JP2004138766A - Rf tag sheet, and method and device for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manufacture an RF (radio frequency) tag sheet inexpensively, easily, and with good response immediately, and also to cope with throw-away use. <P>SOLUTION: The RF tag sheet is provided with a lower electrode 16 and an upper electrode 17 formed on the surface of a resin film 12, and a characteristic altering means 14 which forms at least a part of these and also alters the antenna characteristic by disconnection by being heated. As another example, the RF tag sheet is provided with a plurality of capacitors connected to an antenna pattern in parallel, and a characteristic altering means 24 which forms at least a part of each capacitor and also alters the antenna characteristic by disconnection by being heated. The characteristic altering means 14 is correctly heated and disconnected with a thermal head. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an RF tag sheet, an RF tag sheet manufacturing method, and an RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus suitable for use in, for example, attaching to an article such as a product or luggage and performing identification and management of the article.
[0002]
[Prior art]
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-44794
An example using an RF tag for product management and the like is described in Patent Document 1.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 10 of the publication, the "tableware tableware classification method and the tableware used in the classification method and the tableware sorting apparatus and tableware sorting apparatus" described in Patent Document 1 discloses a resonance tag 47 at the bottom of the tableware 42 to 46. To 51, and a tag reading device 24 attached to the tray place 22. The tag reader 24 includes a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna 32, transmits radio waves of a plurality of frequencies, and receives echo waves from the dishes 42 to 46. The resonance tags 47 to 51 of the dishes 42 to 46 resonate with radio waves of a plurality of frequencies transmitted from the tag reading device 24, and emit different echo waves for each of the dishes 42 to 46. The tag reader 24 receives this echo wave and classifies the dishes 42 to 46.
[0005]
The resonance tags (RF tags) 47 to 51 each include a coil and a capacitor. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the publication, a circular sheet-shaped insulator having a size of about a coin is provided, and both sides of the insulator are directed from the outer peripheral portion toward the center portion. By printing a copper foil in a coil shape, a resonance circuit including a coil and a capacitor is formed. By changing the shape of the coil of the RF tag and the capacitance of the capacitor, a different resonance frequency can be given to the RF tag.
[0006]
In this RF tag, the coil is formed by etching a copper foil by photolithography or the like and sticking it to an insulator. Similarly, the capacitor is formed by attaching the capacitor alone.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described RF tag, since an operation process of attaching a coil and a capacitor to a substrate is essential, the operation process is complicated and time-consuming, and cost cannot be reduced. Furthermore, since RF tags unique to each product must be manufactured in accordance with the product to be used, there is a problem that it is complicated and time-consuming, and cost cannot be reduced.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and can be manufactured accurately, easily, and responsively, and can be manufactured at a low cost and can cope with disposable applications. An object of the present invention is to provide an RF tag sheet manufacturing method and an RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus.
[0009]
Further, another object of the present invention is to prepare a plurality of the same RF tag sheet and cut a low melting point alloy or a low brittle alloy of a predetermined RF tag at the time of use, thereby obtaining a plurality of products or purposes of use. An object of the present invention is to provide an RF tag sheet, a method for manufacturing an RF tag sheet, and an apparatus for manufacturing an RF tag sheet that can obtain an appropriate resonance frequency.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An RF tag sheet according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is configured such that an RF tag sheet forms a conductive thin film pattern formed on at least one surface of an insulating plate and forms at least a part of the conductive thin film pattern and is heated. And characteristic changing means for changing antenna characteristics upon disconnection.
[0011]
According to the above configuration, the antenna characteristic is changed by heating and breaking the characteristic changing unit. Note that the aspect in which the antenna characteristics are changed includes an aspect in which the function as the antenna is stopped. By making it possible to change the antenna characteristics into a plurality of modes, it is possible to obtain an RF tag sheet that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to each product or intended use from an RF tag sheet having one type of pattern. Can be. In addition, since the characteristic changing means is simply broken by heating, an RF tag sheet can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable applications.
[0012]
The RF tag sheet according to the second invention has an antenna pattern formed on at least one side of the insulating plate, a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel to the antenna pattern, and at least a part of each of the capacitors and is heated. And characteristic changing means for changing the antenna characteristics by disconnection.
[0013]
According to the above configuration, by heating and breaking the characteristic changing unit, the characteristics of the capacitor are directly changed, and the characteristics of the antenna are changed indirectly. Thus, similarly to the first invention, an RF tag sheet that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to each product or purpose of use can be obtained from one type of RF tag sheet. In addition, since the characteristic changing means is simply broken by heating, an RF tag sheet can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable applications.
[0014]
The RF tag sheet according to a third aspect of the present invention is the RF tag sheet according to the first or second aspect, wherein the property changing means is melted and broken by being heated, and is formed of a low melting point alloy that changes the antenna property. It is characterized by comprising.
[0015]
With this configuration, the low melting point alloy melts at a low temperature and breaks when heated. Therefore, the antenna characteristics can be easily changed.
[0016]
The RF tag sheet according to a fourth aspect is the RF tag sheet according to the first or second aspect, wherein the insulating plate is made of a material that is thermally deformed, and the characteristic changing unit is configured such that the insulating plate is thermally deformed. The antenna is characterized by being made of a low brittle alloy that breaks and breaks by doing so and changes the antenna characteristics.
[0017]
According to the above configuration, when the insulating plate is heated, the insulating plate is thermally deformed, whereby the low brittle alloy having low brittleness is broken, and the wire is broken at a low temperature. Therefore, the antenna characteristics can be easily changed. Note that the low brittle alloy is an alloy having a brittle property, and is an alloy whose circuit is broken by being distorted by thermal deformation of the insulating plate.
[0018]
The method for manufacturing an RF tag sheet according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for forming an RF tag sheet, comprising forming a plurality of conductive thin film patterns on at least one surface of an insulating plate and forming a part of the conductive thin film patterns with a low melting point alloy or a low brittle alloy. The method is characterized by comprising one step and a second step of cutting the portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a position corresponding to the setting by heating with a thermal head.
[0019]
According to the above configuration, the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy formed as a part of the pattern in the first step is cut by heating with a thermal head in the second step. Thereby, the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a specific position can be cut by heating with high accuracy.
[0020]
In the method of manufacturing an RF tag sheet according to a sixth aspect, an antenna pattern is formed on one surface of an insulating plate, a plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel to the antenna pattern, and a part of each capacitor is made of a low melting point alloy or a low melting point alloy. A first step comprising a brittle alloy; and a second step of heating and cutting a portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a position corresponding to the setting with a thermal head. .
[0021]
According to the above configuration, the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy formed as a part of the capacitor in the first step is heated and cut by the thermal head in the second step. Thereby, the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a specific position can be cut by heating with high accuracy.
[0022]
An RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys an insulating plate on which an antenna pattern or the like is formed, a position sensor that is provided facing the conveying unit and detects a position of the insulating plate, A thermal head for identifying and heating the position of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the cutting target position based on the position of the insulating plate detected by the position sensor provided facing the transporting means, and the position sensor Moving the insulating plate to a position facing the thermal head based on the above, causing the heating element at a specific position of the thermal head to generate heat, thereby cutting the low melting point alloy or the low melting point alloy at the cutting target position of the insulating plate. And a control means for heating the brittle alloy.
[0023]
According to the above configuration, the transport unit is controlled to transport the insulating plate under the control of the control unit. At this time, the position sensor detects the insulating plate, and moves the insulating plate to a position facing the thermal head based on the detection value of the position sensor. At this time, the position information of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy to be cut is input to the control means, and the thermal head is moved to face the position. Further, the heating element at a position corresponding to the position information among the heating elements arranged in series with the thermal head is heated. As a result, the portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the position to be cut is heated, and the portion is melted or the insulating plate is deformed to cut the circuit. As a result, it is possible to easily obtain an RF tag sheet that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency according to each product or purpose of use from an RF tag sheet having one type of pattern.
[0024]
In this RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus, a pattern forming means for forming a conductive thin film pattern on an insulating plate and partially forming the conductive thin film pattern with a low melting point alloy or a low brittle alloy may be provided integrally. It may be. When the pattern forming means is another device, the device may be brought to the site because the device can be downsized. An RF tag sheet of one type of pattern is manufactured in advance, and an RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus is brought to the site together with the RF tag sheet, and an RF tag sheet having an antenna characteristic according to a product or a purpose of use is prepared there. To manufacture. Thus, the RF tag sheet can be easily and responsively manufactured according to each product or purpose of use. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable applications.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
First, a general concept of a tag (hereinafter, referred to as an RF tag) that responds to radio waves (RF waves) will be described.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the RF tag 1 as a single body includes a coil 2 and a capacitor 3. If the characteristics of the coil 2 and the capacitor 3 are appropriately set, resonance occurs at the set specific frequency. When the RF tag 1 is irradiated with an RF wave to scan the frequency, the RF tag 1 resonates when the frequency matches the resonance frequency set in the RF tag 1, and the RF tag 1 generates an echo wave. By detecting this echo wave, information such as an ID number preset in the RF tag 1 corresponding to the frequency (hereinafter, referred to as “tag information”) can be read.
[0028]
In order to increase the amount of tag information, a plurality of RF tags 1, for example, six (or more) RF tags 1 are two-dimensionally arranged as shown in FIG. 3 to form an RF tag sheet. . Then, the resonance frequency is changed by adjusting the inductance (shape, thickness, conductor resistance, etc.) of the coil 2 of each RF tag 1, the capacitance of the capacitor 3, and the like.
[0029]
Thereby, as shown in the graph of FIG. 4 in which the horizontal axis represents the frequency and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the echo wave, a peak waveform having resonance frequency points equal to the number of RF tags 1 (here, six) is obtained. can get.
[0030]
As tag information, for example, logical values 0 and 1 are assigned to the presence or absence of each of the peak waveforms. Therefore, by increasing the number of RF tags to be formed, tag information can be set in power-of-two units.
[0031]
According to the present invention, the resonance frequency can be easily changed.
[0032]
[First Embodiment]
The RF tag sheet according to the present embodiment is configured to stop some functions of the plurality of antenna patterns and change the antenna characteristics as a whole. This RF tag sheet will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0033]
The RF tag sheet 11 includes a resin film 12 and a plurality of RF tags 19, and the RF tag 19 includes a conductive thin film pattern 13 and a characteristic changing unit 14.
[0034]
The resin film 12 is an insulating plate as a substrate. A conductive thin film pattern 13 and a characteristic changing means 14 are provided on the front and back surfaces of the resin film 12. The resin film 12 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polypropylene (PP). Further, an ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or the like may be used. A phenol resin plate, a glass epoxy plate, or the like may be used.
[0035]
The conductive thin film pattern 13 includes a lower electrode 16 and an upper electrode 17 formed on both surfaces of the resin film 12. The lower electrode 16 and the upper electrode 17 constitute an RF tag 19. The plurality of RF tags 19 are formed on one resin film 12. Here, six RF tags 19 are two-dimensionally arranged on the resin film 12 to form the RF tag sheet 11.
[0036]
The lower electrode 16 includes a spiral coil portion 16A as an antenna pattern and one electrode portion 16B of a capacitor provided at both ends thereof. The lower electrode 16 is formed by spirally applying copper, aluminum, silver paste, conductive resin, or the like to the lower surface of the resin film 12. The lower electrode 16 is formed into a desired shape by screen printing on the resin film 12 or printing by an inkjet printer, or by patterning a conductive layer provided on the surface of the resin film 12 by photolithography.
[0037]
The upper electrode 17 includes the other electrode portion 17A of the capacitor provided opposite to the electrode portions 16B at both ends of the lower electrode 16, and a connecting portion 17B connecting these. The upper electrode 17 is also formed by screen printing or the like, like the lower electrode 16. The thickness of the lower electrode 16 and the upper electrode 17 is set to about 0.1 μm to 100 μm, preferably about 1 μm to 50 μm.
[0038]
The characteristic changing unit 14 is a unit for changing the antenna characteristics by being disconnected by being heated. The characteristic changing means 14 constitutes a part of the connecting portion 17B of the upper electrode 17. Here, it is formed as a part of a portion that is interposed in the middle of the connecting portion 17B and does not face the lower electrode 16. This is because only the characteristic changing means 14 can be efficiently heated. As described above, a part of the connecting portion 17B is formed by the characteristic changing unit 14, but the entirety of the connecting portion 17B or the entire upper electrode 17 may be formed by the characteristic changing unit 14. It suffices that at least the portion to be heated is constituted by the characteristic changing means 14.
[0039]
The characteristic changing means 14 is made of a low melting point alloy that melts at a relatively low temperature when heated and breaks the connecting portion 17B. As the low melting point alloy, for example, a metal that can be melted at a relatively low temperature, such as a fuse material, a tin-based alloy, a lead-based alloy, or an alloy thereof is used. When a fuse material is used, the melting temperature is set to be 200 ° C. or lower, preferably 100 ° C. or less. When the characteristic changing means 14 is heated and melted and the connecting portion 17B is disconnected, the capacitor does not function and the function as the resonance antenna is stopped. As a result, a part of the plurality (six in FIG. 6) of arranged RF tags 19 stops functioning, so that one peak waveform disappears (see the graph of FIG. 7), and the resonance frequency is reduced as a whole. Can be different.
[0040]
By changing the inductance of each coil (changing the length and shape of the coil) and the capacitance of the capacitor, the resonance frequency of each RF tag can be different from each other. It is extremely complicated to design individually. On the other hand, when the resonance frequency is changed by cutting a part of the upper electrode 17 of an arbitrary RF tag 19 among the plurality of arranged RF tags 19, it is easy. By selectively stopping the function of each RF tag 19, the RF tag sheet 11 corresponding to a specific resonance frequency can be formed, and the tag information can be set in units of a power of 2 of the number of the RF tags 19. Can be. Furthermore, the resonance frequency can be changed by appropriately changing the thickness and material of the resin film 12 to change the characteristics of the capacitor, whereby more tag information can be set.
[0041]
[Action]
The RF tag sheet 11 configured as described above is used as follows.
[0042]
The RF tag sheet 11 is used for management of baggage at airports, management of luggage for mailing, distribution management of goods, inventory management of warehouses, management of supermarkets and department store foods and miscellaneous goods, and the like.
[0043]
The upper electrode 17 of each RF tag 19 of the RF tag sheet 11 is selectively melted and cut in accordance with each product or the like.
[0044]
When all six RF tags 19 are functioning normally, six echo peaks appear corresponding to the six RF tags 19 as shown in the graph of FIG. ing. When the upper electrode 17 at a specific location is cut, the echo peak corresponding to the cut RF tag 19 disappears as shown in FIG. Therefore, by selecting the upper electrode 17 of the RF tag 19 to be cut, identification of a large number of products can be handled. Further, the frequency characteristics are also changed by changing the thickness and the material of the resin film 12, whereby it is possible to cope with the identification of a larger number of products.
[0045]
As a result, a number of RF tag sheets 11 having different frequency characteristics are produced, and they are attached to each article and the like in a one-to-one correspondence. The correspondence between each RF tag sheet 11 and the article is taken into a computer as management information, and used for baggage management at an airport, inventory management at a warehouse, and the like.
[0046]
[effect]
As described above, the RF tag sheet 11 that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to each product or intended use can be obtained from the RF tag sheet 11 having one type of pattern.
[0047]
In addition, in order to change the resonance frequency, it is only necessary to heat the characteristic changing unit 14 to disconnect the wire, so that the RF tag sheet 11 can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. it can. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable purposes while being attached to each product.
[0048]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The RF tag sheet of the present embodiment is an example in which a plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel to an antenna pattern as a conductive thin film pattern.
[0049]
As in the case of the first embodiment, the RF tag of the RF tag sheet according to the present embodiment includes a lower electrode and an upper electrode provided on both sides of a resin film. The lower electrode is provided with only one antenna pattern. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower electrode includes a coil part 21 forming an antenna pattern, a fixed electrode part 22 provided at one end of the coil part 21, and another end part of the coil part 21. And the variable electrode section 23 provided in the first section. The variable electrode section 23 is configured by being connected in series to a plurality (three in FIG. 8). The upper electrode is composed of electrode portions at both ends and a connecting portion connecting them. Although not shown, each electrode section is formed in a shape matching the fixed electrode section 22 and the variable electrode section 23. Thus, the variable electrode section 23, in combination with the electrode section of the upper electrode, constitutes a plurality (three in FIG. 8) of capacitors in parallel. If the number of these capacitors changes, the capacitance of the capacitors changes, and the frequency characteristics of the RF tag change. Although three variable electrode portions 23 are provided here, four or more variable electrode portions may be provided. The number corresponding to the performance to be provided to the RF tag is provided.
[0050]
A characteristic changing unit 24 is provided on each coil unit 21 side of the three variable electrode units 23. The characteristic changing means 24 constitutes a part of each of the capacitors connected in parallel and is broken by being heated, so that the number of capacitors is changed, and the capacitance of the capacitors is changed to change the frequency characteristics (antenna characteristics) of the RF tag. It is for changing. The characteristic changing means 24 is made of a low melting point alloy which melts and breaks at a low temperature when heated. This low melting point alloy is the same as in the first embodiment. Here, the characteristic changing unit 24 is provided on the coil unit 21 side of each variable electrode unit 23, however, the connection part itself of each variable electrode unit 23 may be configured by the characteristic changing unit 24. Further, the entirety of each variable electrode section 23 and the connecting portion may be constituted by the characteristic changing means 24.
[0051]
By selectively heating and disconnecting the three characteristic changing units 24, the variable electrode portion 23 at the disconnected portion does not function as a capacitor, and the capacitance of the capacitor changes. Thereby, the resonance frequency changes and the antenna characteristics change in relation to the coil section 21. As a result, similarly to the first invention, it is possible to obtain an RF tag sheet that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to each product or purpose of use from one type of RF tag sheet.
[0052]
In addition, since the characteristic changing means is simply broken by heating, an RF tag sheet can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable applications.
[0053]
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0054]
The method for manufacturing an RF tag sheet according to the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing the RF tag sheet 11 according to the first embodiment. This RF tag sheet manufacturing method includes two steps.
[0055]
In the first step, a plurality of RF tags 19 are formed on the front and back surfaces of the resin film 12, and a part of the RF tags 19 is constituted by the property changing means 14 made of a low melting point alloy.
[0056]
The characteristic changing unit 14 and the RF tag 19 are formed by a method such as screen printing described in the first embodiment.
[0057]
In the second step, a portion of the property changing means 14 (low melting point alloy) at a position corresponding to the setting among the property changing means 14 of the plurality of RF tags 19 is heated and cut by a thermal head.
[0058]
A thermal head generally used for a printer is used. In the thermal head, a large number of heating elements are linearly arranged, and each heating element can be selectively heated.
[0059]
The RF tag sheet 11 is placed at a position facing the thermal head, and is positioned so that the low-melting-point alloy at the cutting location and the heating element of the thermal head are aligned. Next, the heating element matched with the low melting point alloy at the cutting location is heated to heat the low melting point alloy. As a result, the low melting point alloy is melted, and that portion is disconnected.
[0060]
Thereby, the low melting point alloy at the specific position can be cut by heating with high precision. Even when the dimensions of the RF tag 19 are reduced, such as when the RF tag sheet 11 is small or when the RF tag 19 is formed in large numbers on the RF tag sheet 11, the low-melting alloy is accurately heated by the thermal head. Can be disconnected.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the method for manufacturing the RF tag sheet 11 according to the first embodiment has been described, but the method for manufacturing the RF tag sheet 11 according to the second embodiment is also basically the same. Specifically, it is the same as the method of the third embodiment. In the first step, the low melting point alloy formed as a part of the capacitor is cut by heating in a second step by a thermal head. Thereby, the low melting point alloy at the specific position can be cut by heating with high precision. Even when the size of the RF tag 19 is reduced, the low-melting alloy can be accurately heated by the thermal head to break the wire.
[0062]
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 9, the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment includes a transport unit 31, a position sensor 32, a thermal head 33, and a control unit 34.
[0064]
The transport unit 31 is a device for transporting the RF tag sheet 11 on which an antenna pattern or the like is formed. The transport means 31 includes a drive pulley 36, a driven pulley 37, and a transport belt 38. A drive motor 39 is incorporated in the drive pulley 36. The drive motor 39 is connected to the control means 34 so that its rotation is controlled accurately. By accurate control of the drive motor 39, the RF tag sheet 11 can be moved to an accurate position.
[0065]
The position sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting the RF tag sheet 11 on the transport unit 31 and calculating the position. The position sensor 32 is provided to face the transport belt 38 of the transport unit 31 and detects the RF tag sheet 11 on the transport belt 38. Light or the like is used as the detection means. For example, it is detected whether or not the RF tag sheet 11 is present on the conveying means 31 based on a change in time until the reflected light returns, a change in the luminous intensity of the reflected light, or the like. For example, when the detection is performed based on a change in the time until the reflected light returns, the time when the change is detected is the time when the edge of the RF tag sheet 11 is detected, and the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy is determined based on the position. Is calculated.
[0066]
The thermal head 33 is a device for heating the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the position to be cut. As the thermal head 33, a thermal head generally used for a printer is used. As described above, the thermal head 33 has a large number of heating elements arranged linearly, and can selectively control the heating of each heating element. The thermal head 33 is provided so as to face the transport unit 31, and the heating elements arranged in a straight line are disposed so as to be orthogonal to the transport belt 38 of the transport unit 31. A platen 40 is provided at a position facing the thermal head 33 with the transporting means 31 interposed therebetween. The platen 40 is a member for receiving the force from the rear surface side of the RF tag sheet 11 when the thermal head 33 contacts the front surface of the RF tag sheet 11. As a result, based on the position of the RF tag sheet 11 detected by the position sensor 32, the cutting target position of the RF tag sheet 11 is moved to a position directly below the linearly arranged heating elements, and is supported by the platen 40. Then, the heat generating element facing the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the cutting target position is heated to heat the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy.
[0067]
The control means 34 is connected to the drive motor 39, the position sensor 32, and the thermal head 33 of the transport means 31, and controls them. Specifically, the controller 31 controls the transporting unit 31 based on the detection value of the position sensor 32, moves the RF tag sheet 11 to a position facing the thermal head 33, and causes the heating element at a specific position of the thermal head 33 to generate heat. Then, the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the cutting target position of the RF tag sheet 11 is heated.
[0068]
In the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 configured as described above, the pattern forming unit (not shown) may be provided integrally or may be provided as a separate device. In the case of installation in a factory or the like, a pattern forming means for forming the conductive thin film pattern 13 and the property changing means 14 on the RF tag sheet 11 is provided integrally with the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30.
[0069]
When the pattern forming unit is another device, it is desirable that the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 be miniaturized so as to be portable. Thereby, it can be brought to the site and worked.
[0070]
[motion]
The RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 operates as follows.
[0071]
Under the control of the control means 34, the transport means 31 is controlled to transport the RF tag sheet 11. When the RF tag sheet 11 is conveyed and positioned below the position sensor 32, the position sensor 32 detects the RF tag sheet 11, and the information is transmitted to the control unit 34. The control unit 34 calculates the position of the RF tag sheet 11 based on the value detected by the position sensor 32 and moves the RF tag sheet 11 directly below the thermal head 33. At this time, the position information of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy to be cut is input to the control means 34. The RF tag sheet 11 is moved based on this position information so that the cutting target position faces each heating element of the thermal head 33. Further, among the heat generating elements of the thermal head 33, the heat generating element at the position corresponding to the position information is caused to generate heat.
[0072]
Thereby, the portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at the position to be cut is heated, and the portion is melted or the insulating plate is deformed and cut.
[0073]
This process is performed on each of the plurality of RF tag sheets 11 to manufacture RF tag sheets 11 having a plurality of types of frequency characteristics. Next, information relating the RF tag sheet 11 to each RF tag sheet 11 is recorded and managed in a computer or the like in accordance with each product to which the RF tag sheet 11 is to be used or the purpose of use.
[0074]
When the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 is miniaturized so as to be portable, it can be brought to the work site for work. In this case, the required number of RF tag sheets 11 of one kind of conductive thin film pattern 13 are manufactured in advance, and the RF tag sheet 11 and the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 are brought to the site. Then, on the spot, the RF tag sheet 11 having antenna characteristics (frequency characteristics) according to each product or purpose of use is manufactured.
[0075]
[effect]
As described above, it is possible to easily obtain the RF tag sheet 11 that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency according to each product or the purpose of use from the RF tag sheet 11 of one kind of the conductive thin film pattern 13.
[0076]
Since the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus 30 can be miniaturized and brought to the site for work, the RF tag sheet 11 can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. Even when it becomes necessary to change the tag information, it is possible to easily and quickly respond.
[0077]
Further, the RF tag sheets 11 having different frequency characteristics can be manufactured at low cost, and can be used for disposable purposes.
[0078]
[Modification]
(1) In each of the above embodiments, a description has been given mainly of a case where a low melting point alloy that is melted by heat and breaks is used as the characteristic changing unit 14, but it is needless to say that a low brittle alloy may be used. When a low brittle alloy is used as the property changing unit 14, the RF tag sheet 11 is made of a material that deforms at a low temperature. As the low brittle alloy, industrial aluminum or the like is used, and the RF tag sheet 11 is brittle enough to be broken and disconnected by thermal deformation, and the deformation that can occur in ordinary use (the RF tag sheet 11 The brittleness is set to such a degree that it is not destroyed by the degree of deformation (a degree of bending). The resin film uses the same material as that of the RF tag sheet 11 of the first embodiment, but the thickness is set to about 50 μm to 0.1 μm. Desirably, it is set to about 20 μm to 1 μm. As a result, a specific position of the RF tag sheet 11 is heated by the heating element of the thermal head 33, and the portion is deformed at a low temperature, and the characteristic changing means 14 at that position is broken and disconnected, and the antenna characteristic is broken. (Frequency characteristics) change. As a result, even when a low brittle alloy is used as the characteristic changing unit 14, the antenna characteristics of the RF tag sheet 11 can be easily changed.
[0079]
(2) In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the antenna pattern is provided on only one side as the conductive thin film pattern has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to a case where the antenna pattern is provided on both sides. it can. An antenna pattern may be provided on both surfaces in order to utilize mutual inductance. In this case, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.
[0080]
(3) In each of the above embodiments, the thermal head is used as a means for heating the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy. However, the present invention is not limited to the thermal head and may be any means capable of heating the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a specific position. Other means such as a laser beam may be used. In this case, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.
[0081]
(4) In the first embodiment and the like, the RF tag sheet 11 is made of the elastic and flexible resin film 12. However, when a hard substrate such as a ceramic is used, the same as in the above embodiment. Functions and effects can be obtained.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the RF tag sheet, the RF tag sheet manufacturing method, and the RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention have the following effects.
[0083]
From one type of RF tag sheet, it is possible to easily obtain an RF tag sheet that emits an echo wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to each product or purpose of use.
[0084]
In addition, in order to change the resonance frequency, it is only necessary to heat and break the characteristic changing means, so that the RF tag sheet can be manufactured easily and responsively according to each product or purpose of use. Furthermore, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be used for disposable purposes while being attached to each product.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an RF tag of an RF tag sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an RF tag of a general RF tag sheet.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example in which six RF tags of FIG. 2 are provided.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing the intensity distribution of echo waves when all six RF tags are functioning normally.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the RF tag sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example in which six RF tags of FIG. 1 are provided.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing an intensity distribution of an echo wave when an upper electrode of one of six RF tags is cut.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an RF tag sheet according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing an RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
11: RF tag sheet, 12: resin film, 13: conductive thin film pattern, 14: characteristic changing means, 16: lower electrode, 16A: coil, 16B: electrode, 17: upper electrode, 17A: electrode, 17B : Connecting part, 19: RF tag.

Claims (7)

A conductive thin film pattern formed on at least one side of the insulating plate,
An RF tag sheet comprising: a characteristic changing unit that forms at least a part of the conductive thin film pattern and is disconnected by being heated to change antenna characteristics. An antenna pattern formed on at least one side of the insulating plate,
A plurality of capacitors connected in parallel to the antenna pattern,
An RF tag sheet comprising: at least a part of each of the capacitors; and a characteristic changing unit which changes an antenna characteristic by being disconnected by being heated. The RF tag sheet according to claim 1 or 2,
The RF tag sheet, wherein the characteristic changing means is made of a low melting point alloy that melts and breaks when heated, and changes the antenna characteristics. The RF tag sheet according to claim 1 or 2,
The insulating plate is made of a material that is deformed by heat,
The RF tag sheet, wherein the characteristic changing means is made of a low brittle alloy that is broken by thermal deformation of the insulating plate and breaks to change the antenna characteristics. A first step of forming a plurality of conductive thin film patterns on at least one surface of the insulating plate and configuring a part of the conductive thin film patterns with a low melting point alloy or a low brittle alloy,
A second step of cutting the portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a position corresponding to the setting by heating with a thermal head. A first step of forming an antenna pattern on one surface of the insulating plate, connecting a plurality of capacitors in parallel to the antenna pattern, and configuring a part of each capacitor with a low melting point alloy or a low brittle alloy,
A second step of cutting the portion of the low melting point alloy or the low brittle alloy at a position corresponding to the setting by heating with a thermal head. Conveying means for conveying an insulating plate on which an antenna pattern or the like is formed,
A position sensor provided facing the transporting means and detecting the position of the insulating plate; and a low position of the cutting target position based on the position of the insulating plate detected by the position sensor provided facing the transporting means. A thermal head that locates and heats the melting point alloy or low brittle alloy,
The transfer unit is controlled based on the position sensor to move the insulating plate to a position facing the thermal head, and to cause a heating element at a specific position of the thermal head to generate heat so that a low melting point at a cutting target position of the insulating plate is obtained. An RF tag sheet manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a control unit for heating an alloy or a low brittle alloy.

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