JP2008197714A - Non-contact data carrier device, and auxiliary antenna for non-contact data carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a non-contact data carrier device capable of reducing fluctuation of resonant frequency even if non-contact data carrier devices are stacked, and achieving stable performance over a wider band of frequencies, and an auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier that is a component of the device. <P>SOLUTION: The non-contact data carrier device 1a includes a non-contact data carrier 2 having an IC chip 21 capable of storing data and a main antenna 22 connected to the IC chip 21; and a plurality of independent auxiliary antennas 4, 5 for a non-contact carrier that are coupled to the main antenna 22 without making contact, to amplify electric waves sent and received by the main antenna 22. The plurality of independent auxiliary antennas 4, 5 are given different resonant impedances so as to achieve stable performance over a wider range of frequencies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact data carrier device capable of reading out stored data in a non-contact manner and an auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier which is a component thereof.

  In recent years, contactless data carriers using IC chips (also referred to as IC tags, wireless tags, RFIDs, etc.) have been used as carriers for tag information of articles. The main components of the contactless data carrier are an IC chip that holds data, and an external reader / writer and an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves at a predetermined resonance frequency such as 13.56 MHz.

  In particular, in a miniaturized non-contact data carrier, the antenna is constituted by a main antenna provided on an IC chip or on a small substrate on which the IC chip is mounted and electrically and mechanically connected to the IC chip. Further, for the purpose of extending the communication distance between the reader / writer and the like, one auxiliary antenna is provided as a booster antenna that amplifies the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). , And FIG. 14).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional non-contact data carrier device 901 provided with one auxiliary antenna. As shown in the figure, a conventional non-contact data carrier device 901 includes a non-contact data carrier 902 and an electrically insulating substrate 903 that is bonded to the non-contact data carrier 902 and is sufficiently larger than the non-contact data carrier 902. And an auxiliary antenna 904 having a spiral antenna pattern formed on one surface of the electrically insulating substrate 903. The non-contact data carrier 902 includes an IC chip 921 that holds data, and a main antenna 922 that has a spiral antenna pattern that is connected to the IC chip 921 and transmits / receives data to / from an external reader / writer. The auxiliary antenna 904 is a non-contact data carrier auxiliary antenna that amplifies transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna. The main antenna 922 and the auxiliary antenna 904 are connected in a non-contact manner, with part of the spiral antenna pattern overlapping each other.

FIG. 15 is a graph schematically showing the resonance frequency characteristics of a conventional non-contact data carrier auxiliary antenna. In the figure, the hatched area indicates a communicable frequency band. In the same figure, the upper part shows the characteristic of the resonance frequency of the non-contact data carrier device alone, and the lower part shows the characteristic of the resonance frequency in the actual use environment installed in the article or the like.
JP 2001-319207 A JP 2002-109492 A

  However, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, even if one auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier that amplifies transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna is provided, depending on the situation where the non-contact data carrier device is actually used, Since the resonance frequency may fluctuate, there is a problem that communication with the reader / writer cannot be performed stably.

  In the actual use environment of non-contact data carrier devices, non-contact data when installed close to each other, such as differences in permittivity due to differences in the material of the object to be attached, or by stacking multiple non-contact data carrier devices The resonance frequency may vary due to mutual influences between the carrier devices. For example, it is known that the resonance frequency is high when the attachment object of the non-contact data carrier device is made of metal, and the resonance frequency is low when made of resin. Further, it is known that when a plurality of non-contact data carrier devices are stacked, the resonance frequency is lowered due to mutual influences between the non-contact data carriers.

  As schematically shown by adding A1 in the upper part of FIG. 15, even when the center of the resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna is set in accordance with the carrier frequency f, the resonance frequency is lowered in the actual use environment. In this case (see A1a in FIG. 15), the reader / writer cannot be stably communicated. Similarly, in the actual use environment, even when the resonance frequency becomes high (see A1b in FIG. 15), communication with the reader / writer cannot be performed.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, even when the materials of the articles to be attached are different, or even when the non-contact data carrier devices are stacked and installed close to each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-contact data carrier device capable of reducing the influence and obtaining stable performance in a wider frequency band and an auxiliary antenna used therefor.

  In order to solve the above problems, a contactless data carrier device according to the present invention includes a contactless data carrier including an IC chip capable of storing data and a main antenna connected to the IC chip, and the main antenna. A plurality of independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas that are coupled in a non-contact manner and amplify the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna.

  That is, the non-contact data carrier apparatus according to the present invention includes two or more independent auxiliary antennas that are non-contact coupled to the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier. Therefore, the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna can be amplified more reliably, and stable performance can be obtained.

  In addition, since two or more independent auxiliary antennas for amplifying the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna are provided, the individual auxiliary antennas can have different characteristics (resonance impedance, resonance frequency, etc.). By making each of the plurality of independent auxiliary antennas have different resonance impedances, even if the frequency fluctuates, a predetermined resonance frequency can be obtained due to the presence of other auxiliary antennas. Therefore, stable performance can be obtained in a wider frequency band.

  According to the present invention, even when the materials of the non-contact data carrier attachment target object are different, or even when the non-contact data carrier devices are stacked close to each other, the influence can be mitigated, A non-contact data carrier device capable of obtaining stable performance in a wider frequency band and a manufacturing method thereof can be provided.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas that amplify the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna are antenna coils that function as booster antennas having a carrier frequency of 13.56 MHz. As a structure of the antenna coil, the non-contact data carrier auxiliary antenna may include a spiral antenna pattern formed on an insulating substrate.

  The spiral antenna pattern can be formed by a known patterning method such as etching using photolithography or screen printing. Instead of the spiral antenna pattern, a winding obtained by winding a linear conductor such as a copper wire in a spiral shape may be used.

  In order to electromagnetically couple the auxiliary antenna and the main antenna in a non-contact manner, the auxiliary antenna is formed so that a part of the auxiliary antenna overlaps with a part of the main antenna when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface. Is done.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary antennas may be provided apart from each other on the same main surface of the same substrate. Since a plurality of independent auxiliary antennas can be formed on the same main surface of the same substrate at the same time, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the auxiliary antenna substrate can be thinned.

  The auxiliary antennas may be provided on different main surfaces of the same substrate. By providing separate auxiliary antennas on the front surface side and the back surface side, it is possible to capture magnetic flux from either the front or back surface side, and to more reliably amplify the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna.

  The auxiliary antenna may be provided on each of a plurality of laminated substrates. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide more independent auxiliary antennas within a limited area. Further, by providing independent individual auxiliary antennas on a plurality of integrated substrates, a non-contact data carrier can be disposed inside the plurality of substrates, and the non-contact data carrier is protected. It is also possible.

  When the auxiliary antennas are provided on different main surfaces of the same substrate, or are provided on a plurality of stacked substrates, that is, when independent individual auxiliary antennas are provided on a plurality of layers, the auxiliary antenna is an antenna. When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the formation surface, the main coil portions (regions surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) of the individual auxiliary antennas may be overlapped with each other. By doing so, it is possible to secure sufficient impedance while reducing the area of the auxiliary antenna substrate.

  In this case, it is preferable that the main coil portion of each independent auxiliary antenna (the region surrounding the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) overlaps about half when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface. . By doing so, magnetic flux density can be improved efficiently.

  Further, in the case where independent individual auxiliary antennas are provided in a plurality of layers, a part or all of the individual auxiliary antennas may not overlap each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact data carrier may be disposed on the inner layer of the multilayer substrate provided with the auxiliary antenna. By doing so, the contactless data carrier can be protected. The non-contact data carrier may be disposed on the outermost layer (outermost layer) of the substrate on which the auxiliary antenna is provided.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of independent auxiliary antennas have different resonance impedances. By making independent auxiliary antennas have different resonance impedances, the characteristics of each of the auxiliary antennas such as resonance frequencies can be made different from each other, and the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier can be used over a wider frequency range. It is possible to amplify transmission / reception radio waves.

  As the non-contact data carrier used in the non-contact data carrier device of the present invention, any non-contact data carrier IC chip and main antenna may be used. The main antenna may be a single-layer spiral antenna pattern, a spiral antenna pattern formed in a multilayer structure, or a conductor winding. Good. The main antenna may be a so-called chip-on-coil antenna formed in the same package as the non-contact data carrier IC chip. In any case, by providing a plurality of independent auxiliary antennas, the transmission and reception radio waves of the main antenna can be more reliably amplified, and stable performance can be obtained in a wider frequency band. A non-contact data carrier device and a manufacturing method thereof can be provided.

  Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted in principle. In the description of each embodiment, the description of the contents already described is omitted in principle.

(First embodiment)
1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D (hereinafter also referred to as FIGS. 1A to 1D) are diagrams illustrating a non-contact data carrier device having an auxiliary antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view schematically showing the non-contact data carrier device 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted. FIG. 1B is a plan view of FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for schematically showing the connection relationship of the main antenna of one embodiment of the non-contact data carrier indicated by reference numeral 2 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, a non-contact data carrier device 1a according to this embodiment includes a non-contact data carrier 2, an electrically insulating substrate 3, and an independent surface formed on one surface of the electrically insulating substrate 3. The non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are provided. The electrically insulating substrate 3 and the non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 constitute a non-contact data carrier auxiliary antenna substrate.

  The non-contact data carrier 2 is a non-contact data carrier that can transmit / receive data to / from an external reader / writer and can read stored data in a non-contact manner. The non-contact data carrier 2 includes an IC chip 21 capable of storing data, and a main antenna 22 having both ends connected to the IC chip. The main antenna 22 is an antenna coil for the 13.56 MHz band.

  The IC chip 21 is mainly composed of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a logic circuit, and an arithmetic unit (CPU) (not shown). The CPU executes various types of arithmetic processing such as communication control with a reader / writer and response processing using programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM. The ROM stores a tag identification code that is identification information uniquely assigned to each RFID tag when the non-contact data carrier 2 is manufactured, and the tag identification code cannot be rewritten. The IC chip 21 is mounted with a capacitor in addition to a rewritable nonvolatile memory and an RF circuit for wireless communication that do not require power backup.

  The main antenna 22 has a spiral antenna pattern. The main antenna 22 is illustrated as a single-layer structure in FIGS. 1A to 1D, but is not limited to this, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, a multi-layer structure including four-layer spiral antenna patterns. Also good. That is, four unit antenna substrates (not shown) on which spiral antenna patterns 221, 222, 223, and 224 are respectively formed are stacked, and the antenna pattern of each layer is connected to the interlayer connector 225, as shown in FIG. The main antenna 22 may be configured as one antenna coil connected in series by 226, 227, and 228.

  As described above, when the main antenna 22 is a multi-layered antenna coil, the non-contact data carrier 2 can be reduced in size while ensuring necessary inductance. The external size of the non-contact data carrier 2 viewed from the direction orthogonal to the surface of the main antenna 22 can be 10 mm × 10 mm or less, for example, 5 mm × 5 mm, 3 mm × 6 mm, or the like.

  The non-contact data carrier used in the non-contact data carrier device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the non-contact data carrier may be a so-called chip-on-coil type in which a main antenna is formed on an IC chip for a non-contact data carrier.

  The main antenna is not limited to a multilayer structure antenna coil, and may be an antenna coil having a single layer structure spiral antenna pattern. When the main antenna is an antenna coil having a single-layer antenna pattern, the non-contact data carrier can be reduced in thickness and price. In addition, the main antenna may be an antenna coil formed of a winding obtained by winding a metal wire such as a copper wire in a spiral shape.

  The insulating substrate 3 is a support substrate serving as a base for forming an auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier. The insulating substrate 3 is electrically insulative and has a flexible sheet-like or plate-like shape made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and forms and supports the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5. The size and thickness are necessary and sufficient.

  The non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are booster antennas that amplify transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna 22, respectively. The auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are configured to operate independently of each other. Further, the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are configured in such a direction as not to cancel the energy of the magnetic field received from the reader / writer.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 of this embodiment are antenna coils each having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern. The wiring pattern including the spiral antenna pattern can be formed by, for example, etching an aluminum foil or copper foil, screen printing with a conductive paste, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the spiral antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are arranged on the same layer of the same main surface of the same insulating substrate 3 so as to be separated from each other and their outer shapes are arranged adjacent to each other. Is formed.

  When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, the main antenna 22 and the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are part of the main antenna so that they can be electromagnetically coupled without contact. They are arranged so as to overlap. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, the non-contact data carrier 2 has at least a main coil portion of the main antenna 22 (region surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface. A part is arranged so as to straddle both a part of the coil part of the auxiliary antenna 4 (a region surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) and a part of the coil part of the auxiliary antenna 5. As shown in FIG. 1D, the main antenna and the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 of the non-contact data carrier 2 are disposed so as to be substantially parallel to each other, and are electrically connected in a non-contact manner. The insulating substrate 3 on which the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed and the main antenna 22 are fixed by an adhesive 8.

  The outer end 4a and the inner end 4b of the antenna pattern of the auxiliary antenna 4 are connected by a jumper wire 4c and caulking portions 4d and 4e formed on the opposite surface of the insulating substrate 3. The auxiliary antenna 4 as a whole constitutes one independent antenna coil. Similarly, the outer end 5a and the inner end 5b of the spiral antenna pattern of the auxiliary antenna 5 are connected by jumper wires 5c and caulking portions 5d and 5e formed on the opposite surface of the insulating substrate 3. . The auxiliary antenna 5 as a whole constitutes one independent antenna coil.

  The number of turns of the antenna pattern of the auxiliary antenna 4 is, for example, 6, and the number of turns of the antenna pattern of the auxiliary antenna 5 is, for example, 4. In this way, by making the number of turns of the antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 different from each other, the impedance of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 can be made different, and a plurality of resonance frequency peaks can be made. Therefore, it can respond to a wide range of resonance frequencies. The number of turns of the antenna pattern of the auxiliary antenna is not limited to the illustrated example, and can be appropriately determined according to the required impedance.

  According to this embodiment, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, the independent auxiliary antennas for contactless data carriers arranged so as not to overlap each other 2 so that even if one auxiliary antenna overlaps the antenna of another non-contact data carrier device and the frequency fluctuates, the other auxiliary antenna can amplify the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna. And stable communication can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since two independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas having different characteristics (resonance impedance, resonance frequency, etc.) are provided, a wide range of resonance frequencies compared to conventional auxiliary antennas. It becomes possible to cope with.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, two independent spiral antenna patterns can be simultaneously formed on the same plane (same layer) of the same substrate, so that productivity can be improved.

  Note that the number of auxiliary antennas is not limited to two and may be plural. For example, as shown below, the number may be four or any number.

(Second Embodiment)
3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier device having an auxiliary antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. 3A is a plan view schematically showing the non-contact data carrier device 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 3B is a plan view of FIG. 3A. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD, and FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 3A.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the non-contact data carrier device 1b of this embodiment includes four independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7. Each of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 is a booster antenna that amplifies transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna 22 of the non-contact data carrier 2. Each of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 is an antenna coil having a spiral antenna pattern. The auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are configured to operate independently of each other.

  The main antenna 22 and the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface so that they can be electromagnetically coupled without contact, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil. The coil portion (the region surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) is arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the non-contact data carrier 2 is viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface, at least a part of the coil portion of the main antenna 22 It arrange | positions so that some coil parts may be straddled.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the main antenna and the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the non-contact data carrier 2 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other, and are contactless and electrically Connected. The insulating substrate 3 on which the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6 and 7 are formed and the main antenna 22 are fixed by an adhesive 8.

  The outer sizes of the antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are almost the same. The spiral antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, 7 are separated from each other on the same layer of the same main surface of the same insulating substrate 3 and their outer shapes are arranged adjacent to each other. Is formed. Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the number of turns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are all different. In the illustrated example, the number of turns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 is 6, 4, 2, and 8, respectively. However, the number of turns of the auxiliary antenna is not limited thereto. A wide range of resonance frequencies can be handled.

  According to this embodiment, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, the independent auxiliary antennas for contactless data carriers arranged so as not to overlap each other Even if the frequency of the auxiliary antenna of some of the auxiliary antennas overlaps with the antennas of other non-contact data carrier devices, the main antenna depends on one of the remaining auxiliary antennas. The transmission / reception radio wave of the antenna can be amplified, and the communication distance can be more reliably extended.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, four independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas having different characteristics (resonance impedance, resonance frequency, etc.) from each other are provided, compared with the auxiliary antenna of the first embodiment. Furthermore, it becomes possible to deal with a wide range of resonance frequencies.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, four independent spiral antenna patterns can be simultaneously formed on the same plane (same layer) of the same substrate, which can greatly contribute to productivity improvement.

(Third embodiment)
4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier device having an auxiliary antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4A is a plan view schematically showing a non-contact data carrier device 1c according to the third embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of FIG. 4A. It is typical sectional drawing which follows the FF line.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the non-contact data carrier device 1c of this embodiment, two independent auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 each having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern are connected to the same insulating substrate 3. Are formed on different main surfaces. Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, two independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, are provided. I have one. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if one auxiliary antenna overlaps with the antenna of another non-contact data carrier device and the frequency fluctuates, the other auxiliary antenna amplifies the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna. And stable communication can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since two independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas having different characteristics (impedance, resonance frequency, etc.) are provided, the resonance frequency can be increased over a wide range compared to the conventional auxiliary antenna. It becomes possible to respond.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are provided independently on the front side and the back side, the magnetic flux from either the front or back side can be captured, and transmission / reception of the main antenna is performed. Radio waves can be amplified more reliably. Therefore, stable communication can be performed.

  Note that the number of auxiliary antennas is not limited to two and may be plural. For example, when four auxiliary antennas are provided as in the non-contact data carrier device 1b shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, some of them may be formed on different surfaces (layers).

(Fourth embodiment)
5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a plan view schematically showing a non-contact data carrier device 1d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H in FIG. 5A. 5B and 5C, the main antenna of the contactless data carrier 2 is omitted, but in this embodiment, the same contactless data carrier 2 as that shown in FIGS. 1D and 2 is used. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, the non-contact data carrier device 1d according to this embodiment is configured such that two independent auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern have the same insulation. Formed on different main surfaces of the conductive substrate 3, and substantially all of the region (main coil portion) surrounded by the spiral antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface Overlap each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the main antenna and the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 of the non-contact data carrier 2 are spaced apart so that their antenna forming surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. Are electrically connected. The insulating substrate 3 on which the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed and the main antenna 22 are fixed by an adhesive 8.

  In this embodiment, separate auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are provided independently on the front side and the back side, so that the magnetic flux from both the front and back sides can be captured, and the transmitted and received radio waves of the main antenna can be more reliably transmitted. Can be amplified and stable communication can be performed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas having different characteristics (resonance impedance, resonance frequency, etc.) are provided, a wide range of resonance frequencies compared to conventional auxiliary antennas. It becomes possible to cope with. Note that the number of auxiliary antennas is not limited to two and may be plural.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface, the main coil portions of the independent auxiliary antennas are formed so as to substantially all overlap. It becomes possible to secure a sufficient impedance while making it smaller. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the non-contact data carrier device when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface.

(Fifth embodiment)
6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6A is a plan view schematically showing a non-contact data carrier device 1e according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 6B is a plan view of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line JJ in FIG. 6A. 6B and 6C, the main antenna of the contactless data carrier 2 is omitted, but in this embodiment, the same contactless data carrier 2 as that shown in FIGS. 1D and 2 is used. Can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, in the non-contact data carrier device 1e of this embodiment, two independent auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern are identically insulated. Formed on different main surfaces of the conductive substrate 3 and surrounded by the outermost periphery of the main spiral portion (coil portion) of the spiral antenna pattern of each of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna formation surface. The areas overlap by about half. The other points are the same as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

  According to the present embodiment, separate auxiliary antennas that are independent on the front surface side and the back surface side are provided so that the main coil portions overlap each other by about half, so that the magnetic flux from either the front or back surface side can be efficiently captured. Therefore, the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna can be amplified more reliably. The magnetic flux density can be improved efficiently. Also, the area of the auxiliary antenna substrate can be reduced as compared with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

(Sixth embodiment)
7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to still another embodiment. 7A is a plan view schematically showing a non-contact data carrier device 1f according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side on which the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of FIG. 7A. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG. 7A. 7B and 7C, the main antenna of the contactless data carrier 2 is omitted, but in this embodiment, the same contactless data carrier 2 as that shown in FIGS. 1D and 2 is used. The contactless data carrier 2 has a main antenna.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the non-contact data carrier device 1f of this embodiment includes four independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 each including a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern, 5, 6 and 7. Each of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 is a booster antenna that amplifies transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier 2. The auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are configured to operate independently of each other. In this example, the outer sizes of the antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are almost the same.

  The main antenna 22 and the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other so that at least a part of the main coil portions overlap each other so that they can be electromagnetically coupled without contact. Has been. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the non-contact data carrier 2 is arranged so that the main antenna 22 straddles a part of all the coil portions of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7. The non-contact data carrier 2 having the main antenna and the insulating substrate 3 on which the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, 7 are formed are fixed by an adhesive 8, for example.

  The auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6 and 7 are formed in different layers, respectively, and when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, the coil portions of the individual auxiliary antennas ( The region surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) overlaps each other by about half.

  In this example, the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed on different main surfaces of the same insulating substrate 3A, and when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil. The regions surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are overlapped by about half. The auxiliary antennas 6 and 7 are formed on different main surfaces of an insulating substrate on which the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed and another identical insulating substrate 3B provided so that a part thereof is opposed. . When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, the coil portions of the auxiliary antennas 6 and 7 (regions surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) overlap by about half. ing. Other points are the same as those of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

  Also in this embodiment, the number of turns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 are all different. In the illustrated example, the number of turns of the auxiliary antennas 4, 5, 6, and 7 is 6, 4, 2, and 8, respectively. However, the number of turns of the auxiliary antenna is not limited thereto.

  According to the present embodiment, separate auxiliary antennas that are independent on the front surface side and the back surface side are provided so that the main coil portions overlap each other by about half, so that the magnetic flux from either the front or back surface side can be efficiently captured. Thus, the transmission / reception radio wave of the main antenna can be amplified more reliably. The magnetic flux density can be improved efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, each auxiliary antenna 4, 5, 6, 7 is formed on one side of a separate single layer substrate to provide a unit auxiliary antenna substrate, and these four unit auxiliary antenna substrates are shown in FIG. 7A. They may be superposed in such a planar arrangement and fixed with an adhesive or the like. Since a plurality of auxiliary antennas can be manufactured separately and pasted together, manufacturing is easy. Even in this case, the magnetic flux from both the front and back surfaces can be efficiently captured, and the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna can be more reliably amplified. The magnetic flux density can be improved efficiently.

(Seventh embodiment)
8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams illustrating a non-contact data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to still another embodiment. FIG. 8A is a plan view schematically showing the non-contact data carrier device 1g according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention from the main surface side where the non-contact data carrier 2 is mounted, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line NN in FIG. 8A. 8B and 8C, the non-contact data carrier 2 is shown with its main antenna omitted. Also in this embodiment, a non-contact data carrier 2 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1D and 2 can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the non-contact data carrier device 1g of this embodiment includes two independent auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 each having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern. Formed on the opposing main surfaces of the insulating substrates 3A and 3B, respectively, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, that is, when viewed from the axial direction of the antenna coil, the main antennas 4 and 5 respectively. Coil portions (regions surrounded by the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) substantially overlap each other. The non-contact data carrier 2 is disposed between the insulating substrates 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B and is fixed by an adhesive 8. The other points are the same as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

  In the auxiliary antenna substrate of the present embodiment, auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed on one side of different insulating substrates 3A and 3B, respectively, and the antenna patterns overlap each other with the surface of the formed auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 inside. The auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are opposed to each other, the non-contact data carrier 2 is interposed between the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5, and bonding is performed using an adhesive 8.

  Alternatively, for example, auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed at predetermined positions on the same surface of a sufficiently large sheet-like insulating substrate made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), for example, and the surfaces of the formed auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are set to the inside. The antenna patterns may be folded so that they overlap each other, the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are opposed to each other, the non-contact data carrier 2 is interposed between the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5, and so-called lamination is performed by an adhesive or thermocompression bonding. Can be produced.

  According to this embodiment, all the effects obtained in the fourth embodiment can be obtained, and the non-contact data carrier 2 is not exposed to the outer layer and is disposed inside the insulating substrates 3A and 3B. The contact data carrier 2 can be protected. That is, in this embodiment, the insulating substrates 3A and 3B which are support substrates for the auxiliary antenna also have a function of a protective layer for protecting the non-contact data carrier 2.

(Eighth embodiment)
9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to still another embodiment. FIG. 9A is a plan view schematically showing the non-contact data carrier device 1h according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention from one side, and FIG. 9B is a schematic view taken along the line OO in FIG. 9A. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P in FIG. 9A. 9B and 9C, the main antenna of the contactless data carrier 2 is omitted, but in this embodiment, the same contactless data carrier 2 as that shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 2 is used. Can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the non-contact data carrier device 1e of this embodiment includes two independent auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 each having a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern. Formed on opposite main surfaces of the insulating substrates 3A and 3B. When viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, the main coil portions of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5, that is, the most of the spiral antenna pattern are formed. The area surrounded by the outer periphery overlaps by about half. The non-contact data carrier 2 is disposed between the insulating substrates 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B and is fixed by an adhesive 8. Other points are the same as those of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

  According to the present embodiment, all the effects obtained in the fifth embodiment can be obtained, and the non-contact data carrier 2 is disposed inside the insulating substrates 3A and 3B without being exposed to the outer layer. The contact data carrier 2 can be protected. That is, in this embodiment, the insulating substrates 3A and 3B which are support substrates for the auxiliary antenna also have a function of a protective layer for protecting the non-contact data carrier 2.

(Ninth embodiment)
10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating a contactless data carrier apparatus having an auxiliary antenna according to still another embodiment. FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing the non-contact data carrier device 1i according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention from one main surface side of the non-contact data carrier 1i, and FIG. 10B is a diagram of Q in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line RR in FIG. 10A. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier 2 is omitted, but also in this embodiment, the non-contact data carrier 2 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1D and 2 is used. Can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the non-contact data carrier device 1f of this embodiment includes four independent non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas 4 each including a wiring pattern including a spiral antenna pattern, 5, 6 and 7.

  The auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed on different main surfaces of the same insulating substrate 3A, and when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, the main coil portions (spiral antennas) of the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed. The area surrounded by the outermost periphery of the pattern is overlapped by about half.

  The auxiliary antennas 6 and 7 are formed on different main surfaces of the same insulating substrate 3B different from the insulating substrate on which the auxiliary antennas 4 and 5 are formed. When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface, the main coil portions (regions surrounding the outermost periphery of the spiral antenna pattern) of the spiral antenna patterns of the auxiliary antennas 6 and 7 overlap by about half. The other points are the same as in the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C.

  According to the present embodiment, all the effects obtained in the sixth embodiment can be obtained, and the non-contact data carrier 2 is disposed inside the insulating substrates 3A and 3B without being exposed to the outer layer. The contact data carrier 2 can be protected. That is, in this embodiment, the insulating substrates 3A and 3B which are support substrates for the auxiliary antenna also have a function of a protective layer for protecting the non-contact data carrier 2.

(Function)
FIGS. 11 to 13 are graphs schematically showing the characteristics of the resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna for contactless data carrier according to the embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the hatched area indicates a frequency band in which communication with an external reader / writer is possible. The upper part shows the characteristic of the resonance frequency of the non-contact data carrier device alone, and the lower part shows the characteristic of the resonance frequency in an actual use environment installed on an article or the like.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where two auxiliary antennas for non-contact data carriers are provided. As shown in the figure, in this example, one of the two auxiliary antennas is set so that the center frequency matches the carrier frequency f (see A1), and the other auxiliary antennas are set to have the center frequency set to the carrier frequency f. It is set to be higher by about 1 to 2 MHz (see A2). In this way, by setting the resonance frequency characteristics of the two auxiliary antennas so that the center frequencies are different from each other, even if the resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna showing the frequency characteristics of A1 changes as shown in A1a, The resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna changes like A2a and enters the frequency band where communication with the reader / writer is possible. Therefore, this non-contact data carrier device can communicate with the reader / writer.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where n (for example, three) auxiliary antennas for non-contact data carriers are provided. As shown in the figure, the resonance frequency characteristics of the n auxiliary antennas are A1, A2, and An, respectively, and their center frequencies are different. The center frequency of A1 is set to be the same as the carrier frequency f, the center frequency of A2 is set to be about 1 to 2 MHz lower than the carrier frequency f, and the center frequency of A3 is set to be about 1 to 2 MHz higher than the carrier frequency f. Yes. By making the resonance impedances of the n auxiliary antennas different from each other, different resonance frequencies can be obtained. By setting the resonance frequency characteristics of the n auxiliary antennas in this way, when the resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna changes as A1a, A2a, and Ana in the actual usage environment, Ana becomes the reader / writer. Enter the communicable frequency band. Therefore, this non-contact data carrier device can communicate with the reader / writer.

  FIG. 13 shows another example when n (for example, three) non-contact data carrier auxiliary antennas are provided. As shown in the figure, the resonance frequency characteristics of the n auxiliary antennas are A1, A2, and An, respectively, and their center frequencies are different. The center frequency of A1 is set to be about 1 to 2 MHz lower than the carrier frequency f, the center frequency of A2 is set to be the same as the carrier frequency f, and the center frequency of A3 is set to be 1 to 2 MHz higher than the carrier frequency f. By making the resonance impedances of the n auxiliary antennas different from each other, different resonance frequencies can be obtained. By making the resonance impedances of the n auxiliary antennas different from each other, different resonance frequencies can be obtained. By setting the resonance frequency characteristics of the n auxiliary antennas in this way, when the resonance frequencies of the auxiliary antennas change as A1a, A2a, and Ana in the actual usage environment, A2a becomes the reader / writer. It enters the frequency band where it can communicate with. In the actual usage environment, when the resonance frequency of the auxiliary antenna changes as A1b, A2b, and Anb, A2b enters a frequency band in which communication with the reader / writer is possible. In this way, the non-contact data carrier device can communicate with the reader / writer in a wide frequency range.

  Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified.

  For example, in the above embodiment, each auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier is formed by a spiral antenna pattern, but instead, a linear conductor such as a copper wire is wound a predetermined number of times. You may provide by a winding. Even in this case, it is possible to provide a plurality of independent auxiliary antennas in a predetermined arrangement relationship, and the effects of the present invention can be achieved.

  In the above embodiment, the auxiliary antenna for the non-contact data carrier has a configuration in which the antenna coil is formed on the support substrate. However, the antenna antenna may be configured by an independent winding without the support substrate. . In the case of a configuration having a support substrate, a more stable auxiliary antenna can be obtained and the handling of the auxiliary antenna can be facilitated. In the case where the supporting substrate is not provided, an auxiliary antenna can be easily obtained by winding.

It is a top view showing typically the non-contact data carrier device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. 1A. It is sectional drawing which follows the BB line of FIG. 1A. It is sectional drawing which follows the CC line of FIG. 1A. It is a typical exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier used for the non-contact data carrier device of the present invention. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on other one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the DD line | wire of FIG. 3A. It is sectional drawing which follows the EE line | wire of FIG. 3A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the FF line of FIG. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the GG line of FIG. 5A. It is sectional drawing which follows the HH line of FIG. 5A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the II line | wire of FIG. 6A. It is sectional drawing which follows the JJ line of FIG. 6A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the KK line | wire of FIG. 7A. It is sectional drawing which follows the LL line | wire of FIG. 7A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the MM line | wire of FIG. 8A. It is sectional drawing which follows the NN line | wire of FIG. 8A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the OO line of FIG. 9A. It is sectional drawing which follows the PP line of FIG. 9A. It is a top view which represents typically the non-contact data carrier apparatus which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the QQ line of FIG. 10A. It is sectional drawing which follows the RR line | wire of FIG. 10A. It is a graph which shows typically the characteristic of the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna for non-contact data carriers concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows typically the characteristic of the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna for non-contact data carriers concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows typically the characteristic of the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna for non-contact data carriers concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the conventional non-contact data carrier apparatus. It is a graph which shows typically the characteristic of the resonant frequency of the conventional auxiliary antenna for non-contact data carriers.

Explanation of symbols

  1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j ... Non-contact data carrier device, 2 ... Non-contact data carrier, 21 ... IC chip, 22 ... Main antenna, 3, 3A, 3B ... Insulation Substrate, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... auxiliary antenna, 8 ... adhesive

Claims (17)

A non-contact data carrier comprising an IC chip capable of storing data and a main antenna connected to the IC chip;
A non-contact data carrier device comprising a plurality of independent auxiliary antennas for a non-contact data carrier coupled in a non-contact manner with the main antenna and amplifying transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna.   2. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary antenna includes a spiral antenna pattern formed on an insulating substrate.   3. The non-contact according to claim 1, wherein a part of the auxiliary antenna overlaps a part of the main antenna when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface. Data carrier device.   4. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary antennas are provided apart from each other on the same main surface of the same substrate.   4. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary antennas are provided on different main surfaces of the same substrate.   4. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary antenna is provided on each of a plurality of integrated substrates.   7. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 5, wherein a part or all of each auxiliary antenna overlaps each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface.   7. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 5, wherein each of the auxiliary antennas is provided so as to be spaced apart from each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the antenna forming surface.   9. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact data carrier is disposed on an outermost layer of a substrate on which the auxiliary antenna is provided.   9. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact data carrier is disposed in an inner layer of a substrate on which the auxiliary antenna is provided.   The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary antennas have resonance impedances different from each other.   12. The non-contact data carrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier has an antenna pattern having a single layer structure.   12. The non-contact data carrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier has an antenna pattern having a multilayer structure.   12. The non-contact data carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the main antenna of the non-contact data carrier is formed of a winding. A contactless data carrier auxiliary antenna that amplifies the transmission / reception radio waves of the main antenna coupled to the main antenna of the noncontact data carrier having an IC chip capable of storing data and a main antenna connected to the IC chip. Because
An auxiliary antenna for a contactless data carrier, comprising a plurality of independent antennas.   The auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier according to claim 15, further comprising a spiral antenna pattern formed on an insulating substrate.   17. The auxiliary antenna for a non-contact data carrier according to claim 15, wherein the auxiliary antennas have resonance impedances different from each other.

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