WO2005002992A1

WO2005002992A1 - Transport bag

Info

Publication number: WO2005002992A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/007206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir Samadijavan; Gerhard Abstein; Arpad Tauber
Original assignee: Storsackeurea Technology Gmbh
Priority date: 2003-07-04
Filing date: 2004-07-02
Publication date: 2005-01-13
Also published as: EP1641685A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible transport bag which consist of interlinked parts of a flexible fabric or film material and which optionally comprises one or more carrying straps. The invention is characterized in that at least one passive transponder element (20) is disposed on the transport bag (1) and is provided with at least one transponder comprising a transceiver device (21), an antenna (23) and a data memory and processing device (22) on at least one circuit board (25).

Description

TRANSPORT BAG

The present invention relates to a flexible transport bag, which is formed from interconnected parts of a flexible fabric or film material and optionally has one or more risers.

It is known to use transport bags, so-called FIBC or big bags, for the storage and transport of bulk goods such as powder and granular products. Big Bags are container sacks, for example made from 100% recyclable and UV-stabilized polypropylene fabrics and polyethylene films or other fabrics made from polyolefin, and are available in every size and design. They are either composed of sheets or formed from a round fabric.

The labeling and identification of these transport bags and their contents is problematic. In practice, simple writable labels and the application of bar codes are not a satisfactory solution due to factors such as contamination, accessibility and reuse of the transport bags. Furthermore, such markings do not fit into modern logistics systems.

Big bags are filled with numerous goods, including those from the food or pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for example, the manufacture, origin and whereabouts of which must be fully documentable.

Since the big bag itself also has a certain value, suppliers and

Customers want to be able to identify and return the delivered bulk containers in a packaging cycle. In addition, numerous specially equipped big bags are known that use special measures to electrostatic charge can derive fertilizers and may therefore be used in potentially explosive areas. Here too, for reasons of liability law, it is desirable to be able to identify the bulk container and / or the load contained therein.

For the purposes mentioned, transport bags are currently also provided with bags in which freight documents etc. can then be inserted. However, it is disadvantageous that these means of identification can easily be lost and / or manipulated. In the case of a barcode, no additional data can be read from the container itself, but must be kept in external databases.

Transponders are known per se, for example from access systems for ski lifts. They essentially consist of a transmitting and receiving device, an antenna and a data storage and processing device, which are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner; Modules can also be combined in complete microchips. As an essential feature, transponders are to be operated without their own power supply and are therefore always ready for operation. They are powered by high-frequency fields that are picked up by the antenna. The data memories can contain a distinctive identification code of the transponder and, moreover, provide storage spaces for customer-related data, which can be written and read from outside using contact devices. The memories are permanent, so that the data is retained even after the radio frequency field has been removed. However, simply embedding a transponder in a pocket on the bulk goods container would not increase security against loss and manipulation.

The object of the invention is to improve the marking and identification of such a transport bag in such a way that these data, which are necessary, among other things, for modern logistics systems, can be read and stored as simply and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, the data carrier should be able to withstand the stresses that arise, to be safe from loss or manipulation and to enable additional data to be stored on the bulk goods container.

The present invention is characterized in that at least one passive transponder element (20), which has at least one, is arranged on the transport bag Transponder with a transmitting and receiving device (21), an antenna (23) and a data storage and processing device (22) on at least one board (25). According to a further feature, the transponder element can have at least two passive transponders that operate in different frequency ranges. Further advantageous features are disclosed in the patent claims and the following description and the drawings.

An advantage of combining a transport bag with a transponder is that it simplifies the exchange of data between the transport bag and the logistics system. In this way, information can be read and stored without contact. In contrast to conventional data carriers or labels, the readability and writeability of the transponder no longer depends on external circumstances. For example, labels can become illegible due to dirt or moisture. Furthermore, it can be extremely problematic to scan a bar code from a FIBC weighing several tons with a bar code reader if this sack is not the right side up or if it is even covered by another sack. Darkness is also a factor that makes it difficult to read and edit the labeling of a FIBC in practice. For example, a truck loaded with a large number of FIBCs can read all the RFIDT data simply by driving through a read gate without even having to unload a transport bag. Improved information for police, customs are also beneficial.

Another advantage is that the present invention makes it possible to uniquely identify FIBCs and their contents throughout the entire life cycle. This is particularly advantageous for dangerous goods, as a maximum lifespan of 5 years is prescribed for sacks.

This is made possible by the fact that each transponder is already provided with a unique, unique code by the manufacturer. Further data relating to the FIBC and / or its content can be added and / or changed during production, storage, transport and / or reuse.

A transponder is connected to the FIBC during or after the manufacturing process of the FIBC. From this moment on, the FIBC is clearly identified. give. It is possible at any time to partially or completely write data to this transponder and / or to read data.

At every point in the use of the FIBCs at which data are to be read in and / or read out, a reading and / or writing device with the appropriate femles and / or teletype properties is installed, this device can, but does not have to, in Line of sight with the transponder. A reading and writing distance of at least 50 cm is advantageous, but can also be smaller if the reading and writing device can be brought out close enough. The data acquisition points can be connected to the corresponding data processing systems of the user via programmable interfaces. This enables data transfer or transfer with existing software systems and the user does not have to switch to a completely new IT system.

A passive medium is used as the transponder. A passive medium has the advantage over an active medium that no permanent energy supply is required for data storage. The activation for writing or reading the data is triggered with the writing and / or reading device, as already mentioned at the beginning.

Both a “read-only” (once writable) or readable and writable (rewritable) transponder can be used as the transponder.

The known transponders each work in a single frequency range. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transponder element is used which has at least two passive transponders that operate in different frequency ranges. The transponders can functionally form the transponder element separately from one another on different circuit boards, and the two transponders are connected to the transport bag separately or together in close proximity to one another. However, the two or more transponders arranged on a single circuit board can also result in the transponder element.

With the arrangement of two passive transponders in different frequency ranges, it is possible to take advantage of the different frequency ranges. The currently most used transponders operate in the range of 13.56 MHz. These advantageously have a high storage capacity and offer the possibility of taking up large amounts of data. Furthermore, these transponders are standardized and approved worldwide. In addition, these transponders are very resistant to weather, pressure and temperature. One disadvantage is that the transponders with 13.56 MHz have a short range of just under 1 m.

Transponders in the UHF range, such as at 800 MHz, have the great advantage of a long range of 4 to 5 m. The current disadvantages are a lower storage capacity, that they are not approved worldwide and are more sensitive, for example to the weather.

By combining a transponder with 13.56 MHz and a further transponder in the UHF range, the advantages are advantageously combined and the disadvantages largely avoided. This increases the reading and writing security considerably.

The transponder element can also comprise more than two transponders that operate in different frequency ranges.

Another feature of the invention is the way the transponder is attached to the FIBC. As described later, this can be implemented in various forms. All types of attachment have in common that they are very robust and protect the transponder element from external influences. In the following, the transponder element is referred to as the transponder in the commercial form, as well as the transponder in an additional envelope or receiving device.

The method of operation of the present invention will now be explained in more detail using a case study.

During or after the production of the FIBC, this transport bag is provided with one or more transponder elements, on which the data already describing / identifying the container are stored indelibly for quality assurance reasons. This transport bag is packed on a pallet, for example, per 100 pieces. The pallet is in turn provided with its own transponder element.

After packaging on the pallet, the pallet-specific data is saved in this "pallet transponder". Data on the number of FIBCs are automatically read from the individual FIBC transponders and, after confirmation, automatically transferred to the warehouse program via an interface and written to the pallet transponder ,

When the pallet is delivered, the pallet passes through a reading gate with scales which records the data such as weight, FIBC-specific information, order number, quantity etc. for delivery notes, customs papers etc. and forwards them to the appropriate places.

When the goods are delivered to the customer, the goods are recorded via a reading gate with appropriate interfaces to the customer's IT system. This gives the customer the opportunity to transfer the data to a fully automated storage system. When it is removed from the warehouse, the FIBC passes the reading gate again (automatic warehouse debit).

During or after filling the FIBC, the product and filling data of the filling material are transferred to the transponder. When the filled FIBC is stored, it passes a corresponding reading gate in the finished goods warehouse and the corresponding data are automatically transferred to the customer's storage system.

When the filled FIBCs are delivered, the data are automatically taken out of the warehouse as they pass the reading gate and forwarded to the appropriate locations such as the shipping point.

The same sequence of processes at the customer of the product can be designed accordingly. The system also provides traceability when the FIBC is used multiple times.

In a special embodiment variant, the use of a thermoplastic circuit board is provided. While boards in the electronics industry are usually made of plastic materials, for example epoxy resin, are formed so that sufficient adhesion is provided for the applied copper layer to form the conductor tracks, the targeted selection of a plastic can be made that is chemically similar to the plastic from which the fabric of the transport bag is formed is so that a connection by heat welding processes is possible. A material connection between the transponder and the transport bag is achieved, so that the transponder can no longer be removed from the bulk container without being destroyed. In addition, thermoplastic boards have a greater elasticity and can also be made very thin and correspondingly flexible, so that they can hardly be felt when they are attached between two layers of the fabric of the transport bag.

In a preferred embodiment, either

- Provide the circuit board in an attachment area on at least one surface over at least part of the surface or the fabric in an attachment area over at least part of its surface contacted by the board with an energy conversion agent such as pigment substances. This energy conversion medium absorbs the light energy of a laser beam and thus enables the circuit board to be welded to the tissue by partially melting the

Circuit board and fabric surface using laser beams.

The same thermoplastic materials, in particular polypropylenes, are preferably provided for the ribbon fabric of the bulk material container and for the circuit board. Other welding methods such as ultrasonic and pulse welding can also be used.

Further advantageous configurations can be found in the further subclaims and are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The figures show in detail:

1 shows a flexible transport bag equipped according to the invention in a perspective view;

2 a detailed view of a transponder element connected to the fabric of the bulk goods container with a transponder. Fig. 3 shows another transport bag in an oblique view.

FIGS. 4 to 7 each show an enlarged embodiment of the transponder or transponder element attached to the cover in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 again shows an oblique view of a transport bag and two enlarged representations of the transponder and the type of attachment.

9 shows a large number of folded and stacked transport bags lying on a pallet.

FIG. 1 shows a transport bag 1 which is essentially formed from a carrying bag 2 and carrying straps 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a lid 5 is connected to the carrying bag 2 via lid seams 6. The cover 5 is reinforced at a cover filling opening 9 by a reinforcing fabric section 8.

As an example, in the illustrated embodiment of the transport bag 1, transponder elements 20 are attached in several places, although in practice the attachment of only one transponder 20 should be sufficient: inside a pocket 4 on a side wall of the carrying bag 2, within an overlap seam 7 on the side edges of the carrying bag 2 or in the lid seam 6 - between the lid 5 and the underlying reinforcing fabric section 8, and - between the carrying bag 2 and the carrying straps 3.

The transponder elements 20 are preferably attached in a concealed manner in this or another way. Since transponders can be read contact-free and over a considerable distance, it is not necessary to optically identify the position of the transponder 20. A concealed attachment rather increases the security against manipulation, damage and / or loss. The transport bag only needs to be moved past the reading and writing device at a certain distance in order to communicate with the transponder.

The transponder element 20 is very small and flat. FIG. 2 shows a schematic structure of a transponder 20 in which electrical devices, such as in particular a transmitting and receiving device 21 and a data storage and processing device 22, and an antenna 23 are attached to a circuit board 25. are arranged. The antenna 23 can also be arranged in whole or in part outside the circuit board 25, but is connected to it or to its devices 21, 22.

It is possible, for example, to design the antenna 23 as a thread and to integrate it into the fabric 11 of the transport bag.

As previously stated, the transponder element can also have several transponders for different frequency ranges, either on separate boards or on a common board.

The circuit board 25 has a fastening area 24 facing the fabric 11, which is provided on the edge in the example shown and in which either the plastic as a whole is provided with pigments as an energy converting agent or is equipped with a corresponding pigment coating by means of which laser beams are absorbed. The laser beam can then penetrate the non-absorbent fabric 11 and strikes the pigments, where local heating takes place, which leads to the partial melting of the plastic parts lying against one another, namely the circuit board 25 and the fabric 11, and thus creates a material connection. The transponder is thus directly connected to the material (fabric or film) of the transport bag 1. The transponder can also be inserted into a container such as a bag made of fabric or integrated into a flap made of plastic or the like and can be connected to the transport bag as a transponder element.

Fig. 3 shows a modified transport bag 1 consisting of a bottom 12, side walls 13 and a lid 5. There is a filler neck 14 approximately in the middle of the lid. This can be closed by a lacing 15. A transponder element 20 is attached to a corner 16. Furthermore, 5 risers 3 are provided at the corner points of the lid.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the corner region 16 of the transport bag 1 with transponder 20, the carrying strap 3, as well as part of the cover 5 and a side wall 13. The transponder carrier material can be seen more precisely as a board 25 on which the transponder 20 is attached and which is between the cover 5 and the transponder cover 17 lies. The transponder cover 17 overlaps the board 25 and on all four sides is connected to the cover 5 by means of a weld seam 18 and thus ensures the secure attachment of the transponder 20, the circuit board 25 and the transponder cover 17 to the cover 5.

Fig. 5 shows essentially the same arrangement of the transponder cover 17, the board 25 and the transponder 20, but the fixation of the elements just mentioned is ensured by an adhesive 19.

6 also shows a similar arrangement, but in this embodiment, in contrast to FIG. 5, the transponder 20 is glued directly between the cover 5 and the circuit board 25 by the adhesive 19.

7 shows, like FIGS. 4 to 6, an enlarged detail with the transponder 20, the carrying strap 3, and part of the cover 5 and a side wall 13, the mounting of the circuit board 25 and thus the transponder 20 mounted thereon on the Cover 5 takes place over the cover seam 6, which runs approximately parallel to a side edge of the cover.

8 shows the transport bag 1 with the overlap seam 7 as one of the side edges of the side walls 13. The transponder element 3 is attached to one of these edges.

The transponder element is designed here as a plastic tab 26 in which the transponder 20 is cast, for example. The flap is folded and riveted to the overlap seam with rivets 27. The tab 26 can fulfill the function of the circuit board, which serves as a carrier material for the transponder.

FIG. 9 schematically shows the arrangement of a plurality of transport bags 1 on a pallet 28. Each transport bag has at least one transponder element 20 and the pallet via the pallet transponder 29.

Claims

claims

1. Flexible transport bag, which is formed from interconnected parts of a flexible fabric or film material and optionally has one or more carrying straps, characterized in that at least one passive transponder element (20) is arranged on the transport bag (1), which has at least one transponder with one transmission - And receiving device (21), an antenna (23) and a data storage and processing device (22) on at least one board (25).

2. Flexible transport bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder element (20) with its circuit board is connected directly to the transport bag (1).

3. Flexible transport bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder element (20) is arranged in a pocket (4) and is connected to the pocket with the transport bag (1).

4. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transponder element (20) is connected to the transport bag (1) by riveting, seaming, gluing or welding.

5. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transponder element is arranged in a corner region of the lid of the transport bag or in the upper seam region of the carrying bag (2).

6. Flexible transport bag according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transponder element is arranged on a carrying strap.

7. Flexible transport bag according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transponder element is arranged on a side surface of the carrying bag.

8. Flexible transport bag according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transponder element with its pocket (4) is sewn onto one of the seams of the carrier bag.

9. Flexible transport bag according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bag (4) is formed from the fabric or film material of the carrier bag.

10. Flexible transport bag according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pocket (4) is designed as a plastic bottle in which the transponder is integrated and that the plastic bottle, preferably by means of rivets, is connected to the transport bag (1).

11. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the transponder is set up for a reading and writing distance of at least 50 cm.

12. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transponder element has at least two passive transponders that operate in different frequency ranges.

13. Flexible transport bag according to claim 12, characterized in that one transponder in the 13.56 MHz range and the other transponder in the UHF range preferably operates at 800 MHz.

14. Flexible transport bag according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the transponder element has the at least two transponders on separate boards.

15. Flexible transport bag according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the transponder element has the at least two transponders on a common board.

16. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the board (25) in a fastening area (24) on at least one ner surface is provided over at least part of the surface with an energy conversion means, which absorbs the light energy of a laser beam, for welding the circuit board (25) to the tissue (11) by partially melting the circuit board and tissue surfaces.

17. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the fabric (11) is provided in an attachment area over at least part of its surface contacted by the circuit board (25) with an energy conversion means which absorbs the light energy of a laser beam for Welding the fabric (11) to the board (25) by partially melting the board and fabric surface.

18. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the circuit board (25) of the transponder (20) and the fabric are formed from a polyolefin.

19. Flexible transport bag according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the board (25) of the transponder element (20) and the fabric (11) are formed from the same thermoplastic material.

20. Flexible transport bag according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the board (25) of the transponder element (20) and the fabric (11) consist of polypropylene.