DE202015002456U1 - Transponder device with transport container - Google Patents

Abstract

Transponder device (10) for identifying transport containers (30), in particular small load carriers (31), comprising a mounting element (11) with a with a protective cover (16) closable receiving means (12) for receiving an RFID transponder (13), characterized in that at least two mounting holes (17) for movably receiving a respective mounting bracket (20) are provided on the mounting element (11).

Description

The invention relates to a transponder device for identifying transport containers, in particular small load carriers, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) is a technology for the automatic and non-contact identification of objects by means of transmitter / receiver systems, which has gained widespread use in numerous fields of application in recent years. This is a contactless communication technique, in which information for the identification of objects or living beings, for example, is transmitted from a data carrier (called transponder or TAG) to a writing or reading device with an antenna. If you bring a transponder into the range of this antenna, you can read information without contact from the memory of the transponder or even store data on it. The coupling is done by the magnetic field generated by the writing or reading device short range or by high-frequency radio waves. This not only transmits data, but also powers the passive transponder. Only if larger ranges are to be achieved and the costs of the transponder are not very critical, active transponders are used with their own power supply.

Numerous different designs of RFID systems are already known from the prior art. For example, the document discloses DE 10 2006 049 579 A1 an RFID system, with the attached to persons, animals, goods or goods transponder can be read by a reader contactless. The transponders are realized as passive components with antenna, being used for their energy supply emitted by the reader electromagnetic field in the high frequency range or in the ultra-high frequency range. To increase the reliability and privacy of the radio link is proposed here to shield a detection range of the reader suitable. Such RFID systems are used, for example, in logistics for loading and unloading lorries or in point-of-sale systems in supermarkets, with each individual object having to be provided with a transponder for identification purposes.

In logistics, for example, for batch production, the labeling of each component with RFID transponders for economic reasons or for reasons of security against eavesdropping not desired or, for example, with very small components technically not or only with restrictions. Therefore, often instead of the complex labeling of each component, an identification of transport containers or of transport units, such as small load carriers, preferred. A disadvantage of known per se embodiments of RFID transponders for the identification of transport containers is that the transponder on the usually mechanically heavily loaded transport containers usually not captive or not sufficiently protected against damage can be attached. Conversely, RFID transponders, which are integrated in the production of the transport container in this by the transponders, for example, poured or melted directly into the container material, at least suffers from the disadvantage that a subsequent replacement or replacement of such RFID transponder is not possible and therefore they are not reusable.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transponder device which avoids the described disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, a transponder device according to the invention for the identification of transport containers must on the one hand be made very stable, so that mechanical stresses to which transport containers are usually exposed do not lead to destruction of the surface structure of the transponder device. On the other hand, the material of the transponder device must have a certain flexibility, so that mechanical shocks can be absorbed. Furthermore, a secure and flexible attachment of the transponder device on the transport container must be ensured in order to prevent unintentional detachment or falling of the RFID transponder.

In addition, it is necessary to prevent the penetration of contaminants into the transponder device, such as, for example, the penetration of oils and / or fats, which may occur in industrial production processes. Likewise, the transponder device must be suitable for the use of alkalis and acids used in washing operations.

These objects are achieved in a transponder device according to the preamble of claim 1 having the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. The subclaims relate to further particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a transponder device according to the invention for identifying transport containers, in particular small load carriers, comprising a mounting element with a receptacle which can be closed with a protective cover for receiving an RFID transponder, are provided on the mounting member at least two mounting holes for movably receiving a respective mounting bracket.

It is advantageous that the transponder device can be mounted quickly and flexibly on a transport container or on a small load carrier. Due to the special design of the mounting element with mounting holes for movably receiving mounting brackets individual positioning, retrofitting and replacement of the transponder device are easily possible.

For technical reasons, it makes sense to make the dimensions and mounting options of the transponder device for transport containers or for small load carriers as flexible as possible. The transport containers are usually fed into production processes in a production process, which process the objects or components stored therein in partially fully automated processes. The attachment of a transponder device must not adversely affect these processes, in the sense that, for example, a gripping of the transport container in the manufacturing process due to the arrangement of the transponder device then no longer or only possible to a limited extent. The inventive arrangement of at least two mounting brackets for mounting the transponder device advantageously a simple and rapid assembly and disassembly of the transponder device is possible, which does not survive in a fixed position on the contours of the transport container and therefore does not lead to any loss in loading the transport container.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the mounting brackets are exchangeable as wearing parts and are individually adaptable to different types of transport containers. Thus, if necessary, the mounting brackets can be conveniently replaced without having to replace the mounting element together with the RFID transponder or the required electronic components. Even a complex processing or modification of the transport container or the small load carrier in order to attach the transponder devices it is usually not required. Thus, both the transport container, as well as the transponder devices, if necessary, can also be recycled separately from each other.

Transport containers that are made of alloyed metal materials, for example, and therefore are particularly protected against corrosion, are expensive not only in their Erstanschaffung, but also any necessary conversion work on such transport containers are very expensive, since the corrosion protection must be respected or restored. When using transponder devices according to the invention, such transport containers made of alloyed metal materials advantageously do not have to be reworked, since the transponder devices according to the invention can be fastened to a variety of transport containers in a particularly simple and flexible manner even without modification work.

In the context of the invention, for example, individual components of the transponder device or the entire transponder device, if necessary, can be characterized by a signal color, which represents a further advantage of the invention.

Advantageously, the transponder device according to the invention is independent of the technology used, as the receiving device for receiving an RFID transponder is easily accessible from the outside by the removable protective cover. Thus, for example, individual electronic components of the transponder can be replaced or supplemented if necessary. The transponder device is therefore for both RFID applications, as well as for NFC applications (Near Field Communication, abbreviated: NFC, Near Field Communication) in different frequency ranges (low frequency or low frequency, abbreviated: LF, high frequency or high frequency, short: HF Ultra-high frequency or ultra-high frequency, UHF for short).

Thus, the transponder device according to the invention for different technology combinations of non-contact data transmission in near-field, MidRange and FarField applications is suitable. The transponder device according to the invention provides a flexible data carrier which is suitable both for rapid production processes with particularly high demands on the transmission quality and transmission quantity of the data to be transmitted (Pulk Reading) and for large coverage ranges for portal applications. With the technical equipment available today can thus be realized with passive, ie without its own power supply transponder devices that are attached to a loaded transport container, about 4 m range of the reading range for the data to be acquired can be realized. If, in the following, an RFID transponder is mentioned within the transponder device, this also applies equally to corresponding NFC applications, for example, to control the goods.

Appropriately, in a transponder device according to the invention, the mounting holes each as a slot with a slot length and executed a slot width. In this version, the mounting brackets can be inserted particularly easily and flexibly into the mounting holes.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a transponder device, the mounting bracket is in each case equipped with a mounting base, which mounting base can be inserted into a mounting hole and brought by twisting in a captive position. This embodiment is particularly flexible and provides protection against load peaks under mechanical stress, since the rotatable mounting base has some play within the mounting hole.

It is advantageous in a transponder device according to the invention, the mounting bracket in the rotated position within the mounting hole along the slot length in the longitudinal direction back and forth displaced. Through the slots within which the mounting bracket is movably mounted, also the flexibility and the ability to adapt for attachment to certain, predetermined distances from brackets or container struts of the transport container is also increased. Furthermore, the mounting brackets can be attached to both sides of the mounting element. Thus, it is possible, for example, depending on the requirement to attach a transponder device either on the inside or on the outside of a transport container.

In a further development of the invention in a transponder device, the mounting bracket comprises at least one releasable fastening means, which is selected from the following group: Befestigungsausnehmung, Velcro, screw, tongue and groove connection, feather key connection, zipper, dovetail connection, connection fitting. Advantageously, the mounting brackets are each secured in a relation to the respective mounting hole twisted twisted position on the corresponding container struts or brackets of the transport container. For this purpose, the fasteners are either clipped on the transport container, plugged in, attached by means of Velcro, screwed and / or zipped by means of zipper.

Appropriately, in a transponder device according to the invention, the receiving device with the protective cover liquid-tightly closed. Advantageously, the RFID transponder within the transponder device is particularly well suited for use on transport containers or small load carriers in industrial environments.

Advantageously, in a transponder device, the receiving device with the protective cover, preferably by welding, particularly preferably by welding along a circumferential support edge, liquid-tightly closed. In this preferred embodiment, the protective cover is welded in a liquid-tight manner to the mounting element by a welding method, for example by an ultrasonic welding method. To this end, it is particularly preferable to have on the circumference of the receiving device a peripheral bearing edge on which the protective cover rests during welding or with which the protective cover is welded in a liquid-tight manner.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a transponder device, the receiving device on a circumferential seal, which seal adjacent to the protective cover and seals against this. With the additional seal a particularly secure protection for the electronic components arranged within the receiving device is ensured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in a transponder device, the seal is made of a chemical-resistant material, more preferably of a chemical-resistant plastic.

In a particularly robust embodiment of the invention, the RFID transponder is designed as an RFID wet-inlay transponder in a transponder device. It is particularly advantageous that the RFID wet-inlay transponder is completely protected against external influences. Contaminants and oils used in production, as well as alkalis and acids used in washing processes can not attack the material of the RFID transponder, which is why this version is particularly robust and durable.

Suitably, in a transponder device according to the invention, the mounting element and / or the protective cover and / or the mounting brackets is or are made of an impact-resistant material, preferably of an impact-resistant elastomer. In this embodiment, the transponder device is particularly robustly protected against mechanical destruction or against mechanical shocks.

Advantageously, in a transponder device according to the invention, the mounting element and / or the protective cover and / or the mounting brackets are made of a chemical-resistant material, preferably of a chemical-resistant plastic. Thus, a particularly high industrial capability of Transponder device given and transport containers, which are equipped with such a type of transponder device according to the invention, can be cleaned without a hitch regularly in cleaning systems.

With the transponder device according to the invention, an RFID transponder is available for attachment to transport containers or to small load carriers, which is particularly well suited for use in industrial production processes. Since the shape and size of the transponder device can be customized, and since wear parts such as mounting brackets can also be changed and replaced individually, the transponder device according to the invention can be used in a particularly flexible and cost-effective manner.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings show:

1 the structure of a transponder device according to the invention in an exploded isometric view of obliquely from above;

2 in the 1 illustrated transponder device in an assembled position in an isometric view obliquely from above;

3 in an isometric view obliquely from the side a plurality of stacked transport containers or small load carriers, on which respective transponder devices according to the invention are mounted on the outside of container handles;

4 in a side view a detail of the transport container according to 3 , wherein here the transponder devices are mounted on the inside of the container handles;

5 a list of a transmitter / receiver system for the identification of transport containers, which are each equipped with a transponder device according to the invention.

1 shows a transponder device according to the invention 10 which is a mounting element 11 with a recording device 12 for receiving an RFID transponder 13 includes. As an RFID transponder 13 Here is a so-called RFID wet-inlay transponder 14 including a microchip required as a disk in the receiving device 12 used. The RFID wet inlay transponder 14 Due to its encapsulated construction, it offers the advantage of being particularly insensitive to moisture. The recording device 12 here has a circumferential seal 15 on that with an appropriate protective cover 16 is sealed liquid-tight. Thus, the RFID wet-inlay transponder 14 in the receiving device 12 Effectively protected against external influences.

Instead of a circumferential seal 15 can the recording device 12 as well as a circumferential bearing edge 15 have, at which bearing edge 15 the protective cover 16 rests. The protective cover 16 is doing by means of an adhesive method or a welding process with the support edge 15 liquid-tight glued or welded, as in 2 is illustrated.

Furthermore, the elongated mounting element 11 at each of its two opposite end sections mounting holes 17 on, which as long holes with a slot length 18 and a slot width 19 are executed.

In the mounting holes 17 of the mounting element 11 become the mounting brackets 20 introduced, as in 2 is illustrated. This is a bracket base 21 , which is attached to the mounting bracket 20 on the opposite side of a mounting recess 22 is provided for attachment to a transport container, not shown here, each in the mounting hole 17 inserted and by turning in the direction of the arrow 23 in its position within the mounting hole 17 secured. The mounting bracket 20 is in a twisted position 23 inside the mounting hole 17 along the slot length 18 longitudinal 24 movable back and forth. Thus, now in the in 2 shown arrangement, the transponder device 10 with the mounting brackets 20 on a transport container 30 or on a small load carrier 31 be attached captively by plugging, as in the following 3 . 4 such as 5 is shown.

3 represents in an isometric view obliquely from the side of several stacked transport containers 30 or small load carriers 31 being, wherein on the outside of container struts 32 on the narrow sides 33 each transport container 30 respectively transponder devices according to the invention 10 are attached. The small load carriers 31 serve as already explained, for example, to transport one or more objects 35 in a manufacturing process. The small load carriers 31 can be designed arbitrarily and, for example, charge trays with closed walls or wall sections, or have charge trays grid baskets or braces. As objects 35 For example, individual components, intermediates or end products in the transponder devices 10 provided transport containers 30 as part of a Manufacturing process identifiable and traceable transported and stored at any time.

4 shows in a side view a detail of each with transponder devices 10 provided transport container 30 according to 3 , although here in 4 the transponder devices 10 for better protection against damage to the insides of the container struts 32 or are oriented inwardly oriented.

The material of the mounting element 11 , the protective cover 16 as well as the mounting brackets 20 is particularly robust chosen that external influences such as contact with dust, abrasive materials, dirt or cleaning materials have no harmful effects. The outer parts of the transponder device 10 So the mounting element 11 , the protective cover 16 as well as the mounting brackets 20 Here are made of an impact-resistant plastic.

Advantageously, the mounting brackets 20 inside the slots of the mounting holes 17 can be positioned and moved flexibly in width and orientation, and therefore fits perfectly on container struts 32 the transport container 30 be infected. A transponder device 10 Can thus on different transport containers 30 or on small load carriers 31 each be positioned particularly flexible.

Instead of or in addition to those in the pictures 1 to 5 illustrated Befestigungsausnehmungen 22 on the mounting brackets 20 for attaching to container struts 32 serve, it is provided in the context of the invention, other known attachment variants for captive attachment of the transponder device 10 on a transport container 30 provided.

For example, it is conceivable, alternatively or in addition to the mounting recesses shown 22 Velcro fasteners, belt fasteners, zip fasteners, fastening straps, pockets and / or positive-fit fasteners for attachment to a transport container 30 provided. Thus, on the one hand a captive attachment of the transponder device 10 at the transport container 30 guaranteed and on the other hand, if necessary, a flexible exchange or replacement of the transponder device 10 allows. Furthermore, transponder devices 10 particularly flexible also on transport containers 30 or on small load carriers 31 different dimensions are attached.

5 shows a schematically simplified list of a transmitter / receiver system 40 for identification of transport containers 30 , each with a transponder device according to the invention 10 are equipped. The transport containers 30 will be in the transport direction 42 between two detectors of a reader 41 moved through. As a reader 41 Here is an RFID reader 41 used. It is from the RFID reader 41 generates a weak electromagnetic field via an antenna. Now comes a transponder device 10 in this magnetic field, a microchip of the transponder device 10 energized and can now contactlessly send data to the RFID reader 41 send or store new information on the microchip. Leaves the transponder device 10 the reading range of the RFID reader 41 , the connection to the reader breaks 41 again and the transponder device 10 is again inactive, with the already stored data still stored.

To correctly identify the transport container 30 to ensure are the transponder devices 10 to each on the narrow side surfaces 33 the transport container 30 attached. In this correct or advantageous arrangement 45 the transponder device 10 on the narrow side surface 33 the transport container 30 which are as close as possible to the reader 41 in a transport direction 42 parallel to the reader 41 Passing this will cause a trouble-free transfer of data between reader 41 and transponder device 10 allows.

When mounting the transponder device 10 transverse to the transport direction 42 or across the reader 41 as here with a wrong or disadvantageous arrangement 46 on the long side surface 34 of the transport container 30 The case would be a trouble-free transfer of data between the reader 41 and transponder device 10 not guaranteed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

transponder device

11

mounting element

12

recording device

13

RFID transponder

14

RFID wet inlay transponder

15

Seal or bearing edge

16

protective cover

17

Mounting

18

Length of the slot

19

Width of the slot

20

mounting bracket

21

Mounting base of mounting bracket

22

Mounting recess of the mounting bracket

23

Twist direction (double arrow)

24

Shift direction (double arrow)

30

transport container

31

Small carriers

32

container strut

33

Narrow side surface of the transport container

34

Longitudinal side face

35

object

40

Transmitter / receiver system

41

reader

42

Transport direction (arrow)

45

correct or advantageous arrangement of the transponder device

46

wrong or disadvantageous arrangement of the transponder device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006049579 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Transponder device ( 10 ) for identifying transport containers ( 30 ), in particular of small load carriers ( 31 ) comprising a mounting element ( 11 ) with one with a protective cover ( 16 ) lockable receiving device ( 12 ) for receiving an RFID transponder ( 13 ), characterized in that on the mounting element ( 11 ) at least two mounting holes ( 17 ) for movably receiving one mounting bracket each ( 20 ) are provided. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting holes ( 17 ) each as a slot with a slot length ( 18 ) and a slot width ( 19 ) are executed. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting bracket ( 20 ) each with a mounting base ( 21 ), which mounting base ( 21 ) in a mounting hole ( 17 ) and by twisting ( 23 ) relative to the mounting element ( 11 ) into a captive position ( 2 ) can be brought. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the mounting bracket ( 20 ) in a twisted position ( 23 ) within the mounting hole ( 17 ) along the slot length ( 18 ) longitudinal ( 24 ) is displaceable back and forth. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mounting bracket ( 20 ) at least one releasable fastening means selected from the following group, comprising: Befestigungsausnehmung ( 22 ), Velcro connection, screw connection, tongue and groove connection, feather key connection, zipper, dovetail connection, connection fitting. Transponder device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving device ( 12 ) with the protective cover ( 16 ) preferably by welding, more preferably by welding along a peripheral bearing edge ( 15 ), liquid-tight can be closed. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving device ( 12 ) with the protective cover ( 16 ) is liquid-tight, for which the receiving device ( 12 ) a circumferential seal ( 15 ) preferably made of a chemical-resistant material, particularly preferably of a chemical-resistant plastic, which seal ( 15 ) to the protective cover ( 16 ) and opposite this protective cover ( 16 ) seals. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 13 ) as an RFID wet inlay transponder ( 14 ) is trained. Transponder device ( 10 ) According to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mounting element ( 11 ) and / or the protective cover ( 16 ) and / or the mounting brackets ( 20 ) is made of an impact-resistant material, preferably made of an impact-resistant elastomer, or are. Transponder device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mounting element ( 11 ) and / or the protective cover ( 16 ) and / or the mounting brackets ( 20 ) is made of a chemical resistant material, preferably of a chemical resistant plastic, is or are.

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