Identification module

An identification module for mobile objects, in particular hand-held power tools, includes a housing, a transponder, and a stored energy source. The housing has a mechanism configured to arrange and/or fasten the identification module to a mobile device. The transponder has a data memory and a radio module. The memory is configured to store identification data, and the radio module is configured to send the identification data. The stored energy source is configured to power the transponder. The housing has a chamber, an opening into the chamber, and a lid configured to close the opening. The opening is configured so as to enable the stored energy source to be removably arranged in the chamber via the opening.

This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 National Stage Application of PCT/EP2016/060672, filed on May 12, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to Serial No. DE 10 2015 211 686.7, filed on Jun. 24, 2015 in Germany, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The disclosure relates to an identification module for mobile devices, in particular hand-held power tools, having a housing, which has means for arranging/fastening the identification module on/to a mobile device, having a transponder, which has a data storage for storing identification data, and has a radio module for wirelessly transmitting this identification data, and having an energy storage device for electrical supply to the transponder.

BACKGROUND

Identification modules of the type stated at the outset are known from the prior art. In the trades sector, for the purpose of inventorying mobile items, in particular mobile devices such as, for example, electrically operated hand-held power tools, or also accessories such as, for example, electric leads, cable drums, tools or the like, is effected predominantly by manual identification marking in the form of an inventory number or serial number. Frequently, the inventory is documented in handwriting on paper, or by means of software. Frequently in this case, further attributes such as, for example current storage location, place of use, assigned employee, test cycles, usage time or the like are also assigned to each item.

In order to facilitate inventorying, it is also already known to provide the mobile items with a respective identification module, which can be adhesive-bonded to the respective item. The identification module has a transponder for wireless communication, and a storage, in which identification data can be retrievably stored, and an energy storage device that supplies the transponder with electrical energy.

SUMMARY

The identification module according to the disclosure has the advantage that the identification module has a particularly long service life, and in particular can be used beyond the service life of the energy storage device. The result achieved is that there is no need to replace the entire identification module when the electrical capacity of the energy storage device is exhausted. This is achieved according to the disclosure in that the housing has an opening to a chamber, and has a cover, wherein the opening can be closed by the cover, and the energy storage device is arranged in the chamber so as to be removable through the opening. The disclosure thus provides that the energy storage device of the identification module is replaceable. For this purpose, the opening can be closed by the cover, and can be uncovered if required, by removal of the cover, such that a user can remove the energy storage device from the housing, through the opening, and replace it by a charged energy storage device. When the cover closes the opening, the energy storage device is securely stored in the chamber. When the cover is removed, the energy storage device can easily be replaced. There is therefore no need to replace the entire identification module when the capacity of the energy storage device is exhausted.

According to a preferred development of the disclosure, it is provided that the cover is detachably held on the housing, closing the opening, by a bayonet joint. The bayonet joint is easily actuated and nevertheless ensures secure closure of the opening. Alternatively, the cover could also be fastened to the housing by a screw-type joint. It is also conceivable for the cover to be pivotally mounted on the housing, and to be detachably locked to the housing, on the side opposite the pivot axis, by latching, screw connection, clamping or tensioning.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a printed circuit board that carries the transponder is arranged in or one the housing. The printed circuit board also enables the transponder to be electrically contacted, and in particular the electrical contact from the transponder to the energy storage device can also be established, and preferably is established, via the printed circuit board.

Preferably, the printed circuit board is arranged so as to close the chamber on the side opposite the opening, in particular with the interposition of at least one sealing element. It is preferably provided that an annular sealing element, for example an O-ring or O-web, which is realized, in particular, so as to be elastically deformable, is arranged between the chamber and the printed circuit board. The sealing element in this case may be realized so as to be integral with the housing or with the printed circuit board, or it may be a separate component. It is thereby ensured that the interior of the chamber in which the energy storage device and, in particular, also the transponder are arranged are reliably protected against external influences. Prior to assembly, the chamber is thus open on two side, on the one hand through the opening, and on the other hand through the recess that is to be closed by the printed circuit board. As a result, the housing can be produced in a simple and inexpensive manner, and the identification module is easily fitted.

According to a preferred development of the disclosure, it is provided that the printed circuit board is clipped into the housing. The printed circuit board is thus fastened to/in the housing by latching, the holding force being provided, in particular, by the elastically deformable sealing element. The housing thus has latching tabs that preferably project laterally into the recess and that can be pressed back by the insertion of the printed circuit board. As soon as the latching tabs have been overcome by the printed circuit board, owing to their inherent elasticity they go back into their initial position, in which they engage behind the printed circuit board. The sealing element, which in this case is already compressed, then presses the printed circuit board back against the latching projections, such that the printed circuit board is held in a locked manner, in particular without play, between the latching projections and the sealing element. Preferably, a plurality of latching elements are arranged in a uniformly distributed manner over the circumference of the recess, in order to ensure secure locking of the printed circuit board.

It is additionally preferably provided that the back side of the printed circuit board that faces away from the chamber is sealed to the housing by means of an encapsulation compound. The encapsulation compound seals the back side of the printed circuit board to the housing, such that the chamber is reliably protected against external influences. The in particular provided sealing element in this case ensures that the encapsulation compound cannot penetrate into the chamber. The encapsulation compound is composed, in particular, of electrically non-conductive material, such that it also securely seals electrical contacts provided on the back side of the printed circuit board and separates, or insulates, them from one another and from the environment.

It is furthermore preferably provided that the housing has at least one alignment projection, which acts in combination with an alignment recess of the printed circuit board for the purpose of positively arranging/aligning the printed circuit board in/on the housing. Owing to the positive arrangement/alignment, it is ensured that the printed circuit board can be inserted in the housing in one way only. To that extent, a so-called poka-yoke connection is provided, which reliably prevents the printed circuit board from being incorrectly fitted in/on the housing. Preferably, the alignment projection is realized as a rib or web that extends, in the direction of insertion of the printed circuit board, in the direction of the chamber and when correctly fitted lies in the alignment recess of the printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the alignment projection may be realized on the printed circuit board, and the alignment recess in the housing.

According to a preferred development of the disclosure, it is provided that the energy storage device is spring-loaded for the purpose of electrical touch contacting. The spring loading ensures reliable contacting of the energy storage device, including, for example, during operation of a hand-held power tool on which the identification module is arranged. The spring force in this case is preferably provided by an electrical contact element itself, in particular a contact spring, which is held on the printed circuit board and/or on the housing. Alternatively, it may also be provided that a spring element, for example a helical spring, can be arranged, or is arranged, between the cover and the energy storage device, in order, when the cover is closed, to press the energy storage device against the printed circuit board and against contact connections provided there.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the housing, on the outside, has at least one fastening lug for fastening an adapter plate and/or for fastening to a mobile device. An additional adapter plate may be arranged on the fastening lug or lugs, for example by means of snap connectors arranged on the adapter plate. The adapter plate, for example, enables the identification module to be arranged in differing mobile items, in particular hand-held power tools. Preferably, the printed circuit board has at least one fixing for external cables/cable connections. The fixing may be realized, for example, as a clip or as a hinge. As an alternative or in addition to the fastening lugs, the housing may have an adhesive surface, on which the housing can be adhesive-bonded to the mobile item. It is also conceivable to stick the housing to the adapter plate.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the identification module has a theft warning device. The theft warning device serves, in particular, to inform the user if the identification module has been removed from the item. The theft warning device in this case may have a switch that can be actuated mechanically, which is actuated upon fitting of the identification module and is kept actuated as a result of the fitting. If the housing is removed from the item, the actuation of the switch ceases, and the transponder emits a warning signal, for example automatically. Alternatively, it may be provided that an electrical connection of the identification module is arranged, for example, outside the housing, in particular in the encapsulation compound, such that it is destroyed if the identification module is removed from the mobile item. The broken electrical contact then triggers a warning signal, which is emitted, for example, by the transponder.

FIG. 1, in a perspective top view, shows an identification module1for a mobile item, in particular for a hand-held power tool. The identification module1has a housing2, arranged or realized on which, on mutually diametrically opposite sides, there are fastening lugs3for fastening the identification module1to the hand-held power tool/item, or for fastening an adapter plate to the identification module1.

FIG. 2shows a sectional representation through the identification module1fromFIG. 1, along the line A-A inFIG. 1.

The housing2has a chamber4, in which a transponder5, an energy storage device6and a printed circuit board7are arranged. The chamber4in this case is realized so as to be initially open on two opposing end faces of the housing2. The printed circuit board7is inserted, from the underside8of the housing2, into a recess31to the chamber4of the housing2. The housing2in this case, on the inside of the chamber, has an annular projection9that projects into the chamber4, against which the printed circuit board7bears with the interposition of an elastically deformable, annular sealing element10. The chamber4is thereby ultimately closed, on the underside of the housing2, by the printed circuit board7itself. The transponder5is arranged on the side of the printed circuit board7that faces toward the chamber4.

The transponder5has a radio module11that is designed to transmit and receive data, and has a data storage12in which identification data can be stored. Also on the printed circuit board7are electrical contacts13, for effecting touch contacting of the energy storage device6, which in the present case is realized as a button cell.

The opening15of the chamber4that is assigned to the top side14of the housing is closed by a cover16.

FIG. 3shows the cover16in a perspective representation. The cover16has a circular contour, and on one side is provided with engagement elements17, which acts in combination with therewith corresponding engagement counter-elements18of the housing2when the cover16is inserted in the opening15and rotated, such that the engagement elements17come into engagement with the engagement counter-elements18. The cover16, together with the housing2thus forms a bayonet joint19, which allows the cover to be easily fastened to and detached from the housing2. Preferably, the engagement elements17and/or the engagement counter-elements18each have a bevel, which has the effect that, when the cover16is rotated into the closed position, a force is generated that presses the cover16in the direction of the chamber4. The underside of the cover16, or the side of the cover16that is assigned to the chamber4, in this case is configured in such a manner that it has at least one projection20that comes into bearing contact with the energy storage device6, and presses the energy storage device6in the direction of the printed circuit board7, such that a reliable electrical connection is permanently ensured between the energy storage device6and the printed circuit board7, or the contact elements13. The bevels achieve the effect that the energy storage device6is held, preloaded against the printed circuit board7, in the chamber4. The energy storage device to that extent is arranged, spring-loaded by the cover16, in the chamber, for the purpose of touch contacting. Alternatively or additionally, a spring element is held preloaded between the cover16and the energy storage device6.

On the side that faces away from the chamber4, the cover16has a slot-shaped recess21, into which a tool, for example a screwdriver or a coin, can be inserted in order to rotate the cover for the purpose of undoing or closing the bayonet joint. On its radial outer shell wall, the cover16additionally has a depression22, arranged in which there is a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring23that, in the mounted state, is arranged in a sealing manner, preloaded radially between the cover16and the inner side of the housing2.

FIG. 4shows a top view of the underside8of the identification module1. Only the annular sealing element10and the underside of the energy storage device6can be seen in this case. In the mounting state represented inFIG. 4, the printed circuit board7is not yet installed/mounted with the transponder5arranged thereon. Slots24, for receiving spring elements, not represented here, are realized in the housing2, the spring elements serving, in particular, to hold, and if necessary preload and electrically contact, the energy storage device6.

It can additionally be seen that the housing2has an alignment projection25, which projects into the chamber4and which, in particular, is realized as an alignment web.

FIG. 5shows a further top view of the underside8of the identification module1, wherein, in this mounting state, the printed circuit board7is already inserted in the recess31of the housing2. The printed circuit board7in this case has an alignment recess26, realized to correspond to the alignment projection25, such that the printed circuit board7can be inserted in the chamber4in one way only. The alignment projection25and the alignment recess26thus effect a poka-yoke connection, between the printed circuit board7and the housing2, that ensures correct insertion of the printed circuit board7, since incorrect mounting is not possible.

The housing2additionally has two latching projections27, arranged oppositely in the chamber4, which are realized so as to be elastically deformable. The latching projections27in this case are arranged in such a manner that the printed circuit board7, upon being inserted in the chamber4, is clipped-in, such that the latching projections27are initially elastically deformed and, after the printed circuit board7has passed the latching projections27, spring back into their initial state because of their inherent elasticity, and thereby engage behind the printed circuit board7in a form-fitting manner. The printed circuit board7is thus held in a form-fitting manner in the housing7, closing the recess31.

As can be seen fromFIG. 2, in the final mounting step the back side of the printed circuit board7in the housing2is provided with an electrically insulating encapsulation compound28, such that the printed circuit board7is sealed to the housing2. The encapsulation compound is preferably composed of silicone, and is free of metal particles. The sealing element10prevents encapsulation compound from getting into the inside of the chamber4. The encapsulation compound28effects final sealing of the chamber4and provides reliable protection, also for the back side of the printed circuit board and any electrical conductors present there.

When in operation, the identification module1can provide upon request, by means of the radio module11, the identification data stored in the data storage12. Preferably for this purpose there is a control unit/computing unit assigned to the radio module, or realized such that it is integrated into the radio module11.

It is furthermore preferably provided that a surface coating is applied, in the manner of a soft component, to the outer faces and cover16of the housing2, in order to protect the identification module against scratches. The soft component may also be used for impact damping. This is advantageous, in particular, if the cover16is flush with the housing2. Alternatively, the cover16may be recessed into the housing2, in which case it is possible to dispense with a soft component on the cover16.

The housing2in the present case is of a rectangular basic shape, with rounded corners. Alternatively, however, the housing2may be oval or circular. It is also conceivable for the underside8of the housing2to have a concave or convex surface, to enable the identification module1also to be attached, in particular adhesive-bonded, to curved faces. The outer faces of the housing2are preferably beveled, such that, in the case of force acting laterally upon the housing2, only small shearing forces are produced, in particular at the adhesive joint between the identification module1and the item to be identified, because the tool applying the acting force, for example a hammer, slips against the beveled surfaces. The fastening lugs3may also be used to fasten the identification module to items by means of cable binders, such that it is possible to dispense with adhesive bonding, and mounting of the identification module on the respective item can be effected more rapidly. This also enables the identification module1to be attached, for example, to one or more cables, for example to a cable harness.

Alternatively, as already mentioned previously, an additional adapter plate may be fastened to the fastening lugs3, for example by means of a snap connection, the adapter plate advantageously being realized to be applied to a given item. Thus, for example, the adapter plate has a clip or a harness for fixing to mains power supply leads. As an alternative to the provision of the fastening lugs3, it may also provided that the adapter plate is fastened to a circumferential collar of the housing2. Alternatively or additionally, the housing2may also be adhesive-bonded to the adapter plate.

Advantageously, the identification module1is additionally provided with a theft warning device29, which identifies removal of the identification module1from the item. For this purpose, the theft warning derive29has, for example, a flexible printed conductor30that is torn or destroyed if the identification module1is removed from the item, such that an electric circuit formed by the printed conductor is broken. This may also be detected by a suitable software or circuit, and signaled accordingly. Instead of a flexible printed conductor, a wire loop may also be provided. It is also conceivable to arrange a pushbutton or switch on the housing2in such a manner that it is actuated when the identification module1is applied to the item. If the identification module1is removed, the switch or pushbutton returns to its initial position. This, likewise, may be detected and signaled by a software or a corresponding circuit. Theft of the identification module can thus be signaled to a user, for example by the emission of a warning message, by means of the radio module12, to a mobile telephone of the user.

Preferably, the identification module1additionally has an interface, not represented here, for wired or wireless communication with, for example, an electric hand-held tool. It is also conceivable for the identification module1to be realized to communicate wirelessly with other identification modules, in particular such that are present within the range of the radio module12.

The identification module1preferably has another energy storage device, in particular a battery or accumulator, possibly having a different capacity, which is arranged in the chamber4and which ensures that, when the energy storage device6is changed, there is no interruption of current, and the identification module1can continue to be operated without interruption.