DE102011118190A1 - Device for combining subscriber identification module card and card holder in application region, has processing station, measuring station, and/or intermediate storage units arranged in area of manipulator - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a card provision unit (20) for supply of cards (5) to an application region. A card holder channel supplies card holders to the application region. A card processing station (53), a measuring station (54) i.e. camera, and/or reversible intermediate storage units (60) are arranged in an area of an industrial manipulator (50) i.e. horizontal articulated arm robot. The industrial manipulator couples the cards and the card holders with each other. Intermediate storage places (61) are arranged in the area of the industrial manipulator. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for handling of cards (2) a device for sorting cards (3) a method for combining a card and a card holder in an application region (4) a method for sorting cards (5) a method for handling cards.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for merging cards and card carriers, for handling cards and / or for sorting cards.

Corresponding devices are for example from the WO 2008/107839 A2 , from the WO 2004/039711 A1 , from the DE 10 2004 053 562 B4 or from the US 4,866,259 known. So revealed the WO 2008/107839 A2 a device for merging cards and card carriers in an application area, in which cards and card carriers are married to one another via an industrial manipulator, with a card supply for supplying cards to the application area and with a card carrier channel for the supply of card carriers, which are usually in shape of letters and the like, to the application area. In this case, the cards in the card carrier channel are checked and recorded electronically to the extent that a corresponding letter can be printed with a corresponding address and guided in the card carrier channel synchronously to the corresponding card to the Applizierbereich. By means of a horizontal articulated arm robot as a manipulator, the cards are applied in the Applizierbereich on the card carriers, the manipulator also rejects bad cards on a separate stack, which must then be removed manually.

The WO 2004/039711 A1 discloses a cache in which cards can be cached according to a fifo principle.

The US 4,866,259 and the DE 10 2004 053 562 B4 each disclose devices that can be personalized with cards that are to be applied to card carriers. Here, in addition to general information, such as a certain imprint of a company logo or the like, these cards, for example, with personalized data, such as a personal photo of a user, the user name or the like, provided.

It is an object of the present invention to design generic devices as compact as possible or to perform generic methods on the most compact systems possible.

The object mentioned at the outset solves a device for merging cards and card carriers in an application area, in which cards and card carriers are married to one another via an industrial manipulator, with a card supply for supplying cards to the application area and with a card carrier channel for supplying card carriers to the card carrier Applizierbereich, which is characterized in that at least one card processing station and / or a measuring station and / or a reversible intermediate memory are arranged within reach of the manipulator.

In deviation from the WO 2008/107839 A2 , which discloses a manipulator with two storage positions, a marriage position and a drop-off position for faulty cards, and a card receiving position, this device allows a particularly compact structure, as card processing stations, such as means for applying a splice to the card, card printers, embosser - ie devices , with which embossments of the card can be made -, means for writing a magnetic stripe and / or means for writing an electronic memory on a card, in the immediate vicinity of the manipulator can be arranged, whereby the entire length or size of the corresponding device accordingly smaller can be chosen. The same applies to the possibility of arranging a measuring station for detecting certain card properties, such as a camera, in particular with a suitable image recognition, a magnetic strip release, a chip reader or the like, in the immediate vicinity of the manipulator, which accordingly also makes the entire apparatus much more compact leaves.

In particular, the reversible cache is in contrast to the drop point for bad cards, which in the WO 2008/107839 A2 disclosed, advantageous because any cards that are fed by sorting errors or other previous errors erroneously about the card provision, there can be cached, so that the actual Appliziervorgang can be followed undisturbed. Cards can be picked up again by the manipulator via the buffer at the appropriate time if suitable card carriers are available. In particular, this is advantageous in conjunction with card processing stations, over which possibly any errors are corrected, such as corresponding electronic writing devices for chips or other memory cards. In particular, if the card processing station, for example, serves to apply a splice, this arrangement makes it possible to temporarily store the card without a splice, so that the latter does not correll over time and only apply the splice immediately before application.

Accordingly, the object mentioned at the outset also solves a method for merging cards and card carriers in an application area, in which cards and card carriers communicate with one another via an industrial manipulator be married, the method is characterized in that the manipulator feeds the card after card capture and before marrying with the card carrier as needed a card processing station and / or a measuring station and / or a reversible temporary storage.

It is particularly advantageous because it is also very easy to implement when the manipulator stores a card in the reversible cache and removes as needed the reversible cache again.

The advantages of a manipulator can be optimally utilized, in particular, if at least two intermediate memory locations are arranged within reach of the manipulator. In particular, it is also conceivable to provide at least three intermediate memory locations, which are arranged in two dimensions relative to one another. Depending on the specific configuration of the manipulator, even a three-dimensional arrangement of intermediate memory locations for cards can be provided if correspondingly many intermediate memory locations are to be available compactly. Such an embodiment of the device, in which the manipulator itself reach several buffer locations and there store cards or recording is structurally very easy to implement and allows without further action, cards very individual and cacheable in a compact space and very flexible again in the corresponding process due.

In the context of the present description, it should be emphasized that the cards used are in particular money cards, credit cards or similar cards. Likewise, SIM cards or chips, in particular telephone chips, can accordingly be married as cards with card carriers. In this respect, in the present context, the term "cards" comprises flat, substantially rigid bodies which are not larger than 10 by 10 cm.

The card provision includes in particular from the WO 2008/107839 A2 known card channel but also corresponding magazines, as they are disclosed there. However, given the use of a manipulator and its versatility, card delivery may also include a table or chute insofar as it is appropriately ensured that the manipulator can recognize and pick up a card as such. In particular, this makes it possible to avoid a complex sorting process in advance and, for example, individual cards can be very easily fed to a corresponding device by merely placing them on a corresponding table. It is also conceivable that the manipulator takes cards directly from a magazine. Also can serve as a cache memory arrangements, such as stacking compartments or certain storage locations of a card provision.

In practical experiments, such a reversible intermediate memory has proven to be extremely advantageous, which in particular relates to feed errors of card carriers but also card carrier errors as such, which occurs very seldom in terms of the process itself. In particular, but also in small batches, in which sorting operations may not be performed automatically, a corresponding reversible cache proves to be extremely beneficial. These advantages can be used in particular when the intermediate memory has addressable intermediate memory locations, because then not only an indiscriminate but also a targeted removal of cards located in the intermediate memory is possible. In this respect, it is possible that, for example, a card carrier is specifically requested for a card located in the buffer and provided via the card carrier channel, whereby, for example, incorrectly assigned cards or cards which have been stored in the buffer since an associated card carrier, with this card should be married, had to be rejected as faulty in an intermediate inspection, can be quickly and reliably transferred back into the overall process.

Accordingly, the object stated at the outset also solves a device for merging cards and card carriers in an application area in which cards and card carriers are married to one another, with a card supply for supplying cards to the application area, with a card carrier channel for supplying card carriers to the application area and with a buffer for buffering at least two cards, the device being characterized in that the buffer has independently addressable buffer locations. In particular, in deviation from the WO 2004/039711 A1 , which does not allow such targeted removal, accordingly, a free access to the cards that are stored in the cache, possible, so that any disturbances can be responded quickly and individually. It goes without saying that such a device with addressable intermediate memory locations is also advantageous independently of the use of a manipulator, wherein - as already indicated above - the corresponding advantages, in particular in interaction with a manipulator, can be used synergistically.

Accordingly, the aforementioned object also solves a method for merge cards and card carriers in an Applizierbereich in which cards and card carriers are selectively married to each other, which may not be suitable or separately treated cards are cached in a buffer, the method is characterized in that the cards specifically taken from the cache and to be married with an associated card carrier.

In this case, it is in particular readily possible for a card carrier corresponding to this card to be provided in the application area before the targeted removal of a card, wherein this may optionally also be carried out with or after the targeted removal of the card, in so far as a corresponding programming is selected for a card located in the buffer memory to be applied at a specific time. The actual removal can then take place at a time that card carrier and card, which are to be married to each other, get synchronized in the Applizierbereich.

In this respect, it is advantageous if each card carrier is assigned a card carrier data record and each card is assigned a card data record and two card carriers and cards to be married are first identified and the specific removal takes place from the buffer when the identified card carrier is supplied to the application area. In this way, the process can be carried out extremely effectively.

As already explained above, the intermediate memory may have intermediate memory locations that can be accessed directly and individually by the manipulator, so that a targeted removal of these intermediate memory locations is possible. Alternatively, it is also possible to store cards stacked on corresponding buffers, so that an addressed and targeted removal is no longer possible, since ultimately such stacks can be used according to the filo principle. However, instead of corresponding stacks, it is also possible to use other magazines without further use, this being, for example, staple magazines which likewise operate on the filo principle. Likewise, however, in this regard, magazines, such as in the WO 2004/039711 A1 disclosed, are used, wherein preferably each one input and / or output of the magazines, be it stacking magazines or rolling magazines or other magazines, are arranged in the region of the manipulator. Depending on the concrete implementation of the present invention, these magazines may have addressable memory locations, so that a targeted removal is also possible here, which is not possible with magazines having non-addressable memory locations per se without individual card recognition.

Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the removal takes place from the buffer by a manipulator, this manipulator depending on the concrete implementation of this invention either directly an intermediate storage space drives or receives a card from an input and / or output of a buffer or there stores.

In this respect, it is also advantageous with regard to a process control if the manipulator deposits cards at different buffer locations and resumes them as required and / or if the buffer comprises a magazine with an output, from which the manipulator can pick up a card as needed, after the magazine provides the appropriate card to the issue. All this leads to an extremely flexible process management with a compact design of the corresponding system.

As already arranged at the outset, it is advantageous if at least one card processing station is arranged within the reach of the manipulator, in particular since this allows a correspondingly compact construction of the device. In the course of the investigation of a corresponding system has been found that regardless of whether an appropriate device cards are combined with card carriers, the benefits of combining a manipulator with at least one card processing station, especially in several card processing stations are so serious that already at a device for handling cards with a card provision and a card output and a manipulator, in the range of both the card provision and the card output is arranged, as this example in the WO 2008/107839 A2 is disclosed by a card processing station within reach of the manipulator and independent of an application to a card carrier, a compact processing of cards is possible. In particular, for example, in personalization devices, as in the US 4,866,259 or the DE 10 2004 053 562 B4 discloses an extremely compact arrangement are possible, since ultimately card output, card providing and processing station can be arranged very close to each other to the respective manipulator. In particular, further processing stations can be arranged accordingly close to the other components of this device.

Frequently, cards must also be sorted. This happens, for example, in a separate step and on a separate Machine before applying on a card carrier in which, for example, cards of different types, such as a personalized cash card and a non-personalized gift card are each alternately placed in a magazine, which is then fed to a Appliziervorrichtung so that the cards from this magazine successively removed and the Applizierbereich can be supplied. Not only the order of the cards is to be sorted, but also possibly the position of the card - ie the front or rear side upwards or a certain orientation in the map plane - to be influenced in a targeted manner. Corresponding sorting processes may also be necessary if any accidents happen and, for example, a filled magazine falls down and suddenly empties. Even if several magazines are present on one applicator, sorting operations may become necessary if, for example, personalized cards are provided in one magazine and cards personalized in another magazine, the personalized cards possibly also having to be sorted, for example, to letters which to be sent to different countries or sorted by postal code should be applied.

A corresponding sorting device for sorting cards with a card provision and a card output is relatively compact, if this includes a buffer and an industrial manipulator, which takes cards from the card providing and stores sorted at the card output using the cache.

As card provision, the buffer can also be used in particular in such an arrangement, but also in the abovementioned arrangements. In this respect, the cards to be sorted or else to be processed or handled can also be manually or otherwise placed in the cache and sorted from there or guided for further processing or handling into the device or into the method.

As already explained at the outset, a table or the like can also be used as ticket delivery, so that the card can be fed to the corresponding sorting device in a very simple and unordered manner, in particular if it can be sorted in a concrete implementation both in terms of order and orientation accordingly preferred embodiments, which are helpful in this regard, will be explained below.

The object mentioned also solves a method for sorting of cards, which is characterized in that the cards are removed by means of an industrial manipulator of a card provision and sorted output at a card output, for sorting the cards are optionally cached.

In particular, it is also conceivable to output the cards at the card issuing at different issuing points, such as for example assigning different magazines.

Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the card issue includes multiple issuing points. In particular, a plurality of dispensers or a card dispenser to different dispensers makes it possible to sort according to different types of card, such as the presence of a magnetic stripe and / or a chip, or card types, such as money or credit cards, chips, SIM cards, or Telephone chips, electronic memory cards or the like is.

Similar to the above-mentioned device for merging cards and card carriers, it is advantageous in the case of sorting devices if a measuring station or a card processing station is provided, such that on the one hand automatic recognition of the card or its orientation and, on the other hand, optionally a processing, such as in particular, for example Personalization is possible. Although already requires a buffer in the range of the industrial manipulator, a very good sortability and compact design. If one or more measuring stations or one or more card processing stations are within reach of the manipulator, particularly many corresponding measures can be carried out in a compact manner in a spatially very limited, ie compact area in a compact manner.

In particular, it is possible to maintain a database accordingly via measuring stations, so that the sorted cards are also correspondingly recorded in a database. In this case, in particular, the occupancy of a magazine, in which cards are sorted, are recorded in the database, regardless of whether the belonging to the respective cards records are already assigned to the cards or if this still needs to be done via appropriate monitoring stations.

The advantages of a manipulator on a sorting device or in connection with a sorting method can be optimally utilized, in particular, if at least two intermediate memory locations or at least three intermediate memory locations are arranged within reach of the manipulator, which are arranged in two dimensions relative to each other. Depending on the concrete design of the Manipulators can even be provided a three-dimensional arrangement of buffer locations for maps, if accordingly many buffers should be compact available. Such an embodiment of the device, in which the manipulator itself reach several buffer locations and there store cards or recording is structurally very easy to implement and allows without further action, cards very individual and cacheable in a compact space and very flexible again in the corresponding process due.

In practical experiments, a reversible intermediate storage has also proven to be extremely advantageous in sorting devices and methods. In particular, small series can hereby sorting operations are performed automatically. These advantages can be used in particular when the intermediate memory has addressable intermediate memory locations, since not only an indiscriminate but also a targeted removal of cards located in the intermediate memory is possible therein.

Accordingly, the use of an independently addressable intermediate memory location is particularly advantageous, by means of which each individual card is very flexibly available in the intermediate memory and each memory location of the intermediate memory is available for sorting operations, in particular for a corresponding manipulator.

In this respect, it is also possible to selectively remove cards from the cache memory during sorting processes and output them sorted at a suitable location.

As already stated above, the intermediate memory may have intermediate memory locations that can be accessed directly and individually by the manipulator, so that a targeted removal of these intermediate memory locations is possible. Alternatively, it is also possible to store cards stacked on corresponding buffers, so that an addressed and targeted removal is no longer possible, since ultimately such stacks can be used according to the filo principle. Instead of corresponding stacks, however, magazines can also be used without further ado, in which case they can be stack magazines, for example, which likewise operate on the filo principle. Likewise, however, in this regard, magazines, such as in the WO 2004/039711 A1 disclosed, are used, wherein preferably each one input and / or output of the magazines, be it stacking magazines or rolling magazines or other magazines, are arranged in the region of the manipulator. Depending on the concrete implementation of existing sorting methods and devices, these magazines may have independently addressable memory locations, so that a targeted removal is also possible here, which is not possible with magazines with non-addressable memory locations per se without individual card recognition.

Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the removal takes place from the buffer by a manipulator of the sorting device, this manipulator depending on the specific implementation of this invention either directly controls a buffer space or a card of an input and / or output of a buffer stores or there.

In this respect, it is also advantageous with regard to a process control if the manipulator deposits cards at different buffer locations and resumes them as required and / or if the buffer comprises a magazine with an output, from which the manipulator can pick up a card as needed, after the magazine provides the appropriate card to the issue. All this leads to an extremely flexible process management with a compact design of the corresponding system.

In this respect, it should be emphasized that the above and subsequent statements on devices and methods with regard to the application of cards on card carriers or with respect to the handling of cards in particular with respect to the various embodiments of the cache in particular in methods and apparatus for sorting cards accordingly advantageous can be used.

In the context of an extremely compact design of the corresponding arrangements, it should be emphasized that possibly also a measuring station, in particular a camera or card processing station, such as a stamp or a device for applying a glue dot, also directly on the manipulator or on its effector It may be the only part of a handling device or an applicator or sorter, may be arranged.

As already indicated above, it may be advantageous if the manipulator uses the card as needed. Accordingly, a method for merging cards and card carriers and / or for sorting and / or handling cards in which the cards are brought from a card providing to a card issuing by means of a manipulator when the manipulator turns the card as needed is also advantageous. As a result, a suitable sorting of the cards can be carried out in a compact manner.

Preferably, the card is detected by a camera before turning, so that their orientation can be determined. This can be done for example by a suitable image recognition or by a comparison with stored in a database card-specific data. Likewise, it is conceivable that the orientation is determined cumulatively or alternatively via the position of a magnetic strip or other components that can be detected by means of other measuring stations. For example, via a magnetic stripe reader, the position of the magnetic stripe may possibly be determined by several Trial operations.

For structural implementation of this procedure, it is accordingly advantageous if a device for handling or sorting of cards or a device for merging of cards and card carriers with a manipulator has at least one assembly of a Wenders for turning the cards. Accordingly, it is of course of particular advantage in this case if the entire turner is provided on the manipulator, which however - depending on the specific embodiment of the manipulator or its effector - may possibly be very complicated. In this respect, it is conceivable, for example, that the manipulator has only a correspondingly rotatable gripper or card holder, but does not have its own motor drive, so that the manipulator performs, for example by passing a projection on a corresponding rotational movement to turn the card. In such an embodiment, the inverter comprises on the one hand the correspondingly rotatable card holder and on the other hand the corresponding projection, which in turn is not arranged on the manipulator, as an assembly.

For clarification or definition, it should be emphasized at this point that the terms "turner" and "turn" refer to a rotation of the card in which the rotation axis lies in the plane of the map or parallel to it. By turning a top or bottom of a card can thus be replaced. To distinguish this is a rotation, in which an associated axis of rotation is aligned perpendicular to the map plane, so that the card rotates in its map plane. As a result, for example, a magnetic strip can be brought into the correct position or else the orientation of a card on a card carrier can be influenced in a suitable manner, wherein such a rotation, for example, also in the arrangement according to the WO 2008/107839 A2 is possible by means of manipulator disclosed there.

Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the manipulator comprises a leno assembly.

By turning and / or turning, in particular, the orientation of a card can be changed not only when applying but also independently thereof in interaction with processing or measuring stations, so that, for example, both sides of a card can be detected by a camera. Similarly, a magnetic stripe reader can read both sides of a card or even try to read at different positions of a card. The same applies of course to other processing and measuring stations.

As already stated above, it is particularly advantageous if a turner and / or a turner are arranged on an effector of the manipulator. This allows a particularly compact design of the entire arrangement and in particular a compact process control, since a turning and / or turning during the movement of the manipulator can be performed. Preferably, two differently effective card carrying tools are arranged on an effector of the manipulator. This allows a particularly high degree of flexibility in the handling of the card by the effector especially while the manipulator is in motion.

Thus, for example, a first card carrying tool may be particularly adapted to receive cards from a tray or from a stack, which may for example be implemented in particular by a sucker. By means of such a nipple and an application on a card carrier is very easy. Although it is conceivable that this also a gripper is used, which grabs a card, so to speak, with "pointed fingers" from above. Such gripping, however, is usually relatively prone to errors, since maps are naturally relatively thin, especially when high accelerations are caused by the manipulator. Instead of a nipple, it is understood that other suitable lifting or carrying tools may be used, such as electrostatically acting adhesive devices or the like, which each interact with a flat side of a card with this.

A disadvantage of such suckers or other card carrier tools, which act essentially from one side of a card on this is that turning is only very difficult and possible in particular under relatively large space. With respect to the respective card carrying tool turning is even excluded, as long as this holds the card. The situation is different with grippers or similar card carrying tools, which interact with a card from the side. Such tools can easily perform a turning operation, but it is extremely difficult to do so by means of such Tools to apply a card on a card carrier or deliberately store. For this purpose, further measures are usually necessary if this is even possible. On the other hand, such a card carrying tool, especially if it embraces the card from both surface sides, carries a card relatively reliable, but this may have the disadvantage that certain areas of the card for editing or for measuring are not accessible, as this may are covered by the gripper or assemblies of the corresponding Kartentragewerkzeugs.

In view of these advantages and disadvantages, it is advantageous if the second of the two card carrying tools on the effector is a gripper or a similar carrying device acting on the card from two opposite sides.

As a manipulator, in particular a horizontal articulated arm robot, as exemplified in the WO 2008/107839 A2 is shown. On the one hand, such an articulated-arm robot is extremely flexible and, on the other hand, sufficiently stable even at high speeds of movement or accelerations. On the other hand, robots or manipulators with serial kinematics, for example articulated arm or portal manipulators, or with parallel kinematics, for example hexapod or delta robots, are possible as manipulators, with horizontal articulated arm robots or SCARA (as already explained above) being preferred. Selective Complains Assembly Robot Arm) robots can be used, as these are both cost-effective and on the other hand build relatively stable even at high speeds.

As already indicated above, it is advantageous if the manipulator carries on one arm, preferably on its effector, a camera and / or another measuring station. This can be for example a bar code reader, with a suitable image recognition and a camera can be used as a bar code reader. Also, for example, a magnetic stripe reader or an RFID reader or another chip reader may be provided on the manipulator. In particular, the latter is advantageous because the reading of electronic storage on a card is often relatively time consuming, so that reading a relatively long time is available while the manipulator holds a card and possibly even processing stations, such as a device for applying a Glue point or a complementary arranged elsewhere magnetic stripe reader anfährt. It is likewise conceivable to provide a processing station, such as a chip card writing instrument or the like, on the manipulator or on the effector.

Does the card processing station, be it at least with an assembly on the manipulator or its effector, within range of the manipulator or elsewhere in the corresponding device arranged a card printer, such as an inkjet or foil printer, in particular for printing images, a Kartenembosser, Means for describing a magnetic stripe and / or means for writing an electronic memory on a card can be implemented in a particularly compact way, a personalization of the corresponding card, which is especially for small series or custom-made, for example, if a personalized card had been lost is of considerable advantage. In particular, particular embodiments of the above-mentioned devices or methods, according to individualized or personalized cards that are needed individually or in very small series to incorporate into a mass production, without this too much effort to operate and in particular without too much space for Additional aggregates, which may be needed only rarely, keep vorzuhalten.

The card processing station may in particular also comprise a means for applying a splice to a card, which can be implemented, for example, by applying a corresponding adhesive point or by spraying an adhesive or by gluing a double-sided adhesive label. Such application means may possibly also be provided on the manipulator or on its effector, wherein, since there is usually regular refilling, an arrangement in the vicinity of the manipulator or in its range is advantageous, so that the corresponding splice shortly before the application can be applied to a card carrier on the card.

If a database contains not only card-specific information sorted according to card types and type, which is already known from the prior art, but also visual information and / or location information about assemblies of the card of at least one type of card and / or one type of card, then in contrast to the prior art in devices for merging cards and card carriers and / or in devices for sorting and / or handling of cards independently of the other features of the present invention quickly and reliably aligned a card according to the desired specifications and output sorted at a card output, if necessary or be applied to a card carrier. This is particularly advantageous when cards are completely unsorted, for example, lying on a table, the appropriate device supplied. In particular, however, although extremely rare As a result, misalignments occurring but not entirely avoidable can thereby be intervened in a corrective manner even during a large order, so that the actual process that processes the large order is not or only insignificantly influenced or impaired.

Preferably, the corresponding devices comprise measuring stations by means of which information relating to the visual information contained in the database and / or position information about assemblies can be measured on a corresponding card. In particular, these may be corresponding cameras that capture such visual information. Similarly, scanners can be used in this regard. To determine the position information of modules touch devices or readers that respond when a corresponding module is located in a position complementary to the reader, for example, come to the application.

The object mentioned also solves a device for merging of cards and card carriers and / or for sorting and / or handling of cards with a card-specific, sorted by card types and types information information database, which device is characterized in that it has a reversible cache with at least one intermediate storage location and that the database contains card-specific information about a cached in the intermediate storage space card. By such a device, a subsequent assignment of a card located in the cache to a card carrier can be done in a compact manner, wherein - depending on the specific implementation of this solution - a corresponding card carrier before, during or after the card is stored in the cache, can be requested , In this case, it is conceivable, in particular, for a corresponding process control to retrieve a corresponding card from the buffer store in a targeted manner and to marry it to the associated card carrier if this is then provided accordingly. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the card carrier channel has measuring stations, which detect a particular card carrier as such, whereupon a corresponding card is then selectively removed from the temporary storage and married to corresponding card carriers.

Preferably, the reversible intermediate memory is addressable, which greatly facilitates the method procedure described above, regardless of whether it is merely a handle or a sorting or application, wherein this is further simplified if the buffer is independently addressable, so that a targeted removal from the cache can be done at any time and very quickly.

Depending on the specific requirements, an order to provide a suitable card carrier may be issued before, during or after an associated card is placed in the cache. This depends ultimately on the fact that it can be determined in the course of the procedure that a suitable card carrier is not available for a card, for example because it had to be removed later during a check before marrying.

In particular, the card carrier can be created according to specifications from a database taking into account the respective card-specific information in the database. Thus, for example, in a personalized card, a correspondingly personalized cover letter can be generated, which is then married as a card carrier with the associated card, which in turn is temporarily stored in the buffer until the corresponding card carrier is created.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a card can be selectively removed from the buffer when an associated card carrier is supplied to the Applizierbereich. For this purpose, individual data of the card carrier are preferably measured for this purpose, for example by optical image acquisition and recognition of an address field or by reading a bar code, and the intermediate storage location of the respective card can be determined on the basis of the measured values from a database. Such a procedure is extremely flexible, since ultimately corresponding card carriers can also be manually inserted into the card carrier channel. On the other hand, as a rule, the individual data of a card carrier located at a specific position of the card carrier channel is generally known, if necessary by a corresponding measurement or acquisition, alternatively, of course, a targeted addressing of the corresponding intermediate memory location can take place on the basis of this information.

Regardless of the other features of the present invention solves the above object also a method for handling cards with a manipulator whose effector has a first card carrying tool, wherein the method is characterized in that a card received from the first card carrying tool of the manipulator to a second Handed card carrying tool, then the card manipulated so edited, checked, turned, rotated, - especially in faster movements - held or stored more secure, and then passed back to the first card carrying tool of the manipulator. As already explained above, are certain card carrying tools, in particular, for example, suckers or other only on a surface of a map applying card carrying tools, for certain activities particularly suitable, such as the lifting of flat surfaces or stacks and laying on flat surfaces or stacks, while such card carrying tools for other activities, in particular are ultimately unsuitable for a turning process or a two-sided processing. On the other hand, card carrying tools, which can be used in particular as second card carrying tools and which grip a card from either side from its front and back or from two opposing edges, are generally much more secure in holding a card, and then discard or recording without further complementary measures is usually relatively difficult.

By using different card carrying tools this handicap can be met, wherein the second card carrying tool does not necessarily have to be arranged on the manipulator or on an effector of the manipulator. Rather, for example, a map turner can also be arranged within reach of the manipulator, so that a card can be transferred to the map turner, turned and then picked up again by the second card carrier tool, in such an embodiment, the inverter has the second card carrying tool, which the card during the Wendens wears.

Preferably, the second card carrying tool is also provided on the effector of the manipulator, so that a card received by the first card carrying tool of the manipulator can be transferred to a second card carrying tool of the effector, which accordingly also independently of the other features of the present invention, the above-mentioned object in a method for handling cards with a manipulator whose effector has a first card carrying tool dissolves.

As already explained above, the first card carrying tool may in particular be a card carrying tool which can grasp and carry a card from only one card surface, while the second card carrying tool is preferably a card carrying tool which produces a card from two sides or from two edges embraces. Depending on the specific embodiment, in particular if the card with its two sides are accessible to a gripper, and the first card carrying tool can be a gripper, while the second card carrying tool does not have to be arranged on the manipulator and yet, for example, a sucker or other only one Surface acting card carrying tool is, for example, which is located directly above the Applizierbereich continuous card carriers and can apply a card by lowering, while the gripper passes the corresponding card previously to this second card carrying tool from below.

It is understood that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can optionally also be combined in order to implement the advantages in a cumulative manner. In particular, it should be emphasized that the solutions described above or in the claims in a handling device or in a handle method can also be used in corresponding sorting and Appliziervorrichtungen and methods. Likewise, the solutions described above or in the claims can be advantageously used in sorting devices and methods in applicator devices and methods.

Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are shown in particular in the appended drawing. In the drawing show:

1 a first sorting device with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view;

2 a second sorting device with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view;

3 another sorting device with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view;

4 the device after 3 seen from another direction;

5 an Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view;

6 a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator and a card channel in a perspective schematic view;

7 a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator and a card provision by magazines in a perspective schematic view;

8th a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator and a card delivery by magazines and means for personalization of maps in perspective schematic view;

9 a further Applizierstation with a manipulator and a card channel for Kartenbreitstellung in perspective schematic view and a schematic representation of a database;

10 the arrangement after 9 in a detail view from a different perspective;

11 a further Applizierstation with a card channel as a card providing and a conventional Applizierer and an independently addressable magazine as a cache;

12 the arrangement after 11 from another perspective;

13 a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view and exemplary representation of a database;

14 a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator in a perspective schematic view and exemplary representation of a database;

15 a further Appliziervorrichtung with a manipulator and several personalization stations in a perspective schematic view;

16 a perspective view of a first effector for a manipulator;

17 a perspective view of a second effector for a manipulator;

18 the effector 17 with the card in a different perspective;

19 a perspective view of another effector;

20 a perspective view of another effector; and

21 schematically an assignment of a database.

In the 1 illustrated handling device 1 or sorting device 2 includes as card deployment 20 a table 26 on which different cards 5 can be placed in different arrangements. These may be cards 5A with personalized data to cards 5B with magnetic stripes to cards 5C with a chip, only with the same image printed cards 5D or around SIM cards 5E act. It is understood that in this regard, quite different cards can be processed accordingly.

The handling device 1 or sorting device 2 also has a manipulator 50 with one arm 51 as an horizontal articulated arm robot an effector 55 carries, with which the cards 5 and on the one hand on different buffer locations 61 two buffers 60 or at distribution points 16 to magazines 17 a card issue can be stored. Also is in the range of the manipulator 50 a card processing station 53 or measuring station 54 in the form of a chip card reader and writer 7 arranged.

In 1 not shown is a camera, depending on the specific embodiment stationary on the table 26 directed or at the effector 55 is arranged so that the cards 5 visually detected and in the desired manner by the manipulator 50 can be taken. Here it is about the card processing station 53 or measuring station 54 also possible to read any chip cards or to describe specifically for personalization.

Thus, it is easily possible cards 5 from the table 26 and on the cache 60 to sort by putting the card there either individually or stacked. Here, the cards can then be sorted according to delivery points 16 be given, of which they are in the magazines 17 be filled. The cards can then be in the magazines 17 for further processing purposes. For example, the cards which have been sorted accordingly can be fed to an applicator.

The effector 55 can rotate around a vertical axis so that it serves as a spinner and can align the cards horizontally in a suitable manner. In the following, an extra figuring of the turner is usually dispensed with, as this feature appears obvious. 1 not immediately deducible is that the effector 55 also designed as a turner, so cards can be turned as desired, if this with the wrong side on top of the table 26 lie.

In the following figures, the various card types or types are no longer singled out individually for the sake of clarity. Ultimately, the type of card or card type plays only a minor role anyway, because as far as possible a variety of cards 5 should be handled accordingly or sorted.

As can be immediately understood, the manipulator can handle the individual buffer locations 61 targeted to address or address and therefore independently address. Because the cards 5 in the cache 61 filed and also from there Manipulator can be removed again, it is a reversible cache 60 ,

The handling device 1 or sorting device 2 to 2 essentially corresponds to the arrangement according to 1 so that multiple explanations of identical or identically acting assemblies is dispensed with. Also in the following embodiments will proceed accordingly.

In deviation from the embodiment according to 1 includes the arrangement according to 2 two magazines 62 , which purely mechanically according to the magazine after the WO 2004/039711 A1 as rotating caches 60 are formed. However, these magazines became 62 in addition to the embodiment according to the prior art modified to the effect that the individual buffer locations of these magazines are individually addressed independently, so that maps can be selectively removed from certain buffer locations and stored there. In this way, especially on the magazines 62 be sorted by the manipulator 50 cards 5 at the inputs and / or expenses 63 this magazine 62 stores. For further sorting purposes, the arrangement after 2 another cache 60 with side by side and front or behind each other arranged intermediate storage locations 61 on, as this also in the embodiment according to 1 is provided. This sorting activities can be performed much easier than with the magazines 62 , However, one of the memory slots 61 not provided in two dimensions plates as a cache as in the embodiment according to 1 used, but as a card issue 15 with several delivery points 16 , which according to need then appropriately sorted stacks of cards can be removed manually.

It is understood that in 1 and 2 Arrangements also shown combined with each other and more buffers 60 or card processing stations 53 and measuring stations 54 can be extended, which is already apparent from the drawing that for this purpose in the manipulator 50 sufficient space remains, so that in this way a special compact design is readily possible even with a variety of aggregates.

Also with the in 3 and 4 illustrated devices is a handling device 1 or sorting device 2 in which, however, cards 5 in a conventional map deployment 20 by a card channel known per se 21 from magazines 22 be supplied. Notwithstanding the prior art, the card channel 21 a removal opening 21A through which a card 5 the card channel 21 by means of a gripper 59 that's attached to the effector 55 of the manipulator 50 is provided, can be removed.

This arrangement also has a buffer 60 with intermediate storage locations arranged in two dimensions relative to one another 61 on, in this embodiment also each removal openings 21A so that the gripper 59 there maps 5 take off and remove again.

As can be readily seen in this embodiment, the cards 5 be turned around easily by the effector 55 or the gripper 59 is rotated about a horizontal axis. More difficult in this embodiment, a rotation, including an additional subject 8th serves, which has two unnumbered removal openings, so that the gripper from one side of a card 5 insert and remove from the other side again. In this way, also a rotation of the cards by 180 ° in the map plane with this arrangement without further possible, so that the turner 80 in this embodiment by two leno assemblies 81 is formed, namely the additional subject 8th and the manipulator 50 or its effector 55 ,

By this arrangement can easily maps 5 the card channel 20 can be taken, sorted and returned so that any errors in a sort order of magazines 22 can be corrected. Here, the card channel 21 depending on the concrete implementation of the present embodiment, it may again lead to a magazine or lead to an application area or similar facilities. Alternatively, another card output, which is not shown here, may be provided.

In the 5 illustrated Appliziervorrichtung 3 , which accordingly a handling device 1 as well as a sorting device 2 includes, on the one hand has a table 26 as a map deployment 20 for cards 5 on, as this already from the embodiments according to 1 and 2 was explained. In addition, the applicator comprises 3 a manipulator 50 , in whose reach on the one hand a Applizierbereich 10 to marry the cards 5 with card carriers 6 and on the other hand a cache 60 with several buffer spaces arranged in two dimensions to one another 61 as well as several processing stations 53 or measuring stations 54 are arranged.

In addition, this Appliziervorrichtung includes 3 a card carrier channel 31 with a supply 32 and a measuring station 34 leading to the application area 10 leads and starting another station 34 for a final inspection, one folding station 35 and an edition 36 , Specifically, in this embodiment, the card carrier 6 Letterhead, which with the cards 5 to be married, and accordingly the processing station 33 a printer is and the stock 32 a corresponding printer shaft.

The printed letterheads will be in the measuring station 34 controlled by a camera, not shown, and possibly sorted out, which just makes a temporary storage necessary.

After control, the card carriers 6 or the letters with the cards 5 married, whereupon again a measuring station 34 follows, which also checks via a camera, if the right card 5 on the right card carrier 6 was applied. After that takes place in the folding station 35 a folding to finished letters, to the output 36 then be provided for further treatments.

In which 5 illustrated embodiment are within reach of the manipulator 50 a chip card and magnetic stripe reader as a measuring station 54 and two glue dot dispensers as processing stations 53 arranged so that personalized information on the respective cards 5 can be read out before the corresponding cards 5 in the cache 60 be cached. With the reading then a corresponding print job is sent to the printer 33 issued, with the measuring station 34 again tells if a corresponding card carrier 6 true and correct that the manipulator was made 50 the true card 5 from the cache 60 removes and in Applizierbereich 10 on the associated card carrier 6 applied. In this way, a corresponding letter can be provided very individually based on the information on the cards. By the glue dot dispenser, which only immediately before applying a card 5 can be used, a corruption of the adhesive, the cards 5 or other components of the device can be effectively avoided.

In this embodiment, the effector 55 directly suitable as a turner, by being rotated about its vertical axis, so that a separate figuring is not made here. In addition, the effector includes 55 however, a passive inverter assembly 71 , which can be fixed or released only rotating about a horizontal axis. About a prism as another turning assembly 71 within reach of the manipulator now a card can be turned if necessary, if this with your top down on the table 26 lies and just the other way around on the card carrier 6 should be applied. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a complex motor system on the effector 55 can be waived for turning.

In the 6 illustrated Appliziervorrichtung 3 , which is also a handling device 1 or sorting device 2 essentially corresponds to the arrangement according to 5 and is just a card channel 21 which cards from magazines 22 as part of the card deployment 20 the application area 10 feeds, adds.

Here, the correspond via the card channel 21 fed cards 5 a standard large-volume order, with a chip and magnetic stripe reading device as a measuring station 24 personalized data of a card 5 be read and a corresponding print job to the printer 33 is granted. Passed a suitably prepared card carrier 6 or letter the controlling measuring station 34 behind the printer 33 and will not be sorted out, so the corresponding card is at a processing station 23 provided with a glue point and by means of the manipulator 50 from the card channel 21 removed and to the appropriate card carrier 6 applied. Will be an already commissioned card carrier 6 at the measuring station 34 sorted out, so an application is made by the manipulator 50 not, but the respective card 5 will be without glue dot in the cache 60 stored. A new print job is sent to the printer 33 , so the card from the cache 60 removed, with a glue dot on the processing station 53 provided and on the appropriate card carrier 6 is applied when the re-printed card carrier 6 the measuring station 34 happens and not sorted out.

As already with reference to the embodiment according to 5 explains, takes the manipulator 50 also cards 5 that on the table 26 the card deployment 20 place them in the chip and magnetic stripe reader of the processing station 54 to record these data and then also in the cache 60 to cache until after issuing a corresponding print job a corresponding card carrier 6 for application in the application area 10 ready.

Also in 7 The arrangement shown corresponds essentially to the in 5 and 6 illustrated arrangements, but in contrast to the arrangement according to 6 on a card channel 21 as well as a table 26 the card deployment 20 was waived. The card deployment here only includes 4 magazines 22 , Otherwise the arrangement corresponds to 7 according to the orders 5 and 6 and it's similar to how it works.

The manipulator 50 takes each cards 5 the magazines 22 , where the card type or card type per magazine 22 is known. In that respect, the manipulator lays 50 only the cards 5 on the as Chip and magnetic card reader trained measuring station to then start a correspondingly personalized print job, with a respective card is then cached accordingly long. Non-personalized cards can in this embodiment directly to the Applizierbereich 10 fed and there to a corresponding card carrier 6 be applied. Before applying all cards 5 initially for applying a gluing point of the processing station 53 fed.

This in 8th illustrated embodiment substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to 7 but only three magazines 22 and a chip and magnetic stripe card reader and writer as a card processing station 53 and measuring station 54 is provided. In addition to this is another card processing station 53 within reach of the manipulator 50 provided, which is able to visually personalize cards or to personalize, in this embodiment at this point a foil printer for printing photos, especially passport photos, is provided. Since this personalization takes a relatively long time, card blanks are first printed accordingly and also individualized according to their magnetic strip or chip and in the cache 60 stored. Only then will a corresponding print job for the card carrier 6 granted. If a corresponding individualization is not provided, then the cards can 5 bypassing the cache 60 directly on a respective card carrier 6 be applied, where appropriate, an intermediate storage of such cards 5 takes place when a card carrier already announced in itself 6 short-term due to any errors is sorted out.

Also in 9 and 10 illustrated embodiment substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to 6 being on a table 26 was dispensed with the card supply. The card feed 20 moreover, however, includes a non-quantified plate, which is essentially the plate of the buffer 60 corresponds, so that here individual cards can be easily stored, the manipulator 50 then record as needed. These maps can be accessed via the processing station 53 if necessary, read in and recognized, so that a database can make a corresponding assignment.

In an alternative implementation, it may be necessary to manually over the plate of the card deployment 20 launched cards 5 manually, for example via a suitable computer terminal, the database or the corresponding process control.

In addition, this arrangement operates a little different from the above-mentioned arrangements, since it is assumed that the corresponding overall order has previously been preconfigured to a sufficient extent. This means that both the printer 33 as well as the card channel 21 with the magazine 22 work according to fixed and prepared orders. About the measuring stations 24 and 34 an appropriate control is done, which is the database 90 with shared, which then the manipulator 50 accordingly drives. For from the manipulator 50 sorted out cards 5 will be similar to the manual over the plate of the card deployment 20 abandoned cards 5 , given a separate order, which then passes through the printer 33 started and the database 90 and over this the manipulator 50 controlled in a suitable manner. It is understood that in this regard, a different process management, in particular the process control, as explained for the preceding or following embodiments, can be performed.

In the 11 and 12 illustrated Appliziervorrichtung 3 uses a conventional Appliziervorrichtung, but a buffer per se known from the prior art as a buffer 60 in the form of a magazine 62 has been modified by having been provided with independently addressable memory locations. In this way, one in the cache 60 map as needed to the cache 60 taken again and individually via the card channel 21 the application area 10 in which a conventional applicator 11 is intended for the cards. In this respect, for example, by the measuring station 34 which personalized data of the corresponding card carrier 6 Read out the corresponding cards 5 for the respective card carrier 6 from the store 60 be specifically requested. Likewise, cards can 5 to which, for whatever reason, no card carrier 6 available on time, however, from the magazine 22 be donated to the cache 60 be cached.

The in the 13 and 14 The arrangements shown correspond essentially to the arrangement according to 6 , but instead of the table 26 as additional map deployment 20 a separate plate, which is the cache 60 corresponds, is used, so here is an arrangement similar to the one in 9 Present arrangement shown and only the plate of the card provision 20 is arranged elsewhere.

At the in 13 Illustrated embodiment controls the database 90 the magazines 22 directly and thereby gives the basic rhythm of the Appliziervorrichtung 3 to 13 in front. about the measuring station 24 which has already been explained in detail above, the database is ultimately the magazine 22 issued card 5 which then sends a corresponding print job to the printer 33 granted, so the appropriate card 5 and the associated card carrier 6 can be married accordingly.

In the event of any disturbances, the cards, as already described in detail above, become in the cache 60 and a new print job is issued.

Individual cards can be placed over the plate of card delivery 20 be abandoned to the process, which then in the measuring station 54 read accordingly and the database 90 be communicated so that they can issue a corresponding print job.

Because the card channel 21 In this embodiment, no own glue dot application has, in this embodiment, each card before the application at the card processing stations 53 provided with a glue point.

In deviation from the previously illustrated embodiments, the manipulator 50 with his effector 55 designed both as a turner and as a turner, so that on a separate turner assembly 71 can be waived. Instead, there is another card processing station 53 provided by means of which double-sided adhesive labels on the cards 5 can be applied, which is preferable to a glue dot of liquid adhesive in certain card materials.

At the in 14 illustrated embodiment is based on a printer 33 in the card carrier channel 31 waived. The card carrier 6 are provided separately in this embodiment. About a camera 37 at the measuring station 34 becomes a card carrier 6 checked and a corresponding order to issue a card from the magazine 22 issued, then over the card channel 21 the application area 10 be supplied. About the separate plate of card deployment 20 special cards can be provided, which if necessary - similar to any incorrect deliveries from the magazine 22 also in the cache 60 can be cached until a matching card carrier 6 ready.

There, where in the embodiments according to 13 and 14 the plate is provided for additional card provision, the arrangement after 15 the cache 60 on, in comparison to the in 14 and 13 illustrated embodiments in place of the buffer 60 three personalization stations 25 be provided in which in magazines 22 reserved cards 5 can be personalized individually. Such personalization relates in particular to punching or embossing and printing of the respective card 5 , either with logos of each company issuing the cards or with images of the respective users, which can be implemented in practice by suitable printers, such as inkjet printers and film printers.

The in the 16 to 20 shown effectors 55 can each be at the manipulators 50 The embodiments described above, depending on the concrete implementation come to the application.

This is how all these effectors are 55 a first card carrying tool 56 on which a sucker 57 which in turn is vertically displaceable, as by the double arrow 56A exemplary in 16 indicated, but also in the other embodiments 17 to 20 implemented. About the sucker 57 can a card 5 as exemplified in 18 represented on one of their sides readily be detected and worn. In particular, this makes it possible to remove any stacks or any surfaces on which the cards are 5 lie as well as an application on card carrier 6 ,

In addition, those in the 16 to 20 shown effectors a second card carrying tool 58 on which a gripper 59 includes, by means of which the cards 5 can be taken at opposite edges, causing this gripper 59 from the gripper of the embodiment according to 3 and 4 which picks up the cards at their top and bottom.

At the in 16 to 18 illustrated embodiments, the gripper 59 each rigid Anne 59A on, each one an active gripping element 59D carry, which is parallel to the level of the cards 5 is relocatable. In these embodiments, the gripper element is 59B Actively activated and can be moved by motor or by a corresponding actuator in the map level on the map to and from this map away. When the sucker 57 is in a vertical position, in which the gripper elements 59B can grab the card with their slot, so will the gripper elements 59B through the actuator on the card 5 moved and the map 5 positively gripped in this way. Then the first card carrying tool 59 the map 5 release.

In an alternative embodiment, the gripper elements 59B passive be formed, so that the first card carrying tool 56 the map between the gripper elements 59B clamped, which are biased for example by spring in the direction of the cards. To remove the card then the first card carrying tool 56 again with the card 5 be connected and this by appropriate force from the gripper elements 59B push out.

At the in 16 to 18 illustrated embodiments is also as a measuring station 54 still a chip card reader arranged against which the card 5 by means of the first card carrying tool 56 can be pressed, leaving a chip card of the card 5 during transport with the effector 55 can be read out.

In addition, the in 17 and 18 illustrated embodiment still a camera as a measuring station 54 on, by means of which on the one hand image recognition and barcode recognition on the card for reading in personalized data can be made. Likewise, the camera can 14 also for targeted application and their control and for finding cards on a table 26 be used.

In addition, the gripper elements 59B rotatable in the arms 59A stored, which is ensured by appropriate locking elements that they can only rotate, if a card 5 from the gripper elements 59B is taken. In this way it is ensured that the gripper elements 59B maintain their position if no card 5 taken from them.

Through the first card carrying tool 56 By the way, the position of the card can be saved if a card 5 is taken. A corresponding fuse is provided by the withdrawal of the nipple 57 open when the in 16 to 18 shown effectors 55 to a stationary inverter assembly 71 be guided and thus the manipulator 50 the corresponding card 5 purposefully applies. Accordingly, the gripper elements 59B also turning assemblies 71 a reverser 70 ,

In a manipulator, it is readily feasible, the effector 55 around a vertical axis or about an axis perpendicular to the maps 5 to rotate, so that in the 16 to 18 shown effectors 55 without further ado as a turner 80 can serve and accordingly a leno assembly 81 represent.

The same applies to the in 19 and 20 shown effectors 55 ,

However, the gripper elements 59B in the 19 and 20 shown effectors 55 actively rotating so formed with its own motor drive about a horizontal axis. For this reason, in these two embodiments, the gripper elements 59B the only ones are the turner assemblies 71 ready, so the effector 55 in the 19 and 20 Illustrated embodiments also a turner 70 is.

Moreover, according to the embodiment 19 both arms 59A over joints from the cards or on the map 5 too movable, so that an active gripping can take place. The same applies to the arrangement according to 20 where there is only one arm 59A is horizontally displaceable, which is realized via a slider.

It is understood that in the arrangements after 19 and 20 also measuring stations 54 or card processing stations 53 may be provided as this example by the embodiments according to 16 to 18 is indicated.

In addition, on the gripper elements 59B at the in 19 and 20 illustrated embodiments extensions 59C provided that allow cards 5 Similar to using tweezers. However, for turning, cards are preferably with the first card carrying tool 56 in the central rotary center of the gripper elements 59B arranged.

In the database 90 , as exemplified in particular in the 9 . 13 and 14 is shown are card carrier records 91 and map records 92 before, so that a corresponding data comparison can be made easily.

Here is the map record 92 besides personalization data 93 and card type data 94 which is already known, also visual information 95 or location information 96 on, as exemplified in 21 indicated. Likewise, information about the card type in the respective map data record 92 be saved. Through such a trained database 90 It is possible to make a targeted map alignment automated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Handler

2

sorter

3

applicator

5

map

5A

Card with personalized data

5B

Card with magnetic stripe

5C

Card, only printed

5E

SIM card

6

card Cage

7

Chip card reader and writer

8th

Bypass tray

10

Applizierbereich

11

applicator

14

camera

15

card issuance

16

issuing office

17

magazine

20

Card provisioning

21

card channel

21A

removal opening

22

magazine

23

Card processing station

24

Observed

25

personalization station

26

table

31

Card carrier channel

32

stock

33

processing station

34

Observed

35

folding station

36

output

37

camera

50

manipulator

51

poor

53

Card processing station

54

Observed

55

effector

56

first card carrying tool

56A

displacement direction

57

sucker

58

second card carrying tool

59

grab

59A

grab

59B

gripper element

59C

extension

60

cache

61

Buffer location

62

magazine

63

Input and / or output

70

slice

71

inverter assembly

80

turner

81

Dreher assembly

90

Database

91

Card carrier record

92

Map record

93

personalization data

94

card type

95

visual information

96

Location information

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2008/107839 A2 [0002, 0002, 0007, 0008, 0013, 0022, 0044, 0051]
• WO 2004/039711 A1 [0002, 0003, 0015, 0019, 0036, 0097]
• DE 102004053562 B4 [0002, 0004, 0022]
• US 4866259 [0002, 0004, 0022]

Claims (38)

Device for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) via an industrial manipulator ( 50 ) are married to each other, with a card provision ( 20 ) for the supply of cards ( 5 ) to the application area ( 10 ) and with a card carrier channel ( 31 ) for the supply of card carriers ( 6 ) to the application area ( 10 ), characterized in that within reach of the manipulator ( 50 ) at least one card processing station ( 53 ), a measuring station ( 54 ) and / or a reversible cache ( 60 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that within reach of the manipulator ( 50 ) at least two intermediate storage locations ( 61 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least three intermediate storage locations ( 61 ) are provided, which are arranged in two dimensions to each other. Device for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) are married to each other, with a card provision ( 20 ) for the supply of cards ( 5 ) to the application area ( 10 ), with a card carrier channel ( 31 ) for the supply of card carriers ( 6 ) to the application area ( 10 ) and with a cache ( 60 ) for temporarily storing at least two cards ( 5 ), characterized in that the temporary storage ( 60 ) independently addressable intermediate storage locations ( 61 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the buffer memory ( 60 ) a magazine ( 62 ) with at least one input and / or output ( 63 ), which is arranged in the region of a manipulator. Device for handling cards ( 5 ) with a card deployment ( 20 ) and a card issue ( 15 ) and a manipulator ( 50 ), in whose range both the card provision ( 20 ) as well as the card issue ( 15 ), characterized in that within reach of the manipulator ( 50 ) at least one card processing station ( 53 ) is arranged. Device for sorting cards ( 5 ) with a card deployment ( 20 ) and a card issue ( 15 ), characterized by a buffer ( 60 ) and an industrial manipulator ( 50 ), the cards ( 5 ) from the card deployment ( 20 ) and at the card output ( 15 ) possibly using the buffer ( 60 ) sorted. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the card provision ( 20 ) the cache ( 60 ). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by a measuring station ( 24 . 54 ) and / or by a card processing station ( 23 . 53 ), preferably within reach of the manipulator ( 50 ). Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the card output ( 15 ) several issuing offices ( 16 ). Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) a turner assembly ( 71 ). Device for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) via an industrial manipulator ( 50 ) are married to each other, with a card provision ( 20 ) for the supply of cards ( 5 ) to the application area ( 10 ) and with a card carrier channel ( 31 ) for the supply of card carriers ( 6 ) to the application area ( 10 ), characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) a turner assembly ( 71 ). Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) a leno assembly ( 81 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 12, characterized in that on an effector ( 55 ) of the manipulator ( 50 ) a turner ( 70 ) and / or a turner ( 80 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 12, characterized in that on an effector ( 55 ) of the manipulator ( 50 ) two differently effective card carrying tools ( 56 . 58 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a first ( 56 ) of the two card carrying tools ( 56 . 58 ) a sucker ( 57 ) and a second one ( 58 ) of the two card carrying tools ( 56 . 58 ) a gripper ( 59 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) is a horizontal articulated arm robot. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) on one arm ( 51 ), preferably at his Effector ( 55 ), a camera ( 14 ) and / or another measuring station ( 54 ) wearing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 9, characterized in that the card processing station ( 53 ) comprises a means for applying a splice to a card, a card printer such as an ink jet or foil printer (images), a card embosser, means for writing a magnetic stripe and / or means for writing an electronic memory on a card. Device for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) and / or for sorting and / or handling cards ( 5 ) containing a card-specific database containing information sorted according to card types and types ( 90 ), characterized in that the database ( 90 ) also visual information ( 95 ) and / or location information ( 96 ) via modules of the card ( 5 ) comprises at least one type of card and / or one type of card. Device for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) and / or for sorting and / or handling cards ( 5 ) containing a card-specific database containing information sorted according to card types and types ( 90 ), characterized in that the device has a reversible buffer ( 60 ) with at least one buffer space ( 61 ) and the database ( 90 ) Card-specific information about one in the buffer space ( 61 ) cached map ( 5 ) contains. Method for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) via an industrial manipulator ( 50 ) and / or for sorting and / or managing cards, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) the map ( 5 ) as needed. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the card ( 5 ) before turning from a camera ( 14 ) is detected. Method for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) via an industrial manipulator ( 50 ) are married to each other, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) the map ( 5 ) after a card recording and before a marriage to the card carrier ( 6 ) as required by a card processing station ( 53 ) and / or a measuring station ( 54 ) and / or a reversible buffer ( 60 ) feeds. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) a map ( 5 ) in the reversible buffer ( 60 ) and, if necessary, the reversible buffer ( 60 ) takes again. Method for merging cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) in an application area ( 10 ), in which cards ( 5 ) and card carriers ( 6 ) are selectively married to each other, possibly not matching or separately treated cards ( 5 ) in a cache ( 60 ) are cached, characterized in that the cards ( 5 ) the cache ( 60 ) and with an associated card carrier ( 6 ) get married. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that prior to the targeted removal of a card ( 5 ) from the cache ( 60 ) one of this card ( 5 ) corresponding card carrier ( 5 ) in the application area ( 10 ) provided. Method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that each card carrier ( 6 ) a card carrier data record ( 91 ) and each card ( 5 ) a map dataset ( 92 ) and two card carriers to be married ( 6 ) and maps ( 5 ) and the targeted removal from the cache ( 60 ) takes place when the identified card carrier ( 6 ) the application area ( 10 ) is supplied. Method according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that an order for providing a suitable card carrier ( 6 ) before, during or after an associated card ( 5 ) in the cache ( 60 ) is stored. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the card carrier ( 6 ) according to specifications from a database ( 90 ) taking into account the respective card-specific information in the database ( 90 ) is created. Method according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that a card ( 5 ) specifically from the cache ( 60 ) is removed when an associated card carrier ( 6 ) is supplied to the Applizierbereich, preferably for this purpose individual data of the card carrier ( 6 ) and based on the measured values from a database ( 90 ) the buffer space ( 61 ) of the corresponding card ( 5 ) be determined. Method according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the removal by a manipulator ( 50 ) he follows. Method according to claim 24, 25 or 32, characterized in that the manipulator ( 50 ) Cards ( 5 ) at different buffer locations ( 61 ) and there takes up again as needed. A method according to claim 24, 25 or 32, characterized in that the temporary storage ( 60 ) a magazine ( 62 ) with an output ( 63 ) from which the manipulator ( 50 ) a map ( 5 ) resumes as required after the magazine ( 62 ) the corresponding card ( 5 ) at the issue ( 63 ). Method for sorting cards ( 5 ), characterized in that the cards ( 5 ) by means of an industrial manipulator ( 50 ) of a card deployment ( 20 ) and sorted on a card issue ( 15 ), whereby for sorting the cards ( 5 ) if necessary cached. Method according to claim 35, characterized in that the cards ( 5 ) at the card issue ( 15 ) at various issuing offices ( 16 ). Method for handling cards ( 5 ) with a manipulator ( 50 ), whose effector ( 55 ) a first card carrying tool ( 56 ), characterized in that one of the first card carrying tool ( 56 ) of the manipulator ( 50 ) recorded card ( 5 ) to a second card carrying tool ( 58 ), then the card ( 5 ) and then back to the first card carrying tool ( 56 ) is handed over to the manipulator. Method for handling cards ( 5 ) with a manipulator ( 50 ), whose effector ( 55 ) a first card carrying tool ( 56 ), characterized in that one of the first card carrying tool ( 56 ) of the manipulator ( 50 ) recorded card ( 5 ) to a second card carrying tool ( 58 ) of the effector ( 55 ).

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