Method for bonding a food container part to an information carrier and printing device for printing a food container part - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a printing device which connects a piece of dishware to a contactless readable electronic information carrier.SOLUTION: A method provided herein comprises: preparing the dishware item (drink glass 1) made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic, and plastic or a combination thereof; applying a carrier layer 9 containing a plastically deformable material to a surface (glass surface 8) of the dishware item; pressing and mounting an information carrier (RFID transponder 2) having a base surface smaller than a surface of the carrier layer onto the surface of the carrier layer on a side not facing the dishware item; and applying a cover layer 3 composed of a printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least partially covers a surface of the information carrier not facing the carrier layer and the surface of the carrier layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for bonding a dish part to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier, the method comprising the following steps: preparing a dish part, the dish part being made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramics and synthetic resins or a combination thereof; applying a carrier layer onto a surface of the dish part; applying an information carrier onto a surface of the carrier layer not facing the surface of the dish part, the base surface of the information carrier being smaller in area than the carrier layer; and applying a cover layer made of a printing ink, the cover layer at least partially covering the surface of the information carrier not facing the carrier layer and the surface of the carrier layer (9) not facing the carrier layer.

[0002] Furthermore, the present application relates to a device comprising a container part made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramics and synthetic resins, or a combination thereof, a carrier layer attached to the surface of the container part, a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier attached to the surface of the carrier layer not facing the surface of the container part, and a cover layer made of printing ink, wherein the base surface of the information carrier is smaller than the area of ​​the carrier layer and the cover layer at least partially covers the information carrier surface and the carrier layer surface not facing the carrier layer.

[0003] The invention further relates to a printing device for carrying out the method of the invention.

[0004] From the prior art, contactlessly readable electronic information carriers are known, in particular in the form of RFID transponders, which are applied onto an adhesive carrier film. These may also be glued to the dish part for identification purposes. However, such solutions do not provide the often desired dishwasher resistance, nor effective anti-tamper protection. In addition, this prior art does not meet the aesthetic requirements for branded drink bar glasses.

[0005] Also known from DE 10 2004 01336 A1 is a method for coupling a contactlessly readable information carrier to a dish part. In that method, a frame is attached around an information carrier mounted on a dish so as to cover the information carrier with a cover layer made of printing ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3552153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In response to this, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for coupling a plate portion to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier, an apparatus including a plate portion and an information carrier attached thereto, and a printing device that allows the information carrier to be coupled to the plate portion more efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] At least one of the above-mentioned problems is solved by a method for bonding a dish part to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier, the method comprising the following steps: preparing a dish part made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramics and synthetic resins or a combination thereof; attaching a carrier layer onto a surface of the dish part; attaching an information carrier onto a surface of the carrier layer not facing the surface of the dish part, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than the area of ​​the carrier layer; and attaching a cover layer made of a printing ink such that the cover layer at least partially covers the surface of the information carrier not facing the carrier layer and the surface of the carrier layer, wherein the carrier layer comprises a plastically deformable material and the step of attaching the information carrier onto the carrier layer includes pressing the information carrier into the carrier layer.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​the method of the present invention is to arrange the information carrier on a carrier layer mounted on the dish part and then press the information carrier into this carrier layer, thereby forming a printable surface consisting of the information carrier surface facing away from the carrier layer and the carrier layer surface, so that a cover layer consisting of printing ink can be attached to this printable surface in a conventional manner.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, it is presupposed that the structure depth of the surface is sufficiently small for the application of a cover layer consisting of printing ink. In one embodiment, such a small structure depth of the surface to be covered is brought about by a combination of an elastically deformable carrier layer material and the information carrier surface facing away from the carrier layer.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the information carrier is pressed into the carrier layer, the information carrier surface not facing the carrier layer surface and the carrier layer surface together form a closed surface with a certain roughness, which roughness allows the attachment of a cover layer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention the carrier layer consists of a plastically deformable material. In one embodiment, the plastically deformable material of the carrier layer is a plastically deformable synthetic resin, in particular a thermoplastic.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention the carrier layer comprises an adhesive material, in particular a self-adhesive material. In this way, when gluing the information carrier to the carrier layer, the information carrier can be placed on the carrier layer before being pressed in, without the information carrier being displaced relative to the carrier layer. Additional adhesion is possible but not necessary, for example by placing an adhesive film on the information carrier.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention the thickness of the carrier layer before the information carrier is attached is at least the same as, in particular greater than, the maximum thickness of the information carrier. By configuring the carrier layer in this manner, it is ensured that after the information carrier is pressed into the carrier layer, the surface of the carrier layer adjacent to the information carrier and the surface of the information carrier not facing the carrier layer surface form the same level surface. By maximum thickness of the information carrier is here understood the thickness of the information carrier in its largest dimension.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information carrier has two vertical sides and two horizontal sides, and the information carrier is completely surrounded by the material of the carrier layer along the vertical sides after the information carrier is pressed into the carrier layer. In this way it is ensured that the information carrier is completely embedded in the material of the carrier layer.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the application of the carrier layer is carried out by printing, in particular by screen printing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the carrier layer also serves to hide the information carrier from the viewer's eye through the portion of the container in which the electronic information carrier is mounted, when the information carrier is attached to a transparent container, such as a glass drinking vessel.

[0018] A cover layer of printing ink extends over the information carrier surface itself and at least partially over the carrier layer surface and serves to permanently seal the information carrier at least partially on the dish. Depending on the choice of printing ink, the cover layer not only prevents the information carrier from peeling off or being damaged during the life of the dish part, but also ensures the required dishwasher resistance.

[0019] In one embodiment the cover layer completely covers the information carrier surface and the carrier layer surface not facing the carrier layer surface. In this way the information carrier and the carrier layer can be protected from contamination and damage.

[0020] In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the cover layer is greater than the area of ​​the carrier layer such that the cover layer extends over the entire extent of the carrier layer and beyond the carrier layer onto the surface of the dish portion. In such an embodiment, the cover layer serves to completely encapsulate the information carrier.

[0021] Applying a cover layer of printing ink, in one embodiment of the invention, includes printing the cover layer and / or transferring the cover layer in the form of a printed transfer image.

[0022] To attach a cover layer comprised of printing ink, if one chooses to transfer the cover layer in the form of a printed transfer image, in one embodiment, the desired design is first printed onto the base paper. The fully printed cover layer is then manually applied, like a sort of sticker or transfer image, onto the dish portion and at least partially along the information carrier and carrier layer. Finally, the applied transferred image is cured by applying heat (conditioning).

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transferred image is printed using an organic pigment system.

[0024] In contrast, printing of the cover layer is understood to mean printing directly onto the information carrier and / or onto the carrier layer and / or onto the dish part. In this printing, printing ink is applied to the respective surface of the dish part, the information carrier or carrier layer on the dish part by means of a printing device, in particular a printing press such as a screen printer.

[0025] The direct overprinting of the information carrier and carrier layers with a cover layer of printing ink presents various challenges which can be solved using the present invention.

[0026] In all embodiments of the present invention, it proves to be a problem that at least two materials, in particular three materials, must be overprinted, specifically the material of the information carrier, the material of the dish portion and the material of the carrier layer.

[0027] On the other hand, in an embodiment the information carrier does not have a completely unstructured surface, but rather there is at least one part of the information carrier which protrudes relative to one of the surfaces of the information carrier.

[0028] In particular, such protruding portions are present in embodiments of the information carrier in which the antenna is printed on a substrate which is flat on both sides and in which an integrated circuit containing electronic circuits is further printed on this substrate. In that case, this integrated circuit protrudes as a part relative to the surface. In order to create a striking aesthetic overall impression, in one embodiment, edges resulting from protrusions of parts on an otherwise flat surface are covered with printing ink.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the information carrier is completely covered by the cover layer and the printing ink of the cover layer is printed onto the surface of the information carrier to a thickness of at least 100 μm, preferably to a thickness of at least 140 μm, particularly preferably to a thickness of at least 250 μm. A cover layer of such a thickness provides edge height compensation relative to the surface of the protruding part of the information carrier and can be coated with printing ink to produce a substantially homogeneous and flat cover layer surface.

[0030] For this purpose, in one embodiment, it is required, on the one hand, to select the viscosity of the printing ink so that after printing it spreads sufficiently to provide the required edge height compensation, but, on the other hand, this viscosity is required to be such that the printing ink does not run off the printed surface.

[0031] In order to satisfy both conditions, in one embodiment of the present invention the printing ink has a high viscosity.

[0032] In another embodiment, the printing ink is fast drying. A fast-drying printing ink in the sense of the present invention is understood here to mean an ink which, with appropriately set drying parameters, becomes dry to the touch within less than 30 minutes, preferably within less than 10 minutes, particularly preferably within less than 1 minute, and which allows for direct further processing, in particular covering with another coating of printing ink.

[0033] However, regardless of its preparation, the cover layer is not only used to aesthetically cover the information carrier, but also to encapsulate the information carrier and thereby protect it from external influences, such as cold or warm cleaning water or mechanical pressure. By covering the information carrier with printing ink, the information carrier is also protected against thermal influences due to the insulating properties inherent in the printing ink.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention the printing of the cover layer is carried out by screen printing, in which case the printing ink is a screen printing ink.

[0035] Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the printing method according to the invention could also be carried out essentially by pad printing techniques using pad printing inks.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the printing ink of the cover layer is an organic printing ink. Such organic printing inks do not necessarily require hardening by baking the ink, so that the ink can be introduced for coating even when a temperature-sensitive information carrier is already mounted.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, such an organic printing ink consists of at least two components, one of which is a hardener. In the case of such multi-component printing inks, the drying time can be adjusted and adapted to the printing of the combination of dish part and information carrier in question here.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the printing ink for the cover layer is a metallic printing ink or a metal displacement ink.

[0039] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the printing ink of the cover layer is hardened by applying UV radiation onto the dish part comprising the information carrier and the printing ink. In another embodiment the printing ink is cured by heating it to a temperature of at most 70° Celsius, preferably at most 60° Celsius, particularly preferably at most 50° Celsius. Such curing, which does not require baking at temperatures above 70° C., makes it possible to seal the information carrier with a cover layer made of a printing ink as described above.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of cover layers are mounted one on top of the other on the plate portion with the carrier layer and the information carrier. In one embodiment, the individual cover layers are then configured such that the surface of the individual cover layers increases in an upward direction as viewed from the information carrier. In this manner, each successive cover layer completely covers the cover layer below it, around the entire periphery of the cover layer below, and even extends beyond the cover layer below.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention the cover layer is at least partially transparent, so that the cover layer allows at least a part of the information carrier to be seen. In this way the information carrier can transmit information to the user, for example by means of light emitting diodes.

[0042] Basically, for the method according to the invention it is not critical which position on the dish part the carrier layer, the information carrier and the cover layer are provided.

[0043] By tableware it is meant everyday items used for eating, but also items used for processing and storing, for example, food, chemicals, and medicines. According to the invention, the generic term tableware includes, inter alia, laboratory bottles, laboratory glasses, laboratory vessels, test tubes, bottles for storing medicines and chemicals, vials, dishes, basins, flatware, bottle coolers, and drinking vessels.

[0044] A drinking vessel in the sense of the present invention is understood to be a drinking vessel, regardless of the material chosen. However, glass drinking vessels are preferred. Drinking containers within the meaning of this application include drinking glasses, products with handles, such as beer mugs, cups and pitchers, feeding containers, but also bottles or drink bottles.

[0045] A contactlessly readable electronic information carrier in the sense of the present invention in one embodiment incorporates a carrier substrate, in particular a synthetic resin carrier substrate. Additionally, the information carrier contains, in one embodiment, electronic circuitry comprising transmitting circuitry for emitting a signal, processing circuitry and permanent memory. Such electronic circuits are known in a wide variety of ways from the prior art.

[0046] In this case, the individual components of the electronic circuit may be integrated into an integrated circuit, in particular a chip. A signal in the sense of the present invention may be an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or optical signal. Preferred however are embodiments in which the signal is subjected to magnetic or electromagnetic field modulation.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic circuitry of the information carrier additionally includes receiver circuitry for receiving the signal. Of course, in that case this receiver circuit is also connected to the processing circuit.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter circuitry and / or the receiver circuitry are analog circuitry. In another embodiment of the invention, the processing circuitry is a digital circuit. In one embodiment, such digital processing circuitry is a microcontroller.

[0049] In another embodiment, the circuit additionally includes an antenna coupled to the transmitter circuit and / or the receiver circuit. This is used to emit or receive signals in the form of magnetic or electromagnetic fields.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic circuit is an RFID transponder. The coupling between the reader device and such an RFID transponder is, in one embodiment of the invention, either by using a short-range alternating magnetic field or by high-frequency radio waves.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the RFID transponder is an NFC standard transponder. Such transponders can be read using conventional mobile terminals, such as smartphones or tablets, and are cheap to obtain.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information carrier is mounted on the carrier layer using an applicator and pressed into the carrier layer, wherein the applicator and the dish part are movable relative to each other, and the applicator is equipped with a camera for capturing the position of the carrier layer on the dish part, and based on an image of the dish part with the carrier layer generated by the camera, the applicator with the information carrier is positioned relative to the dish part. By doing so, the information carrier can be applied automatically onto the carrier layer.

[0053] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the information carrier is mounted on the carrier layer and pressed into the carrier layer by means of an applicator, wherein the applicator and the plate part are movable relative to each other, and the applicator is equipped with a non-contact reading device and / or writing device for reading and / or writing the information carrier. By doing so, even while the information carrier is being mounted on the dish part, it is possible, on the one hand, to check the operational reliability of the mounted information carrier, and, on the other hand, to store in a database the clear identification information of the dish part provided by the information carrier.

[0054] The present invention therefore also relates to a printing device for printing on a dish part, which printing device has a holder for the dish part, a first print head for printing a layer on the dish part, and an applicator, which is arranged and configured such that an information carrier that can be read non-contactly can be attached to a carrier layer on the dish part using the applicator, and the applicator and the holder for the dish part are movable relative to each other, so that the information carrier can be pressed into the carrier layer on the dish part using the applicator.

[0055] In one embodiment the applicator is in the form of a stamp, the stamping surface being configured such that the information carrier can be removably held to the stamping surface, for example by a vacuum device.

[0056] By using the printing device configured in this way, at least the carrier layer or the cover layer can be printed on the dish part, and the information carrier can be mounted on the carrier layer and pressed into the carrier layer.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first print head is constructed and arranged such that the first print head can be used to print a carrier layer of plastically deformable material onto the tableware carrier. In this way, the carrier layer can be mounted onto the dish part using a printing device before the information carrier is applied.

[0058] In another embodiment the printing device comprises a second printhead, which is constructed and arranged such that a cover layer of printing ink can be printed onto the carrier layer and onto the information carrier using the second printhead.

[0059] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus comprises a camera for capturing an image of the dish portion, and a controller, the controller being operatively connected to the camera such that the controller acquires image data from the camera during operation of the printing apparatus, the controller also being operatively connected to a drive unit for relative movement between the applicator and the dish portion such that the drive unit acquires a control signal from the controller during operation of the printing apparatus, and the controller is also configured such that, during operation of the apparatus, the controller calculates a position of the carrier layer for mounting the information carrier on the carrier layer from the image data, generates and transmits a control signal to the drive unit, whereby the information carrier is mounted in the calculated position.

[0060] At least one of the above-mentioned problems is solved by an apparatus having the following: a dish part made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramics and synthetic resin or a combination thereof, a carrier layer attached to the surface of the dish part, a non-contact readable electronic information carrier attached to a surface of the carrier layer not facing the surface of the dish part, and a cover layer made of printing ink, wherein the base surface of the information carrier is smaller than the area of ​​the carrier layer, the cover layer at least partially covers the information carrier surface and the carrier layer surface not facing the carrier layer, the carrier layer contains a plastically deformable material, and the information carrier is pressed into the carrier layer.

[0061] All of the features produced on the dish part by the above-mentioned method may in one embodiment be provided in the claimed device as corresponding elements disposed on the side or surface of the dish part.

[0062] Other advantages, features, or applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the figures, like elements are represented by like reference numerals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drinking glass coupled with an information carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an information carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a surface of a drinking glass having a carrier layer attached thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the surface of a drinking glass with the carrier layer of FIG. 3 attached, the information carrier and the applicator, before the information carrier is mounted on the carrier layer; FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cut-away portion of the surface of a drinking glass having the carrier layer of FIG. 4 attached thereto with an information carrier attached and pressed into the carrier layer surface; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the configuration of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the surface of a drinking glass comprising the construct of FIG. 5 having a cover layer printed thereon. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional cutaway view of an alternative embodiment with multiple cover layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] In the embodiments of the invention described below, it is assumed that an information carrier 2 is coupled to a drinking glass 1 . The device according to the invention is formed by the combination of a drinking glass 1 and an information carrier 2 . A drinking glass, hereinafter also referred to as glass for short, constitutes an example of a tableware part within the meaning of the present application.

[0065] In FIG. 1 a schematic cross-section of such a drinking glass 1 with an information carrier 2 mounted thereon is shown. The information carrier 2 is mounted on or in a carrier layer 9 on the drinking glass 1 . A cover layer 3 made of printing ink covers the carrier layer 8 and the information carrier 2, so that the information carrier 2 is protected by the cover layer and is bonded to the drinking glass 1 by the cover layer. The schematic cross-section from FIG. 1 makes clear how the information carrier 2 is positioned at the side of the drinking glass 1, regardless of the concrete form of encapsulation of the information carrier. This positioning is the same for all embodiments considered here.

[0066] 3 to 7, discussed below, show enlarged cutaways of the area of ​​the information carrier 2 from the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. In the cross-sectional views of Figs. 3 to 5, 7 and 8, the glass 1 or its surface is depicted as having a flat shape. This seems justified since the section is significantly enlarged. However, the glass surface 8 in all embodiments is actually curved as shown in FIG.

[0067] The information carrier considered here is an RFID transponder, as shown diagrammatically in the cross-section from FIG. The transponder 2 contains a planar antenna structure 4 printed on a flat substrate 10 and processing circuitry integrated in a chip 5 . The substrate 10 or chip label also compensates for the height difference between the antenna 4 and the chip 5 . By doing so, the surface 6 of the transponder 2 that faces away from the carrier layer 9 is substantially smooth, i.e. has no structure depth that would interfere with printing.

[0068] The second surface 7 of the transponder 2 has a certain unevenness or roughness due to the antenna structure. This roughness of the surface 7 does not affect the printability of the construction, since this surface 7 engages with the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 that does not face the glass surface 8 when mounting the transponder 2 on the drinking vessel 1.

[0069] 3 to 5 and 7 and 8 show schematic cross-sectional views of the drinking glass 1 of FIG. 1 cut away to show the position where the RFID transponder 2 is attached to the drinking glass 1. 3 to 7 also show how the individual layers are applied stepwise onto the surface 8 of the drinking glass 1.

[0070] In FIG. 3 a drinking glass 1 is shown having a carrier layer 9 applied onto a surface 8 of the drinking glass 1 . The carrier layer 9 here consists of a thermoplastic material, in the illustrated example polypropylene. Thermoplastics have the advantage for the concept according to the invention on the one hand that they can be printed onto the glass surface 8 using screen printing. That is to say, the carrier layer 9 can be coated using known methods for printing the surface 8 of the drinking glass 1 . In addition, thermoplastic materials are plastically deformable under pressure and optionally by elevated temperature.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows that a transponder 2 is about to be applied by means of an applicator 11 onto a surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 that faces away from the glass surface 8 . The applicator 11 comprises a stamp having a surface substantially the same size as the base surface of the transponder 2 (contrary to the illustration in FIG. 4). When applying the transponder 2 onto the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 , the transponder 2 is held in the stamping surface of the applicator 11 by a suction device, so that the transponder 2 can be moved relative to the carrier layer 9 by the applicator. Now, when the applicator reaches a given position for the transponder 2 on the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 , the applicator releases the transponder 2 and the surface 7 of the transponder 2 engages with the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 .

[0072] As soon as the transponder 2 engages the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 , the applicator 11 presses the transponder 2 into the surface 12 such that the carrier layer 9 plastically deforms and the transponder 2 embeds itself into the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 . Due to the carrier layer 9 being plastically deformable, the transponder 2 remains in its recessed position even after the applicator 11 has been lifted off. To allow such embedding of the transponder 2 , in the illustrated embodiment the thickness d of the carrier layer 9 before pressing the transponder 2 into the surface 12 is greater than the maximum thickness D of the transponder 2 . The surface 6 of the transponder 2 facing away from the carrier layer 9, together with the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 facing away from the glass surface 8, then forms a substantially smooth surface without significant height differences or deviations. In other words, the roughness of the entire surface consisting of the surface 6 of the transponder 2 and the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 is sufficiently low that printing is possible.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, after the transponder 2 has been pressed into the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9, the transponder 2 is completely, i.e. completely around the entire periphery of the transponder 2, surrounded by the material of the carrier layer 9 in a frame-like manner. That is to say, the carrier layer material 9 is surrounded by the carrier layer material 9 along the longitudinal sides 13 and along the transverse sides 14 .

[0074] Finally, the assembly consisting of the drinking glass 1, the carrier layer 9 and the transponder 2 is covered with a cover layer 3 consisting of a printing ink, as shown diagrammatically in the figure. Since the surface of the printing ink is now larger than the surface 9 of the carrier layer, the cover layer 3 completely covers the carrier layer 9 and extends everywhere along the extent of the carrier layer 9 except for the surface 8 of the drinking glass 1 . In so doing, the cover layer 3 completely encapsulates the assembly consisting of the carrier layer 9 and the transponder 2 . Unlike what is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, this time each of the cover layers 3 , 3 a , 3 b also directly engages the surface 8 of the drinking glass 1 .

[0075] After the transponder 2 has been applied, printing of the glass 1 in the area of ​​the transponder 2 takes place with a cover layer 3 made of ink for glass. This is difficult to implement for a number of reasons. Firstly, two different materials, namely the glass material of the drinking glass 1 on the one hand and the synthetic resin material of the transponder 2 on the other hand, have to be printed with the same glass ink for the cover layer 3 . Moreover, in a subsequent work step, it is not possible to print the glass ink 3, since this would damage the transponder 2. For this reason, for the cover layer 3 of the embodiment from FIG. 3, but also for all other embodiments according to the other figures, an ink for glass was carefully selected.

[0076] For the cover layer 3, an organic two-component ink for glass containing a pigment component and a hardener was selected. This ink hardens relatively quickly by heating the structure consisting of glass 1, carrier layer 9, transponder 2 and cover layer 3, but has the advantage that baking can be avoided. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink for glass of the cover layer 3 is selected so that when appropriately heated to a temperature of 65° C., it hardens and becomes dry to the touch within 30 seconds.

[0077] This proves to be a great challenge, especially since the entire transponder, which has a thickness of 200 μm, has to be covered by the cover layer 3 .

[0078] In addition, it is essential to select the printing ink so that it has a high viscosity, which prevents the ink from spilling off the structure of the transponder 2 after printing and before it dries.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 8, multiple, in the example of FIG. 8 two, cover layers 3a, 3b are printed one on top of the other. In this case, the surfaces of the cover layers 3a, 3b are larger on the upper side, so that each cover layer completely covers all the layers of the structure below it.

[0080] It is pointed out that for the purposes of inherent disclosure, all features that one skilled in the art can derive from the present specification, the drawings and the claims, even if they are specifically described only in conjunction with further specific features, can be combined, either alone or in any combination, with other features of the feature or features disclosed herein, unless the possibility of such combination is expressly excluded or the given technical situation makes such a combination impossible or meaningless. Solely for the sake of brevity and readability of this specification, we refrain from comprehensively and explicitly describing all possible feature combinations.

[0081] Although the invention has been illustrated in detail in the drawings and described in the specification, such illustration and description are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, e.g. as defined by the claims. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0082] Variations in the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the drawings, specification, and appended claims. In the claims, the term "aufweisen" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "eine" or "ein" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are claimed among other features does not, in and of itself, exclude their combination. Any reference signs in the claims are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following configurations as other aspects. 1. A method for coupling a food container (1) to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier (2), comprising the steps of: A step of preparing the dish part (1), the dish part (1) being made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin, or a combination thereof; applying a carrier layer (9) onto the surface (8) of the dish part (1); mounting the information carrier (2) on a surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) that does not face the surface (8) of the dish part (1), such that the base surface of the information carrier (2) is smaller than the area of ​​the carrier layer (9); the cover layer (3) being made of a printing ink and at least partially covering the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) facing away from the carrier layer (9) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9), the carrier layer (9) comprises a plastically deformable material, The method, wherein the step of mounting the information carrier (2) on the carrier layer (9) comprises pressing the information carrier (2) into the carrier layer (9). 2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastically deformable material of the carrier layer (9) is a plastically deformable synthetic resin, in particular a thermoplastic. 3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness (d) of the carrier layer (9) before the application of the information carrier (2) is at least the same as, and in particular is greater than, the maximum thickness (D) of the information carrier (2). 4. The information carrier (2) has two vertical sides (13) and two horizontal sides (14), 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information carrier (2) after being pressed into the carrier layer is surrounded by material of the carrier layer (9) along the longitudinal sides (13) and transverse sides (14). 5. after the information carrier (2) has been pressed into the carrier layer (9), the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) which faces away from the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) together form a closed surface having a certain roughness, The method according to any one of the above 1 to 4, wherein the roughness allows attachment of the cover layer (3). 6. 6. The method according to any one of the above 1 to 5, wherein the carrier layer (9) comprises an adhesive material, in particular a self-adhesive material. 7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the application of the carrier layer (9) is carried out by printing, in particular by screen printing. 8. 8. The method according to any one of 1 to 7 above, wherein the cover layer (3) completely covers the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) that does not face the surface (12) of the carrier layer (8) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9). 9. 9. The method according to any one of 1 to 8 above, wherein the area of ​​the cover layer (3) is larger than the area of ​​the carrier layer (9), so that the cover layer (3) extends over the carrier layer (9) all around the circumference of the carrier layer (9) onto the surface of the dish part (1). 10. 10. The method according to any one of 1 to 9 above, wherein applying said cover layer (3) comprises printing said cover layer (3) or transferring the cover layer (3) as a printed transfer image. 11. 11. The method according to any one of the above 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of cover layers (3) are attached in an overlapping manner. 12. The information carrier (2) is applied onto the carrier layer (9) using an applicator (11) and pressed into the carrier layer (9), The applicator (11) and the dish part (1) are movable relative to each other, The applicator has a camera for capturing the position of the carrier layer (9) on the dish part (1); 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the applicator (11) is positioned relative to the tableware part (1) based on an image of the tableware part (1) produced by the camera together with the information carrier (2). 13. The information carrier (2) is applied onto the carrier layer (9) by means of an applicator (11) and pressed into the carrier layer (9), 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the applicator (11) comprises a contactless reading and / or writing device for reading and / or writing to the information carrier. 14. A dish part (1) made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin, or a combination thereof; A carrier layer (9) attached on the surface (8) of the dish part (1); a contactless readable electronic information carrier (2) attached to a surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) that does not face the surface (8) of the dish part (1); and a cover layer (3) made of a printing ink, In a device in which the base area of ​​the information carrier (2) is smaller than the area of ​​the carrier layer (9), and the cover layer (3) at least partially covers the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) facing away from the carrier layer (9) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9), the carrier layer (9) comprises a plastically deformable material, The device, in which the information carrier (2) is pressed into the carrier layer (9). 15. A holder for the dish part; a first printhead for printing a layer onto the dish portion; A printing device for printing a tableware part, comprising: an applicator (11) configured such that a non-contact readable information carrier can be applied by the applicator (11) onto a carrier layer (9) on the tableware part (1), The printing device, in which the applicator (11) and a holder for the dish part (1) are movable relative to each other so that the information carrier (2) can be pressed into the carrier layer (9) on the dish part by the applicator (11). [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 drinking glass 2. RFID transponder 3 Cover Layer 4. Board 5 Chips 6. the surface of the RFID transponder 2 that does not face the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 7. Surface of the RFID transponder 2 facing the surface 12 of the carrier layer 9 8 Glass Surface 9 Carrier Layer 10 Chip Label 11 Applicator 12 Surface of the carrier layer 9 not facing the glass surface 8 13 Vertical Side 14 Horizontal side D Maximum thickness of the information carrier d thickness of the carrier layer 9 before mounting the RFID transponder 2

Claims

1. A method for coupling a food container part (1) to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier (2), comprising the steps of: A step of preparing the dish part (1), the dish part (1) being made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin, or a combination thereof; applying a carrier layer (9) onto the surface (8) of the dish part (1); - mounting the information carrier (2) on a surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) that does not face the surface (8) of the dish part (1), the base surface of the information carrier (2) being smaller in area than the carrier layer (9); the cover layer (3) being attached to the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) facing away from the carrier layer (9) and to the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) at least partially covering said surface (12), said method comprising the steps of: said carrier layer (9) comprising a plastically deformable material, a printing device for printing the dish part, comprising a holder for the dish part, a first print head for printing a layer on the dish part, and an applicator (11) arranged and configured such that the contactlessly readable information carrier is applied by the applicator (11) onto the carrier layer (9) on the dish part (1); The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the step of mounting the information carrier (2) on the carrier layer (9), the applicator (11) and a holder for the dish part (1) are moved relative to each other so that the information carrier (2) is pressed by the applicator (11) into the carrier layer (9) on the dish part.

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastically deformable material of the carrier layer (9) is a plastically deformable synthetic resin or thermoplastic material.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness (d) of the carrier layer (9) before mounting the information carrier (2) is at least the same as or greater than the maximum thickness (D) of the information carrier (2).

4. The information carrier (2) has two longitudinal sides (13) and two transverse sides (14), 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information carrier (2) after pressing into the carrier layer is surrounded by material of the carrier layer (9) along the longitudinal sides (13) and the transverse sides (14).

5. after the information carrier (2) has been pressed into the carrier layer (9), the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) which faces away from the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) together form a closed surface having a certain roughness, Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said roughness allows application of the cover layer (3).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier layer (9) comprises an adhesive or self-adhesive material.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application of the carrier layer (9) is carried out by printing or by screen printing.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer (3) completely covers the surface (6) of the information carrier (2) that does not face the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9) and the surface (12) of the carrier layer (9).

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of ​​the cover layer (3) is greater than the area of ​​the carrier layer (9), so that the cover layer (3) extends over the entire periphery of the carrier layer (9) onto the surface of the dish part (1).

10. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that applying the cover layer (3) comprises printing the cover layer (3) or transferring the cover layer (3) as a printed transfer image.

11. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of cover layers (3) are applied one on top of the other.

12. The information carrier (2) is applied onto the carrier layer (9) by means of an applicator (11) and pressed into the carrier layer (9), The applicator (11) and the dish part (1) are movable relative to each other, the applicator has a camera for capturing the position of the carrier layer (9) on the dish part (1); 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the applicator (11) is positioned relative to the tableware part (1) based on an image of the tableware part (1) produced by the camera together with the information carrier (2).

13. The information carrier (2) is applied onto the carrier layer (9) by means of an applicator (11) and pressed into the carrier layer (9), Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (11) comprises a contactless reading and / or writing device for reading and / or writing the information carrier.

14. A holder for the dish part; a first printhead for printing a layer onto the dish portion; 1. A printing device for printing tableware parts, comprising: an applicator (11) configured such that a non-contact readable information carrier can be applied by said applicator onto a carrier layer (9) on said tableware part (1), The printing device, in which the applicator (11) and a holder for the dish part (1) are movable relative to each other so that the information carrier (2) can be pressed into the carrier layer (9) on the dish part by the applicator (11).

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