Near field along with far field to ensure device is connected or secured

Abstract

To provide a method of checking if a connector system with a Connector Position Assurance ("CPA") member is in a closed position.SOLUTION: A method includes providing an RFID-tag reader that is positioned at a distance D to an integrated circuit (10) enabling far-field RFID communication and not permitting near-field RFID communication. Further, the method includes checking readability of the integrated circuit (10) with the RFID-tag reader and, if the integrated circuit (10) is not readable by the RFID-tag reader, issuing an alert signal indicating that a CPA member (9) is not in a closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of connectors and RFID communications, and more particularly to ensuring proper positioning of mating connectors through the use of RFID communications. [Background technology]

[0002] Especially in the automotive industry, there is a new standard called Connector Position Assurance (CPA). CPA is a locking mechanism that, in the closed position, ensures proper mating of connectors and prevents accidental disengagement of mated connectors. During the assembly process, it is necessary to check whether the locking mechanism is in the closed position. One known way to perform this check is by using a Data Matrix code laser, which is engraved on the connector and is hidden by the locking mechanism in the open position and is not visible until the locking mechanism is in the closed position. Another option for checking whether the locking mechanism is in the closed position is visual inspection by the operator. These checking processes require a Data Matrix code scanner or visual accessibility to the operator.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a connection device having a connector and a mating connector suitable for mating with the connector, and at least one RFID tag attached to one of the connectors and suitable for communicating with a reader, the RFID tag including an antenna, and further includes a switch configured to place the RFID tag in a first communication state or a second communication state depending on whether the connectors are fully or partially mated.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a connector system having a connector including an RFID circuit. The RFID circuit is tuned so that it does not function as desired at a desired frequency until the connector is mated with a corresponding connector. Once the connectors are mated, the tuning of the RFID circuit is corrected so that the RFID circuit functions as desired at the desired frequency.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a method and apparatus using an RFID device to help determine the open state of a container. For example, a first RFID tag is fixed to a first portion of the container, and a second RFID tag is fixed to a second portion of the container. When a user acts to at least partially open the container, the first and second portions move relative to each other such that one or more of the RFID tags are no longer readable by an RFID tag reader or are then readable by the reader. Reading or cessation of reading of one or more RFID tags indicates at least one open state of the container. In some embodiments, the open state is at least one of an unsealed state, an opening operation start state, an opening operation confirmation state, a partially open state, and a fully open state.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a connector assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and a mating detection device. The first connector includes a first locking feature. The second connector includes a second locking feature that cooperates with the first locking feature. The mating detection device is configured to assume a first electrical state when the first connector and the second connector are in a locked state. The mating detection device is mechanically prevented from assuming the first state until the first locking feature and the second locking feature lock the first connector and the second connector together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,854,623 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,711,903 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10,448,231 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 2153496 Summary of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving upon or overcoming one or more aspects of conventional systems. According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for checking whether a connector position assurance member (as used herein, "CPA member") is provided in a closed position in a connector system. The method may include providing a first connector and a second connector configured to mate with the first connector, wherein the first connector or the second connector is provided with a far-field antenna. The method may further include providing a CPA member including an integrated circuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The CPA member may be configured to have an open position and a closed position, and in the closed position, the CPA member may confirm proper connection of the first connector and the second connector and prevent unintended disengagement of the first connector and the second connector. The method may further include mating the first connector and the second connector and moving the connection position assurance member to a closed position, where the near-field antenna is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna such that communication with the integrated circuit of the CPA member is now possible in the far-field of RFID communication. The method may further include providing an RFID tag reader positioned relative to the integrated circuit at a distance D such that far-field RFID communication is possible between the RFID tag reader and the integrated circuit, but not near-field RFID communication. The method may further include checking readability of the integrated circuit by the RFID tag reader.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector system for ensuring that connectors are properly connected and secured. The connector system may include a first connector and a second connector configured to mate with the first connector, wherein the first connector or the second connector is provided with a far-field antenna. The connector system may further include a CPA member including an integrated circuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The CPA member may be configured to have an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the CPA member may confirm proper connection of the first connector and the second connector and prevent unintended disconnection of the first connector and the second connector. In the closed position, the near-field antenna may be inductively coupled to the far-field antenna such that communication with the integrated circuit 10 of the CPA member 9 is now possible in the far field of RFID communication.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an RFID tag, which may include: a first component having an integrated circuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit; a second component having a far-field antenna; and a pivot mechanism configured to enable the first component and the second component to pivot from an open position in which the first component and the second component are separated to a closed position in which the near-field antenna is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna and the integrated circuit is readable not only in the near-field of RFID communication but also in the far-field of RFID communication.

[0011] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a connector system according to the present disclosure, with the first connector and the second connector in an unmated state. [Figure 2]2 illustrates a connector system as shown in FIG. 1 with the first connector and second connector mated and the CPA member in a closed position. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a second embodiment of a connector system according to the present disclosure with a first connector partially inserted into a second connector and a CPA element in a pre-assembled position. [Figure 4] 4 shows a system as shown in FIG. 3 with the first connector fully inserted into the second connector and the CPA member in a closed position. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates the principle of combining near-field and far-field antennas to vary the read distance for integrated circuits. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a system to which the method for checking whether a CPA member is provided in a closed position in a connector system according to the present disclosure can be applied. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an RFID tag according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates the RFID tag embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in a closed position and an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to teach the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the present disclosure in many different environments and for many different applications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by the appended claims.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a connector system according to the present disclosure. The connector system includes a first connector 2, a second connector 4, and a CPA member 9. The second connector 4 is configured to mate with the first connector 2. The second connector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5. The CPA member 9 includes a near-field antenna 3 and an integrated circuit 10. The near-field antenna 3 is electrically connected to the integrated circuit 10, which in FIG. 1 is, for example, a chip with a COB (coil on board). FIG. 1 illustrates the first connector 2 and second connector 4 unmated and the CPA member 9 in an open position.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a system as shown in Figure 1 with the first connector 2 fully inserted into the second connector 4 and the CPA member 9 in the closed position. The near-field antenna 3 is positioned within the loop of the far-field antenna 5. Thus, the integrated circuit 10 can now be read not only in near-field RFID communication but also in the far-field of RFID communication.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a connector system according to the present disclosure. The connector system includes a first connector 2, a second connector 4, and a CPA member 9. The second connector 4 is configured to mate with the first connector 2. The second connector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5 (a chip with a COB), both of which are shown schematically in FIG. 3. The CPA member 9 includes an integrated circuit 10 and a near-field antenna 3 (also shown schematically). The near-field antenna 3 is electrically connected to the integrated circuit 10. Receiving means 7 are formed on the first connector 2, and receiving means 8 are formed on the second connector 4, for receiving the CPA member 9. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the receiving means 7 is an integral part of the first connector 2, and the receiving means 8 is an integral part of the second connector 4. The CPA member 9 is movably coupled to the receiving means 7 on the first connector 2. The CPA member 9 can be moved from a pre-assembled position to a closed position. 3 shows the first connector 2 partially inserted into the second connector 4 and the CPA member 9 in a pre-assembled position. The near-field antenna 3 is not coupled to the far-field antenna 5 of the second connector 4.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a system as shown in Figure 3 with the first connector 2 fully inserted into the second connector 4 and the CPA member 9 in the closed position. The near-field antenna 3 is coupled to the far-field antenna 5 (shown schematically) of the second connector 4. Thus, the integrated circuit 10 can now be read not only in the near field of RFID communication but also in the far field of RFID communication.

[0018] 5 shows the principle of coupling a near-field antenna 3 and a far-field antenna 5. The near-field antenna 3 is electrically connected to an integrated circuit 10. The near-field antenna 3 and the integrated circuit 10 are mounted on a CPA member 9. When the near-field antenna 3 is not positioned within the coupling loop 11 of the far-field antenna 5, the integrated circuit can be read at a short distance, i.e., in the near field of RFID communication. However, when the near-field antenna 3 is positioned within the coupling loop 11 of the far-field antenna 5, the integrated circuit can be read at a long distance, i.e., in the far field of RFID communication.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a system to which the method for checking whether a CPA member 9 is provided in a closed position in a connector system according to the present disclosure can be applied. The system includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 4. The first connector 2 and the second connector 4 are configured to mate with each other. The second connector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5 (shown schematically). One step of the method according to the present disclosure may be mating the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 along dotted line L. The system illustrated in FIG. 6 further includes a CPA member 9 provided with an integrated circuit 10 and a near-field antenna 3, i.e., a chip having a COB (coil on board) electrically connected thereto. A further step of the method according to the present disclosure may be moving the CPA member 9 to its closed position by inserting it along dotted line L into receiving means 7 on the first connector 2 and into receiving means 8 on the second connector 4. In the closed position, the integrated circuit 10 using the near-field antenna 3 is inductively coupled to the far-field antenna 5, and can now be read not only in the near field of RFID communication but also in the far field of RFID communication. Furthermore, in the closed position, the CPA member 9 prevents the mating connectors from unintentionally disengaging. If the CPA member 9 cannot be inserted into the assembled connectors 2, 4, this indicates that the connectors 2, 4 are not properly engaged. As used herein, the term "properly mated" is intended to mean that the connectors are sufficiently mated and achieve their intended purpose (e.g., electrical connectors allow current to flow when properly connected). The system includes an RFID tag reader 6 and an output unit 12The RFID tag reader 6 is positioned relative to the integrated circuit 10 at a distance D that allows far-field RFID communication and disallows near-field RFID communication between the RFID tag reader and the integrated circuit 10. A further step of the method according to the present disclosure may be checking the readability of the integrated circuit 10 by the RFID tag reader 6. If the integrated circuit 10 is readable by the RFID tag reader 6, the near-field antenna is coupled to the far-field antenna, i.e., the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 are properly mated and secured against accidental disengagement. The present disclosure may include, as a further step, emitting a signal at the output unit 12. The signal may be a red light or some other way to alert an operator that the integrated circuit 10 is not readable by the RFID tag reader 6. If the integrated circuit 10 is readable by the RFID tag reader 6, the signal may be a green light or the like to inform the operator.

[0020] 7 illustrates one embodiment of an RFID tag according to the present disclosure. It shows a first component 2 and a second component 4 of the RFID tag. The first component 2 and the second component 4 each have a pivoting mechanism at one end that allows the first component 2 and the second component 4 to pivot. 13 connected to the pivot mechanism. 13 is a pin that connects the first component 2 and the second component 4 and is a rotation axis for the pivoting of the first component 2 and the second component 4. 14The first component 2 comprises an integrated circuit 10 electrically connected to a near-field antenna 3. The second component 4 comprises a far-field antenna 5. When the first component 2 and the second component 4 are in a closed position, i.e., when the first component 2 and the second component 4 are adjacent to each other, the near-field antenna 3 and the far-field antenna 5 are coupled. When the near-field antenna 3 and the far-field antenna 5 are coupled, the integrated circuit using the near-field antenna 3 can be read not only in the near field of RFID communication but also in far-field RFID communication.

[0021] Figure 8 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 7 in a closed and open position. In the closed position, the first component 2 and the second component 4 are adjacent, and the integrated circuit using the near-field antenna 3 is coupled to the far-field antenna 5. In the open position, the first component 2 and the second component 4 are separated, and the integrated circuit using the near-field antenna 3 is not coupled to the far-field antenna 5.

[0022] It is understood that the above description provides examples of the disclosed systems and methods. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the above examples. All references to the present disclosure or examples thereof are intended to refer to the specific examples being described at the time, and no limitation on the generic disclosure is intended.

[0023] The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within that range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. The steps of all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context.

[0024] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein, improvements and modifications may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the following claims. Industrial Applicability The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that a reliable solution is needed for checking whether a CPA member is installed in a connector system in the closed position. In this regard, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to avoid the need for visual inspection of the connector for this checking process. The idea is to use a near-field antenna electrically connected to an integrated circuit on the CPA member and a far-field antenna as a booster on the connector itself. For the near-field antenna with an integrated circuit, a UHF PCB coin, a UHF coil-on-chip, or a coil-on-chip or on-chip coil, or some equivalent, may be used. When the connector is plugged in, the CPA member must be in the closed position to couple the near-field antenna with the far-field antenna, thereby increasing the read range of the RFID system. When the CPA member is not in the closed position (unlocked), the read distance is reduced to that of the near-field antenna, which has a very limited read range. This principle can also be used to verify that a plug (including a near-field antenna) is plugged into a receptacle (including a far-field antenna). Another use case is tamper evidence tags is For example, if an attempt is made to remove the tag from an object, the near-field antenna becomes disconnected from the far-field antenna and the tag loses its read range. One advantage of the present disclosure is that visual inspection of the connector is not required to ensure that the connector is locked.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector system may allow the CPA member to move to the closed position only if the first and second connectors are properly mated. Further embodiments may include receiving means on the first and second connectors for receiving the CPA member. The receiving means may be an integral part of the first and second connectors. The connector system may be configured to facilitate intentional removal of the CPA member and unmating of the first and second connectors without destroying the CPA member, the first connector, or the second connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the near-field antenna may be a UHF antenna with a read range of several millimeters, and the far-field antenna may be a UHF antenna with a read range of several meters.

[0026] With respect to the RFID tag of the present disclosure, a preferred embodiment of the RFID tag may be provided with a locking mechanism including a first locking portion positioned on one of the first component and the second component, and a second locking portion positioned on the other of the first component and the second component. The locking mechanism is preferably configured to have an open position and a closed position, and in the closed position, the first locking portion is pressed into the second locking portion to prevent separation of the first component and the second component. The first locking portion and the second locking portion each The locking portion may be an integral part of the first component and the second component, and may surround the first component and the second component, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism may be configured to be able to open after being closed without destroying the RFID tag. The pivoting mechanism may be realized using a pin that connects the first component and the second component and serves as a rotation axis for pivoting the first component and the second component. In an exemplary embodiment, the near-field antenna may be a UHF antenna with a read range of several millimeters, and the far-field antenna may be a UHF antenna with a read range of several meters.

[0027] With respect to the method of the present disclosure, the method may preferably include the step of issuing a warning signal if the integrated circuit is not readable by the RFID tag reader, such warning signal indicating that the connector position assurance is not in the closed position. The technical ideas included in the present disclosure are described below. (Appendix 1) 1. A method for checking whether a CPA member is installed in a closed position in a connector system, comprising: providing a first connector (2) and a second connector (4), the second connector (4) being configured to mate with the first connector (2), and the first connector (2) or the second connector (4) being provided with a far-field antenna (5); providing a CPA element (9) including an integrated circuit (10) and a near-field antenna (3) electrically connected to the integrated circuit (10), the CPA element (9) being configured to have an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the CPA element (9) confirms proper connection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (4) and prevents unintentional disconnection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (4); mating the first connector (2) and the second connector (4); moving the CPA member (9) to the closed position, wherein in the closed position of the CPA member (9), the near-field antenna (3) is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna (5) such that communication with the integrated circuit (10) of the CPA member (9) is now possible in the far field of RFID communication; providing an RFID tag reader (6), the RFID tag reader (6) being positioned relative to the integrated circuit (10) at a distance D such that far-field RFID communication is possible between the RFID tag reader and the integrated circuit (10), but near-field RFID communication is not possible; checking the readability of said integrated circuit (10) by said RFID tag reader (6). (Appendix 2) 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing a warning signal indicating that the CPA member (9) is not in the closed position if the integrated circuit (10) is not readable by the RFID tag reader (6). (Appendix 3) 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of moving the CPA member (9) to the closed position is only possible when the first connector (2) and the second connector (4) are properly mated. (Appendix 4) 1. A connector system for ensuring that a connector is properly mated and secured, comprising: a first connector (2) and a second connector (4), the second connector (4) being configured to be mated with the first connector (2), and the first connector (2) or the second connector (4) being provided with a far-field antenna (5); a CPA member (1) including an integrated circuit (10) and a near-field antenna (3) electrically connected to the integrated circuit (10), the CPA member (1) being configured to have an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the CPA member (9) confirms proper connection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (4) and prevents unintentional disconnection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (4); In the closed position of the CPA member (9), the near-field antenna (3) is inductively coupled to the far-field antenna (5) such that communication with the integrated circuit (10) of the CPA member (9) is now possible in the far field of RFID communication. (Appendix 5) 5. The connector system of claim 4, wherein the first connector (2), the second connector (4), and the CPA member (9) are configured to allow the CPA member (1) to be moved to the closed position only when the first connector (2) and the second connector (4) are properly mated. (Appendix 6) 6. A connector system as described in Appendix 4 or 5, wherein the first connector (2) is provided with receiving means (7) and the second connector (4) is provided with receiving means (8) for receiving the CPA member (9). (Appendix 7) 7. The connector system of claim 6, wherein the CPA member (9) is movably connected to the receiving means (7) on the first connector or the receiving means (8) of the second connector, and the CPA member (9) can be moved from a pre-assembled position to the closed position. (Appendix 8) 8. The connector system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the near-field antenna (3) and the far-field antenna (5) have different read ranges, for example, the near-field antenna (3) is a UHF antenna with a read range of a few millimeters, and the far-field antenna (5) is a UHF antenna with a read range of a few meters. (Appendix 9) The connector system described in any one of Appendices 4 to 8 is configured to allow the CPA member (9) to be intentionally removed and the first connector (2) and the second connector (4) to be easily disengaged without destroying the CPA member (9), the first connector (2), or the second connector (4). (Appendix 10) An RFID tag (1), a first component (2) provided with an integrated circuit (10) and a near-field antenna (3) electrically connected to the integrated circuit (10); a second component (4) provided with a far-field antenna (5); and a pivot mechanism (6) configured to enable the first component (2) and the second component (4) to pivot from an open position in which the first component (2) and the second component (4) are separated to a closed position in which the integrated circuit (10) using a near-field antenna (3) is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna (5) so that the integrated circuit (10) is readable not only in near-field RFID communication but also in the far-field of RFID communication. (Appendix 11) 11. The RFID tag (1) of claim 10, having a locking mechanism including a first locking portion (7) positioned on one of the first component (2) and the second component (4), and a second locking portion (8) positioned on the other of the first component (2) and the second component (4). (Appendix 12) 12. The RFID tag (1) of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to have an open position and a closed position, and in the closed position, the first locking portion (7) is pressed into the second locking portion (8), preventing separation of the first component (2) and the second component (4). (Appendix 13) 13. The RFID tag of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first locking portion (7) and the second locking portion (8) are integral parts of the first component (2) and the second component (4), and the locking portions (7, 8) surround the first component (2) and the second component (4), respectively. (Appendix 14) The pivot mechanism (6) An RFID tag according to any one of appendices 10 to 13, comprising a pin (9) that connects the first component (2) and the second component (4) and is a rotation axis for pivoting the first component (2) and the second component (4). (Appendix 15) The RFID tag according to any one of appendices 10 to 14, wherein the near-field antenna (3) and the far-field antenna (5) have different read ranges, for example, the near-field antenna (3) is a UHF antenna having a read range of several millimeters, and the far-field antenna (5) is a UHF antenna having a read range of several meters. (Appendix 16) 16. The RFID tag according to any one of appendices 10 to 15, wherein the locking mechanism can be brought into an open state after being closed without destroying the RFID tag.

Claims

1. An RFID tag, a first component including an integrated circuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit; a second component provided with a far-field antenna; a pivot mechanism configured to enable the first and second components to pivot from an open position in which the first and second components are separated to a closed position in which the integrated circuit using the near-field antenna is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna such that the integrated circuit is readable not only in the near field of RFID communication but also in the far field of RFID communication; a first locking portion located on one of the first component and the second component; a second locking portion located on the other of the first component and the second component; In the closed position, the first locking portion and the second locking portion prevent separation of the first component and the second component; The RFID tag, wherein the first locking portion and the second locking portion surround the first component and the second component, respectively.

2. An RFID tag as described in claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the first locking portion is pushed into the second locking portion.

3. The RFID tag of claim 2 , wherein the first locking portion and the second locking portion are integral parts of the first and second components, respectively.

4. The pivot mechanism includes: The RFID tag of claim 1 , including a pin connecting the first component and the second component and being a rotation axis for pivoting of the first component and the second component.

5. The RFID tag of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the near-field antenna and the far-field antenna have different read ranges.

6. The RFID tag of claim 5 , wherein the near-field antenna is a UHF antenna with a read range of a few millimeters, and the far-field antenna is a UHF antenna with a read range of a few meters.

7. The RFID tag of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second components can be placed in the open position after being placed in the closed position without destroying the RFID tag.

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