Device, system and method for the semi-automatic or fully automatic management of goods in a storage means for filamentary material

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for the semi-automatic or fully automatic management of goods in a storage means comprising cables or other filamentary material, in particular comprising cables, hoses or pressure hoses of different types wound up on cable drums (1). A sensor device (10) is used here to estimate a degree of filling of the cable drum (1) or a residual length of a cable wound up on the cable drum, i.e. to record the stock of said cable. The sensor device (10) has a carrier (12) and a contact arm (14), which can be pivoted on the carrier. The contact arm (14) rests on an outer circumference of the cable wound up on the cable drum (1). The sensor device (10) has a position-sensor unit (24) for determining the inclination position, and also has a radio unit (22) for data transmission as well as an energy store (28) for supplying electrical power. This solution considerably simplifies logistics, in particular stocktaking, and allows the automation thereof by simple means.

Description

[0001] Device, system and method for the semi- or fully automatic management of goods in a warehouse for thread-like goods

[0002] The invention relates generally to a device, a system, and a method for the semi- or fully automated management of goods in a warehouse containing filamentous goods, in particular cables, hoses, or pressure hoses, especially with filamentous goods of different types wound on drums. The invention further relates to a corresponding warehouse for storing or managing filamentous goods of different types.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to an inventory management system suitable for recording remaining quantities of different types of cable wound on a cable drum and, based on this, facilitating reordering. A generic system or device is known from EP 4365120 A1. Here, a storage device for holding one or more cable drums and one or more devices for determining the remaining length of a cable on the cable drum are proposed. This is achieved by determining the length of cable already unwound.

[0004] When managing cable warehouses, a reliable supply is essential. This requires regularly monitoring inventory levels and reordering any cables that are withdrawn. Traditionally, inventory is checked manually, and reorders are placed manually by an employee. This is labor-intensive and inherently prone to errors.

[0005] Traditionally, two common methods are used to track cable inventory. Either the quantity of cable removed is measured during the removal process, and a corresponding value is deducted from the current inventory. Alternatively, the weight is measured before and after removal. Both methods are either time-consuming or inaccurate and prone to errors.

[0006] The solution from EP 4 365 120 Al is intended to simplify the storage system by enabling the determination of the length of the already unwound cable or remaining stock quantities without significant installation effort and without manually entering property parameters of the cable and / or cable drum. It is intended to take into account various variables, such as...

[0007] The outer diameter of the wound cable, the cable diameter and the spool diameter of the cable drum, and the length of a cable section unwound from a cable drum are calculated computationally. For this purpose, a special measuring device attached to the cable drum, equipped with at least one gyroscope sensor, records the number of revolutions of the cable drum during unwinding. From this, the unwound cable length is calculated numerically using relevant mathematical relationships. However, the exact point where the cable was cut and whether the rotation was for removal cannot be reliably determined. Therefore, the system proposed in EP 4 365 120 Al is computationally complex, thus costly, but also prone to errors and intolerant of improper use.

[0008] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution which significantly simplifies inventory taking, in particular allows its automation with the simplest possible means, and, if possible, makes logistics as a whole faster and more cost-effective.

[0009] This is achieved by a device according to claim 1, a system according to claim 9 and further independently also by a method according to claim 13.

[0010] In this context, the term "cables" refers generally and specifically to flexible electrical conductors for energy and / or data transmission, but also to other unwindable supply lines, for example, optical fibers or supply hoses for media such as compressed air, hydraulic fluids, water, or the like. The invention is generally applicable to rope-shaped, tape-shaped, or thread-shaped materials that can be wound and unwound on a spool or drum.

[0011] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "thread-like material" means any material in a form whose dimension in one direction (longitudinal direction) is much larger than in the other two dimensions and which preferably has a cross-section that is substantially the same along its length. This cross-section can be circular, but it can also be non-circular, as in the case of a thin-walled tube. The term is therefore not limited to textile materials. Examples of such materials include conduits such as cables, hoses, or the like, especially for fluids, signals, and data; optical cables; wires; and other filaments, e.g., for 3D printing, ropes, tapes, etc. Such thread-like material is typically coilable, e.g., for storage. In the following, the term "cable" will also be used synonymously with "thread-like material." Accordingly, a "cable drum" is not intended exclusively for cables, but can also be suitable for other thread-like materials.Such drums can, for example, have a core and two spaced-apart drum discs that define the space intended for the formation of the winding.

[0012] A generic device for managing goods relating to a remaining quantity of cable wound on a cable drum generally comprises, firstly, a storage device, in particular for receiving and preferably rotatably storing the cable drum, and furthermore, a sensor device for estimating the fill level of the cable drum or the remaining length of cable wound on this cable drum.

[0013] According to a first independent aspect of the invention, a particularly simple sensor device is proposed. This device comprises, according to the first aspect, a carrier and a sensing arm pivotably mounted on this carrier. The carrier is designed to be attached to the storage device. The sensing arm is pivotably mounted on the carrier, in particular pivotably about a horizontal axis when the carrier is mounted. The sensing arm is dimensioned and arranged to rest on the outer circumference of the remaining cable on the cable drum, i.e., on the outer circumference of the cable wound on or remaining on the cable drum. Thus, the pivot position of the sensing arm can be used as an indicator of the fill level or the remaining length of the cable. Computationally intensive and complex calculations, which depend on various parameters such as cable diameter, drum diameter, etc., are therefore unnecessary.dependencies are not required.

[0014] Here, the term "outer circumference" means the closed surface enclosing the cable wound on the drum, which essentially represents a cylindrical surface. In the present description and the claims, this term is synonymous with the "outer diameter" of the wound cable or thread-like material.

[0015] Accordingly, it is further stipulated that the sensor device, particularly on the probe arm, includes a position sensor unit designed and intended for the quantitative determination of the probe arm's inclination. Any sensor unit, especially cost-effective ones, capable of determining the inclination of an object in space, particularly relative to the vertical and / or gravity, is suitable for this purpose.

[0016] To simplify the system or device for managing goods with cables, it is further proposed that the mechanically scanning sensor device, in particular on the sensing arm, also has a radio unit for wireless data transmission.

[0017] The radio unit can be configured, in particular, to wirelessly transmit a unique identifier, especially of the sensor device itself, preferably together with or linked to information about the tilt position detected by the position sensor unit. The unique identifier can particularly preferably be an inherent identifier of the radio unit itself, e.g., a UUID, MAC address, or the like. It can also include information for identifying the cable section wound on the drum.

[0018] The sensor device is preferably designed separately from the storage device and can be detached from it or retrofitted as required.

[0019] The information about the tilt position detected by the position sensor unit can serve as an indication of the remaining fill level or remaining stock of the associated cable drum, so to speak as an estimated fill level value.

[0020] By approximately scanning the remaining outer circumference of the cable winding on the cable drum, a complex computational determination is unnecessary, or rather, it is rendered superfluous thanks to the invention. The scanning can be performed directly, with contact as suggested above, or alternatively indirectly or without contact, e.g., by optical methods.

[0021] Data transmission occurs, for example, in a protocol-dependent data packet, whereby the estimated fill level value can be transmitted in a utility data field of a suitable radio protocol for sensor networks, particularly energy-efficient WPAN sensor networks. The fill level estimation, e.g., in discrete steps or even almost continuously as a measured value, can be performed in a data-efficient manner with a very small amount of data, e.g., as a relative value from 0-100% or an angle measurement with few or no decimal places.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the invention, the device can comprise a suitable energy storage device, in particular a rechargeable battery or accumulator, which is provided for the electrical supply of the components of the sensor device, in particular at least the position sensor and the radio unit.

[0023] Preferably, radio technologies are used that exhibit low power consumption and allow for the longest possible battery operation. Accordingly, it is preferred that the radio unit has a BLE transceiver (BLE = Bluetooth Low Energy). Additionally or alternatively, the radio unit can have an ANT transceiver (Adaptive Network Topology). Alternatively or additionally, the radio unit can have a ZigBee transceiver. Overall, a low-power radio network technology is preferably used, which enables the formation of sensor networks in the license-free ISM band with the lowest possible power consumption and typically low data transmission rates, in particular a so-called ad-hoc network consisting of the optionally available sensor devices of several cable drum storage devices.

[0024] For cost-effectiveness, compactness, and energy efficiency, it is preferably provided that the radio unit and the position sensor unit are integrated into an integrated circuit or a chip with at least one integrated circuit (IC). This IC can preferably be a

[0025] have non-volatile storage, e.g. for storing data for the purpose of assigning it to a cable type whose remaining stock is to be estimated or other application data.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the position sensor unit can preferably comprise at least two of three different sensor technologies, selected from a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a geomagnetic field sensor. However, in principle, a single sensor type is sufficient. The use of multiple types allows for higher precision and / or error correction. Alternatively or additionally, the use of simple, individual tilt switches, such as mercury switches or, preferably, switches with metal balls, is also conceivable. These can then be mounted on the sensing arm with predefined, different orientations, so that they trigger sequentially in steps depending on the tilt angles. The evaluation can be performed using a standard microprocessor or similar device.

[0027] To shorten the cabling and allow for the modular use of different carriers, it is preferably provided that at least the position sensor unit and the battery, but preferably also the radio unit together with the position sensor unit and battery, are arranged on the swivel arm or the swiveling probe arm and are swivelable together with it. This also increases the weight of the probe arm and thus allows a purely gravity-based, low-friction resting of the probe arm on the cable windings.

[0028] A design that offers a wide contact area on the cable windings of the cable drum is advantageous in which the sensing arm has at least one transverse support at its end, on the free end facing away from the support. This support extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the sensing arm or over a length that covers at least a fraction of the cable drum's axial length. In this way, the transverse support can rest on the wound cable parallel to the cable drum's axis of rotation over a predetermined length, preventing winding variations from leading to fault detection. To reduce wear, the transverse support can preferably be made of or coated with a special plastic, in particular a wear-resistant triboplastic.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the carrier is designed and constructed for detachable attachment to a free upper edge of a side wall of a transport crate or transport box, in particular a folding box made of cardboard.

[0030] To adapt to different cable drums, the longitudinal extension of the probe arm and / or the transverse extension of the transverse semi-trailer can also be adjustable.

[0031] Preferably, the mechanical components of the sensor device are at least predominantly manufactured as injection-molded parts. This allows for cost-effective production, even in different variants. Preferably, at least the carrier and the sensing arm are each manufactured as injection-molded parts, in particular as one-piece injection-molded parts made of plastic. It is also possible to manufacture the carrier and sensing arm, optionally with a transverse support, as a single piece, with the pivot connection between the carrier and the sensing arm being realized, for example, by a film hinge.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is combined with a storage device which is designed as a transport box suitable for parcel shipping.

[0033] The storage device can be designed as a transport box with an internal bearing mount for a rotating axle of an interchangeable cable drum.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the storage device can be designed as a cuboid transport box with standard external dimensions for parcel shipping. In this case, each edge length, i.e., dimension selected from length, width, and height (L x W x H), is less than or equal to 1200 mm, and in particular less than or equal to 600 mm. This eliminates the need for the previously common practice of shipping cable drums on pallets via a freight forwarder. Furthermore, the storage device can be used on-site in the cable warehouse as part of the storage system.

[0035] A modular selection of cuboid transport boxes also allows for compact stacking on top of and next to each other.

[0036] Cost-effective and lightweight, the storage device can be manufactured as a transport box with side walls and a removable lid made of cardboard, especially corrugated cardboard. In this case, the transport box is completely sealed during transport. This can be achieved if at least one side wall has a tool-free removable closure for cable access. This allows the transport box to be easily opened by employees upon receipt and used as storage in the warehouse.

[0037] Preferably, the storage device, in particular the transport case, has an interchangeable cable drum with two drum discs and a drum spool forming the axis of rotation. The desired cable is wound onto the drum spool in the conventional manner. The cable drum is more compact than usual so that it can be shipped in a parcel-sized transport case as a storage device. Even on compact drum spools, for example, up to 200 m of cable can be wound. For higher quantities, several identical transport cases with the same cable can be ordered. In a preferred embodiment, a storage device with a cable drum housed within it is used.The support can be attached to the storage device, in particular a transport case, such that the sensing arm runs essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cable drum and / or engages between the drum discs, preferably resting on the outer circumference of the cable wound on the cable drum. In this way, the fill level can be reliably and particularly easily estimated, as this is directly indicated by the angle or position of the sensing arm. Additionally or alternatively, the support can be attached to the storage device, in particular a transport case, such that the sensing arm can only assume a limited range of inclination, in particular within an angle range of a maximum of 0° to a minimum of -45° to the horizontal. Accordingly, the sensing arm can have an effective length of between approximately 60% and approximately 40%.The probe arm lies on 95% of the drum's outer diameter, ensuring consistent contact. When using different drum or coil diameters, an adjustable length of the probe arm is advantageous.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the sensing arm can have an effective length that is less than any edge length of the transport box, i.e., in particular < 1200 mm, and more specifically < 600 mm. Preferably, when using a transverse support on the sensing arm, its transverse extent is dimensioned such that it is at least 33% but no more than 80% of the axial drum dimension between the drum discs. The sensor device is particularly preferably designed separately from the storage device and detachably attached to it. The sensor device can advantageously be dimensioned such that it can be accommodated and transported in the transport box together with a filled cable drum. Installation then takes place on-site in the cable storage area, e.g., by attaching the support to an upper edge of the side wall of the transport box facing away from the dispensing opening, preferably with the aid of markings and / or holes on the side wall.

[0039] Furthermore, according to an independent second aspect, a system with or for a cable storage facility, or for the semi- or fully automatic management of a cable storage facility, is proposed.

[0040] The proposed system has several devices with one or more features of the embodiments described above and includes a higher-level computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to receive data transmission from radio units of sensor devices and receives estimated fill level values, e.g. based on the inclination positions of scanning sensors.

[0041] Using such fill level values, particularly with the associated identifier and possibly with corresponding reference values, the system can estimate the fill level of the cable drum and, based on this estimate, trigger an automatic reordering process or report a need, e.g., to a warehouse employee. This can take into account other known boundary conditions, such as the continuously determined consumption rate, delivery time, supplier selection and share, etc. It is advantageous if the computer unit is connected to or includes a radio gateway, in particular a BLE beacon gateway or similar, which is configured to process radio signals from the sensor device's radio unit and provides processed data. Additionally or alternatively, the computer unit can be configured to trigger automatic orders via an internet connection.

[0042] The computing unit can include a memory in which an assignment of the identifier of a sensor device and a cable type belonging to the corresponding storage device is stored. Additionally or alternatively, each sensor device can have a memory in which data concerning an associated cable type is stored. It is sufficient if it is ensured system-wide that each estimated fill level value is assigned to a specific storage device or a specific cable type. This can be achieved, for example, during initialization. It is particularly advantageous if the storage device and the sensor device each have a machine-readable code, especially a QR code, containing data for identification purposes, wherein the data for identification purposes is preferably assigned to the identifier of a sensor device.

[0043] According to an independent third aspect, a method for the semi- or fully automated management of a cable storage facility is proposed. This facility comprises several storage units, each containing a cable drum, with each cable drum containing a wound supply of cable or wire from which an employee can manually remove sections of the desired length as needed. According to this independent third aspect, the aforementioned task is solved by...

[0044] - on each storage device, an associated sensor device, in particular at periodic or aperiodic time intervals, estimates the fill level of the associated cable drum with respect to a remaining length of wound cable, in particular by scanning an outer circumference of the cable wound on the cable drum, and forms a corresponding fill level value; and by

[0045] - Each sensor device wirelessly transmits the estimated fill level value, together with a unique identifier associated with the sensor device and suitable for identifying the sensor device, by means of a radio unit for data transmission, particularly at periodic or aperiodic time intervals, especially to a higher-level computer unit.

[0046] These methods allow for the semi- or fully automated management of a warehouse for cables, especially electrical cables, in a simple, cost-effective and reliable manner.

[0047] A sensor device based on the first aspect is particularly preferred, but not mandatory.

[0048] In one embodiment of the method, the computer unit can receive processed data from the radio signals of the sensor devices via a radio gateway, in particular a BLE beacon gateway or the like, and, if necessary, especially via an internet connection, automatically trigger an order for the required cable, for which an insufficient remaining stock has been determined based on the estimated fill level. The radio units can transmit data concerning the estimated fill level wirelessly, periodically and independently of the fill level, in particular at a very low clock frequency < 1 Hz, preferably < 0.5 Hz. Alternatively, the radio units can also transmit data concerning the estimated fill level wirelessly aperiodically, preferably depending on the fill level. Both approaches are energy-saving and reduce power consumption.

[0049] Particularly preferably, each sensor device is designed to be self-contained. The sensor device can estimate the fill level of the associated cable drum, especially at periodic or aperiodic intervals, solely by scanning the outer circumference of the cable wound on the drum. The sensor device or the processing unit can then generate a corresponding fill level value. This can be done, in particular, without numerically calculating the remaining cable length, since the scanning itself provides sufficient accuracy. An order is triggered when a sufficient threshold value is reached if there is still a remaining length of cable, and in this respect, high accuracy is not required, provided that the outer circumference of the cable wound on the drum is scanned.

[0050] To configure a sensor device, a machine-readable code from the sensor device and a machine-readable code from the storage device or associated cable reel can be read and associated. This allows for an association, particularly within the sensor device and / or the higher-level computer unit, to identify the cable type belonging to the sensor device, or vice versa. The data can be captured, for example, using a smartphone and transmitted to the computer unit or to the respective radio unit of the sensor device.

[0051] The aspects described above are expressly not mutually exclusive and can each be implemented in a complementary manner within a common device or method. The described features of different aspects can optionally be advantageously combined, and such combinations are expressly covered by this disclosure.

[0052] Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, further features, properties, and advantages are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0053] FIG.1A-1B: Schematic principle views of a first embodiment with a transport box as a storage device and a sensor device detachably attached to it in side view and top view;

[0054] FIG. 2 : a schematic diagram of a sensor device;

[0055] FIG. 3A-3D: Various states in the estimation of a cable drum's fill level as schematic side views of a second embodiment, here with discrete tilt switches for position determination; and

[0056] FIG. 4: a schematic diagram of the communication technology in the proposed method or system; and

[0057] FIG. 5: A perspective view of a transport box suitable for parcel shipping, containing a cable drum for unwinding a cable as needed. FIGS. 1-2 show a first embodiment with a sensor device 10, which has a support 12, e.g., a retaining clip for attachment to a side wall of a storage device (see FIG. 5), and includes a sensing arm 14 pivotably mounted on the support 12. The support 12 is detachably attached, e.g., to a side wall of a transport box 50 (see FIG. 5) as a storage device. The support 12 serves as a base or mechanical frame for the sensing arm 14, which pivots on it. The sensing arm 14 is designed and arranged to rest on the outer circumference of the cable wound on the cable drum 1 (dashed circle in FIG. 1A).

[0058] The sensor device 10 has a circuit board or

[0059] Electronics 20 (PCB) are permanently mounted or attached to the sensing arm 14. The electronics 20 includes a radio unit 22, e.g., a BLE transceiver for wireless data transmission. To determine the tilt of the electronics 20 in space, and thus also the tilt of the sensing arm 14, e.g., relative to the horizontal, the electronics 20 (PCB) includes a position sensor unit 24. The position sensor unit 24 can be implemented together with a processor 25, a memory 26, and the radio unit 22 in a single integrated circuit (IC). This IC is designed to be particularly energy-efficient and is powered by a rechargeable battery 28 with low self-discharge. The design of the electronics 20 can be such that an operating time of approximately 3-5 years is achieved on a single battery charge. The battery 28 supplies all components of the electronics 20, in particular the IC 21. The BLE transceiver 22 or another suitable low-energy transceiver, e.g.An ANT transceiver and / or a ZigBee transceiver, as a radio unit 22, can be suitable for forming an ad-hoc network. The sensing arm 14 with the electronics 20 permanently attached to it serves to quantitatively determine the inclination position and thus allows information about the currently detected inclination position to be obtained by resting on the outer surface of the cable winding on the cable drum 1, cf. FIG. 1A. This information serves as an indicator of the fill level. The electronics 20 can thus wirelessly transmit a unique identifier, e.g., of the BLE transceiver for identification of the sensor device, as explained below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0060] The orientation sensor unit 24 may preferably comprise at least two of the following three sensor types: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a geomagnetic field sensor, thus enabling error correction, redundancy, and / or higher accuracy. The IC 21 may include non-volatile memory 26 for storing operationally relevant data that should not be lost when the battery 28 is discharged or replaced.

[0061] FIGS. 1A-1B show that the support 12 is attached to the transport box 50 such that the sensing arm 14 runs substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A and engages between the drum discs 3A, 3B in order to rest on the outer circumference of the cable wound on the cable drum (FIG. 1A). The sensing arm 14 is designed to have an inclination within an angle range of 0° to -45° to the horizontal, as indicated in FIG. 1A or as can be seen in FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0062] The sensing arm 14 should have an effective length that is between approximately 60% and approximately 95% of the outer diameter of the cable drum 1 and is less than any edge length of the transport box 50, in particular < 600 mm. A transverse support 16 is provided as a single unit or is detachable from the sensing arm 14 and extends parallel to the axis A over at least 33%, preferably a maximum of 80%, of the axial drum dimension between the drum discs 3A, 3B, so that the maximum remaining diameter is always detected and fluctuations during unwinding are mitigated.

[0063] The sensor device 10 is compact, so that it can be included and transported together with a filled cable drum 1 in the transport box 50 (see FIG. 5).

[0064] Figures 3A-3D show, as a second example, a variant of the sensor device 10 in which the electronics 30 for the sensing arm 14 differ in that no integrated position sensor unit 24 is provided in the IC. Instead, its processor 25 can be connected via suitable inputs to individual position sensors, such as tilt switches 34-1 ... 34-3 with metal ball-type tilt switches. Each of the tilt switches 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 has a different, fixed orientation on the sensing arm 14, so that the tilt switches 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 respond sequentially with increasing tilt, as shown in the sequence from Figure 3A to Figure 3D corresponding to the decreasing cable fill level on the cable drum.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates how data transmission from several sensor devices 10 to a higher-level computer unit 40 can take place. The computer unit is configured to receive data transmission from radio units 22 of the sensor device 10 and is, for example, connected to or includes a radio gateway, in particular a BLE beacon gateway or the like.

[0066] The computer unit 40 can, based on a comparison of received inclination positions, in particular using the associated identifier, with related reference values, determine an estimate of the fill level of the cable drum 1 and, based on this, preferably trigger an automatic reordering process as required, e.g. via the Internet or cloud-based, as indicated in FIG. 4.

[0067] The computer unit 40 preferably has a BLE beacon gateway or the like, which is set up to process radio signals from the radio unit of the sensor device and provides processed data.

[0068] A BLE beacon gateway serves as an interface to receive BLE signals from beacons and forward this information to a central data processing point (such as a server or cloud platform). It receives the beacon signals, extracts relevant information, and uses a network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular) to make the data available for further analysis and applications.

[0069] The functionality of a BLE beacon gateway can be summarized in several steps:

[0070] 1. **Receiving BLE signals: The gateway continuously scans for BLE signals from beacons in its vicinity. Each signal contains data such as the UUID, major and minor numbers, signal strength (RSSI), and other metadata.

[0071] 2. Data Filtering and Processing: The gateway can filter the received signals, e.g., based on specific UUIDs or signal strengths. It processes this data by recording the position of the beacons and their identifiers. 3. Data Transmission: The gateway transmits the filtered and processed data to a central data processing unit, in this case, computer unit 40.

[0072] 4. **Analysis and Application**: Using the computer unit 40, the beacon data can be analyzed in real time and integrated into various applications, especially automated merchandise management.

[0073] BLE beacon gateways also allow the location of sensor devices to be determined.

[0074] In wireless sensor networks, here consisting of sensor devices 10, the beacon signal of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol is used to transmit short data packets or

[0075] Short packets. A radio unit 22 configured as a BLE beacon periodically transmits a signal containing information such as a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), major and minor numbers, and other data, e.g., metadata and payload. The UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), major and minor numbers enable other BLE-enabled devices to identify the radio unit 22 and thus the respective sensor devices 10. Beacon signals of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol are a particularly energy-efficient method for wireless inventory management.

[0076] To identify a sensor via BLE, specific identification data is used in the BLE signal, which uniquely describes the device and enables its assignment. This includes:

[0077] a. **UUID (Universally Unique Identifier)**: The UUID is a 128-bit identification number assigned to a specific BLE device or application. It allows sensors to be identified based on a specific profile or application context, e.g., all devices from a manufacturer or all devices in a particular application.

[0078] b. **Major and Minor Numbers**: These two 16-bit values ​​serve to further differentiate the sensors. While the major number can identify a group of sensors (e.g., all sensors in a specific room or zone), the minor number serves to uniquely identify an individual sensor within that group.

[0079] c. * *MAC Address* * : Every BLE device has a unique MAC address that can be used during initial connection or in specific scan operations to uniquely identify the sensor. The MAC address always remains the same and provides a hardware-based method for identification. The MAC address can be used alternatively or in addition to UUID and major and minor numbers.

[0080] To identify a sensor via BLE, a device (e.g., a smartphone, gateway, or computer) scans the environment for BLE signals. Using the UUID, major / minor numbers, and / or MAC address, the specific sensor can be uniquely identified, and its data can be read or further processed.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows a transport box 50, which serves as a storage device in which a cable drum 1 with a spool (not shown) is rotatably mounted about the drum axis A. The desired cable 4 is wound onto the cable drum 1.

[0082] Individual storage locations can be created using the side carrying handles. For example, the Transport Box 50 has the following dimensions (L x W x H): 435 x 410 x 407 mm and is stackable on 3 to 4 levels, allowing for a modular, shelf-like box system for cable storage or as a shelf replacement – ​​without the investment costs for shelving. Each Transport Box 50 can hold, for example, up to 200 meters of cable.

[0083] The transport box 50 is initially closed as a folding box for parcel shipping with four side walls and a base, as well as a separate lid 52, each made of corrugated cardboard. It has an internal storage compartment for an interchangeable cable drum 1. The transport box 50 is preferably cuboid in shape with external dimensions where each edge length, width, and height (L x W x H) is preferably each < 600 mm.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a partially opened side wall on the front of the transport box 50 in the form of a dispensing opening 54, which has a tool-free detachable closure for cable removal, which is already detached in this illustration. The cable drum 1 can also be ordered separately as a so-called "refill" if required. Reference numeral list

[0085] cable reel

[0086] drum spool

[0087] A, 3B Drum disc

[0088] Cable

[0089] 0 Sensor device

[0090] 2 carriers

[0091] 4 Touch arm

[0092] 6 transverse semi-trailers

[0093] 0 PCB (Electronics)

[0094] 1 Integrated Circuit (IC)

[0095] 2 Radio unit (e.g. with BLE: BLE transceiver) 4 Position sensor unit (S)

[0096] 5 processors (pP)

[0097] 6 Memory (M)

[0098] 8 Batteries (rechargeable)

[0099] 0 Electronics for key arm

[0100] 4-1, 34-2, 34-3 tilt switches

[0101] 0 computer unit

[0102] 0 transport crate

[0103] 2 lids

[0104] 4. Sampling opening

Claims

1. Patent claims 1. Device for managing goods with regard to the quantity of a thread-like item wound on a drum, in particular a cable drum, especially a cable, hose or the like, comprising 3. A storage device on or in which a drum can be received; 4.- a sensor device ( 10) for estimating the degree of filling of the drum or the remaining length of a thread-like material wound on the drum; 5. characterized in that 6. The sensor device (10) comprises a carrier (12) and a sensing arm (14) pivotably mounted on the carrier (12), wherein the carrier (12) is attached or attachable to the storage device and the sensing arm (14) is dimensioned and arranged to rest on an outer circumference of thread-like material wound on the drum; 7. The sensor device ( 10 ), in particular the probe arm ( 14 ), comprises a position sensor unit (24 ) for the quantitative determination of the inclination position of the probe arm ( 14 ); 8. The sensor device (10), in particular the sensing arm (14), has a radio unit (22) for data transmission and is configured to wirelessly transmit, together with information serving as a fill level value about a detected inclination position, a unique identifier associated with it, which is suitable for identifying the sensor device (10); and that 9. The sensor device ( 10) preferably comprises an energy storage device for the electrical supply of at least the position sensor and radio unit (22 ).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio unit (22 ) comprises a BLE transceiver, an ANT transceiver and / or a ZigBee transceiver; and / or that the radio unit (22 ) is suitable for forming an ad-hoc network.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radio unit (22) and the position sensor unit (24) are integrated into an IC (21), wherein the position sensor unit (24) preferably comprises at least two of the following three sensors: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a geomagnetic field sensor; and / or the IC (21) has a non-volatile memory (26).

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least the position sensor unit (24 ) and the battery (28 ) , preferably the position sensor unit (24 ) , the radio unit (22 ) and the battery (28 ) are arranged on the pivotable sensing arm ( 14 ) and are pivotable with it.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensing arm (14) has at least one transverse support (16) at its end, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the sensing arm (14) in order to rest on the wound thread-like material on the outside approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 14. The support (12) is designed for detachable attachment to a side wall of a transport box (50), in particular a cardboard folding box side wall; and / or the longitudinal extension of the sensing arm (14) and / or the transverse extension of the transverse support (16) are adjustable; and / or 15.- at least the carrier ( 12 ) and the sensing arm ( 14 ) are made of injection-molded plastic parts.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device is designed as a transport box (50) suitable for parcel shipping, in particular: - as a transport box (50) with an internal bearing receptacle for a rotary axis of an interchangeable drum; and / or 17.- as a cuboid transport box (50) with external dimensions for parcel shipping, wherein each edge length selected from length, width and height (LxWxH) is each < 1200mm, in particular each < 600mm; and / or 18.- is manufactured as a transport box (50) with side walls and a removable lid made of cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard; and / or 19.- at least one side wall has a tool-free detachable closure of a removal opening (54) for the removal of the thread-like material.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the storage device, in particular the transport box (50), comprises an interchangeable drum with two drum discs and a drum spool forming the axis of rotation, on which a thread-like material is wound, wherein preferably 21. The carrier (12) is attached to the storage device, in particular the transport box (50), in such a way that the sensing arm (14) runs substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and engages between the drum discs in order to rest on the upper side of an outer circumference of thread-like material wound on the drum; and / or 22. The support (12) is attached to the storage device, in particular the transport box (50), in such a way that the sensing arm (14) can assume an inclination within an angle range of at most 0° to at least -45° to the horizontal; and / or 23.- the sensing arm ( 14 ) has an effective length which is between approximately 60% and approximately 95% of the drum's outer diameter; 24.- the sensing arm ( 14 ) has an effective length which is less than any edge length of the transport box (50), in particular < 1200mm, in particular < 600mm, and preferably the transverse extent of a transverse support ( 16) on the sensing arm ( 14 ) is at least 33% j but at most 80% of the axial drum dimension between the drum discs; 25.- the sensor device ( 10) is dimensioned so that it can be accommodated and transported together with a filled drum in the transport box (50 .

9. System comprising a storage unit for thread-like goods, in particular cables, hoses or pressure hoses, with several devices according to one of claims 1-8 and comprising a superior computer unit (40) wherein the computer unit (40) is configured to receive the data transmission from radio units (22) of the sensor devices (10) and preferably determines an estimate of the fill level of the drum based on a comparison of received inclination positions, in particular using an associated identifier, with associated reference values ​​and, based on this, preferably triggers an automatic reordering process as required.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the computer unit (40) is connected to or includes a radio gateway, in particular a BLE beacon gateway or the like, which is configured to process radio signals from the radio unit (22) of the sensor device (10) and provides processed data; and / or is configured to trigger automatic orders via an Internet connection.

11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that 29. The computer unit (40) comprises a memory (26) in which an assignment of the identifier of a sensor device (10) and a type of filamentous material belonging to the corresponding storage device is stored or is stored; 30.- the sensor device ( 10) has a memory (26) in which data relating to an associated type of filamentous material are stored or are stored.

12. System or device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device and the sensor device ( 10) each have a machine-readable code, in particular a QR code, with data for identification purposes, wherein the data for identification purposes are preferably assigned to the identifier of a sensor device ( 10).

13. Method for the semi- or fully automatic management of a storage facility for thread-like goods, in particular cables, hoses or the like, which has several storage devices, each with a drum, wherein each drum 33. has a coiled stock of thread-like material from which an employee can manually remove sections of the desired length as needed, 34. characterized by the fact that 35. - Each storage device has an associated sensor device, in particular at periodic or aperiodic intervals, which estimates the fill level of the associated drum with respect to a remaining length of wound thread-like material by scanning an outer circumference of the thread-like material wound on the drum and forms a corresponding fill level value; - Each sensor device (10) transmits the estimated fill level value, together with a unique identifier associated with the sensor device (10) and suitable for identifying the sensor device (10), wirelessly, in particular to a higher-level computer unit (40), by means of a radio unit (22) for data transmission, in particular at periodic or aperiodic intervals.

14. Method for semi- or fully automatic management according to claim 13, characterized in that the computer unit (40) has a A radio gateway, in particular a BLE beacon gateway or the like, receives processed data from the radio signals of the sensor devices ( 10) and, if necessary, in particular via an internet connection, fully automatically triggers an order for the required filamentous material, for which an insufficient remaining stock has been determined based on the estimated fill level value.

15. Method for semi- or fully automatic management according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that 38. - the radio units (22) transmit data relating to the estimated fill level periodically and independently of the fill level wirelessly, in particular with a low clock frequency < 1Hz, preferably < 0.5Hz; or - the radio units (22) transmit data relating to the estimated fill level aperiodically, preferably depending on the fill level, wirelessly.

16. Method for semi- or fully automatic management according to claim 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that 40. Each sensor device ( 10) autonomously, in particular at periodic or aperiodic time intervals, estimates the fill level of the associated drum solely by scanning an outer diameter of thread-like material wound on the drum and forms a corresponding fill level value, in particular without calculating a remaining cable length.

17. Method for semi- or fully automatic management according to one of claims 13-16, characterized in that for the establishment of a Sensor device ( 10) a machine-readable code of the sensor device ( 10) and a machine-readable code of the storage device or associated drum are read and associated, in particular in the sensor device ( 10) and / or in the higher-level computer unit .

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