A method for manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag, and a corresponding tag part

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag, comprising: - obtaining (81) a transponder (2) comprising: - an air coil antenna (21), and - an integrated circuit (22), - obtaining (82) a reception body (1) comprising: - a base (12) comprising: a lower side (121) and a peripheral wall (122) defining a housing, - filling (83) at least partly the housing of the reception body (1) with a resin (3), - inserting (84) the transponder (2) in the housing of the reception body (1), with the integrated circuit (22) located between the air coil antenna (21) and the bottom of the housing, - curing (85) the resin (3) encapsulating the transponder (2).

Description

[0001] A method for manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag, and a corresponding tag part.

[0002] 1. Field of the disclosure

[0003] The field of the disclosure is that of animal identification, monitoring, and / or tracking. More specifically, the disclosure relates to animal identification, monitoring, and / or tracking devices comprising an electronic device, such as an electronic transponder, which may include an antenna and / or an integrated circuit. Such devices are sometimes referred to as electronic identification devices or tags.

[0004] In particular, the disclosure relates to a part of an electronic tag and a method of manufacturing such tag part. A tag part according to the disclosure can be a female or a male part of a one-piece or two- piece identification tag. It can be applied to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and, more generally, to any animal species for which tagging is necessary or desirable.

[0005] 2. Background

[0006] Tagging for identifying animals has long been known, and is compulsory in many countries in order to provide especially for the traceability and certification of the origin of the animals. As is well known, animal identification tags can carry visual and / or electronic identification means. For instance, US 9,038,293 discloses an electronic tag designed for sheep. Such tag comprises a female part comprising a head for receiving a tip of a male part, and a rigid shell containing the electronic identification means. Such tag has good performances in terms of retention on the animal (for example on the animal's ear), as well as in terms of animal's comfort and health, especially for sheep.

[0007] In the case of pigs for example, an animal identification tag is attached to the ear of the pig at birth and should ideally stay on the animal until it is transformed in meat products. In other words, the tag should ideally stay on the pig through its lifespan, from several months to several years.

[0008] This means that the tag must remain legible and non-modifiable, and that the electronic means should be not deteriorated, for example by heat or chemical attacks, until the animal is transformed in meat products. These aspects are especially important since when alive, the animal may live part of the time outdoors, and at the slaughterhouse, the carcass of animal may go through a hard process comprising for example scalding, peeling, or dehairing. The tag can thus be subjected to different forms of aggression (for example moisture, ammonia, friction, getting caught on branches, fences when the animal is alive, or for example scalding, peeling, dehairing when the animal is dead).

[0009] There is therefore a need for an electronic tag having a design for better retention, reduced size and cost, better durability, better electronic performance, and / or improved animal welfare.

[0010] 3. Summary of the disclosure In at least one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag, comprising obtaining a transponder comprising: an air coil antenna, and an integrated circuit, obtaining a reception body comprising: a base comprising: a lower side and a peripheral wall defining a housing, filling at least partly the housing of the reception body with a resin, inserting the transponder in the housing of the reception body, with the integrated circuit located between the air coil antenna and the bottom of the housing, curing the resin encapsulating the transponder.

[0011] It can be noted that the order of the steps can be changed. For example, the order of the obtaining steps and / or the order of the filling and inserting steps can be inverted.

[0012] Such method aims at manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag that has several advantages. In particular, as the transponder is inserted in a housing of a base part of the reception body, filled at least partly with resin, with the integrated circuit located between the air coil antenna and the bottom of the housing, the integrated circuit is well protected from aggressions, such as mechanical or chemical aggressions.

[0013] An integrated circuit, such as an ASIC ("application-specific integrated circuit") is conventionally encapsulated in a package to allow easy handling and assembling, and to protect the integrated circuit from damage. Such a package comprising an integrated circuit is also called a "functional module". According to the disclosure, the integrated circuit is not encapsulated in such a package. The integrated circuit is a silicon wafer. The location of the integrated circuit between the air coil antenna and the bottom of the housing and the resin both contribute to protect the integrated circuit.

[0014] The use of an integrated circuit, not of a functional module, also contributes to the reduction of the size and / or weight of the identification tag part. Such integrated circuit can carry at least one identifier of the animal.

[0015] In addition, the location of the integrated circuit on a planar surface of the air coil antenna, i.e. on the flat surface of the torus forming the air coil antenna, not on the interior or exterior of the air coil antenna, contributes to reduce the size and / or weight of the tag part.

[0016] Thanks to the reduction of size and / or weight of said tag part, the retention rate of the identification tag, from birth to harvest, is improved compared with prior art tags such as the ones disclosed for sheep in US 9,038,293. For electronic tags, the reduction in size and / or weight of the tag part can be achieved by decreasing the size and / or weight of the transponder, for example by reducing the size of the antenna. However, classically, a decrease in size and / or weight of the transponder leads to a reduction of the performances of the transponder, such as a decrease in the reading distance of the electronic tag, a reduction of the reading accuracy, a reduction of the reading repeatability, etc. Decreasing the size and / or weight of the transponder thus goes against the aim of one skilled in the art, which is to improve the reading distance.

[0017] According to the disclosure, the fact that the integrated circuit is located on a flat surface of the air coil antenna, facing the bottom of the housing, enables a reduction of the size and / or weight of the transponder, without significantly decreasing the reading distance of the electronic tag.

[0018] For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, the reading distance may be approximately between 50 and 70 cm, even in a noisy environment, which is at least similar to the reading distances of prior art tags, despite the reduced size of the transponder. The animal tag parts manufactured according to the disclosure have thus a retention rates and electronic performance (including reading distance, repeatability, accuracy, etc.) at least comparable, if not improved, compared to prior art devices, despite the reduction in size and weight disclose herein.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the resin fills at least partly the housing of the reception body under ambient pressure. In other words, the filling of the housing can be implemented under ambient pressure only, using one or more (for example two) resin tanks. As no external pressure is applied to fill the housing with the resin, the resin has reduced air bubble, including being completely free of air bubbles.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises: pre-heating the resin before at least partly filing the housing of the reception body. For example, the resin may be pre-heated at a temperature comprised between about 35 and about 45° Celsius. In this way, the resin may be more liquidous and can more easily fill the housing completely.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, curing the resin comprises air-drying the resin. For example, the resin is air-dried for at least 10 hours, for example for 12 hours, under ambient air temperature and pressure. Such a long air-drying period can improve the hardness of the resin. In other embodiments, the resin may be dried with the aid of increased temperatures or cured by UV or IR light.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, obtaining the transponder comprises bending electrical conductors (connecting the integrated circuit to the antenna) to bring the integrated circuit on a flat surface of the air coil antenna. In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises covering at least an upper side of the base of the reception body, defined by the housing receiving the transponder filled with resin, with another material to provide a markable surface.

[0023] The transponder can thus be protected by two layers: a resin and another material. The resin may be, for example, a bi-component epoxy. The use of a resin helps to protect the electronic device against damage including chemical aggression, for example against ammonia (NH4) or humidity, and / or mechanical aggression, such as over molding pressure constraints or chewing from another animal when the finished product is placed on the animal or other animal in a cohort or group of animals. The other material may be, for example, a hard plastic material such as ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) or the like. The use of another material provides a second protection layer and reinforces the protection of the tag, especially the mechanical protection. In addition, it can offer a markable surface where a visual identifier can be printed, engraved, etc.

[0024] The disclosure also pertains to a corresponding part of an animal identification tag, comprising: a transponder comprising: an air coil antenna, and an integrated circuit, a reception body comprising: a base comprising: a lower side and a peripheral wall defining a housing, the transponder being encapsulated in a resin filled in the housing of the reception body and cured, with the integrated circuit located between the air coil antenna and the bottom of the housing.

[0025] Such an animal identification tag part could be manufactured using the method described above. Of course, it can comprise the different characteristics related to the method previously disclosed, which may be combined or taken separately. Thus, the characteristics and advantages of the tag part are the same as those of the manufacturing method as previously described.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the animal identification tag part is a female part, and said reception body comprises a head comprising a cavity intended to receive an end of a male part of the animal identification tag. In particular, said head and said base can form a one-piece structural element. The use of a one-piece structural element for the head and the base helps to reduce the size and / or weight of the female part, and consequently the size and / or the weight of the whole tag. It also reinforces the inviolability of the tag, as the head cannot be de-solidarized from the base. Such one-piece structural element is also easier to manufacture. In at least one embodiment, the use of a one-piece structural element also reduces the risk of delamination, when said reception body is furthered covered with another material. According to at least one embodiment, the surface of the integrated circuit is less than 1 mm2. For example, the integrated circuit has a length of 0.94 mm ± 0.5 mm, a width of 0.91 mm ± 0.5 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the surface of the air coil antenna is less than 20 mm2. For example, the air coil antenna has an inner diameter of 13mm ± 1 mm, an external diameter of 19 mm ± 1 mm and a thickness of 1 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0028] This electronic device as described herein, has comparable (or better) reading performances to larger and heavier prior art devices at a distance of about 50-70 cm, in both normal and noisy environments. According to at least one embodiment, the reception body is made of polyamide or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. Such materials are considered to be hard material, that should break or shatter in the event of any attempted fraud. The disclosed tag is thus tamper-proof, for example, because any unauthorized removal will result in destruction of the tag.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the base comprises an approximately straight portion and slope portion located between the straight portion and the lower side of the base, and both the straight portion and the slope portion are covered with said another material. In this way, said material protects the peripheral wall of the base. Said material can be a hard material, which reinforce the mechanical protection of the tag. In addition, said material protects the slope portion of the peripheral wall. This reduces the risk of delamination of the female part.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the base further comprises an inner wall for joining the base with the head of the reception body, the inner wall comprising a slope portion. In this way, the resin is easily guided within the housing when the tag part is manufactured. There is also less risk of chemical attack on the electronic device thanks to the slope portion of the inner wall because the resin adheres better to an inclined portion.

[0031] The disclosure also relates to an animal identification tag comprising a female part as disclosed above and a male part, wherein the male part is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, with a hardness comprised between about 62 and about 66 shore D. The use of a male part with such a hardness improves the retention of the tag on the animal, especially in slaughtering condition, where the tag should, for example, resist to hot temperature during the scalding or dehairing processes. In addition, such material is considered to be a hard material, that should break or shatter in the event of any attempted fraud. The disclosed tag is thus tamper-proof.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the space between the male part and the female part once the male part has been inserted in the female part is 10 mm ± 0.5 mm. When the tag is locked, i.e. when the male part is inserted into the female part, the remaining space for the ear between the male part and the female part is about 8 mm ± 0.5mm, about 10 mm ± 0.5 mm, about 12mm ± 0.5mm, or about 15 mm ± 0.5mm. As this space is reduced compared with prior art technique, the size and / or weight of the overall tag is reduced. In addition, there is less risk for the tag to be caught on branch or fence when the space between the male part and the female part is small. The retention and / or durability of the tag is thus improved. In certain embodiments, the reduction in the remaining space compared to prior art tags is achieved by reducing the male stem length.

[0033] 4. List of figures

[0034] Other features and advantages of the disclosure shall appear more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of a simple illustrative and non-exhaustive examples and from the appended figures, of which:

[0035] Figures 1A to ID illustrate views of an exemplary reception body according to a first embodiment of the disclosure,

[0036] Figures 2A to 2D illustrate views of an exemplary transponder according to the disclosure,

[0037] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate views of different steps of manufacturing certain parts of an exemplary transponder,

[0038] Figures 4A to 4E illustrate views of an exemplary female part according to the first embodiment with the housing receiving the transponder filled with a resin,

[0039] Figures 5A to 5E illustrate a specific embodiment where the housing receiving the transponder, filled with resin, is further covered with another material,

[0040] Figures 6A to 6C illustrate views of an exemplary male part according to the disclosure,

[0041] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary identification tag according to the disclosure,

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates the main steps of the manufacturing process of an exemplary tag part according to the disclosure,

[0043] Figures 9A to 9E illustrate views of an exemplary reception body according to a second embodiment of the disclosure,

[0044] Figures 10A to 10E illustrate views of an exemplary female part according to the second embodiment the disclosure, comprising a reception body and a transponder,

[0045] Figures 11A to 11C illustrate a specific embodiment of the female part according to the disclosure, where the lower plate and the upper plate of the base are further covered with another material, Figure 12 illustrates the main steps of the manufacturing process of an exemplary female part according to the second embodiment.

[0046] 5. Detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure

[0047] 5.1 General principle The disclosure relates to a new method for manufacturing a part of an electronic identification tag, and the corresponding tag part. Such tag part has a reduced size and / or weight compared with prior art tags, enabling the improvement of the retention rate of the tag on the animal, from its birth until it is transformed in meat products, while keeping optimized reading range performances, even in harsh or noisy environments.

[0048] Figure 8 illustrates the main steps of the manufacturing method of an exemplary tag part according to the disclosure.

[0049] In a first step 81, a transponder (EID) is obtained on one hand. The EID comprises an air coil antenna and an integrated circuit.

[0050] In a second step 82, a reception body is obtained. The reception body comprises a base comprising a lower side and a peripheral wall defining a housing.

[0051] In a third step 83, the housing of the reception body is at least partly filled with a resin.

[0052] In a fourth step 84, the transponder device is inserted in the housing of the reception body, with the integrated circuit located between the air coil antenna and the bottom of the housing. In other words, the transponder is inserted in the housing such that the integrated circuit is located on a planar surface of the air coil antenna. In certain embodiments, the integrated circuit is facing the bottom of the housing. In this configuration, the integrated circuit is better protected by the plastic exterior, is held in place better, reducing unwanted movement of the integrate circuit, and the risk of the integrated circuit being removed from the antenna by the resin (for example by rising up) is also reduced.

[0053] In a fifth step 85, the resin encapsulating the transponder is cured.

[0054] In variant, the electronic identification device may be first inserted in the housing, and then the housing may be filled with resin. In a sixth optional step 86, at least an upper side of the base, defined by the housing receiving the transponder filled with resin, is covered with another material to provide a markable surface. In a seventh optional step 87 (not sown), after step 84, the housing may be topped up with resin after the transponder has been inserted in the housing. In an eight optional step 88 (not shown), after step 84, transponder may fall down in the housing (e.g. by gravity or by an external force) whereby the resin will fully encapsulate the transponder.

[0055] 5.2 First embodiment

[0056] In a first embodiment disclosed below, the method according to the disclosure can be implemented to manufacture female parts of identification tags. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the method can be implemented to manufacture male parts of identification tags. According to the first embodiment, the design of the reception body of the female part has been improved, with a specific design of tag (reduced tag external dimensions). This new design permits to reduce the total tag weight as compared to prior art tag, and improve retention rate during animal lifetime, including during slaughterhouse aggressive processes, such as dehairing with high temperature water immersion.

[0057] In addition, the design of the electronic part of the tag has also been improved, by optimizing antenna design to reduce its size and optimizing reading range with smaller transponder form factor.

[0058] The transponder according to the disclosure has thus a specific antenna design (with appropriate dimensions and geometry) and a dedicated integrated circuit, which enable to optimize the coupling factor for such small antenna size and to optimize the reading range, even in noisy environment (in farms or in slaughterhouse for example). Such electronic identification tags can be used, for example, on pigs.

[0059] In the following, we describe an electronic tag with separate male and female parts, also called a two- piece tag. In other embodiments, the male and female parts can be linked by a strip to form a one- piece tag.

[0060] 5.2.1 Obtaining a reception body

[0061] A method for manufacturing a tag part of an animal identification tag according to the disclosure comprises a step 82 of obtaining of a reception body. Figures 1A to ID illustrate views of an exemplary reception body 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1A is a view in perspective, Figure IB is a top view, Figure 1C is a side view, and Figure ID is a sectional view.

[0062] The reception body 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a head 11. Such head 11 comprises a cavity intended to receive an end (for example a tip) of a male part of the animal identification tag. In one embodiment, the back of the cavity is not totally closed, but comprises at least one aperture enabling air to get out of the cavity when the male part is inserted within the female part. Such aperture also helps the wound created by the end of the male part to heal. For example, the back of the cavity comprises two openings, each approximately half-crown-shaped.

[0063] In another embodiment, the back of the cavity is open. In this case, the head may be referred to as an "open-head" Design.

[0064] The reception body 1 according to the disclosure also comprises a base 12. Such base 12 comprises a lower side 121 and a peripheral wall 122 defining a housing for receiving the transponder.

[0065] The lower side 121 is intended to contact the animal, for example its ear, when the tag is applied to the animal. For example, the lower side 121 is disc-shaped. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral wall 122 comprises an approximately straight portion 1221 and slope portion 1222 located between the straight portion 1221 and the lower side 121 of the base. The peripheral wall 122 thus defines a first cylindrical part along its straight portion 1221 and a second frustoconial part along its slope portion 1222.

[0066] In at least one embodiment, the base 12 also comprises an inner wall 123, joining the base 12 with the head 11 of the reception body. The inner wall may comprise a slope portion.

[0067] In at least one embodiment, the bottom of the housing comprises at least one boss or rib 124, for example three bosses 124. Such bosses serve as guide and support for the transponder. Such bosses have a shape adapted to cooperate with the shape of the transponder. In this way, the antenna can rest on the bosses 124, with the integrated circuit located between the bottom of the housing and the antenna.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the head 11 and the base 12 of the reception body 1 form a one-piece structural element.

[0069] For example, the reception body 1 is made of a rigid material that breaks or shatters in the event of any attempted fraud. In one embodiment, the reception body 1 is made of polyamide, for instance of polyamide 66.

[0070] The size of the reception body 1 can be about 10 mm ± 0.5 mm in height (from the lower side 121 of the base 12 to the top of the head 11) and about 22 mm ± 0.5 mm in width.

[0071] 5.2.2 Obtaining a transponder

[0072] The method for manufacturing a tag part of an animal identification tag according to the disclosure also comprises a step 81 of obtention of a transponder, also called a transponder.

[0073] Figures 2A to 2D illustrate views of an exemplary transponder 2 according to the disclosure. Figure 2A is a top view, Figure 2B illustrates details of Figure 2A, Figure 2C is a sectional view, and Figure 2D illustrates details of Figure 2C.

[0074] The transponder 2 according to the disclosure comprises an air coil antenna 21. The antenna 21 is formed by a strand of an electrical conductor, for example a copper wire. The air coil antenna 21 is crown-shaped. For example, the inner diameter of the air coil antenna 21 is about 13 mm ± 1 mm and the external diameter is about 19 mm ± 1 mm. The surface of the air coil antenna is preferably less than 20 mm2. In addition, the thickness of the air coil antenna 21 is about 1 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0075] The transponder 2 according to the disclosure also comprises an integrated circuit 22, for example an ASIC, also called a chip. Such integrated circuit 22 stores at least one identifier of the animal, for example an identification number. In at least one embodiment, the integrated circuit 22 is at the stage of a silicon wafer, not integrated in a functional module. This aims at reducing the size and / or weight of the integrated circuit 22. For example, the integrated circuit has a length of 0.94 mm ± 0.5 mm and a width of 0.91 mm ± 0.5 mm. The surface of the integrated circuit is preferably less than 1 mm2. In addition, the thickness of the integrated circuit 22 is about 0.3 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0076] For example, said chip is a dedicated full-duplex (FDX) AF+, EM4305 or Hitag p chip.

[0077] The integrated circuit 22 is connected to the antenna 21 through electrical conductors 231, 232, for example through copper wires corresponding to entrance and exit antenna wires. For example, the width of the electrical conductors 231, 232 is comprised between approximately 70 and 80 pm, and the two electrical conductors 231, 232 are approximately 450-550 pm apart. For example, the air coil antenna 21 is interconnected to the integrated circuit 22 with thermocompression bonding.

[0078] According to the disclosure, the electrical conductors 231, 232 connected between the integrated circuit 22 and the antenna 21 are folded, such that the integrated circuit is located on a planar surface of the air coil antenna, i.e. on the crown-shaped surface of the air-coil antenna 21, not in the interior of the air-coil antenna 21. In other words, the integrated circuit 22 is folded on the side of the antenna 21 to leave free the inner diameter of the coil. This aims at further reducing the size of the electronic device 2, and as a consequence, the whole tag size and / or weight.

[0079] As illustrated in Figure 3A, the antenna 21 can be manufactured in a winding step. The electrical conductors 231, 232 of the antenna 21 can be connected to the integrated circuit 22 at pads connection 241, 242 in a welding step. For example, the size of a pad is approximately 200 pm by 400 pm. As illustrated in Figure 3B, the electrical conductors 231, 232 can be bent to bring the integrated circuit onto the flat surface of the air coil antenna.

[0080] The resulting transponder, illustrated in Figure 3C, is almost flat, with the electrical conductors 231, 232 acting as spring leads such that the integrated circuit 22 can be in contact with the flat surface of the air coil antenna 21.

[0081] 5.2.3 Filling the housing of the reception body with a resin and inserting the transponder

[0082] The method for manufacturing a tag part of an animal identification tag according to the disclosure also comprises steps of filling 83 the housing of the reception body with a resin, and inserting 84 the transponder in the housing of the reception body.

[0083] Figures 4A to 4E illustrate views of an exemplary female part according to the disclosure comprising a reception body and a transponder, such as the reception body 1 of Figures 1A to ID and the transponder 2 of Figures 2A to 2D, with the housing receiving the transponder 2 filled with a resin 3. Figure 4A is a view in perspective, Figure 4B is a top view, Figure 4C is a side view, and Figures 4D and 4E are sectional views.

[0084] The housing of the reception body is first filled at least partly with a resin 3. The resin 3 can be preheated, for example at approximately 40°C, before being inserted into the housing. For example, the resin 3 can flow from several tanks, for example from a double tank, to fill at least partly the housing. A two-part resin may be used, for example. No external pressure is applied to accelerate the filling of the housing. Only the ambient pressure is applied to let the resin flow out of the tank(s) and fill the housing.

[0085] The transponder 2 can then be dropped / inserted in the housing filled with resin, with the integrated circuit facing the bottom of the housing.

[0086] The transponder 2 is therefore located in the housing defined by the lower side 121 and the peripheral wall 122 of the base 12, with the integrated circuit 22 facing the bottom of the housing. The integrated circuit 22 is thus located in a kind of plastic cup.

[0087] The integrated circuit 22 is protected by the antenna 21 on the one hand, and by the bottom of the housing on the other hand.

[0088] As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the bottom of the housing comprises at least one boss 124, with the integrated circuit 22 located between the bottom of the housing and the antenna 21. In certain embodiments, the transponder, and in particular the IC, can be placed in between, and not resting on the at least one boss 124. The integrated circuit 22, or the electrical conductors 231, 232, can be naturally folded upon insertion of the transponder 2 within the housing of the reception body 1.

[0089] The resin previously filled in the housing can cover the transponder 2, or at least the integrated circuit 21, and thus protects the transponder 2, or at least the integrated circuit 21 (for example against impact, dust, chemical aggression, humidity, etc.). The resin therefore defines a first protective layer for the transponder 2.

[0090] According to at least one embodiment, if the transponder 2 rests on at least one boss or rib 124, the resin 3 can extend beneath the transponder 2, so that the antenna 21 and the integrated circuit 22 are integrally or almost integrally surrounded and covered by this resin.

[0091] For example, the resin 3 is a bi-component epoxy resin. This type of resin aims at avoiding chemical aggression from ammonia or humidity stagnation that could affect product lifetime or reading efficiency.

[0092] 5.2.4 Curing the resin encapsulating the transponder The method for manufacturing a tag part of an animal identification tag according to the disclosure comprises a step of curing 85 the resin encapsulating the transponder. For example, the exemplary female part according to the disclosure, comprising a reception body and a transponder, with the housing receiving the transponder 2 filled with a resin 3, can be stored, in a tray or other piece of equipment, to dry. The resin can be dried at ambient air for several hours, for example at least 10 hours. In a specific embodiment, the resin can be air-dried for approximately 12 hours. The resin may also be cured with the aid of heat, UV light, pressure, etc.

[0093] 5.2.5 Adding a markable surface

[0094] The method for manufacturing a tag part of an animal identification tag according to the disclosure can also implement, in a specific embodiment, a step of covering 86 at least an upper side of the base of the reception body, defined by the housing receiving the transponder filled with resin, with another material to provide a markable surface. The markable surface may be a surface that can be marked with a visual identification mark, such as an identification number or code.

[0095] Figures 5A to 5E illustrate a specific embodiment of the female part according to the disclosure, where the housing receiving the transponder 2, filled with resin 3, of Figures 4A to 4E is further covered with another material. Figure 5A is a view in perspective, Figure 5B is a top view, Figure 5C is a side view, and Figures 5D and 5E are sectional views.

[0096] According to this specific embodiment, the encapsulated electronic device is over molded to obtain the final female part.

[0097] According to said embodiment, the housing 1 filled with the resin 3 and receiving the transponder 2, defines an approximately flat surface, also called an upper side of the base. This flat surface can be further covered with another material 4, to define a second protective layer. For example, said material is markable (for example printable, or engravable). The upper side of the base covered with material 4 therefore provides a markable surface. In this way, a visual identifier can be provided on the female part.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, the peripheral wall 122 of the base 12 is also covered with said material. In particular, both the approximately straight portion 1221 and slope portion 1222 are covered with said material 4.

[0099] In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of the base 12 covered with material 4 is approximately 24 mm ± 1 mm. The height of the base 12 covered with material 4 is approximately 4 mm ± 0.5 mm. The obtained female part thus presents a small size and / or weight as compared to prior art tags. For example, said material 4 is a hard material, like ASA, PC or the like. The mechanical protection of the tag is thus further improved. In addition, the fact that the slope portion 1222 is covered by the material 4 helps to reduce delamination of this second protective layer.

[0100] The female part according to the disclosure improves the covering of the base, especially around the lower side 121 of the base, to prevent the risk of delamination.

[0101] At the end of these steps, the resulting female part can be stored for later use.

[0102] For example, an assembly line can be used to produce such female parts. For example, an antenna can be wound, an integrated circuit loaded, and the electronic connectors of an antenna welded to the integrated circuit. The obtained transponder / transponder can be turned if need be, such that the integrated circuit / chip is located below the antenna. The resin can be pre-heated and the reception body loaded. The resin can then be filled in the housing of the reception body, and the transponder dropped in the resin. The obtained female part can be stored for curing. After curing, it can for example fall in a box.

[0103] 5.2.6 Male part

[0104] The method disclosed above aims at manufacturing female parts with a reduction of size and / or weight of said part compared with prior art tags, for example US 9,038,293. A male part of an identification tag according to the disclosure can also be optimized.

[0105] Figures 6A to 6C illustrate views of an exemplary male part 6 according to the disclosure. Figure 6A is a view in perspective, Figure 6B is a top view, and Figure 6C is a side view.

[0106] The male part comprises a lower part 61 and a pin 62. The end of the tip is designed to pass through a part of the animal, for example through its ear, and get locked in the female part. This fixed joining must of course be irreversible to prevent any attempt at fraud and especially any attempt to modify the visual and / or electronic identifier of the animal. For example, the lower part 61 is square-shaped. In variant, the lower part 61 can be shaped like a disc, a rectangle, an ellipse, etc.

[0107] In at least one embodiment, the length of the pin 62, from the lower part 61 till the end of the pin, is about 18.5 mm ± 1 mm.

[0108] For example, the pin 62 comprises an elongated part 621 and a tip 622. The tip 622 is designed to pierce the ear of the animal, for example, and get locked in the cavity of the head 11 of the female part. The elongated part 621 can have a first portion 6211 approximately cylindrical, and a second portion 6212 approximately cylindrical, the diameter of the second portion being smaller than the diameter of the first portion. The second portion 6212 thus defines a breaking zone, where the pin 62 can break in the event of an attempted fraud. In addition, the second portion 6212 with reduced diameter enables the female part to rotate around the pin 62.

[0109] In at least one embodiment, the male part is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, with a hardness comprised between 62D and 66D shore. Such material is indeed resistant to high temperature (about 60-65°C), which can occur for example during the scalding or the dehairing process.

[0110] 5.2.7 Identification tag

[0111] An exemplary identification tag according to the disclosure is illustrated in Figure 7.

[0112] The identification tag illustrated in Figure 7 comprises a female part such as the one illustrated in Figures 5A-5E and a male part such as the one illustrated in Figures 6A-6C.

[0113] In at least one embodiment, the total height of the identification tag from the lower part 61 of the male part to the top of the head 11 of the female part, when the male and female parts are locked, can be approximately 21 mm ± 1 mm. The distance between the lower side 121 of the base 12 of the female part, and the lower part 61 of the male part, when the male and female parts are locked, can be approximately 10 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0114] This reduced space between the lower side 121 of the base 12 of the female part, and the lower part 61 of the male part, is designed to prevent the tag from getting caught in fences, for example.

[0115] The identification tag according to at least one embodiment, and especially the female part according to the disclosure, offers a weight reduction of about 35% compared with prior art tags, such as the ones disclosed for sheep in US 9,038,293, with almost identical electronic performance, in terms of reading distance for example.

[0116] 5.3 Second embodiment

[0117] A second embodiment, not claimed, is now disclosed.

[0118] 5.3.1 Female part

[0119] Figures 9A to 9E illustrate views of an exemplary reception body 5 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 9A is a view in perspective, Figure 9B is a top view, Figure 9C is a side view, and Figures 9D and 9E are sectional views (section A-A for Figure 9D, section B-B for figure 9E).

[0120] The reception body 5 according to the disclosure comprises a head 51. Such head 51 comprises a cavity intended to receive an end (for example a tip) of a male part of the animal identification tag.

[0121] In one embodiment, the back of the cavity is not totally closed, but comprises at least one aperture enabling air to get out of the cavity when the male part is inserted within the female part. Such aperture also helps the wound created by the end of the male part to heal. For example, the back of the cavity comprises two openings, each approximately half-crown-shaped.

[0122] In another embodiment, the back of the cavity is open. In this case, the head is an "open-head". The reception body 5 according to the disclosure also comprises a base 52. Such base 52 comprises a lower plate 521 and an upper plate 522, substantially parallel, defining a coil former for forming a coil antenna of the transponder.

[0123] The lower plate 521 (and more specifically the lower side of the lower plate 521) is intended to contact the animal, for example its ear, when the tag is applied to the animal. For example, the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522 are disc-shaped, but other shapes are possible. The lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522 are linked by a tube through which the male part can be inserted when the tag is applied on the animal.

[0124] The lower plate 521, the upper plate 522 and the tube thus define a coil former on which the coil antenna can be wired. In other words, the space around the tube, between the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522, defines a winding chamber.

[0125] For example, the inner diameter of the coil former is about 11 mm ± 1 mm and the external diameter is about 16 mm ± 1 mm. In addition, the height of the coil former (i.e. height of the tube between the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522) is about 1 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0126] In at least one embodiment, the base 52 also comprises an inner wall 523, joining the base 52 with the head 51 of the reception body. The inner wall may comprise a slope portion.

[0127] In at least one embodiment, the upper plate 522 comprises at least one slot or groove 5221 and a housing 5212 for receiving an integrated circuit of the transponder. The housing 5212 has a shape adapted to cooperate with the shape of the integrated circuit. Such housing 5212 ensures an optimized positioning of the integrated circuit 62. For example, it is pocket-shaped.

[0128] The slot or groove 5221 may be present on the coil former circumference, closed to the housing 5212, in order to guide both entrance and exit antenna wires over the connection (RF pads for example) of the integrated circuit 53.

[0129] Another groove may be present inside the inner diameter of the coil former to enable an accurate alignment of coil former on assembling processes.

[0130] The head 51 and the base 52 of the reception body 5 form for example a one-piece structural element. For example, the reception body 5 is made of a rigid material that breaks or shatters in the event of any attempted fraud. In one embodiment, the reception body 5 is made of polyamide, for instance polyamide 66.

[0131] The size of the reception body 5 can be about 10 mm ± 0.5 mm in height (from the lower side of the lower plate 521 to the top of the head 51) and about 16 mm ± 1 mm in width.

[0132] A female part according to the disclosure also comprises a transponder 55. The transponder 55 according to the disclosure comprises a coil antenna 54. The antenna 54 is formed by a strand of an electrical conductor, for example a copper wire, which is wound around the tube located between the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522 of the base 52. The antenna 54 is thus crown-shaped. For example, the inner diameter of the antenna 54 is about 11 mm ± 1 mm and the external diameter is about 14 mm ± 1 mm. The surface of the antenna is preferably less than 20 mm2. In addition, the thickness of the antenna 54 is about 1 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0133] The transponder 55 according to the disclosure comprises an integrated circuit 53, for example an ASIC ("Application-specific integrated circuit"), also called a chip. Such integrated circuit 53 stores at least one identifier of the animal, for example an identification number.

[0134] In at least one embodiment, the integrated circuit 53 is at the stage of a silicon wafer, not integrated in a functional module. This aims at reducing the size and / or weight of the integrated circuit 53. For example, the integrated circuit has a length of 0.94 mm ± 0.5 mm and a width of 0.91 mm ± 0.5 mm. The surface of the integrated circuit is preferably less than 1 mm2. In addition, the thickness of the integrated circuit 53 is about 0.3 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0135] For example, said chip is a dedicated full-duplex (FDX) AF+, EM4305 or Hitag p chip.

[0136] The coil antenna 54 may be interconnected to the integrated circuit 53 with thermocompression bonding.

[0137] Figures 10A to 10E illustrate views of an exemplary female part according to the disclosure comprising a reception body and a transponder, such as the reception body 5 of Figures 9A to 9E and the transponder 55. Figure 10A is a view in perspective, Figure 10B is a top view, Figure 10C is a side view, and Figure 10D is a sectional view. Figure 10E is a top view of the integrated circuit 53.

[0138] As disclosed above, the antenna 54 is located between the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522. The integrated circuit 53 is located in the housing 5212 of the upper plate 522, on the side of the upper plate 522 facing the top of the head 51 (i.e. opposed to the ear of the animal). The antenna 54 and the integrated circuit 53 can be connected through electrical conductors, for example through copper wires corresponding to entrance and exit antenna wires, that extends through the slot 5221. This aims at further reducing the size of the female part, and as a consequence, the whole tag size and / or weight. A resin 7 can be filled in the housing 5212, in order to cover at least the integrated circuit 53 and its connections with the electrical conductors (for example RF pads). Such resin thus protects the integrated circuit 53 and its connections which are for example welded (protection for example against impact, dust, chemical aggression, humidity, mechanical force, animal biting, animal chewing, etc.).

[0139] The resin 7 therefore provides a first protection layer for the integrated circuit 53 and its connections. In this second embodiment, the antenna 54 may not covered by the resin. For example, the resin 7 is a bi-component epoxy resin. This type of resin aims at avoiding chemical aggression from ammonia or humidity stagnation that could affect product lifetime or reading efficiency.

[0140] Figures 11A to 11C illustrate a specific embodiment of the female part according to the disclosure, where the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522, which receives the antenna 54 in the space therebetween, and the upper plate 522 which receives the integrated circuit 53 in the housing 5212 filled with resin 7, are further covered with another material. Figure 11A is a view in perspective, Figure 11B is a top view, and Figure 11C is a sectional view.

[0141] According to this specific embodiment, the encapsulated electronic device may be over molded to obtain the final female part.

[0142] According to said embodiment, the top side of the upper plate 522, which receives the integrated circuit 53 in the housing 5212 filled with the resin 7, defines an approximately flat surface. This flat surface can be further covered with another material 8, to define a second protective layer. The upper plate 522 of the base covered with material 8 may provide a markable surface. In this way, a visual identifier can be provided on the female part.

[0143] In at least one embodiment, the space between the upper plate 522 and the lower plate 521, around the antenna 54, may also covered with said material. In this way, the antenna 54 is protected by the material 8.

[0144] In at least one embodiment, the lower side of the lower plate 521, which is intended to be in contact with the ear of the animal, is also at least partially covered with said material 8. For example, the lower side of the lower plate 521 comprises a crown-shaped recess in its periphery, and only the crownshaped recess is covered with the material 8.

[0145] For example, said material 8 is a hard material, like ASA, PC or the like. The mechanical protection of the tag is thus further improved.

[0146] In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of the base 52 covered with material 8 is approximately 20 mm ± 1 mm. The height of the base 52 covered with material 8 is approximately 4.5 mm ± 0.5 mm. The obtained female part thus presents a small size and / or weight as compared to prior art tags.

[0147] 5.3.2 Male part

[0148] The male part according to the second embodiment may be similar to the one disclosed for the first embodiment.

[0149] 5.3.3 Identification tag In at least one embodiment, the total height of the identification tag from the lower part of the male part to the top of the head 51 of the female part, when the male and female parts are locked, can be approximately 21 mm ± 1 mm. The distance between the lower plate 521 of the base 52 of the female part, and the lower part of the male part, when the male and female parts are locked, can be approximately 10 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0150] This reduced space between the lower plate 521 of the base 52 of the female part, and the lower part of the male part, is designed to prevent the tag from getting caught in fences, for example.

[0151] The identification tag according to at least one embodiment, and especially the female part according to the disclosure, offers a weight reduction of about 50% compared with prior art tags, such as the ones disclosed for sheep in US 9,038,293, with a slight loss in electronic performance, in terms of reading distance for example.

[0152] 5.3.4 Manufacturing process

[0153] Figure 12 illustrates the main steps of the manufacturing process of an exemplary female part according to the second embodiment.

[0154] In a first step 131, an antenna 54 is generated by winding a copper wire around the coil former defined by the lower plate 521, the upper plate 522, and the tube therebetween.

[0155] In a second step 132, the integrated circuit 53 is inserted in the housing 5212, and connected to the antenna 54, for example by welding the entrance and exit antenna wires to the integrated circuit 53. Soldering, gluing, and / or thermocompression bonding techniques can also be used, for example.

[0156] In a third step 133, the housing 5212 is filled with a resin.

[0157] In variant, the housing 5212 may be first filled with resin, and then the integrated circuit 53 may be inserted in the housing. More resin may be dropped on the integrated circuit 53 after its insertion in the housing to cover the integrated circuit 53 in its entirety if need be.

[0158] As per the first embodiment, the resin can be filled under ambient pressure, and air-dried, for example being air-dried for at least 5 hours, or at least 10 hours, or other suitable time.

[0159] In a fourth optional step 134, the upper plate 522 which receives the integrated circuit 53 in the housing 5212 filled with resin 7, as well as the winding chamber which receives the antenna 54 (defined by the lower plate 521 and the upper plate 522, and the tube therebetween) are further covered with another material.

[0160] For example, said material is markable (for example printable, or engravable).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for manufacturing a part of an animal identification tag, comprising: obtaining (81) a transponder (2) comprising: an air coil antenna (21), and an integrated circuit (22), obtaining (82) a reception body (1) comprising: a base (12) comprising: a lower side (121) and a peripheral wall (122) defining a housing, filling (83) at least partly the housing of the reception body (1) with a resin (3), inserting (84) the transponder (2) in the housing of the reception body (1), with the integrated circuit (22) located between the air coil antenna (21) and the bottom of the housing, curing (85) the resin (3) encapsulating the transponder (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the resin (3) fills at least partly the housing of the reception body (1) under ambient pressure.

3. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising: pre-heating the resin (3) before filing at least partly the housing of the reception body (1).

4. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein curing (85) the resin (3) comprises air-drying.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the resin (33) is air-dried for at least 10 hours.

6. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein obtaining (81) the transponder (2) comprises: bending electrical conductors connecting the integrated circuit (22) to the antenna (21) to bring the integrated circuit (22) onto a flat surface of the air coil antenna (21).

7. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising: covering (86) at least an upper side of the base of the reception body (1), defined by the housing receiving the transponder (2) filled with resin (3), with another material to provide a markable surface.

8. A part of an animal identification tag, comprising: a transponder (2) comprising: an air coil antenna (21), and an integrated circuit (22), a reception body (1) comprising: a base (12) comprising: a lower side (121) and a peripheral wall (122) defining a housing,the transponder (2) being encapsulated in a resin (3) filled in the housing of the reception body (1) and cured, with the integrated circuit (22) located between the air coil antenna (21) and the bottom of the housing.

9. The part according to claim 8, wherein said part of the animal identification tag is a female part, and wherein said reception body (1) comprises a head (11) comprising a cavity intended to receive an end of a male part of the animal identification tag, said head (11) and said base (12) forming a one-piece structural element.

10. The part according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the surface of the integrated circuit (22) is less than 1 mm2.

11. The part according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the integrated circuit (22) has a length of 0.94 mm ± 0.5 mm, a width of 0.91 mm ± 0.5 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm ± 0.1 mm.

12. The part according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the surface of the air coil antenna (21) is less than 20 mm2.

13. The part according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the air coil antenna (21) has an inner diameter of 13mm ± 1 mm, an external diameter of 19 mm ± 1 mm and a thickness of 1 mm ± 0.5 mm.

14. The part according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the resin (3) is a bi-component epoxy resin.

15. The part according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the reception body (1) is made of polyamide or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate.

Images