FI13217Y1 - Apparatus for sensing fullness of storage bin, and storage bin - Google Patents

Description

Device for detecting the degree of filling of a storage box and storage box Background of the invention The invention relates to a device for detecting the degree of filling of a storage box.

In addition, the invention relates to a storage box that can contain a large number of components.

The object of the invention is defined in more detail in the preambles of the independent claims.

Storage boxes are widely used for storing various mechanical components, for example on assembly lines where industrial products are manufactured. It is important that the stock does not reach zero, because otherwise the operation on the line will have to be stopped. On the other hand, too much inventory increases the tied-up capital and causes capital costs. Therefore, automatic re-ordering systems have been developed that detect when the number of components decreases and the area in the box decreases. When the number of components in storage has fallen below a predefined limit, a replenishment order is placed in the order system. However, problems have been detected in known systems related to e.g. to their reliability and complexity.

Brief description of the invention N 25 The purpose of the invention is to create a new and improved solution for detecting the degree of filling of a storage box containing mechanical components. 2 The characteristic features of the device according to the invention are presented in the characterizing part of the first independent claim. 3 The characteristic features of the storage box according to the invention are presented in the characterizing part of the second independent claim. > The idea behind the invention is a device adapted to determine the degree of filling of the storage box. The storage box is a box-like structure with an open top for receiving mechanical components. the device is adapted, or can be adapted, to the storage box.

The device comprises one or more detection devices for detecting the degree of filling of the storage box.

The device is also equipped with at least one communication device, enabling communication with external electronic devices, such as servers that belong to the electronic reorder system and are adapted to supplement the storage box.

Said identification device is a non-contact sensor that is adapted to send an identification signal towards the interior of the storage box.

The detection device not only sends detection signals, but also receives the reflected detection signals. the identification data collected by the device is communicated to the mentioned reordering system.

In other words, the solution utilizes the detection data of reflected detection signals, i.e. reflected pulses or electromagnetic waves, when detecting the level of the storage box with the sensor, i.e. the degree of filling.

Another detection device is a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor.

In addition, the identification device is a laser distance sensor.

The advantage of the presented solution is that the identification is reliable and accurate, because it is based on the reception of reflected identification signals.

The identification is not affected by the color of the components and even small objects can be detected even in poor lighting.

According to N Frä's application, the device is adapted to measure the distance to the plane of the surface of the storage box, which <Q determines the components stored in the storage box.

S 30 According to one application, the device is adapted to compare the identified measurement distance with a predetermined + reference distance.

The reference distance can be a re-order limit or a distance that corresponds to a situation where the level of the components in the storage box, i.e. the number of 35, is still such that the new delivery batch com-

ponents can be obtained before the components in the storage box are used up. In other words, when the recognized distance is greater than the reference distance, a reorder is placed in the order system and the storage box is automatically replenished.

According to one application, the device comprises at least one control unit for calculating the distance between the device and the upper surface of the stored components. The distance is calculated between the identification signal sent in response to the detected transit time and the return identification signal, which return signal is a reflection from the upper surface of the stored Components. The device sends signals and receives the signals when they are reflected back. The signals thus have a transit time, based on which the distance can be calculated.

According to one application, the control unit of the device comprises one or more processors for calculating the travel time and the corresponding distance in response to the received identification data. the device can send pre-processed distance information to the ordering system and the inventory accounting system.

According to one application, the control unit of the device is adapted to calculate distance information according to the previous application, and is additionally adapted to create re-orders. The control unit is equipped with a reordering strategy, limit values, reference data or similar N instructions for reordering. The reorder N can be sent to the order system or warehouse control system using a wireless communication bus. <Q In this application, the device not only produces remotely read S 30 identification data and calculates the distance to the height E of the surface of the storage box, but also independently creates order commands to complete the storage box.

S According to one application, the device connected to the storage box is adapted to send the identification data it produces S 35 by means of a wireless communication connection always-

even for one server or computer equipped with a processor to perform the calculation. In other words, identification information is processed on an external server or computer. In this case, the device itself does not need to be equipped with computing capability. The device can generate identification data and forward it as such.

According to one application, the identification device utilizes electromagnetic waves. The device determines the level of the storage box based on the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

According to one application, several identification devices are used, which is made possible by the small size and affordable price of the identification devices. In some cases, the use of two or more different identification devices can also be combined.

According to one application, the device is a separate piece that is removably attached to the storage box.

According to one application, the storage box is equipped with at least one installation space that can receive the device. The structure of the storage box can include a pocket or recess into which the device can be fitted. In connection with the installation space, there may be form-locking elements or quick-fixing elements to lock the device in place.

According to one application, the device comprises at least one fastening member for fastening it to the storage box N. The fastening can be based on screw fastening or suitable quick fastening elements, such as for example spring-loaded elements.

? According to one application, the device is integrated S 30 into the structure of the storage box, in which case it is an inseparable part of the storage box.

<+ According to one application, the storage box can S comprise two longer side walls and shorter front and N rear walls. The front wall can be tilted, or it can vary

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D optionally be hinged to facilitate the removal of components. The device is attached to the inner surface of the side wall or back wall, its vertical upper part.

According to one application, the storage box can include four side walls of the same length. In this case, the device is attached to one side wall.

According to one application, the device is attached to a separate plate-like element that can be supported on the side wall of the storage box. The plate surface of the plate-like support member can be fitted against the wall of the storage box and the lower end can be supported on the bottom of the storage box. Such a support body is easy to install and guarantees good support for the device.

According to one application, the device is equipped with at least one electrical energy accumulator for the electricity required for the operation of the device. In order to save electricity and ensure a long operating time, the control unit can be equipped with a detection mode, in which the device is activated, and a sleep mode, in which the device is in an inactive state. The control unit mainly keeps the device in sleep mode and turns on the detection mode only at predefined intervals. This results in significant savings in energy consumption.

According to one application, identification is only done according to set time intervals. In other words, the user can specify suitable time intervals between consecutive N recognition events. For example, the device can activate N detection modes once an hour. The detection frequency can be set according to the utilization rate of the components, the size of the storage box <Q and other warehouse-specific factors. The settings of the S 30 are also easy to update. E According to one application, the time interval or detection frequency can be adjusted remotely via a wireless communication bus. N According to one application, the communication device S 35 of the device is adapted to communicate with the electronic reordering system by means of a wireless communication connection. In this case, the installation and use of the device is easy, and the monitoring is independent of the location of the storage box.

According to one application, wireless data transfer utilizes Bluetooth& connection.

According to one application, wireless data transfer utilizes a WiFi& connection.

According to one application, wireless data transmission utilizes LoRa (Long Range) wireless technology.

According to one application, the wireless data transfer utilizes the mobile phone network.

According to one application, the identification device of the device is adapted to send the identification signal to only one target point. The location of the target point has been chosen so that it best indicates the level of the storage box.

According to one application, the device is equipped with adjustment devices to adjust the alignment of the detection device so that the position of the target point can be adjusted.

According to one application, the identification device of the device is adapted to send identification signals to several target points. When identification signals are sent and received from two, three or more target points inside the storage box, the accuracy and reliability of monitoring can be improved.

According to one application, the identification device N of the device is adapted to scan or scan the plane of the upper surface 5 formed by the components inside the storage box N with an identification signal. Also in this solution, the reflected <Q signals are received and analyzed.

S 30 According to one application, the solution concerns a storage box intended for + storing mechanical components. The storage box comprises the base and the side walls surrounding it. The base and side walls define the storage space, which is open from above. The storage box is additionally equipped S 35 with one or more devices with a detection device to identify the degree of filling of the storage box. The device is similar to the one described in this document.

According to one application, the storage box is stackable and is made of plastic material.

According to one application, the storage box comprises two or more compartments, the degree of filling of each of which is monitored using the presented solution.

According to one application, the storage box comprises a large number of C-parts, which typically comprises screws, nuts, washers, locking pins and similar relatively small and inexpensive mechanical components.

Brief explanation of the figures Some applications are described in the following figures, where figure 1 shows a storage box equipped with a device for detecting its degree of filling, and figure 2 shows a cross-section of a storage box and two alternative attachment principles for the detection device.

For the sake of clarity, the figures show some forms of application in a simplified manner. In the figures, the same reference markings have been adapted to indicate corresponding features. Detailed explanation of some embodiments Figure 1 shows a storage box 1 intended for receiving mechanical components 2 such as nuts, base plates and screws. The storage box 1 is 2 a box-like body comprising a base 3, side walls 4a - z 4d and an open top. Inside the box 1 is a storage space 5. * 30 The box is equipped with a device 6 for identifying the upper surface formed by the components 2 3 in the storage space and to find out whether it is necessary to create a refill order Q for the ordering system 7. The device 6 comprises a recognition device > 8, which is equipped with a transmitter 9 for sending the identification signal 10a towards the upper surface of the components, i.e. the filling level 11 of the box, and the receiver 12 for receiving the reflected identification signal 10b.

The device 6 also comprises a control unit CU for controlling the operation of the device 6 and a data transmission device 13 for organizing wireless data transmission.

Furthermore, the device comprises an electric charge recorder B, such as a battery, to produce the necessary electrical energy for the device 6. The device 6 can be mounted detachably on one of the side walls, in this case it is fitted to the upper part of the rear wall 4c. the device 6 can comprise installation means 14, such as quick fastening elements, support hooks, brackets, screws or clamps. the device 6 can send the identification results to the order system 7 as is, or the identification data can be pre-processed in the control unit CU, and the replenishment order can be sent to the system.

The ordering system 7 can comprise one or more servers S.

Alternatively, or in addition, the ordering system can comprise the cloud service CS.

The ordering system 7 is equipped with information about a suitable ordering point, which can correspond to the distance identified between the surface 11 of the storage box and the device 6.

In addition, the ordering system 7 can communicate with one or several other electronic terminal devices 15, such as computers 16 and smartphones 17, and can thus deliver desired information, control information, alarms and messages to selected users and systems.

Figure 2 shows the box 1 and two alternative 5 fastening arrangements for the device 6. The first fastening means 14a of the first device 6a P comprise a hook and the second fastening means 14b of the second device 6b comprise a plate which is fitted against the side surface of the box 1.

Plate + can also be equipped with fixing screws 14c or equivalent.

Of course, it is clear that other types of fastening systems can also be applied. devices 6a, 6b transmit and S 35 receives identification signals 10 as shown in this document.

The figures and their explanation are intended to illustrate the invention.

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Claims (3)

Protection requirements 1. Device (6) for determining the degree of filling of a storage box (1), where the storage box (1) is a box-like body open from above, intended to receive mechanical components (2); and each device (6) is adapted to said storage box (1) and comprises: at least one detection device (8) for identifying the degree of filling of the storage box (1); at least one communication device (13) enabling communication with at least one electronic device ($, CS) which is external to the storage box (1) and belongs to the electronic ordering system (7) adapted to complement the storage box; and where the identification device (8) is a non-contact ToF (Time of Flight) sensor adapted to send an identification signal (10a) towards the interior (5) of the storage box (1) and is adapted to receive a returning identification signal (10b; and the identification data is adapted to communicate with said ordering system (7), characterized in that the device (6) comprises at least one control unit (CU) for calculating the N distance between the device (6) and the upper surface of the stored N components (2) in response to an identification signal sent during the transit time (10a) and the return detection signal (10b) which return detection signal (10b) S 30 has been reflected from the upper surface of the stored components and E received by the device (6); and the I detection device (8) is a laser sensor. 3 N 2. A device according to claim 1 known S 35 in that the device (6) is equipped with at least one electrical charge recorder (B) to store the electrical energy required for the operation of the device (6); the control unit (CU) of the device (6) is equipped with a recognition mode in which the recognition device (8) is activated, and a sleep mode in which the recognition device (8) is in an inactive state; and the control unit (CU) is adapted to keep the device (6) mainly in sleep mode and is adapted to switch on the recognition mode only at defined intervals to save electrical energy. 3. A storage box (1) for storing mechanical components, which storage box (1) comprises: a base (3) and surrounding side walls (4a to 4d) which together define a storage space (5) which is open from above; at least one device (6), which is equipped with a recognition device (8) for recognizing the degree of filling of the storage box (1): characterized by the fact that said device (6) complies with one of the protection requirements 1 or 2. OF OF O N <+ <Q 00 O I Jam a + <r O + OF OF O OF D