METHOD FOR PRODUCE SINGLE STRIP-SHAPED LAMINATE COMPONENTS COMPLETING AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT EMBEDDED BETWEEN TWO LAMINATE LAYERS, AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCEING SUCH LAMINATE COMPONENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing individual strip-shaped laminate components, comprising an electronic component embedded between two laminate layers made of a strip-shaped, adhesive material, in particular a rubberized material, in which method, by means of a laying device, individual components are placed at defined intervals on a strip-shaped, lower first laminate layer moved in a conveying direction by means of a transport means, after which a strip-shaped, upper second laminate layer moved in the conveying direction is applied to the first laminate layer, embedding the components to form a laminate strip, wherein the individual strip-shaped laminate components are cut from the laminate strip conveyed by means of the transport means by means of a cutting device comprising at least one movable cutting blade, which laminate components are picked up and transported away by means of a gripper device,wherein the front end of the laminate strip is gripped in the area of ​​a component by means of the gripper device and is moved synchronously with the clocked movement of the transport means by a predetermined distance through the cutting device and positioned relative to the cutting blade.

[0002] For various applications, it is sometimes necessary to arrange or integrate a narrow strip of material onto an object, in which strip at least one electronic component is embedded. The material strip serves as a carrier for the component. Such a component is used, for example, for marking purposes, so that the object on which it is arranged can be marked or identified using the component. The material strip is a flexible strip made of plastic, preferably a rubberized material, whereby this refers to industrially manufactured elastomers. Depending on the material, this can also be sticky. The electronic component can be any component that can interact in some way with an external detection device.In particular, the component can be an RFID chip on which defined information can be stored, which can then be read from the respective object equipped with the RFID chip for its identification.

[0003] One application example where such laminate components can be installed is tire manufacturing. By integrating such a laminate component into the tire, each individual tire is individually provided with such an identification element, such as an RFID chip, so that it can be identified. Information regarding the production date, production batch, permissible inflation pressure, etc., can be stored on the RFID chip and read when needed. However, this application example is not limiting; applications in other areas are also conceivable.

[0004] During the production of such laminate component strips, the endless laminate strip with the embedded components is first produced. For this purpose, the individual components or RFID chips are placed at defined intervals on a strip-shaped, lower first laminate layer made of the described material using a placement device. The first laminate layer is moved via a conveyor in a defined conveying direction. A strip-shaped, upper second laminate layer, also moved in the conveying direction, is then placed on top of this first laminate layer covered with the components, so that the components are embedded and a laminate strip is formed. The result is a sandwich strip, i.e. a corresponding, two-layer rubberized laminate strip, the individual layers of which, however, cannot ultimately be separated due to their adhesion or stickiness.

[0005] It is then necessary to cut the individual strips from this material strip, with each strip having at least one component. However, cutting narrow strips is particularly problematic when very narrow strips are to be cut, for example when the strip width is in the range of a few millimeters, for example approximately 8 - 12 mm. A cutting device that is particularly suitable for cutting such a laminate strip is known from DE 20 2021 101 889 U1. This cutting device comprises a gripper device that is designed such that it fixes the material strip to the table of the cutting device, against which table the cutting knife is moved. When the cutting knife moves down, the laminate strip containing the at least one component is cut. After the cutting knife has moved up again, the gripper device picks up the cut laminate strip and transports it away.The laminate strip is fed to the cutting device or into the cutting area via a timed feed operation of the transport means, i.e., the laminate strip is transported in the conveying direction for each individual cutting process by a defined distance or path corresponding to the desired cutting length. In the device from DE 20 2021 101 889 U1, the timed conveying operation takes place with the participation of the gripper device. In the known cutting device, the gripper device grips the front end of the laminate strip in the area of ​​the component, whereby the gripper device is moved by precisely the specified distance in synchronization with the timed movement of the transport means, so that the laminate strip is moved by the cutting device into the actual cutting position and positioned relative to the cutting blade.

[0006] The timed feed, which can be controlled very precisely, should make it possible to cut the individual laminate components in such a way that the component is always in the same position within the laminate—for example, always centered in the conveying direction. Such positioning is usually defined as a boundary condition, meaning that relatively tight tolerances are specified. However, it has been found during operation that the position of the component, viewed in the conveying direction, sometimes changes. This means that laminate components are cut in which the component is not precisely positioned in the conveying direction.This is due to the fact that the laminate tape changes its shape slightly, particularly in the area between the points where the upper laminate layer is laminated to the lower laminate layer and the actual interface where the cutting blade separates the laminate tape. It usually contracts slightly in the conveying direction. This results from the fact that the two laminate layers are originally wound into large rolls from which they are unwound for the lamination process. Each laminate layer has a certain amount of internal stress. After the two slightly stretched laminate layers are laminated together under slight pressure, this internal stress dissipates, which is particularly evident in a slight shrinkage or contraction in the conveying direction. This shrinkage of the laminate material leads to a change in the position of the individual components or the distance between the components.This means that it is no longer guaranteed that the respective component will be in the desired position within the laminate component after the actual cutting. There is a risk that such a component will not meet the product quality requirements.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing a method which is improved compared to the above-mentioned method.

[0008] To solve this problem, in a method of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention provides that the actual position of the component in the laminate component relative to the conveying direction is detected by means of a measuring device downstream of the cutting device and, upon detection of a deviation of the actual position from a defined target position, the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device is controlled as a function of the detected deviation.

[0009] According to the invention, the position of each laminate component within the laminate component is recorded by means of a measuring device connected downstream of the cutting device, and a check is carried out to determine whether this position is correct or lies within a defined tolerance interval. The measuring device can therefore detect any deviation between the actual position of the component in the laminate component and a defined target position. If such a deviation is detected that impairs product quality, the synchronous movement of the transport means, which can be a conveyor belt or a conveyor belt such as a toothed or synchronous belt, and the gripper device is controlled according to the invention by means of a suitable control device depending on the detected deviation.The control system is designed to compensate for the positioning inaccuracy by intervening in the movement and thus positioning process with which the leading end of the laminate strip to be cut is positioned relative to the cutting device or the cutting plane. This is done by adjusting the positioning accordingly. This allows for a slight positioning adjustment, ensuring that the laminate component cut in the subsequent cut is again positioned such that the embedded component is in the correct position or within the positioning interval. Thus, a targeted intervention in the synchronized transport operation takes place, but based on the actually detected positional deviation, which in turn ultimately results from the shrinkage behavior of the laminate strip.Consequently, a one-time variation of the section length is carried out, which ensures that the laminate strip to be cut subsequently is again largely or completely free of deviations, thus ensuring that the component is again positioned in the laminate strip as required.

[0010] Since the laminate component measurement or deviation check provided according to the invention is carried out for each laminate component, it is possible to react immediately to any deviation and to control the corresponding synchronized transport operation accordingly in order to be able to compensate for any deviation immediately.

[0011] To record the actual position of the component within the laminate component, according to the invention, at least one distance value of a component position assigned to the component to at least one edge of the laminate component running transversely to the conveying direction can be determined by means of the measuring device, wherein any deviation is determined based on the distance value. The measuring device accordingly measures the laminate component to determine a distance value. This distance value describes the distance of a component position assigned to the component, for example an edge or similar detected by the measuring device that is visible on the laminate component, to an edge running transversely to the conveying direction, i.e. the actual cutting edge, of the laminate component. This distance value is a measure of the position of the component in the laminate component and forms the basis for determining whether or not a possible deviation exists.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, a plurality of such distance values ​​can be recorded using the measuring device in order to be able to describe the actual position of the component more precisely. It can be provided that a first distance value is determined between a first component position and a first edge lying in the conveying direction, and a second distance value is determined between a second component position and a second edge lying opposite to the conveying direction, with any deviation being determined on the basis of both distance values. This means that both measurement results or distance values ​​are included in the deviation determination, with one distance value being measured in the conveying direction and the second distance value opposite to the conveying direction. Each distance value is based on a specific component position, and this component position can be corresponding, recorded edges of the component.If the component is an RFID chip, for example, it has a regular, elongated shape, with the actual chip body and the antennas protruding from it on either side. This means that the component is elongated and runs along the longitudinal axis of the laminate strip. Corresponding first and second edges inevitably form, one in the conveying direction, the other opposite to the conveying direction. These two edges define the first and second component positions from which the distance values ​​are recorded. This allows for even more precise actual position detection.

[0013] To further refine position detection, it is conceivable to determine two first distance values ​​for separate first component positions, each offset transversely to the conveying direction, and two second distance values ​​for separate second component positions, each offset transversely to the conveying direction, and to calculate any deviation based on all four distance values. This means that two distance values ​​in the conveying direction and two distance values ​​opposite to the conveying direction are recorded, with the respective distance values ​​being offset transversely to the conveying direction. Consequently, four specific component positions are recorded with regard to their position relative to the respective laminate component edge. This means that four distance values ​​are available, allowing an exact description of the actual position and the exact determination of any deviation.

[0014] Based on the distance value(s), an offset value describing the deviation can be determined, which describes any offset of a designated component position, in particular the center of the component as seen in the conveying direction, from a target position, in particular the center of the laminate component as seen in the conveying direction. The transport device and the gripper device are controlled depending on the offset value. As described, it is possible to use the measuring device to determine a corresponding designated component position or several corresponding component positions. These are, for example, corresponding component edges.Based on these component positions, a specific component position can now be determined, preferably the component center as seen in the conveying direction, and a check can be made to determine whether this specific component position corresponds to a target position, i.e. preferably the laminate component center, or whether it is offset in or against the conveying direction. This offset value then forms the basis for the corresponding control of the conveying cycle. The offset value can be used directly as a correction value by which the distance by which the laminate strip is conveyed is increased or decreased, whereby the transport device and the gripper device are controlled to move the laminate strip by the changed distance. The offset value or correction value therefore indicates the specific deviation of the specific component position in or against the conveying direction. It can therefore be a positive or a negative value.The value of the distance by which the laminate strip is originally transported in a timed manner is now changed by precisely this offset or correction value, i.e., either increased or decreased, and controlled accordingly via the control device and the gripper device. For example, the offset value and thus the correction value can be determined as follows: K = A1 + A2 / 2 − B1 + B2 / 2 / 2 where: K = correction value A1 = first distance value in conveying direction A2 = second distance value in conveying direction B1 = first distance value against the conveying direction B2 = second distance value against the conveying direction.

[0015] The correction value determined in this way indicates the deviation by which the center of the component is offset relative to the outer edges. This value can be used to directly implement the modified control.

[0016] It is conceivable that control of the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device, depending on a detected deviation, only occurs if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value is greater than a defined threshold value. This means that control intervention does not occur for every infinitesimally small deviation, but only when a minimum deviation is present. For this purpose, a corresponding threshold value is defined or a corresponding threshold value interval is specified. The measuring device or the control device continuously checks whether the deviation or the offset or correction value is smaller than the defined threshold value or lies within the threshold value interval or not. In the former case, no correction is made because the actual position of the component lies within the specified tolerance.In the latter case, an immediate correction is necessary because the deviation of the actual position from the target position is sufficiently large to require correction. The respective threshold value can be positive or negative depending on the direction of the offset, as can the corresponding offset or correction value. However, it is also conceivable to consider only the respective value absolute value. If an interval is set, this can be, for example, + / - 0.25 mm for example cutting lengths between 8 - 12 mm. Therefore, if the deviation or the offset or correction value lies within the interval + / - 0.25, no correction is made; otherwise, the correction is made by the corresponding determined correction or offset value.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, it can further be provided that a control of the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device is limited to a defined limit value depending on a detected deviation if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value is greater than a defined limit value. This means that not only is a lower limit defined as of which point a correction is made, but also an upper limit is set as to how large the maximum correction can be. For example, a distance change of + / - 0.3 mm can be set as the maximum offset or correction value. If, for example, the determined offset or correction value is 0.5 mm, the correction is only made with a maximum correction value of 0.3 mm. It is conceivable to define different limit values ​​for different cutting lengths.For example, a limit value of + / - 0.15 mm can be set for a cutting length or target length of the laminate component of 8 mm, a limit value of + / - 0.3 mm for a cutting width of 10 mm, and a limit value of + / - 0.45 mm for a cutting width of 12 mm. Setting such a limit value prevents any correction overshoots, i.e., excessive correction is avoided, which could potentially lead to an immediate counter-correction in the next cut.

[0018] According to a particularly expedient development, it is provided that, together with the transport device and the gripper device, the placement device, which is movable in and against the conveying direction, is also controlled depending on the determined deviation. As described, the individual components are picked from a corresponding component reservoir by means of the placement device, i.e. a pick-and-place device, and placed in a precise position on the lower, first laminate layer. To ensure that, even in the event of any intervention in the synchronized transport operation, all placed and subsequently embedded components are located at the same distance from one another in the laminate belt, any adjustment or adjustment of the transport device and the gripper device is also tracked with regard to the movement of the placement device in and against the conveying direction.This means that, for example, an increase in the distance from the original 10 mm to 10.2 mm, i.e. a correction in the conveying direction of 0.2 mm, leads to a correspondingly synchronous movement of the placement device by 0.2 mm in the conveying direction. Due to the increased distance, i.e. the slight increase in the synchronized transport distance by 0.2 mm, the distance between the component just placed and the previously placed component would increase by 0.2 mm, at least for the placement step following the positioning correction, assuming the position of the placement device remains the same. However, if the placement device is also adjusted accordingly, it is ensured that the distance between the placed components always remains the same despite the changed distance.

[0019] The placement device can be moved at least by the determined offset or correction value synchronously with the movement of the transport device and the gripper device with the changed distance. Thus, if the original distance is changed by a value + / - x, as described, the placement device is also moved by + / - x.

[0020] As described above, the laminate belt exhibits a certain amount of shrinkage in the conveying direction, i.e., it contracts marginally as a result of the intrinsic residual stresses of the laminated laminate layers. This leads to possible positional variations of the component. This shrinkage can be predetermined to a certain extent, i.e., a certain theoretical shrinkage will always occur to a certain extent, regardless of the actual shrinkage. To counteract this, an expedient development of the invention provides that the placement device is moved during each placement process such that the actual distance between two components placed on the first laminate layer is greater than a target length of the cut laminate component by a defined value that compensates for any shrinkage of the laminate belt in the conveying direction.This means that the components are initially placed at a slightly greater distance than the actual cutting length with which the components are cut. This fixed value, by which the placed component distance is increased, roughly compensates for any regularly occurring shrinkage to a certain extent. For example, if cutting is carried out with a target length of 10 mm, this shrinkage compensation value can be 0.15 mm, so that a shrinkage of 0.15 mm is always compensated for or compensated in advance. The components are then placed at a distance of 10.15 mm. If the shrinkage is around 0.15 mm, they will ideally have a target distance of 10 mm at the time of cutting. However, this shrinkage compensation value can only be used to roughly correct shrinkage, since the actual shrinkage naturally always depends on the material.The shrinkage correction value is only defined against the conveying direction, since the laminate belt contracts in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] In the event that the conveyor system has not detected any significant deviation, i.e., no adjustment of the timed transport takes place, only the preset shrinkage compensation provided by the invention can be implemented as described above. This means that the loading device is always moved marginally against the conveying direction by exactly the shrinkage correction value for each loading process. However, if a corresponding deviation has been detected, both the shrinkage correction value and the actual correction value are included in the movement of the loading device. In this case, the movement of the loading device results from the defined length dimension, i.e., the shrinkage compensation value, and the correction value, which can, however, be positive or negative.Thus, if a shrinkage correction value of -0.15 mm is applied (a negative value, as it is opposite to the conveying direction), and a correction value of +0.3 mm results, the placement device actually moves +0.15 mm in the conveying direction. This means that despite the correction intervention in the timed transport of the laminate belt, precise component positioning is ensured, taking both the correction value and the shrinkage compensation value into account.

[0022] As described, the measuring device serves to detect any deviation or, using a suitable control device, to evaluate it and, if necessary, to determine the offset or correction value. The measuring device can be a camera or fluoroscopy device, i.e., an X-ray or ultrasound device, or a sensor such as a profile sensor. These types of measuring devices record corresponding camera or fluoroscopy images of the laminate component or sensor signals. By evaluating these images or sensor signals using suitable evaluation software or appropriate evaluation algorithms, the corresponding deviation, offset, or correction value can be determined.The corresponding evaluation software or algorithm is designed in such a way that it can also determine corresponding component positions, based on which the corresponding distance values ​​are recorded, and so on. If a conventional camera device is used, a corresponding lighting device is assigned to it, for example, a very fast-rotating ring light, during which rotation the camera records the camera image. The camera image then shows, due to the running light, corresponding contour edges resulting from the component edges, which can be used to determine the corresponding deviation. In fluoroscopy images, the component is clearly visible anyway, so the corresponding evaluation algorithm can define the component positions directly from this.

[0023] A useful development of the invention provides for the arrangement of a testing device by means of which the functionality of the component of the laminate component is tested. This means that in addition to detecting any deviations, a functional test is also carried out. If the component is, for example, an RFID chip, the testing device can be used to test the communication capability of the RFID chip, as well as to check and record an identification number of the chip, which can then be stored in a control device, for example together with the measured value of the functional test. This functional test is preferably carried out simultaneously with the measurement using the measuring device, for example the recording of the images to be evaluated.

[0024] For this purpose, the gripper device can transport the component to a transfer device, to which the measuring device and, if provided, the testing device are assigned. As described, the gripper device picks up the cut laminate component and transports it away. This removal process ends with the transfer of the laminate component to the transfer device, where the deviation is determined and, if necessary, a functional test is carried out immediately. A gripper device that can be used for this purpose is described, as explained, in DE 20 2021 101 889 U1. The gripper device there comprises two separate grippers directed in opposite directions and arranged parallel to one another. They are arranged on a common carrier that can be rotated about a vertical axis, so that the gripper device can be rotated about the vertical axis.Each gripper can be moved separately linearly along a horizontal axis relative to the carrier, as well as vertically, i.e., parallel to the rotation axis of the entire gripper device. This means that each gripper has the appropriate degrees of freedom, and the entire gripper device can be rotated. This allows one gripper device to be moved into a position where it can pick up the leading end of the laminate strip, while the other gripper device, with a picked-up laminate component, is positioned into a transfer position for transferring the laminate component to the transfer device.Once the respective processes are completed and the first gripper has picked up the newly cut laminate component and the second gripper has transferred the laminate component, the entire gripper device is rotated 180° so that the newly cut laminate component can be transferred to the transfer device, while simultaneously the unoccupied gripper can again engage the leading edge of the laminate strip. Regarding the specific function, explicit reference is made to DE 20 2021 101 889 U1, which is fully incorporated into the present disclosure.

[0025] The measuring device and thus the deviation recording, as well as possibly also the testing device, carry out a finished part inspection, which ultimately also determines whether the inspected laminate component is a good part that meets all requirements, or a defective part that may not be further processed. In this case, it can be provided that a laminate component that exhibits a deviation that does not exceed a scrap limit and that, if recorded, meets the functional requirements, is placed on a take-up belt. In this case, it is a good part that is placed on a corresponding take-up belt. The laminate component can also be lightly pressed onto the take-up belt using a pressure stamp or similar device so that it adheres slightly.However, if a laminate component has a deviation that exceeds a scrap limit or does not meet a requirement set for its functionality, this laminate component is rejected as a defective part and is therefore not placed on the take-up belt.

[0026] Since the corresponding deviation measurement or functional test, as described above, preferably takes place on the transfer device, an expedient further development of the invention provides that the laminate component to be placed on the winding belt is placed on the winding belt by means of the transfer device. The transfer device thus transfers the good part to the winding belt. However, if it is a defective part that needs to be sorted out, the laminate component to be sorted out can also be sorted out directly by the transfer device. The transfer device itself can advantageously be designed as a pivoting device that is positioned horizontally in a takeover position in which the laminate component is transferred to it by the gripper device. In this case, it is located, for example, vertically below the measuring device or camera device, with the laminate component located in the measuring area.The testing device is also located adjacent to this position so that measurement and testing can take place synchronously. As soon as the corresponding values ​​or information are recorded, it is determined whether the part is good or bad. The transfer device pivots 180° in the conveying direction and takes the laminate component, which adheres easily due to its stickiness or is fixed by a magnet or similar device provided on the transfer device, and pivots it directly onto the take-up belt, where the laminate component then remains attached. The transfer device then pivots back into the horizontal take-over position. However, if the part is bad, the transfer device simply pivots downwards so that the bad laminate component falls off the transfer device or is ejected and lands in a bad part container located below it.

[0027] In addition to the method itself, the invention further relates to a device for producing individual strip-shaped laminate components containing an electronic component embedded between two laminate layers made of a strip-shaped, adhesive material, in particular a rubberized material, with a first feed device for feeding a lower, band-shaped first laminate layer and a transport means receiving the first laminate layer, a laying device for placing individual components on the first laminate layer moved in a conveying direction by means of the transport means, at defined intervals, a second feed device for feeding an upper, band-shaped second laminate layer and placing the second laminate layer on the first laminate layer while embedding the components to form a laminate band, a cutting device comprising at least one movable cutting blade for cutting individual strip-shaped laminate components from the laminate band conveyed by means of the transport means, a gripper device for receiving and transporting away the individual laminate components,wherein the gripper device is designed to grip the front end of the laminate strip in the region of a component and is movable synchronously with the synchronously movable transport means by a predetermined distance for moving the laminate strip through the cutting device and positioning the laminate strip relative to the cutting blade.

[0028] This device is characterized according to the invention in that a measuring device is provided downstream of the cutting device, which measuring device is designed to detect the actual position of the component in the laminate component with respect to the conveying direction, wherein upon detection of a deviation of the actual position from a defined target position, the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device can be controlled via a control device depending on the detected deviation.

[0029] All features, properties and advantages described above for the method according to the invention also apply equally to the device according to the invention.

[0030] The device according to the invention is characterized by the measuring device connected downstream of the cutting device and a corresponding control device which is capable of controlling the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device as a function of a deviation detected by the measuring device in order to be able to compensate for any deviation.

[0031] The measuring device can be configured to determine one or more distance values ​​of one or more component positions assigned to the component from at least one edge of the laminate component running transversely to the conveying direction, as well as to determine an offset value describing the deviation based on the distance value. The offset value describes any offset of a designated component position, in particular the center of the component as seen in the conveying direction, from a target position, in particular the center of the laminate component as seen in the conveying direction. The transport device and the gripper device can be controlled via the control device as a function of the offset value. The corresponding offset value can be determined in the various ways described above for the method according to the invention.The measuring device has a corresponding control device equipped with suitable evaluation software or software algorithm to determine the corresponding values. The control device can be a control device associated with the measuring device, but can also be a central control device that controls the system operation, or at least the operation of the transport device and the gripper device, and is therefore necessarily also assigned to the measuring device.

[0032] The offset value can serve directly as a correction value by which the specified distance is increased or decreased, whereby the transport device and the gripper device can be controlled via the control device in such a way that the laminate belt can be moved by the changed distance. The correction value is thus directly used by the control device as the basis for the control.

[0033] Furthermore, the control device can be configured such that the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device is controlled depending on a detected deviation only if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value is greater than a defined threshold value or lies outside a defined threshold value interval. This ensures that the control device only initiates a correction when the position deviation is no longer within a corresponding tolerance range.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device can be configured such that control of the synchronous movement of the transport means and the gripper device is limited to a defined limit value depending on a detected deviation if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value is greater than the defined limit value. This means that a maximum correction in and against the conveying direction is ultimately capped by the limit value, even if a larger correction value was determined.

[0035] Furthermore, together with the transport device and the gripper device, the placement device, which can be moved in and against the conveying direction, can also be controlled via the control device depending on the determined deviation. Synchronous movement of the placement device by the corresponding correction value ensures that the components are always placed at the same distance, as already described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the control device for controlling the placement device can be configured such that the placement device can be moved at least by the determined correction value synchronously with the movement of the transport means and the gripper device with the changed distance. Thus, the movement control of the placement device is also based on the determined correction value.

[0037] Finally, the control device for controlling the movement of the placement device during each placement process can be configured such that the actual distance between two components placed on the first laminate layer is greater than a target length of the cut laminate component by a defined value that compensates for shrinkage of the laminate strip in the conveying direction. This allows for a certain amount of shrinkage compensation to be taken into account in advance, and the components can be placed with a somewhat larger distance after a certain minimum shrinkage is regularly established. Regarding the overall functionality of the control device, reference is made to the above explanations of the method.

[0038] The measuring device itself can be a camera or X-ray device or a sensor such as a profile sensor, whereby a deviation can be determined based on an evaluation of one or more recorded camera or X-ray images or sensor information. Furthermore, a testing device for testing the functionality of the laminate component can be provided. Regarding its functionality, reference is also made to the above explanations of the method.

[0039] Furthermore, a transfer device can be provided downstream of the gripper device, which receives the laminate component from the gripper device and which is associated with the measuring device and, if applicable, the testing device. This transfer device can be a suitable transfer plate, which, according to an expedient development, is pivotable and designed to deposit a laminate component on a winding belt and to deliver a laminate component to be rejected to a collection container. It can therefore be pivoted in opposite directions: in one direction to transfer a laminate component deemed to be good to the winding belt, and in the other direction to eject the laminate component to be rejected into a reject container.The control of the pivoting transfer device, which is pivoted via a corresponding drive motor, is of course also conveniently carried out via a suitable or central control device.

[0040] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 2 the apparatus from Fig. 1 in a plan view, Fig. 3 a perspective partial view of the device showing the laying device together with the associated transport means and the second feeding device, Fig. 4 a partial view of the device from Fig. 1 showing the cutting device and the gripper device, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the gripper device comprising two separate grippers directed in opposite directions and separately movable, Fig. 6 a schematic diagram in a side view to explain the movements of the individual grippers, Fig. 7 a schematic diagram corresponding Fig. 6 in a plan view, Fig. 8 a partial view of the device from Fig. 1 showing the transfer device together with the associated measuring device in the form of a camera device and downstream winding belt or collecting container, Fig. 9 a perspective view of the measuring device with transfer device and collecting container, Fig. 10 a schematic diagram to explain the lamination process, Fig. 11 a top view of the laminate belt showing the embedded components, Fig. 12 a schematic diagram of an ideal strip-shaped component with a centrally arranged component, and Fig. 13 a schematic diagram of a strip-shaped laminate component with an off-center arranged component to explain the correction process.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for producing individual strip-shaped laminate components consisting of two laminate layers made of an adhesive material laminated to one another, between which laminate layers an electronic component, in this case an RFID chip, is embedded. The device 1 comprises a first feed device 2 for feeding a lower, strip-shaped first laminate layer 3 and a transport means 4, e.g., a conveyor belt or conveyor belt, onto which the lower first laminate layer 3 is placed. As Fig. 2 shows, the first feeding device 2 is arranged laterally to the transport means 4, which means that the first laminate layer 3 is fed at an angle of 90° and then deflected and placed on the transport means 4.

[0042] Furthermore, a laying device 5 is provided for placing the individual components to be embedded onto the first laminate layer 3, wherein the individual components, in this case the RFID chips, are fed from a supply roll 6 via a feed belt and are then gripped and placed in a defined manner by the laying device 5, a pick-and-place device.

[0043] Furthermore, a second feeding device 7 is provided for feeding an upper, band-shaped second laminate layer 8, which, see Fig. 2 , is also laterally offset from the transport means 4, so that the second laminate layer 8 is also fed at an angle of 90° and then deflected. The second laminate layer 8 is placed on the first laminate layer 3, which is already equipped with the components, so that a laminate strip is formed, consisting of the two firmly connected laminate layers 3, 8 and the embedded components.

[0044] Also provided is a cutting device 9 comprising at least one movable cutting blade for cutting individual strip-shaped laminate components from the laminate strip fed by the transport means 4. Downstream of the cutting device 9 is a gripper device 10 for picking up and transporting the individual laminate components, which are ultimately placed on a winding belt 11 of a winding device 12, which is then wound onto a roll 13.

[0045] Also shown is a control device 14 which controls the essential components of the device 1, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the laying and laminating area of ​​the device 1. Shown is the transport means 4, onto which the lower first laminate layer 3 is placed. Also shown is the laying device 5, which has a suitable gripper 15 which, as indicated by the arrow 16, is movable vertically on the one hand, and horizontally on the other hand, as indicated by the arrow 17, since the component is fed to the side of the transport means 4 and the component must be gripped by the gripper 15, lifted and moved over the transport means 4 and lowered there again. Due to the mobility of the laying device 5 or the gripper 15 in the direction of the arrow 17, i.e. transversely to the transport direction, a transverse or lateral correction of the laying position of the component on the lower first laminate layer 3 is possible.As shown by the arrow 18, the gripper 15 or the laying device 5 itself is also movable in the conveying direction of the transport means 4, which conveying direction is shown by the arrow 19, in order to be able to carry out a correction of the laying distance in the conveying direction, which will be discussed below.

[0047] Also shown is, among other things, the actual laminating roll 20, which is arranged above the transport means 4, and below which the upper second laminating layer is fed, which is then laminated onto the lower first laminating layer 3 by means of the laminating roll 20.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of another area of ​​the device 1, namely the separation area. Shown again is the transport means 4 and, indicated here, the first lamination layer 3 lying thereon, covered with components. Also indicated is the second upper lamination layer 8, which is laminated onto the lamination roller 20.

[0049] As described, the cutting device 9 is arranged downstream of the transport means 4. It comprises a linearly movable cutting blade 21, which runs transversely to the conveying direction 19 and cuts the laminate strip 22 to form the individual laminate components. The lifting operation of the cutting blade 21 is controlled by a suitable lifting device 23, such as a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor, via which the cutting blade 21 moves down at the exact required time to make the cut.

[0050] Downstream of the cutting device 9, as described, is a gripper device 10 comprising two separate grippers 24, which will be described in detail below. The two grippers 24 are arranged rotated by 180° relative to one another; they can be moved at least linearly in the horizontal direction; the entire unit can also be rotated by 180°, which will be discussed below. Each gripper 24 is equipped to pick up a cut laminate component, lift it, transport it, and transfer it to a transfer device 25, which will also be described in detail below. From this transfer device 25, a previously measured and inspected laminate component is transferred to the winding device 12 or separated, which will also be described below.

[0051] A measuring device 26 is assigned to the area where a laminate component is transferred from a gripper 24 to the transfer device 25. This measuring device is used to precisely measure the position of a component embedded between the two laminate layers 3, 8 in order to determine, based on this measurement, whether any position correction is necessary. The goal is for the laminated component to be positioned at a defined position, preferably the center of the laminate component, as seen in the conveying direction. Any offset can be determined via the measuring device 26, with the corresponding offset compensation then being controlled via the control device 14.For this purpose, the movement mode of the gripper device 10 is intervened, which, among other things, also controls the timed transport of the laminate strip 22 through the cutting device 10, as well as the timed conveying mode of the transport means 4, so that the conveying movement of the laminate strip 22 can be influenced for correction purposes. The measuring device 26 is preferably a camera device, as will be discussed below.

[0052] Also shown is a testing device 27, which is also positioned in the area where a laminate component is transferred from a gripper 24 to the transfer device 25. This testing device can be used to check the proper functioning of the laminated component, i.e., the RFID chip. Such a laminate component is only transferred to the winding device 12 if the component is also functioning properly. Otherwise, the laminate component is rejected by being transferred to a collection container 28. The testing device 27 can be a corresponding reading or transmitting device, which, for example, enters into contactless communication with the RFID chip in order to read its response signals or its identification code, etc., whereby the corresponding information can be transmitted to the control device 14 and stored there.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows the gripper device 10 in more detail. As stated, it comprises two separate grippers 24, which are arranged on a common support 29, rotated by 180° to one another. Two separate linear guides 31 are arranged on a platform 30, with each gripper 24 being arranged so as to be linearly movable on such a linear guide 31. This means that each gripper 24 can be moved separately linearly in the conveying direction 19 and against the conveying direction 19, for which purpose a corresponding drive is naturally arranged. Furthermore, each gripper 24 can also be raised and lowered vertically via a lifting cylinder 32. Finally, the platform 30, together with both grippers 24, can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation 34 via a drive motor 33, so that the orientation of the two grippers 24 can be rotated by 180°.This makes it possible to position one gripper 24 in a position on the laminate strip for gripping and pulling the laminate strip 22 through the cutting device 9, while at the same time the other gripper 24 with a previously picked up laminate component can be moved into the transfer position for transferring the laminate component to the transfer device 25.

[0054] Each gripper is provided with a suitable gripping means 35, which, on the one hand, makes it possible to grip and secure the laminate strip at the leading edge, so that the laminate strip can be moved a defined distance through the cutting device 9, i.e., under the cutting blade 31, by a linear movement of the corresponding gripper 24 along its linear guide 31, synchronously with the clocked advance of the transport means 4. This gripping means 35 is also capable of securing the cut laminate component, even during the subsequent linear lifting and pivoting movement up to the transfer position, where the laminate component is then deposited. An example of such a gripping device is given in DE 20 2021 101 889 U1, whereby the device according to the invention is not limited to the use of such a gripping device as described therein.

[0055] The Figuren 6 and 7show a section of the device 1 according to the invention in a side view and a top view, in which the function of the gripper device 10 with the two grippers 5 is explained in more detail. The two grippers 5 are labeled A and B here to facilitate differentiation.

[0056] Shown is the cutting device 9 with the cutting blade 21, which, as indicated by the double arrow 36, can be moved linearly. Also shown is the transport means 4 with the laminate belt 22 resting thereon, on which the laminated components 37 are shown. The laminate belt 22 is pulled through and positioned under the cutting blade 21, shown here in the lowered cutting position. The cutting blade 21 then moves down and runs against a knife table 38, on which the laminate belt 22 rests, and where the cut is made. The small distance between the end of the transport means 4 and the knife table 38 is bridged by a transfer table 39, on which the laminate belt 22 rests.

[0057] Shown are the two grippers A and B as described, which are controlled by a movement device 40, which is only stylized here, which carries out the corresponding linear adjustments, stroke adjustments and rotary adjustments, as Fig. 5 described, are connected so that the grippers A, B are movable within the degrees of freedom described above. They can each be raised vertically separately, as shown by arrow 41, they can each be moved linearly separately, as shown by arrows 42, and they can be rotated together, as shown by arrows 43, about the vertical axis 34. This makes it possible to swap the positions of the gripper devices A, B.

[0058] The function of this gripper device 10 is as follows: With the cutting knife 21 raised, the gripper A is assumed to be moved into a position in which it can grip the leading edge of the laminate strip, i.e., it is ultimately positioned with its gripping means 35 above this edge area. For gripping, it is brought into appropriate contact with the laminate strip 22. The transport means 4 and the gripper A are then actuated synchronously. The transport means 4 conveys a defined distance in the conveying direction 19; at the same time, the gripper A slightly lifts the leading edge of the laminate strip 22 and also moves linearly in the conveying direction 19, also by the defined distance, until the final cutting position is reached, where the transport means 4 stops, as does the gripper A, which then deposits the laminate strip 22 on the knife table 28.

[0059] In parallel, gripper B, which was previously in the position of gripper A and picked up a laminate component, also moves accordingly. It is now in the transfer position and is now able to transfer the laminate component to the transfer device 25.

[0060] After the cut has been made by the cutting blade 21, when the latter has been raised again, the gripper A lifts the separate laminate component, which is now located on the gripping means 35, and if necessary, moves a short distance in the conveying direction. At the same time, the gripper B transfers the laminate component to the transfer device 25. The entire gripper device now rotates about the vertical axis 34, so that the occupied gripper A is rotated into the transfer area, while the empty gripper B is rotated into the area of ​​the cutting device 9. The process described above now starts again, i.e., for the next cut, the gripper B is brought into the gripping area to pick up the leading edge of the laminate strip 22, which is then gripped and pulled through the cutting device 9 in a synchronized manner together with the transport means with the gripper B using the corresponding linear movement.At the same time, gripper A is also moved into the corresponding transfer position. After the cut is completed, the cut laminate strip is lifted again via gripper B, while at the same time gripper A has transferred its laminate strip to the transfer device 25.

[0061] Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the transfer area with the associated measuring device. Shown is a section of a gripper 24, which is approximately in the transfer position to the transfer device 25. The transfer device 25 comprises a transfer plate 44, onto which the gripper 24 places the laminate component. After placement, the gripper 24 moves back a short distance to allow the laminate component to be measured by the measuring device 26. If this measurement, which is described in more detail below, shows that the laminated component is positioned correctly in the laminate strip or within the tolerances, no correction is necessary; if it is, an appropriate correction is made, which is described below. At the same time, the corresponding functional test of the component is carried out via the testing device 27, which is not shown in detail here, as described.

[0062] If the functional test is positive, and the measurement also shows that the component is correctly positioned, the transfer plate 24 pivots to the right, as indicated by the double arrow 45, and places the laminate component on the winding belt 11 of the winding device 12. After the transfer plate 44 has pivoted back again, a pressure plate 46, which can be moved vertically up and down, as indicated by the arrow 47, gently presses the placed laminate component against the winding belt 11, where the laminate component adheres slightly because it is made of a sticky material. The winding belt 11 is then wound into a roll.

[0063] If the functional test, or possibly also the measurement, shows that either the component is not functioning correctly or that the component is arranged outside the position tolerance, the transfer plate 44 pivots to the left, i.e. tilts downwards, so that the laminate component found to be defective is dropped into the collection container 28.

[0064] To fix the laminate component to the transfer plate 44, a fixing device, e.g., in the form of an adjustable magnet 48, can be provided. This magnet can be adjusted between a holding position, in which the laminate component is magnetically fixed to the embedded component via a magnetic coupling of the magnet 48, and a release position, which allows it to be released either onto the winding belt 11 or into the collection container 28. Like all movements of the movable components, this movement is also controlled by the control device 14.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a more detailed view of the measuring device 26. This comprises a camera 49 positioned above the transfer plate 44, on which, in the example shown, a laminate component 50 is positioned. Associated with the camera 49 is an illumination device 51, for example, a circumferential ring light, which illuminates the laminate component 50 during camera exposure, so that corresponding edges or contours become visible within the camera images, based on which the position can be determined.

[0066] Also shown is the test device 27, which is also clearly located directly adjacent to the laminate component 50 and can thus carry out the functional test.

[0067] Fig. 10 shows the lamination process in the form of a schematic diagram. Shown is the lower first laminate strip 3, on which the components 37, i.e., the RFID chips, are already arranged, placed at defined intervals X via the application device 5. The upper second, band-shaped laminate layer 8 is fed from above and pressed onto the lower laminate layer 3 via the laminate roller 20, so that the components 39 are laminated in between in a sandwich-like manner. Also shown as an example is the cutting device 9 with the cutting blade 21, which performs the cut along a cutting line 52.

[0068] The principle representation according to Fig. 11 shows that after lamination, a slight shrinkage of the material can occur, particularly in the conveying direction 19, which leads to the original laying distance X, which the individual components 37 have from one another, gradually decreasing slightly, so that a corresponding position offset of the component 37 at the actual cutting line 52 occurs.

[0069] Links in Fig. 11 Only the lower laminate layer 3 is shown, onto which the components 37 are applied via the application device 5 with exactly the defined distance X, for example 10 mm. This position is maintained up to the actual lamination point 53, where the upper laminate layer 8 is laminated via the laminating or pressure roller 20. However, since both the lower and the upper laminate layers 3, 8 have a certain degree of intrinsic tension due to the winding and unwinding process to and from the rolls to which they were originally wound, and since further tension is possibly introduced into the laminate band 22 via the laminating roller 20, a slight shrinkage occurs in the conveying direction 19, which is evident from the fact that the distance of the components 37 from the lamination point 53 to the cutting line 52 changes slightly. The changing distance is shown in Fig. 11 with X' and also shown pictorially, albeit exaggerated. While immediately behind the lamination point 53, the laminate component 37 shown there is still in the middle of the imaginary laminate component, which has a cutting width and thus length in the transport direction 19 of Y, it migrates with increasing movement in the direction of the cutting line 52 towards the edge of the imaginary laminate component, as Fig. 11 This clearly and vividly shows that a slight offset can occur over the relatively short conveyor line between the lamination station 53 and the cutting line 52.

[0070] This offset is calculated again based on the Figuren 12 und 13 shown. Shown in Fig. 12 a laminate component 50 that has an ideal shape. The component 37, i.e. the RFID chip, is located exactly centrally within the laminate component 50, which has a width B and a length L, or rather the two laminate layers 3, 8. This is recorded by the measuring device 26, which, as described in the example shown, provides camera images within which contours of the component 37 are visible, which can be evaluated. These contours show, for example, the corresponding antennas 54 of the RFID chip, which run in the direction of the width B of the laminate component. The control device 14 or an image processing device is now able to record the distance of the two antennas 54, 55 from the respective edges 56, 57 of the laminate component. For each antenna 54, 55, a distance to the edge 56 and to the edge 57 is recorded.For antenna 54, these are the distances A1 to edge 57 and B1 to edge 56; for antenna 55, these are the distances A2 to edge 57 and B2 to edge 56. Using these measured values, the exact position of component 37 in laminate component 50 can now be determined. These distances can also be used to determine a corresponding center offset if the positioning is inaccurate. This center offset then directly indicates a corresponding correction value for the section width, i.e., where the cut should then be made. The calculation is as follows: . K = A1 + A2 / 2 − B1 + B2 / 2 / 2 .

[0071] Fig. 13 shows a laminate component 50 in which a certain amount of shrinkage has set in. It is clear that the component 37 is not positioned centrally, as seen in the longitudinal direction; it is slightly offset from the edge 56. Again, the corresponding set of distance values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2 is determined using the measuring device 26 and evaluation of the corresponding camera images. Using the formula given above, a corresponding center offset or a correction value K is then obtained, which precisely specifies this offset. The actual correction is then carried out using this correction value K via the control device 14, which controls the conveyor cycle accordingly. The control device 14 is now able to control both the transport means 4 and the movement of the corresponding gripper 24 or gripper gripping the leading edge of the laminate strip 22.A, B in such a way that a predetermined distance by which the transport means and the gripper were moved synchronously in the conveying direction and consequently the laminate belt 22 was also moved is increased or decreased depending on the correction value. This means that both the transport means 4 and the gripper 24, A, B are controlled to move the laminate belt 22 by a changed distance. The determined correction value therefore indicates the concrete deviation of the designated component position in or against the conveying direction 19, in the example shown, against the conveying direction 19. The value of the distance by which the laminate belt 22 is originally transported in a timed manner is now changed by this correction value.In the example shown, the distance would be increased by the correction value K, which means that instead of a previously controlled distance of 10 mm and a correction value K of 0.2 mm, for example, a distance of 10.2 mm is controlled in the immediately following transport step, which means that the transport means 4 and the gripper 24 now move the laminate strip synchronously and together by 10.2 mm through the cutting device 9. This means that in the immediately following cut, the previously detected offset is ideally compensated for and the subsequently cut laminate component is again close to the one in . Fig. 12 shown ideal state, i.e. component 37 is located in the longitudinal center.

[0072] Any offset can occur not only against the conveying direction, as shown in the example, but also in the conveying direction. This means that the actual correction value can be either positive or negative. However, it is primarily assumed that, after shrinkage sets in, usually resulting from the reduction of intrinsic stresses, a positive correction value, i.e., an increase in the distance dimension, will be present.

[0073] The determination of the correction value K is preferably carried out by the control device 14, which controls the corresponding conveyor cycle operation, as described. In this case, the control device 14 can be set up not to make a correction for every infinitesimally small deviation, i.e. for every correction value K, no matter how small. It is conceivable that a type of tolerance interval is placed around the actual center position, and a correction is omitted if the determined correction value K lies within this tolerance range. For example, if a target width of the laminate component, according to Fig. 12 If the length L is defined as 10 mm, a correction window of, for example, + / - 0.2 mm can be set. Therefore, if a determined correction value lies within this window of + / - 0.2 mm around the center, no correction is made. If the resulting correction value is, for example, 0.3 mm, the correction would be made by 0.3 mm.

[0074] At the same time, an upper limit can also be set for the maximum permissible correction. For a cutting width of 10 mm, for example, this upper limit can be set to + / - 0.35 mm. If the resulting correction value is, for example, 0.4 mm, the correction will still only be made by a maximum of 0.35 mm. This serves to prevent any overshoots or overcorrections. Rather, iteratively, the ideal situation can ultimately be approximated, since a corresponding check is performed for each cut, allowing the success of any correction to be immediately verified.

[0075] As already described above, the placement device 5 or the gripper arrangement 15, as shown by the arrow 18, is also movable in the conveying direction 19. This means that the placement position can be varied. In this way, it is possible to counteract any known positional change in the component positions within the laminate belt 22 to a certain extent or to compensate for this in advance. For example, if it is known that the material to be processed always shrinks and that this shrinkage amounts to at least 0.15 mm in the area between the lamination point 53 and the interface 52, this known shrinkage offset can be partially compensated for by changing the placement position.For example, with a cutting length, i.e., a length L of the laminate component, of 10 mm, a placement distance of 10.15 mm can be controlled instead of the 10 mm given without shrinkage. Although the transport means 4 and the gripper device 10 transport the laminate strip by 10 mm (ideally, because uncorrected), the placement device 5 nevertheless places it at 10.15 mm. This is because the corrective 0.15 mm shrinks during shrinkage between the lamination point 53 and the cutting line 52, whereby the shrinkage may also be somewhat greater, so that at least partial compensation occurs.

[0076] In order to be able to place the material with a somewhat larger distance given a feed rate of 10 mm by the transport means 4 and the gripper device 10, it is necessary for the placement device 5 or the gripper arrangement 15 to also move in a cyclical manner by the correction amount, in the example described 0.15 mm, for each placement process, and specifically, if a total of 10.15 mm is to be placed, in the opposite direction to the conveying direction 19.

[0077] In the event that a correction value K has been determined and the control device 14 intervenes in the timed conveying operation of the transport means 4 and the gripper device 10, the correction value must be taken into account when moving the placement device 5, i.e., the basic shrinkage compensation. If, for example, a correction value of 0.3 mm results, by which the timed feed increases the length, this increase of 0.3 mm must be taken into account when moving the placement device 5. In this case, the placement device would be moved by 0.15 mm in the conveying direction during the immediately following placement process, which is carried out synchronously with the change in the length, in order, on the one hand, to take into account the length correction of the timed feed, but on the other hand, to carry out the basic shrinkage compensation.This means that ultimately a cumulative consideration is given to both a basic correction and a determined actual correction.

[0078] As already described, a transverse correction of the laying position via the laying device 5 or the gripper 15 in the direction of the arrow 17 is also possible in principle. Fig. 3 This means that the position of the component can be precisely adjusted to the two side edges of the first laminate layer 3. Any incorrect positioning can be detected by evaluating the camera images, after which a corresponding position correction transverse to the transport direction is possible.

[0079] An RFID chip was described above as an example of a component 37. Of course, it is also conceivable to laminate other types of electronic components, although in these cases, corresponding requirements regarding the positioning accuracy of the components within the laminate component also apply.

Claims

1. Method for producing separated strip-like laminate components (50) containing an electronic component (37) embedded between two laminate layers (3, 8) of a tape-like material, in particular a rubberized material, in which method individual components (37) are placed by means of a placement device (5) on a tape-like, lower first laminate layer (3), which is moved in a conveying direction (19) by means of a transport means (4), at defined intervals, after which a tape-like, upper second laminate layer (8), which is moved in the conveying direction (19), is applied to the first laminate layer (3) with the components (37) being embedded so as to form a laminate tape (22), wherein the individual strip-like laminate components (50) are cut from the laminate tape (22), which is conveyed by means of the transport means (4), by a cutting device (9) comprising at least one movable cutting blade (21), which laminate components (50) are picked up and transported away by means of a gripper device (10), wherein the front end of the laminate tape (22) is gripped by means of the gripper device (10) in the region of a component (37) and moved synchronously with the clocked movement of the transport means (4) by a predefined distance through the cutting device (9) and positioned relative to the cutting blade (21), characterized in that the actual position of the component (37) in the laminate component (50) in relation to the conveying direction (19) is detected by means of a measuring device (26) connected downstream of the cutting device (9), and, when a deviation in the actual position from a defined target position is detected, the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (9) is controlled in dependence on the detected deviation.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in order to detect the actual position, at least one distance value (A1, A2, B1, B2) of a component position assigned to the component (37) in relation to at least one edge (56, 57) of the laminate component (22) running transversely with respect to the conveying direction (19) is determined by means of the measuring device (37), wherein any deviation is determined on the basis of the distance value.

3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that a first distance value (B1, B2) between a first component position and a first edge (57) lying in the conveying direction (19) and also a second distance value (A1, A2) between a second component position and a second edge (56) lying against the conveying direction are determined, wherein any deviation is determined on the basis of both distance values.

4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that two first distance values (B1, B2) relating to separate first component positions offset transversely to the conveying direction (19) and also two second distance values (A1, A2) relating to separate second component positions offset transversely to the conveying direction (19) are respectively determined and any deviation is determined on the basis of all four distance values (A1, A2, B1, B2).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an offset value describing the deviation is determined on the basis of the distance value or values (A1, A2, B1, B2) and describes any offset of a distinguished component position, in particular of the centre of the component as seen in the conveying direction (19), from a target position, in particular of the centre of the laminate component as seen in the conveying direction (19), wherein the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) are controlled in dependence on the offset value.

6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the offset value is used as a correction value (K) by which the distance is increased or decreased, wherein the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) are actuated to move the laminate tape (22) by the changed distance.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) is controlled in dependence on a detected deviation only if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value (K) is greater than a defined threshold value.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that control of the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) is limited to a defined limit value in dependence on a detected deviation if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value (K) is greater than the defined limit value.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, together with the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10), the placement device (5), which can be moved in and against the conveying direction (19), is also controlled in dependence on the determined deviation.

10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the placement device (5) is moved at least by the determined offset or correction value (K) synchronously with the movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) with the changed distance.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the placement device (5) is moved during each placement operation in such a way that the actual distance between two components (37) placed on the first laminate layer (3) is greater than a target length of the cut laminate component (50) by a defined value which compensates for shrinkage of the laminate tape (22) in the conveying direction (19).

12. Method according to Claim 10 and Claim 11, characterized in that the movement of the placement device (5) results from the defined length dimension and the correction value (K).

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (26) is a camera device or a fluoroscopy device or a profile sensor, wherein a deviation is determined on the basis of an evaluation of one or more recorded camera or fluoroscopy images or on the basis of sensor information supplied by the profile sensor.

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functionality of the component (37) of the laminate component (50) is tested by means of a testing device (27).

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper device (10) transports the laminate component (50) to a transfer device (25) to which the measuring device (26) and, optionally, the testing device (27) are assigned.

16. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a laminate component (50) which has a deviation not exceeding a reject limit value and which, if detected, meets a requirement set for its functionality is deposited on a winding tape (11).

17. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a laminate component (50) which has a deviation exceeding a reject limit value or which does not meet a requirement set for its functionality is discarded.

18. Method according to Claim 15 and either of Claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the laminate component (50) to be deposited on the winding tape (11) is deposited on the winding tape (11) by means of the transfer device (25), and in that the laminate component (59) to be discarded is discarded directly by the transfer device (25) .

19. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the placement position of a component (37) transverse to the conveying direction can be varied via the placement device (5).

20. Device for producing separated strip-like laminate components (50) containing an electronic component (37) embedded between two laminate layers (3, 8) of a tape-like, adhesive material, in particular a rubberized material, comprising - a first feed device (2) for feeding a lower, tape-like first laminate layer (3) and a transport means (4) receiving the first laminate layer (3), - a placement device (5) for placing individual components (37) on the first laminate layer (3), which is moved in a conveying direction (19) by means of the transport means (4), at defined intervals, - a second feed device (7) for feeding an upper, tape-like second laminate layer (8) and placing the second laminate layer (8) on the first laminate layer (3) with the components (37) being embedded so as to form a laminate tape (22), - a cutting device (9) comprising at least one movable cutting blade (21) for cutting off individual strip-like laminate components (5) from the laminate tape (22) conveyed by means of the transport means (4), - a gripper device (10) for picking up and transporting away the individual laminate components (50), - wherein the gripper device (10) is designed for gripping the front end of the laminate tape (22) in the region of a component (37) and is movable synchronously with the transport means (4) movable in clocked fashion by a predefined distance for moving the laminate tape (22) through the cutting device (9) and positioning the laminate tape (22) relative to the cutting blade (21), characterized in that a measuring device (26) connected downstream of the cutting device (9) is provided and is designed to detect the actual position of the component (37) in the laminate component (50) in relation to the conveying direction (19), wherein, when a deviation in the actual position from a defined target position is detected, the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) can be controlled via a control device (14) in dependence on the detected deviation.

21. Device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the measuring device (26) is designed to determine one or more distance values (A1, A2, B1, B2) of one or more component positions assigned to the component (37) in relation to at least one edge (56, 57) of the laminate component (50) running transversely with respect to the conveying direction (19), and to determine an offset value describing the deviation on the basis of the distance value, wherein the offset value describes any offset of a distinguished component position, in particular of the centre of the component (37) as seen in the conveying direction, from a target position, in particular of the centre of the laminate component (50) as seen in the conveying direction (19), wherein the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) can be controlled via the control device (14) in dependence on the offset value.

22. Device according to Claim 21, characterized in that the offset value is used as a correction value (K) by which the predefined distance is increased or decreased, wherein the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) can be actuated via the control device (14) in such a way that the laminate tape (22) can be moved by the changed distance.

23. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the control device (14) is designed in such a way that the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) is controlled in dependence on a detected deviation only if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value (K) is greater than a defined threshold value.

24. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the control device (14) is designed in such a way that control of the synchronous movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) is limited to a defined limit value in dependence on a detected deviation if the detected deviation or a determined offset or correction value (K) is greater than the defined limit value.

25. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 24, characterized in that, together with the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10), the placement device (5), which can be moved in and against the conveying direction, can also be actuated via the control device (14) in dependence on the determined deviation.

26. Device according to Claim 25, characterized in that the control device (14) for actuating the placement device (5) is designed in such a way that the placement device (5) can be moved at least by the determined correction value (K) synchronously with the movement of the transport means (4) and the gripper device (10) with the changed distance.

27. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the control device (14) for actuating the movement of the placement device (5) during each placement operation is designed in such a way that the actual distance between two components (37) placed on the first laminate layer (3) is greater than a target length of the cut laminate component (50) by a defined value which compensates for shrinkage of the laminate tape in the conveying direction (19).

28. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the measuring device (26) is a camera device or a fluoroscopy device or a profile sensor, wherein a deviation can be determined on the basis of an evaluation of one or more recorded camera or fluoroscopy images or sensor information.

29. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 28, characterized in that a testing device (27) is provided for testing the functionality of the component (37) of the laminate component (50).

30. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 29, characterized in that a transfer device (25) is provided, which is connected downstream of the gripper device (10) and receives the laminate component (37) from the gripper device (10) and to which the measuring device (26) and, optionally, the testing device (27) are assigned.

31. Device according to Claim 30, characterized in that the pivotable transfer device (25) is designed for depositing a laminate component (50) on a winding tape (11) and for dispensing a laminate component (50) to be discarded to a collecting container (28).

32. Device according to any of Claims 20 to 31, characterized in that the placement position of a component (37) transverse to the conveying direction can be varied via the placement device (5).