DE202021106614U1 - RFID conversion facility - Google Patents

Abstract

RFID conversion system for single and/or multi-track production of RFID products, with a plurality of inlay dispenser modules (3) and with a control device for controlling the inlay dispenser modules (3), each inlay dispenser module (3) being designed and is set up for the direct loading of a carrier material (2) in particular in the form of a web or sheet or for the indirect loading of a means of transport, such as a vacuum conveyor belt, with inlays (1a-d) and in which the inlay dispensing modules (3) can be controlled independently of one another and can be operated in different operating modes are.

Description

The invention relates to an RFID conversion system for the production of one and/or multiple lanes of RFID products.

RFID technology is used for the contactless transmission of information. The relevant information is stored on a passive transponder whose core component is a microchip. The microchip is connected to an antenna structure, which is usually attached to a thin plastic film or paper. A read/write device emits a radio signal in a specific frequency band. These radio waves induce an electrical voltage in the antenna structure of the passive transponder, which is sufficient to activate the microchip and thus process data. RFID transponders are used, for example, in chip cards, tickets, playing cards, tokens, stickers and tags, such as clothing labels and shipping labels, as well as flight luggage tags.

Due to the sensitivity of the antenna's thin carrier material with the microchip attached to it, the antenna with the attached chip is incorporated into multi-layer RFID products using RFID conversion systems. This protects the antenna and the chip and, if necessary, also achieves a corresponding look, feel and robustness for the respective application. A pitch change is also possible in this way, which can be provided in particular for cost reasons and to save material. The term "pitch" refers to the distance between adjacent RFID chips. RFID conversion systems are used to manufacture ready-made RFID products based on various raw materials. In this case, different end products are produced in the RFID conversion system by laminating different materials, in particular web-like materials or sheet-like materials. Both self-adhesive coated materials can be used as well as an adhesive application using a hot melt device directly in the machine. In principle, bonding with other types of adhesive is also possible. For example, reactive adhesives such as the special adhesive sold under the trade name UHU POR or PUR adhesives can be used. The RFID products manufactured in an RFID conversion system usually consist of a carrier material, an inlay, i.e. a thin substrate with antenna and microchip, and a cover material. Special products may have additional intermediate layers. In most cases, the carrier material and the cover material are in web form. The inlay is usually prefabricated as an endless strip and wound up as a roll to form an inlay roll. Such an inlay roll is usually produced outside of the RFID conversion system in an upstream production step in a separate system. These ready-made inlays are used as primary material for further processing on RFID conversion systems.

Conventional RFID conversion systems have a large number of web guiding devices, such as deflection rollers, unwinding and winding. Depending on the desired end product, for example (hot) glue devices, punching devices, reading and writing devices, printing devices and optical and electrical inspection devices, as well as longitudinal or cross cutting devices can also be provided. RFID conversion systems are available in a single-lane version or in a multi-lane version.

The production of RFID products in RFID conversion systems usually provides for the separation of an inlay web and the dispensing of the separated inlays on a carrier web. The inlays can either be in a "dry" form, i.e. non-adhesive, or as "wet inlays", i.e. already equipped with an adhesive layer. The inlays are arranged as densely as possible on the inlay sheet, with an inlay pitch being specified. The term "inlay pitch" refers to a certain distance between two adjacent inlays in the web transport direction. In most cases, however, the desired end product has a different division that depends on the product and the product design. In conventional RFID conversion systems, the inlay web is therefore cut crosswise in a first process step in order to cut off individual inlays or to separate the inlays. These inlays are then placed individually on the carrier sheet at the appropriate distance. The placement can be done in a continuous flow or in an intermittent start-stop process. This makes it possible to laminate and/or further process the arrangement of inlays and carrier web with additional layers.

Another aspect of the manufacture of RFID products in RFID conversion systems concerns the so-called "good test" of the inlays. Errors can occur both in the microchips and in their contacting with the antenna structures, which means that RFID transponders do not work at all or only to a limited extent. Inlays are therefore frequently checked individually before they are applied to the carrier web and defective inlays are ejected after detection and the gap in the inlay that has arisen as a result of ejection is then closed. The goal are end products with only flawless inlays. In the ongoing RFID conversion process, however, ejecting defective inlays and replacing them with error-free inlays is very time-consuming. If the RFID conversion system is operated in multiple lanes in order to increase production output, with several inlay and carrier webs being processed in parallel, the process complexity and the susceptibility of the process to faults increases. The highest level of complexity is reached when a complete inspection of all inlays with replacement of faulty inlays is to be carried out in a multi-lane configuration. Due to the construction, it is necessary with known RFID conversion systems to always apply or eject all parallel arranged inlays of an inlay web together. If faulty inlays are not ejected, it is necessary to sort them later in a separate process.

In known RFID conversion systems, the inlays are fitted to the carrier web in a central process, with the individual inlays being dispensed in the exact position using a central dispensing unit. The inlay web is cut in the dispensing unit, positioned in register on the product pitch and applied. This can be single-lane or multi-lane.

If the web of material on an inlay roll of the peel-off unit reaches a final state, it is necessary to stop the RFID conversion system for the necessary change of the inlay roll. This leads to a significant reduction in production/plant runtime and reduces the efficiency of the plant. The roll change can be done manually or automatically with a highly complex splicing device.

In order to eject defective inlays and to close the resulting gaps with error-free inlays, it is necessary to stop the RFID conversion system. The defective inlay can then be sucked out with a vacuum device and removed by other means. In known RFID conversion systems, the dispensing unit closes the resulting gap to the carrier material with a relative movement and the system starts up again in network operation. This leads to frequent production interruptions, which is disadvantageous.

If several tracks of products are processed in parallel in order to achieve a higher production output of the RFID conversion system, the assembly of the individual carrier material tracks by a central dispensing unit is complex, whereby the handling and tracking of the material strips is demanding. In addition, if there are multiple lanes, the effort involved in changing the inlay rolls is also increased.

The object of the present invention is to provide an RFID conversion system of the type mentioned at the outset, the RFID conversion system according to the invention being distinguished by longer production and system running times and a high degree of automation. In particular, easy scalability of the production capacity, easy operability and uninterrupted operation of the system should be ensured when an inlay supply on an inlay dispenser module is exhausted, especially when the end of an inlay roll wound up as roll goods is reached. The RFID conversion system according to the invention should also allow faulty inlays to be removed and replaced in a simple manner and in particular without interrupting system operation. Finally, when placing inlays on a carrier web, it should be possible to achieve greater register accuracy.

The aforementioned tasks are solved by an RFID conversion system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an RFID conversion system for single and/or multi-lane production of RFID products is proposed, which has a plurality of inlay dispensing modules in place of a central dispensing station or a central dispensing unit, with each dispensing module being designed and set up for direct assembly an in particular web-shaped or sheet-shaped carrier material or for the indirect placement of inlays on a transport means, such as a vacuum conveyor belt, and the dispensing modules can be controlled independently of one another. At least two inlay dispenser modules, preferably all inlay dispenser modules, of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can be used as required and independently of one another for direct or indirect assembly and can be operated in different operating modes due to the different controls, in particular as assembly modules, buffer modules or post-dispenser modules or as roll-up modules , for example to wind up a waste web from a neighboring dispenser module. In particular, several inlay dispenser modules can be operated in different operating modes at the same time, with different operating modes then being characterized in particular by different placement rates of the inlay dispenser modules, i.e. the number of inlays provided per hour, and/or different cycle times.

The dispensing modules can also be used in the application in such a way that different inlay types, for example for booster antennas, chip modules and/or HF and/or UHF mixed in one product, can be placed at the individual dispensing positions. The invention is not limited to placing identical inlays.

The terms "loading module", "buffer module" and "replenishment module" are explained below using an example.

By suitably controlling the dispensing modules with different sequence patterns or operating modes of the dispensing modules, a large number of different operating and production methods can be implemented for the inlay assembly with minimal adjustment work. Due to the possibility of controlling the dispensing modules of the RFID conversion system according to the invention independently of one another, they can, if required, fulfill different functions during assembly and can be controlled individually and differently for this purpose.

As described above, the production of the RFID products can take place using a material in particular in the form of a web and/or optionally using at least one further intermediate material in the form of a web and/or at least one adhesive layer.

The RFID conversion system can provide direct assembly, i.e. the inlays can be dispensed with an inlay dispenser module at the exact position onto a (continuous) carrier web, or assembly on carrier material sheets with a defined length. Incidentally, indirect assembly can be provided by dispensing the inlays onto a transport means, such as a vacuum conveyor belt, with the inlays then being transferred from the transport means to the carrier material or carrier product. To provide the inlays, inlay rolls wound up as roll goods can be used as the primary material, with the inlay webs unwound from the inlay rolls having to be cut in a first process cut in order to separate individual inlays. Alternatively, inlay sheets can be removed from a supply stack or a storage container, for example, and cut to separate the inlays. Finally, there is the option of storing individual inlays and applying them with the inlay dispenser modules.

An inlay dispenser module can preferably have a structure that corresponds to the structure of commercially available label dispensers that are used for labeling products in transit. In addition, a cutting device can be implemented in each dispensing module in order to separate individual inlays from an inlay web or an inlay sheet. The dispensing module can be set up and designed to hold an inlay roll or also to receive and store inlay sheets. The dispensing module can also be set up and designed to hold a waste roll. The inlay roll or the inlay sheets form an inlay supply of the dispenser module, which is used up by the assembly and has to be replenished at regular intervals, for example by changing rolls or refilling an inlay sheet store.

The dispensing module can be attached to a holding device of the RFID system, in particular suspended in the system, which allows lateral displacement transversely to the running direction and fine adjustment. In addition, the holding device can be designed in such a way that the dispensing module can also be rotated by, for example, 90° to the running direction. This means that inlays with a different orientation can also be donated to the carrier material. Furthermore, in particular, the dispensing module has at least one holder for an inlay roll and a dispensing tongue for dispensing individual inlays. The separation can take place with a cutting device of the dispensing module. Finally, the dispensing module can optionally have a further holder for holding a roll of cover sheet. In a further development, a dispensing module could also have a further winder for receiving a waste web.

In addition, at least one dispensing module, preferably each dispensing module, can have a reading and/or detection device designed and set up for, in particular, contactless identification of defective inlays. Furthermore, an ejection device for ejecting defective inlays from the manufacturing process, further in particular designed and set up as a suction device for sucking off defective inlays and transferring the defective inlays into at least one collection container, can be provided.

By using several dispensing modules, it is possible to design the dispensing modules for a lower number of cycles or assembly performance, so that the process of applying and, if necessary, cutting and checking the inlays can be carried out much more robustly and precisely in relation to the individual dispensing module.

A control of the inlay dispenser modules can preferably be provided in such a way that if an operating function of a first inlay dispensing module is interrupted, this interrupted operating function is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one other inlay dispensing module that follows, in particular in the transport direction of a carrier material flow of the carrier material, in particular with the taking over and/or continuation of the operating function same transport speed and / or transport direction of the carrier material flow takes place. The operating function particularly preferably relates to equipping the carrier material with isolated inlays.

In particular, the inlay dispenser modules can be controlled in this context such that the takeover and/or continuation of the operating function with the additional inlay dispenser module is automatically terminated as soon as the first inlay dispenser module resumes or continues the interrupted operating function.

The dispensing modules of the RFID conversion system according to the invention can preferably be arranged one behind the other or following one another in the transport direction of a carrier material flow, in particular with at least two dispensing modules being arranged in one lane or one behind the other on one track or linearly in a row. By arranging several dispensing modules one behind the other in a linear manner, it is possible in particular to achieve low cycle rates or loading rates of the individual dispensing modules. The placement performance of a dispensing module in the placement operation can be in the range of less than 20,000 products per hour, in particular for example 15,000 products per hour or less. The cycle time per inlay in the individual dispensing module can in particular be more than 100 ms, preferably more than 200 ms, for example 240 ms. The higher cycle times per inlay in the individual dispensing module allow sufficient time for an extensive good check of the products even at full production output, which is a decisive advantage.

If more than two dispensing modules are arranged one behind the other in a single lane, the inlay dispensing modules can be controlled in such a way that if an operating function is interrupted by at least one preceding inlay dispensing module in the transport direction of the RFID products, the interrupted operating function is preferably automatically interrupted by at least one in the transport direction subsequent inlay dispenser module is taken over and/or continued.

For example, at least one first inlay dispenser module can be provided as an assembly module and at least one further inlay dispenser module can be provided as a buffer module, with the inlay dispenser modules being controlled in such a way that if the assembly with the first inlay dispenser module (assembly module) is interrupted, in particular during Exhaustion of an inlay supply, which can be indicated when a minimum diameter of an inlay roll is reached, the assembly is preferably continued automatically with the further inlay dispenser module (buffer module). The second inlay dispenser module then fulfills a buffer function. Both modules can achieve the same maximum placement performance and be designed in the same way. The clock rate of the buffer module can correspond to the clock rate of the placement module.

If at least two, preferably more than two, inlay peel-off modules are arranged one behind the other in a single lane, the inlay peel-off modules can be controlled in such a way that if the loading of at least one preceding inlay peel-off module (loading module) in the carrier material track is interrupted, the loading is preferably automatic with at least one further inlay dispensing module (buffer module) following in the carrier material track in the material transport direction. The subsequent module then works as a buffer module. However, the invention also allows for several buffer modules to be provided or for the buffer function to be fulfilled by several dispensing modules.

To increase productivity, several inlay dispenser modules can be arranged one behind the other in a single lane, with the inlay dispenser modules being controlled in such a way that assembly with several inlay dispenser modules takes place at the same time, with reduced cycle rates of the dispenser modules compared to assembly with only one inlay dispenser module. Alternatively, however, a controller can also be provided in such a way that an assembly always takes place 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 provided as an assembly module and at least one further inlay dispensing module can be provided as a subsequent dispensing module, with at least one faulty inlay of the first inlay dispensing module being detected and ejected and with a control of the inlay -Dispensing modules are provided in such a way that an inlay gap in an inlay stream caused by ejection of a faulty inlay is automatically closed by dispensing a fault-free inlay with the additional inlay dispensing module (post-dispensing module). Preferably, the post-donation module stores only “good inlays” that have already been checked for freedom from defects. Detection and ejection can be carried out with the first inlay dispensing module, which has a corresponding detection device and ejection device for this purpose. Because the gap is closed by the refill module, it is not necessary to stop the system or carrier material transport, nor change the transport direction of the carrier material, and in particular no relative movement between the first inlay dispenser module and the carrier material flow. The detection and, preferably, the ejection take place in particular with the first dispensing module, while the further dispensing module works as a post-dispensing module and can be arranged downstream of the first dispensing module in the transport direction of the carrier material, in particular in the web transport direction of the carrier web. The subsequent donation module then closes a gap that has arisen in the inlay flow due to ejection.

It is expedient if at least two dispensing modules, preferably all dispensing modules, are constructed in the same way and/or are to be operated as an assembly module, buffer module and/or post-dispensing module as required. In particular, the control device is designed to determine the current or instantaneous operating mode of at least one dispensing module as an assembly module, buffer module and/or post-dispensing module, in particular of all dispensing modules, during the production of the RFID products depending on the current or instantaneous operating mode of at least one additional dispensing module , in particular of all other donation modules. This allows a large number of different production methods to be implemented and uninterrupted operation of the system in the event of consumption and replenishment of an inlay supply, in particular an inlay roll change, and/or when faulty inlays are ejected and replaced with faultless inlays.

For a simple change between a single and multi-lane production method, at least one dispenser module can be adjusted, in particular shifted, to the side of the lane, i.e. transversely to the transport direction of a carrier material stream or product stream of the RFID products. The laterally displaceable dispensing module can then, for example, be operated as a buffer module and/or post-dispensing module as required.

If a multi-lane production of RFID products is intended, with each carrier material track being provided with at least one inlay dispensing module as an assembly module and at least one additional inlay dispensing module that can be adjusted laterally to different carrier material tracks, in particular shifted, as a buffer module, the inlay dispensing modules can be controlled in this way be that the supply of inlays of the assembly modules, in particular the roll end of an inlay roll of the respective assembly module, is consumed or reached with a time delay, in particular with the beginning of the assembly with assembly modules arranged on different carrier material tracks taking place with a time delay. A specific control algorithm can be used, for example, to ensure that inlay rolls reach the end of the roll at different times and have to be replaced. An automated change with the help of the buffer module, which is used as a jumper, is then possible.

The assembly with a buffer module according to the invention can in particular only take place when a first inlay dispenser module (assembly module) upstream in the transport direction of the carrier material flow, due to an exhausted supply of inlays, for example when the end of an inlay roll is reached, and/or in the event of a malfunction, the assembly function can no longer fulfill. On the other hand, while the upstream assembly module is being properly loaded, the buffer module can preferably stand still and not be used for loading or for loading another upstream inlay dispensing module that is arranged on another carrier material track and whose loading function is currently interrupted.

A refill module according to the invention is preferably fitted only to fill gaps that have arisen by ejecting faulty inlays that have been dispensed with a first inlay dispensing module (assembly module) upstream in the transport direction of the carrier material flow. In this context, the control of the inlay dispensing modules can in particular provide that a subsequent dispensing module is not used purely as an assembly module. Accordingly, the clock rate of the post-supply module can be correspondingly lower than the clock rate of an assembly module.

• 1A, 1B schematische Darstellung des Rollenwechsels einer Inlay-Rolle eines Inlay-Spendemoduls einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage bei Einbahnigkeit bzw. einspuriger Herstellung von RFID-Produkten unter Verwendung von einem weiteren Inlay-Spendemodul als Puffermodul;
• 2A, 2B schematische Darstellung des Rollenwechsels einer Inlay-Rolle eines Inlay-Spendemoduls einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage bei Einbahnigkeit bzw. einspuriger Herstellung von RFID-Produkten unter Verwendung von drei weiteren Inlay-Spendemodulen als Puffermodulen;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung der Verwendung eines weiteren Inlay-Spendemoduls als Nachspendemodul bei einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage zur einbahnigen bzw. einspurigen Herstellung von RFID-Produkten;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung möglicher Sequenzen bei Installationen von fünf Inlay-Spendemodulen in einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage bei Einbahnigkeit bzw. einspuriger Herstellung von RFID-Produkten;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer mehrbahnigen Betriebsweise einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage mit mehreren Inlay-Spendemodulen;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung der mehrspurigen Herstellung von RFID-Produkten mit einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage, wobei mehrere Inlay-Spendemodule als Nachspendemodule vorgesehen sind, um durch Ausschleusung fehlerhafter Inlays entstandene Inlay-Lücken durch Aufspenden fehlerfreier Inlays zu schließen;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung der mehrbahnigen bzw. mehrspurigen Herstellung von RFID-Produkten, wobei ein weiteres Inlay-Spendemodul als Puffermodul für einen Rollenwechsel der Inlay-Rollen der Inlay-Spendemodule vorgesehen ist;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung der mehrbahnigen bzw. mehrspurigen Herstellung von RFID-Produkten, wobei mehrere Inlay-Spendemodule als Bestückungsmodule, weitere Inlay-Spendemodule als Nachspendemodule und ein weiteres Inlay-Spendemodul als Puffermodul für einen Rollenwechsel der Inlay-Rollen der Bestückungsmodule vorgesehen sind;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung der Anordnung von mehreren Inlay-Spendemodulen als Bestückungsmodule linear hintereinander bei einbahniger bzw. einspuriger Herstellung von RFID-Produkten und integrierter Gut-Prüfung der Inlays mittels Funk und
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung der Anordnung von mehreren Inlay-Spendemodulen in einer erfindungsgemäßen RFID-Konvertierungsanlage zur Steigerung der Anlagenverfügbarkeit.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments, the invention not being restricted to the exemplary embodiments described. Show in the drawing

• 1A , 1B schematic representation of the roll change of an inlay roll of an inlay dispenser module of an inventive RFID conversion system with one-lane or single-lane production of RFID products using another inlay dispenser module as a buffer module;
• 2A , 2 B schematic representation of the roll change of an inlay roll of an inlay dispenser module of an RFID conversion system according to the invention with one-lane or single-lane production of RFID products using three additional inlay dispenser modules as buffer modules;
• 3 a schematic representation of the use of a further inlay dispenser module as a subsequent dispenser module in an inventive RFID conversion system for single-lane or single-lane production of RFID products;
• 4 a schematic representation of possible sequences for installations of five inlay dispenser modules in an RFID conversion system according to the invention with one-lane or one-lane production of RFID products;
• 5 a schematic representation of a multi-lane mode of operation of an RFID conversion system according to the invention with several inlay dispensing modules;
• 6 a schematic representation of the multi-track production of RFID products with an RFID conversion system according to the invention, with several inlay dispensing modules being provided as subsequent dispensing modules in order to close inlay gaps caused by ejection of faulty inlays by dispensing faultless inlays;
• 7 a schematic representation of the multi-lane or multi-lane production of RFID products, with a further inlay dispenser module being provided as a buffer module for changing the role of the inlay roles of the inlay dispenser modules;
• 8th a schematic representation of the multi-lane or multi-lane production of RFID products, with several inlay dispenser modules being provided as assembly modules, further inlay dispenser modules as post-dispensing modules and another inlay dispenser module as a buffer module for a role change of the inlay roles of the assembly modules;
• 9 a schematic representation of the arrangement of several inlay dispenser modules as assembly modules linearly one behind the other with single-lane or single-lane production of RFID products and integrated good inspection of the inlays by radio and
• 10 a schematic representation of the arrangement of several inlay dispenser modules in an inventive RFID conversion system to increase system availability.

In the 1A and 1B The system concept of an RFID conversion system for the single-lane production of RFID products is shown schematically. In the exemplary assumption, the assembly, ie the dispensing, of inlays 1a onto a web or sheet-shaped carrier material 2 takes place only with a first inlay dispensing module 3, which works as an assembly module. In the direction of transport 4 of the carrier material 2, another inlay dispensing module 3 is provided, which is on standby with the inlay roll inserted. If the end of an inlay roll inserted into the first inlay dispenser module 3 is reached, the operating function of the dispenser module 3 or the loading with the dispenser module 3 is automatically ended. The other inlay dispenser module 3 then takes over the assembly work without any start, with inlays 1b being dispensed onto the carrier material 2 from the inlay roll of the further inlay dispenser module 3 ( 1b) . The process is reversed as soon as the inlay roll of the further inlay dispensing module 3 reaches the end. Here, due to the machine control, an assembly change back to the first inlay dispensing module 3 takes place automatically, which then takes over the assembly work of the further inlay dispensing module 3 without any start. In the case of a single lane, two inlay dispensing modules 3 arranged one behind the other are already sufficient to enable uninterrupted operation of an RFID conversion system during a roll change.

With high production output and small inlay rolls, the effort involved in changing rolls increases. The parallel operation of another machine or a short absence of the machine operator is hardly possible without interrupting production. It is therefore advantageous if, as in the 2A and 2 B shown, more than one additional inlay dispenser module 3 is provided as a buffer module, for example, according to the embodiment shown, three buffer modules. A longer, uninterrupted production phase is possible thanks to the large number of buffer modules. This function can be achieved if a total of more than two dispensing modules 3 are installed, which can assume an assembly function.

The assembly is preferably always carried out with only one dispensing module 3. The three further inlay dispensing modules 3 are automatically subsequently controlled by the machine control at the roll end of the inlay roll of a preceding dispensing module 3 and used for assembly. In this way, a longer production phase without operator intervention is made possible during a roll change, starting with the first peel-off module 3 and then subsequently in the further peel-off modules 3 . This gives the machine operator a longer time window to complete other tasks.

2 B shows, for example, that the equipping function of the carrier material 2 is taken over by a further inlay dispenser module 3 with inlays 1d at the front in the transport direction 4 after the inlay rolls of all preceding dispenser modules 3 have reached the respective end of the roll.

3 shows schematically the use of another inlay donation module 3 as post-donation module. In the case of a single lane, two dispensing modules 3 arranged one behind the other are already sufficient to enable the detection and ejection of faulty inlays and to close a gap that arises by dispensing a faultless inlay 1d from the inlay roll of the subsequent dispensing module. If, for example, a faulty inlay is detected in the first inlay dispensing module 3, this is ejected. The resulting gap is not closed by the dispensing module 3, since this is not possible at high production speeds. Instead, the post-supply module 3 is in a waiting position with an inlay 1d that has been checked to be free of defects. As soon as the resulting gap has reached the refill module 3, this places an inlay 1d in the gap and thus closes the gap.

The inlay dispensing modules 3 described can be constructed in the same way and can be used in particular by appropriate control as an assembly module, buffer module and/or as a post-dispensing module. 4 shows an example of the installation of five dispensing modules 3 in order to enable different sequences or functional assignments of the dispensing modules 3 in the case of a single lane. There are many different sequencing options. For example, as shown, the first two inlay dispensing modules 3 can be provided for assembly. The two further peel-off modules 3 following in the transport direction can be used as buffer modules and take on the assembly function when the inlay rolls of the preceding peel-off modules 3 have reached the end. The further inlay dispensing module 3 that is at the front in the direction of transport can be used as a subsequent dispensing module in order to close gaps that have arisen as a result of faulty inlays being ejected. Alternatively, it is also possible to only provide for the assembly with the first inlay dispensing module 3, while the four following further inlay dispensing modules 3 are only provided as roll change modules or buffer modules. Alternatively, the first four inlay dispenser modules 3 can also be loaded, with the foremost additional inlay dispenser module 3 being provided for a roll change or as a refill module. Should a dispensing module 3 fail due to a technical defect or require service, for example to replace worn knives, the RFID system can continue to be operated with the remaining dispensing modules 3 . The machine control is able to form 3 new sequences with the remaining ready-to-use dispenser modules.

In order to achieve multi-lane operation, inlay dispenser modules 3 can also be shifted laterally, that is to say transversely to the direction of the lane, relative to one another. The total production capacity of the RFID system with several tracks or lanes then corresponds to the sum of the individual production capacities of the inlay dispensing modules 3. This is in 5 shown schematically.

In principle, multi-lane operation is also possible in such a way that a further inlay dispensing module 3 is provided as a subsequent dispensing module for each lane or lane. Each track then has a first inlay dispensing module 3 as an assembly module and a further inlay dispensing module 3 downstream in the transport direction 4 of the carrier material as a post-dispensing module in order to close gaps that have arisen as a result of faulty inlays being ejected. The ejection can preferably take place with the assembly modules, which are set up and designed accordingly. this is in 6 shown schematically.

7 shows schematically, in an exemplary embodiment with five dispensing modules 3, the simultaneous assembly of, for example, four material webs or tracks of the RFID conversion system with four first inlay dispensing modules 3, which fulfill the assembly function. Another inlay dispenser module 3 is designed as a jumper module that can be adjusted laterally on all tracks and can step in for the first inlay dispenser modules 3 when their inlay roles have reached the end. A smart control algorithm can ensure that the inlay rolls of the first inlay dispenser modules 3 reach the end of the roll at different times. At the beginning of a new production, it can be provided, for example, that the four first inlay dispensing modules 3 observe pause times of different lengths. During the time in which a first inlay dispenser module 3 is paused, its assembly work is taken over by the further inlay dispenser module 3 as a stand-in module. The jumper module can be automatically moved laterally to the respective track on a linear guide. The algorithm behind the pause sequence can follow from the Gaussian summation formula. The RFID system can be operated with reduced power while a time offset is being established, with which the first inlay dispensing modules 3 begin the assembly process. If the inlay roles of all five dispenser modules 3 provided in the exemplary embodiment shown have been changed for the first time, an initia ler offset formed and it can be increased production speed. No further interruptions to operations are then necessary, since in future all inlay rolls will reach the end of the roll at different times. The RFID system can run without further interruptions.

A combination of buffer modules and refill modules is also easily possible. At the in 8th shown embodiment, a total of nine dispensing modules 3 are provided. At least one first inlay dispensing module 3 as an assembly module and at least one downstream inlay dispensing module 3 as a subsequent dispensing module are provided on each lane. The first four inlay dispenser modules 3 - for example, four tracks of the system - do the actual assembly. Four further inlay dispensing modules 3 are available to replace a missing inlay or an inlay gap that has arisen by ejecting a faulty inlay with a good inlay as subsequent dispensing modules on the respective track. At least one further inlay peel-off module 3, preferably only one further inlay peel-off module 3, is placed in front of the other peel-off modules 3 in the transport direction 4 or at the end of the module chain in order to act as a buffer or jumper module that can be adjusted laterally on all tracks for an automated roll change to be able to take care of. This further inlay dispensing module 3 is set up and designed in such a way that it can be offset or shifted onto the respective track.

In order to ensure that the RFID products are error-free, it is necessary to check each individual inlay. This is schematic in 9 shown. The test is carried out by means of electromagnetic transmission, in particular via a high-frequency magnetic (near) field, and examines the correct functions of the antenna and microchip. Depending on the scope of the test, a time window of up to 100 ms per inlay is required. For example, if a machine produces at a production rate of 60,000 products per hour, a theoretical time of 60 ms remains for the test per individual product. A comprehensive test is therefore not possible. This can be remedied according to 9 a linear arrangement of several inlay dispenser modules 3, which are operated at a lower clock rate. For example, the RFID conversion system can produce 60,000 products per hour. This means that at in 9 embodiment shown as an example, the production rate per dispensing module 3 is only 15,000 products per hour. This increases the cycle time for each inlay 1a-1d in the respective dispensing module 3 from 60 to 240 ms. This allows the inspection of the inlays 1a-1d to be shifted to the respective dispensing module 3, with sufficient time remaining for an extensive inspection of the RFID products even when the RFID conversion system is running at full capacity. This will in 9 represented schematically by the radio symbol 5.

According to 10 the machine control of an RFID conversion system can also allow individual inlay dispensing modules 3 to be deactivated. In the example shown, the first and third inlay dispensing modules 3 assigned to a material track are deactivated, for example. For example, in the case of maintenance work, such as blade replacement, toothed belt replacement, cleaning or the like, and in the event of faults in the dispensing modules 3, individual dispensing modules 3 can thus be removed from the production process. The RFID system or its control device recognizes a changed operating situation of individual dispensing modules 3, preferably automatically, which preferably leads to an automatic adjustment of the sequences, ie the operating mode or functional assignment of the ready-to-operate dispensing modules 3, with these depending on the sequence as an assembly module, buffer module or post-donation module can be used. The entire system remains operational and production can continue with reduced performance or a reduced range of functions.

In all of the embodiments described above, the number of dispensing modules 3 is selected as an example. All dispensing modules 3 are preferably constructed in the same way, in particular in the manner of label dispensers. Each dispensing module 3 can be operated with a machine control, preferably and as required, as an assembly module, buffer or jumper module or post-dispensing module in the mode of operation described in each case. Appropriate holding devices for holding the dispensing modules 3 as required are preferably provided in the plant periphery.

reference list

1a - 1d

inlay

2

carrier material

3

Inlay dispensing module

4

transport direction

5

radio icon

Claims (10)

RFID conversion system for single and/or multi-track production of RFID products, with a plurality of inlay dispenser modules (3) and with a control device for controlling the inlay dispenser modules (3), each inlay dispenser module (3) being designed and is set up for direct assembly of a particular railway or sheet-shaped carrier material (2) or for the indirect loading of a means of transport, such as a vacuum conveyor belt, with inlays (1a-d) and wherein the inlay dispensing modules (3) can be controlled independently of one another and can be operated in different operating modes. RFID conversion facility claim 1 , characterized in that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way that when an operating function of a first inlay dispensing module (3) is interrupted, the interrupted operating function of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is preferably automatically interrupted by at least one other, in particular in the transport direction (4) of a carrier material stream of the carrier material (2) following inlay dispensing module (3) is taken over and/or continued, in particular with the taking over and/or continuation of the operating function at the same transport speed and/or transport direction (4) of the carrier material stream he follows. RFID conversion facility claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that more than two inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one behind the other in a single lane and that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way that if an operating function of at least one is interrupted in the transport direction (4) of a carrier material flow of the Carrier material (2) preceding inlay dispenser module (3), the interrupted operating function is preferably automatically taken over and/or continued by at least one inlay dispenser module (3) following in the direction of transport (4). RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a first inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as an assembly module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a buffer module and that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way it is provided that when the assembly with the first inlay dispensing module (3) is interrupted, in particular when an inlay supply of the first inlay dispensing module (3) is exhausted, the assembly is preferably automatically continued with the further inlay dispensing module (3). RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, preferably more than two, inlay dispenser modules (3) are arranged one behind the other in a single lane and that the inlay dispenser modules (3) are controlled in such a way that in the event of an interruption the loading of at least one inlay dispensing module (3) preceding a carrier material flow of the carrier material (2) in the transport direction (4) the loading preferably takes place automatically with at least one inlay dispensing module (3) following in the transport direction (4). RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) are arranged one behind the other in a single lane and that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way that they can be equipped with a plurality of inlay dispensing modules (3) done at the same time. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as an assembly module and at least one further inlay dispensing module (3) is provided as a subsequent dispensing module, with at least one being fitted with the first inlay dispensing module (3) the faulty inlay applied is detected and ejected, and the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way that an inlay gap caused by the faulty inlay being ejected is filled by dispensing a fault-free inlay (1d) with the additional inlay dispensing module (3) is closed. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two inlay dispensing modules (3), preferably all inlay dispensing modules (3), are of identical construction and/or that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are controlled in such a way that that the inlay dispensing modules (3) are to be operated as an assembly module, buffer module and/or post-dispensing module as required. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a multi-lane production of RFID products is provided, with at least one inlay dispensing module (3) being adjustable laterally to different carrier material lanes, in particular displaceable. RFID conversion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a multi-track production of RFID products is provided, with each carrier material track at least one inlay dispenser module (3) as an assembly module and at least one additional inlay that can be laterally adjusted, in particular shifted, to different carrier material tracks - Donor module (3) is provided as a buffer module and wherein a control of the inlay donor modules (3) is provided such that the inlay supply of the inlay donor modules (3) is consumed with a time delay, in particular the start of the order ckacking with inlay dispenser modules (3) arranged on different carrier material tracks takes place with a time delay.

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