DE102018214306A1 - Data module for a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Data module (20) for monitoring a container (10), which is preferably set up for storing and / or transporting liquids and / or solid materials, which can be brought into engagement with a module opening (11) of the container (10) in such a way that Both the interior of the container (10) and the exterior can be sensed by the data module (20), the data module (20) comprising: an interior sensor system (30) with one or more sensors that are used to detect physical quantities inside the container (10) are established; and / or an exterior sensor system (40) with one or more sensors which are used to detect physical quantities outside the container (10), the external nature of the container (10) and / or to determine the position and / or position of the container (10) are set up; and a communication module (60) which is set up to receive sensor data from the interior sensor system (30) and / or outside space sensor system (40) and has at least one transmission device which is used to send data based on the sensor data to an external reception device (100, 101) is set up.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a data module for monitoring a container, which is preferably set up for storing and / or transporting liquids or solid materials, which has one or more sensors for detecting physical quantities of the container contents.

Background of the Invention

Various types of containers are used for the transport and storage of liquids and solid materials, in particular free-flowing materials, for example IBCs (“intermediate bulk containers”) or reusable drums, such as so-called “kegs”. It is known to mark containers for identification and, if necessary, to provide information about the content, last filling, dangerous state, etc. The data can conventionally be provided by an externally attached label or by means of a transponder, for example using RFID technology.

So describes the EP 1 152 956 B1 a barrel with a valve arrangement in which a transponder is embedded. The transponder can be read out by means of a reading device, whereby the information stored therein can be obtained for the identification of the barrel. A similar device is from the EP 1 506 523 B1 known. In addition to providing information to identify the container, according to the EP 1 506 523 B1 the transponder embedded in the valve of the container provides status data about the interior of the container, such as pressure, level and temperature, which are obtained using sensors.

It is also known to provide containers with a location component for geographic positioning. According to the DE 10 2005 023 300 A1 Such a location component can be mounted on the outside of a barrel or in the interior of the barrel. The location component can also have sensors with which ambient conditions, such as vibrations, temperature or fill level, can be measured.

Reading the transponders, processing the data and managing the containers are still time and resource intensive. The at least partially manual recognition and identification methods currently used are also prone to errors. This can result in a lack of transparency about the container inventory, particularly in the case of large container fleets, with regard to, for example, the locations of the containers, availability and transport routes, and also state variables, such as fill levels, the quality of the container contents and the like. Optimization of the administrative processes is only possible to a limited extent, for example due to inaccurate information about the availability and nature of the containers in a fleet, but also due to the lack of electronic tools. Existing tracking procedures that are limited to analog recordings or isolated transponder solutions can lead to a certain shrinkage of containers. Furthermore, the electronic devices provided on the container, such as transponders or location components, are not very flexible, since they are designed for specific container designs and / or are permanently integrated in the container. In particular, a universal retrofitting of containers with electronic devices for monitoring them, as well as an autonomous and fully automatic operation are not readily possible.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the invention is to improve the monitoring of containers, in particular to enable a more efficient and reliable management of container fleets.

The object is achieved with a data module with the features of claim 1, a container with the features of claim 11 and a system with the features of claim 12. Advantageous further developments follow from the subclaims, the following illustration of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

The data module, which can alternatively be referred to as a "sensor module", is used to monitor a container, which is preferably designed for the storage and / or transport of liquids or solid materials, in this case in particular free-flowing materials. For example, standardized containers, such as IBCs, kegs or standard containers, come into consideration. Bottles, for example glass bottles, collecting containers, garbage containers, etc., may also be mentioned as exemplary container types that can be equipped with a data module. The data module is suitable for monitoring any type of container if the container has an opening with which the data module can be brought into engagement, ie into which the data module can be inserted such that both the interior of the container and the exterior can be sensed by the data module are. The opening for the data module in the container is referred to below as the "module opening". The module opening is preferably a through opening. The module opening is closed by inserting the data module, the seal in the closed state depending on the contents of the container and its intended protection against external influences, for example gas and / or liquid resistant.

According to the invention, the data module has, for example, an interior sensor system with one or more sensors which are set up for the detection of physical variables in the interior of the container. The sensors of the interior sensor system can be set up to detect physical variables of the inner atmosphere of the container and / or the (actual) container content. As an alternative or in addition, the data module has an exterior sensor system with one or more sensors which are set up to detect physical variables outside the container and / or the external nature of the container and / or to determine the position and / or position of the container. The term “sensor” is thus to be interpreted broadly to the extent that, for example, signal transmitters and / or signal receivers for geographic position determination are included, for example by means of a global navigation satellite system.

According to the invention, the data module also has a communication module which is set up to receive sensor data from the interior sensor system and / or exterior sensor system, depending on the equipment, and has at least one transmission device which is set up to send data based on the sensor data to an external reception device. The external receiving device is located outside the container and can be implemented, for example, by a central server, a cloud or a user device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. The wording “data based on sensor data” was chosen to make it clear that the sensor data can be processed internally in different ways before transmission, but not necessarily. The processing can include simple conversions or formatting, but the data module can also perform partial calculations for the administrative tasks described below.

Since the data module senses both the interior of the container and the exterior, the invention allows the transparency of the condition of the monitored container and its contents to be increased. This in turn enables the efficiency and reliability of managing a container fleet to be improved. Thanks to the sensors built into the data module and communication with an external facility, operators can view all relevant information about their container fleet at any time. Through intelligent analysis and preparation of the data, described in more detail below, the operator can improve his own management, which enables process optimization, savings in costs and resources. Manual recognition procedures can be reduced or completely avoided thanks to seamless, always traceable documentation. Any existing RFID solutions can be integrated. In addition, the shrinkage of containers can be reduced and the turnover rate increased, which can optimize the capital commitment, maintenance and renewal of container fleets.

The data module preferably has a housing with a shaft section in which the interior sensor system is received and a head section in which the exterior sensor system is received. In the assembled state, i.e. In the state in which the data module is inserted into the module opening, the shaft section is at least partially inside the container, while the head section is at least partially outside the container. The terms “inside” and “outside” are clearly defined by the quantities to be sensed. It is accordingly not necessary, for example, for the housing of the data module to protrude into the interior of the container or outwards, as long as it is technically possible to record the intended physical quantities. By integrating the exterior sensor system and the interior sensor system in the housing defined above, the data module can be implemented in a compact and easily mountable or installable manner.

The shaft section and the head section can be cylindrical housing sections, the diameter of the head section preferably being larger than the diameter of the shaft section, as a result of which the data module can be inserted into the module opening in a simple manner and can be fixed to the container.

The shaft section preferably has an external thread, as a result of which the data module can be screwed into the module opening of the container. For this purpose, the module opening preferably has a suitable internal thread. When screwed in, the shaft section is at least partially inside the container, while the head section is at least partially outside. The module opening is closed in this way by the data module and at the same time ensures that the data module is held securely in the intended position and position.

It should be noted that the external shape and the type of fastening of the data module can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the housing can be designed such that the data module can be screwed in by means of an internal thread, clamping, screwing or gluing to the container. According to a preferred embodiment, as an alternative or in addition to the fastening variants mentioned, a sealing device is provided between the container and the data module. As an alternative or in addition, the means for fastening the data module in the module opening can have a part of a bayonet catch which interacts with a corresponding counterpart on the container. The data module can preferably be detachably connected to the container; that is, the fastener or fasteners by means of which the data module is fixedly attached in the module opening allow (as intended) multiple loosening and removal of the data module.

The housing is preferably made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate. The housing is preferably UV-resistant. The housing is constructed in such a way that it protects the electronic devices inside, preferably prevents the entry of dirt and moisture, so that the data module can be operated reliably and independently over a long period of time.

The transmission device is preferably set up for active data transmission, the data module in this case having a power source, for example a battery module or an accumulator, which supplies at least the transmission device of the communication module with current. According to a preferred embodiment, the power source also supplies the sensors, in particular the indoor sensors and / or outdoor sensors, and, if appropriate, electronic devices, such as a processor, memory and the like. At least the transmitter of the communication module is connected to the power supply, so that an active transmission of data can be realized. In other words, according to this preferred embodiment, the data of the data module are not read passively, for example by induction. The provision of the power supply and the active transmission of data allow the data module to operate autonomously and simplify automatic data processing and management of the containers equipped with the data module. Manual reading is not necessary, in particular it is not necessary for a user to approach the container with a reading device in order to read the data module.

The transmission device is preferably set up for data transmission by radio, for example for mobile radio bands, for example LTE. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission device can have a Bluetooth interface. In this way, established infrastructures with high coverage can be used for data transmission, which enables a particularly reliable and location-independent data exchange. It should be pointed out that in addition to the transmitting device, the communication module can also have a receiving device for receiving data, for example control data, transmission commands or data for triggering measurements.

The transmitting device is preferably set up in such a way that it sends data based on the sensor data automatically, preferably at regular time intervals, which enables seamless monitoring of the containers with minimal human effort. Likewise, an automatic detection of physical quantities by the interior sensor system and / or exterior sensor system preferably takes place at regular time intervals.

The interior sensor system preferably comprises a temperature sensor and / or a moisture sensor and / or a light sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a fill level sensor and / or an object temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the material stored in the interior of the container. The exterior sensor system preferably comprises a temperature sensor and / or a moisture sensor and / or a light sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or an acceleration sensor which is set up to detect the acceleration and / or shock and / or vibration of the container. As an alternative or in addition, the exterior sensor system preferably has a locating component for determining the geographic position of the container, for example using a global navigation satellite system such as GPS.

The container data received from an external facility, such as a central server, a cloud or a user device, can be used for various administrative tasks, such as: tour planning, deployment planning, fleet management, container availability, condition control, quality control, transport time, crisis management, maintenance intervals, history of Containers, degree of utilization, inventory control etc. From this, for example, targeted sales models can be developed for end customers. The tasks or parts thereof can be carried out app-controlled on portable user devices, such as a location check of containers, a check and setting of maintenance intervals and / or an optical check, for example if the indoor sensor and / or outdoor sensor system is equipped with a camera.

The data processing for this takes place at least partially automatically. For example, an alarm can be generated for different cases, For example, if the analysis of the data indicates improper handling or unauthorized transport of a container, a reduction in the quality of the container or the like. The assessment can be carried out by comparison with one or more threshold values, it being possible for the threshold values to be adjustable. The threshold values can be set directly on the data module or by remote control. The data module can be set up to send an alarm message, for example via LAN, SMS or the like, when a threshold value is reached. It should be noted that due to the large number of data that can be obtained and made available via the data module, various prognostic analyzes can also be carried out, for example via predictive analytics and / or big data analytics.

The features, technical effects, advantages and exemplary embodiments that have been described in relation to the data module apply analogously to a container or a container fleet with installed data modules, and a system comprising one or more containers equipped with data modules and an external device for data processing, such as such as a central server and / or a user device that are in communication with each other.

Furthermore, further advantages and features of the invention can be seen from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the above features insofar as the features do not contradict each other. Preferred exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure list

• The 1a and 1b show two exemplary container types that can be equipped with a data module.
• The 2nd shows the structure of an exemplary data module in a schematic manner.
• The 3rd shows an exemplary communication scheme of a container equipped with a data module.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar or equivalent elements are provided with identical reference symbols in the figures, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

The 1a and 1b show two exemplary containers 10 using a data module 20 can be equipped. The 1a shows an IBC ("Intermediate Bulk Container") 10a , and the 1b shows a reusable barrel 10b , which is known as "Keg". Both containers 10 are suitable for storing and transporting liquids or solid materials, especially free-flowing materials.

The IBC 10a has a circular disk-shaped container lid in the embodiment variant shown 11a on, which is equipped with openings, connections and / or valve devices for the implementation of various functions, in particular for filling and removing the container contents. The container lid 11a can be provided with an external thread to fit into a corresponding lid opening of the IBC 10a to be screwable. Alternatively, the container lid 11a Swiveling via a hinge connection, fixed to the IBC 10a be connected or otherwise formed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the container lid has 11 a a valve device 12a on that to fill the IBCs 10a and is set up for removing the container contents. Furthermore, the container lid 11a one or more threaded openings 13a through which various devices can be installed by screwing. For example, such threaded openings 13a originally designed for installing a level sensor, temperature sensor, as a window for optical inspection of the container contents and the like.

An alternative type of container is in the 1b shown. There's a barrel in it 10b shown, which is mainly used for drinks and is known under the name "Keg". The barrel 10b has a container lid 11b with an opening 12b on that to accommodate a valve device 13b is set up. By means of the valve device 13b can the barrel 10b opened and closed to allow liquid to fill into the barrel 10b and to use it for use.

The in the 1a and 1b shown container 10 are only exemplary. There are no restrictions on shape, size, material, standardization, container content, etc., as long as the container 10 has an opening for inserting a data module 20 suitable is. Such an opening (e.g. the threaded opening 13a of the IBC 10a or the opening 12b of the barrel 10b) are collectively referred to herein as "module opening" and with the reference symbol 11 Mistake. The module opening is preferably 11 a through opening, via which the container interior is in communication with the external environment in the unlocked state.

The 2nd shows the structure of an exemplary data module in a schematic manner 20 .

The data module 20 has a housing 21st on that for a positive and / or non-positive connection with the module opening 11 of the container 10 suitable is. For this purpose, the housing 21st a shaft section 22 have, which preferably has an external thread, whereby the data module 20 into a threaded section of the module opening 11 can be screwed in. The housing 21st can also have a head section 23 have, which is on the shaft portion 22 connects so that the data module 20 in the present embodiment of the 2nd about the shape of a screw. In other words, the shaft section 22 and the head section 23 are cylindrical housing sections, the diameter of the head section 23 preferably larger than the diameter of the shaft section 22 is. The shaft section is in the screwed-in or inserted state 22 at least partially inside the container 10 while the head section 23 is at least partially outside. The module opening 11 is through the data module 20 locked.

It should be noted that the external shape of the data module 20 according to the 2nd and the type of attachment are only exemplary. Alternatively, the housing 21st for example, be designed so that the data module 20 by clamping, screwing, gluing or in any other way into the module opening 11 applicable and on the container 10 is attachable. The data module is preferably 20 detachable with the container 10 connectable; ie the one or more fasteners through which a fixed attachment of the data module 20 in the module opening 11 is realized, allow (as intended) multiple loosening and removal of the data module 20 . Accordingly, for example, form an adhesive connection or embedding the data module 20 in the container 10 such that removal without destroying the container 10 or parts of it is not possible, no detachable connection in the sense of the above definition.

In contrast to the "screw shape" of the 2nd (also 1a) is the data module 20 according to the in the 1b Shown variant shown hollow cylindrical, so that the valve of the valve device 13b through the axial opening of the data module 20 through into the barrel 10b can be introduced. In this way, the valve device is assembled 13b at the same time an attachment of the data module 20 in the opening 12b (= Module opening 11).

The housing 21st of the data module 20 is preferably made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate. The housing is preferably 21st UV-resistant. The housing 21st is designed in such a way that it protects the electronic devices inside, in particular prevents the entry of dirt and moisture, so that the data module 20 can be operated reliably and independently over a long period of time. The sensor system is preferably located inside the housing 21st protected by a silicone lens.

The data module 20 has a number of electronic devices. Not all of the electronic devices described below need to be implemented; on the other hand, further electronic devices can be provided, depending on the application and the functions performed by the data module 20 are to be realized.

In any case, however, the data module points 20 an interior sensor system 30th and an outdoor sensor system 40 on. The interior sensor system 30th comprises sensors and / or electronic devices which enable the detection of physical quantities inside the container 10 - about fill level, surface and / or interior temperature, internal humidity, internal pressure and / or light - enable. The outdoor sensor system 40 includes sensors and / or electronic devices used to detect physical quantities outside the container 10 , the external nature of the container 10 and / or for determining the position and / or position of the container 10 are set up. So can the outdoor sensor system 40 for example to determine the position of the container 10 be set up to detect acceleration, outside temperature, outside humidity, outside air pressure and / or ambient light.

For this purpose, the data module 20 according to the embodiment of 2nd in the shaft section 22 a series of sensors that can be used to obtain information about the state of the interior of the container. For example, the interior sensor system includes 30th : a temperature sensor 31 and / or a moisture sensor relating to the atmosphere inside the container 10 and / or a light sensor 32 for determining the light intensity inside the container 10 and / or a pressure sensor 33 and / or a level sensor 34 and / or an object temperature sensor 35 to determine the temperature of the material stored inside the container. Preferably, the sensors are based on a contactless technology, which ensures reliable measurements over a long period in which the data module 20 works independently, can be realized. Nevertheless, it is also possible for one or more sensors, for example the level sensor 34 , are set up to work with measuring container contents come into contact. The light sensor 32 , for example as a lux meter, is particularly useful for storing and transporting light-sensitive materials. Furthermore, by evaluating the measurement data of the light sensor 32 for example, determine if the lid of the container 10 is closed or open. The level sensor 34 is preferably designed as a lidar sensor. The level sensor 34 can be set up for multisectoral detection, ie for position-dependent determination of the fill level, and / or for funnel detection.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the exterior sensor system is 40 in the head section 23 of the data module 20 installed. For example, the outdoor sensor system includes 40 : a temperature sensor 41 and / or a humidity sensor related to the atmosphere outside the container 10 and / or a light sensor 42 for determining the light intensity outside the container 10 and / or a pressure sensor 43 and / or an acceleration sensor 44 . Preferably, the sensors for the exterior are based on a contactless technology, which means reliable measurements over a long period in which the data module 20 works independently, can be realized. The acceleration sensor 44 is set up to accelerate, shake and / or vibrate the container 10 to detect.

In addition to the interior sensors 30th and the outside sensor system 40 assigns the data module 20 Electronics for processing the sensor data. The term "processing" is to be interpreted broadly, which includes, for example, the mere saving and / or sending of the data. For autonomous operation of the data module 20 to enable this has an internal power source 50 , such as a battery module or an accumulator. The power source 50 is preferably accessible from the outside, for example via a battery compartment, so that it can be replaced or recharged when it is used up. As an alternative or in addition, an integrated charging station can be provided, which enables the power source to be charged in a wired or contactless manner 50 enables in the installed state.

The data module points to the transmission of the data 20 a communication module 60 on. This can include different sending and / or receiving units for short and / or long ranges. A transmitter / receiver unit for mobile radio bands is preferably provided, for example LTE (mobile radio standard, "Long Term Evolution"), which provide long-range communication with high coverage, as a result of which a reliable data exchange can be implemented. The transmission range is, for example, about 50 to 100 km. Alternatively or additionally, a Bluetooth interface can be installed, which enables short-range communication via radio technology. In addition to the active transmission technologies mentioned, the data exchange can alternatively or additionally take place via contactless passive technology, for example using NFC (transmission standard for contactless exchange of data by electromagnetic induction, “near field communication”). You can also find the location of the data module 20 determined by the transmitter / receiver unit (s): via LTE with an accuracy of approximately 15 to 50 m, via Bluetooth with an accuracy of less than one meter. The data exchange can take place using standardized protocols, for example MQTT 5.0 (Messaging protocol for Internet of Things applications) or Open DMTP (bidirectional protocol for exchanging data "Open Device and Tracking Protocol").

The data module preferably has 20 a locating component for geographic positioning, which locates the container 10 for example via a global navigation satellite system such as GPS.

The 3rd shows an exemplary communication scheme with a data module 20 loaded container 10 . The data module 20 determined data about the container 10 , its content and environment are, for example, sent to a central server (cloud) at regular intervals via the mobile radio interface 100 and / or to a portable user device 101 , such as a tablet or smartphone. This can be mediated by service providers 102 respectively. For example, the data module 20 be set so that it records data by sensor every 10 minutes, stores it internally and once a day to the central server 100 sent.

The data module 20 Data sent provide information about the location and condition of the container 10 and its content. The information can be used for various administrative tasks, such as: tour planning, deployment planning, fleet management, availability of containers, condition control, quality control, transport time, crisis management, maintenance intervals, history of the container, degree of use, inventory control, etc. From this, targeted sales models can be developed for end customers . In other words, the data can be used to plan and control resources such as capital, personnel, resources, materials and information and communication technology in good time and as required - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 103 . The interface to the ERP system can, for example, be via a cloud with a dashboard. Alternatively or additionally, the data can be automatically transferred to an ERP system. The tasks or Parts of it can also be app-controlled on portable user devices 101 such as a site check of containers 10 , a check and setting of maintenance intervals and / or a visual check if the data module 20 is equipped with a camera, for example.

Data processing is at least partially automatic. For example, an alarm can be generated for various cases, for example if the analysis of the data indicates improper handling or unauthorized transport of a container, a deterioration in the quality of the container or the like. It should be noted that due to the large amount of data that is transmitted through the data module 20 can be obtained and made available, and various prognostic analyzes can also be carried out, for example via Predicitive Analytics and / or Big Data Analytics.

The data module described in detail above 20 increases the transparency of the inventory of the container fleet and the condition of each container 10 and its content. By in the data module 20 built-in sensors and communication with a central server, for example 100 operators can view all relevant information about their container fleet at any time. Through intelligent analysis and preparation of the data, for example in a dashboard, the customer can improve his own management, which means that process optimization, savings in costs and resources can be realized. Manual recognition procedures can be reduced or completely discontinued through seamless, always traceable documentation. Any existing RFID solutions can be integrated into the system. In addition, the shrinkage of containers can be reduced by the solutions shown here and the turnover rate increased, whereby the capital commitment, maintenance and renewal of container fleets can be optimized.

As far as applicable, all individual features that are shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention.

Reference list

10th

container

11

Module opening

10a

IBC

10b

Keg

11a

Container lid

12a

Valve device

13a

Threaded opening

11b

Container lid

12b

opening

13b

Valve device

20

Data module

21

casing

22

Shaft section

23

Head section

30th

Indoor sensors

31

Temperature sensor

32

Light sensor

33

Pressure sensor

34

Level sensor

35

Object temperature sensor

40

Outdoor sensors

41

Temperature sensor

42

Light sensor

43

Pressure sensor

44

Accelerometer

50

Power source

60

Communication module

100

Central server

101

User device

102

service provider

103

ERP

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1152956 B1 [0003]
• EP 1506523 B1 [0003]
• DE 102005023300 A1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Data module (20) for monitoring a container (10), which is preferably set up for storing and / or transporting liquids and / or solid materials, which can be brought into engagement with a module opening (11) of the container (10) in such a way that Both the interior of the container (10) and the exterior can be sensed by the data module (20), the data module (20) having: an interior sensor system (30) with one or more sensors which are set up for the detection of physical quantities inside the container (10); and or an exterior sensor system (40) with one or more sensors which are set up to detect physical quantities outside the container (10), the external nature of the container (10) and / or to determine the position and / or position of the container (10); and a communication module (60) which is set up to receive sensor data from the interior sensor system (30) and / or outside space sensor system (40) and has at least one transmission device which is set up to send data based on the sensor data to an external reception device (100, 101) is. Data module (20) after Claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a housing (21) with a shaft section (22) in which the interior sensor system (30) is accommodated, and a head section (23) in which the exterior sensor system (40) is housed, wherein in When the data module (20) is in the assembled state, the shaft portion (22) is at least partially inside the container (10), while the head portion (23) is at least partially outside the container (10). Data module (20) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the shaft section (22) and the head section (23) are cylindrical housing sections, the diameter of the head section (23) preferably being larger than the diameter of the shaft section (22). Data module (20) after Claim 2 or 3rd , characterized in that the shaft section (22) has an external thread, whereby the data module (20) can be screwed into the module opening (11) of the container (10). Data module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitting device is set up for active data transmission and the data module (20) furthermore has a power source (50), preferably a battery module or an accumulator, which at least the transmitting device of the communication module (60 ) powered. Data module (20) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the transmitting device is set up for data transmission by radio, preferably for mobile radio bands and / or via a Bluetooth interface. Data module (20) after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the transmission device is set up in such a way that it automatically sends data based on the sensor data, preferably at regular time intervals. Data module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior sensor system (30) comprises: a temperature sensor (31) and / or a moisture sensor and / or a light sensor (32) and / or a pressure sensor (33) and / or a level sensor (34) and / or an object temperature sensor (35) for determining the temperature of the material stored inside the container. Data module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior sensor system (40) comprises: a temperature sensor (41) and / or a moisture sensor and / or a light sensor (42) and / or a pressure sensor (43) and / or an acceleration sensor (44) which is set up to detect the acceleration and / or shocks and / or vibrations of the container (10). Data module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside space sensor system (40) has a locating component for determining the geographic position of the container (10), preferably using a global navigation satellite system. Data module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has means for fastening the same in the module opening (11), preferably a thread and / or at least part of a bayonet catch. Container (10) for storing and / or transporting liquids or solid materials, preferably IBC (10a) or keg (10b), which has a module opening (11) with a data module (20) installed therein according to one of the preceding claims. System from one or more containers (10) Claim 11 and at least one external receiving device, preferably Central server (100) and / or user device (101) which are in communication with one another.

Images