TWI526939B - Rfid tag and solar cell integration device and integration method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Device for integrating radio frequency identification tag and solar cell and integration method thereof

A device for a radio frequency identification tag antenna, and more particularly to a device for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, and an integration method thereof.

In recent years, identification devices that transmit wireless signals in a non-contact manner have become common. In such devices, the device body exchanges information with an external read/write device to achieve information transmission and identification effects. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging wireless transmission device that is increasingly used in logistics management, commodity management, medical management and other fields. Based on the non-contact and easy-to-use features, the RFID system has gradually replaced the conventional contact identification system, such as the barcode scanning identification system.

A radio frequency identification tag generally includes a radio frequency chip and an antenna coupled thereto. Through the antenna, the wireless radio frequency chip can transmit the wireless signal to an external reading/writing device and perform data transmission and reception. Know the effect.

The RFID tags can be roughly divided into active, semi-active and passive. The active and semi-active power is supplied to the RFID tag itself by an external power supply device (for example, a battery), and the passively transmitted radio waves transmitted by the external read/write device are supplied to the RFID tag itself. Active and semi-active RFID tags have longer transmission distances, but additional power supplies will increase their size and reduce usability.

Passive RFID tags are thinner because they do not require an external power supply. Typically, for ease of use, the radio frequency RF chip and antenna are placed on a substrate such as plastic or paper and attached to the surface of an object. However, the lack of transmission distance is always a problem with this type of RFID tag. Moreover, the lack of coating makes the radio frequency RF chip and antenna easy to peel off, resulting in limitations in service life.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop a radio frequency identification tag that takes into consideration both the transmission distance and the volume.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell. A radio frequency chip is integrated with the solar cell process, and the electrode metal layer of the solar cell is directly used as an antenna for transmitting wireless signals. Thereby, the complicated process of additionally building an antenna and the cost reduction can be eliminated. Furthermore, the solar cell itself converts light energy into electrical energy, which can be used as a power source for active RFID tags without the need for additional external power.

One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, comprising a solar cell and a radio frequency identification tag. The solar cell comprises at least one electrode metal layer. The RFID tag includes a radio frequency chip, wherein the radio frequency chip is electrically connected to the electrode metal layer, and the radio frequency chip transmits a wireless signal through the electrode metal layer.

In an embodiment, the electrode metal layer can be a positive electrode metal layer or a negative electrode metal layer. In addition, an accommodating space is formed in the metal layer of the positive electrode or the metal layer of the negative electrode, and the radio frequency chip is disposed in the accommodating space.

In another embodiment the solar cell is an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell. The solar cell can also be a dye-sensitized solar cell. In addition, the RFID tag can be active, semi-active or passive.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for integrating a radio frequency identification tag antenna and a solar cell, comprising: preparing a solar cell including at least one electrode metal layer; and cutting the solar cell to form an accommodation space inside the solar cell Inserting a radio frequency chip into the accommodating space, and electrically connecting the radio frequency chip to the electrode metal layer of the solar cell; and transmitting the radio frequency signal to the radio frequency chip through the electrode metal layer.

In one embodiment, cutting the solar cell means cutting the electrode metal layer of the solar cell to form an accommodating space for the electrode metal layer.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, comprising two solar cells and a radio frequency identification tag. In the two solar cells, each solar cell contains at least one Electrode metal layer. The radio frequency identification tag comprises a radio frequency chip, and the radio frequency chip is electrically connected to the electrode metal layer of one of the solar cells and the electrode metal layer of the other solar cell, and the radio frequency chip transmits a wireless through the electrode metal layer of the two solar cells. Signal.

In an embodiment, the two solar cells may each be an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell.

100‧‧‧Devices for integrating RFID tags with solar cells

110‧‧‧Solar battery

111‧‧‧ Conductive glass layer

111a‧‧‧Positive electrode metal layer

112‧‧‧ Conductive glass layer

112a‧‧‧Negative electrode metal layer

113‧‧‧ photoelectric conversion layer

114‧‧‧ electrolyte

115‧‧‧Dyes

116‧‧‧Nano titanium dioxide

117‧‧‧ carbon film

118‧‧‧ accommodating space

120‧‧‧radio frequency identification tag

121‧‧‧RF chip

121a‧‧‧ positive end

121b‧‧‧Negative end

210‧‧‧ solar cells

211a‧‧‧positive electrode metal layer

212a‧‧‧Negative electrode metal layer

FIG. 1A is a top plan view showing the main structure of a device for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view showing the structure according to FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing another arrangement of the solar cell and the radio frequency chip according to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the solar cell and the radio frequency chip according to FIG. 1B.

2A is a top plan view showing the main structure of a device for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view showing the image according to FIG. 2A.

Please refer to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B . FIG. 1A is a top plan view showing the main structure of the device 100 for integrating the RFID tag 120 and the solar cell 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1B shows the basis A side view of Figure 1A. The device 100 for integrating the RFID tag 120 and the solar cell 110 includes a solar cell 110 and a radio frequency identification tag 120.

The solar cell 110 includes two conductive glass layers (111, 112), a positive electrode metal layer 111a, a negative electrode metal layer 112a, and a photoelectric conversion layer 113.

The positive electrode metal layer 111a and the negative electrode metal layer 112a are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the photoelectric conversion layer 113 for conduction.

The conductive glass layer 111 is disposed on the upper side of the positive electrode metal layer 111a, and the other conductive glass layer 112 is disposed on the lower side of the negative electrode metal layer 112a. As the material of the conductive glass layer 111, a conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) can be used, which has both an electric conductive and a light transmitting effect.

The photoelectric conversion layer 113 is converted into electric energy by absorbing light energy, and an inorganic material or an organic material can be used. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 , an organic solar cell is taken as an example to disclose a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Therefore, the photoelectric conversion layer 113 includes an electrolyte 114. A material such as dye 115, nano titanium dioxide 116, and the like, and a carbon film layer 117 are disposed above the negative electrode metal layer 112a. It should be noted that the present invention is also applicable to inorganic solar cells, and the material of the photoelectric conversion layer 113 is changed accordingly. This is a conventional technique and will not be further described.

The RFID tag 120 is integrated with the solar cell 110 and has a variety of possible arrangements. In this embodiment, the galvanic positive electrode metal layer 111a and the photoelectric conversion layer 113 form an accommodating space 118, and a radio frequency wafer 121 is embedded in the accommodating space 118, and The radio frequency chip 121 is electrically connected to the separated two portions of the positive electrode metal layer 111a, and the radio frequency chip 121 transmits a wireless signal through the positive electrode metal layer 111a. It will be appreciated that this manner of application to the negative electrode metal layer 112a is also possible. The RFID tag 120 can be active, semi-active or passive.

To facilitate an understanding of the core technology of the present invention, the definition of the radio frequency identification tag 120 in the present invention will be described first. The RFID tag 120 generally includes a radio frequency chip 121 and an antenna electrically connected to the radio frequency chip 121 for transmitting wireless signals. It is known that this antenna requires additional settings. However, the present invention eliminates the arrangement of the antenna, and the solar cell 110 itself has the positive electrode metal layer 111a or the negative electrode metal layer 112a for transmitting the wireless signal. Accordingly, the antenna of the general term, as used in the specification of the present invention, refers to the same element. In order to avoid confusion caused by ambiguity and the problem of one component and two names, it is hereby stated.

The accommodating space 118 may be formed by splitting or cutting the positive electrode metal layer 111a and the photoelectric conversion layer 113 after the entire structure of the solar cell 110 is completed, and finally embedding the radio frequency wafer 121 in the accommodating space 118. Another way is to reserve a accommodating space 118 in the process of forming the solar cell 110. At this time, the radio frequency wafer 121 is first embedded in the accommodating space 118, and then the final conductive glass layer 111 is formed.

Please refer to FIG. 1C. FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing another arrangement of the solar cell 110 and the radio frequency chip 121 according to FIG. 1B. In FIG. 1C, the photoelectric conversion layer 113 is not cut, but is in the positive electrode metal layer. An accommodating space 118 is formed in the 111a, and the radio frequency wafer 121 is embedded in the accommodating space 118, and finally the conductive glass layer 111 is covered to form a final structure.

Please refer to FIG. 1D. FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram showing another arrangement of the solar cell 110 and the radio frequency chip 121 according to FIG. 1B. In FIG. 1D, the radio frequency chip 121 has a positive terminal 121a and a negative terminal 121b. The positive electrode 121a and the negative electrode terminal 121b are electrically connected to the positive electrode metal layer 111a and the negative electrode metal layer 112a of the solar cell 110, respectively, thereby eliminating the cutting or splitting process and reducing the process complexity.

Please refer to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is a top plan view showing the main structure of the device for integrating the RFID tag 120 and the solar cell (110, 210) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view showing the image according to FIG. 2A. In FIGS. 1A-1C, the radio frequency chip 121 is integrated with a single solar cell 110. In the present embodiment, an example in which the radio frequency chip 121 is integrated with the two solar cells (110, 210) is disclosed. In Fig. 2B, the two solar cells (110, 210) are stacked vertically above and below. The positive electrode metal layer 111a and the negative electrode metal layer 112a of the solar cell 110, and the positive electrode metal layer 211a and the negative electrode metal layer 212a of the solar cell 210 are arranged from top to bottom, respectively. The negative terminal 121b of the radio frequency chip 121 is electrically connected to the negative electrode metal layer 112a of the solar cell 110, and the positive terminal 121a of the radio frequency chip 121 is electrically connected to the positive electrode metal layer 211a of the solar cell 210. The radio frequency chip 121 transmits a wireless signal by the negative electrode metal layer 112a of the solar cell 110 and the positive electrode metal layer 211a of the solar cell 210. Figure 2B shows solar cells (110, 210) Up and down vertical stacking is taken as an example. In another example, it is also possible to stack solar cells (110, 210) in a parallel manner (not shown). At this time, the positive electrode end 121a of the radio frequency chip 121 is electrically connected to the positive electrode metal layer 111a of the solar cell 110 and the positive electrode metal layer 211a of the solar cell 210, or the radio frequency chip 121 may be electrically connected to the solar cell 110. The negative electrode metal layer 112a and the negative electrode metal layer 212a of the solar cell 210. Both the solar cell 110 and the solar cell 210 can each be an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell.

In summary, in the above embodiments, the radio frequency chip 121 is covered in the structure of the solar cell (110, 210), and is a positive electrode metal layer (111a, 211a) of the solar cell (110, 210) or The negative electrode metal layer (112a, 212a) is an antenna of the RFID tag 120 for transmitting wireless signals. Therefore, the present invention can solve the problem that the conventional RFID tag is easily peeled off on a plastic or paper substrate, and the entire device can be integrated into a smaller volume and is easier to use because there is no additional antenna arrangement. When the active radio frequency identification tag is used, the solar cell (110, 210) itself can be used as a power supply source, which can increase the transmission efficiency and save the installation cost of the extra power source.

100‧‧‧Devices for integrating RFID tags with solar cells

110‧‧‧Solar battery

111‧‧‧ Conductive glass layer

111a‧‧‧Positive electrode metal layer

112‧‧‧ Conductive glass layer

112a‧‧‧Negative electrode metal layer

113‧‧‧ photoelectric conversion layer

114‧‧‧ electrolyte

115‧‧‧Dyes

116‧‧‧Nano titanium dioxide

117‧‧‧ carbon film

118‧‧‧ accommodating space

120‧‧‧radio frequency identification tag

121‧‧‧RF chip

Claims (11)

An apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, comprising: a solar cell comprising a photoelectric conversion layer, a positive electrode metal layer and a negative electrode metal layer; and a radio frequency identification tag, the radio frequency identification tag comprising a radio frequency chip, wherein the radio frequency chip is electrically connected to the positive electrode metal layer or the negative electrode metal layer, and the radio frequency chip transmits a wireless signal by using the positive electrode metal layer or the negative electrode metal layer as a transmission antenna. The radio frequency chip is housed in an accommodating space formed by the photoelectric conversion layer, the positive electrode metal layer or the negative electrode metal layer, and is covered by the solar cell. The device of claim 1 for integrating a radio frequency identification tag with a solar cell, wherein the solar cell is an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell. An apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell is a dye-sensitized solar cell. The device of claim 1 , wherein the radio frequency identification tag is active, semi-active or passive. A method for integrating a radio frequency identification tag antenna and a solar cell, comprising: preparing a solar cell comprising a photoelectric conversion layer, a positive electrode metal layer and a negative electrode metal layer; cutting the solar cell to make the photoelectric conversion layer, Forming an accommodating space in the metal layer of the positive electrode or the metal layer of the negative electrode; inserting a radio frequency chip into the accommodating space, electrically connecting the radio frequency chip to the metal layer of the positive electrode of the solar cell or the negative An electrode metal layer; and causing the radio frequency chip to transmit a wireless signal by using the positive electrode metal layer or the negative electrode metal layer as a transmission antenna. An apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, comprising: a solar cell comprising a positive electrode metal layer and a negative electrode metal layer; and a radio frequency identification tag, the radio frequency identification tag comprising a radio frequency chip The radio frequency chip includes a positive end and a negative end; wherein the positive end of the radio frequency chip is electrically connected to the positive electrode metal layer of the solar cell, and the negative end of the radio frequency chip and the solar cell The negative electrode metal layer is electrically connected, and the radio frequency chip transmits a wireless signal by using the positive electrode metal layer and the negative electrode metal layer as a transmission antenna. The entire RFID tag and solar cell of claim 6 The device, wherein the solar cell is an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell. An apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell according to claim 6, wherein the solar cell is a dye-sensitized solar cell. The device of claim 6, wherein the radio frequency identification tag is active, semi-active or passive. An apparatus for integrating a radio frequency identification tag and a solar cell, comprising: two solar cells, each of the solar cells comprising at least one electrode metal layer; and a radio frequency identification tag, the radio frequency identification tag comprising a radio frequency chip, the radio frequency The wafer is electrically connected to the electrode metal layer of one of the solar cells and the electrode metal layer of the other solar cell, and the wireless RF chip transmits a wireless signal to the transmission antenna through the electrode metal layer of the two solar cells. Wherein the two solar cells are stacked vertically or horizontally above, and the radio frequency chip is in close contact with the two solar cells and is coated by the two solar cells. The device of claim 10, wherein the two solar cells are each an inorganic solar cell or an organic solar cell.