DE102005047638A1 - Application of RFID transponder for component e.g. hydraulic valve of motor vehicle, which is moved by production line or assembly line - Google Patents

Abstract

Application of a RFID transponder (11) for a component e.g. hydraulic valve (1) of a motor vehicle, which is moved by a production line or an assembly line. The component is formed with plastic within an area of the outer surface. The RFID transponder is embedded into the plastic.

Description

Territory of invention

The The invention relates to a component of a motor vehicle.

background the invention

at There is an increasing need for the manufacture of motor vehicles To identify the components involved clearly and mechanically readable. Such a reading should as possible in the installed state possible be so that the components clearly a module or a Vehicle and other, adjacent components are assigned can.

The the aforementioned unique identification of a component is required for one reliable warranty a variant variety, such as a motor vehicle with several engine variants and components involved, the identification an assembly not suitable for each other Avoids components. Furthermore wins a documentation of the Manufacturing process of the components used and the manufacturing history the components increasingly important. Also important is a diagnosis on a finished or assembled assembly or on a motor vehicle, for the u. U. the built components and their manufacturing and installation history later is of interest.

Of the The invention is based on the observation that for an identification of components of motor vehicles according to the state the technique usually two-dimensional codes such as a bar code or a data matrix code used on a surface of the component of the motor vehicle to be ordered. To generate the two-dimensional codes are elaborate labeling machines required, the high cost cause.

Farther It has been found that both fixing a two-dimensional Codes as well as reading the two-dimensional code by a automated reading device is susceptible to errors, especially at non-level, soiled or reflecting surfaces of the Component. As a result of the aforementioned difficulties u. U. the two-dimensional codes are not read unambiguously or be detected incorrectly, although a component technically okay is. In the worst case, it comes to a separation of the device, which leads to inappropriately high reject rates.

Special Difficult to recreate built-in components, for example built into the cylinder head components after assembly only difficult or even unreadable.

One Another problem is the cohesive connection of the two-dimensional Codes to the surface of the device may be it due to the connection to a deterioration of the device, eg. by corrosion.

Task of invention

Of the Invention is based on the object, a new and / or expanded possibility to create information with a structural element of a motor vehicle ges in the area of a production and / or assembly line.

Summary the invention

The The object of the invention is according to the invention with the features of the independent claim 1 solved. Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent accordingly the characteristics of dependent claims 2 to B.

According to the invention is the first time an RFID transponder associated with a component of a motor vehicle, to information in a production line or assembly line with the device respectively and / or before or during the movement of the component in a production line information to take or leave. The RFID transponder can be fixed be connected to the component of the motor vehicle or at a Attachment, a pallet or connected to the component impeller be assigned.

radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one Method to contactless data and to be able to read and save without visual contact. RFID is the generic term for the complete technical infrastructure used.

The first commercial precursors of RFID technology were launched in the 1960s. These were electronic anti-theft systems to reduce theft. The former systems were based on microwave technology or induction. The 1970s brought numerous new developments and uses for RFID technology with a focus on agriculture, such as animal identification. The technology was promoted in the 1980s, especially by the decision several American states and Norway's use of RFID transponders in road traffic for toll systems. In the 1990s, RFID technology was widely used in the US for toll systems. It was followed by systems for access control, cashless payments, ski passes, fuel cards, electronic immobilizers etc. Today's uses of RFID are immobilizers, use as a key replacement, an automotive immobilizer, a vehicle identification as a supplement to the license plate, an identification of banknotes, animal and patient identification , Access control and time recording, electronic purses, ticketing in subways, buses and as a university and student card, in goods and inventory management or for a proof of authenticity for medicines. Transponders in the form of labels have been produced in large quantities since 2000.

Out DE 100 52 444 A1 is the use of an RFID tag for automated shipping of items such as luggage known, the RFID label u. U. can be described several times after reaching the destination and for a subsequent transport process. Destination information can be stored on the RFID tag and read out at a reading device, for example at points and branch points of the conveyor system, at a start airport or a destination airport.

Out DE 201 21 245 U1 It is known to provide a form, a paper or a film with an RFID transponder. Such, provided with an RFID transponder form should be used, for example, to produce automated readable membership cards.

The pamphlets DE 102 20 502 A1 such as DE 103 28 836 A1 relate to containers or boxes made of plastic, which are provided with an RFID transponder.

DE 10 2004 043 060 A1 discloses the use of an RFID transponder for an injection molding machine having a replaceable tool or a replaceable component. An RFID transponder connected to the interchangeable component can be read out contactlessly by a reading device of the injection molding machine, as a result of which a comprehensive automatic and process-reliable identification of the connected interchangeable component is possible. Device-specific data such as maximum strokes or maximum movement speeds for the injection molding machine can be stored on the RFID transponder.

WHERE 02/42995 A1 discloses a use of an RFID transponder for a Production process of hard disk drives, wherein the RFID transponder for identification hard disk drive and to store the manufacturing process hard disk drive related data.

The Invention proposes now for the first time the use of RFID technology for a component of a motor vehicle in a production line or assembly line in front.

• – zu teuer sein soll,
• – infolge der Kontamination mit Fremdkörpern in derartigen Fertigungs- oder Montagestraßen nicht möglich sein soll,
• – infolge der hohen Metallanteile der Bauelemente sowie benachbarter Bauelemente und einer Abschirmung durch diese nicht möglich sein soll,
• – infolge der elektrischen Montage- und Fertigungsanlagen mit zu großen elektromagnetischen Störsignalen nicht möglich sein soll und/oder
• – infolge der rauen Betriebsbedingungen mit großen statischen und dynamischen mechanischen Beanspruchungen nicht möglich sein soll.

Here, the invention overcomes the prejudice that an application of RFID technology for components of a motor vehicle in a manufacturing or assembly line

• - should be too expensive,
• - should not be possible due to the contamination with foreign bodies in such manufacturing or assembly lines,
• - Due to the high metal content of the components and adjacent components and a shield by this should not be possible
• - Should not be possible due to the electrical assembly and manufacturing facilities with excessive electromagnetic interference and / or
• - Due to the harsh operating conditions with large static and dynamic mechanical stresses should not be possible.

According to one Another proposal of the invention is the component of the motor vehicle formed at least in a region of the outer surface with plastic. In this case, the RFID transponder can be embedded in the plastic be. Under "Embed" here is a cohesive Connection of the RFID transponder understood to the plastic, wherein the RFID transponder, for example entire area is surrounded by the plastic or only in the area of individual Pages or connection areas. A particularly simple production arises when the RFID transponder directly with the production embedded in the plastic region, for example in one Injection molding.

• – Kenndaten des RFID-Transponders,
• – ein Datum,
• – eine Uhrzeit,
• – Umgebungsparameter wie eine Temperatur, eine Feuchtigkeit, ein Luftdruck,
• – um Daten hinsichtlich des zukünftig mit dem RFID-Transponder zu verbindenden Bauelement handeln, beispielsweise
• – eine Seriennummer, eine
• – Variantennummer,
• – eine Herstellungs- oder Montagegeschichte des Bauelements,
• – o. ä..

The RFID transponder can already be provided with data prior to its connection to the component. In such data may, for example. To

• - Characteristics of the RFID transponder,
• - a date,
• A time,
• Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air pressure,
• - Act to data regarding the future to be connected to the RFID transponder device, for example
• - a serial number, one
• - variant number,
• A manufacturing or assembly history of the device,
• - o. ..

• – der exakte Uhrzeit einer Verbindung mit dem Bauelement benachbarten Bauelementen,
• – Umgebungsparametern wie Druck oder Temperatur,
• – Fehlersignale, die während der Fertigung, Herstellung oder Montage erzeugt werden
• – o. ä..

Furthermore, it is possible for the RFID transponder in the production line to be provided with data indicating production conditions, for example

• The exact time of connection to the component adjacent to the component,
• - environmental parameters such as pressure or temperature,
• - Error signals generated during manufacture, manufacture or assembly
• - o. ..

From Of particular importance is the invention in the event that the device is designed as a hydraulic valve. Accordingly, the first use an RFID transponder for such a hydraulic valve, so this clearly in terms of its Type, its origin and its manufacturing and assembly conditions can be characterized, with a good readability of the data, also contactless, given is. At the same time, the hydraulic valve can be controlled by the RFID transponder even in complicated installation conditions in a confined space with data be provided and it can at the same time difficult conditions data can be read out of this. Also Contamination with a hydraulic medium can be a reliable replacement be assured of data from and to the RFID transponder.

• – nach dem Bereich der Fertigungsstraße oder Montagestraße, in dem dieser nützliche Informationen liefert, oder
• – mit der Fertigstellung des gesamten Kraftfahrzeugs

entfernt werden, wodurch dieser nicht zu späteren Störungen führen kann.According to a further proposal of the invention, the RFID transponder is detachably connected to the component. This allows the RFID transponder

• - the area of the production line or assembly line where it provides useful information, or
• - With the completion of the entire motor vehicle

be removed, which can not lead to later disturbances.

on the other hand is through the detachable Connection between RFID transponder and component u. U. a multiple Use of a u. U. larger costs causing RFID transponders, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs are reduced without sacrificing the advantageous use of the RFID transponder must become. Possible Here is that before deleting or overwriting of the RFID transponder for a new insert the data of the same are read out and one stationary Storage unit supplied so that the data remains available for documentation purposes.

According to one preferred embodiment, the RFID transponder is at one of the component protruding support arranged, which is with this carrier can act around an already existing wall o. Ä. Of the device, a separate, additional Wall, an additional bridge o. ..

Under circumstances There may be problems when an RFID transponder is directly connected arranged a massive component with relatively high density is. To avoid such problems, the invention proposes that the RFID transponder over a carrier, for example, so-called flap or Flag tags to which the device is attached, with the carrier in a right Angle can protrude from the device and so a certain distance generated between RFID transponder and component.

on the other hand it is alternatively or cumulatively possible that the carrier only a temporary connection between RFID transponder and device manufactures, wherein for a disposal of the RFID transponder at the end of a manufacturing or assembly line of the carrier of solved the component is, for example, in the range of a predetermined breaking point.

advantageous Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the Description and the drawings. The in the introduction to the description advantages of features and combinations of several Features are merely exemplary and may be alternative or cumulative come into effect, without the benefits of mandatory embodiments of the invention must be achieved. Other features are the drawings - in particular the illustrated Geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to each other as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection - can be seen. The combination of features of different embodiments the invention or features of different claims is also different from the ones chosen The antecedents of the claims possible and is hereby stimulated. This also applies to such features as in separate drawings are shown or in their description to be named. These features can be combined with features of different claims. As well can in the claims listed Features for more embodiments the invention omitted.

Short description the drawings

Further features of the invention result from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically. Show it:

1 shows a hydraulic valve with RFID transponder in the installed state in longitudinal section;

2 shows the hydraulic valve according to 1 in a spatial view;

Full Description of the invention

• – den Transponder (auch RFID-Etikett, -Chip, -Tag, -Label, Funketikett oder -chip genannt),
• – die Sende-Empfangs-Einheit (auch Reader genannt) und
• – die Integration mit Servern, Diensten und sonstigen Systemen.

An RFID system includes

• - the transponder (also called RFID tag, chip, tag, label, tag or chip),
• - The transceiver unit (also called reader) and
• - Integration with servers, services and other systems.

• – der Ausführung (passiv/aktiv),
• – benutztem Frequenzband,
• – Sendestärke und Umwelteinflüssen

The data is stored on the RFID transponder and made available via radio waves. At low frequencies, this is done inductively via a near field, at higher frequencies via an electromagnetic far field. The distance over which an RFID transponder can be written and / or read varies due to

• - the execution (passive / active),
• - used frequency band,
• - Transmission strength and environmental influences

between a few centimeters and more than a kilometer.

Of the Structure of an RFID transponder sees in principle an antenna, a analogue circuit for receiving and transmitting (transponder), as well as a digital circuit and a permanent memory before. RFID transponder can over a multiple times have writable memory, in the while Lifetime information can be stored. By application area also differ the other key figures such. B. radio frequency, transmission rate, Lifetime, cost per unit, storage space, read range and Functions.

For a reader tag communication Depending on the operating frequency, the reader generates the reader / tag combination a magnetic (RF) or electromagnetic (UHF) field, which the antenna of the RFID transponder receives. In the antenna, which serves as a coil, current is generated by induction. This activated the microchip in the RFID tag. The induced current is at Passive tags also charge a capacitor, which is durable Power supply of the chip provides. This takes over one active tag built-in battery. Once the microchip is activated, it receives from reader modulated commands. By having a response in the reader's day modulated field sent, it sends its serial number or other data requested by the reader. The tag itself does not send a field out, but changed only the magnetic (RF tags) field of the reader by so-called Load modulation by "short-circuiting" the energy of the field by short-circuiting, which in turn Reader detected. In the UHF range at 865-920 MHz reflects the transponder antenna on the same principle, the electromagnetic field or absorbed this, so that the ratio of change in reflectance can be perceived by the reader (backscattering).

There the power supply of the microchip is consistently covered in both methods must be, the reader must generate a permanent field (in the UHF range so-called "continuous wave"). A UHF tag responds not in the frequency of the continuous wave, but in a so-called Sideband. By the day with a frequency of 200 kHz a response signal modulated, it automatically generates sidebands which are 200 kHz above and lie below this continuous wave. This is exactly what they are in the adjacent channel of the radio control specified by the ETSI. These can through Blanking the Continuous Wave in the reader can be read easily.

Regarding There is no battery-powered RFID transponder without power supply own energy supply, whereby a supply voltage by induction is obtained from the radio signals of the base stations. This reduces Cost and weight of the chips, but it also reduces u. U. the range. RFID transponder with its own power supply achieve a much higher range and have a larger functionality, but cause u. U. higher Cost per unit.

To the Operation, especially for signal modulation, the RFID microchip be energized for that There are basically two versions:

Passive RFID transponders:

passive RFID transponders draw their energy to supply the microchip from the received radio waves, often referred to as "continuous wave". With the antenna as a coil By induction, a capacitor is charged, which is the day energized. The Continuous Wave must be due to the low capacity of the capacitor are transmitted continuously by the reader during the Day is in the reading area.

Active RFID transponders:

active RFID transponders are battery operated, d. H. they relate the Energy for supplying the microchip from a built-in battery. Usually they are in hibernation or do not send any Information to increase the life of the energy source. Just when a special activation signal is received, it activates the transmitter. The energy of the battery for generating can not be used the modulated return signal, nevertheless one achieves by higher Rückstrahlkoeffizienten Backscattering due to lower energy consumption at field energy a much higher Range.

Preferably find three frequency bands use:

Low frequencies (30-500 kHz):

such Systems have a low range, work in the most common used 64-bit read-only technology flawlessly and quickly enough for many applications. For larger amounts of data result in longer transmission times. The LF transponders are cheap in purchase (often 125 kHz = LF). The special advantage of the LF transponder is its possible use in harsh environments with high humidity and near and in metal. Another advantage of the LF transponder is the availability in very diverse Designs that also favor rough use.

Medium frequencies (10-15 MHz)

middle Frequencies have a short to medium range, medium transmission speed, medium to cheap Price range. In this frequency range, the so-called Smart Label (mostly 13.56 MHz = HF).

High frequencies (850-950 MHz, 2.4-2.5 GHz, 5.8 GHz)

Height Frequencies have a high range (up to 30 meters) and one high reading speed. But prices are rising rapidly with higher performance of the systems. Typical frequencies are 433 MHz, 868 MHz = UHF, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz = μW (Microwave) and 5.8 GHz.

• Robert Schoblick, RFID, ISBN 3772359205 und
• Klaus Finkenzeller, RFID-Handbuch, ISBN 3446220712

zu entnehmen.The RFID transponders can transmit the information in plain text or in encrypted form. Further information about RFID systems are for example

• Robert Schoblick, RFID, ISBN 3772359205 and
• Klaus Finkenzeller, RFID Manual, ISBN 3446220712

refer to.

In 1 is a hydraulic valve 1 represented, which via a plunger 2 operated control edges 3 having. The control valve 1 is with a neighboring component 4 connected, wherein the control edges 3 of the hydraulic valve 1 Hydraulic connections of hydraulic channels 5 . 6 Taxes. The hydraulic valve 1 has a housing 7 made of plastic, which is on the component 4 opposite side a plug 8th having. The housing 7 made of plastic encased a coil 9 , where the case 7 in the area of the coil 9 is formed hollow cylindrical. In the transition region of the hollow cylindrical portion of the housing 7 to a deck area 10 , according to 1 in the right edge area, is in the plastic of the case 7 an RFID transponder 11 cast. The RFID transponder 11 is thus in a freely accessible edge area away from the adjacent component 4 and off the plug 8th arranged and good for a device for reading or writing the RFID transponder 11 accessible.

The RFID transponder 11 can directly in the manufacture of the housing 7 be connected to this, for example, with injection molding production of the housing 7 , Alternatively, it is possible that initially the housing 7 with a suitable recess for the RFID transponder 11 is manufactured and then the RFID transponder 11 is inserted into the recess. The RFID transponder 11 can also be connected via a material connection with the recess. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that with arranged in the recess RFID transponder 11 the recess with a flowable material, in particular the housing 7 forming plastic, is preferably selected for the material, which is a good emission and reception of data from and to the RFID transponder 11 allows.

1

hydraulic valve

2

tappet

3

control edge

4

neighboring module

5

hydraulic channel

6

hydraulic channel

7

casing

8th

plug

9

Kitchen sink

10

deck area

11

RFID transponder

Claims (8)

Use of an RFID transponder ( 11 ) for a moving through a production line or assembly line component (hydraulic valve 1 ) of a motor vehicle. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that the component (hydraulic valve 1 ) is formed at least in a region of the outer surface with plastic and the RFID transponder ( 11 ) is embedded in the plastic. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 11 ) before connection to the component (hydraulic valve 1 ) is provided with data. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 11 ) in the production line or assembly line with manufacturing or assembly conditions characterizing data is provided. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is a hydraulic valve ( 1 ). Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 11 ) has a data carrier and an antenna. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 11 ) detachable with the component (hydraulic valve 1 ) connected is. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RFID transponder ( 11 ) on one of the component (hydraulic valve 1 ) protruding support is arranged.