A measuring device for detecting the filling level or limit level of a filler in a container and a method for filling a container with filler or emptying filler from a container.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measuring device (1) for detecting a filling or limit level of a filling material (2) within a container (3), wherein the measuring device (1) is configured to be arranged on the container (3) and comprises a sensor (4) for determining the filling or limit level, an energy supply unit (5) electrically connected to the sensor (4) and configured to supply electrical energy to the sensor (4), and an activation unit (6) connected to at least the energy supply unit (5) in relation to signaling. In order to achieve at least partially automated, energy-self-sufficient, reliable, and error-reduced operation in the measuring device (1) according to the present invention, the activation unit (6) is designed and configured to activate the sensor (4) and switch the sensor from an inactive mode to an active mode as a result of being actuated by an actuating means (8a, 8b) provided on the container (3) and / or the filling or emptying device (7), particularly when the container (3) is connected to the filling or emptying device (7). The present invention also relates to a method for filling a container (3) with a filling material (2) or emptying the filling material (2) from the container (3) using a filling or emptying device (7), and a measuring device (1) designed to be positioned in the container (3) according to the present invention.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for detecting the filling or limit level of a filler in a container as described in the preamble of patent claim 1, and a method for filling a container with a filler or emptying a filler from a container as described in the preamble of patent claim 12. Background Technology

[0002] Measuring devices for detecting the filling or limit level of a filler within a container are well known from the prior art. In this case, the measuring device may be based on different physical or mechanical measurement methods capable of detecting the filling level, e.g., the filling height, of a container such as a tank, basin, or silo. The container may be a closed or partially open system. The filling height of the filler determined by the basic measurement method is typically converted into an electronic signal. When a specific filling level, e.g., the maximum allowable or desired filling level, is externally predetermined, it is generally referred to as the limit level. Unlike filling level measurements, which are typically performed continuously (in which case the filling level is detected continuously), in the case of limit level measurements, the filling level or filling height is not determined at every point in time; rather, the filling level or filling height is detected when a predetermined filling level, specifically the filling height, is reached.

[0003] Measurement methods often used to detect charge or limit levels are time-of-flight-based methods, such as radar or ultrasound, hydrostatic methods (e.g., pressure measurement), and capacitive or radiometric methods. Additionally, optical methods can be used to determine charge or limit levels.

[0004] A measuring device for detecting filling or limit levels can be used to measure the filling or limit levels of different types of filling materials, particularly for solid or liquid filling materials. Powders, granules, or other bulk materials may be mentioned as examples of solid filling materials. Paste or viscous materials, such as gels, may also be considered solid filling materials. In particular, aqueous or oily materials may be liquid filling materials.

[0005] Measuring devices for measuring filling or limit levels have in common that they have at least one sensor oriented toward the direction of the filling material to be measured. In particular, the sensor is mounted directly on the container where the filling material is located or is filled. Specifically, mechanical fastening means are used for attachment, and fastening means based, for example, screw connection, clamping connection, positive or non-positive connection, or magnetic connection are used.

[0006] These measuring devices, arranged in or attached to a container for measuring charge or limit levels, require an energy supply for functional operation. In measuring devices known from the prior art, this is generally realized by a fixed energy supply unit connected to the corresponding (electrical) energy supply terminal of the measuring device. In this case, the electrical connection provided between the energy supply unit and the measuring device may be configured in the form of an electrical cable connection, in particular.

[0007] A disadvantage of such stationary energy supply units is that they are strongly connected to their location, requiring the container to be charged or emptied near the energy supply unit corresponding to the measuring device. A measuring device that can operate electrically using a stationary energy supply unit is not suitable for use with mobile containers, such as transport vessels. Furthermore, such external energy supply requires that appropriate terminals be provided to the measuring device and that an external energy supply unit (e.g., an energy source) be provided. Consequently, constructive effort in manufacturing the measuring device increases, and the range of application for the measuring device is limited.

[0008] In contrast, battery-operated measuring devices for measuring charge or limit levels that allow for the location-independent placement of the measuring device (e.g., in a movable container) in the concept of a filled device are known, but the known systems generally lack sufficient utilization efficiency with respect to the energy provided by the battery. In other words, this implies that the known systems lack sufficient ability to distinguish between different energy requirement states, specifically, between states where an energy supply to the measuring device must be actively provided (e.g., when filling a container with filler or emptying a container with filler) and states where a full-capacity energy supply to the measuring device is not required.

[0009] To safely move a movable container, it is advisable to fill it with filler only up to a specific filling level. As previously mentioned, the arrangement of a measuring device to directly detect the filling or limit level of a container is known in the prior art. However, in this case, the measuring device arranged on the container must generally be manually connected to the control system of the filling or emptying device before filling. The automatic connection of such a measuring device arranged on the container to the filling or emptying device is not described in the prior art or is merely described insufficiently. This also applies to the process of emptying a container filled with filler. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a measuring device for detecting the filling or limit level of a container filler, which enables at least partially automated, energy-independent, reliable, and error-reduced operation. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the objective of providing a method for filling a container with a filler or emptying a container with a filler, wherein filling the container with a filler or emptying the container with a filler can be performed in at least partially automated and energy-independent manner, and additionally, increased reliability and safety are ensured. means of solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objective, a measuring device having the features of claim 1 and a measuring method having the features of claim 12 are proposed. Other particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention are disclosed by their respective dependent claims.

[0012] It should be noted that features individually cited in the claims may be combined with one another in a technically meaningful way (and also across category boundaries, for example, between measuring devices and methods) and may represent other embodiments of the invention. In particular, the description related to the drawings further characterizes and embodies the invention.

[0013] In addition, it may also be noted that the conjunction “and / or” used below, which is positioned between two feature parts and connects them to one another, should always be interpreted as meaning that in the first embodiment of the object according to the present invention, only the first feature part may be provided, in the second embodiment, only the second feature part may be provided, and in the third embodiment, both the first and second features may be provided.

[0014] According to the present invention, a measuring device for detecting a filling or limit level of a filling material within a container is proposed, the measuring device is configured to be arranged on the container and comprises a sensor for determining the filling or limit level, an energy supply unit electrically connected to the sensor and configured and adjusted to supply electrical energy to the sensor, and an activation unit connected to at least the energy supply unit in relation to signaling. In this case, the activation unit is configured and adjusted to activate the sensor and, after operation, particularly when the container is connected to a filling or emptying device, to switch the sensor from an inactive mode to an active mode by means of an operating means provided on the container and / or the filling or emptying device.

[0015] The measuring device proposed according to the present invention may be based on various measuring methods for measuring charge or limit levels, in particular, on non-contact measuring methods for determining charge or limit levels. In this case, non-contact means that the sensor preferably does not come into contact with the filler while measuring the charge or limit level. However, this does not exclude individual particles, droplets, etc., that come into contact with the sensor during charging or emptying. Rather, in this context, non-contact measurement should be understood to mean that the measurement of such charge or limit levels is based on non-contact measurement. As mentioned in the introduction, such non-contact measurement may be time-of-flight methods, such as radar or ultrasound, hydrostatic methods (e.g., pressure measurement), capacitive or radiometric methods. Basically, optical methods may also be used to measure charge or limit levels.

[0016] As previously mentioned, the measuring device is configured to be arranged in the container. In this case, "arrangement" can be understood to mean that the measuring device is attached to the container indetachably or detachably. In this case, the spatial location for placing the measuring device, particularly the sensor, in the container is not specified. For example, it may be specified that the measuring device, particularly the sensor, is embedded in the wall of the container or fixed with screws. It can be understood in the same way that the measuring device is attached to the container by being fixed to the inner wall of the container with screws, welded, or through positive or non-positive connections, or in other ways. Preferably, at least a portion of the sensor is arranged in the internal space of the container or protrudes into the internal space of the container, particularly so that a signal emitted from the sensor can be emitted toward the filler located in the container, and so that a signal radiated, backscattered, reflected, or emitted by or onto the filler can be detected by the sensor.

[0017] As previously mentioned, the measuring device proposed in the present invention also includes an energy supply unit and an activation unit in addition to the sensor. These components associated with the measuring device may be assembled in a common housing, but may also be arranged separately as long as an electrical connection between the energy supply unit and the sensor and a signal connection between the activation unit and the energy supply unit are ensured. In this case, the electrical connection may be realized via a wired method, for example, through a flexible cable such as a ribbon cable or other electrical conductor. Such a conductor may also be, for example, a conductor path formed on a circuit board. Likewise, an electrical connection via a suitable plug-in connector or connecting wire is possible. The electrical connection may provide current or voltage transmission between the energy supply unit and the sensor, but may also be configured to transmit a signal, for example, in the form of voltage. The signaling connection between the activation unit and the energy supply unit may be a wired or wireless connection.

[0018] According to the present invention, an activation unit is configured and adjusted to activate a sensor and, by means of an operating means provided in a container and / or a filling or emptying device, to switch from an inactive mode to an active mode after operation, particularly when the container is connected to the filling or emptying device. Thus, it is possible to operate the sensor in a need-based manner and switch to an active mode only when measurement of the filling or limit level is actually required. In this case, it is advantageous to switch the sensor to an active mode only when the container is actually to be filled or emptied. To this end, it may be stipulated that the sensor is activated by the operating means provided in the container and / or the filling or emptying device when the container is connected to the filling or emptying device, particularly to a tube or nozzle associated with the filling or emptying device. "Inactive mode" may be understood as a state in which there is no or reduced energy supply to the sensor, particularly compared to the energy supply provided in the active mode. Accordingly, "inactive mode" may also be understood as a sleep mode in which a reduced energy supply is provided.

[0019] For activation, the activation unit may transmit a control signal to the energy supply unit, and thereafter, the energy supply to the sensor is provided by the energy supply unit, and the sensor switches to an operating mode. The useful voltage or useful current provided in the process may differ from the inactive voltage or an inactive current provided in the inactive mode. In particular, the useful voltage or useful current may take a higher value than the inactive voltage and inactive current. The inactive voltage or inactive current may be zero. The inactive voltage and inactive current may take a reduced value compared to the useful voltage and useful current, but this ensures the basic supply of the sensor. The latter may correspond to a sleep mode. Therefore, the sensor may be supplied with a predetermined inactive voltage or inactive current even in the inactive mode, particularly to enable rapid activation or signal reception of the activation signal.

[0020] The operating means provided in the container and / or filling or emptying device has a signal connection or other operating connection, e.g., an (electro)mechanical connection, with the activation unit. When the container is connected to the filling or emptying device, the activation unit is first actuated by the operating means, e.g., by the transmission of a control signal (via the signal connection) or by (electro)mechanical contact. The operating means provided in the container and / or filling or emptying device is also actuated when the container is connected to the filling or emptying device, particularly to trigger or perform the operation of the activation unit.

[0021] Compared to systems known from the prior art, the measuring device according to the present invention has advantageous energy utilization or energy efficiency based on the principle of need-based energy supply. In particular, for mobile containers used as transport, waste, or disposal containers in industry, the need-based energy supply of the measuring device arranged in the container is advantageous. For this reason, the energy supply required for the operation of the sensor is provided only when necessary during charging or emptying, that is, when the container is connected to the charging or emptying device. At times when charging is not taking place, the sensor is in an inactive mode where the sensor's energy supply is absent or reduced compared to the operating mode. Thus, unnecessary or excessive energy supply to the sensor is avoided during times when the sensor is not in use. Furthermore, such a configuration increases the lifespan of the measuring device, particularly when a battery or rechargeable battery is provided as a component of the energy supply unit or as an energy source.

[0022] Other advantageous embodiments of the present invention, in particular the measuring device of the present invention, are specified in the dependent claims. The embodiments specified in the dependent claims and other advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the activation unit may be configured to switch the sensor from an inactive mode to an active mode by activating the energy supply between the energy supply unit and the sensor. As already mentioned above, the change of the sensor's state from an inactive mode to an active mode occurs by activating the energy supply between the energy supply unit and the sensor. Preferably, the activation unit does not directly activate the sensor itself, but rather ensures that the energy required for the sensor's active mode is provided through the energy supply unit. Accordingly, the embodiment has the advantage that the activation unit transmits a signal or command to the energy supply unit to provide the energy required to operate the sensor, e.g., an effective voltage or an effective current. The transmitted command may be an electrical signal, in particular an electrical pulse. The signal may be transmitted in an analog or digital manner. On the side of the energy supply unit, a receiving interface may be provided that is configured and adjusted to receive the signal transmitted by the activation unit, in particular an activation signal. In this case, the receiving interface or the microcontroller connected thereto is configured and adjusted to initiate the energy supply to the sensor after receiving the activation signal.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the energy supply unit may be defined to include at least one battery or one rechargeable battery. In this case, the battery or rechargeable battery serves as an energy storage means that provides the energy required to supply to the sensor in an operating mode. The battery and the rechargeable battery operate electrochemically. Other energy storage means may also perform this function in the measuring device according to the present invention. Additionally, the battery or rechargeable battery (or other energy storage means) may provide energy supply to the sensor in an inactive mode, particularly in an inactive voltage or inactive current, wherein the inactive voltage or inactive current may be defined to take a value lower than the effective voltage or effective current required during sensor operation. When there is no energy supply to the sensor (completely off state), the inactive voltage or inactive current is equal to zero. Furthermore, the energy supply unit, particularly the battery or rechargeable battery (or other energy storage means), may be defined to provide energy supply for additional components of the measuring device (in addition to the sensor). In the context of the present invention, “battery” or “rechargeable battery” is not necessarily understood to mean a single battery or a single rechargeable battery; rather, it may also refer to a plurality of batteries (e.g., battery packs) or a plurality of rechargeable batteries (e.g., rechargeable battery packs). Within the meaning of the present invention, “rechargeable battery” should be understood to mean a rechargeable energy storage means.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, it may be specified that the activation unit can be actuated mechanically, electrically, optically, magnetically, or electromagnetically. As already mentioned above, the activation unit can activate the sensor or begin to supply energy to the sensor in an operating mode after actuating by the actuating means provided in the container and / or the filling or emptying device. As indicated by the “and / or” combination mentioned above with respect to the arrangement of the actuating means, the actuating means may include a component that is arranged alone on the container or alone on the filling or emptying device, or may have at least a two-part structure, in which case at least one component of the actuating means is arranged on the container and one component of the actuating means is arranged on the filling or emptying device. When the filling or emptying device is connected to the container, the two components may cooperate (e.g., through mechanical or electrical contact) to cause the operation of the activation unit together.

[0026] As mentioned, the activation device can be mechanically actuated. To this end, the actuating unit may include a mechanically actuable interface, such as a switch or lever, which can be actuated specifically by a mechanical actuating means (e.g., a rod assembly or a plunger). When the filling or emptying device is connected to a container, the (mechanical) actuating means moves or a corresponding mechanical mechanism is actuated, so that the mechanical interface of the activation unit can be actuated directly or indirectly.

[0027] Additionally, the activation unit may be electrically actuated and may have an electrical interface to receive an electrical actuation signal emitted by an actuation means. The electrical actuation signal may be, for example, an electrical voltage or current.

[0028] In particular, optical operation should be understood to mean the emission of an optical signal by an operating means, for example, the emission of light or laser pulses through a light-emitting or laser diode, and the reception of the optical signal by an optical interface of an activation unit. An electrical signal can be generated from the received optical signal; thus, operation can also occur optoelectronically. For example, the optical interface may be a camera unit, a photodiode, a photosensitive resistor, or a phototransistor. This list is not exhaustive.

[0029] Magnetic actuation can be understood as meaning the convergence of two magnets (which may have the same or opposite polarity). In this case, one magnet may be positioned on the side of the actuation means and the other magnet on the side of the activation unit. When a defined magnetic flux density reaches a predetermined point in space, the operation of the activation unit may be triggered. The magnetic flux density may be determined by a magnetic field sensor, for example, a Hall sensor. The aforementioned magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. Operation between the actuation means and the actuation device may also be triggered by a Reed switch.

[0030] Electromagnetic operation should be understood to mean the emission of an electromagnetic signal having a predetermined frequency from the side of the activation unit toward a receiver designed to receive such electromagnetic signals. Upon receiving the signal, the activation unit initiates the activation of the sensor. In this case, the receiver may be configured exclusively to receive the signal ("receive mode") or alternatively to receive and transmit the signal ("transmit and receive mode"). The unit provided on the side of the operating means may also be configured as a simple transmit unit ("transmit mode") or a "transmit and receive" unit. In particular, the electromagnetic transmit and / or receive unit may include, for example, an antenna in the form of a radio frequency coil integrated into an RF resonant circuit.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may be configured and adjusted to perform a functional test in which a functional evaluation is performed to determine the positive or negative function of the sensor after activation of the sensor, and in the case of a positive function, to transmit a charging or emptying enable signal to a control unit associated with the container and / or the charging or emptying device. Accordingly, the functional test may be performed as soon as the supply of the necessary effective voltage or effective current to the sensor is ensured, particularly in the operating mode. When performing the functional test, the energy supply to the sensor may be verified; however, in the same way, a test or reference measurement may also be performed, for example, in the sense of zero point measurement. A calibration routine or a check routine may also be the subject of the functional test. Due to such functional testing and the enabling of the charging or emptying process combined therewith, the reliability of the process is essentially increased while charging the container with filler or emptying the container with filler, because the possibility of sensor malfunction is consequently reduced. If the charging or limit level is incorrectly determined, there is a risk that the container will be overcharged or leak. Furthermore, the maximum fill weight of a container may be limited in some applications, for example, due to reasons related to transportation; this is why it is important to avoid exceeding such fill weights. In this regard, functional testing provides a solution. If a negative function is detected, it may be stipulated to repeat the functional test or reject the enable signal.

[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may include a communication unit configured and coordinated to receive or emit (i.e., transmit) a signal from or to a control unit associated with, for example, a container and / or a filling or emptying device, wirelessly or wiredly. In this case, wireless transmission may be understood to mean short-range or long-range communication. In particular, wireless connection is optional in this respect and may be based on any communication standards known at the time of application or to be developed in the future. The communication unit may be coupled to an energy supply unit. Preferably, the communication unit may receive a signal even in the case of a voltage or current supply corresponding to an inert voltage or inert current. However, it may be specified to supply an effective voltage or effective current higher than the inert voltage or inert current to the communication unit after receiving the signal.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may be configured and adjusted to transmit a signal to terminate a filling or emptying process toward the control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device after determining the filling or limit level and asserting that the predetermined filling or limit level has been reached. In particular, this may occur via the communication unit described above. The control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device may also include a corresponding communication unit or receiving unit to which the signal to terminate a filling or emptying process described above can be obtained. The aforementioned filling or emptying enable signal may also be transmitted to the control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device via the communication unit of the measuring device. After the signal to terminate a filling or emptying process is transmitted to the control unit of the container and / or the filling or emptying device, for example, a valve or valve assembly may be closed. The valve or valve assembly may be placed in the filling or emptying device, but may also be placed in the container. Additionally, the nozzle of the filling or emptying device may have a mechanism to prevent further filling of the container with filler or further emptying of filler when a signal to end the filling or emptying process is transmitted. Furthermore, other stop mechanisms of the container and / or the filling or emptying device that prevent the container from being filled or emptied may be activated after the signal to end the filling or emptying process is transmitted.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may be configured to switch the sensor from an operating mode to an inactive mode after the completion of a charging or emptying process. After the charging or emptying process is completed, there is generally no longer a need to maintain the sensor in an active operating mode. Therefore, since it is advantageous to electrically supply only an inactive voltage or inactive current to the sensor after the charging or emptying of the container is completed—that is, when active detection of the charge or limit level is no longer required—sufficient energy supply is provided to enable the sensor to be switched to an operating mode within a short time, even though charging or limit level measurements cannot be performed in this inactive mode. Furthermore, complete shutdown of the sensor may be provided in the inactive mode.

[0035] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the sensor may be defined as a vibration sensor, a capacitive sensor, an impedance sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, or a TDR sensor. Additionally, the measuring device may have redundant configurations and may include a plurality of sensors of the same or different types described above. Since the functional principles of the sensor types described above are generally known in the prior art, they are not discussed in further detail at this point.

[0036] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may be configured and coordinated to perform a signal exchange, i.e., a data handshake, between the control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device and the measuring device before or during the filling or emptying of the container. Through such signal exchange between the measuring device and the control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device, the measuring device may ensure that the provided container is connected to the correct or desired filling or emptying device. Information provided for recognition or identification may be mutually exchanged and verified through the signal exchange, particularly before the filling process begins. Alternatively or additionally, it may be configured to perform a signal exchange, e.g., a data handshake, between the control unit associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device and the measuring device even during the filling or emptying process. Thus, measurement data (e.g., raw data of the filling or limit level measurement, or evaluated information regarding the filling or limit level) may be transmitted to the control unit even during the filling or emptying process. Conversely, data related to charging or emptying processes that may be considered in charging or limit level measurements can also be transmitted from the control unit to the measuring device. Possible operational errors may also be exchanged bidirectionally between the control unit and the measuring device. This configuration further enhances the reliability and process safety of the measuring device and its cooperating components.

[0037] According to another advantageous embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring device may include an energy generating unit, in particular a solar unit, which is electrically connected to an energy supply unit and configured and adjusted to charge the energy supply unit. The mobile usage function of the measuring device is further optimized by this configuration. In this configuration, the need to replace an energy storage means (e.g., a battery or a rechargeable battery in the event of a loss of charging capacity) is avoided. In this configuration, manual charging is also not required.

[0038] In addition to the related advantageous features of the aforementioned measuring device and embodiments according to the present invention, the objective according to the present invention is achieved by a method of filling a container with a filler or emptying a container of a filler. The aforementioned advantageous embodiments of the measuring device according to the present invention are also suitable as features of embodiments of the method according to the present invention.

[0039] According to the present invention, a method for filling a container with a filler or emptying a filler from a container using a filling or emptying device and a measuring device configured according to the present invention—the measuring device being arranged on the container—is proposed, wherein the measuring device comprises a sensor for determining a filling or limit level, an energy supply unit electrically connected to the sensor, and an activation unit connected to at least the energy supply unit in relation to signaling, and the method comprises:

[0040] a) connecting the above-mentioned filling or emptying device to the container;

[0041] b) a step of operating the activation unit by means of an operating means provided in the container and / or the filling or emptying device - the operation occurs during or after step a) - ;

[0042] c) After method step b): a step of activating the sensor and switching the sensor from inactive mode to active mode;

[0043] d) a step of filling the container with the filler or emptying the filler from the container - the filling or limit level is determined continuously or discontinuously using the sensor during filling or emptying - ,

[0044] e) When a predetermined charging or limit level is reached: a step of terminating the charging or emptying process;

[0045] f) After the charging or emptying process is completed: includes the step of switching the sensor from an operating mode to an inactive mode.

[0046] In step a) of the method mentioned above, the nozzle arranged particularly on the pipe of the filling or emptying device may be arranged and fixed on the filling opening or discharge opening formed on the container. The connection may be performed manually in a partially or fully automated manner.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, after the activation of the sensor, a functional test is performed to evaluate the function of the sensor, and in the case of a positive determination (regarding function), a charge or empty enable signal may be transmitted to a control unit associated with the container and / or the charge or empty device. However, in the case of a negative determination (regarding function), that is, when sufficient function of the sensor cannot be determined, a charge or empty enable signal is not transmitted to the control unit. In this case, the functional test may be repeated or a warning signal, e.g., an auditory or visual warning signal, may be issued through a display means.

[0048] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the measuring device may be configured to compare the determined charging or limit level with a predetermined charging or limit level after each determination of the charging or limit level, and, when the predetermined charging or limit level is reached, to transmit a charging or emptying process termination signal toward the control unit associated with the container and / or charging or emptying device, for example, via a communication unit.

[0049] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, a signal exchange, i.e., a data handshake, may be performed between the control unit and the measuring device associated with the container and / or the filling or emptying device before filling the container with the filler or before emptying the filler from the container, or while filling the container with the filler or while emptying the filler from the container.

[0050] Details regarding the aforementioned advantageous embodiments of the method have already been described within the context of the discussion of the advantageous embodiments of the measuring device according to the present invention, and this is the reason why reference to the description in this regard is possible at this point.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which should be understood as not being limiting and will be described below with reference to the drawings. In these drawings, the drawings schematically illustrate the following. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a modification for attaching a measuring device to a container to measure a filling or limit level. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the functional principle of a measuring device according to the present invention placed in a container while filling the container with a filling material or emptying the filling material from the container through a filling or emptying device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0053] In various drawings, parts equivalent in function are always provided with the same reference number and, in principle, are described only once.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a variation in which a measuring device (1) for detecting a charge or limit level is arranged on a container (3). According to the illustrated variation, the measuring device (1) is screwed to the wall of the container (3) (where a wall section is shown), and a sensor (4) associated with the measuring device (1) is arranged in the internal space (10) of the container. As an alternative to the screw connection, the measuring device (1) may also be arranged in a different way on or inside the container (3).

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates, in a highly schematic manner, the functional principle of a measuring device (1) arranged on a container (3) while the container (3) is filled with a filler (2) or the filler (2) is emptied from the container (3) through a filling or emptying device (7). First, the measuring device (1) is schematically illustrated as comprising a plurality of different functional units, in particular a sensor (4), an energy supply unit (5) electrically connected to the sensor (4), and, in relation to signaling, an activation unit (6) connected to at least the energy supply unit (5). Additionally, the measuring device advantageously has a communication unit (not shown).

[0056] To fill the container (3) with filler (2) or to empty the filler (2) from the container (3), the container (3) is connected to a filling or emptying device (7). The device (7) has a pipe (11) and a nozzle (12), which are inserted into or placed in the filling opening or outlet opening (13) of the container (3). A valve (14) that allows the filler (2) to be admitted into or discharged from the container (3) is placed between the pipe (11) and the nozzle (12). The depicted location of the filling opening or outlet opening (13) is merely an example.

[0057] In the container (3) and / or the filling or emptying device (7), operating means (8a, 8b) are provided, thereby the operating means (6) is activated, for example, mechanically or by data transmission (indicated here by a two-way arrow), when the container (3) is connected to the filling or emptying device (7), particularly when the nozzle (12) is placed at the filling opening or the outlet opening (13) of the container (3). After activation, the activation unit (6) initiates the energy supply to the sensor (4), so that the sensor switches from an inactive mode to an active mode. After activation of the sensor (4), the sensor can be used for filling or limit level measurement. The operating unit (8a, 8b) is activated by connecting the filling or emptying device (7) to the container (3), and after the filling or emptying device (7) is connected to the container (3), the activation chain up to the activation of the sensor (4) is triggered.

[0058] FIG. 2 also illustrates that control units (9a, 9b) are associated with a container (3a) and / or a filling or emptying device (7). The supply of filling material (2) into the container (3) or the discharge of filling material (2) from the container (3) is controlled by these control unit(s) (9a, 9b), in particular by opening a valve (14). To this end, a measuring device (1) is connected to the control units (9a, 9b) associated with the container (3a) and / or the filling or emptying device (7) in relation to signaling.

[0059] Examples of possible cooperation between the measuring device (1) and the control units (9a, 9b) are described below. Accordingly, a functional test of the sensor (4) is preferably performed after the sensor (4) is activated (i.e., after the container (3) is connected to the filling or emptying device (7), and a functional evaluation is performed to determine the positive or negative function of the sensor (4). When a positive function is determined, a filling or emptying enable signal is transmitted to the control units (9a, 9b) associated with the container (3) and / or the filling or emptying device (7), and subsequently, filling the container (3) with the filler (2) or emptying the filler (2) from the container (3) is initiated by opening a shut-off device (not shown) or valve (14) associated particularly with the container (3).

[0060] When the measuring device (1) asserts that the container (3) has reached a predetermined filling or limit level, a signal to end the filling or emptying process is transmitted toward the control unit (9a, 9b) associated with the container (3) and / or the filling or emptying device (7). Since the control unit (9a, 9b) is connected to the valve (14) or the filling or emptying device (7) in relation to signaling, the filling or emptying process may be terminated, in particular, and the valve (14) may be closed by the control unit (9a, 9b). This also applies to a shut-off device (not shown) arranged in the container.

[0061] Data exchange between the measuring device (1), particularly the communication unit provided to the measuring device, and the control unit (9a, 9b) associated with the container (3) and / or the filling or emptying device (7) may occur during filling or emptying. Explanation of the symbols

[0062] 1 measuring device 2 Filler 3 courage 4 sensors 5 energy supply units 6 activation units 7 Charging or emptying device 8a Operating means 8b Means of operation 9a Control Unit 9b Control Unit 10 interior space 11 pipes 12 nozzles 13. Charging opening or outlet opening 14 valves

Claims

Claim 1 A measuring device (1) for detecting a filling or limit level of a filling material (2) within a container (3), wherein the measuring device (1) is configured to be arranged on the container (3) and comprises a sensor (4) for determining the filling or limit level, an energy supply unit (5) electrically connected to the sensor (4) and configured and adjusted to supply electrical energy to the sensor (4), and an activation unit (6) connected to at least the energy supply unit (5) in relation to signaling, wherein the activation unit (6) is configured and adjusted to activate the sensor (4) and, after operation, when the container (3) is connected to a filling or emptying device (7), switch the sensor (4) from an inactive mode to an active mode by means of an operating means (8a, 8b) provided on at least one of the container (3) and the filling or emptying device (7), and wherein the measuring device (1) is configured to detect the filling or emptying of the container (3) before or during the filling or emptying of the container (3) and the filling or emptying device A measuring device (1) characterized by being configured and coordinated to perform signal exchange between a control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the devices (7) and the measuring device (1). Claim 2 A measuring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation unit (6) is configured to switch the sensor (4) from an inactive mode to an active mode by activating the energy supply between the energy supply unit (5) and the sensor (4). Claim 3 A measuring device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply unit comprises at least one battery or one rechargeable battery. Claim 4 A measuring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation unit (6) can be operated mechanically, electrically, optically, photoelectronically, magnetically, or electromagnetically. Claim 5 A measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring device (1) is configured and adjusted to perform a functional test in which a functional evaluation is performed to determine a positive function or a negative function of the sensor (4) after the activation of the sensor (4), and in the case of a positive function, to transmit a filling or emptying enable signal to the control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the container (3) and the filling or emptying device (7). Claim 6 A measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring device (1) is configured and adjusted to transmit a charging or emptying process termination signal in the direction of the control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the container (3) and the charging or emptying device (7) after the determination of the charging or limit level and the assertion that the predetermined charging or limit level has been reached. Claim 7 A measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring device (1) is configured and adjusted to switch the sensor (4) from an operating mode to an inactive mode after the completion of a charging or emptying process. Claim 8 A measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor (4) is a vibration sensor, a capacitive sensor, an impedance sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, or a TDR sensor. Claim 9 A measuring device (1) characterized by a communication unit configured and adjusted to receive or emit a signal in a wireless or wired manner, in any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A measuring device (1) characterized by an energy generating unit that is electrically connected to the energy supply unit (5) and configured and adjusted to charge the energy supply unit (5) in any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 12 A method for filling a container (3) with a filler (2) or emptying a container (3) from a filler (2) using a filling or emptying device (7) and a measuring device (1) configured as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring device (1) is arranged on the container (3), the measuring device (1) comprises a sensor (4) for determining a filling or limit level, an energy supply unit (5) electrically connected to the sensor (4), and an activation unit (6) connected to at least the energy supply unit (5) in relation to signaling, wherein the method comprises: a) connecting the filling or emptying device (7) to the container (3); b) operating the activation unit (6) by means of an operating means (8a, 8b) provided on at least one of the container (3) and the filling or emptying device (7)—the operation occurs during or after step a); c) after step b) the method: activating the sensor (4) and deactivating the sensor (4). A method comprising: a step of switching from a mode to an operating mode; d) a step of filling the container (3) with the filler (2) or emptying the filler (2) from the container (3) - the filling or limit level is determined continuously or discontinuously using the sensor (4) while filling or emptying - , e) a step of terminating the filling or emptying process when the predetermined filling or limit level is reached; f) a step of switching the sensor (4) from an operating mode to an inactive mode after the filling or emptying process is terminated. Claim 13 A method according to claim 12, wherein, after activation of the sensor (4), a functional test is performed to evaluate the function of the sensor (4), and in the case of a positive determination, a charge or empty enable signal is transmitted to a control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the container (3) and the charge or empty device (7). Claim 14 A method according to claim 12, wherein the measuring device (1) compares the determined charging or limit level with a predetermined charging or limit level after each determination of the charging or limit level, and when the measuring device (1) reaches the predetermined charging or limit level, transmits a charging or emptying process termination signal in the direction of a control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the container (3) and the charging or emptying device (7) through a communication unit. Claim 15 A method according to claim 12, characterized in that a signal exchange is performed between a control unit (9a, 9b) associated with at least one of the container (3) and the filling or emptying device (7) and the measuring device (1) before filling the container (3) with the filling material (2) or before emptying the filling material (2) from the container (3), or while filling the container (3) with the filling material (2) or while emptying the filling material (2) from the container (3).

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