DE20105100U1 - Device for identifying and labeling goods, which are housed in containers, with electronic data storage devices arranged on carriers - Google Patents

Description

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Device for identifying and marking goods housed in containers with electronic data storage devices arranged on supports

Description

The invention relates to a device for identifying and/or marking goods which are housed in containers, with electronic data memories arranged on carriers for data associated with the goods, which can be read out in the sphere of influence of a control unit by means of read signals emitted by the latter and can be remotely transmitted to the control unit and/or can be remotely written into the data memory by means of write signals emitted by the control unit.

Electronic identification systems for objects, e.g. goods, products, products, using transponders are known. Transponders are attached to the objects to be identified, to which query signals are fed from a control unit. The query signals generate response signals in the transponders, which are sent out and received by the control unit. Data is transmitted between the transponders and the control unit using electromagnetic waves in the frequency range of KHz, MHz or GHz. With passive transponders, both the query signals and the energy to operate the transponders are transmitted by the control unit using electromagnetic waves.

The invention is based on the problem of specifying a device for identifying and/or marking objects of the most varied types packed in containers with electronic data storage devices arranged on supports, which can be remotely read and/or written to by signals from a control unit, which can be simply, quickly and easily attached next to the objects in the containers, wherein the data storage devices are protected by the containers when handling the containers, e.g. when moving during transport, stacking and storage.

The problem is solved according to the invention in a device of the type described at the outset in that the electronic data storage devices are each part of a transponder containing an antenna for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves, the mechanical carrier of which is a film that is attached to the respective container with adhesive. The film with the transponder can be attached to the inside of the respective container in a simple manner. The unit consisting of the film with the electrical or electronic components is also referred to below as a film transponder. Goods are understood to mean objects and goods of various kinds that can be packed in closed, manageable containers. In closed containers containing the respective goods, the film transponders are no longer manually accessible. The film transponders are therefore secured against replacement or loss. When the containers with the transponders are moved, e.g. when moving past the control unit, during transport, stacking in a warehouse or removal from a warehouse, the film transponders cannot be destroyed or detached from the containers. The device according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for marking and/or identifying high-quality goods in containers.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is arranged on the film, which has the electronic data storage device as a circuit arranged in an integrated semiconductor chip with circuit components for writing, reading, receiving, transmitting and masking a supply voltage from the received write or query signals of the control unit, as well as the antenna connected to the circuit, in the area outside the semiconductor chip and the antenna. As a result, the electrical or electronic components of the film transponder, i.e. the antenna and the semiconductor chip, are not influenced by the adhesive, which can have a certain electrical conductivity. The adhesive and the electrical or electronic transponder components are arranged next to one another. The adhesive is arranged on the film in particular in a ring shape or as a closed loop. This achieves very good adhesion while simultaneously protecting the electrical or electronic transponder components.

It is advantageous if the film with the electrical or electronic transponder components is arranged on the inside of a wall of the respective container, whereby the wall is permeable to the write and query signals of the control unit and the signals transmitted by the transponder and faces the control unit when the container moves past it. This embodiment makes it easier to write and read the data even in a relatively small transformation zone, i.e. low transmission power is sufficient. In addition, signal transmission between the control unit and the transponder arranged in the container is possible even if the goods in the container are impermeable to the signals or strongly attenuate them. The transponder described above takes up little space and can easily be accommodated next to the goods in the containers. The transformation zone is understood to be the space in which the antennas receive signals from the transmitting antennas with a field strength sufficient to evaluate the transmitted data. The size and shape of the transponder antenna can be adapted to the size of the container wall and its distance from the control unit antenna during signal transmission in order to achieve good signal reception with low transmission power. It is also useful to have markings in the containers at the points where the foil transponders are to be stuck on.

It is particularly advantageous if the inside of the wall and the elastic film enclose a cavity filled with air to create an air cushion. The air cushion acts as a shock absorber during transport, meaning that the transponder is well protected even under rough transport conditions. In addition, the elastic flexibility of the transponder prevents damage when the goods are being packaged.

In particular, a document is arranged in the respective container between the film and the goods, which has several sheets lying on top of each other, which contain, for example, information about the packaged goods. The document, which can be an operating manual, description or package insert with information about the use of the goods, protects the film transponder from coming into contact with the goods.

Preferably, the containers are made of cardboard, at least with their walls that carry the transponders on the inside. These walls are easily permeable to the signals from the control unit and the transponder.

In another expedient embodiment, the data in the data storage device are stored in a structured manner in separate segments, of which one segment is provided for an identification key, one segment for master data of the goods packed in the container and another segment for target data, by means of which the target locations for the respective containers with the goods are determined.

It is also advantageous if the containers with the goods can be moved past the control unit through its transformation zone on a conveyor track with two support surfaces connected at right angles at their ends, the support surfaces of which are inclined upwards relative to the horizontal. The transformation zone is the space in which a signal is transmitted between the control unit and the respective transponder with sufficient reception field strength. The conveyor track fixes the containers in relation to the position of the control unit. The containers moved on the conveyor track can have different dimensions. The dimensions are only limited by the distance between the control unit and the support surface whose broad side faces the control unit.

In another advantageous embodiment, at least two containers with the goods are positioned horizontally on a tray and can each be moved through the transformation zone of a control unit. The containers can have different shapes and can be, for example, cuboid or cylindrical.

In an additional, particularly expedient embodiment, an order picking machine has a control unit, a storage and retrieval device and a shelf storage, wherein the control unit is connected to an input device for data and to the storage and retrieval device, which is movable between a delivery and receiving station for the containers and shelf compartments for storing the containers by a position control from and to the shelf compartments determined by the target data and has a carrier for

the picking up and depositing of at least one container in or from the selected shelf compartment. This embodiment is an order picking machine that is suitable for a large stock of goods and with which an automatic, economical and safe order picking process is possible. The order picking machine is particularly suitable for small parts, e.g. pharmacy or drugstore goods. The order picking machine is set up in particular in places that are not accessible to customers, which also provides good protection against theft.

Depending on the number and size of the various articles to be picked and the quantity of articles, several of the picking machines described above are set up next to one another, for example. A consultation area for customers is provided separate from the picking machines. In the consultation area, for example, individual items of the goods, brochures and operating instructions are available so that customers can find out more about the goods. Customers can purchase the goods, which can be taken away from a distribution point after picking. The device according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a uniform arrangement of data carriers for all makes and all products in a drugstore range of around 8,000 items and a pharmacy range of around 30,000 items, without having to change the external design of the packaging. This eliminates the need for lengthy negotiations about a standardized arrangement of a transponder in this area. A further advantage is the possibility of complete documentation of all relevant product data about the manufacturing process. and processing process, such as batch number, etc., which in the event of a complaint enables error tracking up to the start of production and thus correction of the order processing.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in a drawing, from which further details, features and advantages emerge.

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a transponder attached to a wall of a container with a, a

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semiconductor chip with electronic data storage and an antenna from the front,

Fig. 2 shows the transponder shown in Fig. 1 in a container with goods arranged next to the transponder in cross section,

Fig. 3 shows a device for identifying and/or marking goods packed in containers with a control unit and with containers arranged on a conveyor track, schematically, partly in cross section,

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a device for identifying and/or marking goods packed in containers with two control units and with containers standing on a tray, schematically, partly in section,

Fig. 5 a small parts picking machine with a storage and retrieval device that can be controlled according to target data and shelves in which containers with goods and associated transponders are stored, schematically from the front and

Fig. 6 a store type with a consultation area and a picking area with picking machines arranged next to each other in a diagram from above.

In order to identify and/or mark goods packed in containers, transponders are attached to the inside of a wall of a container containing the goods, a wall 1 of which is shown in detail in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows such a transponder 2, which is attached to the inside of the container in which the goods 8 shown schematically in Fig. 1 are packed. The transponder has a film 3 which carries an antenna which is arranged on the film in the form of a printed conductor track. The antenna 4 is connected to an integrated semiconductor chip 5, which is also attached to the film 3. The semiconductor chip 5 contains an electronic data memory and circuit components.

for writing data into the memory, for reading data from the memory, for demodulating query and write signals received by the antenna 4 from a control unit described in more detail below, for sending the read data and

to filter out a supply voltage from the signals received by the control unit by means of electromagnetic waves. The supply voltage supplies the circuits in the semiconductor chip when receiving and sending signals. To attach the film 3 to the inside of the wall 1 of the container, adhesive is applied to one side of the film 3, in particular in the form of a self-contained strip-shaped loop 6 surrounding the antenna 4 and the semiconductor chip 5. The loop 6 is thus arranged outside the semiconductor chip 5 and the antenna 4. The container for the goods is preferably made of cardboard, a material that is permeable to the electromagnetic waves emitted by the control unit and the transponder 2. The film 3 is preferably rigid and has a bent flat edge 7, which on one side, which borders on the inner curvature of the film formed by bending, carries the loop 6, which is strip-shaped and connects the film to the wall. The antenna and the semiconductor chip 5 are located on the side of the film 3 facing the wall 1.

The transponder 2, also referred to below as the foil transponder, can be stuck to the inside of the wall 1 in just a few simple steps. The product 8 can then be inserted into the container. The container, in which the product 8 and the associated transponder 2 are located, is then closed. In Fig. 2, the product 8 is only shown in part.

A document is inserted in a gap between the goods 8 and the foil transponder 2, which contains, for example, information about the packaged goods. This can be instructions for use, which in particular consist of several pages of folded paper. This protects the foil transponder 2. After the respective container has been closed, neither the goods 8 nor the foil transponder 2 are accessible without opening the container. The foil transponder 2 is thus protected against removal, replacement or damage. When the containers are moved, the foil transponders are not detached or damaged even if the wall 1 hits an obstacle. By fastening the foil transponders 2 in the containers, they are therefore well protected.

The foil transponders 2 are stuck to the inside of the containers in an area that is specially marked. Colored areas or lines are suitable, for example. The transmitter of the control unit is aimed at this area with its directional characteristics as the respective container moves past. In packaging boxes, it is advisable to fix the foil transponders 2 inside on the largest surface of the box opposite the "front page". This makes it possible to achieve a uniform arrangement of the foil transponders 2 with their data storage for all makes and products, in particular a drugstore range of around 8,000 items and a pharmacy range of around 30,000 items, without changing the external design of the packaging. This eliminates the need for lengthy negotiations about a standardized arrangement of a transponder in this area or in this field. In the data storage, the data is organized according to a file structure, which preferably has the following different data contents in separate segments: In the data storage, the data is organized according to a file structure, which preferably has the following different data contents in separate segments:

In the data storage, the data is organized according to a file structure, which preferably has the following different data contents in separate segments:

a) Data of an identification key

b) Master data

c) Manufacturer data and data on packaging contents

d) Quality data

e) Free segments for transaction data and free storage spaces for internal or bilaterally agreed purposes

f) In another segment, data from target controls of an order picking machine are stored.

The packaging boxes are in particular cubic or cuboid-shaped. In Fig. 3, three containers in the form of packaging boxes 10, 11, 12 with enclosed goods and film transponders 2 are shown on a transport track 13, which is shown in cross section.

The boxes 10, 11, 12 lie one behind the other in the transport direction on a transport track 13 consisting of two support or guide surfaces 14 connected to one another at right angles at their ends. The support or guide surface 14 is arranged at an angle to the horizontal so that the boxes 10, 11, 12 are aligned from the two support or guide surfaces 14, 15 during transport past a control unit 16 with their film transponders 2 arranged inside towards the control unit 16. The control unit 16 is designed at least as a write/read device that can send write and read signals via an antenna and receive signals from film transponders 2. The directional characteristics of the antennas of the control unit 16 and the film transponders 2 are coordinated with one another and are shown in Fig. 3 by an area of influence or a transformation zone 17 in longitudinal section. The directional characteristic runs in its longitudinal direction or with its center line parallel or essentially parallel to the guide surface 15. The film transponders 2 in the boxes 11, 12, 11 are at the same distance from the guide surface 14, so that all of the boxes pass through the transformation zone 17 as they move past the control unit 16, even if the boxes are of different sizes. The segmentation of the information in the memory described above enables write and read operations to be carried out while a load unit is moving. The control unit carrying out write and read operations can directly access the data set of interest in the geometrically narrow transformation zone 17. Identification keys and master data can be stored in the film transponder 2 in a captive and hard-coded or write-protected manner. The control unit and the boxes 10, 11, 12 with the transponders 2 move relative to one another, i.e. i.e., either the control unit is moved past the stationary boxes 10, 11, 12 or the boxes are moved past the stationary control unit.

In Fig. 4, a device is shown schematically which has two control units 18, 19 next to each other on the same level. The transformation zones or directional characteristics of the antennas of the control units 18, 19, which each contain write and read devices for sending and receiving corresponding signals, are aligned vertically.

Packaging cartons 22, 23 provided with goods and foil transponders 2, which

have different sizes, are placed on trays 24 and are each moved below the control units through the transformation zones 20, 21 in order to write data into the foil transponders 2 or to read them out.

Depending on the size of the packaging boxes 10, 11, 12, 22, 23 and the distance of the inner wall of the respective box from the associated control unit or from its antenna, it may be expedient to design the antenna of the film transponder 2 intended for a specific box in such a way that a corresponding directional characteristic on the antenna of the control unit provides favorable reception conditions for the signals transmitted by the transponders. The antenna construction can cover the entire variety of packaging sizes in several structural arrangements.

The device according to the invention can open up better distribution options for goods packed in boxes. The packaged goods are expediently stored on shelves with angle supports. Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a warehouse 25. The warehouse 25 has two high-bay rows 26, 27 arranged at a distance from one another, each of which has angle supports vertically one above the other, which are attached to vertical columns 28. The shelves with the angle supports each store packaging boxes, e.g. 29, 30, in which goods or products that can be identified by film transponders are located. In the space between the two high-bay rows 26, 27, a storage and retrieval device 31 is mounted so that it can move along the high-bay rows 26, 27 on rails on the floor and on the ceiling. The storage and retrieval device has a pick-up and depositing unit 33 for boxes that can be moved vertically along at least one vertical support 32. The pick-up and deposit unit 33 has horizontally movable forks that can be inserted into the shelves or shelves in the spaces between the angle supports. To pick up the boxes, the forks are raised by the motor after being pushed in by the motor until the box or boxes rest on them. To deposit boxes resting on the forks, they are motor-driven into empty shelves and placed on the angle supports at locations defined by the target data by lowering the forks.

The storage and retrieval device 32 with the carrier 33 is connected to a control unit (not shown in Fig. 5) which has a position controller with which the forks are controlled via the corresponding drives for the various axes so that the cartons are moved to the locations determined in the target data.

The device shown in Fig. 5 is an automatic picking machine for packaged goods. A picking order, which concerns a series of goods selected by their identification keys, is entered into the control device, which, by controlling the storage and retrieval device 31, fetches the packaged goods from the shelves identified by the target data and places them, for example, on a shelf (not shown) or a conveyor belt for grouping in a container common to all the boxes.

With the help of one or more order picking machines of the type shown and described in Fig. 5, a new type of store with a consultation and order picking area can be realized. Such a store type is shown in Fig. 6. It has a consultation area 34 and an order picking area 35. In the consultation area 34, for example, samples of the various goods can be

Exhibited for demonstration purposes and brochures or leaflets about the goods are laid out. In addition, staff are available to advise and serve customers. In the advice area, orders for goods are also accepted, which are processed in the order-picking area 35. The order-picking area comprises several, e.g. three order-picking machines 36, 37, 38, of the type described above and shown in Fig. 5. In front of the order-picking machines 36, 37, 38, there are operating stations 39, 40 41 for the order-picking machines. The operating stations have a control panel (not shown) for entering data for controlling the order-picking machines 36, 37, 38 and a packaging station (not shown) for the joint packaging of the boxes taken from the warehouse.

The invention enables automatic order picking, provides anti-theft protection and makes a new type of store available with automatic service stations consisting of a consultation area or corner, a control panel for the

Order picking machines, possibly a packaging station in this area and the actual order picking machine with the extensive stock of goods stored there. A further advantage of the invention is the possibility of constantly documenting all relevant data of the product about the manufacturing and processing process, such as batch number etc., which in the event of a complaint enables errors to be tracked up to the start of production and thus allows order processing to be corrected.

The inside of the wall 1 and the film 3, which has a certain elasticity, enclose an air-filled cavity. The elasticity of the film 3 is matched to the elasticity of the antenna 4, so that both elements are equally elastically flexible. The cavity forms an air cushion that can interact with a damping mechanism, ζ β, an air passage opening for the defined passage of an air flow in the film 3. The air cushion protects the transponder 2 both during the goods and during transport of the container.

Claims (14)

1. Device for identifying and/or marking goods which are housed in containers, with electronic data memories arranged on carriers for data associated with the goods, which can be read out in the sphere of influence of a control unit by read signals emitted by the latter and can be remotely transmitted to the control unit or can be remotely written into the data memory by write signals emitted by the control unit, characterized in that the electronic data memories are each part of a transponder ( 2 ) containing an antenna ( 4 ) for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves, the mechanical carrier of which is a film ( 3 ) which is attached to the respective container with adhesive. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive on the film ( 3 ), which has the electronic data storage device as a circuit arranged in an integrated semiconductor chip ( 5 ) with circuit components for writing, reading, receiving, transmitting and masking out idle supply voltage from the received write or query signals of the control unit, as well as the antenna ( 4 ) connected to the circuit, is arranged in the area outside the semiconductor chip ( 5 ) and the antenna ( 4 ). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the film ( 3 ) with the electronic transponder components is arranged on the inside of a wall ( 1 ) of the respective container and that the wall ( 1 ) is permeable to the write and query signals of the control unit and the signals emitted by the transponder ( 2 ) and faces the control unit when the container moves past the latter. 4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive is arranged as a ring or self-contained loop ( 6 ) on one side of the film ( 3 ). 5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a space filled with air for producing an air cushion is enclosed by the inside of the wall ( 1 ) and the film ( 3 ). 6. Device according to at least one Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna ( 4 ) of the transponder ( 2 ) is matched in size and shape to the size of the wall ( 1 ) of the container and the distance to the antenna of the control unit as the container moves past the control unit in such a way that the antenna of the control unit receives signals from the transponder ( 2 ) with sufficient intensity for evaluation. 7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder ( 2 ) is glued to a marked location on the inside of the wall ( 1 ). 8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the respective container between the film ( 3 ) with the transponder modules and the goods ( 8 ) a document ( 9 ) is arranged which identifies several sheets lying on top of one another. 9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers consist of cardboard at least with their walls ( 1 ) carrying the transponders ( 2 ) on the inside. 10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data in the data memory are stored in a structured manner in separate segments, of which one segment is provided for an identification key, another segment for master data of the goods packed in the respective container and a further segment for destination data by which destination locations for the respective containers with the goods are determined. 11. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (10, 1 l, 12) are movable on a transport track ( 13 ) having two support surfaces connected at right angles at their ends, the support surfaces of which are inclined upwards relative to the horizontal, past the control unit ( 16 ) through its transformation zone. 12. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least two containers ( 22 , 23 ) standing on a tray ( 24 ) are each movable past a control unit ( 18 , 19 ) through its transformation zone ( 20 , 21 ). 13. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an order-picking machine has a control unit, a storage and retrieval device ( 32 ) and a shelf storage ( 25 ) and that the control unit is connected to an input device for data and to the storage and retrieval device, which can be moved between a delivery and receiving station for the containers and shelf compartments for storing the containers ( 29 , 30 ) by a position control from and to the shelf compartments determined by target data and has a carrier ( 32 ) for receiving and depositing at least one container in or from the respectively selected shelf compartment. 14. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several order-picking machines ( 36 , 37 , 38 ) are arranged in an order-picking area ( 35 ) of a store which contains an advisory area ( 34 ) in which at least samples of the goods packed in the containers of the shelf storage are displayed.