Recording device and worker object recognition method

Abstract

A receiving device (12) for receiving work items, in particular tools, wherein the receiving device (12) has receptacles (14) for work items (15), the receptacles being individually adapted to the shape of the work items (15), characterized in that at least one capacitive sensor (16) and / or one inductive sensor (17) is provided in the area or near the receptacles (14) of the receiving device (12) for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work item (15) in a receptacle (14) individually adapted for the work item (15), wherein several reference measurements under different environmental conditions are taken into account to determine the presence and / or position of the at least one work item (15), wherein for a training process the reference measurements are taken with an empty receiving device,can be carried out with a holding device filled only with individual tools or tool groups and / or with a fully filled holding device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving device, wherein the receiving device has receptacles for work objects, wherein the receptacles are individually adapted to the shape of the work objects. The invention further relates to the use of at least one sensor in a receiving device. Finally, the invention relates to a method for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a receptacle of a receiving device provided for the work object.

[0002] GB 2 406 092 B discloses an inventory management system that monitors the removal and replacement of work tools in a container. Such inventory management systems can be helpful in determining whether work tools have been returned to their original location after use, or whether they have been lost or stolen. This is particularly important, for example, when repairing aircraft, as leaving a work tool inside an aircraft's turbine can have serious consequences.

[0003] To prevent work items from being returned to the container and to monitor this, foam inserts are typically used. These inserts have recesses that match the shape and size of the work item. This allows an operator to easily determine whether all work items are in their respective slots. However, this is time-consuming. Furthermore, for some applications, this may not be secure enough, as similar work items might be placed in slots that could be confused with the ones intended for them.

[0004] GB 2 406 092 B now provides for the use of sensors to detect the presence or absence of work items in a container.

[0005] WO 2018 / 063476 A1 describes devices and systems for monitoring tools. According to one embodiment, a tool cabinet is provided with several drawers, each containing a tray with a sensor network. The sensor network checks whether the tools are inserted into the trays or not.

[0006] EP 1 808 275 A2 shows a tool provision device comprising a tool carrier with a recess for receiving a tool. A sensor unit is arranged on a side of the tool carrier opposite the tool-side recess, which can detect whether or not the corresponding tool is present in the corresponding recess.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to further develop a recording device, a use of at least one sensor in a recording device and a method for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a receptacle of a recording device provided for the work object in such a way that the presence and / or position or absence of a work object in the receptacle provided for the work object can be reliably detected.

[0008] This object is achieved by a holding device for holding work objects, in particular tools, wherein the holding device has holders for work objects, wherein the holders are individually adapted to the shape of the work objects, which is further developed in that in the area or near the holders of the holding device at least one capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor is provided for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a holder individually adapted for the work object, wherein to determine the presence and / or position of the at least one work object several reference measurements under different environmental conditions are taken into account, wherein for a training process the reference measurements are taken with an empty holding device,with a holding device filled only with individual tools or tool groups and / or with a completely filled holding device.

[0009] By using a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor, it is possible to very accurately determine the presence and / or position of at least one work object, in particular a tool, in a holder individually adapted to the work object. The holding device comprises, in particular, a capacitive and / or an inductive sensor for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a holder individually adapted to the work object.

[0010] The capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor used according to the invention can be referred to as an electronic proximity sensor within the scope of the invention.

[0011] Electronic proximity sensors generate an electrical or electromagnetic field in the working area where an object is to be detected. The presence, type, and / or location or position of the object changes a defined or predeterminable electromagnetic field and can therefore be detected by the sensor.

[0012] By using an electronic proximity sensor, it is possible to very precisely determine the presence and / or position of at least one workpiece, for example a tool, in a receptacle that is individually adapted to the workpiece. Electronic proximity sensors have the advantage that they can detect workpieces in the receptacle even when there is no direct line of sight. Thus, in contrast to, for example, optical sensors or cameras, they can be mounted below a receptacle, for example a foam insert. Unlike magnetic sensors, which only respond to magnetic material, electronic proximity sensors can detect all typical materials that are used in tools or in the workshop environment, and they respond particularly well to conductive and metallic materials.

[0013] When using a capacitive sensor, the electrical capacitance of the sensor circuit is changed by materials located near the sensor, in this case the work object, in particular the tool.

[0014] The capacitive sensor is preferably designed to generate an electric field in the receiving area. The presence or absence of materials within the generated electric field changes the electrical capacitance, which serves as the measured value. The size, position, and material properties of the inserted object influence the measured capacitance value. In particular, non-metallic objects can also be detected because they change the capacitance value due to a dielectric constant or permittivity that differs from air.

[0015] The current capacity is measured by at least one sensor arranged near the work object holder, so that it can be determined very precisely whether the work object or the material from which the work object is made is inserted into the holder provided for it.

[0016] A capacitive sensor is also understood to be a one- or two-dimensional arrangement of capacitive sensor elements, such as those used in linear and radial sliders (1D) and trackpads or touchscreens (2D), as well as a so-called proximity sensor (3D). Capacitive sensors constructed from multiple segments in other ways, as well as simple capacitive buttons such as those found in control elements for household electronics, are also considered capacitive sensors. This includes both analog and digital sensor variants.

[0017] In particular, a capacitive sensor is understood to be a sensor that has two electrodes that are spaced apart in a plane and measure a change in permittivity and / or the change in electrical capacitance of an overall arrangement that arises from changes in an electric field near the electrodes. A corresponding capacitive sensor can, for example, have an inner circular electrode and a second annular electrode arranged around the inner circular electrode. A coating can be applied to these electrodes to protect the electrodes. The coating itself has essentially no influence on the function of the sensor.

[0018] When determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in the holder individually adapted for the work object, use can be made of the fact that the capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes when an electrically conductive material or a dielectric is brought into the vicinity of the sensor, i.e. into the generated electric field.

[0019] This also makes it possible to determine the dielectric constant of the work object or the material of the work object, for example, by evaluating the signals from multiple sensor components or multiple sensors. It is preferably possible to check whether the inserted work object and its parts represent the same work object in terms of material, size, and / or position as, for example, in a reference measurement. This makes it possible to train the user to determine the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a receptacle of a recording device intended for the work object.

[0020] Capacitive sensors also have the option of adjusting the sensitivity, classically using a potentiometer or, in more modern sensors, using an integrated circuit.

[0021] Due to the widespread use of capacitive sensors in control elements of electronic devices (e.g., keyboards, touchscreens, cell phones, and glass-mounted control panels), this technology has undergone significant development in recent years and has become very affordable. Flat capacitive sensors, for example, can be manufactured relatively large and inexpensively on flexible films.

[0022] To enable even better results in determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a holder individually adapted to the work object, at least one inductive sensor is additionally or alternatively provided in the holder device. This allows for particularly good detection of materials that are conductive and thus exert an influence on an alternating magnetic field, such as metallic materials, especially ferrous materials or steel.

[0023] Inductive sensors utilize the effect of electromagnetic induction. If an electrically conductive material (the object, tool, or work piece) enters the alternating magnetic field created by the inductive sensor, eddy currents are generated in the object according to the law of induction. These eddy currents draw energy from the sensor's oscillating circuit and can thus be measured via the oscillating circuit quality. The eddy current losses depend on various parameters that can thus be detected by the sensor: the distance and position of the object, its dimensions, shape, electrical conductivity, and permeability. Inductive sensors are known for their high sensitivity and very good signal-to-noise ratio. This allows the presence of an electrically conductive object, such as a tool or part of a tool (such as a hammer head), at the designated location in the holding device to be detected very safely and reliably.

[0024] Particularly good results can be achieved by combining at least one inductive sensor and one capacitive sensor. Preferably, multiple capacitive sensors and / or inductive sensors are provided. If multiple capacitive sensors and / or inductive sensors are preferably arranged on a flat sensor device, in particular a film or multiple films and / or a circuit board or multiple circuit boards, it is particularly easy to detect multiple parts of one or more work objects simultaneously.

[0025] Preferably, the capacitive sensors and / or inductive sensors of the planar sensor device are located in a plane that is preferably arranged parallel to the base of the receiving device. The sensors can also be arranged, in particular partially, perpendicular to the base of the receiving device.

[0026] Preferably, the plurality of capacitive sensors and / or inductive sensors are arranged or connected in the form of at least one matrix. The matrix can be adapted to the position of the receptacles in the receptacle device or can be a matrix that can be used for different receptacle devices.

[0027] A matrix may have the sensors in even rows and columns and / or straight rows and staggered columns and / or a meandering arrangement of the sensors.

[0028] The arrangement of the multiple sensors can also be adapted to the arrangement of the recesses in the receiving device.

[0029] It is particularly preferred if the receiving device is or comprises a molded foam or a plastic sheet. The molded foam can be, for example, a polyethylene foam or ESD foam from Hoffmann SE, article no. 95 3201 31 or 97 3235 15. The molded foam can also be an LDPE foam or a polyoxymethylene copolymer (POMC). Alternatively, polypropylene homopolymer (PP-H) or PE plastics can also be used.

[0030] Preferably, the outer dimensions of the receiving device are defined by the molded foam or the plastic plate, optionally supplemented by a flat sensor device.

[0031] Components, especially sensors, can be mounted on rigid circuit boards, flexible circuit boards, and / or flexible foils. Assembly can be carried out using all commercially available methods, e.g., with SMD components or metallic or other films or coatings. The components can also be printed or produced from films by etching. They can be encapsulated or covered with a layer to ensure stability, protection against mechanical influences, insulation, heat dissipation, and / or visual protection. Movably mounted electrodes for adjusting the capacitance, inductance, and / or sensitivity or the position of the field to adapt to specific workpieces are also conceivable.

[0032] When installing electronic proximity sensors, particular attention must be paid to ensuring a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), immunity to interference (compliance with EMC specifications, electromagnetic compatibility), and appropriate sensitivity. Certain measures can be implemented to optimize performance, such as smoothing capacitors and a particularly stable supply voltage and / or input voltage smoothing, as well as filter stages or other hardware or software measures for noise suppression. It may also be preferable to electrically connect the housing or surfaces of the pickup device or other components to ground or to use them as a shield.

[0033] Preferably, the base of the receiving device is electrically conductive, wherein, in particular, an electrical connection of a measuring electronics unit of the at least one capacitive sensor and / or an electrical connection of a measuring electronics unit of the at least one inductive sensor is electrically connected to the base, wherein, in particular, the base is grounded. This enables very precise and consistent measurements and determinations of the position or presence of work objects in the provided receptacles. Preferably, the sensor device is parallel to the base and / or is integrated into the receiving device, in particular in a flat manner.

[0034] A work item is understood to mean, in particular, a tool as well as, for example, assembly materials and small items such as screws, nails, bolts, resistors, cables, plugs, and sockets. Furthermore, a work item also includes personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, protective gloves, hearing protection, helmets, and the like. Assembly material can also include boxes or containers for assembly materials, for example, containers for milling cutters or drills or containers for screws. In particular, a work item is understood to mean tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, torque wrenches, cordless screwdrivers, and the like, or accessories such as (replaceable) measuring heads, ratchets, bits, and the like, or spare parts, adapters, holders, milling cutters, drills, cutting heads, etc.

[0035] The sensors are preferably components of the receiving device, for example, incorporated into the material of the receiving device. However, they can also be attached externally to the material from which the receiving device otherwise consists or is manufactured, or which is encompassed by the receiving device. The sensors can therefore also be arranged below the receiving device, above and / or next to the receiving device, and in contact with the receiving device. In particular, the sensors are then also components of the receiving device within the scope of the invention.

[0036] For the purposes of the invention, an inductive sensor is understood to be a sensor that generates a magnetic field. The inductive sensor is designed as an oscillating circuit. The presence of a workpiece in a receptacle of the holding device causes an eddy current to be generated in a conductive part of the workpiece, thereby removing energy from the oscillating circuit of the inductive sensor. In particular, the quality of the oscillating circuit is tested to determine whether the correct workpiece is present in the designated receptacle.

[0037] When using electronic proximity sensors for tool detection or work object detection, the so-called pre-damping must be taken into particular account. Objects close to the sensor which are not the subject of detection, e.g. parts or the base of the container, adjacent containers, a metal wall of the tool cabinet or conductive ESD foams, can also influence the electrical and / or electromagnetic field. The design and position of the sensor components can be adapted accordingly for optimization, e.g. so that the generated field does not reach the area of ​​the interfering objects. A defined distance between the sensor and the conductive base of the container, e.g. by means of a spacer layer made of molded foam or plastic or by means of spacers, can significantly improve functionality.

[0038] Fixed interference or interference that is always present during the measurement can be taken into account by a reference measurement. This means that other influences such as manufacturing deviations and local environmental influences can also be taken into account. For this purpose, a training process can be carried out with an empty fixture, with a fixture filled only with individual tools or tool groups and / or with a completely filled fixture. It can also be useful to carry out further reference measurements under different ambient conditions such as changes in temperature or humidity, as these also influence the switching behavior of the sensors. One or more comparison values ​​are determined from this / these reference measurements.

[0039] If the presence and / or position of a work object is to be detected, the current measured value(s) are compared with the reference measurement(s). The respective differences can be used to determine whether the work object intended for this recess is actually present.

[0040] Alternatively and / or additionally, this can be determined using physical relationships (e.g., testing material parameters, responding or evaluating individual sensors and specific positions, etc.). Consistency checks, rule-based checks, and / or correlation analyses are also preferably possible in addition to the above-mentioned methods.

[0041] In the consistency checks, it can be verified whether the different measured values are consistent with each other. In the correlation analyses, it can be verified whether the time curves of the measured values of the sensors match, i.e., correlate with each other. The rules that can be used in this verification can take into account the order of taking and traversing the workpieces.

[0042] It may be necessary to reduce the mutual influence of several, e.g., adjacent, sensors. For this purpose, the overlap of electromagnetic fields can be minimized by targeted design and / or targeted arrangement and / or shielding. For example, oscillators lying closely adjacent to each other can be provided with offset frequencies and / or operated alternately and / or successively to avoid coupling and thus unreliable measurement behavior.

[0043] The object is further achieved by a tool storage device comprising a container in which a receiving device of the type according to the invention or of the preferred type is accommodated. The container can have a base on which the receiving device is placed. For example, the container can be a drawer of a tool storage cabinet or a tool storage cabinet.

[0044] The object is further achieved by using at least one capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor in a receiving device as described above for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object, in particular a tool, in a receptacle of the receiving device, in particular a container of the work object storage device, which receptacle is individually adapted for the work object.

[0045] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object in a receptacle of a receiving device provided for the work object, wherein the receptacle provided for the work object is individually adapted to the work object, wherein at least one measured value is recorded by means of a capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor, wherein the at least one measured value is compared with a predeterminable target value, which in particular corresponds to a measured value at which the at least one work object is inserted in a predetermined target position in the receptacle provided for the at least one work object, wherein the presence and / or position of the at least one work object in the receptacle provided for the work object is determined on the basis of the comparison,wherein, to determine the presence and / or position of the at least one workpiece, several reference measurements are taken into account under different environmental conditions, and for a training process, the reference measurements are carried out with an empty receiving device, with a receiving device filled only with individual tools or tool groups, and / or with a completely filled receiving device.,

[0046] In the case where several sensors are provided, the measured values of the sensors are compared with the setpoint values provided for the respective sensor. Thus, a setpoint value is assigned to each sensor.

[0047] Preferably, an error message is output if the measured value lies outside a predeterminable range of a measured value. In this case, it has been determined that the work object is not inserted into the holder provided for the work object, or the position of the work object in this holder does not correspond to the predeterminable position or a target position.

[0048] Preferably, the measured values ​​of the capacitive sensor and / or the inductive sensor are measured over a period of time, resulting in a measurement curve. The measurement curve(s) is / are, for example, a measurement curve over time.

[0049] The capacitance measurement curve can be recorded independently of the inductive sensor measurement curve. This allows for a three-dimensional measurement, namely, the measurement of both the capacitive and inductive sensors over time. Additionally, individual areas, such as sensors belonging to specific recesses and / or containers and / or container parts, can be measured separately. This also enables multidimensional measurement and evaluation.

[0050] Preferably, a plurality of capacitive sensors and / or inductive sensors are provided, by means of which the presence and / or position of a plurality of work objects in receptacles provided for the work objects is determined. This makes it possible, for example, to determine the presence and / or position of a plurality of work objects in a receptacle device with multiple receptacles.

[0051] Preferably, a missing work object or an incorrect work object placed in a receptacle is detected and a signal representing this is output or emitted.

[0052] Preferably, a sequence for removing and / or inserting work items into designated receptacles is specified, with a signal being generated if the sequence is not followed. This enables efficient worker guidance. For example, a light signal can indicate to the worker which work item the worker should remove from the receptacle at a specific time. If this does not happen, or if the wrong work item is removed, an error message is generated. The same can also be implemented for the insertion of work items. Alternatively or additionally, each removal and / or insertion of work items can be logged.

[0053] Preferably, the position and / or presence of work objects in designated recordings is monitored using self-learning algorithms.

[0054] The invention provides an intelligent detection sensor system for objects, preferably made of different materials, with locally defined storage positions, for example in rigid foams.

[0055] In particular, the invention enables worker object management. The stored objects, tools, or worker objects can be made of a wide variety of materials and can vary greatly in their properties such as weight, dimensions, material density, and conductivity. For example, worker objects or tools can be made of various plastics, metals, or combinations thereof. Reliable detection of worker objects, such as tools, in a receptacle of a receptacle device should be possible. Furthermore, it should be possible to distinguish between the various worker objects, and position detection should be performed. For example, receptacle devices can be provided in steel drawers of a worker object storage device, such as a cabinet.The container is, for example, a steel drawer into which a holding device, for example a rigid foam with holders for work objects, is inserted.

[0056] In addition to one or more electronic proximity sensors, weight detection or image recognition can also be performed using a camera system. It is also possible to attach RFID tags to work objects, especially tools, and have these RFID tags recognized by a corresponding sensor system. This promotes the accuracy of determining the presence and / or position of work objects, especially tools, in the designated receptacles.

[0057] The objects in the form of work tools are located in locally defined storage positions, which are formed by a recess for the work tools. A flat sensor system or a flat sensor device is provided in each container, for example in each drawer or in each rigid foam insert, i.e. in each holding device. The sensor device can be arranged parallel to the underside of the holding device. The sensor device can also be arranged in an intermediate layer in the holding device. The holding device can be constructed like a sandwich. The advantage of capacitive and / or inductive sensors is that they are insensitive to contamination, independent of lighting conditions, temperature and humidity, and above all, tamper-proof. Individual sensors can also be provided outside of the flat sensor system.

[0058] By arranging the sensors in a fixed structure, for example, in a grid pattern, where the arrangement and size can be adapted depending on the size of the container or the holding device and / or the work pieces, it is possible to deliver precise measurement results. The sensors can be arranged according to the arrangement of the holders or following a general grid structure. More sensitive sensors can be used for small work pieces or work pieces made of a material or materials with lower conductivity. The sensors can therefore be adapted to the material properties of the work pieces.

[0059] Furthermore, individual adaptation to other work item configurations is possible. Preferably, the presence and / or position of the work items in the receptacles provided for the work items is determined at the moment the container with the receptacle is fully inserted into the work item storage device, for example, if the container is a drawer, the drawer is fully inserted into the work item storage device. This prevents manipulation during the measurement.

[0060] Preferably, a worker guidance system can be used. For this purpose, the work items arranged in a holding device can be visually identified, for example by light, so that the worker knows which work item, for example which tool or which safety material such as safety goggles, or which consumable such as a screw, should be removed from the holding device. For example, the safety goggles can be illuminated first, or an LED can be lit up in the holder for the safety goggles so that the worker knows that the safety goggles must be put on first, and later, in a second step, a tool such as a cut-off grinder can be illuminated so that the worker can then remove it.

[0061] A check can be made to determine whether the correct work tools are being used in the correct order, for example, whether they are being taken out of the removal device and placed back in. This enables reliable worker guidance that issues warnings if the worker does not adhere to the procedure. Alternatively or additionally, every work step can be logged, for example, when installing a spare part or a component. This can be very important when installing an assembly, for example, in an aviation context.For example, it can be provided that each removed part must be placed in a recess provided for it, so that, according to the invention, it can be measured whether everything is removed and reinstalled correctly in sequence and whether the correct tool, for example, a torque wrench with a preset torque, is used and thus also the correct measuring devices or equipment. For example, an inspection case or an inspection set or a prepared holding device with integrated electronics or prepared for integrable electronics can be provided. The inspection case or the inspection set then has at least one holding device according to the invention.

[0062] It can also be verified that appropriate protective equipment and tools are being used, and if this is not the case, a warning can be issued. The timeline can also be logged accordingly.

[0063] Alternatively, you can also check whether the tools are being used with the correct or appropriate inserts or connectors or other accessories.

[0064] It is possible to automatically log which worker items, such as tools or tool bits, have been used during a specified process and, if possible, at exactly what times. This data can be saved or the logs can be automatically recorded to allow comparison with specifications. A warning can then be issued to the worker and / or another party, such as a supervisor and / or a subsequent worker.

[0065] For example, the quality of a bonded joint can depend on various waiting times. By controlling the operator, quality can be significantly improved. Through appropriate data collection and evaluation of good and bad parts, process time specifications can be determined and adjusted.

[0066] Preferably, evaluation electronics are provided to evaluate the measurement signals from the sensors.

[0067] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

[0068] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood as optional features.

[0069] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic three-dimensional representation of a work object storage device, Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of a work object storage device with an open receiving device, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view through a container of a work object storage device according to the invention and Fig. 4 a schematic plan view of a sensor device.

[0070] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0071] Fig. 1 schematically shows a three-dimensional representation of a work object storage device 10. The work object storage device 10 has five containers designed as drawers that can be pulled out of the work object storage device 10. A monitor 21 is also provided, on which the presence and / or position of work objects in a receiving device can be visually displayed.

[0072] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of a tool storage device 10, in which a container 11 in the form of a drawer has been pulled out. A receiving device 12, for example in the form of a rigid foam, is inserted into the container 11. The receiving device 12 has recesses 14 into which tool objects 15 can be inserted. A tool object, for example a hammer, is also inserted into the container 11. Fig. 2 is placed on the receiving device 12 and not in the designated receptacle 14. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the work piece 15 is smaller than the receptacle 14 shown below, so that this work piece would not be suitable for the receptacle itself. An inductive sensor arranged in the area of ​​the receptacle 14, specifically where the hammer head would be located, would provide a measured value that could be used to detect that an incorrect work piece had been inserted into the receptacle 14.

[0073] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional view of part of a container 11. This container may be, for example, a metal drawer with a metallic base 13. A sensor device 18 of the receiving device 12 is arranged on the metallic base 13, in which, in this case, capacitive sensors 16 and an inductive sensor 17 are incorporated. The sensor device 18 may be a capacitive distance sensor or a capacitive proximity switch. A distance between the conductive base and the sensors arranged parallel to it can be ensured or enabled by a foam plate or a device made of foam or plastic.

[0074] The function of the proximity switch is based on the change in the electric and / or electromagnetic field surrounding the sensor electrode. The sensor operates, for example, with an RC oscillator circuit. For example, the capacitance between the active electrode and the electrical ground potential is measured. The capacitance between two electrodes applied to the sensor device can also be measured. When a substance or material approaches the active zone of the sensor, the capacitance changes. The capacitance value is measured by the sensor.

[0075] The sensor device 18 is integrated into the lower area of ​​the receiving device 12, i.e., in this example, it is mounted at the bottom. The receiving device 12 can be made of rigid foam or can comprise rigid foam. Receptacles 14 in the form of recesses are incorporated into the receiving device 12, which are adapted to the intended work objects 15.

[0076] In Fig.Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of a sensor device 18 with various capacitive sensors 16 and inductive sensors 17. The sensors have specific arrangements depending on the application, for example in the form of a matrix 20 of sensors 16, 17. In the upper area, the matrix 20 of sensors 16, 17 is arranged such that the sensors 16, 17 are arranged in rows and columns that are aligned with one another. In the middle area, the matrix 20 of sensors 16, 17 is arranged such that the rows are aligned and the columns are offset. In the lower area, the matrix 20 of sensors 16, 17 is arranged such that the sensors 16, 17 are arranged in a meandering pattern. In these exemplary embodiments, some matrices 20 of sensors 16, 17 with identical sensors, such as capacitive sensors, are shown.Other sensor arrays can be configured such that the various sensors alternate, or different areas have one type of sensor and other areas have a different type of sensor. The meandering arrangement is shown in this case with the capacitive and inductive sensors alternating. However, other arrangements can also be provided. For example, the sensor device can have exclusively capacitive sensors, and the inductive sensors can be attached to the side of the receiving device, or can be inserted into the receiving device laterally or near the receiving device.

[0077] For example, the sensor device can also have only inductive sensors, which are available in different sizes and arranged in a regular pattern. They can also be arranged according to the position of the receptacles. In particular, an arrangement of inductive sensors and capacitive sensors is conceivable, in which both are arranged in a grid. The grids can have a clear relationship to one another, e.g. the center of the working field of the capacitive sensors is shifted by a fixed amount in a fixed direction compared to the center of the working field of the inductive sensors. Both can also have the same center point. It is also conceivable that the center point always has a fixed relationship only in the xy plane. The advantage of such an arrangement is that one or more inductive measured values ​​can be assigned to each capacitance value, for example always all neighboring points.This makes it possible to evaluate independent measurements for the same recess or even a specific location within the same recess.

[0078] All mentioned features, including those that can be inferred from the drawings alone, as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features. List of reference symbols 10 Worker item storage device 11 Container 12 Mounting device 13 Floor 14 recording 15 Work item 16 capacitive sensor 17 inductive sensor 18 Sensor device 20 matrix of sensors 21 monitors

Claims

[1] Holding device (12) for holding work objects, in particular tools, wherein the holding device (12) has receptacles (14) for work objects (15), wherein the receptacles are individually adapted to the shape of the work objects (15), characterized bythat in the area or in the vicinity of the receptacles (14) of the receptacle device (12) at least one capacitive sensor (16) and / or one inductive sensor (17) is provided for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object (15) in a receptacle (14) individually adapted for the work object (15), wherein a plurality of reference measurements under different environmental conditions are taken into account for determining the presence and / or position of the at least one work object (15), wherein for a training process the reference measurements are carried out with an empty receptacle device, with a receptacle filled only with individual tools or tool groups and / or with a completely filled receptacle device. [2] Receiving device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by that several capacitive sensors (16) and / or several inductive sensors (17) are provided. [3] Receiving device (12) according to claim 2, characterized by that a plurality of capacitive sensors (16) and / or a plurality of inductive sensors (17) are arranged on a planar sensor device (18), in particular a film and / or a printed circuit board and / or an arrangement comprising a plurality of printed circuit boards and / or films. [4] Receiving device (12) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the plurality of capacitive sensors (16) and / or inductive sensors (17) are arranged or connected in the form of at least one matrix (20). [5] Receiving device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the receiving device (12) comprises a molded foam and / or a plastic plate. [6] Receiving device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the inductive sensor (17) is an inductive sensor (17) designed as an oscillating circuit. [7] Work object storage device (10) comprising a container (11) in which a receiving device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6 is accommodated. [8] Use of at least one capacitive sensor (16) and / or inductive sensor (17) in a receiving device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6 for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object, in particular tool (15), in a receptacle (14) of the receiving device (12) which is individually adapted for the work object (15). [9] A method for determining the presence and / or position of at least one work object (15) in a receptacle (14) of a receiving device (12) provided for the work object (15), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receptacle (14) provided for the work object (15) is individually adapted to the work object (15), wherein at least one measured value is recorded by means of a capacitive sensor (16) and / or inductive sensor (17), wherein the at least one measured value is compared with a predeterminable target value, wherein the presence and / or position of the at least one work object (15) in the receptacle (14) provided for the work object (15) is determined on the basis of the comparison, wherein a plurality of reference measurements under different ambient conditions are taken into account to determine the presence and / or position of the at least one work object (15),whereby for a training process, the reference measurements are carried out with an empty holding device, with a holding device filled only with individual tools or tool groups and / or with a completely filled holding device. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that the predeterminable target value corresponds to a measured value at which the at least one work object (15) is inserted in a predetermined target position in the receptacle (14) provided for the at least one work object (15). [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the measured values ​​of the capacitive sensor (16) and / or the inductive sensor (17) are measured over a period of time, so that a measurement curve is obtained. [12] Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the measured values ​​of the sensors are recorded independently of each other. [13] Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by that a plurality of capacitive sensors (16) and / or inductive sensors (17) are provided, by means of which the presence and / or position of a plurality of work objects (15) in receptacles (14) respectively provided for the work objects (15) is determined. [14] Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by that a missing work object (15) or an incorrect work object (15) placed in a holder (14) is detected and a signal representing this is output or emitted. [15] Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by that a sequence of removing and / or inserting work items into designated receptacles is specified, whereby a signal is generated if the sequence is not adhered to.

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