Process for identifying objects and object with electronic data carrier
Transponders are used for identifying objects such as packaging, packaging material or machines and machine elements and are attached to the object to be identified. The transponders contain data which are provided by an electronic write unit and which can be recognized by a read unit. The transponders are provided in a concealed manner on the machines, machine parts, etc. or are embedded in the machine part, for example, inside a recess.
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This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/488,186 filed Mar. 1, 2004. The entire disclosure of the prior application, application No. 10/488,186 is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a process for identifying objects, in particular packages, packaging material, machines, machine parts, machine assemblies, etc. Furthermore the invention relates to packages, packaging material, machines, machine assemblies and the like having data carriers for identification purposes.
The identification of materials, or of machines and machine parts, is known in principle. In the case of packages and packaging materials, in particular cigarette packs, it is important that data concerning pack production or the pack's contents be present on the pack in codified form. In the case of machine parts, machine assemblies and in particular replacement parts, identification serves to ensure a correct assignment of machine parts for a particular format.
The invention relates in the broadest meaning to the electronic identification of objects, in particular with the help of radiofrequency technology for identification purposes. To this end, so-called transponders are employed.
The object of the invention is to propose measures for identifying objects with the help of transponders for the purpose of recording retrievable information.
To achieve this object, the method according to the invention is characterized by the following features:
-
- a) at least one data carrier operating on the basis of radiofrequency technology, in particular a transponder, is attached to the object,
- b) the data carrier is provided by means of an electronic write unit with the data or information relating to the object,
- c) in order to identify the object and to record the data or information of the data carrier, the object or the data carrier is fed to an electronic read unit.
The identification according to the invention is of particular interest to the cigarette industry. According to the invention, cigarette packs, in particular cigarette bundle packs—so-called cigarette cartons—are provided with a transponder which is attached to the packaging material, namely on the inner side of the bundle pack's outer wrapper and which contains data on the package contents. One special feature here relates to the production of the packaging material. The transponders are attached at precise positions on a continuous web of the packaging material-paper, film or laminate—in such a manner that each blank to be severed from the material web is assigned one transponder. The packaging material preferably comprises at least two layers of continuous webs, with the transponder being inserted between two layers in a position compatible with the package and in a concealed position between these layers when the packaging material is completed.
A further special feature is the embodiment of cigarette packs with a closure or revenue strip. According to the invention, this strip is provided with a transponder which, for one, records the tax-related data, and which in addition can store specific production data.
Another important topic is the identification of machine parts, especially those of packaging machines. The aim is to identify machine parts, assemblies, etc. with the help of transponders in such a way that, for one, their stockkeeping is thereby facilitated, and for another, as a means of ensuring correct assignment when exchanging machine parts, machine elements, assemblies etc. In order to ensure the latter, the invention provides for at least one electronic read unit to be installed in the packaging machine adjacent to one or more transponders of the appropriately localized machine parts, assemblies, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFurther details and features of the invention are described in the following drawings based on exemplary embodiments which show:
The drawings illustrate important examples of the use and application of transponders, i.e. data carriers operating on the principle of radiofrequency technology. Transponders can exhibit different shapes and dimensions, for example they may take the form of a label, sheet or disc, but can also be configured in the shape of a cylinder or rod. Information and data of all kinds can be stored on transponders, specifically by being transferred by means of an electronic write unit. The data can be recalled by correspondingly configured read units.
One special feature is the use of transponders in the identification of machine parts and machine elements.
The blanks apparatus pursuant to
The apparatus pursuant to
The data of the transponder 14 are checked in the machine. In the case of the blanks apparatus, the data relates to the assignment of the removable unit for the appropriate application. The data are recorded by a read unit 15. The read unit 15 is connected to a (central) evaluation unit for processing the collected data. In particular, an error signal is generated whenever a faulty machine part is identified on the basis of the recorded and evaluated data of the transponder 14. The reading unit 15 is positioned in the packaging machine, or in the region of the blanks apparatus in such a manner that it is aimed at its associated transponder 14 and arranged adjacent thereto.
Another important exemplary embodiment is shown in
The folding turret 16, or its carrier 17, is an exchangeable assembly unit of the packaging machine. The carrier 17, attached at the top end of an upright shaft journal 19, can be removed by means of screws.
When the folding turret 16 or carrier 17 is exchanged, it is necessary to ensure that the replacement unit of the correct type is installed. To this end, the folding turret 16 has a (flat, disc-shaped) transponder 20 attached to the bottom side of the carrier 17. Also assigned to the transponder 20 here is a read unit 15. The latter is also attached in a stationary position below the folding turret 16 or carrier 17 such that the transponder 20 lies opposite the read unit 15 in at least one (mounted) position. The read unit 15 is also connected to the central evaluation unit.
One special feature is that the transponder 20 is not attached to the exterior of the machine element, namely the carrier 17, but is embedded in it instead. The carrier 17 has a molded or fashioned recess 21, into which a supporting element 22 with the embedded transponder 20 is inserted. The supporting body 22 can be made of plastic, but at least it should be made of a material neutral with respect to the technology of the transponders 20. The transponder 20 is protected and secured against unauthorized manipulation.
A multiplicity of such bundle packs 24 are placed in a large container, namely a case 27, for shipping purposes. The read unit 26 is employed to determine whether the case 27 is completely filled with bundle packs 24. It is also possible, by scanning all transponders 23 of the bundle packs 24 in the case 27, to determine whether the case 27 is filled with bundle packs 24 of the same product.
The industrial production of packs with a transponder 23 is conducted pursuant to
A further special feature of
The transponders 23 are attached to a carrier web 36 for their supply and retrieval. Here the transponders 23 are spaced at a distance which ensures the technical requirements of the production process that the transponders 23 are capable of being fed to the blank 33 which is held ready at the entry side of the folding turret 34. The blanks 33—severed from a material web—are positioned in each case in an upright plane in front of a pocket 37 of the folding turret 34. The process of wrapping a cigarette group proceeds in the usual manner, namely by having the U-shaped wrapping of the pack group inserted into the pocket 37 and taking the blank 33 along with it. In the process, the transponder 23 and the corresponding part of the blank 33 are positioned at the top side of the pack group.
The carrier web 36 with the transponders 23 is prepared in a special manner. The transponders 23 are detachably fixed to the carrier web 36 by adhesive means. In the region of a deflection, namely in the region of a deflector roll 38 of small diameter, the transponder 23 is transferred to the blank 33, specifically by being pressed against the latter while simultaneously being detached from the carrier web 36. Following the deflector roll 38 the carrier web leads to a take-up roll 39, which winds up the carrier web 36 for reuse.
In the shown example, a write unit 40, i.e. an electronic device for transferring the respective data to the transponder 23, is arranged in the region of the non-folded blank 33, namely opposite the deflector roll 38. The data used for the purpose of identifying the package contents are therefore recorded immediately prior to the start of the folding process.
The transponders 43 are activated expediently, i.e. provided with the necessary data, before the bands 42 are attached to the cigarette pack 41. In the present example, an electronic write unit 46 is arranged in the region of the web 44 and transfers the appropriate required data to the transponders 43 as the web 44 is moved past the write unit 46. As a alternative, provision can be made so that the data are transferred to the transponder 43 after the band 42 has been attached to the pack. The special feature described here is also applicable analogously when the bands are prepared separately and made available as stacks or taken from a band magazine assigned to the packaging machine.
LIST OF DESIGNATIONS
- 10 blanks magazine 38 deflector roll
- 11 dispenser roll 39 take-up roll
- 12 blanks path 40 write unit
- 13 rounding roller 41 cigarette pack
- 14 transponder 42 band
- 15 read unit 43 transponder
- 16 folding turret 44 web
- 17 carrier 45 suction belt
- 18 pocket 46 write unit
- 19 shaft journal
- 20 transponder
- 21 recess
- 22 supporting body
- 23 transponder
- 24 bundle pack
- 25 pack wall
- 26 read unit
- 27 case
- 28 material web
- 29 conveyor
- 30 material web
- 31 pressure-exerting roller
- 32 pressure-exerting roller
- 33 blank
- 34 folding turret
- 35 folding turret
- 36 carrier web
- 37 pocket
- 38 deflector roll
- 39 take-up roll
- 40 write unit
- 41 cigarette pack
- 42 band
- 43 transponder
- 44 web
- 45 suction belt
- 46 write unit
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A process for the application of data, information, etc. to cigarette packs by means of markers, which can be read in a contact-free fashion, on the cigarette packs, characterized by the following features:
- a) the individual cigarette packs (41) or bundle packs (24) for a number of cigarette packs (41) are provided with at least one transponder (23), which is attached to the inner side of a wrapper of the cigarette pack (41) or of the bundle pack (24),
- b) the transponder (23) is provided by means of an electronic write unit with the data or information relating to the cigarette pack (41) or the pack contents,
- c) for the purpose of identifying the cigarette pack (41) or for acquiring the data or information of the transponder (23), the cigarette pack (41) with the responder (23) is directed to an electronic read unit.
15. The process according to claim 14, characterized in that the transponder(s) (23) is/are embedded in the packaging material, namely between two layers or material webs (28, 30), of a multi-layer or multi-ply material web.
16. A process for the production of blanks of packaging material for cigarette packs, characterized by the following features:
- a) a material web (28) of the packaging material is transported continuously,
- b) transponders (23) are successively attached and fixed by adhesive bonding to one side of the material web (28), namely on the side of the material web (28) that forms the inner side in the finished pack,
- c) the transponders (23) are attached to the material web (28) at a distance to one another, namely at positions corresponding to the size of the blanks to be severed from the material web (28) and to the desired position within the cigarette pack (41) or bundle pack (24),
- d) after the transponders (23) have been attached to the material web (28), blanks having one transponder (23) each are severed from the material web (28) and processed for the production of cigarette packs (41) or bundle packs (24).
17. The process according to claim 16, characterized by the following features:
- a) at least two material webs (28, 30) are transported at an (acute) angle to one another,
- b) the transponders (23) are directed to a material web (28) at a distance from one another and attached to the side of the material web (28) facing the other material web (30),
- c) the two material webs (28, 30) are merged and joined by being pressed together so that the transponders (23) are embedded between the material webs (28, 30).
18. The process according to claim 14, characterized by the following features:
- a) bands (42) serving as revenue stamps and/or as closure strips are attached to the individual cigarette packs (41),
- b) a transponder (43) is attached to each band (42), specifically on the inner side of the band (42) facing the cigarette pack (41).
19. The process according to claim 18, characterized by the following features:
- a) in the region of a band apparatus the bands (42) are severed in succession from a pre-prepared web (44), fed to the cigarette packs (41) and attached thereto by adhesive bonding,
- b) the web (44) has printed areas which define the bands (42) within the web (44),
- c) the bands (42), by virtue of the corresponding printed areas, are arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web (44),
- d) a transponder (43) is attached to each region of a band (42) defined within the web (44), specifically on the side of the band (42) that faces the finished cigarette pack (41).
20. The process according to claim 14, characterized by the following features:
- a) transponders (23) are detachably attached at a distance from one another to a carrier web (36),
- b) the carrier web (36) is wound as a reel,
- c) the carrier web (36) is drawn from the reel and fed in each case to individual blanks (33) held ready,
- d) as a result of the running carrier web (36) being pressed onto the blank (33), a transponder (23) is transferred to each blank (33), namely by being pressed onto the latter.
21. The process according to claim 20, characterized by the following features:
- a) the transponders (23) fed by means of the carrier web (36) are transferred to a blank (33) held ready in a vertical plane for a bundle pack (24),
- b) the blank (33) is then inserted into a pocket (37) of a folding turret (34) by means of a pack group transported transversely to the plane of the blank (33) such that the blank (33) is folded around the pack group in a U-shape and the transponder (23) faces the pack contents, namely the pack group.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 21, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 29, 2007
Applicant:
Inventors: Heinz Focke (Verden), Jurgen Focke (Verden), Doris Focke (Verden), Tobias Jacobi (Hamburg), Gisbert Engel (Luttum)
Application Number: 11/465,854
International Classification: G06K 9/00 (20060101);