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

Abstract

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

Description

RFID conversion device and control method for multiple inlay distribution modules

The present invention relates to an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on one track and/or 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 a passive transponder, the core component of which is a microchip. The microchip is connected to an antenna structure, which is usually applied on a thin plastic film or paper. The read/write device transmits radio signals in a specific frequency band. These radio waves induce a voltage in the antenna structure of the passive transponder, which is sufficient to activate the microchip and thus process the data. RFID transponders are used, for example, in chip cards, tickets, playing cards, tokens, stickers and labels, such as clothing tags and transport tags as well as luggage tags.

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

The RFID products manufactured in the RFID conversion system usually include a carrier material, an inlay (i.e. a thin substrate with an antenna and a microchip) and, if necessary, a covering material. Special products may include additional intermediate layers. In most cases, the carrier material and the covering material are in the form of a mesh. The inlay is usually prefabricated as a continuous strip and wound into an inlay roll. The production of such an inlay roll usually takes place outside the RFID conversion system, in an upstream production step of a separate device. These ready-made inlays are used as primary materials for further processing on the RFID conversion system.

Conventional RFID conversion systems include a large number of web guiding devices, such as deflection rollers, unwinders and rewinders. Depending on the desired end product, (thermal) gluing devices, punching devices, reading and writing devices, printing devices and optical and electrical inspection devices as well as slitting or cross-cutting devices can also be provided. RFID conversion equipment can be single-track or multi-track configuration.

The production of RFID products in an RFID conversion system usually involves separating an inlay web and distributing the separated inlays onto a carrier web. The inlays can be in "dry" form, i.e. without adhesive, or "wet inlays", i.e. already provided with an adhesive layer. The inlays are arranged as densely as possible on the inlay web, wherein an inlay spacing is specified. The term "inlay spacing" refers to a certain distance between two adjacent inlays in the conveying direction of the web. However, in most cases, the desired end product includes a different spacing, which depends on the product and the product design. Therefore, in conventional RFID conversion equipment, the inlay web is cut transversely in a first process step in order to cut off individual inlays or separate inlays. These inlays are then placed individually onto the carrier web at an appropriate distance. The placement can be carried out in a continuous flow or in an intermittent start-stop method. This makes it possible to laminate and/or further process the arrangement of inlays and carrier web with additional layers.

Another aspect of the production of RFID products in RFID conversion systems relates to the so-called "goodness check" of the inlays. Errors can occur both in the microchip and in its contact with the antenna structure, which can result in the RFID transponder not working at all or only working to a limited extent. Therefore, before being applied to the carrier web, the inlays are usually checked individually and the defective inlays are ejected after detection, and the inlay gaps created by the ejection are then closed. The aim is to produce a final product with only defect-free inlays. However, it is very complicated to eject defective inlays and replace them with defect-free inlays in the ongoing RFID conversion process. If the RFID conversion equipment is operated in multiple tracks in order to increase the production output, wherein multiple inlay tracks and carrier tracks are processed in parallel, the process complexity and the sensitivity of the process to faults increase. The highest degree of complexity is reached if all inlays are to be fully checked in a multi-track configuration and defective inlays are to be replaced. Due to the design of the known RFID conversion systems, 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 sorted subsequently in a separate process.

In known RFID conversion devices, the placement of the inlays on the carrier web is carried out in a centralized process, wherein the exact positioning of the individual inlays is achieved by a central distribution unit. The inlay web is cut in the distribution unit, positioned in register with the product pitch and applied. This can be achieved in one track or in multiple tracks.

If the material web reaches the final state on the inlay roll of the dispensing unit, the RFID conversion system needs to be stopped to make the required change of the inlay roll. This leads to a significant reduction in production/machine operating time and reduces the efficiency of the machine. Roll change can be done manually or automatically by highly complex splicing devices.

In order to eject the defective inlay and close the resulting gap with a defect-free inlay, it is necessary to stop the RFID conversion system. The defective inlay can then be sucked out using a vacuum device and removed in another way. In known RFID conversion systems, the dispensing unit closes the resulting gap in the carrier material by means of a relative movement and restarts the system in a composite operation. This results in frequent interruptions in production, which is a disadvantage.

If the products of several tracks are processed in parallel in order to achieve a higher production output of the RFID conversion system, the loading of the individual tracks of carrier material by a central distribution unit is complicated, wherein the requirements for handling and guiding the material strips on the correct track are high. In addition, the workload required for changing the inlay rolls also increases in the case of multiple tracks.

The object of the present invention is to provide an RFID conversion system and a control method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the RFID conversion system according to the invention is characterized by higher production and system operating times and a high degree of automation. In particular, when the inlay supply at the inlay dispensing module is exhausted, in particular when the end of the inlay roll wound as roll material is reached, a simple scalability of the production capacity, simple operability and uninterrupted operation of the device 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 discharged and replaced in a simple manner, and in particular to be discharged and replaced in a simple manner without interrupting the operation of the system. Finally, a higher registration accuracy should be achieved when the inlays are placed on the carrier web.

This 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 subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on one track and/or multiple tracks is proposed, wherein the RFID conversion system includes multiple inlay distribution modules instead of a central distribution station or a central distribution unit, wherein each distribution module is configured and arranged for direct loading of carrier material, in particular web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material, or for indirect inlay loading of a conveying device such as a vacuum conveyor belt, and wherein the distribution 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 invention can be used for direct or indirect insertion as required and independently of each other, 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 can be operated simultaneously in different operating modes, wherein the different operating modes can then be identified in particular by different placement capacities (i.e. the number of inlays provided per hour) and/or different cycle times of the inlay dispensing modules.

An “inlay” according to the invention relates in particular to a thin portion of substrate material having an antenna and a microchip applied thereto, wherein the substrate material can be present in the form of a web or a sheet and a plurality of inlays in a row or a plurality of adjacent rows can subsequently form an inlay web or an inlay sheet.

The inlay web is formed from a strip of substrate material on which the microchip mounted antenna structures are applied.The inlay sheet may be formed from a sheet-like portion of 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, ie the assembly of antenna and microchip, is preferably not part of the RFID conversion system and can be realized in an upstream production step in a separate machine or device. The finished inlay is used as primary material for further processing on the RFID conversion system according to the invention.

Due to different antenna geometries and requirements, the inlays can comprise different sizes and spacings on the inlay web. Therefore, a central function of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can be the separation of the inlay web and the distribution of the individual inlays onto the carrier material. For cost reasons, the inlays are arranged as densely as possible onto the inlay web. Therefore, the inlay spacing is predetermined. The desired RFID product, such as a ticket, sticker or the like, usually has a different spacing, which depends on the product and its design and is also predetermined.

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

The distributor module can also be used in applications so that different inlay types mixed in one product, such as inlay types for enhanced antennas, chip modules and/or HF and/or UHF, can be placed at separate dispensing locations. The invention is not limited to the placement of identical inlays.

The terms "placement module", "buffer module" and "redistribution module" are explained below using examples.

By appropriately controlling the dispenser modules with their different sequence modes or operating modes, a large number of different operating or production modes can be realized with a minimum of adjustment work during the placement of the inlays. Since the dispenser modules of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can be controlled independently of each other, they can realize different functions during the placement according to the needs and can be controlled individually and differently for this purpose.

As described at the beginning, the RFID product can be produced using at least one material, especially in the form of a web, and/or possibly at least one further intermediate material, especially in the form of a web, and/or at least one adhesive layer. For example, the cover material can be dispensed using an inlay dispensing module.

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

For providing the inlays, an inlay roll wound into a roll can be used as the primary material, wherein an inlay web unwound from the inlay roll can be cut in a first process step to separate the individual inlays.

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

The inlay rolls or inlay sheets form the inlay stock of the dispenser module, which is used up during loading and has to be refilled regularly, for example by replacing the rolls or refilling the inlay sheet storage unit.

The inlay dispenser module may preferably comprise a structure according to commercially available label dispensers for labeling products in a continuous flow.

Preferably, cutting means may be implemented in the 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 designed and configured to hold waste rolls.

The dispenser module can be attached to a holding device of the RFID device, in particular suspended in the device, which enables a lateral displacement and fine adjustment transverse to the direction of travel. Furthermore, the holding device can be designed so that the dispenser module can also be rotated, for example, by 90° relative to the direction of travel. This also allows inlays of different orientations to be dispensed onto the 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 can be carried out by means of a cutting device of the distributor module.

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

The use of multiple dispenser modules allows the dispenser modules to be designed with lower cycle times or placement capabilities, thereby allowing a more robust and accurate configuration of the application and, if necessary, the process of cutting and testing the inlays relative to the individual dispenser modules.

The control of the inlay dispensing modules can preferably be arranged such that, in the event of an interruption of an operating function of a 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 the further inlay dispensing module being 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 is effected at the same conveying speed and/or conveying direction as the carrier material flow. Particularly preferably, the operating function relates to the placement of individual inlays on the carrier material.

In particular, in this context, the control of the inlay dispensing modules can be arranged such that the takeover and/or continuation 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 preferably be arranged one after another or in series along the conveying direction of the carrier material flow, wherein at least two dispenser modules are arranged one after another or in linear series in a single track or on a track. By arranging a plurality of dispenser modules linearly one after another, low cycle rates or placement capacities of the individual dispenser modules can in particular be achieved. The placement capacity of the dispenser modules in placement mode can be in the range of less than 20,000 products per hour, for example 15,000 products per hour, or in particular less. The cycle time of each inlay in a single dispenser module can in particular be greater than 100 ms, preferably greater than 200 ms, for example 240 ms. The higher cycle time of each inlay in a single dispenser module allows sufficient time for a comprehensive inspection of the products even at full production output, which is a decisive advantage.

If more than two dispenser modules are arranged one after another in a single channel, the embedded dispenser modules can be controlled so that: in the event of an operating function of at least one preceding embedded dispenser module along the conveying direction of the RFID product being interrupted, the interrupted operating function is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one subsequent embedded dispenser module along the conveying direction.

For example, at least one first inlay dispensing module can be configured 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 configured such that: in the event that placement with the first inlay dispensing module (placement module) is interrupted, in particular in the event of exhaustion of the inlay supply, which can be indicated when the minimum diameter of the inlay roll is reached, placement is preferably automatically continued with the further inlay dispensing module (buffer module). The second inlay dispensing module then implements the buffer function. Both modules can achieve the same maximum placement performance and be configured in the same way. The cycle rate of the buffer module can correspond to the cycle rate of the placement module.

If at least two inlay dispensing modules are arranged one after another in a single track, preferably, the at least two inlay dispensing modules are more than two inlay dispensing modules, the inlay dispensing modules can be controlled so that if the placement of at least one preceding inlay dispensing module (placing module) in the carrier material track is interrupted, the placement is preferably automatically achieved using at least one further inlay dispensing module (buffer module) following in the carrier material track in the material conveying direction. The corresponding subsequent module then operates as a buffer module. However, the present invention also allows providing a plurality of buffer modules or implementing the buffer function by a plurality of dispenser modules.

In order to increase the productivity, a plurality of inlay dispensing modules can be arranged one after another on a single track, wherein the inlay dispensing modules are controlled in such a way that placement with a plurality of inlay dispensing modules can be simultaneously achieved at a reduced dispensing module cycle rate compared to placement with only one inlay dispensing module. Alternatively, the control can also be arranged so 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 can be arranged as a depositing module and at least one further inlay dispensing module can be arranged as a redistribution module, wherein at least one defective inlay of the first inlay dispensing module is detected and discharged, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules is arranged such that the gap in the inlay flow caused by the discharge of the defective inlay is closed by dispensing a non-defective inlay by means of a further inlay dispensing module (redistribution module). Preferably, the redistribution module only stores "good inlays" that have been checked for defects. The detection and discharge can be carried out by means of the first inlay dispensing module, which accordingly comprises a detection device and a discharge device. Since the redistribution module carries out the closing of the gap, there is no need to stop the device or the conveyance of the carrier material, nor to change the conveyance direction of the carrier material, in particular there is no relative movement between the first inlay dispensing module and the carrier material flow. The detection and preferably the discharge are carried out in particular by means of the first dispensing module, while the further dispensing module operates as a redistribution module and can be arranged downstream of the first dispensing module in the conveyance direction of the carrier material, in particular in the web conveyance direction of the carrier web. The redistribution module then closes the gaps created by the drainage in the downstream inlay flow.

Advantageously, at least two dispenser modules are configured in the same way and/or can be operated as placement modules, buffer modules and/or redistribution modules as required, preferably all dispenser modules are configured in the same way and/or can be operated as placement modules, buffer modules and/or redistribution modules as required. In particular, the control device is configured to determine the current operating mode or the instantaneous operating mode of at least one dispenser module, in particular all dispenser modules, as a placement module, buffer module and/or redistribution module during the production of RFID products based on the current operating mode or the instantaneous operating mode of at least one other dispenser module, in particular all other dispenser modules. This allows a large number of different production modes to be realized and ensures uninterrupted operation of the device in the event of consumption and replenishment of the inlay supply, in particular replacement of the inlay roll and/or when defective inlays are discharged and replaced by non-defective inlays.

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

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

At least one distribution module can also be configured as a jumper module and can be adjusted laterally to tracks of different carrier materials. Positioning of the jumper module on the carrier material track can 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 starting and stopping of the carrier material web or of the conveying device takes place.

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 further inlay dispensing modules being laterally adjustable to different carrier material tracks, in particular displaceable to different carrier material tracks, the control of the inlay dispensing modules can be arranged such that: the inlay supply of the placement modules is consumed or reaches in a time-delayed manner, in particular the end of the roll of the inlay roll of the respective placement module is consumed or reaches in a time-delayed manner, in particular wherein the start of placement with the placement modules arranged on the different carrier material tracks occurs in a time-delayed manner. For example, a specific control algorithm can be used to ensure that the inlay rolls reach the end of the roll at different times and need to be replaced. Automatic switching can then be achieved with the aid of the buffer modules acting as jumpers.

In particular, placement according to the invention with the aid of a buffer module can only be carried out when the first inlay dispensing module (placing module) upstream in the conveying direction of the carrier material flow is no longer able to carry out the placing function due to exhaustion of the inlay supply, for example when the end of the inlay roll is reached and/or in the event of an operating fault. On the other hand, during the correct placement of the upstream placement module, the buffer module can preferably remain on standby and not be used for placing or for placing a further upstream inlay dispensing module which is arranged on a different carrier material track and whose placing function is currently interrupted.

Preferably, the placement according to the invention with the aid of a redistribution module only achieves the filling of gaps created by the discharge of defective inlays which have been distributed by a first inlay distribution module (placing module) upstream in the conveying direction of the carrier material flow. In this case, the control of the inlay distribution module can in particular provide that the redistribution module is not used purely as a placing module. Therefore, the cycle rate of the redistribution module can be lower than the cycle rate of the placing module.

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

1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of roll replacement of an inlay roll of an inlay dispensing module of an RFID conversion system according to the present invention, wherein another inlay dispensing module is used as a buffer module to produce RFID products in a single channel or single track;

2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of roll replacement of an inlay roll of an inlay dispensing module of an RFID conversion system according to the present invention, wherein three additional inlay dispensing modules are used as buffer modules to produce RFID products in a single channel or single track;

3 is a schematic diagram of using another inlay distribution module as a redistribution module to produce RFID products in a single channel or single track in the RFID conversion system according to the present invention;

4 is a schematic diagram of a possible sequence for installing five inlay dispensing modules in an RFID conversion system for single-lane or single-track production of RFID products according to the present invention.

5 is a schematic diagram of a multi-track operation mode of an RFID conversion system having multiple inlay dispensing modules according to the present invention.

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of producing RFID products using multiple tracks of the RFID conversion system according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of inlay dispensing modules are provided as redistribution modules so as to close inlay gaps caused by the discharge of defective inlays by dispensing non-defective inlays;

7 is a schematic diagram of multi-channel or multi-track production of RFID products, wherein an additional inlay dispensing module is provided as a buffer module for roll replacement of the inlay roll of the inlay dispensing module.

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel or multi-track production of RFID products, wherein a plurality of inlay dispensing modules are provided as placement modules, additional inlay dispensing modules are provided as redistribution modules, and additional inlay dispensing modules are provided as buffer modules for roll replacement of inlay rolls of the placement modules;

9 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of multiple inlay dispensing modules as linear succession of placement modules and integrated radio quality inspection of inlays for single lane or single track production of RFID products.

10 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of inlay dispensing modules in an RFID conversion system according to the present invention for improving system availability.

1A and 1B schematically illustrate the system concept of an RFID conversion system for producing RFID products on a single track. In an exemplary assumption, the placement (i.e., distribution) of an inlay 1a on a web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material 2 is achieved only by a first inlay distribution module 3 operating as a placement module. Along the conveying direction 4 of the carrier material 2, an additional inlay distribution module 3 is provided, which is on standby when an inlay roll is inserted. When the inlay roll inserted into the first inlay distribution module 3 reaches the end, the operating function of the distribution module 3 or the placement of the distribution module 3 is automatically terminated. Then, the additional inlay distribution module 3 takes over the placement work without interruption, wherein the inlay 1b is distributed from the inlay roll of the additional inlay distribution module 3 to the carrier material 2 (FIG. 1b). As soon as the inlay roll of the additional inlay distribution module 3 reaches the end, the process is reversed. In this case, the machine control system automatically affects the placement change back to the first inlay distribution module 3, and then the first inlay distribution module 3 takes over the placement work of the other inlay distribution modules 3 without interruption. Thus, using a single track, two inlay dispensing modules 3 arranged one after the other are sufficient to enable uninterrupted operation of the RFID conversion system during roll changes.

Due to the high production output and the small inlay rolls, the workload required for changing the rolls also increases. Parallel operation of another machine or a brief absence of a machine operator is hardly possible without interrupting production. It is therefore 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, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . Due to the multiple buffer modules, longer uninterrupted production phases are possible. This function can be realized if in total more than two dispensing modules 3 are installed that are capable of performing the placement function.

Preferably, loading is always achieved with only one dispensing module 3. The other three inlay dispensing modules 3 are automatically activated by the machine control system at the end of the inlay roll of the previous dispensing module 3 and used for placement. This enables longer production phases to be achieved without operator intervention during roll changes, starting with the first dispensing module 3 and then subsequently with the other dispensing modules 3. This provides the machine operator with a longer time window to complete 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 inlay 1d, which is located first in the conveying direction 4 after the inlay rolls of all preceding dispensing modules 3 have reached the end of the respective roll.

FIG3 schematically illustrates the use of a further inlay dispensing module 3 as a redistribution module. In the case of a single track distribution, two dispensing modules 3 arranged one after the other are sufficient to be able to detect and discharge defective inlays and to close any resulting gaps by redistributing defect-free inlays 1d from the inlay rolls of the redistribution modules. 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, in which the inlay 1d has been checked as defect-free. As soon as the gap reaches the redistribution module 3, it places the inlay 1d in the gap and thereby closes the gap.

The described inlay distribution modules 3 can be configured in the same way and can be used in particular as placement modules, buffer modules and/or as redistribution modules by corresponding control devices. FIG. 4 shows an example of installing five distribution modules 3 so that different sequences or functional allocations of distribution modules 3 can be realized in single-track operation. There are many different sorting options. For example, as shown in the figure, the first two inlay distribution modules 3 can be provided for placement. The two further distribution modules 3 in the rear along the conveying direction can be used as buffer modules and can take over the placement function if the inlay roll of the preceding distribution module 3 has reached the end. The frontmost further inlay distribution module 3 in the conveying direction can be used as a redistribution module to close the gaps caused by the discharge of defective inlays. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide placement with only the first inlay distribution module 3, while the next four additional inlay distribution modules 3 are only set as roll replacement modules or buffer modules. Alternatively, it is also possible to realize placement with the first four inlay distribution modules 3, wherein the frontmost further inlay distribution module 3 can be set for roll replacement or as a redistribution module. If a distribution module 3 fails due to a technical defect or requires repair, such as replacement of a worn blade, the RFID device can continue to operate with the remaining distribution modules 3. The machine control system can then form a new sequence with the remaining functional distribution modules 3.

To achieve multi-track operation, the inlay dispensing module 3 can also be moved laterally, ie transversely to the track direction. The total production capacity of an RFID device with multiple channels or multiple tracks then corresponds to the sum of the individual production capacities of the inlay dispensing modules 3. Figure 5 schematically illustrates this.

In principle, multi-track operation can also be carried out in such a way that a further inlay distribution module 3 is provided for each track or channel as a redistribution module. Each track then comprises a first inlay distribution module 3 as a placement module and a further inlay distribution module 3 downstream of the carrier material in the conveying direction 4 as a redistribution module in order to close the gaps caused by the discharge of defective inlays. The discharge can preferably be realized with placement modules which are designed and configured accordingly. This is schematically shown in FIG6 .

FIG7 schematically shows, in an exemplary embodiment with five dispensing modules 3, for example, four first inlay dispensing modules 3 implementing the placement function are used to place four material webs or tracks of the RFID conversion system at the same time. The additional inlay dispensing modules 3 are designed as jumper modules, which can be adjusted laterally on all tracks and can jump into the first inlay dispensing module 3 if the inlay roll of the first inlay dispensing module 3 has reached the end. An intelligent control algorithm can be used to ensure that the inlay roll of the first inlay dispensing module 3 reaches the end of the roll at different times. For example, at the beginning of a new production run, the four first inlay dispensing modules 3 can be arranged to adhere to different lengths of pause times. During the time when the first inlay dispensing module 3 is paused, the placement work is taken over by the additional inlay dispensing module 3 as a jumper module. The jumper module can automatically move laterally to the corresponding track on the linear guide. The algorithm behind the pause sequence can be derived from the Gaussian sum formula. During the establishment of the time offset generated by the first inlay dispensing module 3 starting the placement process, the RFID device can operate at a reduced power. Once the inlay rolls of all five dispensing modules 3 provided in the embodiment example shown have been replaced for the first time, the initial offset has been configured and the production speed can be increased. This does not require further interruptions to the operation, since all inlay rolls will reach the end of the roll at different times in the future. The RFID device can be operated without further interruptions.

It goes without saying that a combination of buffer modules and redistributor modules is also possible. In the design example shown in Figure 8, a total of nine distribution modules 3 are provided. On each track, at least one first inlay distribution module 3 is provided as a placement module, and at least one downstream inlay distribution module 3 is provided as a redistribution module. The first four inlay distribution modules 3 - for example in the case of four tracks of the device - are responsible for the actual placement. Four further inlay distribution modules 3 can be used to replace missing inlays or inlay gaps caused by the discharge of defective inlays with good inlays when redistributing modules to the corresponding tracks. At least one further inlay distribution module 3, preferably only one further inlay distribution module 3, is positioned in front of the other distribution modules 3 along the conveying direction 4 or at the end of the module chain, so as to be able to provide automated roll replacement as a buffer module or as a jumper module that can be adjusted laterally on all tracks. The further inlay distribution module 3 is intended and configured so that it can be offset or moved to the corresponding track.

In order to ensure that the RFID product is error-free, it is necessary to check each individual inlay. Figure 9 shows this schematically. The test uses electromagnetic transmission, in particular through a high-frequency magnetic (near) field, and checks the correct function of the antenna and the microchip. Depending on the scope of the test, each inlay requires a time window of up to 100ms. For example, if a machine produces at a rate of 60,000 products per hour, theoretically 60ms are left to test each individual product. Therefore, it is impossible to conduct a comprehensive inspection. The linear arrangement of multiple inlay distribution modules 3 operating at a lower cycle rate provides a remedy as shown in Figure 9. For example, the RFID conversion system can produce 60,000 products per hour. Therefore, in the embodiment shown as an example in Figure 9, the production rate of each distribution module 3 is only 15,000 products per hour. This increases the cycle time of each inlay 1a-1d in the corresponding distribution module 3 from 60ms to 240ms. This makes it possible to transfer the inspection of the inlay 1a-1d to the corresponding distribution module 3, where, even at the full production output of the RFID conversion system, there is still enough time for extensive inspection of the RFID product. This is schematically represented in FIG. 9 by the radio symbol 5 .

According to FIG. 10 , the machine control of the RFID conversion system can also allow 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 replacement, toothed belt replacement, cleaning, etc., and in the event of a malfunction of a dispensing module 3, individual dispensing modules 3 can be removed from the production process. The RFID device or its control device preferably automatically recognizes the changed operating situation of the individual dispensing modules 3, which preferably leads to an automatic adaptation of the sequence, i.e. the operating mode or the functional allocation of the operating dispensing modules 3, wherein these can be used as placement modules, buffer modules or redistribution modules depending on the sequence. The entire system remains operationally ready and, if necessary, production can continue with reduced output or a reduced range of functions.

In all the above-described embodiments, the number of distribution modules 3 is selected by way of example. All distribution modules 3 are preferably configured identically, in particular in the manner of label dispensers. Each distribution module 3 can preferably be operated by a machine controller and in the operating mode described in each case as required as a placement module, a buffer module or a jumper module, or a redistribution module. At the periphery of the system, preferably a holding device is provided for holding the distribution modules 3 as required.

List of reference numerals:

1a-1d Inlay

2 Carrier materials

3 Inlay distribution module

4 Transmission direction

5 Radio symbol.

Claims (11)

1. An RFID conversion system, which is used for single-track or multi-track production of RFID products, and the RFID conversion system has 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 to place an inlay (1a-1d) directly onto a carrier material (2) or to place the inlay (1a-1d) indirectly onto a conveying device, in particular, the carrier material (2) is a web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material, for example, the conveying device is a vacuum conveyor belt, and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) can be controlled independently of each other and the inlay dispensing modules (3) can be operated in different operating modes. 2. The RFID conversion system according to claim 1 is characterized in that the control of the inlay dispensing module (3) is configured so that: when the operating function of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is interrupted, the interrupted operating function of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one other inlay dispensing module (3), in particular, the other 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 continuation of the operating function is realized at the same conveying speed and/or conveying direction (4) as the carrier material flow. 3. The RFID conversion system according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that more than two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after another in a single track, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is configured so that: in the event of an interruption in the operating function of at least one preceding inlay dispensing module (3) along 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 at least one succeeding inlay dispensing module (3) along 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 arranged as a placement module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is arranged as a buffer module, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is arranged so that: in the event that placement using the first inlay dispensing module (3) is interrupted, placement is preferably automatically continued using the further inlay dispensing module (3), in particular, in the event that the inlay supply of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is exhausted, placement is preferably automatically continued using the further inlay dispensing module (3). 5. An RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after another in a single track, preferably more than two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after another in a single track, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is configured so that: in the event that the placement of at least one preceding 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 automatically achieved using at least one succeeding inlay dispensing module (3) along the conveying direction (4). 6. An RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one after another in a single track, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is configured so that placement using a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) is achieved simultaneously. 7. The RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first inlay dispensing module (3) is arranged as a placement module, and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is arranged as a redistribution module, wherein at least one defective inlay dispensed by placement using the first inlay dispensing module (3) is detected and discharged, and wherein the control of the inlay dispensing module (3) is arranged so that: an inlay gap caused by the discharge of the defective inlay is closed by dispensing a non-defective inlay (1d) using the further inlay dispensing module (3). 8. An 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 manner, preferably all inlay dispensing modules (3) are configured in the same manner, and/or or wherein the control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is arranged so that: the inlay dispensing modules (3) can be operated as a placement module, a buffer module and/or a redistribution module as required. 9. The RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that multi-track production of RFID products is provided, wherein at least one inlay dispensing module (3) can be laterally adjusted to different carrier material tracks, in particular, at least one inlay dispensing module (3) can be shifted to different carrier material tracks. 10. An RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 the further inlay dispensing modules (3) being capable of being laterally adjusted to different carrier material tracks, in particular at least one of the further inlay dispensing modules (3) being capable of being shifted to different carrier material tracks, the further inlay dispensing modules (3) being arranged as buffer modules, and wherein control of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is arranged such that: the inlay supply of the inlay dispensing modules (3) is consumed in a time-delayed manner, in particular wherein the start of placement using the inlay dispensing modules (3) arranged on different carrier material tracks is achieved in a time-delayed manner. 11. A method for controlling an RFID conversion system, wherein the RFID conversion system is used for single-track or multi-track production of RFID products, in particular, the RFID conversion system is an RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein control of multiple inlay distribution modules (3) of the RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims is provided.