DE102011009180A1 - Method for attaching e.g. radio frequency identification transponder to container, in electronic access authorization system, involves defining electronic component at holding unit that is arranged and/or fixed on metallic object - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves defining an electronic component (14) e.g. radio frequency identification transponder, at a holding unit (22), and arranging and/or fixing the holding unit on a metallic object (12) e.g. container. The holding unit comprises a positioning device (26) that engages with the object to position the holding unit and component with respect to the object. The holding unit is utilized in a recess (20) of the object, and a passage is provided between the holding unit and an opening of the recess after insertion of the holding unit in the recess. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing a radio frequency identification arrangement using a method for attaching a radio frequency identification transponder at a metallic object (2) a holder assembly for an electronic part, comprising a holder unit (3) a radio frequency identification arrangement.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for attaching an electronic component, in particular an RFID transponder, to an object. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing an RFID arrangement using such a method as well as a holding arrangement and RFID arrangement produced by means of such a method.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a holding device for such a holding arrangement.

RFID transponders (also called "transponders" for short) are used to identify objects. For example, the transponders may be attached to tools, medical devices, logistic items such as containers, etc. to uniquely identify them. The transponder has a chip with an electronic memory, in which a unique identification code is stored. Furthermore, the transponder has an antenna, via which an interrogation signal can be received. Via the same antenna or another antenna, the stored identification code can be sent to a reading device in order in this way to identify the object by means of the reading device. Another field of application are so-called electronic access authorization systems, in which a transponder can be carried by a person in order to open or unlock a locking system.

In the case of transponders, a distinction is made between passive and active transponders. The passive transponders do not have their own energy source. The energy required to send the identification code is inductively fed by the reader via the antenna. Active transponders typically provide an energy source that provides the necessary energy to send the identification code. The reading distance of passive transponders is typically in the range of a few centimeters. Active transponders can also be read from longer distances. Furthermore, one differentiates between transponders with regard to the transmission frequencies; these may be in the LF range (30 kHz-300 kHz), in the HF range (3 MHz-30 MHz) or in the UHF range (300 MHz-3 GHz). In the LF and HF ranges, the coupling between transponder and reader is based on magnetic / inductive action. In the UHF range, an antenna coupling takes place.

Transponders can be attached to the objects to be identified in various ways, for example by gluing, by casting by means of a potting compound or an adhesive, etc. The transponder can be very small, the outer dimensions may be a few millimeters, especially in the passive transponders ,

The attachment of such a transponder to an object is usually not a problem if the article is made of a non-electrically conductive or non-magnetic material, such as. Plastic.

However, if the transponder is fixed to an electrically conductive and / or magnetic object or an object with a metallic section or magnetic section arranged in the region of the transponder, it may happen that the readability of the transponder is impaired.

Against this background, it is the object of the invention to specify an improved method for attaching an electronic component to an object, wherein the method ensures that accurate positioning on the objects is possible even when it is used several times. This is intended to ensure that, for example, when the component is an RFID transponder, a uniformly good readability of the transponder is possible even if the method is carried out several times on different objects.

This object is achieved by a method for attaching an electronic component, in particular an RFID transponder, to an object, with the steps of fixing the component to a holding device, attaching the holding device to the object, wherein the holding device has a positioning device which adjoins engages the object to position the holding device and thus the component with respect to the object, and finally to fix the holding device to the object.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a method for producing an RFID arrangement using such a method for attaching an RFID transponder to a metallic object, comprising the step of an antenna of the RFID transponder for optimizing the identification or reading process to tune the target position of the RFID transponder on the object.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a holding arrangement for an electronic component on an object, wherein the holding arrangement is produced in particular by means of the above method, wherein the component is fixed to a holding device and wherein the holding device is fixed to the object, such that the component assumes a predefined setpoint position on the object.

Finally, the above object is achieved by an RFID arrangement with such a holding arrangement and by a holding device for such a holding arrangement.

With the present invention, it is possible to consistently realize a high position accuracy of the component on the object in a series production for attaching electronic components to objects. This is especially true if the component is a very small electronic component such as an RFID transponder.

In general, this leads to a high and uniform readability of the transponder even if the method is used several times. This applies to objects made of a non-conductive or non-magnetic material. In particular, however, this is of importance if the article in the region of the transponder has or is produced from a metallic or magnetic section.

As a rule, such electrically conductive or magnetic sections cause the antenna of the transponder to be detuned even in the case of very small position deviations, since the center frequency of a resonant circuit shifts, which can lead to a deterioration in the readability of the transponder.

The fact that the variations of the ultimately achieved position of the transponder on the object can be kept as small as possible by applying the method according to the invention, this problem can be largely solved.

It is of particular advantage in this case if the antenna is tuned from the outset to the specific target position of the transponder on the metallic or magnetic object, so that the maximum possible readability can be achieved for a given target position of the transponder on the object.

The article may be a commodity such as a tool or instrument, but may, for example, be a housing. Further, the article may be an encapsulant (eg of silicone) which is later attached to another article.

The task is thus completely solved.

In general, it is possible to attach the holding device to the object in any desired manner. Of particular preference, however, it is when the holding device is used for attachment to the object in a recess of the article.

This can be achieved on the one hand that the transponder and the holding device do not form unnecessary interference surfaces on the surface of the article. Especially with such an arrangement, however, the predefined setpoint position can be of particular importance, since in the case of a metallic or magnetic object the proximity of the metallic or magnetic section to the transponder is relatively large (or the distance is relatively small), so that the method according to the invention is of particular importance.

Furthermore, it is generally possible to fix the holding device in any manner to the object, for example by an adhesive process, by a latching process or the like.

It is particularly advantageous, however, if after insertion of the holding device in the recess between the holding device and an opening of the recess, a passage remains and when a potting compound is filled via the passage in the recess to fix the holding device in the recess.

In this embodiment, the holding device remains as a "lost" member of the object. Furthermore, a positive connection between the holding device and the object can thereby be achieved, which is also positionally stable with respect to vibrations or vibrations.

In this embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the electronic component with respect to the volume of the recess is relatively small, and preferably less than 1/2, in particular less than 1/4 and in particular less than 1/10. Furthermore, in this case the ratio of the volume of the holding device to the volume of the recess is also small, preferably less than 1: 2, more preferably less than 1: 3.

This makes it possible that with a holding device inserted a sufficiently large amount of potting compound can be filled, so that blistering, cavitation, etc. can be avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning device is designed to position the holding device in a radial direction on the object, in particular to center with respect to the recess.

In this way, a uniform distance of the transponder can be achieved by an edge of the recess.

According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning device is designed to position the holding device in an axial direction on the object.

As a result, an exact "height" of the component with respect to the object can be adjusted.

It is of particular advantage when the holding device is positioned in the recess such that an upper side of the component is aligned substantially flush with the opening of the recess or an upper side of the article.

In the present case, a substantially flush alignment should preferably be understood to mean a precisely flush orientation and an orientation deviating therefrom by less than 2 mm. As a result, interference surfaces or interference contours on the surface of the object can be largely avoided. In such an arrangement, a high accessibility of the predefined setpoint position is of particular importance, so that the mounting method according to the invention brings great advantages.

It is particularly preferred if an upper side of the component lies slightly below the opening of the recess or an upper side of the object. This makes it even better possible to mechanically protect the component, for example by means of an electrically non-conductive or non-magnetic protective layer, whose top is preferably aligned flush with the opening of the recess or an upper surface of the object. The protective layer is preferably formed by a potting compound.

Advantageously, the positioning device has at least one elastically yielding projection which acts on the recess.

The projection may, for example, be a radially elastic leg and / or an axially elastic leg, which ensures radial and / or axial positioning. It is particularly preferred if at least three such projections are provided to center the holding device in the radial direction with respect to the recess in the article.

It is also advantageous if the projection touches the recess substantially point-like. In particular, when the fixing of the holding device is effected by casting by means of a potting compound, it can thereby be achieved that the holding device can be stably fixed within the recess.

For the same reason, it is preferred that the entire engagement surface of the projection (s) contact less than half the circumference of the recess.

In this way, a stable fixation of the holding device can be achieved not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction of the recess.

In particular, when the recess is circular in cross section, can be achieved by a radially acting positioning accurately positioning or centering of the holding device in the radial direction.

In order to achieve an exact nominal position also in the axial direction, it is generally possible to adapt the holding device exactly to the depth of the recess.

In particular, if this is not possible because of, for example, manufacturing tolerances, it is preferred if the component is held by a punch during the fixing step.

As a result, an exact axial positioning can be achieved. With a suitable design of the stamp (for example, as a suction die or the like), this can also ensure during the fixing step that an exact radial positioning is maintained.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

1 a schematic sectional view through an embodiment of an RFID device according to the invention;

2 a plan view along the line II-II of 1 ;

3 a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the invention;

4 a schematic sectional view through an RFID arrangement during insertion of the holding device in a recess of the article prior to filling a potting compound, wherein the component is held by means of a punch axially and / or radially; and

5 a flow chart for illustrating the attachment method according to the invention.

In the 1 and 2 is an RFID arrangement generally with 10 designated. The RFID arrangement 10 has an object 12 on, for example, may be made of a metallic material. For example, the item may be a key, a storage container, a medical device, or some other item.

On the object 12 is an RFID transponder 14 set, which is designed here as a passive transponder.

By means of a schematically illustrated RFID reader 16 can the object 12 over the transponder attached to it 14 be identified. The distance of the reader 16 to the transponder 14 may be, for example, a few millimeters or a few centimeters, but may be significantly larger, z. B. depending on the type of coupling and / or the size of the transponder. Further, it is preferred that the reader 16 essentially vertically above the transponder 14 is arranged, ie with a longitudinal axis 18 is aligned.

The transponder 14 is by means of a holding arrangement to the object 12 set a recess 20 having. The recess 20 can, for example, be circular in cross-section, as it is in 2 is shown.

Furthermore, the holding arrangement includes a holding device 22 , The holding device 22 has a recording 24 for receiving the transponder 14 on. The transponder 14 can be completely or partially included in the recording. It can be defined herein in various ways, for example by gluing, by snapping, by a press fit or the like.

The holding device 22 essentially extends from an opening of the recess 20 to a floor 32 the recess. Furthermore, the holding device 22 a schematically indicated positioning 26 on, which is designed in the present case, the holding device 22 in the radial direction with respect to the recess 20 to position, in particular to center. The positioning device 26 has a plurality of at least three radially elastic projections 28 on, as well as in 2 can be seen.

The radially elastic projections 28 may be arranged on longitudinally extending legs whose underside 30 the underside of the holding device 22 forms. In the present case lies the bottom 30 the holding device 22 on a floor 32 the recess 20 on, so that the holding device is thereby positioned in the axial direction.

Furthermore, the holding arrangement includes a potting compound 34 after the insertion of the holding device 22 into the recess 20 filled in and cured.

As a result, the holding device 22 and thus also the transponder 14 rigidly on the object 12 established.

The holding device 22 engages on the side wall of the recess 20 and / or on the ground 32 the recess 20 only punctiform, so that a secure fixation of the holding device 22 in the recess 20 can be guaranteed. The volume of the holding device 22 is significantly smaller than that of the recess 20 ,

The preferably electrically non-conductive and / or non-magnetic potting compound 34 (For example, synthetic resin) is usually up to the opening of the recess 20 filled. She can do the transponder 14 either cover (which protects the transponder well from mechanical impacts) or, as shown, just do not cover. In both cases, the transponder 14 well readable.

The axial positioning of the holding device 22 in the recess 20 also ensures that the top 36 of the transponder 14 about the top 38 of the object 12 is aligned flush.

Due to the exact positioning, especially centering of the transponder 14 in relation to the recess 20 can be guaranteed that the transponder 14 as little as possible or evenly from the surrounding material of the object 12 is influenced, which is particularly important if it is made of a metallic and / or magnetic material. The readability of the transponder 14 by means of the reader 16 This can be increased significantly.

Furthermore, an antenna, not shown, of the transponder 14 to the predefined target position of the transponder 14 on the object 12 be coordinated, which may be particularly important if the recess 20 and / or the transponder 14 are not circular in cross-section, but are polygonal. In this case, any edges or corners may significantly disturb the symmetry of a lobe of the antenna, so that readability may be degraded. By appropriate tuning of the antenna to the position in the article, this interference can be minimized. It may also be useful to the transponder 14 in one direction of rotation with respect to the object 12 (around the axis 18 around).

In 2 is further shown that the attack surface of the radially elastic projections 28 , in the 2 each with 39 is shown, is significantly smaller than the total circumferential area of the recess 20 , This can also in the circumferential direction a good fixation of the holding device 22 in the recess 20 be achieved.

In the execution of the 1 and 2 is the axial height of the holding device 22 exactly to the depth T of the recess 20 vote.

In 3 is an alternative embodiment of a holding device 22 shown. This corresponds in terms of design and operation generally the holding device 22 of the 1 , The same elements are therefore designated by the same reference numerals. The following section essentially explains the differences.

The holding device 22 of the 3 points as in 1 a substantially cylindrical body 40 on (or any other body 40 ), whose shape conforms to the shape of the recess 20 is adjusted. An outer diameter of the main body 40 is preferably smaller than an inner diameter of the recess 20 , The recording 24 is formed on the base body.

From the main body 40 extends a plurality of curved legs 42 , More precisely, each leg stretches 42 first in the radial direction of the base body and a bend in the manner of a semicircle back to a center axis of the cylindrical base body 40 , This puts the legs 42 a radial elasticity ready, as with 44 is shown. Furthermore, the legs provide axial elasticity, as with 46 is shown.

The holding devices 22 of the 1 and 3 are preferably made of plastic, in particular by way of injection molding.

4 shows a mounting arrangement 50 for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Here is a transponder 14 already on a holding device 22 established. The holding device 22 has a positioning device 26 in the form of radially elastic protrusions, so that the holding device 22 in the recess 20 positioned in the radial direction, in particular centered.

Furthermore, the holding device 22 Means, by in the axial direction an elasticity between the main body of the holding device 22 and a bottom 30 the holding device 22 is set up as it is at 46 is shown.

For the axial positioning of the holding device and thus of the transponder 14 serves the mounting arrangement 50 that a frame 52 having. The frame 52 rests on the top 38 of the object 12 so that in axial a kind of "zero position" is established. Further, on the frame 52 a stamp 54 movable in the axial direction. A lower end of the stamp 54 has a stamp head 56 on, which is designed, from the top of the transponder 14 to press. The position of the stamp 54 in relation to the frame 52 is measurable exactly. This makes it possible, the axial position of the transponder 14 in terms of the surface 38 of the object 12 set exactly.

Due to the axial elasticity 46 This ensures that the axial position is in contact with the punch head 56 is set up in any case.

Furthermore, it is optionally possible by means of the mounting arrangement 50 also the radial position of the transponder 14 in relation to the object 12 or in relation to the recess 20 adjust. This can be done on the object 12 assembly recesses 58 be provided by the frame 52 also in the radial direction with respect to the object 12 can be fixed, so that even in the radial direction a kind of "zero position" can be established.

In any case, after positioning the transponder 14 in relation to the object 12 by means of the stamp 54 a potting compound over a passage 60 between the holding device 22 and the opening of the recess 20 into the recess 20 filled as it is 62 is shown schematically.

In 5 is a flowchart of the method according to the invention generally with 68 designated.

In a first step 70 becomes a component 14 to a holding device 22 established. In a second step 72 becomes the holding device 22 on the object 12 attached, wherein the holding device is a positioning device 26 which engages the object in order to position the holding device and thus the component with respect to the object radially and / or axially. In one step 78 a fixing of the holding device to the object.

Between the steps 72 and 78 can take steps 74 and 76 be provided. In one step 74 can be a frame 52 a mounting arrangement 50 on a surface 38 of the object. In this embodiment, in one step 76 the axial position and / or the radial position of the component with respect to the object by means of a punch 54 fixed before fixation of the holding device takes place on the object (step 78 ).

Claims (15)

Method for attaching an electronic component ( 14 ), in particular an RFID transponder, on an object ( 12 ), with the steps: - Defining the component ( 12 ) on a holding device ( 22 ); - Attachment of the holding device ( 22 ) on the object ( 12 ), wherein the holding device has a positioning device ( 26 ) attached to the object ( 12 ) engages the holding device ( 22 ) and thus the component ( 14 ) in relation to the object ( 12 ) to position; and - fixing the holding device ( 22 ) on the object ( 12 ). Method according to claim 1, wherein the holding device ( 22 ) for attachment to the object ( 12 ) in a recess ( 20 ) of the object ( 12 ) is used. Method according to claim 2, wherein after the insertion of the holding device ( 22 ) in the recess ( 20 ) between the holding device ( 22 ) and an opening of the recess ( 20 ) a passage ( 60 ) and wherein a potting compound ( 62 ) over the passage ( 60 ) in the recess ( 20 ) is filled to the holding device ( 22 ) in the recess ( 20 ) to fix. Method according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the positioning device ( 26 ) is adapted to the holding device ( 22 ) in a radial direction ( 44 ) on the object ( 12 ). Method according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the positioning device ( 26 ) is adapted to the holding device ( 22 ) in an axial direction ( 46 ) on the object ( 12 ). Method according to one of claims 2-5, wherein the holding device ( 22 ) in the recess ( 20 ) is positioned such that an upper side ( 36 ) of the component ( 14 ) substantially flush with the opening of the recess or a top ( 38 ) of the object ( 12 ) is aligned. Method according to one of claims 2-6, wherein the positioning device ( 26 ) at least one elastically resilient projection ( 28 ; 42 ), which at the recess ( 20 ) attacks. Method according to claim 7, wherein the projection ( 28 ; 42 ) the recess ( 20 ) is touched substantially punctiform. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the entire attack surface ( 39 ) of the projection (s) ( 28 ; 42 ) less than half the circumference of the recess ( 20 ) touched. Method according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the component ( 14 ) during the fixing step by means of a punch ( 54 ) is held. Method for producing an RFID arrangement ( 10 ) using the method for attaching an RFID transponder ( 14 ) on a metallic object ( 12 ) according to any one of claims 1-10, comprising the step of an antenna of the RFID transponder ( 14 ) to optimize the identification process to the target position of the RFID transponder ( 14 ) on the object ( 12 ) to vote. Holding arrangement for an electronic component ( 14 ) on an object ( 12 ), in particular produced by means of a method according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the component is attached to a holding device ( 22 ), wherein the holding device ( 22 ) on the object ( 12 ) is fixed, such that the component ( 14 ) a predefined target position on the object ( 12 ) occupies. A holding arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the holding device ( 22 ) in a recess ( 20 ) of the object ( 12 ) is inserted and shed therein. RFID arrangement ( 10 ) with a holding arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, in particular produced by means of a method according to claim 11. Holding device ( 22 ) for a holding arrangement according to any one of claims 12-14.

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