EP2145338A1

EP2145338A1 - Cable

Info

Publication number: EP2145338A1
Application number: EP08749838A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Siegbert Lapp
Original assignee: Lapp Engineering AG
Current assignee: Lapp Engineering AG
Priority date: 2007-05-08
Filing date: 2008-04-29
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Also published as: US8023786B2; US20100142902A1; WO2008135451A1; DE102007022325A1

Abstract

In order to improve a cable comprising an inner cable body, in which at least one conductor strand of an optical and/or electrical conductor runs in the longitudinal direction of the cable, and an outer shell surrounding the inner body which is positioned between an outer shell surface and the inner body of the cable, and at least one information carrier unit disposed within the outer shell surface of the cable such that the cable also comprises a shielding, the invention proposes that the information carrier unit comprise an antenna unit, located in an antenna surface approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable. The antenna surface runs at a distance from an electric shielding of the cable. Between the antenna surface and the shielding, a distance layer is provided, in which the electromagnetic field coupled to the antenna unit and permeating the antenna surface can extend between the antenna unit and the shielding.

Description

electric wire

The invention relates to a cable comprising an inner cable body in which runs at least one conductor strand of an optical and / or electrical conductor in the cable longitudinal direction, a cable outer casing enclosing the cable inner body, which is located between a cable outer surface and the inner cable body, and at least one information carrier unit arranged within the outer cable surface.

Such cables are known from the prior art. In these known solutions, the inner cable body is not shielded by a shield in the cable.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve a cable of the type described above in such a way that this also has a shield.

This object is achieved in a cable of the type described above according to the invention in that the information carrier unit has a lying in an approximately parallel to the cable longitudinal antenna surface antenna unit that the antenna surface extends at a distance from an electrical shield of the cable and that between the antenna surface and the Shielding a spacer layer is provided, in which the coupling to the antenna unit and the antenna surface passing electromagnetic field between the antenna unit and the shield can propagate. The advantage of the solution according to the invention is to be seen in the fact that with this provided by the intended distance layer the possibility was to achieve a coupling of the antenna unit to the antenna unit of a read / write device even with an existing shield.

In order to improve the formation of the electromagnetic field between the antenna unit and the shield is preferably provided that the spacer layer is electrically non-conductive.

It is particularly favorable if the spacer layer is designed to be non-influencing the electromagnetic field coupling to the antenna unit.

Preferably, it is provided that the antenna unit is arranged at a distance of at least 1.5 mm from the shield.

It is even better if the antenna unit is arranged at a distance of at least 2 mm from the shield.

As an alternative to the solution that the distance layer is designed to be unaffected by the electromagnetic field coupling to the antenna unit, another solution provides that the distance layer is at least partially concentrically formed for the magnetic field coupling to the antenna unit. Such a design of the spacer layer has the advantage that it opens up the possibility of the concentration of the electromagnetic field, even at small distances between the antenna unit and the shield still a good coupling between the antenna unit of the information carrier unit and the antenna unit of a read / write device can be achieved because the field concentration of the electromagnetic field does not reach the shield and thus in this no electromagnetic field weakening eddy currents can be induced.

It is particularly advantageous if a magnetic field-concentrating layer is arranged in the spacer layer.

Such a magnetic field concentrating layer usually has a thickness of less than about 2 mm and can thus be provided without significant influence on the geometry of the cable.

Such a magnetic field-concentrating layer can be produced in a particularly favorable manner if it comprises magnetically conductive particles.

Such magnetically conductive particles are, for example, particles of ferrite, in particular magnetite or metal alloys.

Preferably, such magnetically conductive particles have a particle size in the range of about 1 micron to about 50 microns, preferably in the range between about 2 microns and about 20 microns.

In addition, the magnetically conductive particles are expediently electrically non-conductive, so that they do not change the insulation properties in the cable, as is the case with ferrite.

The magnetically conductive particles can be arranged in a variety of ways in the layer. For example, the magnetically conductive particles could be superficially arranged on the shield. A particularly favorable and permanently functional solution provides that the magnetically conductive particles are embedded in an embedding material.

Expediently, the magnetically conductive particles, in particular in the case of electrically conductive particles, are electrically insulated from one another by the embedding material in order to avoid eddy current effects. This can be achieved in the simplest case by an even electrically non-conductive embedding material.

Such a potting material is, in particular, not to affect the mechanical properties of the cable, a plastic material.

Preferably, it is provided that the plastic material is either a thermoset or a thermoplastic or, for example, PVC.

With regard to the alignment and arrangement of the magnetic field concentrating layer, no further details have been given so far.

Thus, it is particularly advantageous if the magnetic field-concentrating layer faces the shielding with its side facing away from the antenna unit.

In this case, the magnetic field-concentrating layer preferably extends over the entire extent of the antenna unit between it and the shield. With regard to the thickness of the magnetic field-concentrating layer, no further details have been given so far. Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the magnetic field concentrating layer has a thickness of about 50 μ to about 2 mm.

In order to obtain the same advantageous effects of the magnetic field concentrating layer in the entire area of the antenna unit, it is preferably provided that the magnetic field concentrating layer expands in an area extending approximately parallel to the antenna surface.

In principle, the magnetic field-concentrating layer could have a smaller extent than the antenna unit in the antenna surface. However, it is particularly favorable if the magnetic-field-concentrating layer has an extension in the extension surface which corresponds to at least one extension of the antenna unit in the antenna surface.

It is even better if the magnetic-field-concentrating layer has an extension in the extension surface, which extends beyond the extent of the antenna unit in the antenna surface.

For the formation of the magnetic field, it is particularly favorable if a projection of the antenna unit lying in the antenna surface is arranged approximately centered on the extension surface of the magnetic field concentrating layer for expansion of this layer in the extension surface, so that the magnetic field concentrating layer substantially in opposite directions their effect relative to the antenna unit in the same way. With regard to the course of the antenna surface, no further details have been given so far. Thus, it would be conceivable, for example, for the antenna surface to be substantially planar if it does not have too great a dimension transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable.

It is more advantageous, however, if the antenna surface is adapted to the cable geometry and extends approximately cylindrically with respect to a cable central axis.

In principle, it would also be conceivable that the extension surface for the magnetic field-concentrating layer is substantially flat. It is even more advantageous if the extension surface for the magnetic field-concentrating layer is arched.

It is even more advantageous if the extension surface is approximately cylindrical with respect to a cable central axis.

In order to further improve the effect of the magnetic field concentrating layer on the antenna unit, it is preferably provided that an intermediate layer is arranged between the magnetic field concentrating layer and the antenna unit.

This intermediate layer is preferably formed from a magnetically inert material.

With regard to the design of the antenna unit or the realization of the same, no further details have been given so far. For example, the antenna unit could be self-supporting.

A particularly advantageous solution, however, provides that the antenna unit is arranged on a base.

In order to obtain on the part of the base no impairment of the coupling via the magnetic field is preferably provided that the base is made of a magnetically inert material.

For example, the base could be formed to form the intermediate layer.

In order to further introduce the antenna in a simple manner in the cable and to be able to position defined, it is preferably provided that the antenna is arranged on a support strand.

Furthermore, it is also preferably provided that the magnetic field-concentrating layer is arranged on the carrier strand, so that in a simple manner both the antenna unit and the magnetic field-concentrating layer can be positioned relative to one another.

In order to obtain the least possible disturbance of the mechanical properties of the cable in the case of a carrier strand, it is preferably provided that the magnetic field concentrating layer is arranged on one side of the carrier strand facing the antenna unit, so that both the antenna unit and the magnetic field concentrating layer are located on the same side of the antenna Carrier strand lie. No details were given regarding the course of the carrier strand in the previous context.

Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the carrier strand runs approximately parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shield.

In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for the carrier strand to be designed as a supplementary belt, which surrounds the shield in the circumferential direction.

Another advantageous solution provides that the carrier strand runs around the shield in a looping manner.

In this case, the carrier strand is preferably designed to wrap around as the shield.

It could be between the carrier strand and the shield still another separation layer. It is particularly favorable, however, if the carrier strand lies directly on the shield.

The carrier strand is formed in one embodiment so that it only serves to hold the information carrier unit and to position in the cable.

The carrier strand can also have other functions. For example, the carrier strand is formed at least as part of a separating layer between the shield and the cable sheath. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the carrier strand is located on a separating layer between the shield and the outer cable sheath.

A further advantageous solution provides that the antenna unit of the information carrier unit is arranged on a side facing away from the shield of the carrier strand, so that thereby no impairment of the mechanical properties of the cable, in particular the relative movement between the shield and the surrounding part of the cable, can occur ,

Another solution, which does not affect the mechanical properties of the cable, provides that the antenna unit is embedded in the supporting strand.

A further advantageous solution provides that the spacer layer is at least partially formed by an intermediate sheath located between the shield and the cable outer sheath.

This intermediate sheath provides a variety of advantageous possibilities with regard to the construction of a cable according to the invention.

By way of example, such an intermediate casing makes it possible to compensate for the surface waviness resulting from the stranding of the conductor strands as a result of a deviation in the surface shape from a substantially cylindrical shape, in particular radius variations which also appear on structures resting on the inner cable body, and Thus, to create favorable conditions for the surface ripples substantially compensating as uniform as possible support or recording of the information carrier unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the intermediate jacket between the information carrier unit and the shield around the inner cable body has a surface undulation of the inner cable body compensating material layer.

This makes it possible in particular to integrate locally pressure-sensitive information carrier units into the cable, since the material layer substantially prevents locally unequal pressure forces on the information carrier unit, in particular during bending of the cable, due to the surface undulations.

Furthermore, it is provided in a favorable embodiment that the intermediate casing forms a surface which is substantially free from surface waviness of the inner cable body, so that a support surface avoiding mechanical stress is available for the information carrier unit.

It is advantageous if the intermediate casing has a substantially smooth, ideally even substantially cylindrical surface for the information carrier unit.

In addition, such an intermediate sheath provides the advantage of designing the spacer layer between the shield and the antenna surface in a simple manner with the greatest possible thickness. Furthermore, such an intermediate sheath can also be used advantageously to the effect that the intermediate sheath comprises the magnetic field-concentrating layer.

Such a magnetic field-concentrating layer could be produced, for example, by magnetically conductive particles distributed in the intermediate jacket.

Since this layer can be relatively thin as a rule, it is preferably provided that magnetically conductive particles are arranged on the intermediate jacket.

However, in order to make the magnetic field concentrating layer thin, it is preferably provided that magnetically conductive particles are arranged on a surface of the intermediate sheath.

In this case, the surface of the intermediate sheath may be the one which faces the shield, or the one which faces the outer cable sheath.

In particular, it is advantageous if superficially magnetically conductive particles are embedded in the intermediate jacket.

Such magnetically conductive particles can be superimposed in a simple manner, for example by dusting or powdering or Besträuseln in a still soft material of the intermediate sheath in this. This can be achieved, for example, by providing the shield with the magnetically conductive particles and then extruding the intermediate jacket. Alternatively, it is provided that the magnetically conductive particles are applied to the extruded intermediate jacket.

With regard to the arrangement of the antenna unit, no further details have been given. Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the antenna unit is arranged on a lying between the shield and a cable outer sheath intermediate sheath.

Such an arrangement of the antenna unit could for example be such that the antenna unit is fully integrated in the intermediate jacket.

An easily realizable solution, however, provides that the antenna unit is arranged on a surface of the intermediate jacket. In this case, the antenna unit can be attached in a particularly simple manner to the intermediate jacket during manufacture of the cable.

It is particularly simple when the antenna unit is arranged on the surface of the intermediate jacket.

In order to achieve a good fixation of the antenna unit is provided in an alternative embodiment that the antenna unit is at least partially embedded in the intermediate jacket. Such a partial embedding of the antenna unit in the intermediate jacket can also be done by embedding a wire. For example, if the antenna unit is a simple loop.

But it is also conceivable to embedding a conductor formed from a conductive paste or a conductive paint to realize.

It is even more advantageous, in particular for the protection of the antenna unit, if it is embedded for the most part in the intermediate jacket.

The protection is particularly good if the antenna unit is essentially embedded in the intermediate jacket.

As already mentioned, there are various advantageous embodiments of the antenna unit. An advantageous embodiment provides that the antenna unit is formed from an antenna wire.

Such an antenna wire may for example be placed as such on the surface of the intermediate sheath and connected to the integrated circuit.

But it is also possible to embed the antenna wire in the intermediate sheath partially or largely or completely.

Another expedient embodiment of the antenna unit provides that this is designed as a conductor track on a base. Such a design of the antenna unit as a conductor on a base has the advantage that the conductor can be prepared in advance on the base and then can be arranged together with the base on the intermediate sheath. In this case, the integrated circuit can also be arranged on the base.

It is also possible to arrange the integrated circuit in advance on the intermediate jacket and subsequently to arrange the antenna unit with the base on the intermediate jacket.

A further advantageous possibility also provides for arranging the antenna unit with the base first on the intermediate jacket and then setting it on the integrated circuit.

With regard to the arrangement of the base relative to the surface of the intermediate sheath provides an advantageous solution that the base is located on the surface of the intermediate sheath.

This can be realized in that the base rests on the surface of the intermediate jacket.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the base is at least partially embedded in the intermediate sheath. It is even better if the base is for the most part embedded in the intermediate sheath and a particularly expedient solution for protecting the base provides that the base is essentially embedded in the intermediate sheath. Another advantageous embodiment of the antenna unit provides that the antenna unit is designed as a conductor track arranged directly on the intermediate jacket. Such a design of the conductor makes it possible to use the intermediate sheath itself as a basis.

In this case, for example, the conductor track may be formed by a conductive material applied to the intermediate jacket.

The conductive material can be arranged directly on the surface of the intermediate sheath and thus sit only superficially thereof and are covered by the outer sheath.

A better fixation of the conductor track provides that the conductor track is at least partially embedded in the intermediate sheath.

Even better is a substantial or substantially complete embedding of the conductor in the intermediate sheath, since thus better protection of the same and also a better protection of the contact between the latter and the integrated circuit can be achieved when applying an electrically conductive material.

A particularly favorable embodiment provides that the conductor track is applied to the intermediate sheath by a printing or embossing process.

In the course of the explanation of the information carrier unit itself, no further details have been provided so far. Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the information carrier unit comprises an integrated circuit. Also, this integrated circuit can initially be arranged basically anywhere in the cable.

A particularly favorable solution provides that the integrated circuit is combined with the antenna unit to form an assembly.

In this case, it is also advantageous if the integrated circuit is arranged on the intermediate jacket.

It is even better if the integrated circuit is at least partially embedded in the intermediate jacket.

A particularly expedient solution provides that the integrated circuit is at least partially embedded in the outer cable sheath.

In an embodiment of the information carrier unit takes place when placing the integrated circuit on the antenna unit forming and arranged for example on the intermediate conductor tracks simultaneously contacting between terminals of the integrated circuit and the tracks, for example by an electrically conductive adhesive. For this reason, the integrated circuit projects beyond the tracks to the top.

In such an embodiment, it may therefore be advantageous if the integrated circuit projects beyond the surface of the intermediate jacket and is at least partially embedded in the outer jacket. In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the integrated circuit is substantially embedded in the outer jacket.

With regard to the structure of the information carrier units, no further details have been provided so far.

An advantageous solution provides that the information carrier unit has at least one memory for the readable information.

Such a memory could be designed in various ways. For example, the memory could be designed so that the information stored in this memory is overwritten by the read / write device.

However, a particularly advantageous solution provides that the memory has a memory field in which information written once is stored in read-only memory.

Such a memory field is suitable for storing, for example, an identification code for the information carrier unit or other data specific to this information carrier unit, which are no longer changeable by any of the users.

However, such a memory field is also suitable for the cable manufacturer to store information that should not be overwritten. For example, these are cable data, cable specifications or information on the type and usability of the cable. However, this data may also be supplemented, for example, by data that includes information about the manufacture of this particular cable or data that represents measurement protocols from a final test of the cable.

In addition, a memory according to the invention may be further designed such that it has a memory field in which information is stored in read-only memory by an access code.

Such a read-only storage of information may include, for example, data that can be stored by a user. For example, a user in the memory array after assembling the cable could store data about the assembly of the cable or about the total length of the cable or about the respective lengths of the cable, the user being provided an access code by the cable manufacturer for this data in store the memory field.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the memory has a memory field which is freely writable with information.

Such a memory array can record, for example, information that should be stored by the cable user in the cable, for example, the nature of the installation or the packaging of the same.

In particular, when using a plurality of information carrier units, it would be conceivable, for example, that all information carrier units can be addressed using an access code. However, this has the disadvantage that so that the Information carrier units can not be used selectively, for example, to assign different sections of the cable different information.

A conceivable solution to the assignment of different information to different sections of the cable would be that each of the information carrier units carries a different length specification, so that by reading the length of an information carrier unit whose distance to one of the ends of the cable or to both ends of the cable can be determined.

For this reason, it is favorable if each of the information carrier units is individually addressable by an access code.

In the context of the previous description of the information carrier units, it has only been assumed that they carry information which was stored either before or during the production of the cable or when the cable was used in the information carrier units by external read / write devices.

A further advantageous solution of a cable according to the invention provides that the at least one information carrier unit of the cable detects at least one measured value of an associated sensor, that is to say that the information carrier unit not only stores external information and then makes it available again, but is capable of itself Information of the cable, that is, to capture physical state variables of the cable. The advantage of this solution is the fact that in this the information carrier unit can not only be used to provide information readable available, but also can be used to, by means of the sensor statements about the state of the cable, for example on physical state variables of the cable.

In particular, such a detection of state variables can take place during the operation of the cable or else independently of the operation of the cable.

Thus, there is an optimal possibility to detect the state of the cable on the one hand without detailed examination and, on the other hand, to check if necessary, in particular insofar as a potential damage to the conductor strands can be detected when certain physical state variables occur.

In principle, any state variables can be detected with such a sensor, that is, in principle, all state variables for which sensors exist that can be installed in cables.

A preferred solution provides that the sensor detects at least one of the state variables, such as radiation, temperature, tension, pressure, strain and moisture, which can lead to damage to the cable, for example over a long period of exposure or when certain values are exceeded.

With regard to the arrangement of the sensor, no specific information has been provided so far. Thus, a favorable solution provides that the sensor is mechanically connected to a base of the antenna unit.

With regard to the operation of the information carrier unit and the sensor by the information carrier unit, no further details have so far been given. Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the information carrier unit reads out the sensor in the activated state.

This means that the information carrier unit does not have its own power supply, but must be activated by an external power supply.

One possibility of such an activation is that the information carrier unit can be activated by a read / write device.

Another advantageous solution provides that the information carrier unit can be activated by a magnetic field penetrating the shielding of a current flowing through the cable.

This solution has the advantage that no activation of the information carrier unit by the read / write device is required, but independent of the read / write device, an alternating magnetic field is available which provides sufficient energy for the operation of the information carrier unit, wherein the information carrier unit that energy also via a suitable antenna. By way of example, the current flowing through the cable can be a time-variable current, as used in drives supplied with pulse-width-modulated current.

The current flowing through the cable may be a current flowing in a data line or a variable frequency current as used in control lines for synchronous motors.

However, it is also conceivable that the current is a conventional alternating current at a certain frequency, for example also the mains frequency.

Furthermore, it would be possible for two lines of the cable to be connected in such a way that an electromagnetic field with the standardized carrier frequency of the information carrier units is generated. This would have the advantage that no special provision for energy production in the information carrier units must be made.

In all these cases, inductively the coupling of the energy via the generated by this alternating current and the shield penetrating, in particular low-frequency, alternating electromagnetic field is carried out in the antenna unit of the information carrier unit.

In principle, it would be sufficient to design the information carrier unit such that it detects the measured value and then transmits it directly to the read / write device. However, in order to be able to acquire different measured values at different points in time, for example also during the transmission of other types of information between read / write device and information carrier unit, it is preferably provided that the information carrier unit stores the at least one measured value in a memory. Thus, the measured value at any times, namely when it is requested by the read / write device to be read.

In particular, it is also possible to record measured values and make them accessible later when the information carrier unit does not interact with a read / write device and is activated, for example, by an electromagnetic field of a current flowing through the cable.

Since cables with long lifetimes are to be expected and the acquisition of the measured values would then generate a high data volume, a reduction in the amount of data is expediently provided.

One way of reducing the amount of data provides that the information carrier unit in the memory field stores a measured value only if it exceeds a threshold value.

This can be done, for example, in such a way that the information carrier unit constantly records the measured values, but the information carrier unit is given a threshold value from which the measured values are stored, so that normal states are not stored, but only the measured values which are defined by the threshold value are stored Normal state does not correspond. In the simplest case, these measured values are then stored as mere measured values, in somewhat more complex cases as measured values with an indication of the time at which they were recorded, or with other circumstances in which these measured values were recorded.

Alternatively, an advantageous solution provides that the information carrier unit only stores measured values in the memory field which lie outside a statistically determined normal measured value distribution.

With regard to the areas in which the state variables are determined by means of the sensor, so far no further details have been given.

A suitable solution provides that the sensor detects at least one state variable in the outer cable sheath, which may be, for example, radiation, temperature, pressure, tension or strain.

Another advantageous solution provides that the sensor detects state variables between the shield and the cable outer jacket.

For example, it is possible with such a solution to detect relative movements between the shield and the outer cable sheath.

These relative movements can reach an order of magnitude which results in irreversible damage to the cable and, for example, an increase in the friction between the shield and the outer cable sheath. For example, these excessive relative movements can lead to damage to a separating layer between the shield and the cable outer jacket or damage to the shield.

However, these relative movements can also occur as shear stresses between the shield and cable outer sheath and be detected as such with a shear force sensor.

With regard to the design of the sensor so far no further details have been made.

Thus, it is favorable if the sensor is a sensor varying in accordance with the physical state variable to be detected, since an electrical resistance can be easily detected.

An alternative or supplementary solution provides that the sensor is a capacitance-varying sensor in accordance with the physical state variable to be measured, since it is easy to detect capacitance without great electrical power consumption.

Such a sensor can be realized in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by means of a layer structure, in particular a multilayer layer structure, since layer structures can be produced easily and are simply adaptable to the respective conditions.

Furthermore, no details have been given regarding the arrangement of the sensor relative to the information carrier unit. A solution provides that the sensor is arranged outside of an integrated circuit of the information carrier unit. This solution makes it possible to use the sensor, for example, to absorb tensile forces, shear forces, strains, or overstretching. However, it is also conceivable to use the sensor for measuring radiation, temperatures or pressure at specific points of the cable, for example in the inner cable body or in the separating layer or in the cable sheath.

However, such a solution makes it necessary to establish and maintain a stable and permanent electrical connection between the sensor and the integrated circuit.

For these reasons, alternatively, another favorable solution provides that the sensor is arranged on the integrated circuit. This solution has the advantage that the sensor can be manufactured in a simple manner with the integrated circuit, and that considerably less problems in maintaining the functionality of the sensor occur, since the sensor and the part of the integrated circuit carrying it are firmly connected to one another ,

In the simplest case, the sensor may be provided as a component of the integrated circuit, which comprises a temperature in the vicinity of the integrated circuit.

However, it is also conceivable to design the sensor as a moisture sensor which detects the moisture occurring in the region of the integrated circuit. With regard to the type and design of the sensor so far no further details have been made.

Thus, an advantageous embodiment provides that the sensor is an irreversibly reacting to the state variable to be detected sensor.

Such a sensor has the advantage that it reacts irreversibly when the state quantity occurs, so that it is not necessary for the sensor and in particular the information carrier unit at the time of occurrence of the state variable to be detected or the occurrence of the deviation of the state variable to be detected is active. Rather, at all later times, the sensor is able to generate a measurement that corresponds to the state quantity that has been reached at some point in the past.

Alternatively, it is provided that the sensor is a reversibly reacting sensor with regard to the state variable to be detected. In this case, when the state variable to be detected or the change of the state variable to be detected occurs, it is necessary to activate the sensor in order to be able to detect the measured value corresponding to this state variable.

Further features and advantages are the subject of the following description and the drawings of some embodiments. In the drawing show:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of an information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a realization of the first embodiment of the information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment of an information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view similar to Figure 2 on a realization of the second embodiment of the information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view similar to Figure 4 on a variant of the second

Embodiment of the information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a block diagram similar to Figure 1 of a third embodiment of an information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view similar to Figure 2 on a realization of the third

Embodiment of the information carrier unit according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of individual parts of the structure of a first embodiment of a cable according to the invention; 9 shows a section through the first embodiment in the region of the information carrier unit;

FIG. 10 an enlarged representation of the conditions in the region of the information carrier unit in section in FIG. 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 of a second embodiment of a cable according to the invention;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 10 of the second embodiment of the cable according to the invention;

Figure 13 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 of a third embodiment of a cable according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 of a fourth embodiment of a cable according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a section similar to FIG. 9 through the fourth exemplary embodiment of the cable according to the invention in the region of the information carrier unit;

FIG. 16 shows a section similar to FIG. 9 through a fifth exemplary embodiment of the cable according to the invention in the region of the information carrier unit;

Figure 17 is a section similar to Figure 9 through a sixth embodiment of a cable according to the invention; Figure 18 is a section similar to Figure 9 through a seventh embodiment of a cable according to the invention and

FIG. 19 shows a section similar to FIG. 9 through an eighth exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the invention;

An exemplary embodiment of an information carrier unit 10 to be used according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises a processor 12 with which a memory denoted overall by 14 is coupled, wherein the memory is preferably designed as an EEPROM.

Furthermore, an analog part 16, which interacts with an antenna unit 18, is coupled to the processor 12.

In the case of electromagnetic coupling of the antenna unit 18 to an antenna unit 19 of a write / read device designated as a whole, the analog part 16 is able to supply the electrical operating voltage necessary for the operation of the processor 12 and the memory 14 and of the analog part 16 itself generate the required power and on the other hand to provide the information transmitted by electromagnetic field coupling at a carrier frequency information to the processor 12 or 12 generated by the processor information signals via the antenna unit 18 to the read / write device 20 to transmit.

The most diverse carrier frequency ranges are possible. In an LF frequency range of about 125 to about 135 kHz, the antenna unit 18 acts essentially as a second coil of a transformer formed by the antenna unit 18 and the antenna unit 19 of the reader / writer 20, wherein the energy and information transmission substantially over the Magnetic field takes place.

In this frequency range, the range between the read / write device 20 and the antenna unit 18 is low, that is, for example, the mobile read / write device 20 must be brought very close to the antenna unit 18, to less than 10 cm.

In an RF frequency range between about 13 and about 14 MHz, the antenna unit 18 also acts essentially as a coil, wherein still a good energy transfer with a sufficiently long range in the interaction between the antenna unit 18 and the read / write device 20 is possible, for example, the distance is less than 20 cm.

In the UHF frequency range, the antenna unit 18 is designed as a dipole antenna, so that in the case of non-mobile read / write device 20 power supply of the information carrier unit 10, a large range in communication with the read / write device 20, for example, up to 3 m can be realized , wherein the interaction between the read / write device 20 and the antenna unit 18 takes place via electromagnetic fields. The carrier frequencies are about 850 to about 950 MHz, or about 2 to about 3 GHz, or about 5 to about 6 GHz. When powered by the mobile read / write device 20, the range in communication is up to 50 cm. Depending on the frequency range, therefore, the antenna units 18 are formed differently. In the LF frequency range, the antenna unit 18 is formed as a compact, for example, wound coil with an extension, which may also be less than one square centimeter. In this frequency range, it is to be assumed that a shield provided in the cable has essentially no effect on the coupling between the antenna unit 18 and the read / write device 20.

In the RF frequency range, the antenna unit 18 is also formed as a sheet-like coil, which may also have a larger dimension in the dimension of several square centimeters.

In the UHF frequency range, the antenna unit 18 is designed as a dipole antenna of very different characteristics.

In the RF and UHF frequency range, the presence of a shield in the cable affects the coupling between the antenna unit 18 and the R / W device 20.

The memory 14 cooperating with the processor 12 is preferably divided into a plurality of memory fields 22 to 28, which can be written in different ways.

By way of example, the memory field 22 is provided as a memory field which can be written by the manufacturer and carries, for example, an identification code for the information carrier unit 10. This identification code is written in the memory field 22 by the manufacturer, and at the same time the memory field 22 is provided with a write inhibit. The memory array 24 can be provided, for example, with a write lock that can be activated by the cable manufacturer, so that the cable manufacturer has the option of describing the memory array 24 and of securing the information in the memory array 24 by means of a write lock. Thus, the processor 12 has the ability to read out and output the existing information in the memory array 24, but the information in the memory array 24 can not be overwritten by third parties.

For example, the information stored in the memory array 24 is information about the type, type of cable and / or technical specifications of the cable.

In the memory field 26, for example, information is stored by the buyer of the cable and provided with a write protection. Here is the possibility that the buyer and user of the cable stores information about the installation and use of the cable and secured by the write lock.

In memory array 28, information is freely writable and freely readable, so that this memory array can be used during use of the information carrier unit in conjunction with a cable for storing and reading information.

The illustrated in Fig. 1 embodiment of the information carrier unit 10 is a so-called passive information carrier unit and thus requires no energy storage, in particular no accumulator or no battery to interact with the read / write device 20 and to exchange information. In a realization of the information carrier unit 10 shown in FIG. 2, a base 40 thereof extends in a longitudinal direction 41 and carries an integrated circuit 42 comprising the processor 12, the memory 14 and the analog part 16, as well as tracks 44 provided on the base 40, which, for example, are designed as coil loops extending in an antenna surface 45 for the HF frequency range and form the antenna unit 18. The printed conductors 44 can be applied on the base 40 by means of any shape-selective coating processes, for example in the form of printing a conductive lacquer or a conductive paste.

The base 40 is, for example, a bendable, especially flimsy material, for example, a plastic tape on which on the one hand, the conductor 44 by coating easily and permanently be applied and on the other hand, the integrated circuit 42 is simply fixed, in particular so that in large extent a permanent electrical connection between outer terminals 46 of the integrated circuit 42 and the conductor tracks 44 can be realized.

If the base 40 is formed as a flat material, it is advantageous if it is formed with edge regions 48 which are dull for their surroundings, in order to avoid damage to the surroundings of the base 40 in the cable when the cable is moved. In the case of a base 40 formed from a thin sheet material, this means, for example, that it has rounded corner regions and, if possible, also has dull-looking, for example deburred, edges. In a second exemplary embodiment of an information carrier unit 10 'according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 3, those elements which are identical to those of the first exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, so that with regard to the description of the same, reference may be made in full to the first exemplary embodiment.

In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the processor 12 is associated with a sensor 30, with which the processor 12 is able to detect physical quantities of the cable, such as radiation, pressure, temperature, train or moisture, and for example corresponding Store values in the memory array 28.

The sensor 30 can be designed depending on the field of use.

For example, it is conceivable to design the sensor 30 for measuring a pressure as a pressure-sensitive layer, the pressure sensitivity being able to be measured capacitively, for example by means of a resistance measurement or in the case of a multilayered layer.

Alternatively, for example, to form the sensor 30 as a temperature sensor, it is conceivable to design the sensor as a resistor variable with the temperature, so that a temperature measurement is possible by means of a resistance measurement.

When forming the sensor 30 as a tensile or strain sensor, the sensor is designed for example as a strain gauge, which changes its electrical resistance depending on the strain. However, if the sensor 30 is designed to be irreversible to a specific strain or train, it is also possible to form the sensor as an electrical connection-releasing sensor, such as a wire or trace, in which the electrical connection is from a certain point Break a certain strain by breaking at a predetermined breaking point or cracking breaks or passes from a low to a high resistance.

However, the tension measurement or the strain measurement could also be realized by a capacitive measurement if necessary.

In the case of a humidity sensor, the sensor 30 is preferably formed as a multi-layered layer structure which changes its electrical resistance or its capacity depending on the humidity.

Incidentally, the second embodiment of FIG. 2 operates in the same manner as the first embodiment.

In an implementation of the second exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, the information carrier unit 10 'also comprises the sensor 30, which can be, for example, a radiation sensor for all types of physical radiation, a temperature sensor, a tensile or strain sensor or a moisture sensor covering a large area formed as a layer 32 and disposed on the base 40 adjacent to the antenna unit 18, as shown in Fig. 7. In a variant of the second exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the sensor 30 is designed as a multilayer layer structure 34 and can thus be operated as a capacitive sensor 30 in a space-saving design. In particular moisture, temperature or pressure due to the state-dependent capacity can be detected in a simple manner.

Such a sensor 30 may be easily contacted by the integrated circuit or formed as part thereof.

In contrast to the second embodiment, in a third embodiment 10 ", shown in Fig. 6, the analog part 16 associated with an antenna unit 18" having a two-part effect, namely, for example, an antenna portion 18a, which in a known manner with the read / write device 20 communicates and an antenna part 18 b, which is capable of coupling by induction to a magnetic alternating field 31 and the energy to withdraw with this extracted from the alternating magnetic field 31 energy, the information carrier unit 10 "independent of the read / write device 20 operate.

For example, the alternating magnetic field 31 can be generated by the stray field of an AC line, which is connected, for example, to a 50 Hz AC voltage source. Thus, it is possible, regardless of whether read or read information is to take place with the read / write device 20, to supply the information carrier unit 10 "with energy as long as the alternating field 31 exists. Such independent of the read / write device 20 supply of the information carrier unit 10 "with electrical energy is particularly useful if the sensor 30 is to be detected over long periods of a physical size, not with the period of coupling of the read / write device 20th to coincide with the antenna unit 18a, but should be independent of this.

Thus, for example, the information carrier unit 10 "can be activated by switching on the alternating magnetic field 31 so that physical state variables can be measured by the sensor 30 and detected by the processor 12 and stored, for example, in the memory field 28, irrespective of whether the write / Reader 20 is coupled to the antenna unit 18 or not.

For example, the alternating magnetic field 31 can be generated by the stray field of a data line, a control line, a pulsed power line or an AC line, which is connected, for example, to a 50 Hz or higher frequency AC power source. This makes it possible, regardless of whether the read / write device 20 is to be read or read information, to supply the information carrier unit 10 with energy as long as the alternating field 31 exists.

The frequency of the alternating field 31 and a resonant frequency of the antenna part 18b can be adapted to each other so that the antenna part 18b is operated in resonance and thus allows an optimal energy input from the alternating field 31. Such supply of the information carrier unit 10 with electrical energy, which is independent of the read / write device 20, makes sense in particular if a physical state variable is to be detected with the sensor 30 over longer periods of time which does not coincide with the period of coupling of the read / write device 20 to the antenna unit 18 a coincide, but should be independent of this.

Thus, for example, the information carrier unit 10 can be activated by switching on the alternating electromagnetic field 31 so that physical state variables can be measured by the sensor 30 and detected by the processor 12 and stored, for example, in the memory field 28, regardless of whether the read / write device 20 is coupled to the antenna unit 18 or not.

In an implementation of the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the sensor 30 is formed as a strain gauge 36, which is arranged in this embodiment on a base 40 connected to the base 37 which is stretchable in a longitudinal direction 38 of the strain gauge 36.

The pad 37 together with the strain gauges 36 can be advantageously fixed in this embodiment to the part to be measured or embedded in this, so that the elongation of this part or the environment of the pad 37 is transferred to the pad 37 and thus the pad 37 unadulterated the strain absorb their environment and can transfer to the strain gauge 36. The longitudinal direction 38 extends in this embodiment, for example, parallel to the direction 41, which is a longitudinal direction of the base 40, but may also extend transversely thereto.

In the case of this information carrier unit 10 ", if the expansion strip 36 is firmly connected to a component of the cable to be stretched, strains in the longitudinal direction 38 of the strain gauge 36 can be measured and detected on the integrated circuit 42 by the processor 12.

An information carrier unit corresponding to the exemplary embodiments described above can be used in a cable according to the invention in different variants.

A first exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 according to the invention shown in FIG. 8 comprises an inner cable body 62 in which a plurality of electrical conductor strands 64 run, wherein the electrical conductor strands 64 each have, for example, a core 66 of an electrical or optical conductor which in turn is again insulated.

In this case, the conductor strands 64 are preferably stranded together about a longitudinal axis 70 extending parallel to a longitudinal direction 68 of the cable 60, that is, they are arranged around the longitudinal axis 70 and extend at an angle to a parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 which intersects the respective conductor strand 64. The inner cable body 62 is enclosed by a first separating layer 72, which is formed, for example, as a protective film and completely encloses the cable inner body 62 in a circumferential direction. For example, the separating layer 72 is wound in the form of one or more bands 76 around the cable inner body 62 and encloses it in the circumferential direction 74 area-covering.

The separating layer 72 separates the inner cable body 62 from a shield 80, which likewise encloses the inner cable body 62 and the separating layer 72 in the circumferential direction 74 and thus protects the inner cable body 62, in particular the conductor strands 64, against electromagnetic interference and, on the other hand, also electromagnetic radiation from it prevented.

The shield 80 is covered in this embodiment by a second separator layer 82, which also encloses the shield 80 again covering the area. The second separating layer 82 can in this case be designed as an extension belt running in the direction of the longitudinal axis 70, which surrounds the shield 80, or likewise around the shield 80, for example overlapping, wound belts 86, for example formed from a flow material or another material.

The second separating layer 82 is in turn enclosed by a cable outer jacket 90, which is preferably produced during the production of the cable 60 by extrusion and also completely encloses the second separating layer 82 in the circumferential direction 76. The outer cable sheath 90 usually adheres to the second separation layer 82.

The outer cable sheath 90 in turn forms a cable outer circumferential surface 92 defining the outer contour of the cable 60. In the first embodiment of a cable 60 according to the invention, shown in FIG. 8, one of the belts 86 carries, for example, the information carrier unit 10 according to the first described embodiment, the information carrier unit 10 being arranged on the belt 86 as shown in FIG Case represents a carrier tape for the information carrier unit 10 and. When manufacturing the cable 60 according to the invention, winding the tape 86 around the shield 80 with the tape 86 also inserts one or more information carrier units 10 into the cable.

For example, the base 40 of the information carrier unit 10 is fixed on the belt 86 by means of a flexible and elastic adhesive layer 100.

For communication between the read / write device 20 and the information carrier unit 10, a magnetic field 102 (FIG. 10) is formed in the RF frequency range, which couples the antenna unit 19 of the read / write device 20 and the antenna unit 18 of the identification unit 10 to one another. In order to avoid eddy currents due to this electromagnetic field 102 in the shield 80 induced by field induction and the opposing field thereby building which weakens the electromagnetic field 102, there is provided between the base 40 and the adhesive layer 100 a magnetic field concentrating layer 104 which forms the antenna surface 45 and thus also the antenna unit 18 passing through magnetic field 102 concentrated and thereby kept away from the shield 80, so that the antenna unit 19 of the read / write device 20 and the antenna unit 18 of the information carrier unit 10th be coupled via the electromagnetic field 102 with a sufficiently large degree of coupling and thus a communication between the read / write device 20 and the identification unit 10 is possible to an extent that corresponds approximately or almost the proportions of a cable without such a shield 80.

Here, the magnetic field-concentrating layer 104 is formed as a layer in which magnetically conductive particles 106 are arranged, which are embedded in an electrically insulating Einbettmaterial 108, for example, a resin or plastic material.

Such magnetically conductive particles 106 are, for example, particles of ferrite, in particular magnetite, which are not electrically conductive, or of metal alloys, which may be electrically conductive. For example, the particles have a particle size in the range between about 1 μm and about 50 μm, more preferably in the range between about 2 μm and about 20 μm.

The magnetic-field-concentrating layer 104, which extends in an extension surface 110 approximately parallel to the antenna surface 45, permits the possibility of magnetic flux in the direction of the extension surface 110 within the magnetic field-concentrating layer 104, which in turn allows a sufficiently large magnetic flux through the antenna surface 45 without the electromagnetic shielding effect of the shield 80 having an interfering, that is to say reducing the magnetic flux through the antenna unit 18, since the magnetic field concentrating layer 104 in turn has the shield 80 in the shield Substantially completely shields the magnetic flux generated by the antenna unit 19 of the reader / writer 20 and concentrates it substantially in the magnetic field concentrating layer 104.

Further, in this embodiment, the base 40 is made of an electrically inert material so that the base 40 has no influence on the magnetic field 102.

In this embodiment, usually due to the shape of the cable 60, the antenna surface 45 is an approximately cylindrical surface to the longitudinal axis 70, wherein the cylindrical shape does not necessarily have to have a circular cross-sectional shape, but may also have other cross-sectional shapes, such as an oval cross-sectional shape.

Similarly, the extension surface 110 is also an approximately cylindrical surface to the longitudinal axis 70 of the cable 60, wherein the extension surface 110 and the antenna surface 45 preferably at substantially constant distance from each other and thus each have substantially a similar cross-sectional shape.

In a second exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 'according to the invention, shown in FIG. 11, the second separating layer 82' is not formed from tapes 86, but from a band 87 enveloping the shield 80 in the manner of a supplementary tape, which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 extends and whose edges 88a and 88b approximately abut or overlap. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the identification unit 10 may extend or be aligned with the longitudinal direction 41 of the base 40 approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 70, with the identification unit 10 being disposed and supported on the release liner in the same manner as in the first embodiment as shown in FIG.

Incidentally, there is also a magnetic field concentrating layer 104 which operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In a third exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 "according to the invention, shown in FIG. 13, the separating layer 72 'is not formed in the form of a foil, in contrast to the first and second exemplary embodiments, but is formed by an inner jacket 72' which is extruded onto the inner cable body 62 and encloses it comprehensively.

On this inner shell 72 'is then the shield 80, which is formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the shield 80 is surrounded by a second separator layer 82, which is also formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, wherein on a the bands 86 of the second separating layer 82, the identification unit 10, for example, according to the first embodiment is arranged, which is also formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 '"according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 14, the structure with respect to the cable inner body 62 and the first separating layer 72 is identical to that of the first, for example Embodiment. However, the shield 80 is enclosed by an intermediate jacket 120, which is extruded onto the shield 80 and thus also surrounds it comprehensively. The intermediate jacket 120 is in turn once again enclosed by the cable outer jacket 90.

In the case of highly flexible cables, however, the second separating layer 82 can also be provided between the shield 80 and the intermediate jacket 120.

In this fourth exemplary embodiment, the information carrier unit 10 is seated on the intermediate casing 120, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, which encloses the shielding 80, as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the intermediate sheath 120 preferably comprises a magnetic field concentrating layer 124, the magnetic field concentrating layer 124 being obtainable, for example, by embedding magnetically conductive particles 106 in a surface material region 122 of the intermediate sheath 120 facing the shield 80, this being achieved by superficial dusting of the shield 80 is possible prior to extruding the intermediate jacket 120 by incorporating the magnetically conductive particles 106 into the superficial material region 122 which is in the softened state when the intermediate jacket 120 is extruded.

Such an intermediate jacket 120 comprising a magnetic-field-concentrating layer 124 gives the cable 60 '"improved properties overall since it additionally improves the electromagnetic radiation shielding effect due to the electrical shield 82 for the magnetic field component. At the same time, the magnetic field-concentrating layer 124 of the intermediate jacket 120 serves to guide the magnetic field 102 passing through the antenna surface 45, which serves for coupling between the antenna unit 19 of the read / write device 20 and the antenna unit 18 of the identification unit 10, in the same way as in connection with FIG the first embodiment of the cable according to the invention is described, but with the difference that in this case, the magnetic field concentrating layer 124 extends over the entire cable in the direction of the longitudinal axis 70 and also completely encloses the inner cable body 62.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable, by dusting or powdering the still soft material 122 of the shield 80 to apply only locally limited magnetic field concentrating layer 124, namely in the area in which a placement of the identification unit 10 is provided, so that a more cost-effective solution due the saving of the magnetically conductive particles 106 is available, in particular in all cases in which an entire magnetic field concentrating layer 124 surrounding the cable inner body 62 offers no advantages.

In this exemplary embodiment, the information carrier unit 10, for example with the base 40, is likewise placed on the intermediate casing 120, for example in the region of the surface 126 facing away from the cable inner body 62, and adhesively bonded, for example, by an adhesive layer 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the outer cable sheath 90 covers the inner cable sheath 120 in the area of its surface 126 and, in this case as well, embeds the information carrier unit 10, so that the information carrier unit is securely fixed in the cable 60 '".

In a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 "" according to the invention, shown in FIG. 16, in contrast to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field concentrating layer 124 'is arranged on a side of the intermediate sheath 120 facing away from the shield 80 and becomes even thinner by dusting, powdering or bestrelling or subsequently heating softened material 122 'of the intermediate jacket 120 after it has been extruded, so that the base 40 of the information carrier unit 10 is placed on the magnetic field concentrating layer 124' and fixed, for example, by the adhesive layer 100.

In a sixth embodiment of a cable according to the invention

60, shown in Figure 17, the structure corresponds in principle to the fourth

Embodiment of the inventive cable 60 '", however, in this embodiment, between the shield 80 and the intermediate jacket 120, a release layer 82 is provided to give the cable maximum flexibility or flexibility and the information carrier unit 10 is embedded in the intermediate jacket 120.

Furthermore, the intermediate casing 120 itself is not provided with the magnetic field-concentrating layer 124, but the base 40 carries on its side facing the cable inner body 62, the magnetic field-concentrating layer 104, as described in connection with the first or second embodiment. On the basis of the 40 are then arranged according to the embodiments described above, the tracks 44 and the integrated circuit 42.

Preferably, the entire information carrier unit 10 is substantially embedded in the intermediate sheath 120, so that the conductor tracks 44 and the integrated circuit 42 on the base 40 only partially over the surface 126 of the intermediate sheath 120, which in turn is covered by the outer cable sheath 90, so the outer cable sheath 90 completely surrounds the entire intermediate sheath 120 in the manner described.

In a seventh embodiment of a cable 60 'according to the invention, shown in FIG. 18, the construction of the cable itself is identical in principle to that of the fourth and fifth embodiments, but with the difference that in this embodiment the antenna unit 18 is designed for the UHF frequency range is and thus the tracks 44 represent only a so-called dipole antenna.

In the UHF frequency range, the interference of the electromagnetic field 102 coupling the antenna unit 19 of the reader / writer 20 and the antenna unit 18 of the information carrier unit 10 is small when the antenna surface 45 has a sufficiently large distance A from the shield 80, in which case the distance is at least about 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm. For this reason, in this embodiment, no magnetic field concentrating layer is required when, as shown in Figure 18, the information carrier unit 10 is seated on a spacer 132, which together with the second release liner 82, the adhesive layer 100 and the base 40, a sufficiently thick spacer layer between the Shield and the antenna unit 18 forms.

In an eighth exemplary embodiment of a cable 60 according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 19, to achieve a sufficiently thick spacer layer for the operation of the information carrier unit 10 in the UHF range, it is provided that the information carrier unit 10 is at least partially embedded in the intermediate casing 120 and thus the antenna surface 45 can be arranged at a sufficient distance from the shield 80, wherein the material of the intermediate jacket 120 and the material of the separator layer 82 substantially does not affect the electromagnetic field 134, that is so are electromagnetically inert, so that the electromagnetic field 134 also between the Antenna surface 45 and the shield 80 can propagate to the extent that is required in order to achieve a sufficiently good coupling between the antenna unit 19 of the reader / writer 20 and the antenna unit 18.

Incidentally, in the second to eighth embodiments, all parts which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments are given the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the preceding embodiments in terms of description and function of these parts in each embodiment.

Claims

PAT EN TA NSPR O CHE

1. Cable (60) comprising an inner cable body (62) in which runs at least one conductor strand (64) of an optical and / or electrical conductor in the cable longitudinal direction, a cable outer body (62) enclosing outer cable sheath (90) which between a cable outer circumferential surface (92 ) and the cable inner body (62), and at least one information carrier unit (10) arranged inside the cable outer lateral surface (92), characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) has an antenna unit (18) located in an antenna surface (45) extending approximately parallel to the cable longitudinal direction in that the antenna surface (45) is at a distance from an electrical shield (80) of the cable (60) and that a spacer layer (82, 100, 104, 124, 40) is provided between the antenna surface (45) and the shield (80). is provided, in which the ankoppelnde to the antenna unit (18) and the antenna surface (45) durc Electromagnetic field (102) between the antenna unit (18) and the shield (80) can propagate.

2. Cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer layer (82, 100, 104, 124, 40) is electrically non-conductive.

3. Cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer layer (82, 100, 40) to the antenna unit (18) coupling electromagnetic field is formed unaffected.

4. Cable according to claim 3, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) is arranged at a distance of at least 1.5 mm from the shield (80).

5. Cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer layer (82, 100, 104, 124) at least partially for the coupling to the antenna unit (18) magnetic field (102) is formed concentrically.

6. Cable according to claim 5, characterized in that in the spacer layer, a magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) is arranged.

7. Cable according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) comprises magnetically conductive particles (106).

8. Cable according to claim 7, characterized in that the magnetically conductive particles (106) has a particle size in the range of approximately

1 micron to about 50 microns.

9. Cable according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the magnetically conductive particles (106) in an embedding material (108, 122) are embedded.

10. Cable according to claim 9, characterized in that the embedding material (108, 122) the magnetically conductive particles (106) against each other electrically isolated.

11. Cable according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the embedding material (108, 122) is a plastic.

12. Cable according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the magnetic field-concentrating layer (104, 124) facing away from the antenna unit (18) side of the shield.

13. Cable according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the magnetic field concentrating layer has a thickness of about 50 microns to about 2 mm.

14. Cable according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the magnetic field-concentrating layer (104, 124) expands in an approximately parallel to the antenna surface (45) extending extension surface (110).

15. Cable according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) in the extension surface (110) has an extension which corresponds to at least one extension of the antenna unit (18) in the antenna surface (45).

16. A cable according to claim 15, characterized in that the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) in the extension surface has an extension which extends beyond the extension of the antenna unit (18) in the antenna surface (45).

17. Cable according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a projection of the in the antenna surface (45) lying antenna unit (18) on the extension surface of the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) approximately centered to the extent of this layer (104, 124) in the extension surface (110) is arranged.

18. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna surface (45) extends curved.

19. Cable according to claim 18, characterized in that the antenna surface (45) with respect to a cable central axis (70) extends approximately cylindrical.

20. Cable according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the extension surface (110) extends curved.

21. Cable according to claim 20, characterized in that the extension surface (110) with respect to a cable central axis (70) extends approximately cylindrical.

22. Cable according to one of claims 5 to 21, characterized in that between the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124) and the antenna unit (18) an intermediate layer (40) is arranged.

23. Cable according to claim 22, characterized in that the intermediate layer (40) is made of a magnetically inert material.

24. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) on a base (40) is arranged.

25. Cable according to claim 24, characterized in that the base (40) is made of a magnetically inert material.

26. Cable according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the base (40) forms the intermediate layer between the antenna unit (18) and the magnetic field concentrating layer (104, 124).

27. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) is arranged on a carrier strand (86).

28. Cable according to claim 27, characterized in that the magnetic field-concentrating layer (104) is arranged on the carrier strand (86).

29. Cable according to claim 28, characterized in that the magnetic field-concentrating layer (104) on one of the antenna unit (18) facing side of the carrier strand (86) is arranged.

30. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the carrier strand (87) extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shield (80).

31. Cable according to claim 30, characterized in that the carrier strand (87) is designed as a supplementary belt.

32. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the carrier strand (86), the shield (80) extends in a looping.

33. Cable according to claim 32, characterized in that the carrier strand (86) as the shield (80) is formed umwickelnd.

34. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that the carrier strand (86) directly on the shield (80).

35. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 34, characterized in that the carrier strand (86, 87) at least part of a separating layer (82) between the shield (80) and the outer cable sheath (90).

36. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 34, characterized in that the carrier strand lies on a separating layer (82) between the shield (80) and the outer cable sheath (90).

37. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 36, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) of the information carrier unit (10) on one of the shield (80) facing away from the carrier strand (86, 87) is arranged.

38. Cable according to one of claims 27 to 37, characterized in that the antenna unit is embedded in the carrier strand (86).

39. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer layer is at least partially formed by a between the shield (80) and the outer cable sheath (90) intermediate sheath (120).

40. A cable according to claim 39, characterized in that the intermediate jacket (120) comprises the magnetic field concentrating layer (124).

41. Cable according to claim 40, characterized in that magnetically conductive particles (106) are arranged on the intermediate casing (120).

42. Cable according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that superficially in the intermediate sheath (120) magnetically conductive particles (106) are embedded.

43. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) on a between the shield (80) and a cable outer sheath (90) lying intermediate sheath (120) is arranged.

44. Cable according to claim 43, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) on a surface (122) of the intermediate jacket (120) is arranged.

45. Cable according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) on the surface (122) of the intermediate jacket (120) is arranged.

46. Cable according to one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) is at least partially embedded in the intermediate jacket (120).

47. Cable according to claim 46, characterized in that the antenna unit (18) is embedded for the most part in the intermediate jacket (120).

48. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) comprises an integrated circuit (42).

49. Cable according to claim 48, characterized in that the integrated circuit (42) and the antenna unit (18) are combined to form an assembly.

50. Cable according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the integrated circuit (42) is arranged on the intermediate casing (120).

51. Cable according to claim 50, characterized in that the integrated circuit (42) of the information carrier unit (10) is at least partially embedded in the intermediate jacket (110).

52. Cable according to one of claims 48 to 51, characterized in that the integrated circuit (42) is at least partially embedded in the outer cable sheath (110).

53. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one information carrier unit (10) has at least one memory (14).

54. A cable according to claim 53, characterized in that the memory (14) has a memory array (22) in which information written once is stored in read-only memory.

55. Cable according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that the memory (14) has a memory array (24) in which information is stored by an access code protected.

56. Cable according to one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that the memory (14) has a memory array (28) which is freely writable with information.

57. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the information carrier units (10) is addressable by an access code.

58. Cable according to claim 57, characterized in that each of the information carrier units (10) is individually addressable.

59. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one information carrier unit (10) of the cable (80) detects at least one measured value of an associated sensor (30).

60. Cable according to claim 59, characterized in that the at least one measured value can be read by the read / write device.

61. Cable according to claim 59 or 60, characterized in that the sensor (30) detects at least one of the state variables such as radiation, temperature, tension, pressure, strain or moisture.

62. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 61, characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) detects the measured value in the activated state.

63. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 62, characterized in that the information carrier unit stores the measured values in a memory field (28) of the memory (14).

64. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 63, characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) in the memory array (28) stores a measured value only if it exceeds a threshold value.

65. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 64, characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) in the memory array (28) stores only measured values that are outside of a statistically determined normal measured value distribution.

66. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 65, characterized in that the sensor (30) detects at least one physical state variable of the cable outer sheath (92).

67. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 66, characterized in that the sensor (30) is an irreversibly responsive to the physical state variable to be detected sensor.

68. Cable according to one of claims 59 to 67, characterized in that the sensor (30) with respect to the state variable to be detected is a reversible sensor.

69. Cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information carrier unit (10) comprises a base (40).

70. Cable according to claim 69, characterized in that an integrated circuit (42) of the information carrier unit (10) on the base (40) is arranged.