Combination of a preferably electrical device with device housing and a transponder

Abstract

Combination of a preferably electrical device (1) with device housing (2) and a transponder (3), wherein the transponder (3) is configured for bidirectional communication with a network (5, 6), and wherein at least one location position of the device (1) and optionally its spatial movement can be detected and optionally visualized by means of a control unit (6) in the network (5, 6), characterized in that the device housing (2) of the device (1) has a receptacle (4) for the transponder (3), wherein the transponder (3) is detachably fixed in the receptacle (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the combination of a preferably electrical device with a device housing and a transponder, wherein the transponder is configured for bidirectional communication with a network, and wherein at least one location of the device and, if applicable, its spatial movement can be detected and optionally visualized with the aid of a control unit in the network.

[0002] The transponder refers to a combined transmitting / receiving unit, which is therefore capable of receiving signals from the control unit in the network and also sending signals to it. For this reason, the transponder is configured for bidirectional communication with the network. For this purpose, the transponder typically has its own electrical power source, meaning it is usually energy-autonomous. With the help of the control unit in the network, the location of the device can be recorded and visualized. In principle, visualization is not necessarily required; the control unit can also inform an operator about the device's location via acoustic signals, for example.This can be achieved using tones in a predefined sequence, with the sequence increasing in pitch as the device is approached, for example, to enable blind people to locate the device equipped with the transponder. Typically, the location is also visualized, usually using a screen associated with the control unit.

[0003] Such a combination is described, for example, in WO 2008 / 153998 A1. This section concerns the localization of objects, in this case, measuring devices for recording soil conditions. This not only requires locating the respective electrical device or measuring device in terms of its position, but also identifying the respective device and performing what is known as "tracking," i.e., recording the spatial movement of the device or its spatial trajectory. In this context, the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) standard is used, for example. This has proven to be fundamentally successful.

[0004] With the help of the additional control unit in the network, at least the device's location can be recorded and visualized. This means that, for example, a geographical map of an area connected to the network is stored in the control unit in the network, so that the device in question can be displayed on this map, for example, on a screen of the control unit (so-called mapping). This has proven to be generally successful.

[0005] In practice, however, equipping the device with the transponder often reaches its limits. This can be attributed to the fact that the device and the transponder often only form a temporary connection or are not connected at all, resulting in the risk of the transponder becoming detached from the device equipped with it. In practice, this is often done by attaching the transponder to the device using a tag, which, however, can simply break off, get lost, etc. during commercial use and in the harshest of everyday conditions. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0006] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a combination of a device with a device housing and a transponder in such a way that a permanent connection to the transponder is provided and a loss of the transponder is almost impossible.

[0007] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, based on a generic combination, that the device housing has a receptacle for the transponder, wherein the transponder is detachably fixed in the receptacle.

[0008] According to the invention, the device housing is specially designed and has a receptacle for the transponder. The transponder is held and secured in this receptacle. This means that during normal use of the device, the transponder is not expected to become detached from the receptacle. Rather, a special unlocking tool is generally required to remove and free the transponder from the receptacle. This virtually eliminates any unintentional separation of the transponder from the device housing, ensuring that the transponder can be permanently and practically permanently assigned to the device equipped with it.

[0009] The device in question is generally electrically powered, although other drive systems are also conceivable in this context, such as pneumatic drive, internal combustion engine, etc. Non-electrical devices with housings are also generally covered. The essential requirement is that the device in question is equipped with a housing, usually made of plastic, so that the receptacle for the transponder can be easily defined within the respective housing (made of plastic).

[0010] Since, according to the invention, the transponder and the device practically form a single unit that can only be separated again using the unlocking tool, it is also possible to pair the transponder and the device in question. This means that a wireless or wired connection is established between a typically provided device control and a transponder control in such a way that an individualized combination is present and monitored. This means that the transponder equipping the device housing with its transponder control and the device control are coordinated with each other, so that the transponder cannot, for example, be paired with another electrical device and vice versa.

[0011] In this way, the device in question can be recorded and visualized not only with regard to its location in the network and, if applicable, its spatial movement. This (the visualization) also applies to, for example, a device number, device specifications, etc. These device specifications can include, for example, the charge level of a battery in the device, any maintenance intervals, potential errors, the internal temperature, etc. This also generally makes it possible to transfer essential functions of the device control to the transponder control, so that the electrical device can be made "smart" using the transponder. This opens up the possibility of, for example, using the transponder built into the receptacle in the device housing to monitor the control / regulation electronics of the electrical device in question, i.e., its device control, with regard to modifications, upgrades, etc.can be adapted without the need for complex software updates or even interventions inside the housing.

[0012] For example, in the simplest case, it is conceivable that a correspondingly adapted transponder could be used to upgrade the device control system for operation with a different battery or with additional functions. Depending on the transponder used, additional functions that may have been built into the electrical device can also be activated for the first time, such as a light source provided in the electrical device. In principle, the transponder can even completely incorporate the device control system, so that the device is generally delivered without a device control system and only receives its "intelligence" through the associated transponder. Of course, these are all examples and not limiting.

[0013] As already explained, the transponder has its own transponder control unit or device control unit if one is not present in the device. Furthermore, the transponder is usually equipped with a power source and a transmitter / receiver unit. The transponder control unit, the power source, and the transmitter / receiver unit are generally located together in a dedicated transponder housing. The transmitter / receiver unit can also be part of the transponder control unit.

[0014] The transponder housing is generally closed and, in particular, media-tight. A watertight housing design has proven particularly advantageous in this case to prevent any malfunctions. To achieve such a media-tight housing design, it is generally composed of two interconnected housing shells that ensure the media-tight design. The two housing shells can be joined together, for example, using a conventional plastic welding process, adhesive bonding, or some other method to ensure the desired media-tightness.

[0015] To ensure that the transponder housing, which is fixed in the holder, is housed in the most space-saving manner and does not protrude significantly from the device housing, the transponder housing is generally designed in a flat, cuboid shape. This means that the transponder housing has a cuboid shape with a low overall height.

[0016] To ensure that the transponder housing, and thus the transponder, is held securely in the holder, it has proven effective to equip the holder and the transponder housing with corresponding locking devices. These locking devices preferably consist of a largely U-shaped lip and a interacting, also predominantly U-shaped groove. In detail, the design is such that the U-shaped lip is provided on the device housing, while the U-shaped groove is realized on the transponder housing. In principle, the procedure can also be reversed.

[0017] The U-shaped lip on the device housing is advantageously made from an elastomeric plastic. A so-called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has proven to be particularly suitable here. In fact, such thermoplastic elastomers can be easily attached to or on device housings, for example by injection molding. The invention is based on the knowledge that the device housings in question are typically made from a rigid plastic such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PA (polyamide) or PU (polyurethane). Combinations or other suitable plastics are of course also conceivable. In any case, the use of an elastomeric plastic and in particular TPE in the area of ​​the transponder holder ensures that the required U-shaped lip on the device housing can be easily defined. For this purpose, the elastomeric plastic is, for example,sprayed onto the device housing in an additional layer.

[0018] Since the lip is made of elastomeric plastic, it can be easily deformed and removed from the groove on the transponder housing if necessary in order to remove the entire transponder from the holder.

[0019] The transponder housing itself is made of a rigid plastic, with similar materials being used here as the device housing, such as PE, PP, PA, PU, ​​etc. This allows the transponder housing to be easily pried out of the thermoplastic housing using the unlocking tool. For this purpose, the transponder housing is usually equipped with an unlocking contour on one end for interaction with the unlocking tool mentioned above. This unlocking contour is usually a recess with a beveled edge.

[0020] The design is also such that the ramp interacts with an unlocking bit of the unlocking tool that engages therein. To realize and implement this in detail, the unlocking bit is generally pivoted about its axis for unlocking. As a result, the unlocking bit of the unlocking tool moves ascending along the ramp. This levers the transponder housing out of the receptacle. The lip made of elastomeric plastic facilitates this levering out because it allows the lip to be removed from the groove in the transponder housing, into which it engages when the transponder is attached to the device housing or inside the receptacle. The unlocking tool, for its part, is generally key-shaped with the unlocking bit provided at the end and a key head.To unlock the transponder housing from the receptacle in the device housing, the unlocking tool is preferably inserted with its unlocking bit into a corresponding bit opening and rotated therein. The bit opening is also located in the area of ​​the elastomeric plastic that defines the receptacle and is applied as an additional layer on or to the device housing.

[0021] To ensure that the transponder housing, and consequently the transponder as a whole, and the unlocking tool or key form a single, captive unit, the transponder housing and the unlocking tool or key are usually each equipped with at least one opening for a key ring. The key ring can be pulled through this opening. This allows both the transponder housing and the unlocking tool to be attached to the key ring, thus forming a single unit.

[0022] Finally, the design is also such that the housing is provided with a charging socket for connecting a battery charger on its other end, opposite the end with the unlocking contour. The invention is based on the realization that the transponder is equipped with a power source designed as a rechargeable battery inside the transponder housing. The battery in question can be charged via the charging socket if necessary. This ensures that the transponder controller can not only establish the previously described bidirectional communication with the network, but also maintain it continuously in order to be able to record and visualize the transponder's position and, if necessary, its spatial movement.This also makes it possible to identify the device equipped with the transponder and display it using the screen assigned to the network's control unit. The display can also indicate the charge level of the transponder's battery, for example, so that a user can be informed that the transponder's battery needs to be recharged.

[0023] As a result, a combination of a preferably electrical device with a device housing and a transponder is provided and described, which ensures that the device in question is virtually permanently equipped with the transponder. This is ensured by the fact that the device housing is equipped with a holder specially adapted to the transponder housing, in which the transponder is permanently fixed. A special unlocking tool, which can be an unlocking key, is provided for removing the transponder housing from the holder.

[0024] The electrical device described above can be any electrical device. Other device forms are also conceivable, as already described in the introduction. The electrical device is usually a handheld electrical device. This could be, for example and not limited to, an electric food processor. A handheld electric power tool also falls under this category. Of course, other devices are also included, as long as the device housing is equipped with the relevant receptacle for the transponder. In this case, device housings made of plastic have generally proven particularly suitable, as already explained above.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings: Fig. 1 the combination according to the invention in an overview, Fig. 2 the transponder in different views, Fig. 3 an unlocking tool including transponder combined by a key ring and Fig. 4A to 4D the removal of the transponder from the holder on the device housing.

[0026] The figures show the combination of an electrical device 1 with a device housing 2 and a transponder 3. The electrical device 1 is a hand-held electrical device, in this case a battery-operated handheld power tool. The device housing 2 is made of plastic and, in the exemplary embodiment, is designed as a plastic injection-molded part. For this purpose, the device housing 2 is manufactured with a housing core 2a made of a rigid plastic such as PE, PP, PA or PU, to which an elastomer coating 2b is at least partially applied. It can be seen that the coating 2b made of a thermoplastic elastomer TPE is present and implemented in the handle area of ​​the electrical device 1 and additionally in the area of ​​a receptacle 4 for the transponder 3, which will be examined in more detail below.

[0027] According to the exemplary embodiment, the transponder 3 is configured for bidirectional communication with a network 5, 6. The bidirectional communication is only possible in the Fig. 1 depicts arcs indicated by electromagnetic waves. In fact, the network 5, 6 according to the exemplary embodiment is composed, and not limited to, an antenna 5 and a control unit 6 within the network 5, 6. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 6 is a mobile control unit 6, which according to the exemplary embodiment is designed as a smartphone with a screen. The network 5, 6, for its part, may operate for data exchange using electromagnetic waves and, for this purpose, may use the so-called "Bluetooth standard." Of course, other standards such as RFID or LORA (Long Range Area Network) are also conceivable. In any case, the network 5, 6 and the transponder 4 can communicate bidirectionally.As a result, the control unit 6 in the network 5, 6 is able to detect and optionally visualize at least one location position of the device 1 and, if applicable, its spatial movement.

[0028] This is in the Fig. 1 is indicated quite schematically by the fact that at this point, the control unit 6 or the smartphone 6 displays corresponding location information 7 on its screen, which essentially consists of a directional arrow 7a pointing toward the desired device 1 on the one hand and a distance indication 7b on the other. In principle, other location information can of course also be implemented, for example in the form of GPS coordinates (Global Positioning System). In this context, a corresponding map of the area covered by the network 5, 6 may also be displayed on the screen of the control unit 6, and the location of the device 1 is displayed on the map, for example, as a "pin."

[0029] According to the invention and of particular importance is the fact that the device housing 2 of the electric hand-held power tool or of the device 1 is equipped with the aforementioned receptacle 4 for the transponder 3. This allows the device 1 in question and the transponder 3 to form a captive unit. Nevertheless, the transponder 3 can be removed from the receptacle 4 and is releasably fixed in the receptacle 4 for this purpose. For the removal of the transponder 3 from the receptacle 4, a Fig. 4A to 4D, which according to the embodiment is an unlocking key 8.

[0030] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 now show the transponder 3 in detail. It can be seen that the transponder 3 is itself equipped with a transponder controller 9, only indicated here. A power source 10 is implemented to supply electrical power to the transponder controller 9, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is a rechargeable electric accumulator. The transponder controller 9 additionally includes a transmitting / receiving unit, which ensures communication between the transponder 3 and the network 5, 6, bidirectionally, such that data is transmitted both from the transponder 3 to the network 5, 6 and from the network 5, 6 to the transponder 3.

[0031] The transponder control 9 and the energy source 10 are housed in a common transponder housing 11. When comparing the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and the different views, it can be seen that the transponder housing 11 is constructed in two parts, comprising an upper shell 11a and a lower shell 11b. Both shells 11a, 11b are, for example, welded or glued together, ensuring that the resulting transponder housing 11 completely encloses both the energy source 10 and the transponder control 9, including the transmitting / receiving unit, in a media-tight manner. This means that the transponder housing 11 in question is particularly watertight. Furthermore, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 that the housing 11 is flat and cuboid-shaped.

[0032] The receptacle 4 in or on the device housing 2 on the one hand and the transponder 3 or the transponder housing 11 on the other hand are provided with corresponding locking means 12, 13. In particular, based on the Fig. 2 shows that the corresponding locking means 12, 13 are, on the one hand, a U-shaped lip 12 on the device housing 2 and, on the other hand, a corresponding groove 13 on the transponder housing 11. As soon as the transponder 3 is inserted into the receptacle 4, the U-shaped lip 12 on the device housing 2 ensures that it engages with the groove 13 on the transponder housing 11, thereby fixing the transponder 3 in the receptacle 4 on or in the device housing 2.

[0033] To ensure that the transponder 3 can be easily secured in the receptacle 4, namely by simply pushing the transponder 3 into the receptacle 4, and to ensure that the transponder 3 can also be removed from the receptacle 4 again, the U-shaped lip 12 on the device housing 2 according to the exemplary embodiment is made of an elastomeric plastic, namely TPE according to the exemplary embodiment. This can be attributed to the fact that the coating 2b made of the elastomeric plastic in question is used to define the receptacle 4, as already described in the introduction.

[0034] Based on the Fig. 2 further shows that the transponder 3 or its housing 11 is equipped with an unlocking contour 14, 15 on one end face. The unlocking contour 14, 15 is designed to interact with the previously mentioned unlocking tool or unlocking key 8. For this purpose, the unlocking contour 14, 15 consists of, on the one hand, an insertion slot 14 and, on the other hand, a beveled edge 15. The unlocking contour 14, 15 is designed as a recess in the transponder housing 11.

[0035] Looking at the Fig. 4A, one can see the start of the unlocking process of the transponder 3 relative to the holder 4 on the device housing 2 holding it. For unlocking, the unlocking tool 8 or the unlocking key 8 is first inserted into a bit opening 16. This bit opening 16 is located in the edge area of ​​the holder 4 and, like the holder 4, is defined in the area of ​​the coating 2b made of the thermoplastic elastomer. The unlocking key 8 with its unlocking bit 8a is inserted into the bit opening 16. In fact, the unlocking tool or unlocking key 8 is composed, on the one hand, of the unlocking bit 8a and, on the other hand, of a key head 8b. This means that the unlocking tool 8 is designed like a key, with the unlocking bit 8a provided at one end or terminal and the key head 8b provided at the other end.It can also be seen that the transponder housing 11 and the unlocking tool 8 in question are each equipped with an opening 17, 18 through which a key ring 19 can be inserted in order to combine the transponder 3 and the unlocking tool 8 using the key ring 19, as shown in FIG. Fig. 3 is shown.

[0036] Coming back to the unlocking process starting in the Fig. 4A, the unlocking tool or the unlocking key 8 is now inserted into the bit opening 16. When transitioning from the Fig. 4A to Fig. 4B shows that the key head 8b is then turned clockwise to remove the transponder 3 from the holder 4, as the further Fig. 4C makes clear. This clockwise rotation of the key head 8b results in the key bit 8a first entering the insertion slot 14 of the unlocking contour 14, 15 and then moving upwards along the ramp 15. This leads to the transponder housing 11 and thus the transponder 3 being increasingly levered out of the receptacle 4, namely emerging from the receptacle 4 with its front side equipped with the unlocking contour 14, 15. This is possible because during the described unlocking process, the U-shaped lip 12 on the device housing 2 made of the elastomeric plastic is deformed and increasingly leaves the U-shaped groove 13 on the transponder housing 11. At the end of this process and as shown in the Fig. 4D, the transponder 3 can now be completely removed from the holder 4 by an operator and, for example, its internal energy source or battery 10 can be charged. For this purpose, the transponder housing 11 is equipped with a charging socket 20 on its end face opposite the unlocking contour 14, 15, which is best identified by the Fig. 2. According to the exemplary embodiment, the charging socket 20 is designed as a standardized charging socket 20, for example according to the USB-C standard, and is therefore designed and intended for the connection of a charging cable of a battery charger.

[0037] Finally, it should be emphasized that the device 1 is equipped with a device control 21 inside the device housing 2, which is Fig.1 is merely indicated by an arrow. The device controller 21 can communicate with the transponder controller 9 and be "paired". This means that through the pairing between the device controller 21 and the transponder controller 9, the device 1 on the one hand and the transponder 3 on the other hand enter into an individualized combination such that the respective transponder 3 can only be combined with the associated electrical device 1 and vice versa. As a result, the device 1 can also be identified and visualized with the help of the control unit 6 by additionally displaying a device identifier 7c on the screen, which is only indicated here. Furthermore, device functions such as the charge level of a battery of the device 1 can be displayed with the help of the control unit 6, indicate any errors, etc. Finally, it is possible to combine the device controller 21 and the transponder controller 9 in whole or in part. This means, individual or all functions of the device control 21 are transferred to the transponder control 9. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2008 / 153998 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Combination of a preferably electrical device (1) with a device housing (2) and a transponder (3), wherein the transponder (3) is set up for bidirectional communication with a network (5, 6), and wherein with the aid of a control unit (6) in the network (5, 6) at least one location of the device (1) and, if appropriate, its spatial movement can be recorded and optionally visualized, characterized by that the device housing (2) of the device (1) has a receptacle (4) for the transponder (3), wherein the transponder (3) is detachably fixed in the receptacle (4). [2] Combination according to claim 1, characterized by that the transponder (3) is equipped with a transponder control (9), a power source (10) and a transmitting / receiving unit, which are arranged together in a transponder housing (11). [3] Combination according to claim 2, characterized by that the transponder housing (11) is closed, in particular media-tight. [4] Combination according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the transponder housing (11) is designed in a flat cuboid shape. [5] Combination according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the receptacle (4) and the transponder housing (11) are equipped with corresponding locking means (12, 13). [6] Combination according to claim 5, characterized by that the locking means (12, 13) are designed as a largely U-shaped lip (12) on the one hand and a predominantly U-shaped groove (13) interacting therewith on the other hand. [7] Combination according to claim 6, characterized by that the U-shaped lip (12) is provided on the device housing (2) and the groove (13) on the transponder housing (11). [8] Combination according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the U-shaped lip (12) on the device housing (2) is made of an elastomeric plastic, for example a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). [9] Combination according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by that the transponder housing (11) is equipped on one of its front sides with an unlocking contour (14, 15) for interaction with an unlocking tool (8). [10] Combination according to claim 9, characterized by that the unlocking contour (14, 15) is designed as a recess with a run-on bevel (15). [11] Combination according to claim 10, characterized by that the run-on bevel (15) interacts with an unlocking beard (8a) of the unlocking tool (8) engaging therein. [12] Combination according to claim 11, characterized by that the unlocking bar (8a) is pivoted about its axis for unlocking and thereby moves upwards along the run-on slope (15) and thereby levers the transponder housing (11) out of the holder (4). [13] Combination according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized bythat the unlocking tool (8) is designed like a key with the unlocking bit (8a) provided at the end and a key head (8b). [14] Combination according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized by that the transponder housing (11) and the unlocking tool (8) each have at least one opening (17, 18) for a key ring (19). [15] Combination according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the transponder housing (11) is provided with a charging socket (20) for connecting a battery charger on its end face opposite the unlocking contour (14, 15).

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