DE10144552A1 - Part identification micro component transponder installation technique places transponders and sensors in rubber or plastic seals - Google Patents

Abstract

A part identification micro component transponder installation technique for drive and feed equipment such as cables, hydraulic pipes, actuators and conveyor belts has active and passive electronic components including transponders, contactless sensors and data loggers including GPS (Global Positioning System) location with wireless links to external communications interfaces fitted in rubber and plastic components such as seals, cladding, connections and molded parts so as to be protected from aggressive media.

Description

The invention relates to components of the Drive, - supply and disposal, as well as sealing technology which preferably made of rubber or rubber-like Materials or plastics that exist with microsystem technology Are provided with elements that ensure non-contact communication, Locating and identifying the components using a mobile or stationary read / write or measuring device allows. The solution according to the invention describes still a process for integrating this microsystem technology Elements on or in rubber or rubber-like materials.

Often it is required items in particular worn out Permanently marking, identifying and monitoring products, to ensure the long-term function of the objects and systems.

First promising approaches to Identification and communication on the well-known barcode basis have not brought the hoped-for success. The reading process alone Depending on the location of the barcodes, it is extremely difficult in the industrial area, because the barcodes are often dirty and damaged or the ones to be monitored Components are arranged so that the devices do not identify the barcodes can. To make matters worse, the necessary equipment for everyday Use in rough conditions either not robust enough or with the appropriate construction are bulky and expensive and their operation additional Time expenditure means. Therefore, a was for the components of the invention Process developed which enables transponders and / or sensor-based Integrate systems in or on the components according to the invention, around the above Exclude disadvantages. The advantage over barcodes is that the transponder, sensor or data logger is independent of the Reading angles, light or other environmental influences due to all non-metallic Materials can be read without visual contact to the read / write or measuring device would be necessary. The robustness against external damage, the benefits of attachment and the resulting reading and writing options are currently not comparable to any other technology.

In particular, this technique is from great advantage in the identification, detection and location of components or Systems at their place of use, as well as the use of these components with microsystem technology elements for measurement, regulation and control technology.

In the published application DE 100 17 473 A1 For example, Phoenix AG describes a device for coding and marking objects that are also used in rubber-like materials, in particular conveyor belts. However, the system described there comprises a coding and marking system which are equipped with permanent magnets which are embedded in a strip-shaped matrix, the scanning unit (reading device) being guided past the static object or, alternatively, the object past the static scanning unit. However, this system does not enable communication and location options in the sense of the solution variant according to the invention.

The patent DE 196 01 651 A1 Sewerage system describes the use of passive marking chips in a housing which are arranged on the sewerage system. This passive transponder arranged on the sewage system can then be read and written to without contact from the earth's surface or from the inside of the sewer.

The disadvantage with this invention can be seen in the fact that in the production of the pipes of this sewage system, especially in the production of concrete pipes, these marking chips not during of the production process can be installed, but subsequently expensive must be integrated on the pipe. Because in the production of concrete pipes, extremely high vibrating frequencies during the manufacturing process Acting on the marking chips is an expensive encapsulation of chips required. Through this encapsulation and integration in the concrete body The tubes are located and read the chips only with great effort possible. Even if the marking chips subsequently in or on the pipe without Functional safety is a complex encapsulation the chips due to the attack of the transported in the tube liquid or gaseous Media not permanently secured. Also an afterthought Attaching the marking chips to the sewage system and its components is very complex and expensive.

Other pipe materials such as cast or steel pipes are suitable for use due to their metallic properties of these marking chips described there are not suitable, since a read or write these chips in direct contact with metallic ones Materials only possible to a limited extent is. Also the use of the chips during the manufacturing process of stoneware or plastic pipes is due to the high temperatures not possible during the manufacturing process.

The object of the invention is achieved in that the microsystem components are integrated in or on the components made of rubber or rubber-like materials or plastics listed in patent claims 1 and 2 in such a way that the commercial shape and functionality of the components are not impaired; and that the microsystem components are also permanently protected by the rubber or rubber-like materials and can be integrated during the manufacturing process of the end product. Use in the near metallic materials are thus solved.

The following are variants and areas of application are regarding the embedding of the microsystem components in rubber or rubber-like materials advantageous:

1 shows a commercially available seal ( 1 ) preferably in the pipe bell ( 4 ) the Indian 2 shown pipe connection is integrated. In a hollow chamber of the seal ( 1 ) is a transponder / sensor or data logger ( 2 ) installed against vibration. The transponder / sensor or data logger is preferably glued or vulcanized into the seal or fixed with silicone-like materials. The seat of the microsystem components in the seals is marked from the outside using a permanent color. In order to ensure that the microsystem components can be located even at a greater distance, a circumferential antenna (preferably in one of the hollow chambers) 2a ) to be ordered. This antenna ( 2a ) should be installed similar to ziehamonika due to the assembly preload of the sealing systems on the end product, so that the antenna is prevented from tearing off when the seals are installed due to the preload forces. Another variant of the seal with the antenna construction is in 1a shown. A so-called copper strand ( 1a ) in a slot ( 1b ) of the sealing body. These strands made of copper / steel / glass fibers or other conductive materials have the advantage that they absorb the pre-tensioning forces caused by the installation of the seals on the end product without damage. These so-called strands are then connected to the transponder.

At the in the 2 The drawing shown is when the pipe end is inserted ( 5 ) in the pipe bell ( 4 ) the transponder / sensor or data logger ( 2 ) arranged so that the microsystem components are not in the compressed area of the seal. Destruction of these sensitive components is therefore impossible. Another possibility of arranging the microsystem components on seals ( 1 ) results from the positioning of the transponders / sensors or data loggers ( 3 ) in the area of the anchoring feet of the seals. Here too, the components can preferably be attached in prefabricated pockets.

Should seals without a hollow chamber can be used the microsystem components also in the compression part of the Seal are arranged. Here are the microsystem technology Form components by means of stable encapsulation so that a destruction not done by compression pressure. The transponders or sensors could For this Use case with a non-destructive Surround plastic sleeve which can then be inserted into the seal.

There is also the option of only the antenna construction ( 2a ) into the sealing body. The microsystem technology elements are then arranged outside the sealing system on the end product and connected to the antenna in the seal.

3 shows an arrangement of the microsystem components in or on cable sheaths. Here are in the cable sheath ( 7 ) Transponder / sensors or data logger ( 8th ) arranged. An example is a cable sleeve in the drawing ( 8th ). In the cable sheath ( 7 ) are transponders / sensors or data loggers ( 8th ) arranged, which can be located without contact, identified, written or read. Maintenance work on these socket connections can thus be easily documented and can be traced back to the product. This system also makes it easy to locate cable and wire runs, particularly in the ground, from the surface. From the surface of the earth, the transponder can be located in the cable connection, for example with a reader via inductive voltage. The transponder now sends its data back to the reader. This means that important information about the underground cables can be retrieved from the surface without digging up and clearing the actual cable harnesses. This is particularly useful when searching for cable runs during construction work. Information about the cable and its functions can thus be read and evaluated without contact, without anyone having to put themselves in danger. Damage to cable systems caused, for example, by construction work can thus be documented at the damaged point in the transponder and is permanently available to the operator of the cable system.

This offers optimum security for the Maintenance and operation of the cable systems.

The use of these systems is also conceivable in residential and commercial construction. Many for security and operation of buildings laid cables is dependent of intensive maintenance. These systems according to the invention enable the identification of the components belonging to the maintenance as well as the documentation the executed Work on the product. This eliminates errors caused by incorrect maintenance work avoid incorrectly assigned cable systems.

4 shows a piston which is equipped with different sealing systems. The following are shown in detail:

• - 10th scraper
• - 11 rod seal
• - 12th rod guide
• - 13th O-ring seal
• - 14th O-ring seal
• - 15th piston seal
• - 16th piston guide
• - 17th O-ring seal
• - 18th Transponder / sensor or data logger

As already described on all Sealing systems can The microsystem components are also arranged on these seals become. In particular can arranged sensors measure the contact pressure of the seals and contactless the data to an outside transmit the standing measuring and control system. So you can fatigue recognized early on with these sealing systems become. Cost-intensive consequential damage caused by wearisome Sealing materials on moving components (e.g. pistons, etc.) thereby avoidable.

This offers further areas of application system according to the invention e.g. at:

• - hydraulic hoses  In the wall of the hydraulic hoses The same advantages are embedded as with the cable systems described achieved.
• - seals for windows and doors  seals for windows and doors, the one for that Take care of the rooms must be permanently sealed (e.g. an experimental laboratory with dangerous Fabrics) be equipped with these microsystem components. activatable Sealing systems left yourself about Check the integrated sensors for their contact pressure. Security services might as well when checking Doors and Windows store their data in the transponder of the sealing elements to be monitored deposit.
• - hoses  Hoses through e.g. environmentally hazardous media could be transported in their hose jacket the microsystem components, for Identification, maintenance and communication included. In case of danger could then quickly e.g. the fire brigade will recognize which media in these tubes be transported.
• - seals for tubbings  The Use of tubbings Concrete parts are particularly popular in tunnel construction. These finished parts too have to can be permanently sealed against various influences using complex sealing systems. Because many people are transported through tunnel systems here is a complex monitoring and security system unavoidable. The required maintenance and control systems can also here through the integrated microsystem components in the Seals are made.
• - seals in the street area Joint tapes and bearings  In road construction often become joint tapes installed as connection and sealing systems. Especially here the joint and sealing tapes Integrated microsystem technology elements, preferably transponders and sensors as well as data loggers for traffic monitoring and also for traffic control be used. Readers integrated in motor vehicles could use these microsystem technology Components in the joint tapes contactless read and process the data accordingly.
• - seals in the rail transport sector  Also in the rail transport sector become diverse Sealing systems used, which require constant attentive maintenance subject. The seals integrated in the seals can also be used here microsystem components for identification, communication and use maintenance ideally.
• 6. Drive technology components (e.g. V-belts)  components The drive technology is subject to a variety of stresses and have to are therefore often checked for their operational suitability. This is often only under large Effort possible is because complete machines or systems for their maintenance are out of operation must be taken. Therefor offers the technology of the invention excellent as a non-contact Identification and testing this fan belt also during of operation possible is.
• - expansion joints and sealing tapes  expansion joints and sealing tapes are integrated in a wide variety of components and must be permanent serviced and checked. The use of integrated transponders is also ideal here on.
• - other applications  Seals on wear-sensitive components such as e.g. Motors, or seals for safety-relevant components e.g. in vehicles, airplanes etc. can equipped with this technology become. Then with every inspection or safety check the maintenance staff over a carried one mobile device, the component to be checked identify. It is only possible to identify them properly the optimal maintenance and care of the now diverse component systems. Confusion can are excluded and thus a high level of security is guaranteed become.

The examples listed can all with the usual nowadays Data processing systems are managed and edited.

Exemplary for all listed applications here is the functionality of the integrated microsystem technology Components in sealing systems and their further data processing described All components listed in or on the aforementioned objects and in the patent claims can be equipped with microsystem technology elements and contact-free mobile or stationary Read / write and measuring devices be located, described or read.

If, for example, a transponder is integrated in or on a seal, the component can be moved via a mobile or stationary read / write device ordered code can be read from the transponder. The same device now sends this code to a stationary server via the conventional transmission paths. All component-specific data and maintenance plans assigned to the code are now accessible in the server for the authorized operating or maintenance personnel. The data required, for example, for the maintenance of this component is now transmitted from the server to the operating personnel. This ensures that only the maintenance work that was also confirmed via the component code identification is carried out. After completion of the work on the component to be serviced, the maintenance personnel must now confirm the correct execution of the work in the transponder of the component to be serviced using the mobile writing device.

Also the location of those to be serviced Components is over a GPS module arranged on the mobile read / write device can be easily possible. The position of the mobile device and its operator (maintenance personnel). The maintenance staff the system operator can also use the component code to be maintained transmitted its location coordinates become. The mobile device leads now the maintenance staff nearby of the component to be waded. about the component identification stored in the transponder can now be done via the mobile read / write device the component can be identified. This is a quick component location and also easy maintenance.

Summary

The invention is concerned with the Solution to Introduction and arrangement of microsystem technology elements in Rubber or rubber-like as well as plastic-like Materials. In particular, the integration of this microsystem technology Elements on seals / elastomers of supply and disposal systems, Cables and hose systems and components for drive technology are part of this invention. Furthermore, a method for contactless Communication between the components with microsystem elements and the plant operator, part of this invention.

Claims (10)

Components of the drive, supply and disposal technology, cable construction, as well as hydraulic hoses, cables, seals, V-belts, conveyor belts, etc., which are preferably made of rubber or rubber-like materials or plastics, as well as their associated connecting elements, fittings and jackets, characterized in that in or active and / or passive electronic components such as transponders, sensors or data loggers are arranged on the above-mentioned components and / or associated molded parts, connecting elements and jackets, which provide a non-contact communication interface between a mobile or stationary writing / reading / measuring device and the component and / or represents liquid, solid or gaseous media or electrical voltages flowing through the components. that information (data) can be entered into the transponder, sensor or data logger via the write / read or measuring device without contact and can also be read out without contact. that the mobile or stationary writing, reading or measuring device has a contact-free communication interface to a server (Internet / intranet, etc), which allows larger amounts of data to be transmitted, by identifying the component number in the transponder, sensor or data logger, from the server to the mobile or stationary device allows. Components according to claim 1, characterized in that the Transponder, sensor or data logger in front of aggressive media protected Environment firmly integrated in or in the rubber-like materials is. Component according to the claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the component is a sewage system which contains a sealing element in the socket connection, in or on which a transponder, sensor or data logger is arranged. Component according to the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the component is a sewer system belonging Side inlet made of rubber or plastic-like materials is in or on which a transponder, sensor or data logger is arranged is. Component according to the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the component is a hydraulic or Pressure line made of rubber or plastic-like materials is in or on the wall of which a transponder, sensor or data logger is arranged. Component according to the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the fittings and Connection points of hydraulic hoses (e.g. quick coupling closures, valves, etc.) transponders, sensors or data loggers are arranged. Component according to the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a transponder, sensor or data logger is arranged in the cable sheath or in the cable sleeve. Component according to claims 1 to 7, characterized characterized that transponders, sensors or data loggers are integrated in V-belts, engine head gaskets etc. made of rubber or plastic-like materials. Component according to the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in elastomers as the vibration damping Bearings are used transponders, sensors or data loggers are installed. Procedure for communication between transponder, sensor or Data logger and system operator, characterized in that the mobile writing, reading / measuring device via GPS coordinates the location of the plant operator so that the component to be identified can be localized with transponder, sensor or data logger.