DE102020114412A1 - Device for reading in RFID transponders - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for reading in RFID transponders, having at least one antenna (7) for communication with at least one RFID transponder (21) which is located in a detection area. The device is characterized in that the at least one antenna (7) is arranged inside a hood (3), the hood (3) being movable over the detection area by means of a lifting and / or pivoting device (2).

Description

The invention relates to a device for reading in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponders, having at least one antenna for communication with at least one RFID transponder which is located in a detection area.

RFID transponders, also known as RFID tags, are suitable for marking and identifying objects and can be read out wirelessly using an appropriate reader that has an antenna for communicating with the RFID tag.

In many service areas, for example in the area of professional laundry preparation or also in the area of preparation and assembly of medical instruments, seamless traceability of the corresponding objects is increasingly required. Identification of the objects to be tracked with RFID transponders and a read-in device that is as easy to handle as possible is suitable for this. A read-in process should be able to be carried out reliably and securely and with as little manual effort as possible.

From the pamphlet WO 2007/022 802 A1 For example, an open portal consisting of a frame with an integrated RFID antenna is known. In order to read objects with RFID tags, they only need to be pushed through the portal. A disadvantage of this, however, is that the RFID radiation from the antennas is not restricted to the passage area of the portal during the scanning process, so that there is a risk of unwanted detection of RFID transponders outside the actual portal passage. This phenomenon is also called "overshooting". Such an error detection becomes particularly critical when several portals are close together, for example when reprocessing medical instruments in a preparation area in which several washer-disinfectors are set up next to one another.

From the pamphlet US 2018/0173912 A1 a closed system is known in which the objects to be read can be brought or pushed through a door into a closed room in order to be scanned. In this case, incorrect detection due to radiation getting out of the detection area is prevented, but the system requires a lot of space which, due to the design of the closed space, cannot be used otherwise or only poorly. In addition, handling in which the objects first have to be brought into the room, a door has to be closed, the scanning process takes place, the door has to be opened again and then the objects have to be taken out of the room is complex.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a device for reading in RFID transponders of the type mentioned at the outset, in which reliable and robust detection with a low error rate and easy handling is provided, with errors due to overshooting being particularly effective are prevented.

This object is achieved by a device with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for reading in RFID transponders of the type mentioned is characterized in that the at least one antenna is arranged within a hood, the hood being movable over the detection area by means of a lifting and / or swiveling device.

By providing a hood, which can be slipped over the detection area with the help of a lifting and / or swiveling device, simple handling is combined with the advantages of a closed space. If the hood is not lowered, the detection area, for example a section on a work surface, can be used otherwise, e.g. as a storage area. When the hood is lowered, objects placed in the detection area are surrounded by the hood on all sides with RFID transponders, so that incorrect detection due to "overshooting" is excluded.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device, the hood consists of a conductive material and / or has a coating made of a conductive material. A circumferential EMC (electromotive compatibility) seal is preferably arranged on a lower edge of the hood. The hood is more preferably arranged over a base plate, which is preferably conductive or coated with a conductive material. In this way, a radiation-proof space is created as soon as the hood is lowered onto the base plate in order to prevent any "overshooting".

The antenna can be attached to the hood or carried by the hood. It is also possible for the antenna to be attached to or carried by the base plate. In any case, the antenna is inside the hood arranged when the hood moves over the detection area or is lowered onto the base plate.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the hood can be extended downwards, for example by having a main part and a hood section that can be retracted into it. The main part can have a double wall into which the hood section moves. The main part and the hood section are preferably sealed off from one another by means of a further EMC seal. Alternatively, a preferably EMC-tight bellows can be attached to the main part at the bottom. The downwardly extendable hood section or the bellows can create a radiation-tight space that surrounds the RFID transmitter. A read-in process can be carried out while the main part and thus the at least one antenna continues to move. As a result, a relative movement is brought about between the at least one antenna and the RFID transponders during reading, which reduces the likelihood that an RFID transponder is shadowed by another object compared to the at least one antenna. The detection reliability increases accordingly.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a relative movement between the at least one antenna and the RFID transponders can also be achieved in that the at least one antenna is rotatably or pivotably or displaceably arranged in the hood or that a device is provided to allow the RFID to be read in. Moving the transponder relative to the at least one antenna during reading.

• Fig, 1a, b jeweils eine Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer anmeldungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit angehobener bzw. abgesenkter Haube;
• 2a, b schematische Schnittdarstellung von zwei Weiterbildungen der Vorrichtung gemäß der 1a, b;
• 3a, b schematische Schnittdarstellung von zwei Weiterbildungen der Vorrichtung gemäß der 1a, b;
• 4a, b jeweils eine Schnittdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer anmeldungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit angehobener bzw. abgesenkter Haube; und
• 5a, b jeweils eine Schnittdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer anmeldungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit angehobener bzw. abgesenkter Haube.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with the aid of figures. The figures show:

• 1a, b each show a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the application with a raised or lowered hood;
• 2a, b schematic sectional illustration of two developments of the device according to FIG 1a, b ;
• 3a, b schematic sectional illustration of two developments of the device according to FIG 1a, b ;
• 4a, b each a sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the application with a raised or lowered hood; and
• 5a, b each a sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the application with a raised or lowered hood.

In the 1a and 1b a first embodiment of a device according to the application is shown in each case in its sectional view. In all the figures, the same reference symbols identify elements that are the same or have the same effect.

The device has a hood 3 on, via a lifting and / or pivoting device 2 between a raised position that is in 1a and a lowered position that is shown in 1b is reproduced, is movable. In the example shown, the lifting and / or swiveling device is 2 on a stand 1 mounted. Alternatively, instead of a stand 1 the lifting and / or swiveling device 2 also be mounted on a wall or similar support. To move the hood 3 is this with a handle 4th Mistake. In order to be able to carry out a lowering or lifting process as easily as possible, it can be provided that the weight of the hood 3 for example by a spring arrangement within the lifting and / or pivoting device 2 so compensated that the hood 3 can be moved with little force. It can also be provided that the hood 3 for example in each of the positions shown, ie in the raised position according to 1a and according to the lowered position 1b , remains independent. Alternatively it can be provided that the hood 3 by itself remains in the raised position or moves into the raised position and in the lowered position with the aid of the handle 4th is held.

In the example shown, the lifting and / or swiveling device 2 parallel swivel arms for guiding the hood 3 on. Alternatively, a linear guide can be used to move the lifting and / or swiveling device 2 to be realized as a pure lifting device. According to the application, a pure pivoting device can also be used around the hood 3 to guide when lowering or lifting. A combined lifting and pivoting movement can also be implemented.

In addition to the sides visible in the sectional drawings and an upper cover, the hood 3 walls parallel to the plane of the sheet, so that it is completely closed except for a downward-facing opening. An EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) seal 5, for example an elastic seal, which is surrounded by a conductive wire mesh, runs all the way around its lower edge. The hood 3 itself is also made of a conductive material or clad or lined with this in order to prevent radiation from escaping. In the detached state, the hood is set 3 with the seal 5 on a base plate 6th on, which is preferably also conductive, for example metallic, so that when the hood is lowered 3 a completely closed and radiation-tight space is formed.

The area of the floor slab 6th below the hood 3 represents a detection area for the device. When the hood is raised, you can enter this area 3 Objects with RFID transponders 21 be pushed, for example inserted in a load carrier 20th . For reading in the RFID transponder 21 becomes the hood 3 lowers, as in 1b shown. Inside the hood 3 preferably several, here three antennas 7th arranged, which are connected to a reader and which are connected to the RFID transponders 21 communicate about their acquisition. It can be provided that the reading process is carried out automatically after the hood has been lowered 3 to start. After successful detection, the hood can 3 be raised and the load carrier 20th with the objects with the RFID transponders 21 removed or pushed on.

In the embodiments of 1a and 1b are multiple antennas 7th available, even if the RFID transponders are shaded 21 through metallic objects the RFID transponder 21 safe to detect. The risk of shadowing is otherwise high, for example when detecting medical devices that are often made of metal or have metallic components. Alternatively or additionally, the antennas 7th can be operated with a high transmission power, given the complete shielding of the emitted radiation by the hood 3 who have favourited EMC gasket 5 and the bottom plate 6th is harmless to the environment.

The following figures show exemplary embodiments in which detection reliability is achieved by introducing a relative movement between an antenna 7th or multiple antennas 7th and the RFID transponders 21 is further increased.

In the 2a and 2 B an exemplary embodiment is shown in each case in which a relative movement between RFID transponders 21 and antennas 7th takes place by a rotational movement. In the example of the 2a are in the hood 3 two antennas 7th Pivotable or rotatable arranged on swivel arms. During the communication of the antennas 7th with the RFID transponders 21 a rotational movement takes place 30th (indicated by the movement arrow), which reduces the likelihood of an RFID transponder 21 opposite one of the antennas 7th is shadowed by another object.

In the embodiment of 2 B won't the antennas 7th rotates or pivoted, but the load carrier 20th and with this the RFID transponder 21 which in the end results in a comparable relative movement between the antennas 7th and the RFID transponders 21 leads.

In the embodiments of 3a and 3b becomes a translational movement each time 31 used to create a relative movement between the antennas 7th and the RFID transponders 21 to achieve. In the example of the 3a the antennas move 7th , whereas in the embodiment of the 3b the load carrier 20th and with it the RFID transponder 21 be moved.

In the 4a, b is a further embodiment in the same way as in FIG 1a, b shown. With regard to the basic structure, reference is made to the exemplary embodiment in FIG 1a, b referenced. In this exemplary embodiment, too, a lifting and / or pivoting device is implemented around the hood 3 raise or lower.

A special feature of the present exemplary embodiment is the hood 3 designed in several parts and in particular has a lower hood section 8th on, which can be extended from an upper main part. For this purpose, the upper main part has a double wall into which the lower hood section 8th enters or from which it exits. Gap that is between the double hike and the retractable hood section 8th occur with a further EMC seal 9 sealed for radiation.

When the hood is lowered 3 first sets this with a lower edge of the hood section 8th on the base plate 6th on. The EMC seal is accordingly 5 for sealing between the hood 3 and the base plate 6th at the lower edge of the hood section 8th arranged. In the 4a is the hood 3 shown in a height position with the EMC gasket 5 just before touching down on the base plate 6th is located. A fully raised state of the hood 3 can be achieved by having the entire hood 3 is raised further or that the hood section 8th at the position of the hood shown 3 has retracted into the upper part of the hood. In the fully raised state of the hood 3 can the load carrier 20th on the base plate 6th be brought into the detection area.

When lowering the hood further 3 reading in via the antenna is preferred 7th started as soon as the EMC seal 5 on the base plate 6th has put on. During the reading process, the hood 3 further lowered until they reach the in 4b has reached the position shown. Due to the seal between the upper main part of the hood 3 and the extendable hood section 8th through the further EMC seal 9 radiation is prevented from escaping during the entire reading process. By moving the main part of the hood 3 and with it the antennas 7th There is a relative movement during the reading process between the antennas 7th and the RFID transponders 21 given, which in turn prevents adverse shading.

In the 5a and 5b is in the same way a further embodiment of a device for reading in RFID transponders 21 shown, in which there is also a relative movement during reading by moving the hood 3 is achieved.

In this embodiment too, the hood is 3 designed in several parts with an upper rigid main part and a portion movable relative to it, which in this embodiment is a bellows 10 is trained. The bellows 10 has rigid sections 11th on that about joints 12th are coupled to each other. The rigid sections are preferred 11th made of an electrically conductive material or coated with this so that they have a shielding effect. In order to provide shielding in the area of the joints 12th are achieved through the joints 12th coupled rigid sections additionally through an EMC sealing foil 13th connected, making the entire bellows 10 is sealed against radiation.

the 5a shows a height position of the hood 3 at the moment when a lower edge of the bellows is put on 10 on the base plate 6th . A read-in process by the RFID antenna 7th preferably starts at this altitude and continues up to the in 5b shown lowered position. As in the embodiment of 4a and 4b a reading process thus takes place during a relative movement between the antenna 7th and the RFID transponders 21 . Thanks to the EMC-tight bellows 10 is a leakage of radiation from the antennas 7th prevented during the reading process.

List of reference symbols

1

Stand

2

Lifting and / or swiveling device

3

Hood

4th

handle

5

EMC seal

6th

Base plate

7th

antenna

8th

Hood section

9

further EMC seal

10

Bellows

11

rigid section

12th

joint

13th

EMC sealing film

20th

Loading body

21

RFID transponders

30th

Rotational movement

31

Translational movement

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2007/022802 A1 [0004]
• US 2018/0173912 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Device for reading in RFID transponders, having at least one antenna (7) for communication with at least one RFID transponder (21) which is located in a detection area, characterized in that the at least one antenna (7) inside a hood (3 ) is arranged, wherein the hood (3) can be moved over the detection area by means of a lifting and / or pivoting device (2). Device according to Claim 1 , in which the hood (3) consists of a conductive material and / or has a coating made of a conductive material. Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , in which a circumferential EMC seal (5) is arranged on a lower edge of the hood (3). Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , in which the hood (3) is arranged over a conductive or coated with a conductive material base plate (6). Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , in which the hood (3) can be extended downwards. Device according to Claim 5 , in which the hood (3) has a main part and a hood section (8) which can be retracted into this. Device according to Claim 6 , in which the main part has a double wall into which the hood section (8) moves. Device according to Claim 6 or 7th , in which the main part and the hood section (8) are sealed to one another by means of a further EMC seal (9). Device according to Claim 5 , in which the hood (3) has a main part and a bellows (10) adjoining it at the bottom. Device according to Claim 9 , in which the bellows (10) is EMC-tight. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , in which the at least one antenna (7) is rotatably or pivotably or displaceably arranged in the hood (3). Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 11th , comprising a device for moving the RFID transponders (21) to be read in relative to the at least one antenna (7) during reading.

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