DE102008044725A1 - Metal barrel with transponder e.g. for optimising logistics of recyclable containers, has transponder antenna made from metallic cylindrical exterior and perpendicular main polarized electrical high frequency part - Google Patents

Abstract

The barrel has a transponder (10). The transponder antenna is made from a metallic cylindrical exterior and a perpendicular main polarized electrical high frequency part. The transponder antenna is formed into a cylindrical outer wall of the barrel collar.

Description

The The invention relates to a metal barrel with transponder, which by its construction the identification of the single barrel, within a whole crowd, by means of electromagnetic waves, allows and a method for completion of the barrel.

State of the art

to Optimization of logistics operations, it is necessary reusable containers for the transport of liquids as an individual at different points in the logistics chain. To achieve this often RFID transponders are used with the every single container connected by being applied to the surface of the end face become. If then the containers with the face directed upward past a read / write device whose antenna above the face the barrels and the transponder can the barrels based on the individual record read from the transponder will be identified. At the same time, up to date information be noted by writing in the transponder.

One significant disadvantage of this arrangement is that barrels of Pulks, in which they also superimposed are arranged, can only be identified if they are the supreme Belong to the level of the pulse, So not a barrel over the barrels to be identified is arranged. In this case, first a singulation process the levels of the pulse required. This can however depending on the size of the pulse and the speed of the logistics process very expensive be. This disadvantage is in the reading distance and the reflection effect the upper cup level and the resulting shielding effect founded.

The invention

task The invention is to provide a structure of a transponder comprising Fasses to find the identification of the individual barrels of a three-dimensional Pulks enabled. Further, in the invention, a method is described according to which the completion of the described barrel takes place.

• – Das Kommunikationsprotokoll zwischen RFID-Reader und Transponder muss die Pulkkommunikation unterstützen, also Netzwerkfähig sein und
• – die zu lesenden/zu beschreibenden Transponder müssen sich in der Reichweite der Antenne des RFID-Lese-/Schreibgerätes befinden.

To recognize individual barrels within a cluster, two essential conditions must be met. These are:

• - The communication protocol between RFID reader and transponder must support the pulse communication, ie be network capable and
• - The transponders to be read / written must be in the range of the antenna of the RFID reader / writer.

The The first condition is very much of the currently available RFID chips for transponders well fulfilled.

The second condition is inventively by a barrel with transponder after the independent Claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent subclaims.

in the Essence is for that to make sure that the transponder's RFID chip following today's sand the technology contains all electronic components of the transponder, with an antenna connected to an at least electrical Field works, which is essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis the stacked container is polarized. The perpendicular to the electric field magnetic The field must therefore be polarized substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stacked containers.

In Referring to standing one above the other stacked cylindrical beer kegs So that means the electric field should be horizontal and that magnetic field to be vertically polarized. This polarization allows that Penetration of the pulse at the places where vertical Columns with over a few centimeters flat boundary surfaces, the cylindrical outer surfaces of the barrels, are located. The minimum width of the columns is determined by the dimensions (Thickness) of the raised roll tires of the barrels limited.

The Polarization of the antenna of the RFID reader / writer should be selected analogous to the antenna of the transponder. A circular Polarization is also possible. However, this is with a large Energy loss to count.

Of the Transponder is located for the advantageous utilization of the described Penetration effect on the cylindrical outer wall of the barrel and acts radial to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

By this arrangement can now also barrels which are visually "hidden" in the crowd by other barrels. with which the identification of a single barrel takes place, can clearly increased be distributed by several transponders on the circumference of a barrel become.

Embodiments of the invention

The execution will be explained by means of examples. These are in the 1 to 6 Darge provides. Hereby show:

1 Prefabricated transponder, top view

2 Prefabricated transponder, side view

3 Prefabricated breakthrough in barrel wall or collar

4 At breakthrough transponder

5 Shielding, top view, version 2

6 Transponder in Barrel Material with Shielding, Side View, Version 2 Practically, the required field distribution can be achieved by using prefabricated transponders ( 1 . 2 ) with one-sided shielded slot antenna ( 12 ) in the cylindrical outer wall ( 30 . 40 ) of the barrel or a possibly existing collar ( 30 . 40 ) are welded or fastened and the slot is directed parallel to the main axis of the barrel, ie perpendicular to standing cylindrical barrels. The use of slot antennas ensures that the arrangement with the surface of the barrel ( 40 . 63 ) can be carried out flush. The one-sided shielding ( 20 ) of the slot antenna provides on the one hand for the decoupling of the drum interior or when mounted on the collar of the conditions behind the barrel collar (pollution, moisture, snow, ...) and on the other for the necessary mechanical stability of the transponder-carrying barrel component. The execution of the thickness of the sheet, which for one-sided shielding ( 20 ) of the slot antenna is irrelevant to the electrical function. However, in the case of a very thick design, it can take on mechanical forces which otherwise, in the event of overstressing (for example, camber of the drum), would damage the arrangement of the antenna (FIG. 12 ) and the transponder ( 10 ) would deform. If the transponder is connected to the barrel collar, it is also possible to place it in the back cover ( 20 ) an antenna structure ( 12 ). As a result, although the mechanical stability is slightly lowered, it is obtained that under certain circumstances the transponder can also be identified by the "back". 21 ) between slot antenna ( 12 ) and back shield ( 20 ) is for the sake of mech. Stability and corrosion prevention completely filled with plastic.

3 represents the breakthrough ( 31 ) in the cylindrical barrel surface ( 30 It is located advantageously in the collar of the barrel.

4 shows the transponder connected to the drum casing. Shown is the connection between the transponder and the inside of the drum casing ( 40 ). The mounting flange ( 42 ) thus lies on the inside of the barrel component (eg collar). The transponder works here through the breakthrough ( 41 ) of the barrel casing ( 40 ), advantageously the barrel collar, through. The breakthrough ( 41 ) is equal in size or larger than the slot antenna ( 12 ). Another, not shown mounting option is attaching the transponder from the outside. In this case, the back cover is also mostly within the barrel or the barrel collar, the mounting flange ( 42 ) is, however, from the outside to the barrel cover. Thus, the transponder component is raised above the original shell of the barrel but forms a strong mechanical unit with it, but the protrusion of the material thickness of the back cover will not adversely affect the barrel characteristics Assembly will predominate in this variant.

5 shows the back shield / cover ( 50 ) in plan view. It can be in another variant 6 directly with the cylindrical outer shell of the barrel ( 63 ). In this variant, the slot ( 62 ) directly into the original barrel cover, advantageously the collar introduced. The transponder is thus made of the original drum material and the new component shielding ( 60 ) as well as the RFID chip ( 64 ) educated. In order to avoid the direct contact of the slot antenna with the "outside world", it is advantageous if the immediate surroundings of the antenna are marked slightly inward and the recess formed by the embossing is filled up with dielectric material. 61 ) should be filled with dielectric material to avoid corrosion and contamination.

Procedure for completion of the barrel

In In practice, the transponder can be prefabricated and then in new and existing barrels be implemented. This is done according to the invention according to the independent claim 20 described method. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject of dependent Dependent claims.

It is placed in a metal sheet, which is the one-sided shield ( 20 ), a depression of about one sixth of the slot length introduced (deep drawing). This should have a round base with a slightly larger diameter than the slot length ( 12 ), but can also be performed square. Subsequently, the pre-cut sheet ( 11 ) with the slot antenna ( 12 ) and the already contacted transponder chip ( 13 ) inserted in the recess. It could thus form the conclusion of the depression, if the recess is designed such that the Sheet ( 11 ) only extends or can be inserted into its sheet thickness, and otherwise closes with the flange. In another variant, the sheet is ( 11 ) slightly below the plane of the flange ( 22 ) of the shield ( 10 . 20 ). Subsequently, the resulting holraum ( 21 ) in the recess up to and including slot antenna ( 12 ) filled with plastic. The depression in the shielding plate ( 20 ) can already be pre-filled. After inserting sheets ( 11 ) with the slot antenna ( 12 ) and the transponder chip ( 13 ) then only the remaining space ( 21 ). In the variant in which the sheet ( 11 ) slightly below the flange plane of the shield ( 10 . 20 ), the plastic envelops both sides of the sheet ( 11 ). Since the shape of the transponder must be adapted to the cylindrical surface of the barrel, there is a difficulty in introducing the liquid plastic. For this purpose, the transponder must first be closed with a molded part which is exactly adapted to the roundish surface. Anschießend the plastic is introduced through an opening in the mold. To escape the air, a second opening in the mold is provided. This also serves as an indicator of the level. After curing of the plastic, the mold is removed again and used again.

To complete the barrel and transponder is now a breakthrough ( 31 . 41 ) in the outer wall or the collar of the barrel. This is done by laser cutter, water jet cutter or punching tool. The contour of the breakthrough ( 31 ) should match the contour of the prefabricated transponder with the shield ( 10 . 20 ) be adjusted. After inserting the transponder, its orientation is such that the slot ( 12 ) of the slot antenna to the previously described field alignment (slot is parallel to the barrel main axis) is tuned. A forced guidance is already given here by the shape of the transponder adapted to the curvature of the barrel, but may be in the form of a defined out-of-roundness at one point of the cover plate (FIG. 20 ) and the breakthrough ( 31 ). The transponder is then replaced by the flange of the rear cover ( 10 . 20 ) with the barrel or its collar ( 40 ) welded or riveted. Thus, the drum interior is indeed the volume of the transponder ( 1 ) but reduces the transponder does not protrude beyond the original surface level of the barrel cylinder or the collar. In the case of the collar is the increase in stability associated with the assembly of the transponder ( 1 ) with the thick shielding ( 10 . 20 ) is advantageous. It reduces the damage possibilities of the transponder ( 1 ) and the collar at the attachment point considerably. For other mounting variants, the mounting flange ( 42 ) the back cover from the front (outside) with the drum material ( 40 ) by connecting the back cover ( 20 ) is introduced from the outside into the barrel interior. Although the transponder is now exposed to the material thickness of the mounting flange in relation to the barrel surface, the assembly is considerably simplified.

If one prefers on the prefabrication of the transponder ( 1 ), by interchanging the steps also the slot antenna ( 62 ) directly into the metal of the barrel ( 63 ) are introduced. The prefabricated and mechanically reinforcing shielding ( 50 . 60 ) is then connected after connecting the transponder chip ( 64 ) with the slot antenna ( 62 ) welded from the barrel or collar inside behind the slot antenna or connected. Subsequently, the resulting hollow space ( 61 ) behind the antenna ( 62 ) filled with plastic.

The described steps can by means of automatic production line also be carried out on a vehicle. These are the necessary processing machines arranged on a conveyor belt. pallets to be equipped with barrels are given to the vehicle. Stand at the end of the production line then the equipped ones barrels Ready for pickup.

There for the necessary separating steps laser cutting tools used It makes sense to use this technology (laser welding equipment) as well for the to use connecting work steps.

The by execution the transponder with almost complete metal sheath reached stability and Robustness is far higher than in other known solutions, in which the transponder by different methods on the surface plane is applied and thus exposed.

Should the exposed version opposite the Insertion of the breakthrough be an advantage, can be a corresponding prefabricated Transponder also on the surface of the drum (eg welding or gluing). The transponder housing is to slightly adapt. With predominantly fair alignment of the electrical Feldes läst then still the advantage of the very large reading range and the associated pulse reading capability use.

The in the foregoing description, claims and drawings Features of the invention can both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments of importance be.

Claims (26)

Barrel with transponder ( 10 ), characterized in that the transponder antenna in the curved plane of the cylindrical outer wall of the barrel, adapted in shape to this, on the parallel to the barrel main axis polarized magnetic component of a high-frequency electromagnetic field is formed. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized that the transponder antenna in the curved plane of the cylindrical outer wall of the barrel collar, is formed. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the Energy and information transfer predominantly takes place through the electrical component of the field. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna ( 12 ) of the transponder as arranged substantially parallel to the barrel main axis slot antenna ( 12 ) is executed. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the slot antenna ( 12 ) a back shield ( 20 ) of electrically conductive material. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the resulting hollow space ( 21 ) behind the slot antenna ( 12 ) is filled with dielectric material. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prefabricated transponder ( 1 ) on a previously in the barrel material ( 30 . 40 ) breakthrough ( 31 . 41 ) is attached. Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the prefabricated transponder ( 1 ) in a previously in the barrel collar ( 30 . 40 ) breakthrough ( 31 . 41 ) is introduced. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet forming the antenna ( 12 ) is enclosed on one side by a recess introduced into the drum material. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the slot antenna ( 62 ) directly into the original drum material ( 63 ) is introduced. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the rear shield ( 60 ) from the inside to the drum material ( 63 ) is attached. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the slot antenna ( 62 ) directly into the original barrel collar ( 63 ) is introduced. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the rear shield ( 60 ) from the inside to the material of the keg collar ( 63 ) is attached. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess of the rear sheet ( 20 ) from the outside through the breakthrough ( 31 ) protrudes beyond the outer cylindrical plane of the barrel and the mounting flange of the rear panel is secured from the outside to the outer shell of the barrel. Arrangement according to claim 11 or 13, characterized in that the hollow space ( 61 ) behind the slot antenna ( 62 ) is filled with dielectric material. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder ( 1 ) is wrapped in plastic. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear sheet ( 20 ) an antenna structure ( 12 ) contains. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the antenna ( 12 ) is mounted in the form of a prefabricated transponder on the outside of the cylindrical part of the barrel. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that on the beginning of the barrel several transponders the type described are attached. Method for producing a barrel identifiable by radio waves, characterized in that the cylindrical outer plane of the barrel has an electrically conductive portion ( 11 ) In which a structure of a slot antenna is introduced mainly parallel to the main axis of the barrel and an RFID chip, which was previously connected to a contact element, is contacted via this with the slot antenna. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that behind the antenna structure ( 23 ) a cover plate ( 20 ) is attached. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the space between antenna structure ( 23 ) and cover plate ( 20 ) is filled with dielectric material. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that for the production of the component comprising the antenna structure ( 11 ) a part of the conventional drum construction elements is used. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that for the production of the cover plate ( 20 ) a part of the conventional drum construction elements is used. Method according to one of Claims 20 to 22, characterized that a prefabricated after these steps transponder in the Level of the cylindrical drum casing is introduced and aligned such that the slot is mainly parallel to Main axis of the barrel runs. Method according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the parts forming the transponder ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 20 ) are covered with dielectric plastic.