WO2008000424A1

WO2008000424A1 - Method for mounting a transponder on an article

Info

Publication number: WO2008000424A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/005603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller; Stefan Kluge
Original assignee: Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-06-26
Filing date: 2007-06-25
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: DE102006029249A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mounting a transponder (1) on an article (10), said transponder having an integrated circuit (2) for storing and/or processing data. According to said method, the transponder is displaced in a predetermined position relative to a slot (12), which is configured in an electrically conducting area of the article, and is immobilized or stabilized in the predetermined position by means of a mounting element (13).

Description

Method for mounting a transponder on an object

The invention relates to a method for mounting a transponder on an object.

Transponders are known in many designs and for many different applications and usually have an integrated circuit for storing and / or processing data and an antenna connected thereto for contactless transmission of data. The design of the antenna varies considerably depending on the transmission wavelength, the desired range, the environment of use, etc. The production of such an antenna is sometimes very expensive. In addition, it may be difficult to form a reliable signal path between the integrated circuit and the antenna.

In many applications, it is necessary to attach the transponder to an object, for example to identify the object by the transponder. The mounting of the transponder can be difficult, in particular, if the intended mounting surface is a smooth surface which is to be impaired as little as possible by the transponder.

It is known from J.D. Kraus "Antennas for all applications" 3rd edition, Mc Graw Hill (2002) pages 304-307, to use a slot antenna to emit electromagnetic waves

Slot antenna is recessed in a metal sheet, an elongated slot. The length of the slot corresponds to half the wavelength of the radiated waves. The width of the slot is significantly lower. On the two long sides of the slot signal lines are connected, via which the slot antenna to be radiated RF signal is supplied. In a further development of the slot antenna, the slot is formed as a cuboid depression whose side walls and bottom consist of a conductive material. This design is also referred to as an encapsulated (boiled-in) slot antenna. The depth of the recess is preferably one quarter of the wavelength of the waves radiated by the slot antenna.

The invention has for its object to attach a transponder in the best possible way to an object.

This object is achieved by a method with the combination of features of claim 1.

In the method according to the invention, a transponder, which has an integrated circuit for storing and / or processing data, is mounted on an object. For this purpose, the transponder is moved into a predetermined position relative to a slot which is formed in an electrically conductive surface of the object, and fixed or stabilized in the predetermined position by means of a mounting member.

The invention has the advantage that the assembly of the transponder with relatively little effort is possible. Another advantage is that the mounting surface is only slightly affected when the transponder is mounted with the method according to the invention.

With the method according to the invention, a transponder can be mounted, which is flat piece-like, in particular parallelepiped-shaped, and has two outer surfaces formed as main surfaces, which have a larger surface area than the other outer surfaces of the transponder. Such a trained transponder is particularly well suited for mounting in the region of a slot.

The transponder is preferably designed so that it has an at least partially electrically conductive layer parallel to its two main surfaces. In particular, the main surfaces themselves may represent the at least partially electrically conductive layer. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if, during assembly of the transponder, a signal path is formed between the at least partially electrically conductive layers which are formed parallel to the main surfaces of the transponder and the electrically conductive surface of the object. In this way, the slot can be used without appreciable additional effort as an antenna that does not protrude from the mounting surface and thus is not disturbing. In particular, during the assembly of the transponder an electrically conductive connection between the at least partially electrically conductive layers, which are formed parallel to the main surfaces of the transponder and the electrically conductive surface of the article can be formed.

Furthermore, the transponder may have four outer surfaces designed as end surfaces, which are arranged in pairs parallel to each other. In this case, the transponder parallel to three end faces each have an at least partially electrically conductive layer. Preferably, these end faces are themselves each formed as at least partially electrically conductive layer. Such a trained transponder can be operated in a built-in geometry that allows easy installation.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mounting element is formed on the transponder or on the object. det before the transponder is moved to the specified position. As a result, the handling of the transponder during assembly is considerably simplified, so that no complex assembly robots are required.

Furthermore, it is very advantageous if, in the predetermined position, the transponder or the mounting element strikes the object or the transponder strikes the mounting element. This also contributes significantly to the simplification of the assembly process, since the predetermined position can be reliably determined with little effort.

The predetermined position is preferably selected so that the transponder overlaps in the predetermined position with the slot at least partially. Particularly advantageous is a complete overlap. Such a geometry has a positive effect on the operation of the transponder and also facilitates the assembly.

In the context of the method according to the invention it can be provided that the transponder is at least partially inserted into the slot. Furthermore, it can be provided that the mounting element is at least partially inserted into the slot. This makes it possible in particular to mount the transponder "recessed" and / or to use the slot for fastening purposes.

The mounting element can be fixed to the transponder and / or the object positively, non-positively or cohesively. Furthermore, an opening area of the slot can be reduced by the mounting element. This makes it possible to make the slot larger than needed. For example, this will expose the slot more material available for the attachment of the transponder. Preferably, at least three surfaces of the transponder are enclosed by the mounting element. As a result, a good fixation or stabilization of the transponder can be achieved. It is also possible to reduce the number of electrically conductive layers in the transponder.

For the method according to the invention, in particular, a mounting element which is formed integrally with the transponder or with the object is suitable. This eliminates the cost of a separate production and for attaching the mounting element on the transponder or the object. In addition, the connection between the mounting element and the transponder or the object in this case is very durable. For example, in the method according to the invention a mounting element can be used, which is arranged pivotably on the transponder or on the object. This has the advantage that the mounting element can be brought into a space-saving position, for example, at the delivery of the transponder and can only be pivoted into the mounting position immediately before the processing of the transponder.

It is particularly advantageous if a mounting element is used which has an undercut. Such a mounting element allows a reliable fixation of the transponder with little effort, for example by latching, etc. The mounting member may be formed, for example in the form of a hook.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to use a mounting element which is at least partially electrically conductive. This allows the mounting element, for example, in the formation of an electrically conductive connection be used during assembly or be used by the transponder as an electrically conductive layer, etc.

Preferably, the mounting element used is U-shaped or L-shaped. In addition, it is advantageous if the mounting element has a U-shaped or an L-shaped profile. Such a shape is mechanically relatively stable and is well suited for a positive fixation of the transponder. Furthermore, it is possible to use a mounting element which is designed as a hollow body open at least on one side. On the outside of the hollow body, an at least partially circumferential flange may be formed. Such a trained mounting element can accommodate the transponder in itself.

The transponder can be additionally fixed or stabilized in the predetermined position by means of a securing element. As a result, the transponder can be particularly reliably and permanently fixed or stabilized.

Furthermore, it is possible to fix or stabilize the transponder by a plastic deformation, in particular of the mounting member or the securing element, in the predetermined position. This procedure has the advantage that the element provided for the plastic deformation can be produced in a very simple geometry and thus cost-effectively, since, for example, no precise locking devices are required and that a very permanent fixation or stabilization is achieved.

In the method according to the invention, during the assembly of the transponder, a slot can be formed through the electrically conductive surface with the slot. formed slot antenna can be connected to the transponder. This eliminates the expense of connecting another external antenna. Likewise eliminates the assembly of parts that protrude from the mounting surface.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. A transponder in the sense of the invention is to be understood as a computer system in which the resources, i. Memory resources and / or computing capacity (computing power) are limited. The transponder is capable of performing at least one unidirectional communication with a reader in a contactless manner.

Show it:

1 shows an embodiment of a transponder, which is to be mounted with the method according to the invention, in a schematic perspective view,

2, 3 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a first variant of the method in a schematic perspective view,

4, 5 different snapshots during assembly of the

Transponders according to a second variant of the method in a schematic perspective view,

6 to 9 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a modification of the second variant of the method in a schematic side view, 10 to 12 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a third variant of the method partly in a schematic plan view, partly in a schematic perspective view,

13, 14 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a fourth variant of the method in a schematic perspective view,

15 to 18 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a fifth variant of the method partly in a schematic side view, partly in a schematic perspective view,

19 shows an exemplary embodiment of the transponder, which is intended for assembly according to a sixth variant of the method, in a schematic side view,

20 shows the embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 19 in a state mounted according to the sixth method variant in a schematic perspective view,

21 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the transponder, which is intended for assembly according to the sixth variant of the method, in a schematic side view, Fig. 22, 23 each an embodiment of the transponder, for a

Assembly according to a seventh variant of the method is provided, in a schematic side view,

24, 25 the embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 23 for different pivotal positions of the support slats in a schematic plan view,

FIG. 26 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 22 in a version mounted according to the seventh variant of the method

State in a schematic perspective view,

27 shows an embodiment of the transponder, which is intended for mounting according to an eighth variant of the method, in a schematic side view,

28 shows the embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 27 after the folding of the support slats in a schematic plan view,

29 shows the embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 27 after folding the retaining tongue in a schematic plan view, FIG.

30 shows the embodiment of the transponder shown in FIG. 27 after folding the retaining tongue in a schematic side view, FIG. 31, 32 further embodiments of the transponder, which are provided for mounting according to an eighth variant of the method, in your schematic side view,

33 shows a further embodiment of the transponder, which is intended for mounting according to your eighth variant of the method, in a schematic perspective view,

34 to 40 different snapshots during assembly of two different embodiments of the transponder according to a ninth method variant in different representations,

41, 42 each an embodiment of the transponder, which is provided for assembly according to a tenth method variant, in a schematic side view,

Fig. 43, 44 depending on an embodiment of the transponder, for a

Assembly is provided according to an eleventh method variant, in a schematic side view,

Fig. 45, the embodiment of the transponder shown in Fig. 43 in a schematic plan view and

46 to 50 different snapshots during assembly of the transponder according to a twelfth method variant in a schematic perspective view. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a transponder 1, which is to be mounted with the method according to the invention, in a schematic perspective view. The representation is simplified and not true to scale. This also applies to the other figures.

The transponder 1 has an integrated circuit 2, which is embedded in a cuboid carrier 3. The integrated circuit 2 is preferably designed so that it supports a contactless data transmission in the UHF range. In this case, the integrated circuit 2 can be designed as a pure memory module in which data is stored. Furthermore, it is also possible that the integrated circuit 2 is able to perform a processing of the data.

The carrier 3 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic. The carrier 3 has two major surfaces 4 and 5, which are parallel to each other. In the illustration of Fig. 1, the two main surfaces 4 and 5 are parallel to the plane and each have two vertically aligned narrow sides and two horizontally aligned longitudinal sides. Between the two narrow sides of the main surface 4 and the two narrow sides of the main surface 5, two short end faces 6 and 7 are formed. Between the two longitudinal sides of the main surface 4 and the two longitudinal sides of the main surface 5, two long end faces 8 and 9 are formed. The two main surfaces 4 and 5, the two short end faces 6 and 7 and the long end face 9 are each formed electrically conductive and electrically conductively connected to each other. Electrically conductive surfaces of the transponder 1 are characterized in Fig. 1 and in all other figures by a simple hatching. The long end face 8, which is arranged in the illustration of FIG. 1 on the upper side of the carrier 3, is designed to be electrically insulating. Electrically insulated rende surfaces of the support 3 are characterized in Fig. 1 and in all other figures by a cross-hatching.

Thus, all outer surfaces of the transponder 1 with the exception of the long end face 8 are electrically conductive. To generate the electrical conductivity, a metallization can be applied, wherein the long end face 8 either left blank or is subjected to an additional treatment to remove the metallization. Notwithstanding the representation of FIG. 1, the metallization can also be covered in whole or in part by an electrically insulating layer, for example a plastic cover sheet. The metallization may be formed either as a full-surface layer or in the form of a mesh or similar structure. The metallization can be formed, for example, by a metal foil, by printing, by electroplating, etc. Removal of the metallization is possible, for example, by punching or milling.

Between the integrated circuit 2 and the two main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3, a signal path is formed. For this purpose, the main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3 may be electrically connected to terminals of the integrated circuit 2 provided for this purpose. Instead of an electrically conductive connection, for example, a capacitive coupling is possible. In this case, a capacity is connected in the signal path to prevent a DC short circuit. For example, a capacitor may be provided as a discrete component, in particular in SMD construction. Likewise, it is also possible to embed a capacitive coupling surface in the carrier 3, to form a capacitor by a suitable wiring or to provide a capacitance already in the integrated circuit 2. Finally, the integrated circuit 2 can also be configured as such. be that he can be operated without a capacity in the signal path. Without explicitly mentioning this, it is assumed in the following that an appropriate capacity is available, as far as necessary.

The assembly of the transponder 1 can be done in different ways. Some particularly advantageous procedures will be described below.

2 and 3 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a first method variant in a schematic perspective view.

In addition to the transponder 1, an article 10 is in each case shown, which has an electrically conductive mounting surface 11 to which the transponder 1 is to be attached. The article 10 may in particular be a sheet metal part, for example of a vehicle. The mounting surface 11 has a slot 12 with an opening area which is slightly larger than the long end face 9 of the transponder 1, so that the transponder 1 with the long end face 9 can be inserted into the slot 12 ahead. The visible in Figs. 2 and 3 side of the mounting surface 11 will hereinafter referred to each outside, the rear side to the inside. This also applies to the other figures, if nothing else is mentioned there.

For mounting the transponder 1, a U-shaped bracket 13, which consists for example of metal, is arranged in the region of the slot 12 on the inside of the mounting surface 11 so that it spans the width of the slot 12. Subsequently, the bracket 13 is fastened in the region of two bevelled bearing surfaces 14 on the inside of the mounting surface 11. The Bef estigung can be done for example with the aid of an adhesive 15. But there are also other types of attachment such as rivets, screws, etc. possible. Then, the transponder 1 is advanced with the long end face 9 ahead of the outside of the mounting surface 11 and inserted into the slot 12 and thus into the bracket 13. In this case, the transponder 1 is guided in the region of its main surfaces 4 and 5 by the bracket 13.

When the transponder strikes 1 with its long end face 9 on the bracket 13, the intended mounting position of the transponder 1 is reached, in which the long end face 8 of the transponder 1 is preferably flush with the outside of the mounting surface 11. The dimensions of the bracket 13 may be matched to the transponder 1, that the transponder 1 is clamped in the bracket 13. Overall, the transponder 1 is thus fixed on one side by the bracket 13 transversely to the slot 12 on both sides and perpendicular to the mounting surface 11 on one side in a form-fitting manner. In addition, the transponder 1 is fixed by the bracket 13 in all other directions, in particular also parallel to the slot 12, non-positively.

Notwithstanding the illustration of FIGS. 2 and 3, the bracket 13 may extend over a majority of the length of the slot 12 or even over the entire length of the slot 12. It is also possible to attach a plurality of brackets 13 along the slot 12 next to each other on the inside of the mounting surface 11.

4 and 5 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a second variant of the method in a schematic perspective view. In the second variant of the method, instead of the bracket 13, an angle profile 16, which preferably consists of metal, is fastened to the inside of the mounting surface 11 in the region of a folded abutment surface 17. When attaching the angle section 16 and the assembly of the transponder 1 can proceed in an analogous manner, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 for the bracket 13 and also the number and width of the angle section 16 can vary in an analogous manner. However, it is not necessary to guide the transponder 1 during assembly through the slot 12 therethrough. Instead, it is also possible to laterally approximate the transponder 1 on the inside of the mounting surface 11 to the angle profile 16 with one of the main surfaces 4 or 5. After the transponder 1 has reached the intended position, it can be permanently fixed, for example by gluing. Alternatively or additionally, the transponder 1 can also be locked into the angle profile 16. This is shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

6 to 9 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a modification of the second variant of the method in a schematic side view. The angle profile 16 used in the modification differs from the angle profile 16 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in that it additionally has a retaining lug 18 for clamping the transponder 1.

After attaching the thus modified angle profile 16 on the inside of the mounting surface 11 of the transponder 1 is supplied to the angle section 16 in a slight tilt laterally to overcome the retaining lug 18. When the transponder 1 strikes the angle section 16, it is locked by a pivoting movement, wherein the retaining lug 18 initially deviates downward and then springs back elastically and clamps the transponder 1. In the case of Figs. 8 and 9 is at the lateral approach of the transponder

I to the angle profile 16 in addition to overcome a retaining projection 19 which is formed on the angle profile 16 opposite side of the slot 12 on the inside of the mounting surface 11. The holding projection 19 can be produced, for example, by not slitting the slot 12 on one side and bending the material of the mounting surface 11 inwardly at right angles. The retaining projection 19 gives the transponder 1 additional lateral support and is used for the capacitive / galvanic coupling of the surface 4 to the metal surface 11. The retaining projection 19 can also be provided in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a third variant of the method.

According to the third variant of the method, the material of the mounting surface

II during punching of the slot 12 in the narrow sides of the slot 12 is not severed. For example, the punching can take place in accordance with the punching geometry illustrated in FIG. 10.

Fig. 10 shows the mounting surface 11 during the formation of the slot 12 in a schematic plan view. To form the slot 12, the mounting surface 11 is severed along the solid lines, in particular by means of punching. As a result, narrow tabs 20 are exposed, which are formed integrally with the mounting surface 11. The tabs 20 are bent at right angles along the dashed lines. The result of the punching and bending operations and the further course of the assembly are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in a schematic perspective view. As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, the tabs 20 project perpendicularly from the inside of the mounting surface 11 and have an L-shape, the free ends of the tabs 20 being oriented toward one another. The bending points are selected so that the tabs 20 simulate the outer contour of the transponder 1. As shown in Fig. 12, the transponder 1 is approximated with its long end face 9 of the outside of the mounting surface 11 and inserted into the slot 12 in this orientation. The intended mounting position of the transponder 1 is reached when it strikes with its long end face 9 against the angled free ends of the tabs 20. Thereafter, a U-shaped counterpart 21 is approximated with its open side of the inside of the mounting surface 11 and pushed over the transponder 1. The counterpart 21 engages in the transponder 1, so that the tabs 20 are clamped between the counterpart 21 and the transponder 1 and the transponder 1 is fixed in a form-fitting manner. The snapping can be done according to known locking mechanisms, which are not shown specifically figurative.

13 and 14 show various snapshots during the assembly of the transponder 1 according to a fourth variant of the method in a schematic perspective view.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, in the fourth method variant, initially a mounting collar 22 is attached to the transponder 1 in the area of the long end face 8. The mounting collar 22 has a short tube section 23 and a flange 24, which are connected to each other or formed in one piece. The flange 24 is disposed at one end of the pipe section 23 and extends at right angles to the outside. The inner dimensions of the pipe section 23 are on the dimensions of the long end face 8 of the Tuned transponders 1, so that the pipe section 23 can be pushed in the region of the long end face 8 on the carrier 3 of the transponder 1 and then rests tightly on the carrier 3.

After the mounting collar 22 has been attached to the transponder 1, the transponder 1 is approached with the long end face 9 ahead of the outside of the mounting surface 11 and inserted into the slot 12 until the flange 24 of the mounting collar 22 abuts the outside of the mounting surface 11. This is shown in FIG. The outer dimensions of the tube section 23 of the retaining collar 22 are matched to the dimensions of the slot 12 so that the retaining collar 22 including transponder 1 is clamped in the struck position in the slot 12.

The transponder 1 can be additionally stabilized in the struck position in an analogous manner as explained with reference to FIG. 12 by pushing and latching the counterpart 21.

In a further development of the fourth variant of the method, the dimensions of the slot 12 are made larger than the dimensions of the long end face 9 of the transponder 1. That is, the slot 12 is formed longer or wider or longer and wider than needed. In this way, 12 more material is available in the region of the slot, which can be used for the attachment of the transponder 1 or for a capacitive coupling. The oversize of the slot 12 is compensated by a mounting collar 22, which has a sufficiently large flange 24.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a fifth variant of the method, partly in one schematic side view (FIGS. 15 and 16), partly in a schematic perspective view (FIGS. 17 and 18).

The fifth variant of the method relates to the mounting of a transponder 1 which has retaining tongues 25 for this purpose. The retaining tongues 25 may be formed integrally with the carrier 3 of the transponder 1. For example, in the case of a transponder 1 whose carrier 3 is made by laminating a plurality of films, the holding tongues 25 can be formed by film sections which have not been laminated. For example, lamination can be accomplished by coating the film sections with a

Release agent or by omitting a lamination adhesive in the region of the film sections can be prevented. In the illustrated embodiments, the retaining tongues 25 are each formed by metal foils. However, it is also possible for the retaining tongues 25 to use plastic films or metalized plastic films.

As shown in the left part of Fig. 15, the carrier 3 can be formed so that the holding tongues 25 with the long end face 8, which is in FIGS. 15 and 16 each of the top of the carrier 3, approximately flush and close abut the main surfaces 4 and 5 respectively. In this case, the holding tongues 25 preferably extend over the entire length, but only over a small fraction of the width of the main surfaces 4 and 5. In a region of the main surfaces 4 and 5 adjoining the long end surface 8, the holding tongues 25 pass into the carrier 3 and continue within the carrier 3 as far as is technically favorable. The dimensions of the retaining tongues 25 outside the carrier 3 can be matched to the manufacturing process. The retaining tongues 25 are designed so flexible that they can be folded and thereby in particular can be pivoted about the transition region to the carrier 3. As indicated by arrows, this makes it possible to pivot the retaining tongues 25 away from the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively, and to bring them into a perpendicular orientation to the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively. This pivotal position is shown in the right part of FIG. 15.

In a modification shown in Fig. 16, the holding tongues 25 are formed as an extension of the main surfaces 4 and 5 and are accordingly on the long end face 8 via. Also in this modification, the retaining tongues 25 can be brought by a pivoting movement in a rectangular orientation to the main surfaces 4 and 5 respectively.

As shown in FIG. 17, the transponder 1 with the retaining tongues 25 folded out at right angles approaches the outside of the mounting surface 11, the long end face 9 of the carrier 3 pointing towards the mounting surface 11. The transponder 1 is inserted as far into the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11 until the retaining tabs 25 abut on the outside of the mounting surface 11. This end position is shown in Fig.18. In order to secure the transponder 1 from falling out of the slot 12, for example, it is possible to fix the retaining tongues 25 by means of adhesive 15. The retaining tongues 25 can also be attached to the mounting surface 11 in other ways, for example by riveting.

As an alternative to the representation of FIGS. 17 and 18, it is also possible to fasten the retaining tongues 25 on the inside of the mounting surface 11. FIG. 19 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the transponder 1 which is intended for mounting in accordance with a sixth variant of the method. In the region of the short end faces 6 and 7 of the carrier 3 hooks 26 are formed, which protrude beyond the long end face 8 and serve to attach the transponder 1 to the mounting surface 11.

In this embodiment, it is provided to approximate the transponder 1 with the long end face 8 to the inside of the mounting surface 11 and to insert the hooks 26 into the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11. As a result of their elasticity, the hooks 26 deviate slightly in one direction towards each other. When the carrier 3 abuts against the inside of the mounting surface 11, the intended mounting position is reached and the hooks 26 spring back into their original position. As a result, the mounting surface 11 between the hook 26 and the carrier 3 is positively enclosed and secured in this way the transponder 1 to the mounting surface 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks 26 are formed electrically insulating. Alternatively, it is also possible to form the hooks 26 electrically conductive.

FIG. 20 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 19 in a state mounted in accordance with the sixth method variant in a schematic perspective view. The hooks 26 surround the outside of the mounting surface 11 and thereby secure the transponder 1 against falling out.

FIG. 21 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1, which is intended for assembly according to a sixth variant of the method, in a schematic side view. Analogous to the embodiment of FIG. 19 are hooks 27 for attachment of the transponder 1 on the mounting surface 11 provided. However, the hooks 27 are formed laterally spaced from the short end surfaces 6 and 7 and are not on the long end face 8 via. Instead, the hooks 27 extend from a strip of material 28, which is formed in the area of the long end face 8 and projects laterally beyond the short end faces 6 and 7, in the direction of the long end face 9.

Accordingly, in the embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 21, the assembly is carried out by approaching the transponder 1 with the long end face 9 in front of the outside of the mounting surface 11

Transponder 1 is inserted into the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11 until the strip of material 28 strikes the outside of the mounting surface 11 and the mounting surface 11 engages in the hook 27.

FIGS. 22 and 23 each show an exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1, which is provided for mounting in accordance with a seventh variant of the method, in a schematic side view. The seventh variant of the method represents a further development of the sixth variant of the method and effects a more stable seat of the transponder 1. This is achieved by forming a support lamella 29 on the main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3. The support slats 29 are connected centrally between the short end faces 6 and 7 with the carrier 3 and may in particular be integrally formed with the carrier 3. This applies to the holding tongues 25 executed accordingly. The support blades 29 extend from the plane of the long end face 9 almost to the plane of the long end face 8. In the illustration of FIGS. 22 and 23, the support blades 29 are oriented at right angles to the main surfaces 4 and 5 respectively. As explained with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, the support slats 29 can each be pivoted in a different orientation to the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively. Apart from the support plates 29, the embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 22 with the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 19 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 are identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 23 for different pivot positions of the support slats 29 in a schematic plan view.

In the illustration of FIG. 24, the support lamellae 29 abut the entire surface of the main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3. In this state, the transponder 1 takes up only little space, so that, for example, a space-saving packaging of a plurality of transponders 1 is possible.

Before or during assembly, the support plates 29 are pivoted away from the main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3 until the rectangular orientation shown in FIG. 25 is achieved relative to the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively.

FIG. 26 shows the embodiment of the transponder 1 illustrated in FIG. 22 in a state mounted in accordance with the seventh method variant in a schematic perspective view. In this embodiment, the transponder 1 is approximated in the assembly of the inside of the mounting surface 11 with the long end face 8 ahead and inserted into the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11 until the carrier 3 abuts the inside of the mounting surface 11. The mounting surface 11 snaps into the hook 26 in the manner already described. In addition, the support blades 29 are fixed in the orthogonal orientation to the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively. This can be done for example by a not figuratively illustrated locking mechanism between the support plates 29 and the mounting surface 11. The support blades 29 can already be pivoted at the beginning of the assembly in the rectangular orientation to the main surfaces 4 bzw.5. Likewise, the pivoting movement can be performed even after the engagement of the mounting surface 11 in the hook 26.

Fig. 27 shows an embodiment of the transponder 1, which is provided for mounting according to an eighth variant of the method, in a schematic side view. In this exemplary embodiment, the transponder 1 has a holding tongue 30 in the region of its long end face 8 and supporting lamellae 31 in the region of its short end faces 6 and 7. Both the retaining tongue 30 and the support blades 31 are oriented parallel to the main surface 4 in the representation of FIG. 27, but can each be pivoted relative to the main surface 4 and, in particular, folded at right angles. By dotted lines is indicated that the support plates 31 can also be folded in itself.

With the exception of the region to which the long end face 8 adjoins, according to this embodiment, perforations 32 which are filled or lined in an electrically conductive manner at the edge of the main surface 4 are formed. This ensures that the short end faces 6 and 7 and the long end face 9 are partially electrically conductive and the two main surfaces 4 and 5 are electrically conductively connected to each other. Of course, any other arrangements can be selected by means of which the two main surfaces 4 and 5 are electrically connected to each other.

The transponder 1 can analogously to the embodiments of FIGS. 19 and 21 and hooks 26 and 27 for attachment to the mounting surface 11th exhibit. For reasons of clarity, this is not specifically shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 27 after the folding of the support slats 31 in a schematic plan view. The support blades 31 were each folded twice along the vertical dot-dash lines (FIG. 27) and then fixed so that the folded support blades 31 are each disposed laterally outside the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively. In addition, a folding along the horizontal dash-dotted line was performed for all sections of the support plates 31. In addition, the folding along the edge of the main surface 4 may be omitted, respectively. The folded support slats 31 are then arranged in the region of the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively, so that the folded support slats 31 are then arranged laterally outside the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively.

In the state shown in FIG. 28, the transponder 1 with the long end face 8 ahead is approximated to the inside of the mounting surface 11. In this case, the tongue 30 is inserted into the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11 until the support plates 31 abut against the inside of the mounting surface 11. Then, the retaining tongue 30 is folded, as shown in Fig. 29.

FIG. 29 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 27 after folding the retaining tongue 30 in a schematic plan view. An associated schematic side view is shown in FIG. The folding of the holding tongue 30 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 is performed after passing through the holding tongue 30 through the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11. In this case, the retaining tongue 30 can be folded as shown to the outside of the mounting surface 11 and then, for example by Keie- be attached. As a result, the capacitive coupling of the transponder 1 to the mounting surface 11 is improved.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show further exemplary embodiments of the transponder 1, which are provided for assembly according to your eighth variant of the method, in a schematic side view. These embodiments differ from the embodiment of FIG. 27 with respect to the dimensions of the retaining tongue 30 and the provided folds of the support slats 31.

In the embodiment of FIG. 31, the retaining tongue 30 has approximately the same dimensions as in FIG. 27. However, only one fold is provided parallel to the longitudinal sides of the support slats 31 within the support slats 31. In addition, there is a fold along the edge of the main surface 4.

In the embodiment of Fig. 32, the retaining tongue 30 is formed significantly larger than in Fig. 27. Within the support plates 31, no fold is provided in parallel to the longitudinal sides of the support plates 31 respectively. Only along the edge of the main surface 4 is folded once for each support lamella 31.

FIG. 33 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1, which is intended for mounting according to an eighth variant of the method, in a schematic perspective representation. This embodiment is characterized in that the holding tongue 30 and the support plates 31 do not each have the full thickness of the carrier 3. This can be realized, for example, in the case of a carrier 3, which is produced from a plurality of films, in that for the holding tongue 30 and the supporting lamellae 31 not all foils protrude laterally beyond the main surfaces 4 and 5. FIGS. 34 to 40 show various snapshots during assembly of two different embodiments of the transponder 1 according to a ninth method variant in different representations.

The ninth variant of the method is characterized in that in the region of the short end faces 6 and 7 each have a support plate 33 is formed which is oriented at right angles to the main surface 4 and 5 during assembly and that the transponder 1 by a plastic material deformation on the mounting surface 11th is attached.

Fig. 34 shows an embodiment of the transponder 1 prior to assembly in a schematic side view. The transponder 1 has in the region of the short end faces 6 and 7 each one integrally formed with the support 3 support plate 33. In the illustration of FIG. 34, the support lamellae 33 are oriented such that they are aligned with the main surfaces 4 and 5, respectively. For mounting the transponder 1 it is provided that the support slats 33 are folded along the dotted lines lying in the plane of the short end face 6 and the short end face 7. On the long end face 8 of the carrier 3, a strip of material 28 is formed, the ends of which protrude laterally beyond the two support plates 33. In the region of the supernatant, a respective projection 34 is formed on the material strip 28, which runs parallel to the adjacent support plate 33 and points to the long end face 9.

When mounting the transponder 1, this is initially folded as shown in Fig. 35. FIG. 35 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 34 in the folded state in a schematic plan view. The two support slats 33 are folded along the dotted lines drawn in FIG. 34 so that the one support slat 33 with the main surface 4 and the other support slat 33 with the main surface 5 of the support 3 forms a right angle. Thus, the free ends of the two support plates 33 in opposite directions.

In this folding state, the transponder 1 with the long end face 9 ahead is brought closer to the outer side of the mounting surface 11 and into which

Slot 12 of the mounting surface 11 introduced. For this to be possible, the slot 12 must be designed to be double L-shaped in accordance with the contour of the folded transponder 1. A suitable slot geometry is shown in FIG. The intended mounting position is reached when the material strip 28 strikes the outside of the mounting surface 11. To fix the transponder 1 on the inside of the mounting surface 11 protruding from the slot 12 protrusions 34 of the transponder 1 are plastically deformed so that they no longer fit through the slot 12.

FIG. 36 shows the mounting surface 11 with a slot geometry matched to the transponder 1 according to FIG. 34 in a schematic plan view. In this slot geometry, the slot 12 has an elongated portion with two oppositely angled ends.

FIG. 37 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 34 in the mounted state in a schematic perspective view. After assembly, the material strip 28 of the transponder 1 projects beyond the outside of the mounting surface 11. The relatively large investment area of Transponder 1 on the mounting surface 11 ensures a reliable hold of the transponder. 1

Fig. 38 shows a further embodiment of the transponder 1 prior to assembly in a schematic side view. Similar to the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 34, the transponder 1 of FIG. 38 also has a support lamella 33 integrally formed with the carrier 3 in the region of the short end faces 6 and 7. However, the transponder 1 of FIG. 38 is designed for mounting from the inside of the mounting surface 11 and therefore does not have the protruding material strip 28. Instead, the protrusions 34 are formed directly on the support slats 33 and on the long end face 9 of the carrier 3 directed away.

Before assembly, the transponder 1 is folded in an analogous manner as described for the other embodiment, along the dotted lines and thereby brought into a double L-shape. For the installation of the transponder 1 a special slot geometry is required. A possible embodiment of the slot geometry is shown in FIG. 39.

39 shows the mounting surface 11 with a slot geometry matched to the transponder 1 according to FIG. 38 in a schematic plan view. In this slot geometry, in addition to the slot 12, two elongated apertures 35 are provided in the mounting surface 11, which are arranged in the region of the ends of the slot 12 and extend transversely to the slot 12. The apertures 35 may also have a different shape than shown in Fig. 39 and be formed, for example, square or round. During assembly, the folded transponder 1 is approximated with the long end face 8 ahead of the inside of the mounting surface 11. In this case, the projections 34 of the transponder 1 are inserted into the openings 35 of the mounting surface 11. The intended mounting position is reached when the transponder 1 strikes against the inside of the mounting surface 11. In order to fix the transponder 1, the end regions of the projections 34 projecting beyond the outer side of the mounting surface 11 are plastically deformed such that they no longer fit through the openings 35.

FIG. 40 shows the exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 38 in the assembled state in a schematic perspective view. After assembly, the mushroom-shaped end regions of the projections 34 of the transponder 1 project beyond the outside of the mounting surface 11. This embodiment is characterized by a tight fit of the transponder 1.

FIGS. 41 and 42 each show an exemplary embodiment of the transponder 1, which is provided for mounting in accordance with a tenth method variant, in a schematic side view. The transponder 1 illustrated in FIG. 41 largely corresponds to the transponder 1 of FIG. 34, the transponder 1 shown in FIG. 42 largely corresponds to the transponder 1 of FIG. 38. Differences exist in each case insofar as the transponders 1 of FIGS 42 instead of the plastically deformable projections 34 have hooks 27 and 26 for engaging the mounting surface 11. Accordingly, the procedure for mounting the transponders 1 of FIGS. 41 and 42 differs in that the transponders 1 are not fixed by a plastic deformation of the projections 34, but by locking the mounting surface 11 in the hooks 27 and 26 in the intended mounting position become. Otherwise, the same applies to the assembly according to the ninth method variant corresponding. In particular, FIGS. 35, 36, 37 and 39 can also be used in an analogous manner.

FIGS. 43 and 44 each show an embodiment of the transponder 1, which is intended for mounting according to an eleventh method variant, in a schematic side view. A schematic plan view corresponding to FIG. 43 is shown in FIG. 45.

In the eleventh method variant, the procedure is analogous as in the sixth method variant, so that what is stated there also applies to the eleventh method variant. However, in the eleventh method variant, modified embodiments of transponders 1 are used in comparison to the sixth method variant. The transponders 1 used in the eleventh method variant are characterized in that the hooks 26 and 27 are each formed as constituents of a metal part 36. In the embodiments of FIGS. 43 and 44, the metal part 36 has a U-shape, wherein at the free ends of the metal part 36, the hooks 27 and 26 are formed.

In the embodiment of the illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 45

Transponders 1 encloses the metal part 36, the short end faces 6 and 7 and the long end face 9 of the carrier 3. The hooks 27 are formed near the plane of the long end face 8 laterally adjacent to the short end faces 6 and 7 and oriented to the plane of the long end face 9 out , Accordingly, this embodiment is provided for mounting with the long end face 9 in front, in which the transponder 1 of the outside of the mounting surface 11 is approximated. The procedure is identical to the embodiment of FIG. 21, although due to the metal part 36, a higher spring force can be achieved when engaging in the hooks 27. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 44, the metal part 36 extends parallel to the short end faces 6 and 7 and to the long end face 9 in the carrier 3. The hooks 26 project beyond the long end face 8 and are away from the plane of the long end face 9 oriented and thus aligned opposite to the hooks 27 of the embodiment of FIGS. 43 and 45. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIG. 44 is provided for mounting with the long end face 8 in front, in which the transponder 1 is approximated to the inside of the mounting surface 11. The procedure is identical to the embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 46 to 50 show various snapshots during assembly of the transponder 1 according to a twelfth method variant in a schematic perspective view.

In the twelfth variant of the method, the transponder 1 is fastened to the mounting surface 11 by means of a profile 37 with a U-shaped cross-section, which is also designed overall in the form of a "U." The U-profile 37 encloses the two short end faces 6 and 7 as well as the long end face 9 including an edge strip of the main surfaces 4 and 5 of the carrier 3 adjoining these surfaces for attachment to the mounting surface 11, two contact surfaces 38 are mounted on the side of the U-profile 37. It is possible for the U Profile 37 first on the transponder 1 and then to mount the transponder 1 with the attached U-profile 37. This is illustrated in Figures 46 to 48. Alternatively, it is also possible for the U-profile 37 first To attach to the mounting surface 11 and then to mount the transponder 1. This is shown in Figs. 49 and 50. As shown in Fig.46, the transponder 1 is inserted with its long end face 9 ahead in the U-profile 37. The insertion movement is continued until the transponder strikes 1 with its long end face 9 on the U-profile 37. In this position, the U-profile 37 is fixed by crimping on the carrier 3 of the transponder 1.

As an alternative to this procedure, it is also possible to form the shape of the U-profile 37 only when it is attached to the transponder 1. This applies both to the profiling and to the overall shape of the U-profile 37 individually and in combination.

If the U-profile 37 is made of metal or otherwise electrically conductive, can be dispensed with on the short end faces 6 and 7 and on the long end face 9 of the support 3 to a metallization. In this case, the two short end faces 6 and 7 and the long end face 9 of the carrier 3 are formed by the U-profile 37 electrically conductive and the two main surfaces 4 and 5 electrically connected by the U-profile 37.

As the next step, which is shown in FIG. 47, the composite of transponder 1 and U-profile 37 with the long end face 8 of the carrier 3 is brought closer to the inside of the mounting surface 11. The intended mounting position is reached when the abutment surfaces 38 of the U-profile 37 abut against the mounting surface 11 and the long end face 8 is aligned with the slot 12 of the mounting surface 11. In this position, the U-profile 37 in the region of the contact surfaces 38, for example by means of adhesive 15 or by rivets, screws, etc. fixed. Fig. 48 shows the transponder 1 in the mounted state. According to the alternative procedure, the U-profile 37 without transponder 1 is initially mounted in the region of the slot 12 on the inside of the mounting surface 11. This is shown in FIG. 49. The fixation of the U-profile 37 also takes place in this case in that the contact surfaces 38 of the U-profile 37 with the mounting surface 11, for example, glued, riveted or screwed.

As shown in FIG. 50, the transponder 1 with its long end face 9 is then approximated to the outside of the mounting surface 11 and inserted through the slot 12 into the U-profile 37 until the long end face 9 of the transponder 1 on the U-profile 37 strikes. In this case, the transponder 1 can be fixed, for example, by a latching mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) or by a clamping action of the U-profile 37. If the transponder 1 is designed to be electrically conductive at the two short end faces 6 and 7 and at the long end face 9 of the carrier 3, it is also possible for the U-profile 37 to use a material which is not conductive or has poor electrical conductivity.

In all of the method variants described above for mounting the transponder 1, alternative or additional fastening methods may be used, in particular staples, staples, rivets or gluing.

In a number of the method variants described, no fastening measures are required on the outer side of the mounting surface 11. This allows a non-visible on the outside of the mounting surface 11 mounting the transponder 1. It is also possible in particular to paint the outside of the mounting surface 11 in the region of the transponder 1, to print on or otherwise treat, with possibly pre- necessary, such as grinding.

Claims

Patent claims

A method of assembling a transponder having an integrated circuit for storing and / or processing data on an object, wherein the transponder moves to a predetermined position relative to a slot formed in an electrically conductive portion of the object is and is fixed or stabilized in the predetermined position by means of a mounting element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a transponder is used, the flat piece, in particular cuboid, is formed and has two trained as main surfaces outer surfaces having a larger surface area than the other outer surfaces of the transponder.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the transponder parallel to its two major surfaces, preferably in the region of the main surfaces, each having an at least partially electrically conductive layer.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that during assembly of the transponder, a signal path between the at least partially electrically conductive layers parallel to the

Main surfaces of the transponder are formed and the electrically conductive surface of the article is formed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that during the assembly of the transponder an electrically conductive connection between the at least partially electrically conductive layers formed parallel to the main surfaces of the transponder and formed on the electrically conductive surface of the article.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transponder is used which has four formed as end faces outer surfaces which are arranged in pairs parallel to each other.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the

Transponder parallel to three end faces, preferably in the region of the end faces, each having an at least partially electrically conductive layer.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting element is formed on the transponder or the object before the transponder is moved to the predetermined position.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that abuts in the predetermined position of the transponder or the mounting member on the object or abuts the transponder on the mounting member.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder in the predetermined position with the slot at least partially, preferably completely, overlaps.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder is at least partially inserted into the slot.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting element is at least partially inserted into the slot.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the mounting element on the transponder and / or on the object is positively, positively or materially fixed.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that an opening area of the slot is reduced by the mounting member.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting member at least three AußenfFlächen surfaces of the transponder are enclosed.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used, which is formed integrally with the transponder or with the object.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used which is pivotally mounted on the transponder or on the object.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used which has an undercut.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used, which is designed in the form of a hook.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that a mounting element is used, which is at least partially electrically conductive.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used, which is U-shaped or L-shaped.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used which has a U-shaped or an L-shaped profile.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mounting element is used, which is designed as a hollow body open at least on one side.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that on the outside of the hollow body, an at least partially circumferential flange is formed.

25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder is additionally fixed or stabilized in the predetermined position by means of a securing element.

26. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder is fixed or stabilized by a plastic deformation in particular of the mounting element or the securing element in the predetermined position.

27. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the context of the assembly of the transponder formed by the electrically conductive surface with the slot slot antenna is connected to the transponder.