiver 14, and optical separation wall P12 can be integrated into the same electronic component, for example by... The sensor sold by the company has the part number VL53L1X.

[0178] According to one embodiment:

[0179] - The transmitter 13 is configured to emit multiple emission beams R131...R13 n The detection signal S13, such as Figure 12A As shown in the embodiment, these plurality of emitted rays advantageously have a common origin OR13 at emitter 13, with at least two emitted rays R131...R13 n Each has a different orientation relative to the emitter 13, and in particular, all the rays R131...R13 n Essentially, a cone with an origin O13 is formed, and the reflection detection signal S14 received by receiver 14 includes a plurality of reflection detection rays R141...R14 n Advantageously, at least two of the reflected detection rays R141...R14 n Each has a different orientation relative to the receiver 14, such as Figure 12C As shown in the embodiment, the emitted light rays R131...R13 of the detection signal S13 emitted by each free transmitter 13 n Formed after at least one reflection onto the walls 22, 24 of the shell 21 of container 2 and / or onto the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2, such as Figure 12B As shown in the embodiments,

[0180] - Receiver 14 includes multiple receiver units P141...P14 n Multiple receiver units are evenly distributed on a generally flat surface F14 oriented toward the measurement window 15, and are configured to receive only a single reflected detection ray R141...R14 of the reflected detection signal S14. n Receiver 14 is configured to function as possibly different receiving units P141...P14 n Transmit as many measurement signals as possible M141...M14 n The measurement signals are each used as receiver units P141...P14 n The only reflected detection ray received at the location is R141...R14 n The function is determined by, such as Figure 11 and 12C As shown in the embodiments,

[0181] The measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12, relating to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, is transmitted from different receiver units P141...P14 n The determined different measurement signals M141...M14 transmitted by receiver 14 n It is determined by a function.

[0182] For example, each receiver unit P141...P14 n It can be a single-photon avalanche diode (also known as the acronym SPAD).

[0183] Uniform distribution should be understood as different receiver units P141...P14 n Regular geometric shapes are formed on the flat surface F14, such as... Figure 11 The embodiments shown are rectangular or circular, and two consecutive receiver units P141...P14 n They are the same distance apart.

[0184] Advantageously, the transmitter 13 and the receiver 14 can be integrated into the same electronic component, particularly by means of... The sensor sold by the company has the part number VL53L1X.

[0185] This advantageous arrangement of the invention allows the omission of the cumbersome step of calibrating the height sensor 12 after it has been secured to the container 2 to ensure proper orientation of the receiver 14 and the transmitter 13 relative to the housing 21 of the container 2, so that the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 reaches the free surface SL of the material M within the housing 21 of the container 2 and / or the reflected detection signal S14 reaches the receiver 14.

[0186] In fact, according to the inventors' findings, particularly when the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2 is low, for example, less than 50 cm, the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 can at least partially reach the wall 24 of the shell 21, especially the transverse wall 24, and can be reflected by the wall 24 before reaching the free surface SL of the material M, thereby forming at least partially the reflected detection signal S14 received by the receiver 14. This increases the time elapsed between the emission of at least a portion of the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 and the reception of at least a portion of the reflected detection signal S14 received by the receiver 14, and thus causes the measurement of the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2 to be distorted (inaccurate).

[0187] Conversely, according to the inventors' discovery, by utilizing the transmitter 13 and receiver 14 of this embodiment of the invention, multiple emitted rays R131...R13 of the emitted signal S13 are transmitted. n In particular, among the emitted rays that have different orientations relative to the emitter 13, there may be a first number Q1 that are reflected only by the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, and each can form its own rays that reach the detection unit P141...P14 n The reflected detection rays R141...R14 in the detection signal S14 n .

[0188] In the multiple emitted rays R13 of the emitted signal S13, 1...R13 n In particular, among the emitted rays that have different orientations relative to the emitter 13, there may also be a second quantity Q2, which may be strictly smaller than the first quantity Q1. The second quantity Q2 is reflected by the wall 24 of the housing 21 before or after being reflected by the free surface SL of the material M inside the housing 21 of the container 2, and each forms rays that reach the detection units P141...P14 n The reflected detection light rays R141...R14 of the detection signal S14 n .

[0189] In the multiple emitted rays R131...R13 of the emitted signal S13 n In particular, among the emitted rays that have different orientations relative to the transmitter 13, there may also be reflected detection rays R141...R14 that do not form the detection signal S14. n The third quantity Q3, because they do not reach the detection unit P141...P14 n .

[0190] Subsequently, from the first quantity Q1, the detection units P141...P14 n Determined measurement signal M141...M14 n It is the first number Q1 of emitted light rays R131...R13 received from the transmitted signal S13. n The reflected detection rays R141...R14 of the detection signal S14 are derived. n The functions can be substantially the same, since they correspond to substantially the same travel time of light between transmitter 13 and receiver 14.

[0191] Conversely, the remaining detection units P141...P14 n Or the detection beam R141...R14 cannot be detected by the reflection of the detection signal S14. nThe reached, or for the second quantity Q2, detection units P141...P14 n In contrast, the second number of emitted rays R131...R13 of the emitted signal S13 is Q2. n The detection signal S14 is reflected by the detection ray R141...R14 n Arrived from these detection units P141...P14 n Determined measurement signal M141...M14 n With the detection units P141...P14 from the first quantity Q1 n Determined measurement signal M141...M14 n These are fundamentally different, and in particular correspond to anomalies in the height of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2, such as values ​​exceeding the maximum height of the shell 21 substantially vertically.

[0192] Therefore, for example, only the detection units P141...P14 of the first quantity Q1 can be used. n Determined measurement signal M141...M14 n Including the measurement signal M141...M14 emitted by the height sensor 12 related to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, other measurement signals M141...M14 n .

[0193] In particular, according to one embodiment, the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12, which relates to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2, is determined in the following manner:

[0194] / a / Consider the receiver units P141...P14 from the first quantity Q1. n The measured signal M141...M14 is determined by the first quantity Q1 transmitted by the receiver 14. n Such that the measurement signal M141...M14 of the first quantity Q1 n Each of these corresponds to the formation of the reflected detection ray R141...R14 n Previously, the emitted light rays R131...R13 were only reflected by the free surface SL of the material M in the shell 21 of container 2. n The travel time, the first quantity Q1, the measurement signal M141...M14 n Each of them is substantially the same in its own way;

[0195] / b / Consider the receiver units P141...P14 from the second quantity Q2. n The determined measurement signal M141...M14 of the second quantity Q2 transmitted by receiver 14 nThis makes the measurement signal M141...M14 of the second quantity Q2... n Each of these corresponds to the formation of the reflected detection rays R141...R14 before and / or after reflection by the wall 24 of the housing 21. n Previously, the emitted light rays R131...R13 were reflected by at least one wall 24 of the shell 21 (particularly the transverse wall 24) and by the free surface SL of the material M in the shell 21 of the container 2. n The travel time, and it is strictly longer than the measurement signal M141...M14 of the first quantity Q1. n The corresponding travel time, the second quantity Q2, the measurement signal M141...M14 n Each of the measurement signals M141...M14 is advantageously different from the first quantity Q1. n And each of them can specifically correspond to the formation of the reflected detection rays R141...R14 n Previously, the emitted light rays R131...R13 were only reflected by the free surface SL of the material M in the shell 21 of container 2. n Possible outliers in travel time;

[0196] / c / Identify measurement signals M141...M14 n The measurement signal M141...M14 of the second quantity Q2 in the middle. n Considering only the measurement signals M141...M14 n The measurement signal M141...M14 of the first quantity Q1 in the middle. n For example, by measuring the signal M141...M14 of the first quantity Q1. n An averaging calculation is performed to determine the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12.

[0197] Therefore, the sensor device 12 can autonomously, automatically, and without requiring cumbersome calibration steps, determine the measurement signals M141...M14 related to the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12 that relates to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2. n And discard those signals that would cause a certain distortion (inaccuracy) in the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12.

[0198] In practice, the sensor device 1 is fastened to the housing 21 of the container 2 in a non-constant position via the connecting mechanism 3, particularly by rotating along the axis of the fastening mechanism 16 thread T16 or tap 31. The receiving unit P141...P14 of the receiver 14... nThe container 2 does not have a fixed position relative to the shell 21 (particularly relative to the transverse wall 24). Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to autonomously and automatically determine which receiving units receive the reflected detection rays R141...R14 related to the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor 12 concerning the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2. n That is, the emitted light rays R131...R13 reflected only from the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2. n The received reflected detection rays; and which receiving units receive reflected detection rays R141...R14 that are irrelevant to determining the measurement signal emitted by height sensor 12 related to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2. n That is, the emitted light rays R131...R13 reflected from the wall 24 (especially the transverse wall 24 of the shell 21 of container 2) and then reflected by the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2. n The reflected detection rays obtained.

[0199] The present invention also relates to a complete set of equipment, comprising:

[0200] -The sensor device 1 according to one of the foregoing embodiments

[0201] - Connecting mechanism 3, which can be fixed to the wall 22 of the shell 21 of container 2.

[0202] According to the present invention, the connecting mechanism 3 has a through hole 32 for being opposite to and aligned with an opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0203] According to the invention, the sensor device 1 is configured to be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism 3 by means of its fastening mechanism 16, while the measuring window 15 of its housing 11 is opposite to and aligned with the through hole 32 of the connecting mechanism 3 and the opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, the through hole 32 being configured to allow the detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 to pass through and to allow the reflected detection signal S14 intended to be received by the receiver 14 to pass through.

[0204] All the arrangements and advantages described above in relation to sensor device 1 and connecting mechanism 3 apply to the complete equipment according to the present invention.

[0205] According to one embodiment:

[0206] The fastening mechanism 16 of the sensor device 1 includes a thread T16 surrounding the measuring window 15 of the housing 11 of the sensor device 1, and

[0207] - The connecting mechanism 3 includes a tap 31 surrounding the through hole 32, the tap 31 being configured to surround an opening formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, the tap 31 being configured to engage with the thread T16 of the fastening mechanism 16 to ensure that the sensor device 1 is removably fastened to the connecting mechanism 3 by tightening / loosening.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the connecting mechanism 3 may be fastened to the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container 2 in a non-removable manner, or may be formed as a single piece and integrally formed with at least part of the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container 2, particularly when the connecting mechanism 3 is made of the same material as the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container 2, for example, when it is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0209] According to another embodiment, the connecting mechanism 3 can be removably fastened to the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container 2, especially to facilitate maintenance operations that require disassembling the connecting mechanism 3 or the container 2, which require removing the connecting mechanism 3 from the wall 22 of the shell 21 of the container.

[0210] In particular, and as Figures 5 to 7 As shown more specifically in the embodiments, the connecting mechanism 3 may include a first stop wall 33 and a second stop wall 34, the second stop wall 34 being positioned opposite to and substantially parallel to the first stop wall 33 and being translatable relative to the first stop wall 33, the first stop wall 33 and the second stop wall 34 being configured to grip the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2 in order to ensure that the connecting mechanism 3 is fastened to the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0211] Advantageously, in order to ensure a seal between the connecting mechanism 3 and the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, a sealing mechanism (not shown), such as an O-ring gasket, may be inserted between the first stop wall 33 and the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2 and / or between the second stop wall 34 and the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0212] The first stop wall 33 and / or the second stop wall 34 can be translated relative to the connecting mechanism 3 by tightening / loosening to ensure the translational movement of the second stop wall 34 relative to the first stop wall 33. This also ensures that the position of the second stop wall 34 relative to the first stop wall 33 is locked. Therefore, the connecting mechanism is fastened to the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, just like a cable connector.

[0213] As an alternative or supplement, a mechanism may be provided for locking the position of the second stop wall 34 relative to the first stop wall 33.

[0214] According to one embodiment:

[0215] - Sensor device 1 includes a magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, which, as described above, is configured to emit a measurement signal related to the magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, and

[0216] - The connection mechanism 3 includes a detection element 51 made at least partially of a magnetic material, the detection element 51 being configured to emit a magnetic field that can be measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 of the sensor device 1 when the sensor device 1 is fastened to the connection mechanism 3.

[0217] Therefore, due to this advantageous arrangement of the invention, and as described above, since the detection element 51 is at least partially made of magnetic material, the magnetic field value measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 increases significantly when the detection element 51 is brought close. Thus, the magnetic field value measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 exceeding, for example, a fixed threshold value allows for automatic confirmation of proper fastening of the sensor device 1 to the connecting mechanism 3, i.e., being in the desired position. This advantageously automatically confirms proper fastening of the sensor device 1 to the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, or, as described above, activates or deactivates the standby (state) of the sensor device 1.

[0218] According to one embodiment:

[0219] - The magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 is located near the thread T16 of the fastening mechanism 16.

[0220] - The detection element 51 is located near the tap 31 surrounding the through hole 32.

[0221] As described above, the thread T16 of the fastening mechanism 16 and the tap 31 surrounding the through hole 32 are directly engaged to ensure that the sensor device 1 is fastened to the connecting mechanism 3 in the desired position, and thus advantageously to the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2. Therefore, this positioning of the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 and the detection element 51 enables a reliable mechanism for automatically ensuring the proper fastening of the sensor device 1 to the connecting mechanism 3.

[0222] Furthermore, since the thread T16 of the fastening mechanism 16 and the tap 31 around the through hole 32 abut against each other when the sensor device 1 is properly fastened to the connecting mechanism 3, the size of the detection element 51 and the size of the advantageous geomagnetic field measuring mechanism 5 can be greatly reduced, while still allowing the detection of the magnetic field value measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, which characterizes the sufficient fastening of the sensor device 1 to the connecting mechanism 3, especially the magnetic field value exceeding the fixed threshold value.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the detection element 51 is made entirely of magnetic material and has a generally annular shape, and is positioned around the through hole 32 of the connecting mechanism 3.

[0224] like Figure 6bis As shown in the embodiments, this advantageous arrangement of the invention enables the size of the detection element 51 at the connecting mechanism 3 to be minimized and does not block the through hole 32, thereby not interfering with the passage of the transmission signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 of the height sensor 12 or the detection signal S14 emitted by the receiver 14 of the height sensor 12, and thus does not hinder the operation of the height sensor 12 of the sensor device 1.

[0225] Advantageously, the detection element 51 can be housed in an outer casing having a shape substantially the same as that of the detection element 51, and therefore (in particular) having a substantially annular opening in the upper part of the connecting mechanism 3 above the through hole 32 and the tap 31 to facilitate its installation. The axis of rotation of the outer casing, and therefore the axis of rotation of the detection element 51, can be substantially aligned with (coordinated with) the axis of rotation of the through hole 32 and the axis of rotation of the tap 31. The outer casing, and therefore the detection element 51, can be positioned radially between the tap 31 and the through hole 32.

[0226] It has been found that the annular shape of the detection element 51 and the fact that it is made entirely of magnetic material are particularly advantageous, because once the sensor device 1 is secured to the connecting mechanism 3 by screwing the thread T16 onto the tap 31, the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 is necessarily positioned opposite the magnetic material portion of the detection element 51, and thus it is able to emit a magnetic field, the value of which, as measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5, is a characteristic of the sensor device 1 being sufficiently secured to the connecting mechanism 3 and therefore advantageously secured to the wall 22 of the housing 21 of the container 2, and for example by exceeding a fixed threshold value.

[0227] Advantageously, the detection element 51 can be made entirely of a magnetic metallic material, and preferably of neodymium. Indeed, neodymium has the advantage of emitting a sufficiently strong magnetic field, so that even a reduced-size detection element 51 can be measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5 when it is close to the magnetic field measuring mechanism 5. This allows for the automatic determination of sufficient tightness between the sensor device 1 and the connecting mechanism 3 without any risk of error, because when the detection element 51 is made of neodymium, the measured magnetic field value is much higher than that that could be measured due to the presence of other elements made of magnetic materials, especially metals, in the vicinity.

[0228] The present invention also relates to a system comprising:

[0229] -The complete set of equipment according to one of the foregoing embodiments

[0230] - A container 2 including a sealed housing 21, the housing 21 including a wall 22, the housing 21 being capable of containing material M therein, and an opening 23 formed in the wall 22 of the housing 21, the opening 23 being configured to connect the interior and exterior of the housing 21.

[0231] According to the present invention, the connecting mechanism 3 is fixed to the wall 22 of the housing 21, and its through hole 32 is opposite to and aligned with the opening 23 of the container 2.

[0232] According to the present invention, the sensor device 1 is removably fastened to the connecting mechanism 3, and its measuring window 15 is aligned with the through hole 32 of the connecting mechanism 3 and the opening 23 of the container 2, so that the transmitter 13 of the height sensor 12 can transmit a detection signal S13 into the interior of the shell 21 of the container 2, and the receiver 14 of the height sensor 12 can receive the reflected detection signal S14 after reflection from the free surface SL of the material M inside the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0233] All the arrangements described above relating to sensor device 1, connection mechanism 3, and container 2 are applicable to the system according to the present invention.

[0234] Specifically, the container 2 of the complete set of equipment can be a container with a capacity of more than 300 liters for its shell 21.

[0235] A verification mechanism (not shown) may be provided, which connects the sensor device 1 to the connection mechanism 3 or to the container 2, and is configured to ensure that the sensor device 1 has not been detached (unattached) from the connection mechanism 3 or the container 2, respectively. In particular, the verification mechanism may include a seal that will remain intact if the sensor device 1 has not been detached from the connection mechanism 3 or the container 2, respectively.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the opening 23 is formed in the upper wall 22S of the housing 21, and the sensor device 1 is fastened to the upper wall 22S of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0237] The location of the opening 23 and the sensor device 1 has proven particularly advantageous because, in general, the upper wall 22S of the housing 21 of the container 2 is unobstructed and easily accessible, unlike the lower wall 22I, which is intended to be placed on the ground, or a transverse wall that may be near the ground (not unobstructed or difficult to access). Therefore, the sensor device 1 is easily accessible, and its installation on the container 2 is simple and quick.

[0238] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown more specifically in the embodiment, the free surface SL of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2 is typically located at the upper part of the shell 21, opposite to the upper wall 22S of the shell 21. Therefore, the height sensor 12 of the sensor device 1 is located closest to the free surface SL of the material M, which facilitates the measurement of the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2. The detection signal S13 emitted by the transmitter 13 of the height sensor 12 is reflected on this free surface SL and at least partially forms the reflected detection signal S14 received by the receiver 14.

[0239] Furthermore, when the sensor device 1 includes a data transmitter, this arrangement of the sensor device 1 facilitates the transmission of data via the data transmitter, because the waves emitted by the data transmitter are unlikely to encounter obstacles that interfere with their propagation.

[0240] When the sensor device 1 includes a data receiver, this arrangement of the sensor device 1 also facilitates the reception of data via the data receiver, because the waves received by the data receiver are unlikely to encounter obstacles that interfere with their progress.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the shell 21 of container 2 contains an unstable material M, which has properties that change over time.

[0242] In particular, this unstable material M can be yeast or a fermenting agent, especially liquid yeast or a liquid fermenting agent, whose properties change over time due to the biological organism it contains.

[0243] In fact, for unstable materials M with time-varying characteristics, it is particularly advantageous to be able to monitor their time-varying characteristic values, especially their volume (corresponding to the height of the material M within the shell 21 of container 2) or their temperature (determined using ambient temperature sensor 18). Therefore, the system according to the invention is particularly suitable for the storage of unstable materials M (especially yeast or fermentation agents, especially liquids) in a more easily manageable logistics manner.

[0244] According to one embodiment:

[0245] - Sensor device 1 includes an RFID transponder 6, which, as described above, includes a storage memory containing data related to sensor device 1.

[0246] - An RFID transponder 7 is fixedly mounted on the housing 21 of the container 2. The RFID transponder 7 includes a storage memory with data related to the container 2.

[0247] All the previously described arrangements relating to the RFID transponder 6 of sensor device 1 can be applied to this embodiment of the complete set of equipment.

[0248] Similar to the RFID transponder 6 of sensor device 1, the RFID transponder 7 can be advantageously configured to transmit and receive radio waves at ultra-high frequency.

[0249] As described above, the data related to the sensor device 1 stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 6 may include, in particular, data that enables the identification of the sensor device 1, such as a unique identification reference.

[0250] Similarly, the data related to the sensor device 1 stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 7 may include, in particular, data that enables the identification of the container 2, such as a unique identification reference, or data that includes information related to the dimensions, especially the volume, of the shell 21 of the container 2.

[0251] Therefore, as described above, the RFID transponder 6 of the sensor device 1 can be used to enable the identification of the sensor device 1, and the RFID transponder 7 of the container 2 can be used to enable the identification of the container 2. They each cooperate with an RFID reader, which is configured to read data stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 6 that enables the identification of the sensor device 1 and / or read data stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 7 that enables the identification of the container 2.

[0252] Advantageously, when the sensor device 1 is secured to the container 2, the same reader may be able to simultaneously read data stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 6 of the sensor device 1 and data stored in the memory of the RFID transponder 7 of the container 2. For example, such a reader may be installed at a location on the container 2 filled with an unstable material M, and the sensor device 1 may be secured to the container 2 at that location after the unstable material M has been filled.

[0253] Advantageously, as described above, the RFID transponder 6 of the sensor device 1 can be (particularly via at least one wired connection) connected to the electronic control mechanism and / or data transmitter and / or data receiver, so as to enable data to be read and / or written to the memory of the RFID transponder 6 via the electronic control mechanism and / or via the data transmitter and / or data receiver.

[0254] This advantageous arrangement facilitates the configuration of the sensor device 1 to optimally perform its function of determining the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2. In practice, in order to estimate the volume of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2 based on the measurement of the height of the material M within the shell 21 of the container 2 determined by the height sensor 12, the dimensions of the shell 21 of the container 2 are required. However, there are various types of containers 2 used for transporting unstable materials M; therefore, once the sensor device 1 is secured to a new container 2, this information should be transmitted to the electronic control mechanism and / or the data transmitter and / or data receiver of the sensor device 1. This transmission is preferably automatic rather than manual, as manual methods have many disadvantages.

[0255] Therefore, after the reader has read the data related to the size of container 2 and the data that enables the identification of the size of container 7 stored in the memory of RFID transponder 7 of container 2, the reader can also transmit them to RFID transponder 6 of sensor device 1. RFID transponder 6 stores them in its memory before transmitting them to electronic control mechanism and / or data transmitter and / or data receiver, so that information related to the size of container 2 to which sensor device 1 is fastened can be taken into account, and the calibration of sensor device 1 can be automatically performed via electronic control mechanism.

[0256] like Figure 8 As shown in the embodiments, the present invention also relates to a method 100 for cleaning the housing 21 of a container 2 of a system according to one of the foregoing embodiments, the method 100 comprising:

[0257] Step 101: Separate the sensor device 1 from the connecting mechanism 3 (detach it from the attachment);

[0258] Step 102: Remove the sensor device 1;

[0259] Step 103: Clean the housing 21 at a temperature above 60°C.

[0260] The cleaning step 103 of housing 21 can be carried out under high pressure, i.e. by spraying cleaning fluid at a pressure of more than 50 bar.

[0261] The cleaning step 103 of the housing 21 may include cleaning the inside and / or outside of the housing 21 of the container 2.

[0262] Using the system according to the invention, this method for cleaning the shell 21 of the container 2 is particularly simple and quick to implement because the sensor device 1 can be quickly and easily separated from the connecting mechanism 3 and then from the shell 21 of the container 2 for cleaning.

[0263] If the connecting mechanism 3 is provided to be detachable from the housing 21 relative to the container 2, the connecting mechanism 3 can also be separated from the housing 21 before cleaning the housing 21 during the cleaning method 100.

[0264] The cleaning method described in this invention also avoids any risk of degradation of the sensor device 1 (especially its electronic components or its connecting mechanism 3) during cleaning, a risk caused by harsh conditions during cleaning, particularly high temperatures (especially above 50°C), high pressures (especially above 50 bar), or high pH values ​​(especially above 10). Furthermore, it is consistent with the method described in part in patent application WO 2018 / 219683 A1. The company's sensor devices are different. The company's sensor devices cannot be removed from the container housing (at least not in the quickest and easiest way) before the container is cleaned.

[0265] The housing 21 can be cleaned using a cleaning liquid (such as high-pressure water) at temperatures above 60°C.

[0266] Depending on the specific case, the cleaning temperature may be higher than 70°C.

[0267] After the housing 21 of container 2 is cleaned, and possibly after being filled with material M, the sensor device 1 and the possible connecting mechanism 3 can be fastened to the housing 21 of container 2 again.

[0268] like Figure 9 As shown in the embodiments, the present invention also relates to a method 200 for remotely monitoring information related to a container 2 using a sensor device 1 according to one of the foregoing embodiments, the container 2 including a sealed housing 21 capable of containing an unstable material M having properties that change over time, the method comprising:

[0269] Step 201: Measure the height of material M inside the shell 21 of container 2;

[0270] Step 202: Generate data representing the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2;

[0271] Step 203: Transmit the data representing the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2.

[0272] This method 200 for remotely monitoring information related to container 2 is particularly easy to implement using the sensor device 1 according to the invention. This also facilitates remote logistics management of container 2, or remote logistics management of queues of multiple containers 2 distributed across a wide geographical area.

[0273] In fact, by remotely monitoring the height of the material M inside the shell 21 of container 2, the time point when the empty container 2 needs to be returned and possibly replaced by another container 2 filled with the material M can be predicted.

[0274] According to a specific embodiment, the method 200 according to the present invention is used to monitor a container 2 containing yeast or a starter culture (particularly liquid yeast or a liquid starter culture).

[0275] When the sensor device 1 includes a geolocation device 17, the method 200 may further include:

[0276] Determine the geographical location of container 2;

[0277] Generate data representing the geographical location of container 2;

[0278] Transmit the data representing the geographical location of container 2.

[0279] Furthermore, if the sensor device 1 also includes a temperature sensor 18, the method 200 may further include:

[0280] Determine the ambient temperature of container 2;

[0281] Generate data representing the ambient temperature of container 2;

[0282] This data, representing the ambient temperature of container 2, is transmitted.

[0283] The present invention also relates to a processing circuit 300 configured to perform the method 200 according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0284] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown in the embodiment, the processing circuit 300 can be:

[0285] - A processor 301 capable of interpreting instructions in a computer language; the processor 301 may include or be associated with a memory unit 302 for storing instructions; or

[0286] -A combination of processor 301 and memory unit 302, wherein processor 301 is adapted to interpret instructions in a computer language, and memory unit 302 includes the instructions; or

[0287] - Programmable electronic chips, such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chips.

[0288] For example, processor 301 can be a computer processor 301, especially a microprocessor.

[0289] The present invention also relates to a memory unit 302 that can be read by a processor 301, the memory unit 302 including instructions 303 that, when executed by the processor 301, cause the processor 301 to perform a method according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0290] Embodiments of memory units 302 that can be read by processor 301 include, but are not limited to, computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. "Computer storage media" should be understood as any physical medium that can be accessed by a computer. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage components, disk drives or flash memory components or any other flash memory devices (e.g., USB drives, memory drives, memory sticks, disk drives), CD-ROMs or other optical data storage devices, DVDs, disk data storage devices or other magnetic data storage devices, data storage components, RAM, ROM, EEPROM memory, memory cards ("smart cards"), SSD ("solid-state drives") type memory, and any other form of medium that can be used to transfer, store, or memorize data or data structures that can be read by processor 301.

[0291] Furthermore, various types of memory units 302 that can be read by processor 301 can transmit or deliver instructions to processor 301, such as routers, gateways, servers, or any data transmission device, whether including wired transmission (via coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, telephone line, DSL cable, or Ethernet cable), wireless transmission (via infrared, radio, cellular, microwave), or virtualized transmission devices (virtual routers, virtual gateways, virtual tunnels, virtual firewalls).

[0292] The processing circuit 300 (in particular the memory 302 and / or the processor 301) can be configured to communicate with an organization utilizing RFID technology (in particular dual-mode RFID technology), and in particular to enable data to be transmitted to the processing circuit 300 or the memory 302 in conjunction with the processor 301.

[0293] Depending on the implementation, instruction 303 may include code in any computer programming language or computer program unit, such as, but not limited to, assembly language, C, C++, Visual Basic, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), SQL, MySQL, Java, JavaScript, JavaScript Object Markup (JSON), Python, and bash scripts.

[0294] Of course, those skilled in the art can conceive of other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0295] List of reference numerals

[0296] 1. Sensor device

[0297] 11. Outer shell

[0298] 11I lower part

[0299] 11S Upper

[0300] 12 Height Sensors

[0301] P12 Optical Separation Wall

[0302] 13 transmitters

[0303] S13 Detection Signal

[0304] R131…R13 n Emitting light

[0305] O13 origin

[0306] 14 Receivers

[0307] F14 Flat surface

[0308] S14 Reflection Detection Signal

[0309] R141…R14 n Reflection detection light

[0310] P141…P14 n Detection unit

[0311] M141…M14 n Measurement signal

[0312] Q1 First Quantity

[0313] Q2 Second Quantity

[0314] 15 Measurement Window

[0315] 16 Fastening mechanism

[0316] T16 thread

[0317] 17. Geographic positioning device

[0318] 18 Temperature Sensor

[0319] E19 and R19 lenses

[0320] 2 containers

[0321] 21. Shell

[0322] 22 wall

[0323] 22I lower wall

[0324] 22S Upper Wall

[0325] 23 Opening

[0326] 24. Transverse wall

[0327] 3. Connecting Mechanism

[0328] 31 Tapping

[0329] 32 through holes

[0330] 33 First stop wall

[0331] 34 Second stop wall

[0332] 4. User Interface

[0333] 41 Monitors

[0334] 42 Light Emitting Diode

[0335] 43 Mark

[0336] 44 Actuation button

[0337] 5. Magnetic field measurement mechanism

[0338] 51 Detection Element

[0339] 6, 7 RFID transponders

[0340] SL Free Surface

[0341] M material

[0342] H height

[0343] 300 processing circuit

[0344] 301 processor

[0345] 302 Memory Unit

Claims

1. A sensor device (1) for measuring the height of material (M) in a container (2), the container (2) comprising a sealed housing (21) configured to contain material (M) defining a free surface (SL) within the housing (21); The sensor device (1) includes: - Outer shell (11); - At least one non-contact height sensor (12) includes a transmitter (13) configured to transmit a detection signal (S13) and a receiver (14) configured to receive a reflected detection signal (S14), the reflected detection signal (S14) including the reflected detection signal (S13), the height sensor (12) being housed inside the housing (11). The outer casing (11) includes a measurement window (15) that allows a detection signal (S13) emitted by the transmitter (13) to pass from the inside of the outer casing (11) to the inside of the shell (21) of the container (2), and allows the reflected detection signal (S14) to pass through the inside of the shell (21) of the container (2) to the receiver (14) inside the outer casing (11) after being reflected by a free surface (SL) of the material (M) located relative to the inside of the shell (21) of the container (2). The sensor device (1) further includes a fastening mechanism (16) fixed to the housing (11), the fastening mechanism (16) being configured such that the sensor device (1) can be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism (3) outside the housing (21) of the container (2), the connecting mechanism (3) being fixed to the wall (22) of the housing (21) of the container (2), and the measuring window (15) of the housing (11) being positioned opposite to a corresponding opening (23) formed in the wall (22) of the housing (21) of the container (2); The height sensor (12) is configured to emit a measurement signal relating to the height of the material (M) inside the shell (21) of the container (2) as a function of the reflection detection signal (S14) received by the receiver (14); in: - The transmitter (13) is configured to emit multiple emission beams (R131...R13) n The detection signal (S13) of the plurality of emitted rays having a common origin (O13) at the emitter (13), and at least two emitted rays (R131...R13) n Each of the emitted rays (R131...R13) has a different orientation relative to the emitter (13) so that all the emitted rays (R131...R13) have different orientations. n Essentially forming a cone with an origin (O13), such that the reflection detection signal (S14) received by the receiver (14) comprises a plurality of reflection detection rays (R141...R14). n Each of the plurality of reflection detection rays is a detection signal (S13) emitted by the transmitter (13) via a ray (R131...R13 ... n It is formed by at least one reflection from the walls (22, 24) of the shell (21) of the container (2) and / or from the free surface (SL) of the material (M) inside the shell (21) of the container (2); - The receiver (14) includes multiple receiver units (P141...P14) n The plurality of receiver units are evenly distributed on a substantially flat surface (F14) facing the measurement window (15) and are configured to receive only a single reflection detection ray (R141...R14) of the reflection detection signal (S14). n The receiver (14) is configured to compare multiple receiving units (P141...P14) n Transmit measurement signals (M141...M14) that can distinguish at least this many numbers. n Each of the measurement signals is determined according to the respective receiver unit (P141...P14). n The only reflected detection ray (R141...R14) received at point ) n )Sure; - The measurement signal emitted by the height sensor (12) relating to the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2) is transmitted as a signal from different receiver units (P141...P14). n The different measurement signals (M141...M14) determined by the receiver (14) and transmitted by the receiver (14) n It is determined by a function of ). Furthermore, the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor (12) relating to the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2) is determined in the following manner: / a / Consider the receiver units (P141...P14) of the first quantity (Q1). n The first quantity (Q1) of measurement signals (M141...M14) determined by the receiver (14) and transmitted by the receiver (14) n ), such that the first quantity (Q1) of the measurement signal (M141...M14) n Each of the ) corresponds to the formation of the reflection detection ray (R141...R14) n Previously, the emitted light rays (R131...R13) were only reflected by the free surface (SL) of the material (M) in the shell (21) of the container (2). n The travel time of the first quantity (Q1), and the measurement signal (M141...M14) of the first quantity (Q1). n Each of them is basically the same; / b / Consider the receiver units (P141...P14) from the second quantity (Q2). n The second quantity (Q2) of measurement signals (M141...M14) determined by the receiver (14) and transmitted by the receiver (14) n ), so that the measurement signal (M141...M14) of the second quantity (Q2) n Each of the following corresponds to the formation of the reflected detection light (R141...R14) before and / or after being reflected by the wall (24) of the housing (21). n The emitted light rays (R131...R13) previously reflected by at least one transverse wall (24) of the shell (21) and by the free surface (SL) of the material (M) in the shell (21) of the container (2). n The travel time of the signal is required to be longer than that of the first quantity (Q1) of measurement signals (M141...M14). n The corresponding travel time, the measurement signal (M141...M14) of the second quantity (Q2) n Each measurement signal (M141...M14) that differs from the first quantity (Q1) in the measurement signal is a different quantity from the first quantity (Q1). n ); / c / Identify the measurement signal (M141...M14) of the second quantity (Q2). n The measurement signals (M141...M14) in the measurement signals n ), and only the measurement signals (M141...M14) of the first quantity (Q1) are considered. n The measurement signals (M141...M14) in the measurement signals n ), so as to measure the signal (M141...M14) of the first quantity (Q1). n The average calculation is performed to determine the measurement signal emitted by the height sensor (12).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening mechanism (16) includes a thread (T16) around the measuring window (15), the thread (T16) being configured to engage with a tap (31) of the connecting mechanism (3) by tightening / loosening, the tap (31) being configured to surround an opening (23) of the container (2).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 further includes a geolocation device (17) configured to transmit a signal that allows the determination of the geographical location of the sensor apparatus (1).

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a user interface (4) connected to the height sensor (12), the user interface (4) comprising a display (41) configured to display information relating to the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2) based on a measurement signal emitted by the height sensor (12).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The display (41) includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (42) associated with a plurality of markers (43), and the user interface (4) includes at least one actuation button (44) connected to the display (41), the actuation button (44) being configured to trigger a measurement of the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2) by the height sensor (12) and the display of information related to the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2).

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 further includes a data transmitter configured to send data from the height sensor (12) to a remote server.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The data transmitter is configured to transmit data from the height sensor (12) to the remote server via a low-speed cellular network in a frequency band between 800 MHz and 1000 MHz. The data includes data relating to the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2) based on measurement signals emitted by the height sensor (12).

8. The device (1) according to claim 1 further includes a temperature sensor (18) configured to measure the temperature around the device (1).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 further includes a magnetic field measuring mechanism (5), the magnetic field measuring mechanism (5) being configured to emit a measurement signal relating to a magnetic field near the magnetic field measuring mechanism (5).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The magnetic field measuring mechanism (5) is fixed to the outer shell (11).

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The magnetic field measuring mechanism (5) is positioned at the fastening mechanism (16).

12. The device (1) according to claim 1 further includes an RFID transponder (6), the RFID transponder (6) including a memory having data relating to the sensor device (1).

13. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: - The transmitter (13) is configured to emit an optical detection signal (S13), and at least one lens (E19) is inserted between the transmitter (13) and the measurement window (15). - The receiver (14) is configured to receive a reflection detection signal (S14), and at least one lens (R19) is inserted between the receiver (14) and the measurement window (15).

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, An optical separation wall (P12) separates the transmitter (13) from the receiver (14). The optical separation wall (P12) is configured to prevent the optical detection signal (S13) emitted by the receiver (14) from reaching the receiver (14) in a manner that does not pass through the measurement window (15) and exits from the housing (11).

15. A complete set of equipment, comprising: - The sensor device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; - A connecting mechanism (3) adapted to be fixed to the wall (22) of the shell (21) of the container (2); The connecting mechanism (3) has a through hole (32) which is intended to be positioned opposite to and aligned with an opening (23) formed in the wall (22) of the shell (21) of the container (2); Furthermore, the sensor device (1) is configured to be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism (3) by its fastening mechanism (16), and the measuring window (15) of its housing (11) is opposite to and aligned with the through hole (32) of the connecting mechanism (3) and the opening (23) formed in the wall (22) of the housing (21) of the container (2), the through hole (32) being configured to be able to be passed through by the detection signal (S13) emitted by the transmitter (13) and by the reflected detection signal (S14) intended to be received by the receiver (14).

16. The complete set of equipment according to claim 15, wherein: - The fastening mechanism (16) of the sensor device (1) includes a thread (T16) surrounding the measuring window (15) of the housing (11) of the sensor device (1); and - The connecting mechanism (3) includes a tap (31) around the through hole (32), the tap (31) being configured to surround an opening (23) in the wall (22) of the housing (21) of the container (2), the tap (31) being configured to engage with the thread (T16) of the fastening mechanism (16) to ensure that the sensor device (1) can be removably fastened to the connecting mechanism (3) by tightening / loosening.

17. The complete set of equipment according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The connection mechanism (3) includes a detection element (51) made at least partially of a magnetic material, the detection element (51) being configured to emit a magnetic field that can be measured by the magnetic field measuring mechanism (5) of the sensor device (1) when the sensor device (1) is fastened to the connection mechanism (3).

18. The complete set of equipment according to claim 17, wherein, - The magnetic field measuring mechanism (5) is positioned near the thread (T16) of the fastening mechanism (16); - The detection element (51) is positioned near the tap (31) surrounding the through hole (32).

19. A system comprising: - The complete set of equipment according to any one of claims 15 to 18; - A container (2) including a sealed housing (21), the housing (21) including a wall (22), the housing (21) being capable of containing a material (M) therein, the material (M) being an unstable material (M) having properties that change over time, an opening (23) being formed in the wall (22) of the housing (21), the opening (23) being configured to connect the interior and exterior of the housing (21); Furthermore, the connecting mechanism (3) is fixed to the wall (22) of the housing (21), and its through hole (32) is opposite to and aligned with the opening (23) of the container (2); Furthermore, the sensor device (1) is removably fastened to the connecting mechanism (3), and its measuring window (15) is aligned with the through hole (32) of the connecting mechanism (3) and the opening (23) of the container (2), thereby enabling the transmitter (13) of the height sensor (12) to transmit the detection signal (S13) into the interior of the shell (21) of the container (2), and the receiver (14) of the height sensor (12) to receive the reflected detection signal (S14) after reflection from the free surface (SL) of the material (M) inside the shell (21) of the container (2); The opening (23) is formed in the upper wall (22S) of the housing (21), and the sensor device (1) is fastened to the upper wall (22S) of the housing (21) of the container (2).

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The unstable material (M) is yeast or a fermenting agent.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein, An RFID transponder (7) is fixedly mounted on the shell (21) of the container (2), the RFID transponder (7) including a storage memory having data related to the container (2).

22. A method for configuring a sensor device belonging to a system according to claim 21, the method comprising: - By reading the memory of the RFID transponder (7) attached to the housing of the container, information related to the container can be obtained from the RFID transponder (7) attached to the housing of the container; - Receive information related to the container through the RFID transponder (6) of the sensor device and store it in the memory of the RFID transponder (6) of the sensor device; - Information relating to the container stored in the memory of the RFID transponder (6) is transmitted to the electronic control mechanism and / or data transmitter and / or data receiver of the sensor device via at least one wired connection.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The RFID reader is used to query the RFID transponder (7) attached to the shell of the container to retrieve information related to the container, and to transmit the information related to the container to the RFID transponder (6) of the sensor device.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, Information relating to the container is selected from a unique identifier for the container, the volume of the container, and / or at least one dimension of the container.

25. A method (200) for remotely monitoring information relating to a container (2) using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the container (2) comprising a sealed housing (21) capable of containing an unstable material (M) having properties that change over time, the method comprising: Step (201): Measure the height of the material (M) inside the shell (21) of the container (2); Step (202): Generate data representing the height of the material (M) within the shell (21) of the container (2); Step (203): Transmit the data representing the height of the material (M) inside the shell (21) of the container (2).

26. A processing circuit (300) configured to perform the method (200) according to any one of claims 22-25.

27. A processor-readable memory unit (302) comprising instructions (303) that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method (200) according to any one of claims 22-25.

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