Container with holder for a transponder and transponder holder for a container

Abstract

Container, in particular roll container (1), with bars (8) and a holder (10) for at least one transponder (12), wherein the holder (10) can be attached to the bars (8), characterized in that the holder (10) has at least two retaining cheeks (14, 16) that can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other according to the distance between the bars (GA).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container according to the preamble of claim 1 and a holder for a transponder according to the preamble of claim 17.

[0002] Containers, such as laundry containers, are a well-known example of modern technology. These can be designed as roll containers or trolleys. Transponders on such containers offer an efficient and reliable solution for managing and tracking the container and its contents.

[0003] Transponders on laundry containers, for example, offer an efficient and reliable solution for managing and tracking textiles in laundries, hospitals, hotels or other facilities with high laundry volumes.

[0004] RFID transponders, in particular, offer an intelligent, automated management solution for laundry logistics. They ensure greater transparency, reduce errors, and improve efficiency throughout the entire process chain. Companies and institutions that use RFID technology benefit from cost savings, increased security, and more sustainable operations.

[0005] One advantage of this is the optimization of logistics and inventory control. RFID technology allows laundry containers to be tracked in real time. This makes it possible to see at any time where a specific container is located and how many laundry items it contains. This simplifies inventory control and reduces losses due to incorrectly stored or missing containers or laundry.

[0006] Another advantage is the automated data collection and reduction of errors. Unlike manual barcode scans, RFID transponders can detect multiple containers simultaneously – even without direct line of sight. This saves time and minimizes human error that can occur during manual scanning or counting.

[0007] A further advantage is the increased efficiency in laundry distribution. Automatic container identification allows businesses to optimize their processes, for example, by assigning laundry to the correct locations more quickly. This is particularly important for hospitals and care facilities, where hygienic textiles must be available on time.

[0008] Transponders allow for precise tracking of which container was moved, when, and where. This makes unauthorized removals or losses easier to trace and can help prevent theft or accidental disappearance of containers or laundry items.

[0009] More efficient laundry logistics also help avoid unnecessary transport, thereby reducing fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

[0010] According to the prior art of utility model DE 20 2016 004 745 U1, such wire mesh boxes are known with a transponder that can be attached to the wire mesh bars by means of a holder.

[0011] A disadvantage of such containers or brackets, according to the state of the art, is that they are only usable for a defined mesh bar spacing. Therefore, different brackets are required for different types of wire mesh boxes, for example.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved container and an improved holder for a transponder on a container, which enable universal use.

[0013] This problem is solved by a container with the feature combination of claim 1 and by means of a holder with the feature combination of claim 17.

[0014] The container according to the invention, preferably a laundry container designed as a wire mesh box, which can be a roll container, has wire mesh bars and a holder for at least one transponder, the holder being attachable to the wire mesh bars. According to the invention, the holder uses at least two retaining brackets that can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other according to the spacing of the wire mesh bars. Preferably, in a first step, the holder is placed against the wire mesh bars, adjusted according to the spacing of the wire mesh bars, and then, in a second step, locked in place. The spacing of the wire mesh bars can be the distance between two adjacent bars or, alternatively, the distance between several bars. This allows the holder to be used universally for different wire mesh spacings. Advantageously, a single holder can be used for various container models.This allows existing containers to be equipped with transponders without much effort.

[0015] It has proven particularly advantageous if the support brackets are infinitely adjustable and then lockable relative to each other. This infinite adjustability allows for easy adaptation to different grid spacings. The bracket can also be used with non-standard or otherwise unspecified grid spacings. Furthermore, multiple grid bars can be individually supported.

[0016] The bracket preferably has two retaining jaws. This reduces the number of parts required for its function to a minimum.

[0017] From a manufacturing perspective, it is advantageous if the retaining jaws each have a plate-shaped base and a mounting section that can be secured around the grid bars. The mounting sections are aligned towards each other, resulting in an approximately C-shaped, clamp-like bracket.

[0018] The fastening sections are preferably curved in an arc, for example in a C-shape, so that they can partially encircle the grid bar. Alternatively, the fastening section is curved at a right angle. The fastening sections preferably encircle the grid bars from the outside of the container or, in one embodiment of the invention, from the inside of the container.

[0019] In an embodiment according to the invention, the plate-shaped base bodies of the retaining cheeks can be brought into contact with each other and can be moved linearly relative to each other.

[0020] To secure the bracket, the retaining cheeks are preferably moved linearly relative to each other until the fastening sections each encompass a grid bar and are then fixed relative to each other, i.e. locked.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the holder, the transponder is attached in the area of ​​the plate-shaped base body. In an advantageous embodiment, the transponder, preferably an RFID tag, is arranged in a plastic base body. Within the scope of the invention, this unit is hereinafter referred to as the transponder.

[0022] Preferably, the transponder is screwed to the base body by means of fastening screws. For this purpose, elongated holes through which the fastening screws pass and fastening nuts are advantageously provided. In the area of ​​a fastening screw or fastening nut, the adjacent mounting flange is preferably provided with a longitudinal recess, which is dimensioned such that the fastening nut can slide within it. This allows the mounting flanges to be freely moved relative to each other and the desired distance to be adjusted. The longitudinal recess is preferably arranged centrally between the longitudinal slots and extends parallel to them.

[0023] According to the invention, the retaining jaws are preferably adjustable by means of a stepless guide system which includes a screw, detent, clamp, and / or magnetic locking mechanism. With a screw locking mechanism, the retaining jaws can be fixed to one another by means of one or more screw connections. Alternatively, a detent connection can be provided. Furthermore, a clamp connection of the retaining jaws is possible. A magnetic locking mechanism for fixing the retaining jaws relative to one another is advantageously possible according to the invention. Different locking devices can also be used in combination.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the bracket, a retaining cheek has at least one longitudinal slot for guiding and securing a fastening screw. Preferably, the retaining cheek has two parallel longitudinal slots for guiding and securing a fastening screw each.

[0025] A mounting bracket is preferably provided with at least one bore for the fastening screw. It is particularly advantageous if the mounting bracket has several bores spaced apart from one another. The selection of the bores for the fastening screws depends on the approximate spacing of the grid bars at the mounting location. Fine adjustment and clamping are achieved by sliding the fastening screws along the longitudinal slots. This allows the bracket to be used universally even with significantly varying grid bar spacings.

[0026] The transponder is preferably an active or passive RFID transponder (radio frequency identification transponder). The RFID transponder advantageously enables an identification and / or data acquisition system with radio transmission.

[0027] The holder preferably has a separate receptacle for the transponder. This ensures secure fixation and easy removal. Interchangeable transponders can thus be used for different applications. The holder can also have a multi-receptacle for several transponders, allowing different identification systems (RFID, NFC, barcode, etc.) to be integrated simultaneously.

[0028] The retaining cheeks are preferably made of metal, preferably as sheet metal bent parts.

[0029] A container according to the invention is preferably designed as a wire mesh box and particularly preferably as a roll-up wire mesh box. Laundry containers are an advantageous application.

[0030] In an inventive holder for at least one transponder on a container or wire mesh box, such as a laundry container or the like, the holder can be attached to the wire mesh bars of the container. According to the invention, the holder has at least two retaining jaws that can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other according to the spacing of the wire mesh bars.

[0031] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized as particularly advantageous if the retaining cheeks are infinitely adjustable and can be fixed relative to each other.

[0032] The invention can be universally implemented in all types of standing or rollable mesh containers, such as roll containers and transport trolleys.

[0033] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show, in detail: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a container according to the invention with transponder; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the mounted bracket; Fig. 3 a top view of the mounted bracket; Fig. 4 a sectional view AA of the bracket made of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 a side view of the bracket.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to the invention, designed as a roll container or roll cage 1, which is used as a laundry container. The roll container 1 has a base body 2 and four mesh side walls 4a-d mounted on it. The roll container 1 has four casters 6 in the corner areas of the base body 2. The mesh side walls 4a-d of the roll container 1 consist of a plurality of parallel mesh bars 8. A holder 10 according to the invention for a transponder 12 is attached to two vertical mesh bars 8.

[0036] How based Fig. As explained in more detail in Figure 2, which shows a perspective view of the bracket 10 mounted on the schematically depicted bars 8 of the roll container 1, the bracket 10 has two retaining jaws 14, 16 that can be continuously adjusted relative to each other according to the desired bar spacing GA and fixed relative to each other. This allows the bracket 10 to be used universally for different bar spacings and existing containers 1 to be equipped with transponders 12 without much effort. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar spacing (GA) is not defined as the distance between two adjacent bars 8 but as the distance between three bars 8. Alternatively, the bracket 10 can be mounted on two directly adjacent bars 8.

[0037] The retaining cheeks 14, 16 each have a plate-shaped base body 18, 20 and a fastening section 22, 24 on their narrow sides that can be fixed around the grid bars 8. The plate-shaped base bodies 18, 20 of the retaining cheeks 14, 16 are aligned and linearly displaceable relative to each other. The fastening sections 22, 24 are curved in an arc so that they partially engage the respective grid bar 8 in a form-fitting manner. The radius of curvature is adapted to the diameter of the grid bar 8. The fastening sections 22, 24 are oriented towards each other, resulting in an approximately C-shaped, clamp-like support 10. The fastening sections 22, 24 engage the grid bars 8 from the outside of the container 1 or, in an alternative configuration, from the inside of the container 1.

[0038] To secure the bracket 10, the retaining jaws 14, 16 are moved linearly relative to each other until the fastening sections 22, 24 each partially encircle a grid bar 8. The retaining jaws 14, 16 are then fixed in place.

[0039] The RFID transponder 12 is attached to the front of the plate-shaped base body 18 of the retaining bracket 14. The transponder 12 is arranged in a plastic base body 26 with two attachment points. Within the scope of the invention, this unit is referred to as the transponder 12. Alternatively, the transponder 12 can be arranged on the back of the plate-shaped base body 18 of the retaining bracket 14. It is also possible to arrange the transponder on the retaining bracket 16 or at least one transponder on each of the retaining brackets 14 and 16.

[0040] How in particular Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the mounted bracket 10, as well as the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, which shows a cross-sectional view along line AA from Fig. Figure 3 and a side view of the bracket 10 show that the transponder 12 is screwed to the base body 18 by means of two fastening screws 28, 30. For this purpose, elongated holes 32, 34, through which the fastening screws 28, 30 pass, and fastening nuts 36, 38 are provided. In the area of ​​the fastening screw 30 and the fastening nut 38, the adjacent retaining bracket 16 is provided with a longitudinal recess 40, which is dimensioned such that the fastening nut 38 can slide within it. This allows the retaining brackets 14, 16 to be freely moved relative to each other when the transponder 12 is mounted.

[0041] The fastening principle is explained in more detail below. The retaining cheek 14 has two longitudinal slots 42, 44 running parallel to each other in the edge regions of the base body 18 for guiding and securing a fastening screw 46, 48, respectively. The longitudinal slots 42, 44 are arranged in the edge regions of the long sides of the base body 18. The longitudinal slots 42, 44, together with the fastening screws 46, 48, form a continuously adjustable, lockable guide system 49. The longitudinal recess 40 is located centrally between the longitudinal slots 42, 44 when the retaining cheeks 14, 16 are connected and extends parallel to them.

[0042] The retaining bracket 16 is provided with a bore arrangement comprising three bores 50 for the passage of the fastening screw 46 and a bore arrangement with three bores 52 for the fastening screw 48. The bores 50 and 52 are arranged longitudinally along the edge of the retaining bracket 16, spaced apart from each other. The bore arrangements extend approximately half the length of the retaining bracket 16. The choice of bores 50 and 52 for the fastening screws 46 and 48 depends on the approximate spacing of the grid bars at the mounting location. Fine adjustment and clamping are achieved by sliding the fastening screws 46 and 48 along the longitudinal slots 42 and 44 and then tightening them, so that the retaining brackets 16 and 16 are fixed or clamped together with the desired overlap. This results in a continuously adjustable and lockable guide system 49.The bracket 10 can be used universally even with widely varying bar spacings GA. In the example shown, the fastening screws 46, 48 are arranged in the outermost bores 50, 52, so that a bracket 10 is achieved for a large bar spacing, whereby a central bar is overlapped or left free.

[0043] In addition to an integrated RFID chip, the transponder 12 is provided on its top side with a schematically indicated QR code 54, i.e. a graphic, two-dimensional code.

[0044] A container, in particular a roll container 1, with bars 8 and a holder 10 for at least one transponder 12 is disclosed, wherein the holder 10 can be attached to the bars 8. According to the invention, the holder 10 has at least two retaining jaws 14, 16 that can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other according to the desired bar spacing GA. A holder 10 of this type for a container 1 is further disclosed. Reference symbol list 1 rolling container 2 basic shapes 4a-d Side wall 6 swivel caster 8 bars 10 brackets 12 transponders 14 retaining cheek 16 retaining cheek 18 basic shapes 20 basic shapes 22 Fastening section 24 Fastening section 26 plastic base bodies 28 fastening screw 30 fastening screw 32 slotted holes 34 slotted holes 36 Fastening nut 38 Fastening nut 40 Longitudinal recess 42 longitudinal slots 44 longitudinal slots 46 Fastening screw 48 fastening screw 49 Management system 50 bore 52 bore 54 QR codes QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2016 004 745 U1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Container, in particular a rolling container (1), with bars (8) and a holder (10) for at least one transponder (12), wherein the holder (10) can be fastened to the bars (8), characterized by that the holder (10) has at least two retaining cheeks (14, 16) which can be adjusted and fixed relative to one another in accordance with the grid bar spacing (GA). [2] Container according to claim 1, wherein the retaining cheeks (14, 16) are continuously adjustable and fixable relative to one another. [3] Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder (10) has two retaining cheeks (14, 16) which can be brought into overlap in sections. [4] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining cheeks (14, 16) each have a plate-shaped base body (18, 20) and a fastening section (22, 24) which can be fixed to the grid bars (8) at least in sections, encompassing them. [5] Container according to claim 4, wherein the fastening portion (22, 24) is curved in an arcuate manner. [6] Container according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the plate-shaped base bodies (18, 20) of the retaining cheeks (14, 16) can be brought into contact and can be displaced linearly relative to one another. [7] Container according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the transponder (12) is fastened in the region of the plate-shaped base body (18). [8] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining cheeks (14, 16) are adjustable by means of a continuously variable guide system (49) which includes a screw, latching, clamping and / or magnetic locking device. [9] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a retaining cheek (14) has at least one longitudinal slot (42, 44) for guiding and securing a fastening screw (46, 48). [10] Container according to claim 9, wherein the retaining cheek (14) has two longitudinal slots (42, 44) running parallel to one another for guiding and securing a fastening screw (46, 48) in each case. [11] Container according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein a retaining cheek (16) has at least one bore (50, 52) for the passage of the fastening screw (46, 48). [12] Container according to claim 11, wherein the retaining cheek (16) has a plurality of bores (50, 52) arranged at a distance from one another. [13] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transponder (12) is an active or passive RFID transponder. [14] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (10) has a separate receiving device, preferably a plastic base body (26), for the transponder (12). [15] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining cheeks (14, 16) are made of metal. [16] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) is designed as a lattice box, preferably a rolling lattice box. [17] Holder (10) for at least one transponder (12) on a container (1), in particular a rolling container, wherein the holder (10) can be fastened to bars (8) of the container (1), characterized by that the holder (10) has at least two retaining cheeks (14, 16) which can be adjusted and fixed relative to one another in accordance with the grid bar spacing (GA). [18] Holder according to claim 17, wherein the retaining cheeks (14, 16) are continuously adjustable and fixable relative to one another.

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