WO2025229253A1

WO2025229253A1 - Apparatus and method for sensing fullness of storage bin

Info

Publication number: WO2025229253A1
Application number: PCT/FI2025/050205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mika Brandt
Original assignee: Ferrometal Oy
Current assignee: Ferrometal Oy
Priority date: 2024-05-03
Filing date: 2025-04-25
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-03
Also published as: FI20245554A1

Abstract

An apparatus, storage bin and method for determining fullness of the bin. The bin (1) is provided with an apparatus (6) comprising a sensing device (8). The sensing device sends sensing signals (10a) towards mechanical components (2) stored inside a storage space (5) of the bin and receives reflected sensing signals (10b). Bin level (11) is calculated on the basis of the sent and received signals and their time of travel. When the detected bin level is below a preset reordering point, a refill order is generated in the system for replenishing the bin.

Description

Apparatus and method for sensing fullness of storage bin

Background of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for sensing fullnes s of box-like storage bin comprising a plurality of mechanical components .

The invention further relates to a storage bin and to a method determining fullnes s of a storage bin .

The field of the invention is defined more specifically in the preambles of the independent claims .

Storage bins are widely used for storing mechanical components , for example in as sembly lines wherein industrial product s are manufactured . It i s es sential that bin levels , i . e . inventory level s of the bins do not drop to zero s ince otherwi se the operation needs to be stopped . On the other hand, high level of inventory means increased tied-up capital causing high capital costs . Therefore , automated reordering systems are developed for detecting when the amount of the components being stored in the bin diminishes and the surface thus drops . When the amount of product in the storage space has dropped below a predetermined limit , it i s then pos sible to place a refill order for a reordering system . US-2012314059-A1 discloses an optical monitoring system utiliz ing image sensors such as CCD or CMOS sensor element s . The known solutions for detecting the bin fullnes s have shown to contain some di sadvantages regarding their reliability and complexity, for example .

Brief description of the invention

An ob ject of the invention is to provide a novel and improved solution for detecting degree of filling of a storage bin comprising mechanical components .

The apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the characterizing features of the first independent apparatus claim . The storage bin according to the invention is characterized by the characteriz ing features of the second independent apparatus claim .

The method according to the invention is characterized by the characteriz ing features of the independent method claim .

An idea of the disclosed solution is that the apparatus is intended for determining degree of filling of a component storage bin . The bin is a box like ob ject with an open top and is able to receive mechanical components . The apparatus is arranged or is arrangeable in connection with the component storage bin . The apparatus comprises one or more sensing devices for sens ing the degree of filling of the bin . The apparatus i s also provided with at least one data communication device for allowing communication with external electrical devices such as to servers belonging to an electrical reordering system intended for replenishing the storage bin . The mentioned sensing device i s a contactles s sensor configured to send a sensing signal towards an inside space of the bin . The sens ing device not only sends the sens ing signal but also receives reflected sensing signals . Sensing data gathered by the apparatus i s communicated to the mentioned reordering system . In other words , the solution utilizes sensing data on reflected sensing s ignal s i . e . sensing reflected pulses or electromagnetic waves with a sensor when detecting bin level , i . e . fullnes s of the bin .

The apparatus is configured to measure di stance to a bin level defined by the components stored inside the bin .

Further, the sensing device is a Time of Flight (ToF ) sensor . ToF sensors are found to be reliable, versatile and accurate sens ing devices .

Moreover, the apparatus is provided with a calibration feature wherein the sensing device is configured to detect an upper surface of an empty bottom of the component storage bin . The control unit is configured to calculate a reference distance from the sensing device to the upper surface of the bottom and is configured to implement the calculated reference distance in the calculation of the upper surface of the stored components ins ide the component storage bin .

In other words , the apparatus is calibrated before executing the actual filling degree determination . The calibration is executed by detecting level of the bottom surface of the storage bin . When a new storage bin is placed to a storage place, such as on a shel f or rack, the calibration measures can be executed .

An advantage of the disclosed solution i s that accuracy of the filling degree can be improved . Then the electrical reordering system is provided with more reliable and accurate data repleni shing measures are well-timed and with proper amount of the mechanical components .

Further, the calibration i s easy and quick to execute whenever needed .

In general , an advantage of the disclosed solution is that the sensing is reliable and accurate since it i s based on received reflected sensing signals . The sensing i s not affected by the color of the components and dis closed system can detect small ob jects even in poor lightning situations .

Furthermore, the disclosed solution is easy to implement and mounting of the apparatus to the bins i s easy . The solution may also be retrofitted to the exi sting bins and ordering systems .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus i s provided with a calibration mode which is executable remotely from a user interface and trough a data communication connection for executing the calibration . In other words , the calibration can be initiated remotely from anywhere via Internet or connection to a server, for example . Computer data programs or algorithms may be stored to the server or cloud service provider . According to an embodiment , the apparatus i s provided with a calibration unit for executing the calibration . In other words , the calibration unit may be a physical part of the apparatus , or alternatively, the calibration unit i s a physical separate part connectable to the basic apparatus by means of data connection cables or wireles s manner .

The calibration unit comprises needed data program product s or algorithms for executing the calibration measures . The calibration unit may also comprise a switch or other user interface for controlling operation of the calibration unit .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus comprises a transmitter for sending the sens ing signal and a receiver for receiving the reflected signal .

According to an embodiment , the sensing i s based on contact-free sensing or measuring . The disclosed non-con- tact sensing suits for sensing all kinds of mechanical components .

According to an embodiment , the generated sensing data i s utilized for producing automated order triggering for the electrical re-ordering system .

According to an embodiment , the bin is intended for storing a plurality of physical mechanical components . The components may be C-parts such as small fastening components .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus is configured to measure distance to a bin level defined by components stored in the bin .

According to an embodiment the apparatus is configured to compare the sensed measuring distance to a predetermined reference distance . The reference distance may be a reorder point or distance corresponding to the situation when the bin level i . e . quantity of the components inside the bin i s such that new delivery of the components i s received before the remaining components in the bin run out . In other words , when the sensed distance is greater than the set reference distance, a reorder is triggered to the ordering system and the bin is replenished automatically .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus comprises at least one control unit for calculating di stance between the apparatus and the upper surface of the stored components . The distance i s calculated in response to the detected travelling time between the sent sens ing s ignal and the returning sensing s ignal reflected from the upper surface of the stored component s . The apparatus sends s ignals and receives them when they are reflected back . The signals have thereby travelling times by means of which distance can be calculated .

According to an embodiment , the control unit of the apparatus comprises one or more proces sors for calculating the travelling time and corresponding distance in response to the received sensing data . In this embodiment the apparatus may send re-proces sed di stance data to the ordering system and inventory system .

According to an embodiment , the control unit of the apparatus is configured to calculate the distance data as disclosed in the embodiment above and is further configured to generate reorders . Then the control unit is provided with input reordering strategy, limit values , reference data or corresponding instructions for triggering the reorder . The triggered reorder may be transmitted via the wireles s communication path to the ordering system or the inventory system . In this embodiment the apparatus not only produces remote sensing data and calculates distance to the bin level but al so generates independently the reorders for replenishing the bin .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus locating in connection with the bin is configured to transmit the produced sens ing data by means of a wireles s data transmission connection to at least one server or computer provided with a proces sor for executing the calculations . In other words , the sens ing data is proces sed at the external server or computer . Then there is no need to provide the apparatus with calculating capacity . The apparatus may produce the sensing data and may send the sensing data as such forwards .

According to an embodiment , the sensing device i s a laser distance sensor .

According to an embodiment , the sens ing device is an infrared sensor ( IR sensor) .

According to an embodiment , the sensing device i s a LiDAR sensor .

According to an embodiment , the sensing device i s a radar .

According to an embodiment , sensing device utilizes electromagnetic waves , and the apparatus determines propagation of electromagnetic waves when calculating the bin level .

According to an embodiment , use of several sensing devices is also pos sible s ince nowadays the sensing devices are small sized and in-expensive . Further, it is poss ible to combine two or more different types of sensing devices in connection with the disclosed apparatus .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus is a separate piece mounted in a removable manner to the storage bin . Then the apparatus may be mounted to several different bins . The apparatus may have a general des ign that fits for bins with different configurations . The implemented all- purpose principle allows lowering costs of the system .

According to an embodiment , the storage bin is provided with at least one mounting space configured to receive the apparatus . The bin structure may comprise a pocket or reces s for receiving the apparatus . In connection with the mounting space may be shape locking means or quick coupling means for locking the apparatus .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus comprises at least one mounting element for allowing the apparatus to be mounted to the storage bin . The mounting may be based on screw mounting or on suitable fast-coupling means . The fast- coupling means may comprise spring loaded elements , for example .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus i s integrated into the structure of the storage bin, whereby the apparatus is an inseparable part of the storage bin .

According to an embodiment , the storage bin may comprise two side walls with greater lengths and a front and rear wall with minor lengths . The front wall may be sloped, or it may alternatively be hinged and may be turned from the vertical position to sloped pos ition for facilitating picking of components of the bin . The apparatus i s mounted on inner side surface of one side wall or rear wall . Further, the apparatus is mounted on vertical upper part of the mentioned side or rear wall .

According to an embodiment , the storage bin may have four side walls having the same lengths . The apparatus may be mounted to one of the side walls . The side walls may be perpendicular relative to the bottom of the bin .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus is mounted to a separate plate like element , which is supportable against side surfaces of the bin . The plate like support element may have a planar mating surface intended to be placed against the side surface of the bin . End of the support plate may be supported against the bottom of the bin . This kind of support arrangement is easy to mount , and it provides proper support for the apparatus .

According to an embodiment , the apparatus i s provided with at least one electric power storage device for storing operational power for the apparatus . In order to save the stored power and to thereby ensure long service time, the control unit of the apparatus is provided with a sensing mode when the sensing device is activated and a sleeping mode when the sensing device is in non-operational state . The control unit keeps the apparatus predominantly at the sleep mode and connects the sensing mode on only at predetermined intervals . This way considerable energy savings can be achieved. Further, the apparatus may communicate to the monitoring system via a wireless data connection when the power storage device needs to be recharged or substituted with new batteries.

According to an embodiment, the sensing is implemented only at settable intervals. In other words, the operator may determine suitable time intervals between successive sensing incidents. The apparatus may activate the sensing mode once per every hour, for example. However, the sensing frequency needs to be set in accordance with the usage of the components, size of the storage bin and other inventory related issues. The setting may be easily updated.

According to an embodiment, the time interval or sensing frequency may be adjusted remotely via a wireless data communication path.

According to an embodiment, the data communication device of the apparatus is configured to communicate with the electrical reordering system through a wireless data communication connection. Then the installation and use of the apparatus is easy, and further, the monitoring is independent of location of the bin.

According to an embodiment, the wireless data communication utilizes Bluetooth.

According to an embodiment, the wireless data communication utilizes WiFi.

According to an embodiment, the wireless data communication utilizes LoRa (Long Range) wireless data communication technology.

According to an embodiment, the wireless data communication utilizes mobile radio network.

According to an embodiment, the sensing device of the apparatus is configured to send the sensing signal to one target point only. Location of the target point is selected so that is best indicates the bin level.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with adjusting means for adjusting orientation of the sensing device so that the target point of the sensing device can be adjusted.

According to an embodiment, the sensing device of the apparatus is configured to send sensing signals to several target points. When the sensing signals are send and received from two, three or even more target points inside the storage space of the bin, then accuracy and reliability of the bin level monitoring may be increased.

According to an embodiment, the sensing device of the apparatus is configured to sweep or scan the upper level of the components inside the storage space of the bin with the sensing signal. Also, in this solution reflected signals are received and analyzed.

According to an embodiment, the solution relates to a storage bin intended for storing mechanical components. The storage bin comprises a bottom and side walls surrounding the bottom. The bottom and the side walls define together a storage space with an open top. The bin is further provided with one or more apparatuses with sensing devices for sensing degree of filling of the bin. The apparatus is as disclosed in this document.

According to an embodiment, the bin is a stackable bin made of plastic material.

According to an embodiment, the bin may comprise two or more compartments, fullness of which may be monitored by means of the disclosed solution.

According to an embodiment, the bin comprises a plurality of C-parts, which typically include screws, nuts, washers, locking pins and corresponding relatively small and inexpensive mechanical components. The C-parts are of secondary importance for the end product, which may be an industrial system or machine.

According to an embodiment, the solution relates to a method of making a refill order for an electrical reordering system. The system comprises one or more storage bins, each of them being provided with one or more storage spaces for receiving mechanical components . The method comprises monitoring degree of filling of the storage bin by means of at least one apparatus mounted in connection with the storage bin . The monitoring data gathered by the apparatus is communicated to the reordering system and refill orders are generated in the reordering system automatically in response to the received monitoring data . Then the storage bin is replenished in accordance with the refill order . The mentioned monitoring is executed by means of at least one sens ing device of the apparatus , which sens ing device senses bin level defined by the components inside the storage space of the bin . In order to sense the bin level, the sensing device sends sensing signals towards the stored components and receives sensing s ignal s reflected from the components . The bin level sensing is based on detecting time difference between the sent and received signals and then calculating distance between the apparatus and the components . The bin level is determined in response to the calculated distance . When the detected bin level is below a pre-determined order point the refill order is generated .

The disclosed method further compri ses measuring distance to a bin level defined by the components stored inside the bin .

Moreover, the disclosed method comprises calibrating the apparatus before executing the actual filling degree determination; executing the calibration by detecting an empty bottom of the component storage bin by means of the sensing device; calculating in the control unit a reference distance from the sensing device to the upper surface of the bottom; and implementing the calculated reference distance in the calculation of the upper surface of the stored components inside the component storage bin .

According to an embodiment , the solution comprises using an independently operating apparatus which is in data communication connection with the reordering system . The independently operating apparatus may comprise a power source or its own and it communicates with the reordering system via a wireles s data communication system . Thus , the apparatus is not in physical connection to a power network or to servers . The independently operating apparatus is easy to mount and connect to power and data networks .

According to an embodiment , the solution compri ses executing the monitoring non-continuously at adjustable intervals . Energy i s saved when active and pas sive periods alternate in the level monitoring, and still , reliability of the monitoring may be high . The time interval between the active and pas sive operations may be adjusted .

According to an embodiment , the solution comprises proces s ing the gathered sens ing data in a control unit of the apparatus and generating the refill order by means of the control unit . In thi s embodiment the apparatus has proces sing capacity and input strategy to make reordering decisions onboard the bin . Then the apparatus may simply send a reordering request to the reordering system .

According to an embodiment , the solution comprises modifying settings of the apparatus remotely via a wireles s data communication connection . Then the limit values , order points , reordering quantities , time intervals between monitoring and sleeping modes , and other settable parameters may be adjusted remotely . The adjusting is then quick and easy to execute from anywhere .

According to an embodiment , the solution comprises sending the monitoring data to at least one external electrical terminal device in addition to the reordering system in order to provide data on stored mechanical components . This way it i s pos sible to send different alarms and other mes sages to smart phones , for example .

The above disclosed embodiments may be combined in order to form suitable solutions having those of the above features that are needed . Brief description of the figures

Some embodiments are des cribed in more detail in the accompanying drawings , in which

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a storage bin provided with an apparatus for sens ing fullnes s of the bin,

Figure 2 i s a schematic cros s sectional view of a bin and two alternative mounting principles of a sensing apparatus ,

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing alternative sensors of the sensing device,

Figure 4 is a diagram showing components relating to the disclosed system and trans fer of different data between them, and

Figures 5 and 6 are schematic presentations relating to the disclosed calibration feature .

For the sake of clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the di sclosed solution in a simplified manner . In the figures , like reference numeral s identify like elements .

Detailed description of some embodiments

Figure 1 shows a storage bin 1 intended for receiving mechanical components 2 , such as nut s , washers and screws . The bin 1 is box-like piece comprising a bottom 3 , side walls 4a - 4d and an open top . Inside the bin 1 is a storage space 5 . The bin 1 i s provided with an apparatus 6 for sens ing an upper layer of the components 2 ins ide the storage space 5 in order to detect i f a refill order needs to be generated for a reordering system 7 . The apparatus 6 comprises a sensing device 8 provided with a transmitter 9 for sending a sensing signal 10a towards the upper layer of the components i . e . a bin layer 11 , and a receiver 12 for receiving a reflected sensing signal 10b . The apparatus 6 further comprises a control unit CU for controlling operation of the apparatus 6 and a data communication device 13 for allowing wireles s communication . There is also an electric power storage B, such as battery for providing needed electrical energy for the apparatus 6 . The apparatus 6 may be mounted in a removable manner to one side wall , in this case it i s mounted to an upper part of the rear wall 4c . The apparatus 6 may comprise mounting means 14 , such as fast coupling means , supporting hooks , brackets , screws or clamps .

The apparatus 6 may send sens ing results to the reordering system 7 as such, or the sens ing data may be reproces sed in the control unit CU and a refill order will be send to the system . The reordering system 7 may comprises one or more servers S . Alternatively, or in addition to , the reordering system may comprise a cloud service CS . The reordering system 7 is provided with data on a suitable reordering point , which may correspond to a di stance sensed between the bin level 11 and the apparatus 6 . Further, the reordering system 7 may communicate with one or more other electrical terminal devices 15 , such as computers 16 and smart phones 17 and may thereby provide desired information, monitoring data, alarms and mes sages to selected users and systems .

Figure 2 dis closes a bin 1 and two alternative mounting arrangement s for an apparatus 6 . First mounting means 14a of a first apparatus 6a is a hook and second mounting means 14b of a second apparatus 6b is a plate arranged against a s ide surface of the bin 1 . The plate may also be provided with mounting screws 14c or corresponding element s . The apparatuses 6a, 6b send and receive sensing signals 10 in manner dis closed in this document . It is to be noted, that other mounting arrangements may al so be implemented .

Figure 3 di scloses features of a sensing device and pos sible alternative sensing technology suitable for the purpose . These is sues have already been dis cus sed above in this document . Figure 4 discloses basic component s of the disclosed arrangement . Bin level of a bin can be detected by means of a sensing device and the sensing data may be send for further proces s ing, or a reproces sed refill order may be generated . The apparatus compris ing the sensing device may communicate in a wireles s manner with servers and a cloud service via a WiFi connection and the Internet . A reordering program receives the sensing data or the reproces sed refill order and executes needed repleni shing actions based on them . The system may also comprise a user interface through which an operator may communicate with the system . The operator i s provided with needed data on inventory, such as reports and noti fications , for example . The operator may also adjust parameters of the system, such a reordering points and monitoring frequency .

Figures 5 and 6 disclose solutions for providing the apparatus 6 with the calibration feature . The sensing device 8 detects an upper surface of an empty bottom B of the component storage bin 1 . Thereafter, the reference distance is calculated from the sensing device 6 to the bottom B and the calculated reference di stance is utilized in the proces s when determining the upper surface of the stored components inside the component storage bin 1 .

In Figure 5 the apparatus is provided with a calibration mode which can be initiated and executed remotely from a user interface UI . In Figure 5 data connections are shown by means of arrows . The needed calculations can be done either in the control unit CU of the apparatus 6 , or in a remote control unit CU ' , in a server S , or in a cloud service CS . The needed programs and algorithms for the calibration measures may also be input to the control unit s CU, CU ' , the server S or the cloud service CS .

Figure 6 di scloses that the apparatus is provided with a calibration unit D for executing the calibration . The calibration unit D may be a separate device which i s connectable to the apparatus 6 . The drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention . In its details , the invention may vary within the scope of the claims .

Claims

1. An apparatus (6) for determining degree of filling of a component storage bin (1) , wherein the bin (1) is a box like object with an open top and which bin (1) is intended for receiving mechanical components (2) ; and wherein the apparatus (6) is arranged in connection with the component storage bin (1) and comprises: at least one sensing device (8) for sensing the degree of filling of the bin (1) ; at least one data communication device (13) for allowing communication with at least one electrical device (S, CS) external to the bin (1) and belonging to an electrical reordering system (7) intended for replenishing the storage bin (1) ; and wherein the sensing device (8) is a contactless Time of Flight (ToF) sensor configured to send a sensing signal (10a) towards an inside space (5) of the bin (1) and is configured to receive reflected sensing signal (10b) ; the apparatus (6) comprises at least one control unit (CU) for calculating distance between the apparatus (6) and the upper surface of the stored components (2) in response to travelling time between the sent sensing signal (10a) and the returning sensing signal (10b) reflected from the upper surface of the stored components and received by the apparatus (6) ; the apparatus (6) is configured to measure distance to a bin level (11) defined by the components (2) stored inside the bin (1) ; and the sensing data is configured to be communicated to the mentioned reordering system (7) ; cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the apparatus (6) is provided with a calibration feature wherein the sensing device (8) is configured to detect an upper surface of an empty bottom (B) of the component storage bin (1) ; and wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to calculate a reference distance from the sensing device (6) to the upper surface of the bottom (B) and is configured to implement the calculated reference distance in the calculation of the upper surface of the stored components (2) inside the component storage bin (1) .

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the apparatus (6) is provided with a calibration mode which is executable remotely from a user interface (UI) and through a data communication connection for executing the calibration.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the apparatus (6) is provided with a calibration unit (D) for executing the calibration.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims 1 - 3, cha ra ct e r i z ed in that the apparatus (6) is a separate piece mounted in a removable manner to the storage bin (1) .

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the apparatus (6) is provided with at least one electric power storage device (B) for storing operational power for the apparatus (6) ; the control unit (CU) of the apparatus (6) is provided with a sensing mode when the sensing device (8) is activated and a sleeping mode when the sensing device (8) is in non-operational state; and the control unit (CU) is configured to keep the apparatus (6) predominantly at the sleep mode and is configured to connect the sensing mode on only at predetermined intervals in order to save electric energy of the electric power storage device (B) .

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 5, cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the data communication device (13) of the apparatus (6) is configured to communicate with the electrical reordering system (7) through a wireless data communication connection .

7. A storage bin (1) for storing mechanical components (2) , and wherein the storage bin (1) comprises: a bottom (3) and surrounding side walls (4a - 4d) which define together a storage space (5) with an open top; and at least one apparatus (6) provided with a sensing device (8) for sensing degree of filling of the bin (1) ; cha ra ct e r i z e d in that the mentioned apparatus (6) is in accordance with the claims 1 - 6.

8. A method of making a refill order for an electrical reordering system (7) connected to at least one storage bin (1) provided with a storage space (5) for receiving mechanical components (2) ; wherein the method comprises: monitoring degree of filling of the storage bin (1) by means of at least one apparatus (6) mounted in connection with the storage bin (1) ; communicating the monitoring data gathered by the apparatus (6) to the reordering system (7) ; generating in the reordering system (7) automatically refill orders in response to the received monitoring data; replenishing the storage bin (1) in accordance with the refill order; monitoring by means of at least one sensing device (8) of the apparatus (6) bin level (11) defined by the components (2) inside the storage space (5) of the bin (1) ; sending sensing signals (10a) towards the stored components (2) and receiving sensing signals (10b) reflected from the components (2) ; and generating the refill order when the detected bin level (11) is below a pre-determined order point; detecting time difference between the sent and received signals (10a, 10b) and calculating distance between the apparatus (6) and the components (2) ; determining the bin level (11) in response to the calculated distance; and measuring distance to a bin level (11) defined by the components (2) stored inside the bin (1) ; cha ra ct e r i z e d by calibrating the apparatus before executing the actual filling degree determination; executing the calibration by detecting an empty bottom (B) of the component storage bin (1) by means of the sensing device (8) ; calculating in the control unit (CU) a reference distance from the sensing device (6) to the upper surface of the bottom (B) ; and implementing the calculated reference distance in the calculation of the upper surface of the stored components (2) inside the component storage bin (1) .

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, cha ra ct e ri z e d by using an independently operating apparatus (6) which is in data communication connection with the reordering system (7) .

10. The method as claimed in claim 8 or 9, cha ra ct e r i z e d by executing the monitoring non-cont inuously at adjustable intervals.

11. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 8 - 10, cha ra ct e r i z ed by processing the gathered sensing data in a control unit (CU) of the apparatus (6) and generating the refill order by means of the control unit (CU) .

12. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 8 - 11, cha ra ct e r i z ed by modifying settings of the apparatus (6) remotely via a wireless data communication connection.

13. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 8 - 12, cha ra ct e r i z ed by sending the monitoring data to at least one external electrical terminal device (16, 17) in addition to the reordering system (7) in order to provide data on stored mechanical components (2) .