JP2023083985A - Contactless data receiver/transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a contact-less data reception/transmission body which is less likely to cause damage to an antenna even when an external force is applied to the antenna.SOLUTION: An RFID tag 10 includes a substrate, a second antenna, and an exterior body 3. The exterior body 3 includes a body part 31 having a principal surface 31a, and a lid part 32 having a facing surface 32a. A receiving space 50 for receiving the second antenna which tilts in a direction approaching to and separating from the body part 31 and the lid part 32 is formed between the principal surface 31a and the facing surface 32a. The receiving space 50 has a shape where a separating distance between an inner surface 35a of the body part 31 and an inner surface 45a of the lid part 32 becomes larger in a direction toward side end edges 31b and 32b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to contactless data receivers and transmitters.

In recent years, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags have been used for distribution management and the like. An RFID tag, for example, includes an RFID chip and an antenna (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Japanese Patent No. 6399313

In the above-mentioned RFID tag, there is a possibility that an external force is applied to the antenna due to deformation of the article to be installed. Therefore, there is a demand for a non-contact data transmitter/receiver whose antenna is less likely to be damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a non-contact data transmitter/receiver whose antenna is less likely to be damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a substrate provided with an RFID chip and a first antenna connected to the RFID chip, a second antenna separate from the substrate, and a substrate holding portion that holds the substrate and an exterior body formed with an antenna holding groove for holding the second antenna, wherein the second antenna is held in the antenna holding groove and is electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna. and an extending portion extending from an end of the electromagnetic field coupling portion and extending outward from a side edge of the exterior body, wherein the exterior body has the substrate holding portion and the antenna holding groove. a body portion having a formed main surface; and a lid portion having a facing surface facing the main surface and covering the main surface, wherein the main body portion is provided between the main surface and the facing surface. and a receiving space for receiving the second antenna that tilts toward and away from the lid, the receiving space extending toward the side edge between the inner surface of the main body and the inner surface of the lid. To provide a contactless data receiver/transmitter having a shape with a large separation distance.

It is preferable that the receiving space is formed so that the maximum movable angle when the second antenna tilts is 4 degrees to 12 degrees.

Preferably, the inner surface of the receiving space is curved so that the angle of inclination increases toward the side edge.

It is preferable that a cross section of the receiving space passing through the one side edge and the other side edge of the exterior body and perpendicular to the first direction forms a closed figure.

In the contactless data transmitting/receiving device, the main body and the lid may be formed with a notch for receiving the second antenna that tilts toward and away from the main body and the lid. .

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a non-contact data transmitter/receiver whose antenna is less likely to be damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

(A) is a plan view of the RFID tag according to the first embodiment; (B) is a front view of the RFID tag according to the first embodiment; 1 is a perspective view of an RFID tag according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the RFID tag with the cover of the outer package opened. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID tag according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an RFID tag according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1A is a plan view schematically showing an RFID tag according to the first embodiment; FIG. (B) is a front view schematically showing the RFID tag according to the first embodiment; (C) A side view schematically showing the RFID tag according to the first embodiment. (A) is a diagram for explaining a first inclined posture of a second antenna in the RFID tag according to the first embodiment; (B) is a diagram illustrating a second inclined posture of the second antenna in the RFID tag according to the first embodiment; (A) is a plan view schematically showing an RFID tag according to a second embodiment; (B) is a front view schematically showing an RFID tag according to the second embodiment; (A) is a diagram for explaining a first inclined posture of a second antenna in an RFID tag according to a second embodiment; (B) is a diagram for explaining a second inclined posture of the second antenna in the RFID tag according to the second embodiment.

[Non-contact data receiver/transmitter] (first embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a plan view of the non-contact data transmitter/receiver 10 according to the first embodiment. A contactless data receiver/transmitter is sometimes referred to as an "RFID tag." FIG. 1B is a front view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the RFID tag 10 with the lid portion 32 of the outer package 3 opened. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the RFID tag 10 includes a substrate 1, a second antenna 2, and an exterior body 3. As shown in FIG.
The longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1A) of the main surface 31a (see FIG. 3) of the exterior body 3 is referred to as the X direction. One of the X directions (the right direction in FIG. 1A) is referred to as +X direction. The other of the X directions (the left direction in FIG. 1A) is called the -X direction. The lateral direction of the main surface 31a (see FIG. 3) of the exterior body 3 is called the Y direction. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction within the plane along the main surface 31a. One of the Y directions (the upward direction in FIG. 1A) is referred to as the +Y direction. The other Y direction (the downward direction in FIG. 1A) is called the −Y direction. A direction orthogonal to the main surface 31a of the exterior body 3 is called a Z direction. The Z direction is orthogonal to the X and Y directions.

"Outward in the X direction" is a direction in which one side edge 31b and the other side edge 31b of the body portion 31 separate from each other (for example, a direction from the center in the X direction toward the side edges 31b, 31b). . "Inward in the X direction" is a direction in which one side edge 31b and the other side edge 31b of the main body 31 approach each other (for example, a direction from the side edges 31b, 31b toward the center in the X direction). . Viewing from the Z direction is called planar view. Viewing from the X direction is called side view. The Z-axis is the central axis along the Z-direction. A plane along the X and Y directions is called an XY plane. A plane along the Y and Z directions is called a YZ plane. A plane along the X and Z directions is called an XZ plane. The X direction is the first direction connecting one side edge 31b, 32b of the exterior body 3 and the other side edge 31b, 32b. The Z direction is the second direction perpendicular to the main surface 31a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 1 includes an RFID chip 11, a first antenna 12, and a base material 13. As shown in FIG.

The base material 13 is formed in a plate shape. Although the shape of the substrate 13 in plan view is not particularly limited, it is preferable that at least a part of the outer peripheral edge 13a has a curved shape. The curved shape is, for example, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, a high-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve shape), or the like. A higher-order curvilinear shape is a parabolic shape, a hyperbolic shape, or the like. The outer shape of the substrate 13 in plan view may be, for example, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, an oval shape (racetrack shape), or the like. The outer shape of the substrate 13 in plan view is desirably non-circular.
In this embodiment, the base material 13 is elliptical. The substrate 13 is oriented with its major axis directed in the X direction. As the substrate 13, a glass epoxy resin substrate, a ceramics substrate, a plastic film, or the like can be used.

The RFID chip 11 can write and read information in a non-contact manner via the first antenna 12 and the second antenna 2 . RFID chip 11 is mounted on substrate 13 .

The first antenna 12 is, for example, a conductive layer formed on one surface of the substrate 13 . The conductive layer is composed of, for example, a conductive foil, a plated layer, a conductive ink layer, or the like. A conductive foil is, for example, a metal foil made of copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, or the like. The conductive foil is formed into a predetermined shape by etching or the like. The plated layer is composed of metal such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, and aluminum, for example. The conductive ink layer is formed by printing using conductive ink. Conductive ink includes conductive particles formed of metal, carbon material, or the like.

The first antenna 12 is formed in a loop shape. The first antenna 12 has, for example, a curved shape along the outer peripheral edge 13 a of the base material 13 . In this embodiment, the first antenna 12 is formed in an elliptical loop shape. The first antenna 12 is electrically connected to the RFID chip 11 .

The second antenna 2 is a booster antenna. The second antenna 2 is, for example, a linear body. The second antenna 2 is made of metal such as steel, stainless steel, copper, or copper alloy. The second antenna 2 can be made of brass-plated steel wire, for example. The second antenna 2 is separate from the substrate 1 .
Although the second antenna 2 in this embodiment is a linear body, the shape of the second antenna is not particularly limited. The second antenna may be, for example, a plate-like body.

The second antenna 2 includes an electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and a pair of extension portions 22 .
The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape. A “curved shape” is a shape that bends smoothly without sharp bends. Curved shapes include, for example, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, and a high-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve shape). "High-order curvilinear" includes parabolic, hyperbolic, and the like. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a semi-elliptical shape. Specifically, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex (vertex on the major axis) of the ellipse to the other vertex (vertex on the major axis).

The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the substrate 1 in plan view. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 extends from one vertex (vertex on the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (vertex on the long axis) (half circumference range on the +Y direction side). surround the

The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 12a is substantially constant. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is located outside the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 and close to the outer peripheral edge 13a in plan view. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape along the outer peripheral edge 13a in plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 13a is substantially constant.

The electromagnetic field coupling section 21 performs electromagnetic field coupling with the first antenna 12 in a non-contact manner. Electromagnetic field coupling is, for example, one of electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is, for example, circular (see FIG. 5).

A pair of extending portions 22 extend from one end portion 21a and the other end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, respectively.
A first extension portion 22A (see FIG. 1A), which is one of the pair of extension portions 22, extends in the −X direction while meandering from the −X direction end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. put out A second extension portion 22B (see FIG. 1A), which is the other of the pair of extension portions 22, extends in the +X direction while meandering from the +X direction end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. .

The planar view shape of the extending portion 22 is a meandering shape.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the extending portion 22 has a plurality of straight portions 23 and a plurality of folded portions 24 . The linear portion 23 is linear along the Y direction. The plurality of linear portions 23 are arranged in parallel with intervals in the X direction. The plurality of linear portions 23 have the same length.
The folded portion 24 connects the ends of the adjacent straight portions 23 . Specifically, the folded portions 24 alternately connect one end and the other end of the adjacent linear portions 23 . The folded portion 24 has a curved shape (for example, an arc shape).

Of the plurality of straight portions 23, the straight portion 23 closest to the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 is called "first straight portion 23A". The straight portion 23 that is second closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as a "second straight portion 23B". A straight portion 23 that is the third closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as a "third straight portion 23C". A linear portion 23 that is the n-th (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of linear portions 23 is referred to as an "n-th linear portion 23".

The folded portion 24 that connects the first straight portion 23A and the second straight portion 23B is called a "first folded portion 24A". The folded portion 24 connecting the second straight portion 23B and the third straight portion 23C is called a "second folded portion 24B". The folded portion 24 connecting the m-th linear portion 23 (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and the (m+1)-th straight portion 23 is referred to as the "m-th folded portion 24".

The first linear portion 23A extends from the end portion 21a of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 in the -Y direction. The first folded portion 24A extends curvedly from the -Y direction end of the first straight portion 23A and reaches the -Y direction end of the second straight portion 23B. The first folded portion 24A connects one end (the end in the -Y direction) of the first linear portion 23A and the second linear portion 23B. The second folded portion 24B connects the other ends (ends in the +Y direction) of the second linear portion 23B and the third linear portion 23C. The p-th folded portion 24 (p is an odd number) connects one ends (the ends in the -Y direction) of the p-th linear portion 23 and the p+1-th linear portion 23 . The q-th folded portion 24 (where q is an even number) connects the other ends (ends in the +Y direction) of the q-th linear portion 23 and the q+1-th linear portion 23 .

Of the extending portion 22, for example, the first straight portion 23A, the first folded portion 24A, the second straight portion 23B, and part of the second folded portion 24B are located inside the exterior body 3, but the extension Other portions of the portion 22 extend outside the exterior body 3 from side edges 31b and 32b of the exterior body 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
A part of the extending portion 22 may be arranged inside the exterior body 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the exterior body 3 includes a plate-like body portion 31 , a plate-like lid portion 32 , and a connecting portion 41 . The exterior body 3 is plate-shaped as a whole. The body portion 31, the lid portion 32, and the connecting portion 41 are made of resin, for example. Polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyethylene and polyolefin resins; polyethylene fluoride resins such as polyvinyl fluoride; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; Examples include acrylic resins such as methyl methacrylate.

The main body portion 31, the lid portion 32 and the connecting portion 41 are integrally formed. Therefore, the lid portion 32 is formed integrally with the main body portion 31 via the connecting portion 41 . The exterior body 3 can be produced by compression molding, injection molding, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 31 has a rectangular shape in plan view. A substrate holding recess 37 (substrate holding portion), an antenna holding groove 34, and a pair of housing recesses 35 are formed on the main surface 31a, which is one surface of the body portion 31. As shown in FIG. The substrate holding recess 37 is formed by the substrate holding protrusion 33 . The substrate holding recess 37 is a recess surrounded by the substrate holding protrusions 33 .

The substrate holding projection 33 is an annular rib-shaped projection. The substrate holding protrusion 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13 a of the substrate 1 . The substrate holding protrusion 33 protrudes in the +Z direction from the main surface 31a. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the substrate holding protrusion 33 is, for example, a rectangular shape. The substrate holding protrusion 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in plan view.

The substrate holding recess 37 holds the substrate 1 . The substrate holding recess 37 has a shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 . The inner dimension (inner diameter) of the substrate holding recess 37 is approximately the same as the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1 or slightly larger than the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1 . The substrate holding recess 37 has a shape similar to that of the substrate 1 in plan view.

If the substrate 1 and the substrate holding recess 37 are non-circular (for example, elliptical), the substrate 1 can be prevented from tilting around the Z-axis, and the correct posture of the substrate 1 can be maintained. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the first antenna 12 and the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 can be maintained.

The antenna holding groove 34 accommodates the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).
The antenna holding groove 34 is formed outside the board holding protrusion 33 and close to the board holding protrusion 33 . The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape along the substrate holding projection 33 in plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 in plan view.
The antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape in plan view. Specifically, the antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex (vertex on the major axis) of the ellipse to the other vertex (vertex on the major axis).

The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape surrounding at least a portion of the substrate 1 in plan view. In this embodiment, the antenna holding groove 34 extends from one vertex (the vertex on the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (the vertex on the long axis) (half circumference range in the +Y direction). surround.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cross section of the antenna holding groove 34 perpendicular to the length direction is, for example, rectangular. The width (inner dimension) W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter (outer dimension) D1 of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 . The difference between the width W1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm).
Since the width W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be displaced in the wire radial direction (for example, the Y direction) in the antenna holding groove 34. be accommodated. The “radial direction” is a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 . The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can also be displaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the antenna holding groove 34 .

Regarding the depth of the antenna holding groove 34, the height (inner dimension) H1 from the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34 to the lid portion 32 (top surface 38a) is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. is defined as The difference between the height H1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm).
Since the height H1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be displaced in the wire radial direction (for example, the Z direction) with respect to the antenna holding groove 34. are housed in

As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of accommodation recesses 35 are formed on one side and the other side of the main surface 31a, respectively. The accommodation recess 35 is formed in communication with the antenna holding groove 34 (that is, connected to the antenna holding groove 34). The accommodation recess 35 is formed in a region including at least a portion of the side edge 31b of the main body portion 31 in plan view. The side edge 31b is an edge where the extending portion 22 protrudes from the exterior body 3 in plan view. In other words, the extending portion 22 extends out of the exterior body 3 from the side edge 31b.

FIG. 6A is a plan view schematically showing the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 6B is a front view schematically showing the RFID tag 10. FIG. FIG. 6C is a side view schematically showing the RFID tag 10. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6B, the accommodation recess 35 is a recess whose depth from the main surface 31a increases as it approaches the side edge 31b. That is, the accommodation recess 35 is a recess whose depth gradually increases outward in the X direction. The accommodation recess 35 having this shape makes it easier for the second antenna 2 to take an inclined posture (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The distance between the inner surface 35a of the housing recess 35 and the facing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 increases toward the side edge 31b.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the inner surface 35a (bottom surface) of the accommodation recess 35 may have a curved shape (curved convex shape) that increases in inclination with respect to the main surface 31a as it goes outward in the X direction. The shape of the cross section along the XZ plane of the accommodation recess 35 is, for example, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, or the like. The cross-sectional shape of the inner surface 35a (bottom surface) along the XZ plane is not limited to a curved convex shape, and may be linear.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the shape of the accommodation recess 35 in plan view may be, for example, an expanded shape that gradually increases in width (dimension in the Y direction) outward in the X direction. The shape of the accommodation recess 35 in plan view is not limited to the expanded shape, and the width (dimension in the Y direction) may be constant.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the shape of the accommodation recess 35 in side view may be, for example, a curved shape (curved concave shape). The shape of the accommodation recess 35 in a side view may be, for example, a semi-elliptical shape, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, or the like. In addition, the shape of the accommodation recess in a side view is not limited to the curved concave shape, and may be a rectangular shape.

As shown in FIG. 4, two engaging recesses 39 are formed in the +Y direction edge 31c of the body portion 31 at different positions in the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lid portion 32 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The lid portion 32 has the same shape as the main body portion 31 in plan view. The lid portion 32 faces the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 when in the closed state. The lid portion 32 overlaps the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 in plan view when it is in the closed state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the facing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 is a surface facing the main surface 31a of the body portion 31 in the closed state.
A positioning groove 38 and a pair of housing recesses 45 (see FIG. 4) are formed in the facing surface 32a. The positioning groove 38 is, for example, an annular groove. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the positioning groove 38 is, for example, a rectangular shape.

The positioning groove 38 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) corresponding to the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34 . The positioning groove 38 has a width that collectively includes the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34 in plan view. A portion of the top surface 38 a of the positioning groove 38 faces the bottom surface 34 a of the antenna holding groove 34 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the accommodation recesses 45 are formed on one side and the other side of the facing surface 32a, respectively. The accommodation recess 45 is formed in communication with the positioning groove 38 (see FIG. 5) (that is, connected to the positioning groove 38). The accommodation recess 45 is formed in a region including at least a portion of the side edge 32b of the lid portion 32 in plan view. The side edge 32b is an edge where the extending portion 22 protrudes from the exterior body 3 in plan view. That is, the extending portion 22 extends out of the exterior body 3 from the side edge 32b.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6B, the accommodation recess 45 is a recess whose depth from the facing surface 32a increases as it approaches the side edge 32b. That is, the accommodation recess 45 is a recess whose depth gradually increases outward in the X direction. The accommodation recess 45 having this shape makes it easier for the second antenna 2 to take an inclined posture (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The distance between the inner surface 45a of the housing recess 45 and the main surface 31a of the main body 31 increases toward the side edge 32b.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the inner surface 45a (bottom surface) of the housing recess 45 may have a curved shape (curved convex shape) that increases in inclination with respect to the facing surface 32a as it goes outward in the X direction. The shape of the cross section along the XZ plane of the accommodation recess 45 is, for example, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, or the like.
The cross-sectional shape along the XZ plane of the inner surface 45a (bottom surface) is not limited to a curved convex shape, and may be linear.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the shape of the accommodation recess 45 in plan view may be, for example, an expanded shape that gradually increases in width (dimension in the Y direction) outward in the X direction. The shape of the housing recess 45 in plan view is not limited to the expanded shape, and the width (dimension in the Y direction) may be constant.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the shape of the accommodation recess 45 in side view may be, for example, a curved shape (curved concave shape). The shape of the accommodation recess 45 in a side view may be, for example, a semielliptical shape, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, or the like. Note that the shape of the accommodation recess 45 in a side view is not limited to a curved concave shape, and may be a rectangular shape.

The accommodation recess 35 of the body portion 31 and the accommodation recess 45 of the lid portion 32 face each other. Receiving recess 35 and receiving recess 45 form a receiving space 50 . The receiving space 50 is a space in which the distance between the inner surfaces 35a and 45a gradually increases toward the side edges 31b and 32b. The receiving space 50 can receive the second antenna 2 that tilts toward and away from the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).

A cross section (YZ cross section) orthogonal to the X direction (first direction) of the receiving space 50 forms a closed figure. In this embodiment, the YZ cross section of the receiving space 50 forms a closed figure formed by facing two curved concave shapes. The YZ cross-sectional shape of the receiving space 50 may be, for example, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. The YZ cross-sectional shape of the receiving space 50 may be rectangular.

Since the YZ cross section of the receiving space 50 forms a closed figure, the tilting of the second antenna 2 within the XY plane can be restricted. Therefore, the posture of the second antenna 2 with respect to the substrate 1 can be stabilized. Therefore, the distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the first antenna 12 can be made appropriate.

Since the accommodation recesses 35 and 45 are sufficiently far apart in the Y direction, the side edges 31b and 32b are formed with slit-shaped side end openings 36 (see FIG. 2) extending in the Y direction. The side end opening 36 is an opening of a receiving space 50 formed in the side edges 31b, 32b. The dimension in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the side end opening 36 is preferably larger than the wire diameter of the extending portion 22 . The second antenna 2 (specifically, the extension portion 22 ) extends outside the exterior body 3 through the side end opening 36 .

As shown in FIG. 6B, the inner surface of the antenna holding groove 34 preferably has a curved convex shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) that smoothly continues to the accommodation recess 35 . The inner surface of the positioning groove 38 preferably has a curved convex shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) that smoothly continues to the accommodation recess 45 .

Since the accommodation recess 35 has a shape that increases in depth as it approaches the side edge 31b, the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 is a region (inner surface 35a). Since the accommodation recess 45 has a shape that increases in depth as it approaches the side edge 32b, the facing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 is an area (inner surface 45a).

In the present embodiment, both the main surface and the opposing surface have regions in which the separation distance increases toward the side edges, but the configuration of the regions is not limited to this. The region may be on at least one of the main surface and the opposing surface. For example, only one of the main surface and the opposing surface may be formed with a region where the mutual separation distance increases toward the side edge. More specifically, the exterior body may have a configuration in which a housing recess is formed in the main surface of the main body portion and no housing recess is formed in the facing surface of the lid portion. The exterior body may have a configuration in which no storage recess is formed on the main surface of the main body and a storage recess is formed on the opposite surface of the lid.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the edge 32c of the lid portion 32 in the +Y direction, two locking protrusions 40 are formed at different positions in the X direction.
A locking claw (not shown) is formed at the tip of the locking projection 40 . The locking projection 40 is inserted into the locking recess 39 (see FIG. 3) of the main body 31 . The locking claw portion of the locking convex portion 40 is locked to the body portion 31 . Thereby, the lid portion 32 is coupled to the main body portion 31 .

The connecting portion 41 is formed in a sheet shape or a plate shape. The connecting portion 41 connects the −Y direction edge 31 d of the main body portion 31 and the −Y direction edge 32 d of the lid portion 32 . The connecting portion 41 has bending elasticity in the thickness direction. The lid portion 32 covers the main surface 31a in an openable and closable manner by elastic bending of the connecting portion 41 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The connecting portion 41 applies a large elastic repulsive force in the direction of opening the main surface 31a to the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 by bending elasticity. The connecting portion 41 is formed thinner than the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32, for example.

When the lid portion 32 is in the open state (see FIG. 3), the main surface 31a of the body portion 31 is opened.
When the lid portion 32 is in the closed state (see FIG. 2), the lid portion 32 overlaps the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 and covers the main surface 31a when viewed from the Z direction. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 41 is bent. By locking the locking projections 40 of the lid 32 to the locking recesses 39 of the main body 31 , the exterior body 3 is maintained in a state where the lid 32 is closed.

The exterior body 3 is not fixed with respect to the second antenna 2 . That is, the exterior body 3 is not fixed with respect to the second antenna 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for the second antenna 2, a reference line L1 is defined. The reference line L1 is a line passing through the midpoints of the plurality of linear portions 23 in the length direction.
As shown in FIG. 1(B), the second antenna 2 is displaceable with respect to the exterior body 3 . The second antenna 2 can take a basic posture P1, a first tilted posture P2, and a second tilted posture P3. The second antenna 2 can also take an intermediate posture between the basic posture P1 and the first tilted posture P2. The second antenna 2 can also take an intermediate posture between the basic posture P1 and the second tilted posture P3.

The basic posture P1 is a posture in which the reference line L1 extends along the X direction.
The first tilted posture P2 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 rotates counterclockwise in the XZ plane with respect to the basic posture P1, and the reference line L1 in FIG. 1B is tilted downward to the left. . The first tilted posture P2 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 is most counterclockwise displaced.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a portion of the second antenna 2 that assumes the first tilted posture P2 is received in the receiving space 50. As shown in FIG. In the first inclined posture P2, part of the second antenna 2 abuts part of the exterior body 3, and counterclockwise rotation is restricted. The change in posture from the basic posture P1 to the first tilted posture P2 is tilting of the second antenna 2 in the direction toward and away from the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 .

The first tilted posture P2 is, for example, a posture in which a part of the extending portion 22 abuts against the inner surfaces of the accommodation recesses 35 and 45 and the counterclockwise rotation is restricted. The first tilted posture P2 may be a posture in which the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 contacts the inner surfaces of the antenna holding groove 34 and the positioning groove 38 to restrict counterclockwise rotation.

The second tilted posture P3 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 rotates clockwise with respect to the basic posture P1, and the reference line L1 in FIG. 1B is tilted downward to the right. The second tilted posture P3 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 is most clockwise displaced.

As shown in FIG. 7B, a portion of the second antenna 2 that assumes the second tilted posture P3 is received in the receiving space 50. As shown in FIG. In the second tilted posture P3, part of the second antenna 2 abuts against part of the exterior body 3, and clockwise rotation is restricted. The posture change from the basic posture P1 to the second tilted posture P3 is tilting of the second antenna 2 in the direction of approaching and separating from the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 .

The second tilted posture P3 is, for example, a posture in which a portion of the extending portion 22 abuts against the inner surfaces of the accommodation recesses 35 and 45, and clockwise rotation is restricted. The second tilted posture P3 may be a posture in which the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 contacts the inner surfaces of the antenna holding groove 34 and the positioning groove 38 and is restricted from rotating clockwise.

The operation of the second antenna 2 that shifts from the basic posture P1 to the first tilted posture P2 can be said to be an operation of rotating around the rotation axis A1 (see FIG. 1B) along the Y direction. The operation of the second antenna 2 that shifts from the basic posture P1 to the second tilted posture P3 can also be said to be an operation of rotating around the rotation axis A1. The rotation axis A1 passes through the center of the substrate 1 in plan view, for example. The rotation axis A1 passes through, for example, the center of the exterior body 3 in the X direction in plan view.

The tilt angle of the reference line L1 in the first tilted posture P2 with respect to the reference line L1 in the basic posture P1 and the tilt angle of the reference line L1 in the second tilted posture P3 with respect to the reference line L1 in the basic posture P1 are referred to as "θ". θ may be, for example, 2 degrees to 6 degrees. Therefore, the maximum movable angle (maximum movable angle) when the second antenna 2 rotates around the rotation axis A1 is preferably twice the tilt angle θ, that is, 4 degrees to 12 degrees.

When the maximum movable angle (2θ) is 4 degrees or more, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the second antenna 2 can be displaced according to the external force. Therefore, stress concentration at the base end portion of the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, for example, the base end portion of the extending portion 22 is unlikely to be damaged.
When the maximum movable angle (2θ) is 12 degrees or less, the posture of the second antenna 2 with respect to the substrate 1 can be stabilized, so the distance between the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 and the first antenna 12 is appropriate. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the first antenna 12 is improved.

The RFID tag 10 can be installed on an article to be installed. The RFID tag 10 may be installed on the surface of the article or may be embedded in the article. For example, when the article is deformed, an external force may act on the second antenna 2 . For example, it is conceivable that the extending portion 22 is subjected to an external force in the direction of rotation about the rotation axis A1. It is also conceivable that a tensile force in the direction away from the exterior body 3 acts on the extending portion 22 along the X direction. It is conceivable that an external force in a direction approaching the exterior body 3 acts on the extending portion 22 along the X direction.

[Effects of the RFID tag of the first embodiment]
In the RFID tag 10, the receiving space 50 (see FIG. 6B) for receiving the tilting second antenna 2 is formed between the main surface 31a and the facing surface 32a of the exterior body 3, so that the extending portion When an external force acts on 22, the second antenna 2 can be tilted according to the external force. Therefore, stress concentration at the base end portion of the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 (for example, the base end portion of the extending portion 22) is less likely to occur.
On the other hand, when the second antenna 2 is fixed to the exterior body 3, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the stress concentrates on the base end portion of the extension portion 22, and the second antenna 2 There is a possibility that the antenna 2 is likely to be damaged.

The inner surfaces 35a, 45a of the receiving space 50 are curved surfaces that are inclined so that the angle of inclination increases toward the side edges 31b, 32b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stress concentration at the location where the second antenna 2 abuts. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 is unlikely to occur.

Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a shape along the outer peripheral edge 12 a of the first antenna 12 , the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12 .
Since the antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer peripheral edge 12 a of the first antenna 12 , the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be arranged along the first antenna 12 . Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12 .

Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a curved shape (for example, a semi-elliptical shape), even when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, stress concentration is less likely to occur than in the case of a rectangular shape. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 can be made less likely to occur.

[Non-contact data receiver/transmitter] (Second embodiment)
FIG. 8A is a plan view schematically showing the RFID tag 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8B is a front view schematically showing the RFID tag 110. FIG. Configurations common to the RFID tag 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the RFID tag 110 has a pair of body cutouts 61 formed in the body portion 31 and a pair of lid cutouts 62 formed in the lid portion 32 . is formed, unlike the RFID tag 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). Body notch 61 and lid notch 62 are examples of "notches."

A pair of body cutouts 61 are formed on one side and the other side of the body portion 31, respectively. The body notch 61 is formed in a region including a part of the side edge 31b of the body portion 31 in plan view. The body notch 61 is formed in a concave shape extending inward in the X direction in a part of the side edge 31b.
The body notch 61 has, for example, a trapezoidal shape that narrows inward in the X direction in plan view. The shape of the main body notch in plan view is not particularly limited, and may be semicircular, V-shaped, U-shaped, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the body notch 61 can receive the second antenna 2 that tilts toward and away from the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 .

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a pair of lid cutouts 62 are formed on one side and the other side of the lid cutout 62, respectively. The lid notch 62 is formed in a region including a portion of the side edge 32b of the lid portion 32 in plan view. The lid cutout 62 is formed in a concave shape extending inward in the X direction in a part of the side edge 32b.
The lid notch 62 has, for example, a trapezoidal shape that narrows inward in the X direction in plan view. The shape of the lid notch in plan view is not particularly limited, and may be semicircular, V-shaped, U-shaped, or the like.
The body notch 61 and the lid notch 62 are of the same shape. The main body notch 61 and the lid notch 62 are formed at overlapping positions in plan view.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the lid cutout 62 can receive the second antenna 2 that tilts toward and away from the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 .

[Effects of the RFID tag of the second embodiment]
In the RFID tag 110, since the receiving space 50 (see FIG. 8B) is formed between the main surface 31a and the facing surface 32a of the exterior body 3, when an external force acts on the extending portion 22, The second antenna 2 becomes tiltable according to the external force. Therefore, stress concentration at the base end portion of the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 is unlikely to occur.

In the RFID tag 110 , a body notch 61 is formed in the body portion 31 and a lid notch 62 is formed in the lid portion 32 . The body notch 61 and the lid notch 62 can receive the tilting second antenna 2 . Therefore, the second antenna 2 can be tilted more greatly. Therefore, stress concentration in the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 can be made more difficult to occur.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but each configuration and combination thereof in the embodiments are examples, and additions, omissions, replacements, and other modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is possible. Moreover, the present invention is not limited by the embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the RFID tag 10 of the embodiment, the body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 of the exterior body 3 are connected, but the body portion and the lid portion may be separate bodies. .
In the RFID tag 10, the exterior body 3 includes a body portion 31 and a lid portion 32, but the configuration of the exterior body is not particularly limited. For example, the exterior body may not have a lid.
In the RFID tag 10, the extending portion 22 has a meandering shape, but the shape of the extending portion is not particularly limited. The extending portion may be linear, rectangular plate-shaped, or rectangular frame-shaped, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Substrate, 2... 2nd antenna, 3... Exterior body, 10, 110... RFID tag (non-contact type data transmitter/receiver), 11... RFID chip, 12... 1st antenna, 12a... Peripheral edge, 21... Electromagnetism Field coupling portion 21a End portion 22 Extension portion 31 Body portion 31a Main surface 31b Side edge 32 Lid portion 32a Opposite surface 32b Side edge 34 Antenna Holding grooves 35, 45 Receiving recess 35a, 45a Inner surface 37 Substrate holding recess (substrate holding portion) 50 Receiving space 61 Body notch (notch) 62 Lid notch (notch missing).

Claims (5)

a substrate provided with an RFID chip and a first antenna connected to the RFID chip;
a second antenna separate from the substrate;
an exterior body in which a substrate holding portion that holds the substrate and an antenna holding groove that holds the second antenna are formed;
with
The second antenna is
an electromagnetic field coupling portion held in the antenna holding groove and electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna;
an extending portion extending from an end portion of the electromagnetic coupling portion and extending outward from a side edge of the exterior body;
The exterior body is
a body portion having a main surface on which the substrate holding portion and the antenna holding groove are formed;
a lid having a facing surface facing the main surface and covering the main surface;
A receiving space is formed between the main surface and the opposing surface to receive the second antenna tilting in a direction toward and away from the main body and the lid,
The receiving space has a shape in which the separation distance between the inner surface of the main body portion and the inner surface of the lid portion increases toward the side edge.
Contactless data receiver/transmitter. 2. The non-contact data transmitter/receiver according to claim 1, wherein said receiving space is formed so that said second antenna can tilt at a maximum movable angle of 4 degrees to 12 degrees. 3. The non-contact data transmitter/receiver according to claim 1, wherein said inner surface of said receiving space is curved so that the angle of inclination increases toward said side edge. 4. The non-contact type data according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of said receiving space passing through said one side edge and said other side edge of said exterior body and perpendicular to said first direction forms a closed figure. Receiving and Transmitting Body. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a notch is formed in said main body and said lid for receiving said second antenna tilting in a direction toward and away from said main body and said lid. A contactless data receiver/transmitter according to .

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