Contactless data carrier

Abstract

Contactless data carrier (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) adapted to be arranged in a receiving section of an object-connecting device, which has: a base (10, 210, 310, 410) that is adapted to be placed in the recording section, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the base (10, 210, 310, 410) has at least three projections (12, 212, 416) arranged at regular intervals, wherein a top surface (12a) of each of the projections (12, 212, 416) is a convex surface , wherein the upper surface (12a) of the projections (12, 212, 416) is adapted to adjoin an inner surface of the receiving section, and a marking element (20) which is arranged at the base (10, 210, 310, 410), wherein Data relating to the object-connecting device are stored with the identification element (20), and the marking element (20) is adapted to be read by a reading device in a non-contact manner; wherein the outer peripheral surface (210) of the base (10, 210, 310, 410) has a plurality of annular grooves (214), and the annular grooves (214) each surround the projections (12, 212, 416), wherein the projections (12, 212, 416) are made of an elastic material.

Description

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a contactless data carrier and in particular to a contactless data carrier arranged on an object-connecting device, and data of the object-connecting device which are stored in or on the contactless data carrier are adapted to be read in a contactless manner by a reading device. 2. Description of related technology

[0002] Common object-connecting devices include: connecting rings, shackles, pull rings, rope sleeves, guide rollers or hinged blocks (e.g., hinged pulleys, hinged pulley devices), lifting rings, swivel joints, pivot lifting rings, lifting eyes, roller bearings, hooks, buckles (e.g., closures), connecting links, chains, locking devices (e.g., ratchets), etc. These devices are typically used to secure, lift (e.g., hoist), or link (e.g., connect) goods or equipment, with each object-connecting device having different models, sizes, mechanical properties, manufacturers, manufacturing dates (e.g., manufacturing dates), critical loads, service lives, maintenance procedures, other related information, etc.

[0003] For safety reasons, users must be familiar with the relevant information from each of the object-connecting devices. However, in practice, it is clearly difficult for users to remember the relevant information from different object-connecting devices. In this context, a load-handling device with a non-contact readable data carrier, similar to the aforementioned object-connecting devices, is disclosed in EP 2 508 461 B1, which allows the user to read the data stored on the data carrier in order to learn the relevant information of the load-handling device.

[0004] As in Fig. Figure 21 in EP 2 508 461 B1 shows that the data carrier 14 is fixed by generating friction between a load-bearing part 1 and retaining ribs 23. However, the retaining ribs 23 extend in a direction perpendicular to a surface 22, a direction parallel to the force that allows the data carrier 14 to disengage from the load-bearing part 1. In this context, the path by which the data carrier 14 is fixed in EP 2 508 461 B1 is not stable, so the data carrier 14 can disengage from the load-bearing part 1. In all these aspects, the conventional data carrier still has room for improvement.

[0005] US 2012 / 0019394A1 discloses a transponder device with an RFID tag that can withstand high temperatures, high pressure, and acidic and corrosive environments. DE 10056473C1 discloses an RFID transponder with a rigid body designed like a fastening screw. Brief explanation of the invention

[0006] In view of the above, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a contactless data carrier that can be firmly fixed to an object-connecting device and cannot easily come out of contact with it.

[0007] According to the invention, a contactless data carrier according to claim 1 is provided. Embodiments of such contactless data carriers are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] With the aforementioned design, the outer peripheral surface of the base can be firmly adjacent to the inner surface of the receiving section of the object-connecting device, so that the contactless data carrier cannot easily be dislodged from it. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] The present invention is best understood with reference to the following detailed description of some illustrative embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 a perspective view of the object-connecting device and the contactless data carrier of a first embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the contactless data carrier of the first embodiment is, Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing that the contactless data carrier of the first embodiment is inserted into the receiving section, Fig. 4 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a second embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 5 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a third embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the contactless data carrier of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 7 a side view of the contactless data carrier of the fourth embodiment is, Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing that the contactless data carrier of the fourth embodiment is inserted into the receiving section. Fig. 9 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a fifth embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 10 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a sixth embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 11 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a seventh embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 12 a side view of the contactless data carrier of an eighth embodiment of the present invention is, Fig. 13 a side view of the contactless data carrier of a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 14 - 19 are schematic diagrams showing that the contactless data carriers of the present invention are each inserted into different types of receiving sections. Detailed description of the invention

[0010] A contactless data carrier 100 of a first embodiment of the present invention and an object-connecting device, which is for example a side-pull lifting ring 1, are in Fig. Figure 1 shows the side-pull lifting ring 1 comprising a screw 1a, an engagement element 1b, and a retaining device (e.g., an eyelet, a bracket) 1c. The engagement element 1b engages with the screw 1a, and the retaining device 1c is rotatably (e.g., pivotably) engaged with the engagement element 1b, wherein a receiving section, for example, a blind hole 1d, is arranged on a side surface of the engagement element 1b.

[0011] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the contactless data carrier 100 has a base 10 and an identifying element 20, wherein the base 10 is adapted to be inserted (e.g., inserted, hammered) into the blind hole 1d of the side-pull lifting ring 1, and has an upper end or top surface (hereinafter referred to as "an upper end") 10a and a lower end or bottom surface (hereinafter referred to as "a lower end") 10b, which is opposite the upper end 10a. In practice, the base is typically inserted into the blind hole 1d, with the lower end 10b facing the blind hole 1d. However, this is not a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, the base 10 can be inserted into the blind hole 1d with the upper end 10a facing the blind hole 1d.

[0012] An outer peripheral surface of the base 10 has a plurality of projections 12 arranged at regular intervals (e.g., gaps) (in between) (hereinafter referred to as "at regular intervals"), wherein an upper surface 12a of each of the projections 12 is adapted to adjoin or abut an inner surface of the blind hole 1d.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the base 10 has, for example, four projections 12, wherein the projections 12 are arranged at regular intervals (e.g., gaps) (hereinafter referred to as "at regular intervals"). However, the number of projections is not a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, the base 10 may have three or more than four projections 12.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the base 10 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, or other polymer materials. However, the material of the base is not a limitation of the present invention. In other embodiments, the base can be made of other elastomers, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, e.g., elastoplasts). Preferably, the base can be made of insulating materials. The advantage of using the elastic material is that, when the base 10 is inserted into the blind hole 1d, the projections 12 are pressed and elastically deformed, thus increasing the contact pressure between the projections 12 and the inner surface of the blind hole 1d, particularly the contact pressure in the normal direction. This provides a tight fit, and the contactless data carrier 100 is less likely to disengage.Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the upper surface 12a of each of the projections 12 is a convex surface, so that if the projections 12 are / become deformed, the upper surface 12a can be very close to or in close contact with an inner surface of the receiving section, and the contactless data carrier 100 can be in close or tight engagement with the blind hole 1d.

[0015] The identification element 20 is provided on, at, or in the base (hereinafter referred to as "at the base") 10, and data of the side-pull lifting ring 1, such as models, mechanical properties, manufacturer, date of manufacture, critical load, service life, maintenance process, etc., are stored on or with it. The stored data can be read (e.g., retrieved) in a contactless manner by means of a reading device (e.g., readout device) (not shown) that can be operated by a user. In one embodiment, the data stored in or on the identification element 20 can be a code (e.g., an identifier), wherein the code is read by the reading device, and the corresponding data in a database can be retrieved according to (e.g., depending on) the code in order to obtain (e.g., retrieve) the data of the corresponding object-connecting device.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the identification element 20 is a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic tag, and the reading device is an RFID reader, the RFID reader being operable by the user to read the data stored in or on the RFID electronic tag. It is worth noting that the data stored in or on the identification element 20 can be modified and restored. For example, the identification element 20 can be updated, and the maintenance process data can be restored by the user when the side-pull lifting ring 1 is serviced or repaired.

[0017] However, the identification element 20 is not limited to being a passive RFID electronic tag, but can be a semi-passive or active RFID electronic tag or other equivalent structures, such as NFC electronic tags, ferrite NFC electronic tags, etc. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the identification element 20 is arranged within the base 10, which prevents the identification element 20 from being contaminated (e.g., soiled) by foreign substances (e.g., foreign bodies). However, the arrangement of the identification element 20 is not a limitation of the present invention. In other embodiments, the identification element 20 can be arranged on or at an outer surface of the base 10.

[0018] As in Fig. Figure 4 shows a contactless data carrier 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the first embodiment, except that the outer peripheral surface of a base 210 has a plurality of annular grooves 214, each of which surrounds or encloses one or more of the plurality of projections 212. The annular grooves 214 allow the projections 212 on the outer peripheral surface of the contactless data carrier 200 to be slightly elastically deformed in order to be very close to or closely adjacent to an inner surface of the receiving section.

[0019] As in Fig. Figure 5 shows a contactless data carrier 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the aforementioned embodiments and is based on the first embodiment, except that a chamfer 313 is formed at a connection point or connection area (hereinafter referred to as "a connection point") of an outer peripheral surface 311 of a base 310 and a lower end 312 of the base 310. In this way, the base 310 can be easily guided into the receiving section when the contactless data carrier 300 is inserted into the receiving section, with the lower end 312 of the base 310 facing the receiving section.

[0020] As in Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a contactless data carrier 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the aforementioned embodiments and is based on the third embodiment, except that a base 410 comprises a body 412 and a head 414, wherein the body 412 has a plurality of projections 416 and a chamfer 418 is formed at or near a connection point or connection area (hereinafter referred to as "a connection point") between an outer peripheral surface and a lower end of the body 412. The head 414 is connected to an upper end of the body 412. An outer peripheral surface of the head 414 is a convex surface adapted to adjoin or closely abut the inner surface of the receiving section of the object-connecting device. In the present embodiment, a maximum width of the head 414 is essentially equal to a maximum width of the body 412.With the aforementioned design, when the contactless data carrier 400 is inserted into the receiving section of the object-connecting device, not only the projections 416 but also the outer peripheral surface of the head 414 can abut or closely abut an inner surface 1e of the receiving section, thereby enabling the contactless data carrier 400 to be firmly positioned. It is worth noting that the advantage of using the convex surface on the outer peripheral surface of the head 414 is that the influence of manufacturing tolerances can be reduced, and that the outer peripheral surface of the head 414 can be maintained in good contact with the inner surface 1e. In a situation where a part of the head 414 (e.g.,(one third of the head 414 in a vertical direction) is exposed from the recording section when the head 414 is pushed by an external force from an opening of the recording section, the convex surface of the head 414 facilitates guiding the contactless data carrier 400 to move to an inside of the recording section.

[0021] As in Fig. Figure 9 shows a contactless data carrier 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention having almost the same structure as the fourth embodiment, except that a maximum width of a body 512 (i.e., the section having a plurality of projections 416) is greater than a maximum width of a head 514, wherein a material of the body 512 may have low hardness, whereby, when the contactless data carrier 500 is inserted into the receiving section of the object-connecting device, the projections 416 on the body 512 may be deformed to a greater extent in order to fit very closely to an inner surface of the receiving section, thus providing better positioning behavior.

[0022] As in Fig. Figure 10 shows a contactless data carrier 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the fourth embodiment, except that the width of a head 614 decreases successively in one direction towards a body 612, which makes it easier to guide the contactless data carrier 600 into the receiving section of the object-connecting device. In the present embodiment, an outer peripheral surface of the head 614 is a conical surface inclined in a side view. However, the outer peripheral surface of the head is not limited to being a conical surface, as illustrated above, but can be a zigzag surface or a curved surface (e.g., a convex or a concave surface).

[0023] As in Fig. Figure 11 shows a contactless data carrier 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention having almost the same structure as that of the fourth embodiment, except that a head 714 has a first section 715 and a second section 716 which are connected to each other, wherein the first section 715 has a substantially constant width, and an outer peripheral surface of the first section 715 may be a flat surface or a zigzag surface. The second section 716 is arranged between the first section 715 and a body 712 and is connected to an upper end of the body 712, wherein a width of the second section 716 decreases successively in a direction towards the body 712.In this way, it is made easier for an outer peripheral surface of the second section 716 to guide the contactless data carrier 700 into the receiving section of the object-connecting device, and it is made easier for the outer peripheral surface of the first section 715 to fix the contactless data carrier 700 within the inner surface of the receiving section in a close-fitting manner.

[0024] As in Fig. Figure 12 shows a contactless data carrier 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the fourth embodiment, except that a head 814 has a first section 815 and a second section 816 connected to each other, the second section 816 being arranged between the first section 815 and a body 812, and the width of the second section 816 decreasing successively in a direction towards the body 812. The width of the first section 815 decreasing successively in a direction away from the second section 816. In the present embodiment, both an outer peripheral surface of the first section 815 and an outer peripheral surface of the second section 816 are conical surfaces inclined in a side view.However, the outer peripheral surface of the head 814 is not limited to being a conical surface, as exemplified above, but can be a curved or zigzag surface. The aforementioned design facilitates the insertion of the contactless data carrier 800 into the receiving section of the object-connecting device. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surfaces of a connection point or connection area (hereinafter referred to as "a connection point") of the first section 815 and the second section 816 can closely adjoin or lie against the receiving section. Moreover, when the head 814 is pressed by an external force, the surface of the first section 815 facilitates the guidance of the contactless data carrier 800, allowing it to move towards an inner side of the receiving section.The contactless data carrier (800) cannot be easily removed from the recording section.

[0025] As in Fig. Figure 13 shows a contactless data carrier 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which has almost the same structure as the fourth embodiment, except that a head 914 has a first section 915, a second section 916, and a third section 917 connected to one another, wherein the second section 916 is arranged between the first section 915 and the third section 917, and the third section 917 is arranged between the second section 916 and a body 912. The width of the first section 915 decreases successively in a direction away from the second section 916, and the width of the third section 917 decreases successively in a direction towards the body 912. In the present embodiment, the second section 916 has a constant width (hereinafter referred to as "constant").However, the width of the second section is not a limitation of the present invention. In other embodiments, an outer peripheral surface of the second section 916 can be a convex surface, a concave surface, or a zigzag surface. The aforementioned design not only facilitates the insertion of the contactless data carrier 900 into the receiving section of the object-connecting device, but also facilitates the use of the second section 916 to fix (e.g., secure) the contactless data carrier 900 within the inner surface of the receiving section in a tightly fitting manner. Furthermore, the first section 915 facilitates preventing the contactless data carrier 900 from being disengaged from the receiving section when an external force is applied to it.

[0026] As in Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the contactless data carriers of the present invention are inserted into various types of object-connecting devices, each of which has a receiving section arranged at a different position on it. The contactless data carriers, which are in Fig. 15 to Fig. The 20 shown can be any contactless data carrier of the first to ninth embodiments. For simplicity, the contactless data carrier 400 of the fourth embodiment is used for illustration.

[0027] As in Fig. Figure 14 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 2 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 2), which is also a side-pull lifting ring like the aforementioned design, wherein the side-pull lifting ring has a screw 2a, an engagement element 2b, and a retaining device (e.g., an eyelet, a bracket) 2c. A receiving section 2d is arranged on (e.g., on) an upper surface of the engagement element 2b, wherein the receiving section 2d is adapted so that the contactless data carrier 400 can be inserted into it. In other embodiments, said receiving section 2d can be arranged on (e.g., on) a top or side surface of the screw 2a, or can be arranged on (e.g., on) a surface of the retaining device 2c.

[0028] As in Fig. Figure 15 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 3 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 3), which is, for example, a pivoting ring (e.g., a swivel-joint ring), wherein the pivoting ring has a screw 3a, an engagement element 3b, and a retaining device (e.g., an eyelet, a bracket) 3c. The engagement element 3b is rotatably engaged with the bolt 3a, and the retaining device 3c is pivotably connected to the engagement element 3b. A receiving section 3d is arranged on an upper peripheral surface of the engagement element 3b, wherein the receiving section 3d is adapted to accommodate the contactless data carrier 400. In other embodiments, said receiving section 3d can be arranged at an upper end of the engagement element 3b or on a surface of the screw 3a.

[0029] As in Fig. Figure 16 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 4 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 4), which is, for example, also a pivoting ring, wherein the pivoting ring has a screw 4a, an engagement element 4b, and a holding device (e.g., an eyelet, a bracket) 4c. A receiving section 4d is arranged on (e.g., on) the holding device 4c. In one embodiment, said receiving section 4d can be arranged on (e.g., on) a surface of the holding device 4c that is remote from the screw 4a.

[0030] As in Fig. Figure 17 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 5 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 5), which is, for example, a lifting eye bolt. The lifting eye bolt has a ring section 5a, a body 5b, and an insertion section 5c, which are connected to each other. The insertion section 5c is adapted to be inserted into an anchor point in order to be fixed. A receiving section 5d is arranged on a side surface of the body 5b, and the receiving section 5d is adapted to accommodate the contactless data carrier 400.

[0031] As in Fig. Figure 18 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 6 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 6), which is, for example, also a lifting eye bolt, wherein the lifting eye bolt has a ring section 6a, a body 6b, and an insertion section 6c, which are connected to each other. A receiving section 6d is arranged on (e.g., on) a side surface of the ring section 6a, wherein the receiving section 6d is adapted so that the contactless data carrier 400 is inserted (into it).

[0032] As in Fig.Figure 19 shows the contactless data carrier 400 applied to an object-connecting device 7 (e.g., used in an object-connecting device 7), which is, for example, a swivel eye bolt, wherein the swivel eye bolt has a screw 7a and a ring 7b, the ring 7b being rotatably engaged with the bolt 7a. A receiving section 7c is arranged on (e.g., on) a side surface of the ring 7b, the receiving section 7c being adapted so that the contactless data carrier 400 is inserted (into it).

[0033] However, the receiving section is not limited to being a blind hole, as exemplified above, but can be other equivalent structures, such as perforations, recesses, etc. Furthermore, the base is not limited to being cylindrical, but can be a polygonal column, a regular polyhedron, etc.

[0034] However, the object-connecting device to which the contactless data carrier can be applied (e.g., in which the contactless data carrier can be used) is not limited by the aforementioned design. In other embodiments, the object-connecting device may include connecting rings, shackles, pull rings, cable sleeves, guide rollers or hinged blocks (e.g., hinged deflection pulleys, hinged deflection pulley devices), lifting rings, swivel joints, pivot lifting rings, lifting eyes, roller bearings, hooks, buckles (e.g., closures), connecting links, chains, locking devices (e.g., ratchets), or other equivalent types or structures.

[0035] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are only some preferred embodiments of the present invention. All equivalent structures that utilize the concepts disclosed in this description and the attached claims are said to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Contactless data carrier (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) adapted to be arranged in a receiving section of an object-connecting device, which has: a base (10, 210, 310, 410) that is adapted to be placed in the recording section, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the base (10, 210, 310, 410) has at least three projections (12, 212, 416) arranged at regular intervals, wherein a top surface (12a) of each of the projections (12, 212, 416) is a convex surface , wherein the upper surface (12a) of the projections (12, 212, 416) is adapted to adjoin an inner surface of the receiving section, and a marking element (20) which is arranged at the base (10, 210, 310, 410), wherein Data relating to the object-connecting device are stored with the identification element (20), and the marking element (20) is adapted to be read by a reading device in a non-contact manner; wherein the outer peripheral surface (210) of the base (10, 210, 310, 410) has a plurality of annular grooves (214), and the annular grooves (214) each surround the projections (12, 212, 416), wherein the projections (12, 212, 416) are made of an elastic material. [2] Contactless data carrier (300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) according to claim 1, wherein The base (310, 410) has an upper end and a lower end that is opposite to the upper end of the base. the base (310, 410) is inserted into the receiving section, with the lower end facing the receiving section, the outer peripheral surface (311) of the base (310, 410) is arranged between the upper end and the lower end of the base (310, 410), and a chamfer (313) is formed at a junction of the outer peripheral surface and the lower end of the base (310, 410). [3] Contactless data carrier (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the base (410) has a body (412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912) and a head (414, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914), the body (412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912) has projections (416), an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the body (412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912) is opposite to the lower end of the body (412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912), and the head (414, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914) is connected to the upper end of the body (412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912) and the outer peripheral surface of the base (410) is adapted to adjoin the inner surface of the receiving section. [4] Contactless data carrier (400, 800, 900) according to claim 3, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the head (414, 814, 914) is a convex surface. [5] Contactless data carrier (600) according to claim 3, wherein the width of the head (614) decreases successively in a direction towards the body (612). [6] Contactless data carrier (700) according to claim 3, wherein the head (714) has a first section (715) and a second section (716) which are connected to each other, the first section (715) has a constant width, the second section (716) is arranged between the first section (715) and the body (712), and the width of the second section (716) decreases successively in one direction towards the body (712). [7] Contactless data carrier (800) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the head (814) has a first section (815) and a second section (816) which are connected to each other, the second section (816) is arranged between the first section (815) and the body (812), the width of the second section (816) decreases successively in one direction towards the body (812), the width of the first section (815) decreases successively in a direction away from the second section (816). [8] Contactless data carrier (900) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the head (914) has a first section (915), a second section (916) and a third section (917) which are connected to each other, the second section (916) is arranged between the first section (915) and the third section (917), and the third section (917) is arranged between the second section (916) and the body (912), the width of the first section (915) gradually decreases in a direction away from the second section (916), the width of the third section (917) decreases successively in one direction towards the body (912).

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