JP6012512B2 - Coin-type RFID tag - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for incorporating an RFID tag into a coin, a medal or the like, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to a coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin or medal.

  A technique is known in which an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is incorporated into an article composed of a metal plate or the like and integrated. In this technology, an RFID tag is incorporated into a hole or slit that penetrates the front and back of a metal plate. For example, when an HF (High Frequency) band is used for communication with a reader device, an RFID tag is provided around the hole or slit. An eddy current is generated that interferes with the communication between the device and the reader device. Therefore, in order to suppress this eddy current and establish communication, a notch structure is provided. In addition, when a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band is used, an antenna structure such as an arm that acts to facilitate communication is provided.

  As a technology related to this, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-85515 (Patent Document 1) discloses an RFID tag that performs data communication with a reader by using a built-in antenna, and a conductive member such as a metal member. When installing inside the metal member, the plane substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the antenna built in the tag and intersecting or in contact with at least a part of the tag in the normal direction of the antenna plane There is described a technology that includes at least one slit having a width of 1 μm or more that penetrates, and allows a tag and a reader to communicate with each other when magnetic flux generated from an antenna passes through the slit.

  On the other hand, for example, an RFID tag is incorporated into an article such as a coin or medal that can be held and handled by a general user or the like (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “coin”), There is a desire to identify these individuals. As a technology related to this, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-210095 (Patent Document 2), a metal plate used as a weight is slit, or divided into several parts so as not to come into contact with electromagnetic waves. A technique related to a coin-type RFID tag that is made as small as possible is described. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-110144 (Patent Document 3) discloses a coin-type RFID tag in which a metal plate for weight adjustment is formed in a left-right asymmetric shape in which the center line of the gap between the metal plates is not concentrated at one central point. The technology concerning is described.

JP 2003-85515 A JP 2008-210095 A JP 2009-110144 A

  In the coin-type RFID tags described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 and the like, coins are mainly formed of resin, and a metal plate is used for weight adjustment. On the other hand, there is a need to form the entire coin from metal. By being made of metal, in addition to the weight, it is possible to enhance the touch, texture, durability, and the like, and it is possible to display characters, designs, etc. by separately stamping or relief on the surface after molding.

  In order to incorporate an RFID tag into a metal coin, it is necessary to provide a hole or a slit structure in a metal plate or metal member as described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, 3, and the like. For example, Patent Document 2 has a slit formed in, for example, a cross shape from the vicinity of the center of a disk-shaped metal plate incorporated in a coin toward the outer periphery.

  However, when such a slit structure is used in a metal coin, in addition to the decrease in physical resistance as a coin, the slit structure appears on the surface of the coin, thereby reducing the area for design by stamping or relief. And the slit structure does not match the aesthetics and design of the coin.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to integrate and integrate an RFID tag into a metal coin while suppressing a decrease in physical resistance due to a slit structure for ensuring communication performance and an adverse effect on the design and aesthetics of the surface. It is to provide a coin-type RFID tag.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  Of the inventions disclosed in this application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows.

  A coin-type RFID tag according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is a coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin, and a plurality of slits are provided along an outer periphery of the coin. A ring-shaped storage groove is provided inside the coin so as to be in the slit, and an IC chip and an antenna constituting the RFID tag are stored in the storage groove portion.

  Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, effects obtained by typical ones will be briefly described as follows.

  That is, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, in a coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin and integrated, the physical resistance is reduced due to the slit structure for ensuring communication performance. It is possible to suppress adverse effects on the surface design and aesthetics, and it is possible to hold solid identification information on a metal coin.

It is the perspective view which showed the outline | summary about the structural example of the coin-type RFID tag which is one embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the outline | summary about the example of the shape of the slit of the coin-type RFID tag in one embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is the top view and sectional drawing which showed the outline | summary about the example of the structure of the coin-type RFID tag in one embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view and sectional drawing which showed the outline | summary about the other structural example of the coin-type RFID tag in one embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view and sectional drawing which showed the outline | summary about the other structural example of the coin-type RFID tag in one embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  A coin-type RFID tag according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in a number other than the design surface on the front and back of a coin, for example, a thick portion on the side surface of the coin or a side surface portion when incorporating the RFID tag into a metal coin. The design pattern applied to the peripheral portion of the coin such as a groove (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “giza”) and the slit structure for ensuring the communication performance by the RFID tag are combined. This makes it possible to process stamps, reliefs, etc. while following the same appearance, weight, texture and texture as general metal coins, reducing the physical resistance of the coin due to the slit structure, and designing the surface -It is possible to suppress adverse effects on aesthetics.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a configuration example of a coin-type RFID tag according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 1, laser welding is performed in the form of a disk-shaped lid-side metal piece 10 and a storage-side metal piece 20 of coin size (diameter of about several centimeters) facing each other with an RFID tag 30 interposed therebetween. The coin-type RFID tag 1 is formed by bonding by various methods such as. The RFID tag 30 to be incorporated communicates with, for example, HF band or UHF band electromagnetic waves, and has a shape in which a coil antenna 32 is connected to an IC chip 31.

  Here, slits (cuts) 11 and slits 21 are formed on the side surfaces of the lid-side metal piece 10 and the storage-side metal piece 20 so as to penetrate the front and back at the same pitch and the same depth. In joining, it is desirable to match (synchronize) these slits so that the pitch and position of the slits do not shift. Thereby, the slit which penetrates the front and back of the coin-type RFID tag 1 can be provided in the side part. This slit also has a role as a jagged edge in the coin, and can contribute to an improvement in tactile sensation such as an anti-slip function in addition to an aesthetic surface. For aesthetic reasons, the slit pitch may be shifted to be asynchronous. As will be described later, since communication is performed by electromagnetic waves entering and exiting from each slit, communication can be performed regardless of whether the pitch is synchronous or asynchronous. Hereinafter, the case where the pitches are synchronized will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the storage-side metal piece 20 has a storage groove 22 formed of a ring-shaped recess provided on the outer peripheral side of the depth of the slit (that is, provided on the slit). The housing groove 22 accommodates the IC chip 31 of the RFID tag 30 and the coil antenna 32 formed in a ring shape by a conductive wire protected by insulating coating, and in this state, the housing-side metal piece 20 and the lid-side metal piece 10. And the RFID tag 30 is sealed.

  As a result, the coil antenna 32 of the RFID tag 30 enters the slit 11 and the slit 21, and electromagnetic waves that contribute to the communication of the RFID tag 30 emitted from the coil antenna 32 are caused by the slit portions on the front and back surfaces of the RFID tag 30. The figure moves in and out with a shape like a magnetic field line 2 in the figure and periodically pulsating in size and direction (only one slit is illustrated in the figure). Communication between the RFID tag 30 and a reader device (not shown) is established via the magnetic field lines 2.

  Accordingly, the influence of the shape of the slit 11 and the slit 21 on the front and back surfaces of the coin on the communication is small, and the communication sensitivity is proportional to the total area of the slit portions on the front and back surfaces of the coin-type RFID tag 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the slit portion (slit 11 and slit 21) provided on the outer peripheral portion of the coin-type RFID tag 1 is provided with a large number of fine pitches while suppressing the depth in the center direction. Increase communication area to ensure communication performance. In addition, these slits have a role as a coin's knurl and an aesthetic aspect as a design pattern. Further, by suppressing the depth of each slit in the center direction, the physical resistance of the coin-type RFID tag 1 is secured, and areas for embossing and relief on the front and back surfaces are secured.

  The depth and pitch in the center direction of each slit is not particularly limited, but in order to have the above role, for example, the depth of the slit is approximately 10% or less of the diameter of the coin-type RFID tag 1. The slit pitch is preferably about 10 degrees or less (in this case, 36 or more slits).

  Moreover, in the example of FIG. 1, each slit is provided linearly from the outer peripheral portion toward the central portion, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as it can have the above role.

  FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing an example of the slit shape of the coin-type RFID tag 1. As shown in the figure, for example, by making the shape of the slit 61 into a corrugated shape, a design or a pattern to be applied by the slit 61 can be freely selected, such as expressing a flame or a water pattern.

  FIG. 3 is a top view and a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an example of the structure of the coin-type RFID tag 1. (A) shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of the structure of the coin-type RFID tag 1 shown in the example of FIG. In the sectional view, it is shown that the coil antenna 32 (and the IC chip 31 (not shown)) of the RFID tag 30 is stored in the storage groove 22 portion, but as shown in the left side view in which the storage groove 22 portion is enlarged, Since the coil antenna 32 is configured by covering the conducting wire 32a with the insulating coating 32b, the conducting wire 32a is configured not to be short-circuited by touching the metal housing groove 22 portion.

  In the cross-sectional view, the storage groove 22 exists only on the storage side metal piece 20 side, and the coil antenna 32 (and the IC chip 31) of the RFID tag 30 is stored therein. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in (b), the storage groove 12 is provided at a position corresponding to the lid-side metal piece 10, and the coil antenna 32 is stored in a space combined with the storage groove 22 of the storage-side metal piece 20. It is also possible. In this case, the lid-side metal piece 10 and the storage-side metal piece 20 can have the same shape.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the lid-side metal piece 10 and the storage-side metal piece 20 are bonded together so as to be bonded. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the RFID tag 30 is attached to the metal piece serving as the main body. Various configurations such as a configuration in which a ring-shaped metal piece containing the metal is joined and fitted can be appropriately employed.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an outline of another configuration example of the coin-type RFID tag 1. In the example of FIG. 4, as shown in the upper perspective view, the coin-type RFID tag 1 is formed by joining the main body metal piece 50 with the ring-type metal piece 40 fitted therein. Here, the ring-shaped metal piece 40 is provided with a storage groove 42 along the side surface of the inner peripheral portion. As shown in the lower cross-sectional view of FIG. The RFID tag 30 is sealed by fitting the main body metal piece 50 in a state where the antenna 32 (and the IC chip 31) is housed. In addition, a slit 41 similar to the example of FIG. 1 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the ring-shaped metal piece 40 in a state where it partially covers the storage groove 42.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an outline of another configuration example of the coin-type RFID tag 1. In the example of FIG. 5, as shown in the upper perspective view, the coin-type RFID tag 1 is formed by joining the main body metal piece 50 in a state where the ring-type metal piece 40 is fitted.

  Here, unlike the example of FIG. 4, the main body metal piece 50 has a disk-like portion having the same diameter as the diameter of the coin-type RFID tag 1 and an inner peripheral portion of the ring-type metal piece 40 as shown in the figure. It has a convex disk shape in which a diameter and a disk-shaped portion of a corresponding diameter are overlapped with the center being matched. The ring-shaped metal piece 40 is provided with a storage groove 42 along the back surface on the side surface of the inner peripheral portion. As shown in the lower cross-sectional view of FIG. The RFID tag 30 is sealed by fitting the main body metal piece 50 in a state where the antenna 32 (and the IC chip 31) is housed. In addition, a slit 41 similar to the example of FIG. 1 is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the ring-shaped metal piece 40 and the main body metal piece 50 in a state where it partially covers the storage groove 42.

  In the configuration shown in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the ring-shaped metal piece 40 has the storage groove 42. However, the main body metal piece 50 or both may have the storage groove. In any of these examples, the coin-type RFID tag 1 after the formation has a slit structure that also serves as a serrated outer periphery, and a ring-shaped storage groove 42 is provided inside the slit so as to be in the slit. A function similar to the configuration shown in the example of FIG. 1 is realized in that the RFID tag 30 is housed. In each of the above examples including the example of FIG. 1, the coin-type RFID tag 1 is formed by joining two metal pieces. However, for example, a single metal plate is pressed. Various methods can be appropriately employed, including a method that does not depend on the joining of metal pieces, such as a mold or a powder firing.

  As described above, according to the coin-type RFID tag 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention, when the RFID tag 30 is incorporated into a metal coin, a shallow slit is formed on the side surface of the outer periphery of the coin. A large number of pitches are provided, and the RFID tag 30 is accommodated so that the coil antenna 32 protected by an insulating coating is applied to the slit portion, thereby providing a knurled pattern or a design pattern applied to portions other than the design surface of the coin front and back. And a slit structure for ensuring the communication performance by the RFID tag 30. This ensures the same area, weight, texture, texture, etc. as a typical metal coin, secures an area for engraving and relief, and has a high degree of freedom in combination with the slit (giza) shape. Design processing can be performed.

  Further, since the RFID tag 30 is stored in a storage groove provided near the outer periphery of the coin, for example, resistance to press embossing, static electricity, and other transient high heat can be ensured. In addition, since the slit can be provided only in the vicinity of the outer periphery, the coin as a whole can have an integrated structure, so that it is possible to ensure resistance to hitting, through holes, deformation attacks, and the like. In addition, since the electromagnetic wave of the RFID tag 30 is not affected by the metal of the coin body due to the slit structure, it is possible to obtain a high degree of freedom in selecting the metal material used for the coin.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one having all the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

  The present invention is applicable to a coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin or medal.

1 ... coin-type RFID tag, 2 ... magnetic field lines,
10 ... lid side metal piece, 11 ... slit, 12 ... storage groove,
20 ... storage-side metal piece, 21 ... slit, 22 ... storage groove,
30 ... RFID tag, 31 ... IC chip, 32 ... coil antenna, 32a ... conductive wire, 32b ... insulation coating,
40 ... Ring-shaped metal piece, 41 ... Slit, 42 ... Storage groove,
50 ... metal piece, 51 ... slit,
61 ... Slit.

Claims (4)

A coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin,
A plurality of slits formed along the outer periphery of the coin;
Inside the coin, a ring-shaped receiving groove formed in a state not exposed to the outside except the state and the slit portion the slit it reaches,
The housing is accommodated in the groove portion, have a, and the RFID tag constituted by an IC chip and an antenna formed of an insulating coated conductor,
The coin is configured by joining two metal pieces integrally formed in a substantially disc shape, and has a groove portion that forms the storage groove in at least one of the metal pieces,
The slits are provided in the outer periphery of the coin at an interval of 10 degrees or less at an angle between adjacent slits, and the depth of the slit from the outer periphery of the coin toward the center is Ru der than 10% of the diameter of the coin, a coin-type RFID tag. A coin-type RFID tag in which an RFID tag is incorporated into a metal coin,
A plurality of slits formed along the outer periphery of the coin;
A ring-shaped storage groove formed in a state where the slit reaches the inside of the coin and is not exposed to the outside other than the slit portion;
The RFID tag, which is housed in the housing groove portion and includes an IC chip and an antenna made of an insulating coated conductor,
The coin is integrally formed in a ring shape with respect to a first metal piece integrally formed in a substantially disc shape, and is configured by joining a second metal piece having the slit, A second metal piece having a groove portion constituting the storage groove;
The slits are provided in the outer periphery of the coin at an interval of 10 degrees or less at an angle between adjacent slits, and the depth of the slit from the outer periphery of the coin toward the center is A coin-type RFID tag that is 10% or less of the diameter of the coin. The coin-type RFID tag according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The coin-type RFID tag, wherein the shape of the slit on the front surface or the back surface of the coin is a linear shape from the outer periphery toward the center. The coin-type RFID tag according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The coin-type RFID tag, wherein a shape of the slit on the front surface or the back surface of the coin is a shape other than a linear shape extending from the outer periphery toward the central portion.