CN118201767A - RFID conversion device and control method for multiple inlay dispensing modules - Google Patents

Abstract

An RFID conversion device for single-track and/or multi-track production of RFID products is presented and described, comprising a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) and comprising a control device for controlling the inlay dispensing modules (3). The invention provides each inlay dispensing module (3), each inlay dispensing module (3) being designed and configured to be directly equipped with a carrier material (2) with an inlay (1 a-1 d), more particularly a carrier material (2) of the web type or sheet type, or to be indirectly equipped with a conveying device, such as a vacuum conveyor belt, with an inlay (1 a-1 d), and the inlay dispensing modules (3) being controllable independently of each other.

Description

RFID conversion device and control method for multiple inlay dispensing modules

The present invention relates to an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on one track and/or on more tracks and a control method for controlling an inlay dispenser module of the RFID conversion system.

RFID technology is used for contactless information transmission. The relevant information is stored on the passive transponder, the core component of which is a microchip. The microchip is connected to an antenna structure, which is typically applied on thin plastic films or paper. The read/write device emits radio signals of a specific frequency band. These radio waves induce a voltage in the antenna structure of the passive transponder that is sufficient to activate the microchip and thereby process the data. RFID transponders are used, for example, for chip cards, tickets, playing cards, tokens, stickers and labels, such as clothing and transfer labels and luggage labels.

Due to the sensitivity of the thin carrier material of the microchip-attached antenna, the antenna with the fixed chip is inserted into a multi-layer RFID product using an RFID conversion system. This protects the antenna and the chip and also, if necessary, the look, feel and robustness according to the respective application. In addition, a change in the spacing is possible, which may be particularly for cost reasons and for material saving purposes. The term "pitch" refers to the distance between adjacent RFID chips. RFID conversion systems are used to produce off-the-shelf RFID products based on a variety of primary materials. Different end products are produced in RFID conversion systems by laminating different materials, in particular web materials or sheet materials. The self-adhesive coating material may be used or the adhesive may be applied directly in the machine using a hot melt unit. In principle, other types of adhesives may also be used for bonding. For example, reactive adhesives such as the special adhesives sold under the trade name UHU POR or PUR adhesives may be used.

RFID products manufactured in RFID conversion systems typically include a carrier material, an inlay (i.e., a thin substrate with an antenna and microchip), and, if necessary, a cover material. The special product may comprise further intermediate layers. In most cases, the carrier material and the cover material are in the form of a mesh. Inlay is typically preformed as a continuous strip and wound into an inlay roll. Production of such inlay rolls typically occurs outside the RFID conversion system in a production step upstream of the separate device. These off-the-shelf inlays are used as a primary material for further processing on the RFID conversion system.

Conventional RFID conversion systems include a large number of web guide devices such as deflection rolls, unwinders, and rewinders. Depending on the desired end product, it is also possible to provide (thermal) gluing means, punching means, read-write means, printing means and optical and electrical inspection means as well as slitting or crosscutting means. The RFID conversion device may be in a single track or a multi-track configuration.

Production of RFID products in RFID conversion systems typically involves separating a web of inlays and dispensing the separated inlays onto a carrier web. The inlay may be in "dry" form, i.e. without adhesive, or in "wet inlay", i.e. already provided with an adhesive layer. The inlays are arranged as densely as possible on the inlay web, wherein the inlay pitch is specified. The term "inlay pitch" refers to a distance between two adjacent inlays in the web conveying direction. However, in most cases, the desired end product includes different spacings, depending on the product and product design. Thus, in conventional RFID conversion devices, the inlay web is cut transversely in a first process step in order to sever individual inlays or to separate inlays. These inlays are then individually placed onto a carrier web at an appropriate distance. The placement may be performed in a continuous flow or batch start-stop process. This makes it possible to laminate and/or further process the arrangement of inlay and carrier web with additional layers.

Another aspect of producing RFID products in RFID conversion systems involves so-called "good inspection" of the inlay. The microchip and its contact with the antenna structure may be subject to errors, which may result in the RFID transponder not being able to operate at all or only to a limited extent. Thus, prior to application to the carrier web, the inlay is typically inspected separately and after inspection the defective inlay is ejected and then the inlay gap created by the ejection is closed. The aim is to produce a final product with only a defect-free inlay. However, in an ongoing RFID conversion process, it is very complicated to eject defective inlays and replace them with non-defective inlays. If the RFID conversion device is operated in multiple tracks in order to increase production output, wherein multiple inlay tracks and carrier tracks are processed in parallel, the process complexity and the susceptibility of the process to faults increase. The highest level of complexity is achieved if all inlays are to be fully inspected and defective inlays are to be replaced in a multi-track configuration. Due to the design of the known RFID conversion system, it is always necessary to apply or eject all parallel inlays of an inlay track together. If defective inlays are not ejected, they must be subsequently sorted in a separate process.

In the known RFID conversion device, the placement of the inlays on the carrier web is performed in a concentration process, wherein the precise positioning of the individual inlays is achieved by a central distribution unit. The inlay web is cut in a dispensing unit, positioned in register with the product spacing and applied. This may be implemented in one track or in multiple tracks.

If the web of material reaches the final state on the inlay roll of the dispensing unit, the RFID conversion system needs to be stopped for the desired replacement of the inlay roll. This can result in a significant reduction in production/plant run time and reduced plant efficiency. Roll replacement may be performed manually or automatically by highly complex engagement means.

In order to eject a defective inlay and close the gap thus created with a non-defective inlay, it is necessary to stop the RFID conversion system. The defective inlay may then be sucked out and removed by other means using a vacuum device. In the known RFID conversion system, the dispensing unit closes the gap of the carrier material thus produced by means of a relative movement and restarts the device in a compound operation. This results in frequent interruptions of production, which is a disadvantage.

Loading individual tracks of carrier material by a central distribution unit is complicated if the products of multiple tracks are processed in parallel in order to achieve a higher production output of the RFID conversion system, wherein the demands for handling and guiding the material strips on the correct track are high. In addition, in the case of multiple tracks, the amount of work required to replace the inlay roll increases.

The object of the present invention is to provide an RFID conversion system and a control method of the type mentioned at the beginning, wherein the RFID conversion system according to the invention is characterized by a higher production and system run time and a high degree of automation. In particular, when the supply of inlays at the inlay dispensing module is exhausted, in particular when reaching the end of an inlay roll wound as roll material, a simple scalability of the production capacity, a simple operability and uninterrupted operation of the apparatus are to be ensured. The RFID conversion system according to the invention and the control method according to the invention should also allow defective inlays to be ejected and replaced in a simple manner, and in particular without interrupting the operation of the system. Finally, a higher registration accuracy should be achievable when placing the inlay onto the carrier web.

The above object is achieved by an RFID conversion system having the features of claim 1 and a method for controlling an RFID conversion system having the features of claim 11. Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on a track and/or on a plurality of tracks is proposed, which comprises a plurality of inlay dispensing modules instead of a central dispensing station or a central dispensing unit, wherein each dispensing module is configured and arranged for direct loading of carrier material, in particular of web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material, or for indirect inlay loading of a conveying device, for example a vacuum conveyor belt, and wherein the dispensing modules can be controlled independently of each other.

At least two inlay dispensing modules, preferably all inlay dispensing modules, of the RFID conversion system according to the present invention can be used as desired and independently of each other for direct or indirect insertion and can be operated in different operating modes due to different controls, in particular as insertion modules, buffer modules or redistribution modules or also as rewinding modules, for example to roll up waste web from adjacent dispensing modules. In particular, a plurality of inlay dispensing modules may be operated simultaneously in different operating modes, wherein the different operating modes may then be identified in particular by different placement capabilities (i.e. the number of inlays provided per hour) and/or different cycle times of the inlay dispensing modules.

The "inlay" according to the present invention relates in particular to a thin substrate material portion with an antenna and microchip applied thereto, wherein the substrate material may be present in the form of a mesh or sheet and a row or a plurality of adjacent rows of a plurality of inlays may subsequently form an inlay mesh or inlay sheet.

The inlay web is formed from a strip of substrate material onto which the microchip-mounted antenna structure is applied. The inlay sheet may be formed of a sheet-like portion of a substrate material having a predetermined length and width, on which the microchip-mounted antenna structures are arranged in one or more rows.

The production of the inlay, i.e. the assembly of the antenna and the microchip, is preferably not part of the RFID conversion system and may be implemented in a separate machine or device in an upstream production step. The finished inlay is used as the main material for further processing on the RFID conversion system according to the present invention.

Due to different antenna geometries and requirements, inlays may include different sizes and spacings on the inlay mesh. Thus, the central function of the RFID conversion system according to the invention may be the separation of the inlay web and the dispensing of the individual inlays onto the carrier material. For cost reasons, the inlays are arranged as densely as possible onto the inlay web. Thus, the inlay pitch is predetermined. The desired RFID products, such as tickets, stickers or the like, typically have different spacing, depending on the product and its design and are also predetermined.

The "inlay dispensing module" according to the invention is particularly intended and configured for separating inlays, which may be stored as inlay mesh or inlay sheet and for dispensing or applying the separated inlays onto a carrier material or a conveyor. However, the inlay dispensing module may also be intended and configured to dispense or apply a thin portion of material from any flexible material onto a sheet or sheet-like carrier material or conveyor, in particular after a previous cutting process of a portion of a web or sheet of material of flexible material.

The dispenser module may also be used in applications such that different inlay types mixed in one product, for example inlay types for enhancing antennas, chip modules and/or HF and/or UHF, may be placed at separate dispensing positions. The invention is not limited to placement of identical inlays.

The terms "put module", "buffer module" and "reassign module" are explained below using examples.

By utilizing different sequential or operational modes of the dispenser module to properly control the dispenser module, a large number of different operational or production modes can be achieved with minimal adjustment effort during inlay placement. Since the dispenser modules of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can be controlled independently of each other, they can perform different functions during placement as desired and can be controlled individually and differently for this purpose.

As described at the outset, at least one material (in particular in the form of a web) and/or possibly at least one further intermediate material (in particular in the form of a web) and/or at least one adhesive layer may be used to produce the RFID product. For example, an inlay dispensing module may be used to dispense the cover material.

The RFID conversion system may provide for direct placement, i.e. precise positioning of the inlay onto a (continuous) carrier web or also onto a defined length of carrier material sheet with at least one inlay dispensing module. The support material may be single-layered or multi-layered. Indirect placement by dispensing the inlay onto a conveyor, such as a vacuum conveyor, wherein the inlay is then transferred from the conveyor onto a carrier material or carrier product may also be provided.

To provide inlays, inlay rolls wound into rolls may be used as a main material, wherein inlay webs unwound from the inlay rolls may be cut in a first process step to separate individual inlay pieces.

Alternatively, the inlay sheet may be removed, for example, from a storage stack or storage container and cut to separate the inlay. Finally, it is also possible to store already separated inlays and apply them using an inlay dispensing module.

The inlay roll or inlay sheet forms an inlay stock of the dispenser module, which is used up during loading and has to be refilled periodically, for example by changing rolls or refilling an inlay sheet storage unit.

The inlay dispenser module may preferably include a structure according to a commercially available label dispenser for labeling products in a continuous stream.

Preferably, the cutting means may be implemented in an inlay dispensing module in order to separate individual inlays from the inlay web or inlay sheet.

The dispenser module may be intended and configured to hold inlay rolls or also hold and store inlay sheets and comprise at least one such inlay roll or at least one such inlay sheet.

The dispenser module may also be intended and configured to hold rolls of waste.

The dispenser module may be attached to a holding means of the RFID device, in particular suspended in the device, which enables lateral displacement and fine adjustment transverse to the direction of travel. Furthermore, the holding device can be designed such that the dispenser module can also be rotated by 90 ° with respect to the direction of travel, for example. This also allows for dispensing inlays of different orientations onto a carrier material. Furthermore, in particular, the dispensing module comprises at least one holder for the inlay roll and a dispensing tongue for dispensing the individual inlays.

The separation may be performed by a cutting device of the dispenser module.

Further, the dispenser module may comprise a further holder for holding the covering web roll. In a further development, the dispenser module may further comprise a further winder for holding the waste web. In addition, at least one dispenser module, preferably each dispenser module, may comprise a reading and/or detecting device configured and arranged for contactless identification of in particular defective inlays. Furthermore, a discharge device for discharging a defective inlay from a manufacturing process may be provided, which discharge device is also configured and arranged, in particular, as a suction device for sucking the defective inlay and transferring the defective inlay into at least one collecting container.

The use of a plurality of dispenser modules makes it possible to design the dispenser modules with a lower number of cycles or placement capacity, so that the process of application and, if necessary, cutting and testing inlays can be configured more robustly and accurately with respect to the individual dispenser modules.

Controlling the inlay dispensing module may preferably be arranged to: in this way, in the event of an interruption of the operating function of the first inlay dispensing module, the interrupted operating function is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one further inlay dispensing module, in particular a subsequent inlay dispensing module in the conveying direction of the carrier material flow of the carrier material, in particular wherein the taking over and/or continuation of the operating function takes place at the same conveying speed and/or conveying direction as the carrier material flow. Particularly preferably, the handling function involves the placement of the individual inlays on the carrier material.

In particular, in this context, controlling the inlay dispensing module may be arranged such that: the taking over and/or continuing of the operating function by the further inlay dispensing module is automatically terminated as soon as the first inlay dispensing module resumes or continues the interrupted operating function.

The dispenser modules of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can be arranged preferably one after the other or in series in the transport direction of the carrier material flow, wherein at least two dispenser modules are arranged in a single track or on one track one after the other or in a linear series. By arranging a plurality of dispenser modules linearly one after the other, a low circulation rate or placement capacity of the individual dispenser modules can be achieved in particular. The placement capability of the dispenser module in the placement mode may be in the range of less than 20,000 products per hour, such as 15,000 products per hour, or particularly less. The cycle time of each inlay in a single dispenser module may in particular be greater than 100ms, preferably greater than 200ms, for example 240ms. The higher cycle time of each inlay in a single dispenser module allows for sufficient time to fully inspect the product even with full production output, which is a decisive advantage.

If more than two dispenser modules are arranged in a single channel one after the other, the embedded dispenser modules may be controlled such that: in the event of an interruption of the operating function of the preceding at least one inlay dispenser module in the conveying direction of the RFID products, the interrupted operating function is then preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by the following at least one inlay dispenser module in the conveying direction.

For example, at least one first inlay dispensing module may be provided as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module as a buffer module, wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules is provided such that: in case the placement with the first inlay dispensing module (placement module) is interrupted, in particular in case the inlay supply is exhausted, this may be indicated when the minimum diameter of the inlay roll is reached, preferably with a further inlay dispensing module (buffer module) to automatically continue the placement. The second inlay dispensing module then performs a cushioning function. Both modules can achieve the same maximum placement performance and be configured in the same manner. The cycle rate of the buffer module may correspond to the cycle rate of the placement module.

If at least two inlay dispensing modules are arranged one after the other in a single track, preferably more than two inlay dispensing modules, the inlay dispensing modules can be controlled such that if the placement of at least one preceding inlay dispensing module (placement module) in the carrier material track is interrupted, the placement is preferably effected automatically with at least one further inlay dispensing module (buffer module) following in the carrier material track in the material transport direction. The corresponding subsequent module then operates as a buffer module. However, the present invention also allows for providing multiple buffer modules or for implementing the buffer function by multiple splitter modules.

In order to increase productivity, a plurality of inlay dispensing modules may be arranged one after the other on a single track, wherein the inlay dispensing modules are controlled such that: placement with multiple inlay dispensing modules at a reduced dispensing module cycle rate can be achieved simultaneously as compared to placement with only one inlay dispensing module. Alternatively, the control may also be arranged such that loading is always achieved with only one inlay dispensing module.

In an alternative embodiment of the RFID conversion system according to the invention, at least one first inlay dispensing module may be provided as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module may be provided as a redistribution module, wherein at least one defective inlay of the first inlay dispensing module is detected and ejected, and wherein the inlay dispensing module is controlled such that: gaps in the inlay stream due to the ejection of defective inlays are closed by dispensing non-defective inlays with a further inlay dispensing module (redistribution module). Preferably, the redistribution module stores only "good inlays" that have been inspected for defects. The detection and ejection can be performed with a first inlay dispensing module, which comprises accordingly a detection means and an ejection means. Since the redistribution module performs the closing of the gap, there is no need to stop the transfer of the apparatus or carrier material, nor to change the transfer direction of the carrier material, in particular no relative movement between the first inlay distribution module and the carrier material flow. The detection and preferably the discharge is achieved in particular by the first dispensing module, while the further dispensing module operates as a redistribution module and may be arranged downstream of the first dispensing module in the transport direction of the carrier material, in particular in the web transport direction of the carrier web. The redistribution module will then close the gap created by the expulsion in the downstream inlay stream.

Advantageously, at least two dispenser modules are configured in the same way and/or can be operated as a placement module, a buffer module and/or a redistribution module as desired, preferably all dispenser modules are configured in the same way and/or can be operated as a placement module, a buffer module and/or a redistribution module as desired. In particular, the control means is configured to determine the current or instantaneous operation mode of at least one dispenser module, in particular of all dispenser modules, as a placement module, a buffer module and/or a redistribution module, during production of the RFID product, as a function of the current or instantaneous operation mode of at least one other dispenser module, in particular of all other dispenser modules. This allows a large number of different production modes to be achieved and ensures uninterrupted operation of the apparatus in case of consuming and replenishing the inlay supply, in particular changing the inlay roll, and/or when a defective inlay is ejected and replaced by a defect-free inlay.

For easy switching between the single-track and multi-track production methods, at least one of the distribution modules may be adjustable, in particular displaceable onto channels of different carrier materials, i.e. transversely to the carrier material flow or the conveying direction of the product flow of the RFID products. The laterally displaceable dispensing module may then be operated as a buffer module and/or a redistribution module, for example, as required.

Preferably, the position of the dispensing module is unchanged in or against the conveying direction of the carrier material flow when producing the RFID products. Positioning the dispensing module onto a specific carrier material track, i.e. arranging the position of the dispensing module transversely to the carrier material flow or the conveying direction of the product flow of the RFID product, is preferably done manually and preferably does not change during the manufacturing process of the RFID product. The positioning of the dispensing module on a particular carrier material track is then constant.

The at least one distribution module can also be configured as a jumper module and can be adjusted laterally to the tracks of different carrier materials. The positioning of the jumper modules on the carrier material rails may be achieved manually or automatically. Preferably, only one distribution module is provided as a jumper module and controlled accordingly.

Continuous production of RFID products is particularly preferred, wherein no start-up and stop operations of the carrier material web or conveyor occur.

If a multi-track production of RFID products is provided, wherein each carrier material track is provided with at least one inlay dispensing module as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module as a buffer module, at least one of the above-mentioned further inlay dispensing modules being laterally adjustable onto a different carrier material track, in particular displaceable onto a different carrier material track, the control of the inlay dispensing modules may be arranged such that: the inlay supply of the placement modules is consumed or reached in a time-delayed manner, in particular the roll ends of the inlay rolls of the respective placement modules are consumed or reached in a time-delayed manner, in particular wherein the beginning of the placement with the placement modules arranged on different carrier material tracks takes place in a time-delayed manner. For example, a specific control algorithm may be used to ensure that the inlay roll reaches the end of the roll at a different time and needs to be replaced. Then, with the buffer module serving as a jumper, automatic switching can be achieved.

In particular, the placement with the buffer module according to the invention can only be achieved if the first inlay dispensing module (placement module) upstream in the transport direction of the carrier material flow is no longer able to fulfill the placement function due to the exhaustion of the inlay supply, for example when reaching the end of an inlay roll and/or in the event of an operational failure. On the other hand, during correct placement of the upstream placement module, the buffer module may preferably remain on standby and not be used for placement or for placement of another upstream inlay dispensing module which is arranged on a different carrier material track and whose placement function is currently interrupted.

Preferably, the placement with the redistribution module according to the invention only achieves filling of the gap created by the discharge of defective inlays that have been distributed by the first inlay distribution module (placement module) upstream in the conveying direction of the carrier material flow. In this case, the control of the inlay dispensing module may in particular provide that the redistribution module does not serve purely as a placement module. Thus, the cycle rate of the redistribution module may be lower than the cycle rate of the placement module.

The present invention is described below in connection with the embodiments, wherein the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The drawings show the following:

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B are schematic illustrations of roll replacement of inlay rolls of an inlay dispensing module of an RFID switching system in accordance with this invention, wherein an additional inlay dispensing module is used as a buffer module for single pass or single track production of RFID products;

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B are schematic illustrations of roll replacement of inlay rolls of an inlay dispensing module of an RFID switching system in accordance with this invention, wherein three additional inlay dispensing modules are used as buffer modules to produce RFID products in a single pass or track;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a single pass or single track production of RFID products using an additional inlay dispensing module as a redistribution module in an RFID switching system in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a possible sequence of installing five inlay dispensing modules in an RFID conversion system for single channel or single track production of RFID products in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a multi-track mode of operation of an RFID switching system having multiple inlay dispensing modules in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a multi-track production of RFID products utilizing an RFID switching system according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of inlay dispensing modules are provided as redistribution modules to close inlay gaps due to ejection of defective inlays by dispensing non-defective inlays;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel or multi-track production RFID product in which an additional inlay dispensing module is provided as a buffer module for roll replacement of inlay rolls of the inlay dispensing module.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel or multi-track production RFID product in which multiple inlay dispensing modules are provided as placement modules, additional inlay dispensing modules as redistribution modules, and additional inlay dispensing modules as buffer modules for roll replacement of inlay rolls of the placement modules;

FIG. 9 is a schematic layout of a plurality of inlay dispensing modules as a linear continuous placement module and integrated use of radio to inspect inlays well for single channel or single track production of RFID products.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of inlay dispensing modules in an RFID switching system in accordance with the present invention for improving system usability.

Fig. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a system concept of an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on a single track. In the exemplary assumption, placement (i.e. dispensing) of the inlay 1a on the web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material 2 is effected only by the first inlay dispensing module 3 operating as a placement module. Along the conveying direction 4 of the carrier material 2, a further inlay dispensing module 3 is provided, which is in a standby state with the inlay rolls inserted. When the inlay roll inserted into the first inlay dispensing module 3 reaches the end, the operating function of the dispensing module 3 or the placement of the dispensing module 3 is automatically terminated. The further inlay dispensing module 3 then takes over the placement work without interruption, wherein the inlay 1b is dispensed from the inlay roll of the further inlay dispensing module 3 onto the carrier material 2 (fig. 1 b). Once the inlay roll of the additional inlay dispensing module 3 reaches the end, the process is reversed. In this case, the machine control system automatically influences the placement change back to the first inlay dispensing module 3, and then the first inlay dispensing module 3 takes over the placement work of the other inlay dispensing modules 3 without interruption. Thus, with a single track, two inlay dispensing modules 3 arranged one after the other is sufficient to enable the RFID conversion system to operate uninterrupted during roll replacement.

As the production output is high and the inlay rolls are small, the amount of work required to change the rolls increases. Parallel operation of another machine or a short absence of a machine operator is almost impossible to do without interrupting production. Thus, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, it is advantageous if more than one further inlay dispensing module 3 is provided as a buffer module, for example three buffer modules according to the embodiment shown. Longer uninterrupted production phases are possible due to the plurality of buffer modules. This function can be achieved if more than two distribution modules 3 capable of performing a placing function are installed in total.

Preferably, the loading is always achieved with only one dispensing module 3. The other three inlay dispensing modules 3 are automatically activated and used for placement by the machine control system at the end of the inlay roll of the previous dispensing module 3. This allows a longer production phase to be achieved without operator intervention during a roll change, starting with the first dispensing module 3 and then subsequently using the other dispensing modules 3. This provides a longer time window for the machine operator to accomplish other goals.

For example, fig. 2B shows that the placement function of the carrier material 2 is taken over by a further inlay dispensing module 3 with an inlay 1d, which further inlay dispensing module 3 is located at the forefront in the conveying direction 4 after all inlay rolls of the preceding dispensing module 3 have reached the end of the respective roll.

Fig. 3 schematically shows the use of a further inlay dispensing module 3 as a redistribution module. In the case of single-track dispensing, two dispensing modules 3 arranged one after the other are sufficient to be able to detect and discharge defective inlays and to close any gaps created by re-dispensing a non-defective inlay 1d from the inlay roll of the redistribution module. For example, if a defective inlay is detected in the first inlay dispensing module 3, it is discharged. The resulting gap is not closed by the dispensing module 3, as this is not possible at high production speeds. Alternatively, the redistribution module 3 is in a waiting position, wherein the inlay 1d has been inspected as defect free. Once the gap reaches the redistribution module 3, it places the inlay 1d in the gap and thereby closes the gap.

The inlay dispensing module 3 described can be configured in the same way and the inlay dispensing module 3 can be used in particular as a placement module, a buffer module and/or as a redistribution module by means of a corresponding control device. Fig. 4 shows an example in which five distribution modules 3 are installed in order to be able to achieve different sequences or functional distribution of the distribution modules 3 in a single track operation. There are many different ordering options. For example, as shown, the first two inlay dispensing modules 3 may be provided for placement. The latter two further dispensing modules 3 in the transport direction can serve as buffer modules and the two further dispensing modules 3 can take over the placement function if the inlay roll of the preceding dispensing module 3 has reached the end. The further inlay dispensing module 3, which is foremost in the conveying direction, can be used as a redistribution module to close the gap created by the defective inlay being discharged. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide placement with only the first inlay dispensing module 3, while the next four additional inlay dispensing modules 3 are provided only as replacement roll modules or buffer modules. Alternatively, the placement can also be achieved with the first four inlay dispensing modules 3, wherein the frontmost further inlay dispensing module 3 can be provided for roll replacement or as a redistribution module. If the dispensing module 3 fails due to a technical defect or requires maintenance, such as replacement of worn blades, the RFID device may continue to operate with the remaining dispensing module 3. The machine control system can then form a new sequence with the remaining function allocation modules 3.

In order to achieve a multi-track operation, the inlay dispensing module 3 can also be moved laterally, i.e. transversely to the track direction. The total production capacity of the RFID device with a plurality of channels or a plurality of tracks then corresponds to the sum of the individual production capacities of the inlay dispensing module 3. This is schematically illustrated in fig. 5.

In principle, the multi-track operation can also be carried out in such a way that: a further inlay dispensing module 3 is provided for each track or channel as a redistribution module. Each track then comprises a first inlay dispensing module 3 as a placement module and a further inlay dispensing module 3 as a redistribution module downstream of the carrier material in the transport direction 4 in order to close the gap caused by the defective inlay being discharged. The draining may preferably be achieved with placement modules, which are intended and configured accordingly. This is schematically illustrated in fig. 6.

Fig. 7 schematically shows that in an exemplary embodiment with five dispensing modules 3, for example four webs or tracks of material of an RFID conversion system are simultaneously placed with four first inlay dispensing modules 3 which fulfill a placement function. The further inlay dispensing module 3 is designed as a jumper module which can be adjusted laterally on all tracks and can be jumped into the first inlay dispensing module 3 if the inlay roll of this first inlay dispensing module 3 has reached the end. An intelligent control algorithm may be used to ensure that the inlay rolls of the first inlay dispensing module 3 arrive at the end of the rolls at different times. For example, at the beginning of a new production run, four first inlay dispensing modules 3 may be arranged to adhere to different lengths of pause time. During the time that the first inlay dispensing module 3 is paused, its placement work is taken over by the further inlay dispensing module 3 as a jumper module. The jumper modules may be automatically moved laterally on the linear rails onto the corresponding tracks. The algorithm behind the pause sequence can be derived from the gaussian summation formula. During the establishment of the time offset created by the beginning of the placement process of the first inlay dispensing module 3, the RFID device may be operated at a reduced power. Once the inlay rolls of all five dispensing modules 3 provided in the illustrated embodiment example have been replaced for the first time, an initial offset has been configured and the production speed can be increased. Thus, no further interruption of operation is required, as in the future all inlay rolls will arrive at the end of the roll at different times. The RFID device may operate without additional discontinuities.

A combination of a buffer module and a redistributor module is also possible, needless to say. In the design example shown in fig. 8, a total of nine distribution modules 3 are provided. On each track, at least one first inlay dispensing module 3 is provided as a placement module and at least one downstream inlay dispensing module 3 is provided as a redistribution module. The first four inlay dispensing modules 3 are responsible for the actual placement, for example in the case of four rails of the apparatus. Four further inlay dispensing modules 3 can be used to replace a missing inlay or inlay gap due to the ejection of a defective inlay with a good inlay when the modules are redistributed onto the respective tracks. At least one further inlay dispensing module 3, preferably only one further inlay dispensing module 3, is positioned in front of the other dispensing modules 3 in the conveying direction 4 or at the end of the module chain, in order to be able to provide an automated roll change as a buffer module or as a jumper module which can be adjusted laterally on all tracks. The further inlay dispensing module 3 is intended and configured such that it can be offset or moved onto a corresponding track.

To ensure that the RFID product is error free, it is necessary to inspect each individual inlay. This is schematically illustrated in fig. 9. The test uses electromagnetic transmission, in particular by means of high-frequency magnetic (near) fields, and checks the correct functioning of the antenna and of the microchip. Depending on the test range, each inlay requires a time window of up to 100 ms. For example, if a machine is producing at a rate of 60,000 products per hour, there is theoretically 60ms to allow for testing of each individual product. So that a full inspection is not possible. The linear arrangement of the plurality of inlay dispensing modules 3 operating at a lower circulation rate provides a remedy as shown in fig. 9. For example, an RFID conversion system may produce 60,000 products per hour. Thus, in the embodiment shown by way of example in fig. 9, the production rate of each dispensing module 3 is only 15,000 products per hour. This increases the cycle time of each inlay 1a-1d in the respective dispensing module 3 from 60ms to 240ms. This makes it possible to transfer the inspection of the inlays 1a-1d to the respective dispensing modules 3, wherein even at the full production output of the RFID conversion system there is still sufficient time for a wide inspection of the RFID products. This is schematically represented in fig. 9 by the radio symbol 5.

According to fig. 10, the machine control of the rfid conversion system may also allow the individual inlay dispensing modules 3 to be deactivated. In the example shown, for example, the first inlay dispensing module 3 and the third inlay dispensing module 3 assigned to the material track are deactivated. For example, during maintenance work such as knife change, tooth belt change, cleaning, etc., and in case of failure of the dispensing module 3, the individual dispensing modules 3 may be removed from the production process. The RFID device or its control device preferably automatically recognizes changing operating situations of the individual dispensing modules 3, which preferably results in an automatic adaptation of the sequence, i.e. of the operating mode or the functional allocation of the operating dispensing module 3, wherein these can be used as a placement module, a buffer module or a redistribution module depending on the sequence. The entire system remains operational ready and production can continue with reduced output or reduced functional range, if necessary.

In all the embodiments described above, the number of distribution modules 3 is chosen by way of example. All dispensing modules 3 are preferably identically configured, in particular in the manner of a label dispenser. Each dispensing module 3 can be operated preferably by a machine controller and as a placement module, a buffer module or a jumper module, or a redistribution module in the modes of operation described in each case, as required. At the periphery of the system, preferably holding means are provided for holding the dispensing module 3 as desired.

List of reference numerals:

1a-1d inlay

2. Carrier material

3. Inlay dispensing module

4. Direction of conveyance

5. A radio symbol.

Claims (11)

1. An RFID conversion system for single-track or multi-track production of RFID products, having a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) and a control device for controlling the inlay dispensing modules (3), wherein each inlay dispensing module (3) is intended and configured for placing inlays (1 a-1 d) directly onto a carrier material (2) or for placing inlays (1 a-1 d) indirectly onto a conveyor, in particular the carrier material (2) is a web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material, for example the conveyor is a vacuum conveyor belt, and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controllable independently of each other and the inlay dispensing modules (3) are operable in different modes of operation.

2. RFID conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlay dispensing module (3) is controlled such that: in the event of an interruption of the operating function of the first inlay dispensing module (3), the interrupted operating function of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one further inlay dispensing module (3), in particular the further inlay dispensing module (3) is a subsequent inlay dispensing module (3) along the conveying direction (4) of the carrier material flow of the carrier material (2), in particular wherein the taking over and/or continued of the operating function is effected at the same conveying speed and/or conveying direction (4) as the carrier material flow.

3. RFID conversion system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that more than two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged in a single track one after the other, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is arranged such that: in the event of an interruption of the operating function of the preceding at least one inlay dispensing module (3) in the conveying direction (4) of the carrier material flow of the carrier material (2), the interrupted operating function is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by the following at least one inlay dispensing module (3) in the conveying direction (4).

4. The RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a buffer module, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing module (3) is provided such that: in case the placement with the first inlay dispensing module (3) is interrupted, the placement is preferably continued automatically with the further inlay dispensing module (3), in particular in case the inlay supply of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is exhausted, the placement is preferably continued automatically with the further inlay dispensing module (3).

5. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after the other in a single track, preferably more than two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after the other in a single track, and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled such that: in the event that the placement of the preceding at least one inlay dispensing module (3) in the conveying direction (4) of the carrier material flow of the carrier material (2) is interrupted, the placement is preferably effected automatically with the following at least one inlay dispensing module (3) in the conveying direction (4).

6. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged in a single track one after the other, and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled such that a placement with a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) is achieved simultaneously.

7. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a redistribution module, wherein at least one defective inlay dispensed with the placement of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is detected and discharged, and wherein the inlay dispensing module (3) is controlled such that: closing the inlay gap due to the ejection of the defective inlay by dispensing a non-defective inlay (1 d) with the further inlay dispensing module (3).

8. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two inlay dispensing modules (3) are configured in the same way, preferably all inlay dispensing modules (3) are configured in the same way, and/or wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is arranged such that: the inlay dispensing module (3) can be operated as a placement module, a buffer module and/or a redistribution module as desired.

9. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a multi-track production of RFID products is provided, wherein at least one inlay dispensing module (3) is laterally adjustable onto different carrier material tracks, in particular at least one inlay dispensing module (3) is displaceable onto different carrier material tracks.

10. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a multi-track production of RFID products is provided, wherein each carrier material track is provided with at least one inlay dispensing module (3) as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3), at least one of which further inlay dispensing modules (3) is laterally adjustable onto a different carrier material track, in particular at least one of which further inlay dispensing modules (3) is displaceable onto a different carrier material track, the further inlay dispensing module (3) being provided as a buffer module, and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled such that: the inlay supply of the inlay dispensing module (3) is consumed in a time-delayed manner, in particular, wherein the start of the placement with the inlay dispensing modules (3) arranged on different carrier material tracks is effected in a time-delayed manner.

11. Method for controlling an RFID conversion system for single-track or multi-track production of RFID products, in particular an RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein control of a plurality of inlay allocation modules (3) of an RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims is provided.