JP5397803B2 - Open access magnetic detacher - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of a magnetic detacher with open access are described. In one embodiment, the magnetic detacher may include a magnet assembly to provide open access to a hard tag and a magnetic field sufficient to disengage a clamping mechanism of the hard tag.

Description

  The present application relates to a magnetic detacher.

  Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of merchandise from controlled areas. A typical EAS system can consist of a monitoring system and one or more safety tags. In the monitoring system, a monitoring area can be provided at the entrance to the management area. Safety tags can be attached to items such as clothing. When a product with a safety tag attached enters the monitoring area, an alarm is issued indicating that the product with the safety tag attached is about to be taken out of the control area. Before a product with a safety tag attached can be taken out of the management area without an alarm, the safety tag must be deactivated.

  Safety tags can take various forms including soft tags and hard tags. In general, hard tags are reusable, but soft tags are disposable and only used once. An example of a soft tag is a safety label with an adhesive on the back side. The soft tag can be deactivated by a deactivation device, such as a scanner using a magnetic field, that contacts or approaches the soft tag to deactivate the soft tag. The hard tag generally includes a plastic tag main body that houses the EAS sensor, and a fixing device that includes a pin or a hook that pierces the product and fits into the tag main body to fix the tag and the product. In general, a hard tag requires a detacher unit that removes the wrinkles from the tag body and separates the product and the hard tag. In some applications, the detacher unit includes a magnet assembly that applies a magnetic field to the tag body to remove the heel.

  FIG. 1 shows a conventional hard tag 10 having a plastic tag body 11 with a protrusion 12. This tag body 11 houses an EAS sensor 13 for generating an alarm. The hard tag 10 includes a bag 14 having a large head 15. As shown in the drawing, the collar 14 is firmly held by the clamp mechanism 16 in the tag main body 11.

  FIG. 2 shows a conventional magnet assembly 20 for use in a detacher unit. The magnet assembly 20 includes a cylindrical magnet 21 and a ring magnet 22 stacked on the cylindrical magnet 21 and magnetized in the opposite direction. As shown, the magnet assembly 20 has a cavity 23 that is approximately 6 to 7 mm deep. This configuration is suitable for a conventional hard tag, such as the hard tag 10, and the cavity 23 of the magnet assembly 20 is adapted to the protrusion 12 of the tag body 11. The protrusion 12 is inserted into the cavity 23 and is affected by a strong magnetic field in the ring magnet 22 so that the flange 14 can be removed. The magnet assembly 20 creates a substantially vertical magnetic field in the cavity 23 to release the clamping mechanism 16 and allow the heel 14 to be removed from the tag body 11.

  In many tag applications, such as bottles and compact desk tags, for example, embedding a hard tag clamping mechanism in an off-the-shelf package of a product, or short to minimize vulnerability to breakage It is possible to easily display the product with the outer shape. Different detacher designs with embedded access or open access to provide sufficient magnetic field for these application and package requirements. Is needed.

  In order that the embodiments of the present invention may be fully understood, a number of specific examples are described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. As a matter of course, the specific detailed configuration and detailed functions disclosed herein are representative and are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

  Reference in the description of “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that the particular feature, configuration, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. You need to be careful. The phrase “in one embodiment” that often appears in this detailed description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the magnetic detacher 30. In this embodiment, the magnetic detacher 30 includes a magnet assembly 31 having a cylindrical magnet 32 and a ring magnet 33. In various embodiments, the cylindrical magnet 32 and the ring magnet 33 are composed of one or more permanent magnets. In general, a permanent magnet has a magnetic axis determined by magnetization processing, material orientation, shape, and other characteristics.

  In various embodiments, the permanent magnet may be composed of a paramagnetic component such as samarium (Sm) or neodymium (Nd) and a ferromagnetic component such as iron (Fe) or cobalt (Co). it can. In the process of manufacturing a permanent magnet, there may be a crystal region structure that exhibits the magnetization of an intra region with directionality, known as crystal magnetic anisotropy, which is a mechanism for generating a strong magnetic field. This permanent magnet is subjected to a process including, for example, a process of compressing components in the presence of a magnetic field, a process of sintering the compressed material, and a process of remagnetization.

  Examples of permanent magnets include, but are not limited to, neodymium / iron / boron (NdFeB) magnets, hard ferrite magnets, cobalt magnets such as samarium / cobalt (SmCo) magnets and alnico (AlNiCo) magnets. Absent. These permanent magnets can be coated with various coatings to prevent corrosion.

  In various embodiments, the magnetic detacher 30 is constructed and assembled to provide open access to various clamping mechanisms. Therefore, the magnetic detacher 30 can release the clamp mechanism of the hard tag placed at an arbitrary angle with respect to its axis. In various embodiments, the magnetic detacher 30 is made relatively symmetrical with respect to the axis so that it can be used with hard tags placed at any angle.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, the surface 34 of the cylindrical magnet 32 is substantially concentrically the same plane as the surface 35 of the ring magnet 33. As shown in the figure, the cylindrical magnet 32 and the ring magnet 33 are substantially flush with each other and can receive the hard tag in any direction. In this way, the magnetic detacher 30 provides open access to various magnetic clamping devices in the hard tag. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  Depending on the embodiment, the upper surface 34 of the cylindrical magnet 32 can be shifted slightly above or below the upper surface 35 of the ring magnet 33. For example, the upper surface 34 of the cylindrical magnet 32 may be shifted 2 to 3 mm above or below the upper surface 35 of the ring magnet 33. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  In various embodiments, the magnet assembly 31 comprises a radially magnetized ring magnet 33. The ring magnet 33 includes, for example, a plurality of sections 36-1 to 36-n, where n is a positive integer, and each of the plurality of sections 36-1 to 36-n is magnetized in a direction toward the center of the ring magnet 33. Has been. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the ring magnet 33 is divided into four sections: a first section 36-1, a second section 36-2, a third section 36-3, and a fourth section 36-4. Is done. In FIG. 3, the white arrow indicates the direction of magnetization. In this embodiment, in the upper half of the ring magnet 33, the magnetic lines of force are directed inward toward the center of the ring magnet 33, bent upward, and come out of the ring magnet 33. The magnetic field of the ring magnet 33 is added to the upward magnetic field generated from the cylindrical magnet 32 serving as a nucleus to become a very strong magnetic field.

  Depending on the embodiment, the direction of magnetization shown in FIG. 3 may be reversed. For example, a downward magnetic field may be generated from the core cylindrical magnet 32 so that the magnetic force lines of the ring magnet 33 are directed outward from the center of the ring magnet 33.

  In various embodiments, the magnet assembly 31 creates a relatively symmetric magnetic field so that the magnetic detacher 30 is available no matter what angular position the hard tag is placed on. In some embodiments, soft iron material can be placed on the bottom of the magnet assembly 31 for retention effect and surface magnetic field enhancement.

  In various embodiments, the ring magnet 33 may be divided into four or more parts such that the magnets of each part are magnetized toward the center of the ring magnet 33. By dividing into three or less parts, the ring magnet 33 can have a specific magnetic field change that can be released only when the clamp mechanism is placed at a specific angular position.

  FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the magnetic detacher 40. In this embodiment, the magnetic detacher 40 includes a magnet assembly 41 having a cylindrical magnet 42 and a semicircular ring magnet 43. In various embodiments, the cylindrical magnet 42 and the semicircular ring magnet 43 can be one or more permanent magnets.

  In various embodiments, the magnetic detacher 40 is configured and assembled for open access to various magnetic clamping mechanisms from one side of the magnet assembly 41. Therefore, the magnetic detacher 40 can release the hard tag clamping mechanism placed at various angles with respect to one surface of the magnet assembly 41. In order to provide a sufficient magnetic field for the various clamping mechanisms of the hard tag when open access is made to one side of the magnet assembly 41, the height of the semicircular ring magnet 43 is typically (eg 12 mm) conventional It is higher than the height (for example, 7 mm) of the ring magnet 22 of the magnet assembly 20. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the magnetic detacher 50. In this embodiment, the magnetic detacher 50 includes a magnet assembly 51 having a first rectangular magnet 52, a second rectangular magnet 53, and a third rectangular magnet 54. In various embodiments, the first rectangular magnet 52, the second rectangular magnet 53, and the third rectangular magnet 54 can be one or more permanent magnets. Depending on the embodiment, the magnetic detacher 50 may further include one or more rectangular magnets.

  In various embodiments, the magnetic detacher 50 is configured and assembled for open access to various clamping mechanisms. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for example, the upper surface 55 of the rectangular magnet 52, the upper surface 56 of the second rectangular magnet 53, and the upper surface 57 of the third rectangular magnet 54 are substantially coplanar. As shown in the figure, the first rectangular magnet 52, the second rectangular magnet 53, and the third rectangular magnet 54 are substantially coplanar and can receive the hard tag at an arbitrary angle. Thus, the magnetic detacher 50 can open access to various magnetic clamping devices of the hard tag. Of course, rectangular magnets have no symmetry and therefore tend to produce a weaker magnetic field than circular magnets and are not symmetric about the direction angle. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

Table 1 compares and compares the surface magnetic field at the center of a cylindrical magnet with various magnetic detacher configurations in kilogauss (kG) units. This includes a ring magnet having an inner diameter (ID), an outer diameter (OD), and a height (h).

  As shown in Table 1, a detacher configured with only one cylindrical magnet has a much lower surface magnetic field than a detacher configured with a magnet assembly. To open access to a single magnet configuration, it is necessary to employ only a cylindrical magnet, for example by removing the ring magnet 22 from the conventional magnet assembly 20. In this way, the detaching magnetic field as a clamping mechanism is forced to be designed with weak magnets and is therefore more susceptible to “going” magnets.

  As shown in Table 1, by appropriately selecting the size of the ring magnet that can be mounted on the cylindrical magnet and placing the ring magnet on the cylindrical magnet, a magnetic field similar to the magnetic field created by the conventional detacher configuration can be obtained. Can be made. Therefore, a detacher having a configuration using a ring magnet having the same plane as the cylindrical magnet can provide open access, and a sufficient magnetic field can be obtained by appropriately selecting the size of the magnet. For example, such a detacher can reach a magnetic field level of 7.1 kG by increasing the height of the ring magnet (eg, ring magnet 33) to 12 mm or by setting the outer diameter to about 60 mm. In addition, semicircular ring magnets stacked on a cylindrical magnet about 12 mm high can also have a sufficient magnetic field, while allowing open access from one side of the magnet assembly. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  FIG. 6 shows a graph 60 depicting the magnetic field level as a function of ring magnet height for various magnetic detacher configurations using a ring magnet coplanar with the cylindrical magnet in one embodiment. As shown in the figure, the magnetic field can be further enhanced by increasing the size of the magnet. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  FIG. 7 shows a graph 70 depicting the magnetic field level as a function of distance from the center of the surface of the magnet in one embodiment. As shown in the plot, various embodiments of the magnetic detacher project a strong magnetic field compared to a conventional magnet assembly. In such an embodiment, the magnetic detacher has long magnetic radiation, allowing the hard detacher to disengage the hard tag clamping mechanism at a greater distance compared to conventional magnet assemblies. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  This argument and the value of the magnetic field are based on 35NdFeB magnets. When using high quality grade magnets such as grade 50 NdFeB magnets, the magnetic field level generally increases by 10-15%. Note that the embodiment is not limited to this description.

  The embodiments described in the various examples comprise a magnetic detacher that provides open access to various hard tags and provides a sufficiently strong magnetic field level to release the clamping mechanism of such hard tags. The above embodiments can be used for various tag applications such as bottles and compact desk tags. For example, the hard tag clamping mechanism can be embedded in an existing package of goods or In order to minimize breakage of the product and make it easier to place the product on the shelf, it can have a low profile.

  In various embodiments, the above-described embodiments may eliminate the need to use a tall profile or design with protrusions in various tag applications such as bottles and compact desk tags. it can. The use of a raised clamp on a compact package, such as a compact desk, jewelry box, or glasses, is often a problem because it can be folded or otherwise tampered with. Using clamps with protrusions also hinders efficient use of shelf space because the protrusions take up space and make it difficult to stack and align products.

  The embodiments described in the various examples comprise a magnetic detacher using a magnet assembly that provides a higher magnetic field than a detacher configuration using only one magnet. Such an embodiment eliminates the need to design a hard tag clamping mechanism that acts on weak magnets with low durability.

  The features of the embodiments described herein can be improved, replaced, modified and equivalents by those skilled in the art as described. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover such improvements and modifications as fall within the spirit of this embodiment.

A conventional hard tag is shown. 2 shows a magnet assembly of a conventional detacher unit. 1 shows a magnetic detacher according to one embodiment. 1 shows a magnetic detacher according to one embodiment. 1 shows a magnetic detacher according to one embodiment. 1 shows a graph according to one embodiment. 1 shows a graph according to one embodiment.

Claims (23)

A magnet assembly characterized by providing a magnetic field sufficient to release the clamping mechanism of the hard tag by approaching a hard tag comprising the clamping mechanism at an arbitrary angle with respect to an axis of the clamping mechanism. The magnet assembly comprises:
A cylindrical magnet;
A ring magnet having an upper surface that is substantially flush with the surface of the cylindrical magnet;
The cylindrical magnet is magnetized upward, and the ring magnet is magnetized in a direction toward the center of the ring magnet ,
Magnetic detacher. It said ring magnet, Ri plurality of sections Tona, each of the plurality of sections, the magnetic detacher of claim 1, characterized in that it is magnetized in a direction toward the center of the ring magnet. The magnetic detacher according to claim 2 , comprising four or more sections.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic lines of force generated by the ring magnet are bent inward and upward toward the center of the ring magnet, and come out of the ring magnet.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein a magnetic field generated by the ring magnet is added to a vertical magnetic field generated by the cylindrical magnet.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly generates a radial magnetic field relatively symmetrically with respect to the magnet assembly axis.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, further comprising a soft iron material placed on a bottom of the magnet assembly to enhance the magnetic field.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly includes one or more permanent magnets. The magnetic detacher according to claim 8 , wherein the one or more permanent magnets include at least one of an NdFeB magnet, a hard ferrite magnet, an SmCo magnet, and an AlNiCo magnet.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein the ring magnet has a height dimension of 10 mm or more.   The magnetic detacher according to claim 1, wherein the ring magnet has an outer diameter of 44 mm or more.   The magnetic detacher of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly provides enhanced magnetic radiation. A magnet assembly characterized by providing a magnetic field sufficient to release the clamping mechanism of the hard tag by approaching a hard tag comprising the clamping mechanism at an arbitrary angle with respect to an axis of the clamping mechanism. The magnet assembly comprises:
A first rectangular magnet;
A second rectangular magnet;
A third rectangular magnet having an upper surface that is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first rectangular magnet and the upper surface of the second rectangular magnet;
And the second rectangular magnet is magnetized upward, and the first rectangular magnet and the third rectangular magnet are each magnetized in the direction of the second rectangular magnet. Characterized by the
Magnetic detacher. The magnetic detacher according to claim 13 , wherein the magnet assembly includes one or more permanent magnets. The magnetic detacher according to claim 14 , wherein the one or more permanent magnets include at least one of an NdFeB magnet, a hard ferrite magnet, an SmCo magnet, and an AlNiCo magnet. The magnetic detacher of claim 13 , wherein the magnet assembly provides enhanced magnetic radiation. Providing sufficient magnetic field to release the clamping mechanism of the hard tag by approaching the hard tag having the clamping mechanism from one surface at an arbitrary angle with respect to the axis of the clamping mechanism A magnet assembly comprising:
A cylindrical magnet;
A semicircular ring magnet stacked on the cylindrical magnet;
The cylindrical magnet is magnetized upward, and the semicircular ring magnet is magnetized in a direction toward the center of the semicircle of the semicircular ring magnet ,
Magnetic detacher. The magnetic detacher according to claim 17 , wherein the magnet assembly includes one or more permanent magnets. The magnetic detacher according to claim 18 , wherein the one or more permanent magnets include at least one of an NdFeB magnet, a hard ferrite magnet, an SmCo magnet, and an AlNiCo magnet. The magnetic detacher according to claim 17 , wherein the semicircular ring magnet has a height dimension of 12 mm or more. A magnet assembly characterized by providing a magnetic field sufficient to release the clamping mechanism of the hard tag by approaching a hard tag comprising the clamping mechanism at an arbitrary angle with respect to an axis of the clamping mechanism. The magnet assembly comprises:
A ring magnet,
A cylindrical magnet having an upper surface slightly offset from the surface of the ring magnet;
The cylindrical magnet is magnetized upward, and the ring magnet is magnetized in a direction toward the center of the ring magnet ,
Magnetic detacher. The magnetic detacher according to claim 21 , wherein a deviation between an upper surface of the cylindrical magnet and an upper surface of the ring magnet is 3 mm or less. The magnetic detacher according to claim 21 , wherein an upper surface of the ring magnet is shifted upward from an upper surface of the cylindrical magnet.

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