WO2019215963A1 - Wireless communication device and article provided with wireless communication device - Google Patents

Wireless communication device and article provided with wireless communication device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019215963A1
WO2019215963A1 PCT/JP2019/002248 JP2019002248W WO2019215963A1 WO 2019215963 A1 WO2019215963 A1 WO 2019215963A1 JP 2019002248 W JP2019002248 W JP 2019002248W WO 2019215963 A1 WO2019215963 A1 WO 2019215963A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
top plate
main body
wireless communication
communication device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/002248
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
慶広 青山
加藤　登
越智　達也
Original Assignee
株式会社村田製作所
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社村田製作所 filed Critical 株式会社村田製作所
Priority to JP2019528944A priority Critical patent/JP6601597B1/en
Publication of WO2019215963A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019215963A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/40—Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
    • H01Q13/08—Radiating ends of two-conductor microwave transmission lines, e.g. of coaxial lines, of microstrip lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wireless communication device capable of wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface, and an article provided with the wireless communication device.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication device (RFID (Radio-Frequency) in which a wireless IC element (RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip) and a conductor pattern connected thereto are protected by a resin protective case. IDentification) tag) is disclosed.
  • the RFIC chip and the conductor pattern are provided on the surface of the dielectric block, and the dielectric block is accommodated in the protective case.
  • the conductor pattern is provided on the first main surface of the dielectric block and connected to one terminal of the RFIC chip, and on the second main surface facing the first main surface.
  • a ground conductor connected to the other terminal of the RFIC chip, and a short-circuit conductor connecting the radiation conductor and the ground conductor.
  • the RFID tag described in Patent Document 1 has a high manufacturing cost due to many necessary components and a complicated structure.
  • a dielectric block is necessary to hold an RFIC chip, a radiation conductor, or the like.
  • an object of the present invention is to protect an RFIC chip and an antenna connected thereto while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article with a simple structure in a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag. .
  • a wireless communication device that can be used while attached to a metal surface of an article,
  • a casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
  • An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled
  • An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
  • the casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
  • a wireless communication device is provided.
  • An article comprising a metal surface at least in part, and a wireless communication device attached to the metal surface
  • the wireless communication device is A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
  • An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled
  • An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
  • the casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna. Articles are provided.
  • the RFIC chip and the antenna connected to the RFIC chip can be protected with a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wireless communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device that can be used in a state where the wireless communication device is attached to a metal surface of an article, and includes a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space therebetween, And a casing member including a top plate support portion standing on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and extending from the main body portion toward the metal surface.
  • An antenna having a connection portion that is connected to the metal surface in a direct current or capacitively coupled, and an RFIC chip that is provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and is connected to the antenna.
  • the casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
  • the RFIC chip and the antenna connected to the RFIC chip can be protected with a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article.
  • the antenna support portion may include a spacer portion that protrudes from the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and includes a contact surface that contacts the main body portion of the antenna.
  • the spacer portion provides a space between the top plate portion of the casing member and the main body portion of the antenna.
  • the area of the contact surface of the spacer portion with respect to the main body portion of the antenna is half of the total area of the main body portion of the antenna when viewed from the facing direction of the top plate portion of the casing member and the main body portion of the antenna. Smaller than that. Thereby, dielectric loss is suppressed.
  • the antenna connection portion may extend along the top plate support portion with a space provided between the antenna member and the top plate support portion of the casing member. Thereby, dielectric loss is suppressed.
  • the main body portion of the antenna may include a through hole, and the antenna support portion may include an engagement pin portion that engages with the through hole. Thereby, the antenna can be fixed to the casing member.
  • the casing member may be a cap-shaped member.
  • the wireless communication device may include a conductor plate that is provided on the cap-shaped member so as to close an internal space of the cap-shaped member and is attached to the metal surface.
  • the connecting portion of the antenna may be connected to the conductor plate.
  • the antenna may be an inverted F antenna.
  • the feed line portion and the short-circuit line portion of the inverted F antenna may be connected to the conductor plate as the connection portion.
  • An article according to another aspect of the present invention is an article provided with a metal surface at least in part, and a wireless communication device attached to the metal surface, wherein the wireless communication device is spaced from the metal surface.
  • a casing member including a top plate portion having opposite back surfaces, a top plate support portion standing on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and the main body
  • An antenna provided with a connection portion extending from the portion toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled to the top surface of the casing member;
  • a support part is provided.
  • the RFIC chip and the antenna connected thereto can be protected by a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of the article. it can.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to an article
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless communication device
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication device.
  • the XYZ coordinate system is for facilitating understanding of the invention, and does not limit the invention.
  • the X-axis direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag
  • the Y-axis direction indicates the width direction
  • the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction.
  • the wireless communication device 10 is a so-called RFID (Radio-FrequencyentIDentification) tag, and is used in a state where it is attached to a metal surface Wa of an article W such as a metal plate, for example.
  • RFID Radio-FrequencyentIDentification
  • the RFID tag 10 includes a cap-shaped member 12, an antenna 14 provided in the cap-shaped member 12, and an RFIC (Radio-FrequencyrIntegrated Circuit) module 16. And a conductor plate 18 that closes the internal space R of the cap-shaped member 12 and a seal member 20 provided on the conductor plate 18.
  • RFIC Radio-FrequencyrIntegrated Circuit
  • the cap-shaped member 12 is a cap-shaped casing member that protects the antenna 14 and the RFIC module 16, and is made of, for example, a resin material such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyester, or polyetheretherketone.
  • the cap-shaped member 12 includes a flat plate-like top plate portion 12a and a cylindrical side wall portion 12b standing from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 12a.
  • the RFID tag 10 has a flange-shaped tip surface (flange portion) 12 c of the side wall portion 12 b, that is, an opening edge portion 12 c of the cap-shaped member 12 on the metal surface Wa of the article W. It is attached via the seal member 20.
  • the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 is placed on the metal surface Wa as shown in FIG. Opposite the space.
  • the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a is parallel to the metal surface Wa. That is, the side wall portion 12b functions as a top plate support portion that stands on the back surface 12d side from the top plate portion 12a and supports the top plate portion 12a with a space left from the metal surface Wa.
  • the antenna 14 is provided on the back side of the cap-shaped member 12 (the surface of the cap-shaped member 12 that defines the internal space R).
  • the antenna 14 is made of a conductor material such as brass plated with nickel / tin, for example.
  • the antenna 14 is produced, for example, by press molding (punching and bending with a press machine) a metal sheet or a metal thin plate.
  • the antenna 14 includes a main body portion 14a and a connection portion 14b extending from the main body portion 14a.
  • the connection portion 14 b is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via the conductor plate 18. Further details of the antenna 14 will be described later.
  • the RFIC module 16 is a module including an RFIC chip and a matching circuit that performs matching between the antenna 14 and an RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip, and is connected to the antenna 14.
  • the RFIC module 16 is provided on the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12 via the antenna 14. Further details of the RFIC module 16 will be described later.
  • the conductor plate 18 is a plate-like member made of a conductor material, and is provided on the cap-like member 12 so as to close the internal space R into a sealed space.
  • the conductor plate 18 is also provided on the cap-shaped member 12 in parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12. Thereby, the antenna 14 and the RFIC module 16 are covered and protected by the cap-shaped member 12 and the conductor plate 18.
  • the conductor plate 18 is preferably made of the same material as the antenna 14 because it is connected to the connection portion 14b of the antenna 14.
  • the seal member 20 is a so-called double-sided tape, and is a member for attaching the RFID tag 10 to the metal surface Wa of the article W.
  • One adhesive surface 20 a of the sealing member 20 is attached to the flange portion 12 c of the cap-shaped member 12 and the conductor plate 18.
  • the other adhesive surface 20b is attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W.
  • the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 is attached to the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12.
  • the cap-shaped member 12 includes a plurality of antenna support portions 12e on the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a.
  • the antenna support portion 12e of the cap-shaped member 12 is configured to support the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 with a space provided between the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 and the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14. Has been.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the antenna support portion before supporting the antenna.
  • each of the plurality of antenna support portions 12 e protrudes from the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-like member 12 and contacts the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14.
  • the spacer part 12g provided with the contact surface 12f is included.
  • the protruding height of the spacer portion 12g (the distance from the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a to the contact surface 12f) is, for example, 0.2 mm.
  • a space that is, a dielectric, is formed between the main body portion 14a and the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12.
  • a layer of air with a rate of 1 is provided.
  • the main body portion 14b is provided in parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a. The reason for providing such a space will be described later.
  • a plurality of antenna support portions Each of 12e includes an engagement pin portion 12h.
  • a plurality of through holes 14 c that are engaged with the engaging pin portions 12 h are formed in the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14.
  • the engagement pin portion 12h has a pin shape protruding from the spacer portion 12g and passes through a through hole 14c formed in the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14.
  • the body pin portion 14a of the antenna 14 is deformed like a rivet head portion by heating the portion (head portion) of the engaging pin portion 12h that has passed through the through hole 14c, for example. It is fixed to the member 12.
  • the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 is maintained in a posture parallel to the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12 and parallel to the conductor plate 18. Is done.
  • the shape of the head portion of the engagement pin portion 12h after the deformation is preferably tapered so that the width becomes narrower as the distance from the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 increases. Further, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to have a head shape. Furthermore, it is preferable that the thickness of the head (the distance from the top of the head to the main body 14a of the antenna 14) is large. The reason is that, for example, when an external force is applied to the engaging pin portion 12h, the possibility that the head is lost can be reduced (the external force can be dispersed). As a result, the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 can be reliably fixed to the cap-shaped member 12, and variations in frequency can be reduced.
  • a columnar portion 12j is provided on the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 in addition to the antenna support portion 12e.
  • the columnar portion 12 j penetrates through the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14, and its tip contacts the conductor plate 18. Thereby, it is suppressed that the top-plate part 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 bends toward the conductor board 18.
  • the conductor plate 18 is also fixed to the cap-shaped member 12 in the same manner as the main body 14 a of the antenna 14. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of through holes 18 a are formed in the conductor plate 18. An engaging pin portion (not shown) that engages with these through holes 18 a is provided in the cap-shaped member 12.
  • connection portion 14b of the antenna 14 is a portion for connecting the main body portion 14a and the conductor plate 18. That is, the connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via the conductor plate 18 and the seal member 20.
  • the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W in a direct current manner.
  • the sealing member 20 has an insulating property, the antenna 14 is capacitively coupled to the metal surface Wa of the article W.
  • connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is directed from one end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the main body portion 14 a toward the metal surface Wa, that is, toward the conductor plate 18. It is extended. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection portion 14 b extends along the side wall portion 12 b of the cap-shaped member 12. Specifically, the connection part 14b extends along the side wall part 12b with a space provided between the connection part 14b and the side wall part 12b. The reason for providing such a space will be described later.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection between the antenna and the conductor plate.
  • connection portion 14b of the antenna 14 is connected to the conductor plate 18 via a band-shaped terminal portion 14d extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the RFID tag 10. It is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and is connected to a strip-shaped contact portion 18b extending in the width direction.
  • a through hole 14 e is formed in the terminal portion 14 d of the antenna 14, and a through hole 18 c is also formed in the contact portion 18 b of the conductor plate 18.
  • the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 may be joined by, for example, solder. When these are joined by soldering, the through hole 14e of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the through hole 18c of the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 may be omitted.
  • the contact portion 18 b of the conductor plate 18 are formed with a plurality of convex portions 18 d that protrude toward the terminal portion 14 d of the antenna 14.
  • the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 contacts the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 via the plurality of convex portions 18d. That is, by making point contact at a plurality of points, variations in contact resistance can be suppressed as compared to the case where the terminal portion 14d and the contact portion 18b are in surface contact.
  • the convex portion may be provided on the antenna 14 instead of the conductor plate 18. Further, as described above, when the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 are joined by solder, the convex portion may be omitted.
  • the length L1 of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 is longer than the length L2 of the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18.
  • FIG. 6 which is a bottom view of the RFID tag 10 before the seal member 20 is attached, a part of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 is exposed to the outside.
  • the resistance between the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 can be measured by bringing a tester probe into contact with the exposed portion of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the conductor plate 18 respectively. it can. As a result, a contact failure between the antenna 14 and the conductor plate 18 can be detected.
  • the antenna 14 is a so-called inverted F antenna.
  • FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the RFID tag according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit in the RFID tag 10 in a state where the seal member 20 has an insulating property and the conductor plate 18 and the metal surface Wa of the article W are capacitively coupled.
  • the antenna 14 functions as an inverted-F antenna, so that the radiating portion 14 f that radiates radio waves, the feed line portion 14 g that connects the radiating portion 14 f and the metal surface Wa of the article W, and the short-circuit wire. Part 14h.
  • the radiating portion 14f of the antenna 14 is constituted by a free end side portion (that is, an anti-connection portion side portion) of the main body portion 14a.
  • the feeding line portion 14 g of the antenna 14 includes a radiation side conductor portion 14 j extending from the radiation portion 14 f and a connection side conductor portion extending from the terminal portion 14 d toward the radiation portion 14 f. 14k, and the RFIC module 16 connected to the radiation side conductor part 14j and the connection side conductor part 14k.
  • the connection side conductor portion 14k includes a connection portion 14b.
  • the short-circuit part 14h of the antenna 14 extends between the radiating part 14f and the terminal part 14d and connects them.
  • the short-circuit line portion 14h includes a connection portion 14b.
  • connection-side conductor portion 14k in the feeder portion 14g is appropriately bent.
  • the connection-side conductor portion 14k may be twisted without being properly bent when the antenna 14 is bent.
  • the terminal portion 14d and the connection-side conductor portion 14k are divided.
  • the connection-side conductor 14k and the RFIC module 16 are not appropriately electrically connected in a subsequent process.
  • the two short-circuit line portions 14h sandwich the power supply line portion 14g.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the RFIC module.
  • FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the RFID module.
  • the RFIC module 16 is a device that performs wireless communication at a communication frequency of, for example, 900 MHz band, that is, UHF band.
  • the RFIC module 16 is composed of a multilayer substrate composed of three layers. Specifically, the RFIC module 16 is formed by stacking flexible insulating sheets 32A, 32B, and 32C made of a resin material such as polyimide or liquid crystal polymer.
  • the RFIC module 16 includes an RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip 34, a plurality of inductance elements 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D, and external connection terminals 38 and 40.
  • the inductance elements 36A to 36D and the external connection terminals 38 and 40 are formed on the insulating sheets 32A to 32C, and are composed of a conductor pattern made of a conductive material such as copper.
  • the RFIC chip 34 is mounted on the central portion in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) on the insulating sheet 32C.
  • the RFIC chip 34 has a structure in which various elements are built in a semiconductor substrate made of a semiconductor such as silicon.
  • the RFIC chip 34 includes a first input / output terminal 34a and a second input / output terminal 34b.
  • the RFIC chip 34 has an internal capacitance (capacitance: self-capacitance possessed by the RFIC chip itself) C1.
  • the inductance element (first inductance element) 36A is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32C on one side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32C. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36A includes an inductance L1. A land 36Aa connected to the first input / output terminal 34a of the RFIC chip 34 is provided at one end (end outside the coil) of the inductance element 36A. A land 36Ab is also provided at the other end (end on the coil center side).
  • the inductance element (second inductance element) 36B is formed from a conductive pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32C on the other side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32C. It is configured. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36B includes an inductance L2. A land 36Ba connected to the second input / output terminal 34b of the RFIC chip 34 is provided at one end (end outside the coil) of the inductance element 36A. A land 36Bb is also provided at the other end (end on the coil center side).
  • the inductance element (third inductance element) 36C is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32B on one side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32B. It is configured. Further, the inductance element 36C is opposed to the inductance element 36A in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36C includes an inductance L3. A land 36Ca is provided at one end (end on the coil center side) of the inductance element 36C. The land 36Ca is connected to the land 36Ab of the inductance element 36A on the insulating sheet 32C via an interlayer connection conductor 42 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32B.
  • an interlayer connection conductor 42 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32B.
  • the inductance element (fourth inductance element) 36D is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32B on the other side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32B. It is configured.
  • the inductance element 36D is opposed to the inductance element 36B in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).
  • the inductance element 36D includes an inductance L4.
  • a land 36Da is provided at one end (the end on the coil center side) of the inductance element 36D.
  • the land 36Da is connected to the land 36Bb of the inductance element 36B on the insulating sheet 32C via an interlayer connection conductor 44 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32B.
  • the inductance elements 36C and 36D on the insulating sheet 32B are integrated as one conductor pattern. That is, the other ends (ends outside the coil) are connected to each other.
  • the insulating sheet 32B is formed with a through hole 32Ba for accommodating the RFIC chip 34 mounted on the insulating sheet 32C.
  • the external connection terminals 38 and 40 are composed of a conductor pattern provided on the insulating sheet 32A.
  • the external connection terminals 32 and 40 are opposed to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32A.
  • One external connection terminal 38 is connected to a land 36Ca of an inductance element 36C on the insulation sheet 32B via an interlayer connection conductor 46 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulation sheet 32A.
  • the other external connection terminal 40 is connected to a land 36Da of the inductance element 36D on the insulating sheet 32B through an interlayer connection conductor 48 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32A.
  • One external connection terminal 38 is connected to the connection-side conductor portion 14k in the feeder line portion 14g of the antenna 14 through, for example, solder.
  • the other external connection terminal 40 is connected to the radiation side conductor portion 14j via, for example, solder.
  • the RFIC chip 34 is composed of a semiconductor substrate.
  • the RFIC chip 34 exists between the inductance elements 36A and 36B and between the inductance elements 36C and 36D.
  • the RFIC chip 34 functions as a shield, magnetic field coupling and capacitive coupling between the spiral coil-shaped inductance elements 36A and 36B provided on the insulating sheet 32C are suppressed.
  • magnetic field coupling and capacitive coupling between the spiral coil-shaped inductance elements 36C and 36D provided on the insulating sheet 32B are suppressed. As a result, it is suppressed that the pass band of the communication signal becomes narrow.
  • a matching circuit that performs matching between the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14 at a communication frequency by a capacitor C1 (internal capacitance of the RFIC chip 34) and inductances L1 to L4 (inductances of four inductance elements). Is configured.
  • the RFID tag 10 is attached to one metal surface Wa substantially via the radiating portion 14f of the antenna 14 when not attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W. If there is, the radio wave is exchanged with an external wireless communication device (for example, a reader / writer device) substantially through the radiating portion 14f and the metal surface Wa.
  • an external wireless communication device for example, a reader / writer device
  • the RFIC chip 34 of the RFIC module 16 is driven by the electromotive force.
  • the driven RFIC chip 34 transmits the data stored in the storage unit via the radiating unit 14f or the metal surface Wa.
  • the radiating portion 14 f and the conductor plate 18 are The capacity formed between them is sufficiently small and does not substantially affect the communication characteristics, particularly the communication distance and communication frequency.
  • the distance between the radiating portion 14f and the conductor plate 18 can be made as small as possible within a range that does not substantially affect the communication characteristics.
  • the radiating portion 14 f of the antenna 14 faces the metal surface Wa with the conductor plate 18 interposed therebetween.
  • the communication frequency is substantially the same as before the communication frequency is attached to the metal surface Wa.
  • the main body 14 a and the connection 14 b of the antenna 14 are provided on the cap-shaped member 12 with a space provided between the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12. That is, an air layer is provided between the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 and the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12, and an air layer is provided between the connection portion 14b and the side wall portion 12b.
  • dielectric loss that is, loss of part of the current flowing through the antenna 14 by being converted to heat is suppressed (compared to a case where there is no space).
  • a decrease in communication characteristics For example, a decrease in communication distance and a shift in communication frequency peak are suppressed. For example, it is suppressed that the peak of 920 MHz shifts to 900 MHz.
  • the contact area of the cap-shaped member 12 with respect to the main body 14a of the antenna 14 is small.
  • the contact surface 12f of the spacer portion 12g with respect to the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 in the opposite direction view (Z-axis direction view) between the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 and the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14. Is preferably smaller than half of the total area of the main body 14a of the antenna 14 (total area).
  • the contact area of the cap-shaped member 12 with respect to the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 is made too small, the support for the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 is insufficient, and the main body portion 14a bends. Therefore, there is a possibility that the main body 14a of the antenna 14 cannot be maintained in parallel.
  • the RFIC chip 34 (RFIC module 16) and the antenna 14 connected thereto can be wirelessly communicated even when attached to the metal surface Wa by a simple structure. Can be protected.
  • the RFIC module 16 including the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14 connected thereto are directly provided on the cap-shaped member 12 for protecting them. That is, the cap-shaped member 12 is a member that protects the RFIC module 16 and the antenna 14 and also holds them. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to adopt a complicated configuration such as providing the RFIC chip 34 or the antenna 14 on a substrate or block and protecting the substrate or block with a protective case.
  • the main body portion 14a (radiating portion 14f) of the antenna 14 is provided in the cap-shaped member 12 in a state where a space is provided between the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12, the dielectric loss is suppressed. Reduction is suppressed.
  • the RFIC chip 34 is incorporated in the RFIC module 16 together with a matching circuit (four inductance elements 36A to 36D) for matching the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14, and the antenna 14 It is connected to the.
  • a matching circuit four inductance elements 36A to 36D for matching the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14, and the antenna 14 It is connected to the.
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID tag according to another embodiment.
  • symbol is attached
  • the RFIC chip 34 is provided on the main body 114a of the antenna 114 having an inverted F antenna shape without being modularized. Specifically, the first input / output terminal of the RFIC chip 34 is connected to the connection-side conductor portion 114k in the feed line portion of the antenna 114, and the second input / output terminal is connected to the radiation-side conductor portion 114j. Matching between the antenna 114 and the RFIC chip 34 can be achieved by setting the connection-side conductor 114k to an appropriate length, that is, by adjusting the inductance of the connection-side conductor 114k.
  • a spacer portion for providing a space between the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12. 12g and the engaging pin part 12h for fixing the antenna 14 to the cap-shaped member 12 are integrated.
  • the spacer portion 12g and the engagement pin portion 12h may be provided at different locations and separated from each other. Further, the number of the spacer portions 12g and the engaging pin portions 12h may be different.
  • the engagement pin part 12h is the number which can be fixed to the cap-shaped member 12 in a state where the entire main body part 14a of the antenna 14 is maintained parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate part 12a of the cap-shaped member 12.
  • the antenna support portion may be in any form for supporting the antenna as long as a space can be provided between the main body portion of the antenna and the top plate portion of the casing member.
  • connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via a direct current via the conductor plate 18. Or capacitively coupled.
  • the connecting portion of the antenna may be connected to the metal surface of the article in a direct current manner or not capacitively coupled without passing through the conductor plate. In this case, the RFID tag can omit the conductor plate.
  • the casing member that protects and holds the RFIC chip 34 (RFIC module 16) and the antenna 14 has a cap shape that defines a sealed internal space R.
  • the casing member may be provided with a hole that communicates the internal space with the outside when attached to a metal surface.
  • the top plate support part of the casing member may be two flat side wall parts parallel to each other. Further, for example, the top plate support portion may be four column portions (in this case, the casing member has a table shape).
  • the metal surface Wa of the article W to which the RFID tag 10 is attached is a flat surface, but the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the metal surface may be a curved surface such as a gas cylinder.
  • the casing member has flexibility.
  • the opening edge part is equipped with the shape which can be engaged with a curved surface.
  • the wireless communication device can be used by attaching to various objects having a metal surface of any shape, for example, a metal surface such as an office desk or a drum can, and a non-metal surface. It can be used even if it is attached to.
  • the antenna 14 is in the form of an inverted F antenna, but is not limited thereto.
  • an inverted L antenna may be used.
  • the wireless communication device may be configured to detect at least one of the ambient temperature and humidity and output the detection result to the outside.
  • a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are incorporated in the RFIC chip.
  • a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are provided in the RFIC module together with the RFIC chip.
  • the temperature sensor can detect the temperature outside the cap-shaped member with high accuracy. More specifically, the temperature sensor indirectly detects the external temperature by substantially detecting the temperature of the cap-shaped member that is in contact with the outside air. Therefore, unlike the case where the module with the temperature sensor is provided away from the cap-like member through the space, the temperature sensor is high even if the external temperature changes drastically in a short time. The external temperature can be detected with high accuracy.
  • the cap-like member is provided with a communication hole for communicating the internal space with the outside.
  • the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device that can be used while attached to a metal surface of an article, and is opposed to the metal surface with a space therebetween.
  • a casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface, a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and the main body portion
  • An antenna including a connection portion extending from the metal surface toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled to the top surface of the casing member and connected to the antenna
  • An antenna support that supports the antenna body in a state where the casing member further provides a space between the top plate and the antenna body.
  • a holding part is provided.
  • the present invention is applicable to a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag that can be used by being attached to a metal surface.
  • Wireless communication devices RFID tags
  • Casing member cap-shaped member
  • Top plate part 12b
  • Top plate support part 12e
  • Antenna support part 14e
  • Antenna 14a
  • Body part 14b
  • Connection part 16 RFIC chip (RFIC module) W Article Wa Metal surface

Abstract

A wireless communication device (10) has: a casing member (12) that includes a top plate (12a) provided with a back surface (12d) opposed to a metal surface (Wa) with space therebetween and a top plate support (12b) that stands upright on the back surface side from the top plate (12a); an antenna (14) that includes a body (14a) provided to the back surface (12d) of the top plate (12a) of the casing member (12), and a connection part (14b) extending from the body (14a) toward the metal surface (Wa) and connected to the metal surface (Wa) through a direct current connection or in a capacitive coupling manner; and a RFIC chip (16) that is provided on the back surface (12d) of the top plate (12a) of the casing member (12) and is connected to the antenna (14). The casing member (12) is further provided with antenna supports (12e) that support the body (14a) in a state where space is provided between the top plate (12a) and the body (14a) of the antenna (14).

Description

無線通信デバイス、およびそれを備えた物品Wireless communication device and article provided with the same
　本発明は、金属面に取り付けても無線通信可能な無線通信デバイス、およびそれを備えた物品に関する。 The present invention relates to a wireless communication device capable of wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface, and an article provided with the wireless communication device.
　例えば、特許文献１には、無線IC素子（RFIC（Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit）チップ）とそれに接続された導体パターンとが樹脂製の保護ケースに保護されている無線通信デバイス（RFID（Radio-Frequency IDentification）タグ)が開示されている。RFICチップと導体パターンは、誘電体ブロックの表面上に設けられ、その誘電体ブロックが保護ケース内に収容されている。また、導体パターンは、誘電体ブロックの第１の主面に設けられてRFICチップの一方の端子と接続する放射導体（アンテナ）と、第１の主面に対向する第２の主面に設けられてRFICチップの他方の端子と接続するグランド導体と、放射導体とグランド導体とを接続する短絡導体とを備える。グランド導体が金属面に対向するようにRFIDタグを物品の金属面に貼り付けることにより（グランド導体と金属面とが保護ケースを介して容量結合することにより）、RFIDタグは金属面に取り付けても無線通信を行うことができる。 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication device (RFID (Radio-Frequency) in which a wireless IC element (RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip) and a conductor pattern connected thereto are protected by a resin protective case. IDentification) tag) is disclosed. The RFIC chip and the conductor pattern are provided on the surface of the dielectric block, and the dielectric block is accommodated in the protective case. The conductor pattern is provided on the first main surface of the dielectric block and connected to one terminal of the RFIC chip, and on the second main surface facing the first main surface. And a ground conductor connected to the other terminal of the RFIC chip, and a short-circuit conductor connecting the radiation conductor and the ground conductor. By attaching the RFID tag to the metal surface of the article so that the ground conductor faces the metal surface (by capacitively coupling the ground conductor and metal surface through a protective case), the RFID tag is attached to the metal surface. Can also perform wireless communication.
特開２０１２－２５３７００号公報JP 2012-253700 A
　しかしながら、特許文献１に記載されたRFIDタグの場合、必要な構成要素が多く、また構造が複雑であるために製造コストが高い。例えば、RFICチップや放射導体などを保持するために誘電体ブロックが必要である。また、その誘電体ブロックの異なる表面に、RFICチップ、放射導体、およびグランド導体それぞれを設ける必要がある。 However, the RFID tag described in Patent Document 1 has a high manufacturing cost due to many necessary components and a complicated structure. For example, a dielectric block is necessary to hold an RFIC chip, a radiation conductor, or the like. In addition, it is necessary to provide an RFIC chip, a radiation conductor, and a ground conductor on different surfaces of the dielectric block.
　そこで、本発明は、RFIDタグなどの無線通信デバイスにおいて、シンプルな構造により、物品の金属面に取り付けても無線通信可能にしつつ、RFICチップおよびそれに接続されるアンテナを保護することを課題とする。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to protect an RFIC chip and an antenna connected thereto while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article with a simple structure in a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag. .
　上記技術的課題を解決するために、本発明の一態様によれば、
　物品の金属面に取り付けられた状態で使用可能な無線通信デバイスであって、
　前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、
　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、
　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、
　前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える、
無線通信デバイスが提供される。 In order to solve the above technical problem, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A wireless communication device that can be used while attached to a metal surface of an article,
A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled When,
An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
The casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
A wireless communication device is provided.
　また、本発明の別態様によれば、
　少なくとも一部に金属面を備え、前記金属面に無線通信デバイスが取り付けられた物品であって、
　前記無線通信デバイスが、
　前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、
　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、
　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、
　前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える、
物品が提供される。 According to another aspect of the present invention,
An article comprising a metal surface at least in part, and a wireless communication device attached to the metal surface,
The wireless communication device is
A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled When,
An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
The casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
Articles are provided.
　本発明によれば、RFIDタグなどの無線通信デバイスにおいて、シンプルな構造により、物品の金属面に取り付けても無線通信可能にしつつ、RFICチップおよびそれに接続されるアンテナを保護することができる。 According to the present invention, in a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag, the RFIC chip and the antenna connected to the RFIC chip can be protected with a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article.
物品の金属面に取り付けた状態の本発明の一実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイスの斜視図The perspective view of the radio | wireless communication device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention of the state attached to the metal surface of articles | goods 無線通信デバイスの分解斜視図Exploded perspective view of wireless communication device 無線通信デバイスの断面図Cross section of wireless communication device アンテナを支持する前のキャップ状部材のアンテナ支持部を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the antenna support part of the cap-shaped member before supporting an antenna アンテナと導体板の接続を示す斜視図Perspective view showing connection between antenna and conductor plate シール部材を貼り付ける前のRFIDタグの下面図Bottom view of the RFID tag before sticking the seal member RFIDタグの等価回路図Equivalent circuit diagram of RFID tag RFICモジュールの分解斜視図Exploded perspective view of RFIC module RFICモジュールの等価回路図Equivalent circuit diagram of RFIC module 本発明の別の実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイスの分解斜視図FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wireless communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
　本発明の一態様の無線通信デバイスは、物品の金属面に取り付けられた状態で使用可能な無線通信デバイスであって、前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える。 The wireless communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication device that can be used in a state where the wireless communication device is attached to a metal surface of an article, and includes a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space therebetween, And a casing member including a top plate support portion standing on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and extending from the main body portion toward the metal surface. An antenna having a connection portion that is connected to the metal surface in a direct current or capacitively coupled, and an RFIC chip that is provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and is connected to the antenna. The casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
　このような態様によれば、RFIDタグなどの無線通信デバイスにおいて、シンプルな構造により、物品の金属面に取り付けても無線通信可能にしつつ、RFICチップおよびそれに接続されるアンテナを保護することができる。 According to such an aspect, in a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag, the RFIC chip and the antenna connected to the RFIC chip can be protected with a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of an article. .
　前記アンテナ支持部が、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面から突出し、前記アンテナの本体部に接触する接触面を備えるスペーサ部を含んでいてもよい。スペーサ部により、ケーシング部材の天板部とアンテナの本体部との間にスペースが設けられる。 The antenna support portion may include a spacer portion that protrudes from the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and includes a contact surface that contacts the main body portion of the antenna. The spacer portion provides a space between the top plate portion of the casing member and the main body portion of the antenna.
　好ましくは、前記ケーシング部材の天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との対向方向視において、前記アンテナの本体部に対する前記スペーサ部の接触面の面積が、前記アンテナの本体部の全面積の半分に比べて小さい。これにより、誘電体損失が抑制される。 Preferably, the area of the contact surface of the spacer portion with respect to the main body portion of the antenna is half of the total area of the main body portion of the antenna when viewed from the facing direction of the top plate portion of the casing member and the main body portion of the antenna. Smaller than that. Thereby, dielectric loss is suppressed.
　前記アンテナの接続部が、前記ケーシング部材の天板支持部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記天板支持部に沿って延在してもよい。これにより、誘電体損失が抑制される。 The antenna connection portion may extend along the top plate support portion with a space provided between the antenna member and the top plate support portion of the casing member. Thereby, dielectric loss is suppressed.
　前記アンテナの本体部が貫通穴を備え、前記アンテナ支持部が前記貫通穴と係合する係合ピン部を含んでいてもよい。これにより、アンテナがケーシング部材に固定することができる。 The main body portion of the antenna may include a through hole, and the antenna support portion may include an engagement pin portion that engages with the through hole. Thereby, the antenna can be fixed to the casing member.
　例えば、前記ケーシング部材は、キャップ状部材であってもよい。 For example, the casing member may be a cap-shaped member.
　無線通信デバイスは、前記キャップ状部材の内部空間を閉じるように前記キャップ状部材に設けられ、前記金属面に対して取り付けられる導体板を有してもよい。この場合、前記アンテナの接続部が前記導体板に接続してもよい。 The wireless communication device may include a conductor plate that is provided on the cap-shaped member so as to close an internal space of the cap-shaped member and is attached to the metal surface. In this case, the connecting portion of the antenna may be connected to the conductor plate.
　前記アンテナは、逆Ｆアンテナであってもよい。この場合、前記逆Ｆアンテナの給電線部と短絡線部が、前記接続部として前記導体板に接続してもよい。 The antenna may be an inverted F antenna. In this case, the feed line portion and the short-circuit line portion of the inverted F antenna may be connected to the conductor plate as the connection portion.
　本発明の別態様の物品は、少なくとも一部に金属面を備え、前記金属面に無線通信デバイスが取り付けられた物品であって、前記無線通信デバイスが、前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える。 An article according to another aspect of the present invention is an article provided with a metal surface at least in part, and a wireless communication device attached to the metal surface, wherein the wireless communication device is spaced from the metal surface. A casing member including a top plate portion having opposite back surfaces, a top plate support portion standing on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and the main body An antenna provided with a connection portion extending from the portion toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled to the top surface of the casing member; An antenna that supports the antenna main body in a state in which the casing member further provides a space between the top plate and the antenna main body. A support part is provided.
　この態様によれば、RFIDタグなどの無線通信デバイスを備える物品において、シンプルな構造により、物品の金属面に取り付けても無線通信可能にしつつ、RFICチップおよびそれに接続されるアンテナを保護することができる。 According to this aspect, in an article provided with a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag, the RFIC chip and the antenna connected thereto can be protected by a simple structure while enabling wireless communication even when attached to a metal surface of the article. it can.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　図１は、物品に取り付けられた状態の本発明の一実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイスの斜視図であって、図２は無線通信デバイスの分解斜視図である。また、図３は、無線通信デバイスの断面図である。図中において、Ｘ－Ｙ－Ｚ座標系は、発明の理解を容易にするためのものであって、発明を限定するものではない。Ｘ軸方向はRFIDタグの長手方向を示し、Ｙ軸方向は幅方向を示し、Ｚ軸方向は厚さ方向を示している。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to an article, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless communication device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication device. In the drawing, the XYZ coordinate system is for facilitating understanding of the invention, and does not limit the invention. The X-axis direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag, the Y-axis direction indicates the width direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction.
　図１に示すように、本実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイス１０は、いわゆるRFID(Radio-Frequency IDentification）タグであって、例えば金属板などの物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに取り付けられた状態で使用可能なRFIDタグ１０である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called RFID (Radio-FrequencyentIDentification) tag, and is used in a state where it is attached to a metal surface Wa of an article W such as a metal plate, for example. A possible RFID tag 10.
　図２および図３に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、RFIDタグ１０は、キャップ状部材１２と、キャップ状部材１２内に設けられたアンテナ１４およびRFIC（Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit）モジュール１６と、キャップ状部材１２の内部空間Ｒを閉じる導体板１８と、導体板１８に設けられるシール部材２０とを有する。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, the RFID tag 10 includes a cap-shaped member 12, an antenna 14 provided in the cap-shaped member 12, and an RFIC (Radio-FrequencyrIntegrated Circuit) module 16. And a conductor plate 18 that closes the internal space R of the cap-shaped member 12 and a seal member 20 provided on the conductor plate 18.
　キャップ状部材１２は、アンテナ１４およびRFICモジュール１６を保護するキャップ状のケーシング部材であって、例えば、ポリカーボネート、ポリプロピレン、ポリエステル、ポリエーテルエーテルケトンなどの樹脂材料から作製されている。本実施の形態の場合、キャップ状部材１２は、平板状の天板部１２ａと、天板部１２ａの外周縁から立設する筒状の側壁部１２ｂとを備える。図１および図２に示すように、RFIDタグ１０は、側壁部１２ｂのフランジ状の先端面（フランジ部）１２ｃ、すなわちキャップ状部材１２の開口縁部１２ｃで、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに、シール部材２０を介して取り付けられる。 The cap-shaped member 12 is a cap-shaped casing member that protects the antenna 14 and the RFIC module 16, and is made of, for example, a resin material such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyester, or polyetheretherketone. In the case of the present embodiment, the cap-shaped member 12 includes a flat plate-like top plate portion 12a and a cylindrical side wall portion 12b standing from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 12a. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the RFID tag 10 has a flange-shaped tip surface (flange portion) 12 c of the side wall portion 12 b, that is, an opening edge portion 12 c of the cap-shaped member 12 on the metal surface Wa of the article W. It is attached via the seal member 20.
　このような側壁部１２ｂを介してRFIDタグ１０が物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに取り付けられることにより、図３に示すように、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄは、金属面Ｗａに対してスペースをあけて対向する。本実施の形態の場合、天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄは、金属面Ｗａに対して平行である。すなわち、側壁部１２ｂは、天板部１２ａから裏面１２ｄ側に立設し、その天板部１２ａを金属面Ｗａに対してスペースをあけた状態で支持する天板支持部として機能している。 When the RFID tag 10 is attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W through the side wall portion 12b, the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 is placed on the metal surface Wa as shown in FIG. Opposite the space. In the case of the present embodiment, the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a is parallel to the metal surface Wa. That is, the side wall portion 12b functions as a top plate support portion that stands on the back surface 12d side from the top plate portion 12a and supports the top plate portion 12a with a space left from the metal surface Wa.
　図２および図３に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、アンテナ１４は、キャップ状部材１２の裏側（内部空間Ｒを画定するキャップ状部材１２の表面）に設けられている。また、アンテナ１４は、例えばニッケル／スズめっきが施された真鍮などの導体材料から作製されている。アンテナ１４は、例えば、金属シートまたは金属薄板をプレス成型（プレス機による打ち抜き加工と曲げ加工）することによって作製される。 2 and 3, in the case of the present embodiment, the antenna 14 is provided on the back side of the cap-shaped member 12 (the surface of the cap-shaped member 12 that defines the internal space R). The antenna 14 is made of a conductor material such as brass plated with nickel / tin, for example. The antenna 14 is produced, for example, by press molding (punching and bending with a press machine) a metal sheet or a metal thin plate.
　さらに、アンテナ１４は、本体部１４ａと、本体部１４ａから延在する接続部１４ｂとを備える。本実施の形態の場合、接続部１４ｂは、導体板１８を介して物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに接続する。なお、アンテナ１４のさらなる詳細については後述する。 Furthermore, the antenna 14 includes a main body portion 14a and a connection portion 14b extending from the main body portion 14a. In the case of the present embodiment, the connection portion 14 b is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via the conductor plate 18. Further details of the antenna 14 will be described later.
　RFICモジュール１６は、RFICチップと、アンテナ１４とRFIC（Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit）チップとの間の整合をとる整合回路とを備えるモジュールであって、アンテナ１４に接続されている。また、RFICモジュール１６は、アンテナ１４を介して、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに設けられている。なお、RFICモジュール１６のさらなる詳細については後述する。 The RFIC module 16 is a module including an RFIC chip and a matching circuit that performs matching between the antenna 14 and an RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip, and is connected to the antenna 14. The RFIC module 16 is provided on the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12 via the antenna 14. Further details of the RFIC module 16 will be described later.
　導体板１８は、導体材料から作製された板状部材であって、キャップ状部材１２に設けられ、その内部空間Ｒを閉じて密閉空間にする。導体板１８はまた、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに対して平行に、キャップ状部材１２に設けられる。これにより、アンテナ１４とRFICモジュール１６とが、キャップ状部材１２と導体板１８とによって覆われて保護される。なお、導体板１８は、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂと接続されるため、アンテナ１４と同一の材料から作製されるのが好ましい。 The conductor plate 18 is a plate-like member made of a conductor material, and is provided on the cap-like member 12 so as to close the internal space R into a sealed space. The conductor plate 18 is also provided on the cap-shaped member 12 in parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12. Thereby, the antenna 14 and the RFIC module 16 are covered and protected by the cap-shaped member 12 and the conductor plate 18. The conductor plate 18 is preferably made of the same material as the antenna 14 because it is connected to the connection portion 14b of the antenna 14.
　シール部材２０は、いわゆる両面テープであって、RFIDタグ１０を物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに取り付けるための部材である。シール部材２０の一方の接着面２０ａが、キャップ状部材１２のフランジ部１２ｃと導体板１８に貼り付けられる。他方の接着面２０ｂは、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに貼り付けられる。 The seal member 20 is a so-called double-sided tape, and is a member for attaching the RFID tag 10 to the metal surface Wa of the article W. One adhesive surface 20 a of the sealing member 20 is attached to the flange portion 12 c of the cap-shaped member 12 and the conductor plate 18. The other adhesive surface 20b is attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W.
　ここからは、アンテナ１４、RFICモジュール１６、およびこれらに関連するRFIDタグ１０の特徴について詳細に説明する。 From here, the characteristics of the antenna 14, the RFIC module 16, and the RFID tag 10 related thereto will be described in detail.
　図３に示すように、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａは、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに取り付けられる。そのために、キャップ状部材１２が、その天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに、複数のアンテナ支持部１２ｅを備えている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 is attached to the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12. For this purpose, the cap-shaped member 12 includes a plurality of antenna support portions 12e on the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a.
　キャップ状部材１２のアンテナ支持部１２ｅは、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａとアンテナ１４の本体部１４ａとの間にスペースを設けた状態で、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａを支持するように構成されている。 The antenna support portion 12e of the cap-shaped member 12 is configured to support the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 with a space provided between the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 and the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14. Has been.
　図４は、アンテナを支持する前のアンテナ支持部を示す斜視図である。 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the antenna support portion before supporting the antenna.
　図３および図４に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、複数のアンテナ支持部１２ｅそれぞれは、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄから突出し、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに接触する接触面１２ｆを備えるスペーサ部１２ｇを含んでいる。スペーサ部１２ｇの突出高さ（天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄから接触面１２ｆまでの距離）は、例えば０．２ｍｍである。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the case of the present embodiment, each of the plurality of antenna support portions 12 e protrudes from the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-like member 12 and contacts the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14. The spacer part 12g provided with the contact surface 12f is included. The protruding height of the spacer portion 12g (the distance from the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a to the contact surface 12f) is, for example, 0.2 mm.
　アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａが複数のアンテナ支持部１２ｅそれぞれにおけるスペーサ部１２ｇの接触面１２ｆに接触することにより、その本体部１４ａとキャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａとの間にスペース、すなわち誘電率が１の空気の層が設けられる。また、本体部１４ｂが天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに対して平行に設けられる。なお、このようなスペースを設ける理由については後述する。 When the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 contacts the contact surface 12f of the spacer portion 12g in each of the plurality of antenna support portions 12e, a space, that is, a dielectric, is formed between the main body portion 14a and the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12. A layer of air with a rate of 1 is provided. Further, the main body portion 14b is provided in parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a. The reason for providing such a space will be described later.
　アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａとアンテナ支持部１２ｅのスペーサ部１２ｇとの接触を維持するために、すなわちアンテナ１４をキャップ状部材１２に固定するために、本実施の形態の場合、複数のアンテナ支持部１２ｅそれぞれは、係合ピン部１２ｈを含んでいる。その係合ピン部１２ｈに係合される複数の貫通穴１４ｃが、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに形成されている。 In the present embodiment, in order to maintain the contact between the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 and the spacer portion 12g of the antenna support portion 12e, that is, in order to fix the antenna 14 to the cap-shaped member 12, a plurality of antenna support portions Each of 12e includes an engagement pin portion 12h. A plurality of through holes 14 c that are engaged with the engaging pin portions 12 h are formed in the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14.
　具体的には、本実施の形態の場合、係合ピン部１２ｈは、スペーサ部１２ｇから突出したピン状であって、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに形成された貫通穴１４ｃを通過する。図３に示すように、貫通穴１４ｃを通過した係合ピン部１２ｈの部分（頭部）が例えば加熱されてリベットの頭部のように変形することにより、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａがキャップ状部材１２に固定される。これにより、図３に示すように、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａは、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに対して平行に、且つ、導体板１８に対しても平行な姿勢で維持される。なお、変形した後の係合ピン部１２ｈの頭部の形状は、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａから離れるに従って幅が狭くなるようなテーパー状にすることが好ましく、更には図３に示すように円頭状にすることが好ましい。さらに、頭部の厚さ（頭部の頂点からアンテナ１４の本体部１４ａまでの距離）は大きい方が好ましい。これらの理由は、例えば係合ピン部１２ｈに外力が加わったときに、その頭部が欠損する可能性を低下させることができるからである（外力を分散させることができる）。その結果、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａを確実にキャップ状部材１２に固定でき、周波数のばらつきを軽減することができる。 Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the engagement pin portion 12h has a pin shape protruding from the spacer portion 12g and passes through a through hole 14c formed in the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the body pin portion 14a of the antenna 14 is deformed like a rivet head portion by heating the portion (head portion) of the engaging pin portion 12h that has passed through the through hole 14c, for example. It is fixed to the member 12. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 is maintained in a posture parallel to the back surface 12 d of the top plate portion 12 a of the cap-shaped member 12 and parallel to the conductor plate 18. Is done. Note that the shape of the head portion of the engagement pin portion 12h after the deformation is preferably tapered so that the width becomes narrower as the distance from the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 increases. Further, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to have a head shape. Furthermore, it is preferable that the thickness of the head (the distance from the top of the head to the main body 14a of the antenna 14) is large. The reason is that, for example, when an external force is applied to the engaging pin portion 12h, the possibility that the head is lost can be reduced (the external force can be dispersed). As a result, the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 can be reliably fixed to the cap-shaped member 12, and variations in frequency can be reduced.
　図４に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄには、アンテナ支持部１２ｅ以外に、柱状部１２ｊが設けられている。この柱状部１２ｊは、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａを貫通し、その先端が導体板１８に接触する。これにより、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａが導体板１８に向かってたわむことが抑制される。 As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of the present embodiment, a columnar portion 12j is provided on the back surface 12d of the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 in addition to the antenna support portion 12e. The columnar portion 12 j penetrates through the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14, and its tip contacts the conductor plate 18. Thereby, it is suppressed that the top-plate part 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 bends toward the conductor board 18. FIG.
　なお、導体板１８も、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａと同様に、キャップ状部材１２に固定される。そのために、図２に示すように、導体板１８には、複数の貫通穴１８ａが形成されている。これらの貫通穴１８ａに係合する係合ピン部（図示せず）が、キャップ状部材１２に設けられている。 Note that the conductor plate 18 is also fixed to the cap-shaped member 12 in the same manner as the main body 14 a of the antenna 14. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of through holes 18 a are formed in the conductor plate 18. An engaging pin portion (not shown) that engages with these through holes 18 a is provided in the cap-shaped member 12.
　図２および図３に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂは、本体部１４ａと導体板１８とを接続するための部分である。すなわち、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂは、導体板１８およびシール部材２０を介して、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに接続している。シール部材２０が導電性を備える場合、アンテナ１４は、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに対して直流的に接続される。一方、シール部材２０が絶縁性を備える場合、アンテナ１４は、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに対して容量結合する。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the case of the present embodiment, the connection portion 14b of the antenna 14 is a portion for connecting the main body portion 14a and the conductor plate 18. That is, the connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via the conductor plate 18 and the seal member 20. When the seal member 20 has conductivity, the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W in a direct current manner. On the other hand, when the sealing member 20 has an insulating property, the antenna 14 is capacitively coupled to the metal surface Wa of the article W.
　本実施の形態の場合、図２に示すように、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂは、本体部１４ａの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の一端から金属面Ｗａに向かって、すなわち導体板１８に向かって延在している。また、図３に示すように、接続部１４ｂは、キャップ状部材１２の側壁部１２ｂに沿うように延在している。具体的には、接続部１４ｂと側壁部１２ｂとの間にスペースを設けた状態で、接続部１４ｂが側壁部１２ｂに沿って延在している。なお、このようなスペースを設ける理由については後述する。 In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is directed from one end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the main body portion 14 a toward the metal surface Wa, that is, toward the conductor plate 18. It is extended. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection portion 14 b extends along the side wall portion 12 b of the cap-shaped member 12. Specifically, the connection part 14b extends along the side wall part 12b with a space provided between the connection part 14b and the side wall part 12b. The reason for providing such a space will be described later.
　図５は、アンテナと導体板の接続を示す斜視図である。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection between the antenna and the conductor plate.
　図５に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂは、RFIDタグ１０の幅方向（Ｙ軸方向）に延在する帯状の端子部１４ｄを介して、導体板１８の長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の一端に設けられて幅方向に延在する帯状のコンタクト部１８ｂに接続される。アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄに貫通穴１４ｅが形成されるとともに、導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂにも貫通穴１８ｃが形成されている。互いに重なり合う貫通穴１４ｅ、１８ｃに、キャップ状部材１２に形成された係合ピン部（図示せず）が係合することにより、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂの接触が維持される。これに代わって、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂは、例えばはんだによって接合されてもよい。これらをはんだによって接合する場合、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄの貫通穴１４ｅと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂの貫通穴１８ｃとを省略してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 5, in the case of the present embodiment, the connection portion 14b of the antenna 14 is connected to the conductor plate 18 via a band-shaped terminal portion 14d extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the RFID tag 10. It is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and is connected to a strip-shaped contact portion 18b extending in the width direction. A through hole 14 e is formed in the terminal portion 14 d of the antenna 14, and a through hole 18 c is also formed in the contact portion 18 b of the conductor plate 18. By engaging engaging pin portions (not shown) formed on the cap-shaped member 12 with the overlapping through holes 14e and 18c, contact between the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 is achieved. Maintained. Alternatively, the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 may be joined by, for example, solder. When these are joined by soldering, the through hole 14e of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the through hole 18c of the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 may be omitted.
　また、本実施の形態の場合、複数のRFIDタグ１０においてアンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂとの間の接触抵抗のバラツキを抑制するために、導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂには、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄに向かって突出する複数の凸部１８ｄが形成されている。複数の凸部１８ｄを介してアンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄに対して導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂが接触する。すなわち複数の点で点接触することにより、端子部１４ｄとコンタクト部１８ｂが面接触する場合に比べて、接触抵抗のバラツキを抑制することができる。なお、凸部は、導体板１８ではなく、アンテナ１４に設けられてもよい。また、上述したように、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂとがはんだによって接合される場合、凸部を省略してもよい。 Further, in the case of the present embodiment, in order to suppress variation in contact resistance between the terminal portion 14 d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18 b of the conductor plate 18 in the plurality of RFID tags 10, the contact portion 18 b of the conductor plate 18. Are formed with a plurality of convex portions 18 d that protrude toward the terminal portion 14 d of the antenna 14. The contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 contacts the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 via the plurality of convex portions 18d. That is, by making point contact at a plurality of points, variations in contact resistance can be suppressed as compared to the case where the terminal portion 14d and the contact portion 18b are in surface contact. The convex portion may be provided on the antenna 14 instead of the conductor plate 18. Further, as described above, when the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 are joined by solder, the convex portion may be omitted.
　なお、図５に示すように、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄの長さＬ１は、導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂの長さＬ２に比べて長くされている。それにより、シール部材２０を貼り付ける前のRFIDタグ１０の下面図である図６に示すように、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄの一部が外部に露出する。この露出したアンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄの部分と導体板１８それぞれにテスターのプローブを接触させることにより、アンテナ１４の端子部１４ｄと導体板１８のコンタクト部１８ｂとの間の抵抗を計測することができる。その結果、アンテナ１４と導体板１８との接触不良を検出することができる。 As shown in FIG. 5, the length L1 of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 is longer than the length L2 of the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6 which is a bottom view of the RFID tag 10 before the seal member 20 is attached, a part of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 is exposed to the outside. The resistance between the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the contact portion 18b of the conductor plate 18 can be measured by bringing a tester probe into contact with the exposed portion of the terminal portion 14d of the antenna 14 and the conductor plate 18 respectively. it can. As a result, a contact failure between the antenna 14 and the conductor plate 18 can be detected.
　本実施の形態の場合、アンテナ１４は、いわゆる逆Ｆアンテナである。 In the case of this embodiment, the antenna 14 is a so-called inverted F antenna.
　図７は、本実施の形態に係るRFIDタグの等価回路図である。 FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the RFID tag according to the present embodiment.
　図７は、シール部材２０が絶縁性を備え、導体板１８と物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａとが容量結合している状態のRFIDタグ１０における等価回路を示している。図７に示すように、アンテナ１４は、逆Ｆアンテナとして機能するために、電波を放射する放射部１４ｆと、放射部１４ｆと物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａとを接続する給電線部１４ｇおよび短絡線部１４ｈとを含んでいる。 FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit in the RFID tag 10 in a state where the seal member 20 has an insulating property and the conductor plate 18 and the metal surface Wa of the article W are capacitively coupled. As shown in FIG. 7, the antenna 14 functions as an inverted-F antenna, so that the radiating portion 14 f that radiates radio waves, the feed line portion 14 g that connects the radiating portion 14 f and the metal surface Wa of the article W, and the short-circuit wire. Part 14h.
　具体的には、アンテナ１４の放射部１４ｆは、図２に示すように、本体部１４ａにおける自由端側部分（すなわち反接続部側部分）で構成されている。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the radiating portion 14f of the antenna 14 is constituted by a free end side portion (that is, an anti-connection portion side portion) of the main body portion 14a.
　アンテナ１４の給電線部１４ｇは、図５および図７に示すように、放射部１４ｆから延在する放射側導線部１４ｊと、端子部１４ｄから放射部１４ｆに向かって延在する接続側導線部１４ｋと、放射側導線部１４ｊと接続側導線部１４ｋとに接続されるRFICモジュール１６から構成される。なお、接続側導線部１４ｋには、接続部１４ｂが含まれる。 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the feeding line portion 14 g of the antenna 14 includes a radiation side conductor portion 14 j extending from the radiation portion 14 f and a connection side conductor portion extending from the terminal portion 14 d toward the radiation portion 14 f. 14k, and the RFIC module 16 connected to the radiation side conductor part 14j and the connection side conductor part 14k. Note that the connection side conductor portion 14k includes a connection portion 14b.
　アンテナ１４の短絡線部１４ｈは、放射部１４ｆと端子部１４ｄとの間で延在し、これらを接続している。なお、短絡線部１４ｈには、接続部１４ｂが含まれる。 The short-circuit part 14h of the antenna 14 extends between the radiating part 14f and the terminal part 14d and connects them. The short-circuit line portion 14h includes a connection portion 14b.
　また、本実施の形態の場合、短絡線部１４ｈは、給電線部１４ｇを挟んだ状態で、２つ設けられている。短絡線部１４ｈが２つ存在する理由は、アンテナ１４をプレス成型するときに、給電線部１４ｇにおける接続側導線部１４ｋを適切に折り曲げるためである。具体的には、アンテナ１４に曲げ加工する前は、接続側導線部１４ｋは、直線状に延在する細長い帯状である。２つの短絡線部１４ｈの一方が存在しない場合、アンテナ１４の曲げ加工時に、接続側導線部１４ｋが適切に曲がらずにねじれる可能性がある。ねじれると、端子部１４ｄと接続側導線部１４ｋとが分断する可能性がある。または、後工程で、接続側導線部１４ｋとRFICモジュール１６とが適切に電気的に接続しない可能性がある。このようなねじれを抑制するために、２つの短絡線部１４ｈが、給電線部１４ｇを挟んでいる。 Further, in the case of the present embodiment, two short-circuit line portions 14h are provided with the power supply line portion 14g interposed therebetween. The reason for the presence of the two short-circuit portions 14h is that when the antenna 14 is press-molded, the connection-side conductor portion 14k in the feeder portion 14g is appropriately bent. Specifically, before bending the antenna 14, the connection-side conductor portion 14k has a long and narrow strip shape extending linearly. When one of the two short-circuited wire portions 14h does not exist, the connection-side conductive wire portion 14k may be twisted without being properly bent when the antenna 14 is bent. When twisted, there is a possibility that the terminal portion 14d and the connection-side conductor portion 14k are divided. Or, there is a possibility that the connection-side conductor 14k and the RFIC module 16 are not appropriately electrically connected in a subsequent process. In order to suppress such a twist, the two short-circuit line portions 14h sandwich the power supply line portion 14g.
　アンテナ１４の給電線部１４ｇに含まれるRFICモジュール１６の詳細について説明する。 Details of the RFIC module 16 included in the feeder 14g of the antenna 14 will be described.
　図８は、RFICモジュールの分解斜視図である。図９は、RFIDモジュールの等価回路図である。 FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the RFIC module. FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the RFID module.
　図８および図９に示すように、RFICモジュール１６は、例えば９００ＭＨｚ帯、すなわちＵＨＦ帯の通信周波数で無線通信を行うデバイスである。 8 and 9, the RFIC module 16 is a device that performs wireless communication at a communication frequency of, for example, 900 MHz band, that is, UHF band.
　図８に示すように、本実施の形態の場合、RFICモジュール１６は、三層からなる多層基板で構成されている。具体的には、RFICモジュール１６は、ポリイミドや液晶ポリマなどの樹脂材料から作製されて可撓性を備える絶縁シート３２Ａ、３２Ｂ、および３２Ｃを積層して構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the present embodiment, the RFIC module 16 is composed of a multilayer substrate composed of three layers. Specifically, the RFIC module 16 is formed by stacking flexible insulating sheets 32A, 32B, and 32C made of a resin material such as polyimide or liquid crystal polymer.
　図８に示すように、RFICモジュール１６は、RFIC（Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit）チップ３４と、複数のインダクタンス素子３６Ａ、３６Ｂ、３６Ｃ、および３６Ｄと、外部接続端子３８、４０とを有する。本実施の形態１の場合、インダクタンス素子３６Ａ～３６Ｄと外部接続端子３８、４０は、絶縁シート３２Ａ～３２Ｃ上に形成され、銅などの導電材料から作製された導体パターンから構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the RFIC module 16 includes an RFIC (Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit) chip 34, a plurality of inductance elements 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D, and external connection terminals 38 and 40. In the case of the first embodiment, the inductance elements 36A to 36D and the external connection terminals 38 and 40 are formed on the insulating sheets 32A to 32C, and are composed of a conductor pattern made of a conductive material such as copper.
　図８に示すように、RFICチップ３４は、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上の長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の中央部に実装されている。RFICチップ３４は、シリコン等の半導体を素材とする半導体基板に各種の素子を内蔵した構造を有する。また、RFICチップ３４は、第１の入出力端子３４ａと第２の入出力端子３４ｂとを備える。さらに、図９に示すように、RFICチップ３４は、内部容量（キャパシタンス：RFICチップ自身が持つ自己容量）Ｃ１を備える。 As shown in FIG. 8, the RFIC chip 34 is mounted on the central portion in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) on the insulating sheet 32C. The RFIC chip 34 has a structure in which various elements are built in a semiconductor substrate made of a semiconductor such as silicon. The RFIC chip 34 includes a first input / output terminal 34a and a second input / output terminal 34b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the RFIC chip 34 has an internal capacitance (capacitance: self-capacitance possessed by the RFIC chip itself) C1.
　図８に示すように、インダクタンス素子（第１のインダクタンス素子）３６Ａは、絶縁シート３２Ｃの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の一方側で、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上に渦巻きコイル状に設けられた導体パターンから構成されている。また、図９に示すように、インダクタンス素子３６Ａは、インダクタンスＬ１を備える。インダクタンス素子３６Ａの一端（コイル外側の端）には、RFICチップ３４の第１の入出力端子３４ａに接続されるランド３６Ａａが設けられている。なお、他端（コイル中心側の端）にも、ランド３６Ａｂが設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the inductance element (first inductance element) 36A is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32C on one side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32C. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36A includes an inductance L1. A land 36Aa connected to the first input / output terminal 34a of the RFIC chip 34 is provided at one end (end outside the coil) of the inductance element 36A. A land 36Ab is also provided at the other end (end on the coil center side).
　図８に示すように、インダクタンス素子（第２のインダクタンス素子）３６Ｂは、絶縁シート３２Ｃの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の他方側で、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上に渦巻きコイル状に設けられた導体パターンから構成されている。また、図９に示すように、インダクタンス素子３６Ｂは、インダクタンスＬ２を備える。インダクタンス素子３６Ａの一端（コイル外側の端）には、RFICチップ３４の第２の入出力端子３４ｂに接続されるランド３６Ｂａが設けられている。なお、他端（コイル中心側の端）にも、ランド３６Ｂｂが設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the inductance element (second inductance element) 36B is formed from a conductive pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32C on the other side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32C. It is configured. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36B includes an inductance L2. A land 36Ba connected to the second input / output terminal 34b of the RFIC chip 34 is provided at one end (end outside the coil) of the inductance element 36A. A land 36Bb is also provided at the other end (end on the coil center side).
　図８に示すように、インダクタンス素子（第３のインダクタンス素子）３６Ｃは、絶縁シート３２Ｂの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の一方側で、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上に渦巻きコイル状に設けられた導体パターンから構成されている。また、インダクタンス素子３６Ｃは、積層方向（Ｚ軸方向）にインダクタンス素子３６Ａに対して対向している。さらに、図９に示すように、インダクタンス素子３６Ｃは、インダクタンスＬ３を備える。インダクタンス素子３６Ｃの一端（コイル中心側の端）には、ランド３６Ｃａが設けられている。このランド３６Ｃａは、絶縁シート３２Ｂを貫通するスルーホール導体などの層間接続導体４２を介して、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上のインダクタンス素子３６Ａのランド３６Ａｂに接続されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the inductance element (third inductance element) 36C is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32B on one side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32B. It is configured. Further, the inductance element 36C is opposed to the inductance element 36A in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36C includes an inductance L3. A land 36Ca is provided at one end (end on the coil center side) of the inductance element 36C. The land 36Ca is connected to the land 36Ab of the inductance element 36A on the insulating sheet 32C via an interlayer connection conductor 42 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32B.
　図８に示すように、インダクタンス素子（第４のインダクタンス素子）３６Ｄは、絶縁シート３２Ｂの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）の他方側で、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上に渦巻きコイル状に設けられた導体パターンから構成されている。また、インダクタンス素子３６Ｄは、積層方向（Ｚ軸方向）にインダクタンス素子３６Ｂに対して対向している。さらに、図９に示すように、インダクタンス素子３６Ｄは、インダクタンスＬ４を備える。インダクタンス素子３６Ｄの一端（コイル中心側の端）には、ランド３６Ｄａが設けられている。このランド３６Ｄａは、絶縁シート３２Ｂを貫通するスルーホール導体などの層間接続導体４４を介して、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上のインダクタンス素子３６Ｂのランド３６Ｂｂに接続されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the inductance element (fourth inductance element) 36D is formed from a conductor pattern provided in a spiral coil shape on the insulating sheet 32B on the other side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32B. It is configured. The inductance element 36D is opposed to the inductance element 36B in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the inductance element 36D includes an inductance L4. A land 36Da is provided at one end (the end on the coil center side) of the inductance element 36D. The land 36Da is connected to the land 36Bb of the inductance element 36B on the insulating sheet 32C via an interlayer connection conductor 44 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32B.
　なお、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上のインダクタンス素子３６Ｃ、３６Ｄは、１つの導体パターンとして一体化されている。すなわち、それぞれの他端（コイル外側の端）同士が接続されている。また、絶縁シート３２Ｂには、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上に実装されたRFICチップ３４が収容される貫通穴３２Ｂａが形成されている。 The inductance elements 36C and 36D on the insulating sheet 32B are integrated as one conductor pattern. That is, the other ends (ends outside the coil) are connected to each other. The insulating sheet 32B is formed with a through hole 32Ba for accommodating the RFIC chip 34 mounted on the insulating sheet 32C.
　図８に示すように、外部接続端子３８、４０は、絶縁シート３２Ａ上に設けられた導体パターンから構成されている。また、外部接続端子３２、４０は、絶縁シート３２Ａの長手方向（Ｘ軸方向）に対向している。 As shown in FIG. 8, the external connection terminals 38 and 40 are composed of a conductor pattern provided on the insulating sheet 32A. The external connection terminals 32 and 40 are opposed to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the insulating sheet 32A.
　一方の外部接続端子３８は、絶縁シート３２Ａを貫通するスルーホール導体などの層間接続導体４６を介して、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上のインダクタンス素子３６Ｃのランド３６Ｃａに接続されている。 One external connection terminal 38 is connected to a land 36Ca of an inductance element 36C on the insulation sheet 32B via an interlayer connection conductor 46 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulation sheet 32A.
　他方の外部接続端子４０は、絶縁シート３２Ａを貫通するスルーホール導体などの層間接続導体４８を介して、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上のインダクタンス素子３６Ｄのランド３６Ｄａに接続されている。 The other external connection terminal 40 is connected to a land 36Da of the inductance element 36D on the insulating sheet 32B through an interlayer connection conductor 48 such as a through-hole conductor that penetrates the insulating sheet 32A.
　一方の外部接続端子３８は、アンテナ１４の給電線部１４ｇにおける接続側導線部１４ｋに、例えばはんだなどを介して接続される。同様に、他方の外部接続端子４０は、放射側導線部１４ｊに、例えばはんだなどを介して接続される。 One external connection terminal 38 is connected to the connection-side conductor portion 14k in the feeder line portion 14g of the antenna 14 through, for example, solder. Similarly, the other external connection terminal 40 is connected to the radiation side conductor portion 14j via, for example, solder.
　なお、RFICチップ３４は、半導体基板で構成されている。また、RFICチップ３４は、インダクタンス素子３６Ａ、３６Ｂの間と、インダクタンス素子３６Ｃ、３６Ｄの間に存在する。このRFICチップ３４がシールドとして機能することにより、絶縁シート３２Ｃ上に設けられた渦巻コイル状のインダクタンス素子３６Ａ、３６Ｂの間での磁界結合および容量結合が抑制される。同様に、絶縁シート３２Ｂ上に設けられた渦巻コイル状のインダクタンス素子３６Ｃ、３６Ｄの間での磁界結合および容量結合が抑制される。その結果、通信信号の通過帯域が狭くなることが抑制される。 The RFIC chip 34 is composed of a semiconductor substrate. The RFIC chip 34 exists between the inductance elements 36A and 36B and between the inductance elements 36C and 36D. When the RFIC chip 34 functions as a shield, magnetic field coupling and capacitive coupling between the spiral coil-shaped inductance elements 36A and 36B provided on the insulating sheet 32C are suppressed. Similarly, magnetic field coupling and capacitive coupling between the spiral coil-shaped inductance elements 36C and 36D provided on the insulating sheet 32B are suppressed. As a result, it is suppressed that the pass band of the communication signal becomes narrow.
　図９に示すように、容量Ｃ１（RFICチップ３４の内部容量）とインダクタンスＬ１～Ｌ４（４つのインダクタンス素子のインダクタンス）により、通信周波数でRFICチップ３４とアンテナ１４との間の整合をとる整合回路が構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 9, a matching circuit that performs matching between the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14 at a communication frequency by a capacitor C1 (internal capacitance of the RFIC chip 34) and inductances L1 to L4 (inductances of four inductance elements). Is configured.
　これまで説明してきた構成によれば、RFIDタグ１０は、物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに取り付けられていない場合には実質的にアンテナ１４の放射部１４ｆを介して、一方金属面Ｗａに取り付けられている場合には実質的に放射部１４ｆと金属面Ｗａを介して、外部の無線通信装置（例えば、リーダ／ライタ装置）と電波をやりとりする。 According to the configuration described so far, the RFID tag 10 is attached to one metal surface Wa substantially via the radiating portion 14f of the antenna 14 when not attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W. If there is, the radio wave is exchanged with an external wireless communication device (for example, a reader / writer device) substantially through the radiating portion 14f and the metal surface Wa.
　例えば、アンテナ１４の放射部１４ｆまたは金属面Ｗａを介して電波を受信すると、これらに起電力が生じ、その起電力によってRFICモジュール１６のRFICチップ３４が駆動する。駆動したRFICチップ３４は、その記憶部に記憶されたデータを、放射部１４ｆまたは金属面Ｗａを介して送信する。 For example, when radio waves are received via the radiating portion 14f of the antenna 14 or the metal surface Wa, electromotive force is generated in these, and the RFIC chip 34 of the RFIC module 16 is driven by the electromotive force. The driven RFIC chip 34 transmits the data stored in the storage unit via the radiating unit 14f or the metal surface Wa.
　また、図３に示すように、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａ、特に放射部１４ｆがキャップ状部材１２の内部空間Ｒ内の空気層を介して対向するために、放射部１４ｆと導体板１８との間に形成される容量は、十分に小さく、通信特性、特に通信距離や通信周波数に実質的に影響しない。それにより、通信特性に実質的に影響しない範囲で、放射部１４ｆと導体板１８との間の距離を可能な限り小さくすることができる。それにより、RFIDタグ１０を薄型化することができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, since the main body 14 a of the antenna 14, particularly the radiating portion 14 f, faces each other through the air layer in the internal space R of the cap-shaped member 12, the radiating portion 14 f and the conductor plate 18 are The capacity formed between them is sufficiently small and does not substantially affect the communication characteristics, particularly the communication distance and communication frequency. Thus, the distance between the radiating portion 14f and the conductor plate 18 can be made as small as possible within a range that does not substantially affect the communication characteristics. Thereby, the RFID tag 10 can be thinned.
　さらに、図３に示すように、RFIDタグ１０が物品Wの金属面Ｗａに取り付けられても、アンテナ１４の放射部１４ｆが導体板１８を挟んで金属面Ｗａに対向するために、RFIDタグ１０の通信特性は、特に通信周波数は金属面Ｗａに取り付ける前と実質的に変わらない。金属面Ｗａにと導体板１８とが直流的に接続するまたは容量結合することにより、金属面Ｗａを介して電波を送受信することができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, even when the RFID tag 10 is attached to the metal surface Wa of the article W, the radiating portion 14 f of the antenna 14 faces the metal surface Wa with the conductor plate 18 interposed therebetween. In particular, the communication frequency is substantially the same as before the communication frequency is attached to the metal surface Wa. By connecting the metal plate Wa and the conductor plate 18 in a DC manner or capacitively coupling, radio waves can be transmitted and received through the metal surface Wa.
　さらにまた、図３に示すように、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａおよび接続部１４ｂは、キャップ状部材１２との間にスペースを設けた状態でキャップ状部材１２に設けられている。すなわち、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａとキャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａとの間に空気層が設けられるとともに、接続部１４ｂと側壁部１２ｂとの間に空気層が設けられている。これにより、誘電体損失、すなわち、アンテナ１４を流れる電流の一部が熱に変換されて損失することが抑制される（スペースがない場合に比べて）。誘電体損失を抑制することにより、通信特性の低下を抑制することができる。例えば、通信距離が小さくなることや通信周波数のピークがシフトすることが抑制される。例えば９２０ＭＨｚのピークが９００ＭＨｚにシフトすることが抑制される。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body 14 a and the connection 14 b of the antenna 14 are provided on the cap-shaped member 12 with a space provided between the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12. That is, an air layer is provided between the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 and the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12, and an air layer is provided between the connection portion 14b and the side wall portion 12b. As a result, dielectric loss, that is, loss of part of the current flowing through the antenna 14 by being converted to heat is suppressed (compared to a case where there is no space). By suppressing the dielectric loss, it is possible to suppress a decrease in communication characteristics. For example, a decrease in communication distance and a shift in communication frequency peak are suppressed. For example, it is suppressed that the peak of 920 MHz shifts to 900 MHz.
　誘電体損失をより抑制するためには、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに対するキャップ状部材１２の接触面積は、小さい方が好ましい。本実施の形態の場合、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａとアンテナ１４の本体部１４ａとの対向方向視（Ｚ軸方向視）において、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに対するスペーサ部１２ｇの接触面１２ｆの面積（トータルの面積）が、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａの全面積の半分に比べて小さくするのが好ましい。 In order to further suppress the dielectric loss, it is preferable that the contact area of the cap-shaped member 12 with respect to the main body 14a of the antenna 14 is small. In the case of the present embodiment, the contact surface 12f of the spacer portion 12g with respect to the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 in the opposite direction view (Z-axis direction view) between the top plate portion 12a of the cap-shaped member 12 and the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14. Is preferably smaller than half of the total area of the main body 14a of the antenna 14 (total area).
　ただし、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに対するキャップ状部材１２の接触面積を小さくし過ぎると、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａに対する支持が足りず、その本体部１４ａがたわみ、その結果として、導体板１８に対してアンテナ１４の本体部１４ａを平行に維持できない恐れがある。 However, if the contact area of the cap-shaped member 12 with respect to the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 is made too small, the support for the main body portion 14a of the antenna 14 is insufficient, and the main body portion 14a bends. Therefore, there is a possibility that the main body 14a of the antenna 14 cannot be maintained in parallel.
　以上のような本実施の形態によれば、RFIDタグ１０において、シンプルな構造により、金属面Ｗａに取り付けても無線通信可能にしつつ、RFICチップ３４（RFICモジュール１６）およびそれに接続されるアンテナ１４を保護することができる。 According to the present embodiment as described above, in the RFID tag 10, the RFIC chip 34 (RFIC module 16) and the antenna 14 connected thereto can be wirelessly communicated even when attached to the metal surface Wa by a simple structure. Can be protected.
　具体的には、RFICチップ３４を備えるRFICモジュール１６とそれに接続するアンテナ１４が、これらを保護するためのキャップ状部材１２に直接的に設けられる。すなわち、キャップ状部材１２は、RFICモジュール１６とアンテナ１４とを保護する部材であるとともに、これらを保持する部材でもある。そのため、例えば、RFICチップ３４やアンテナ１４を基板やブロックなどに設け、その基板やブロックなどを保護ケースで保護するなどの複雑な構成をとる必要がなくなる。 Specifically, the RFIC module 16 including the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14 connected thereto are directly provided on the cap-shaped member 12 for protecting them. That is, the cap-shaped member 12 is a member that protects the RFIC module 16 and the antenna 14 and also holds them. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to adopt a complicated configuration such as providing the RFIC chip 34 or the antenna 14 on a substrate or block and protecting the substrate or block with a protective case.
　また、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａ（放射部１４ｆ）がキャップ状部材１２との間にスペースを設けた状態でキャップ状部材１２に設けられるので、誘電体損失が抑制され、その結果、通信特性の低下が抑制される。 Further, since the main body portion 14a (radiating portion 14f) of the antenna 14 is provided in the cap-shaped member 12 in a state where a space is provided between the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12, the dielectric loss is suppressed. Reduction is suppressed.
　以上、上述の実施の形態を挙げて本発明を説明したが、本発明の実施の形態はこれに限らない。 As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
　例えば、上述の実施の形態の場合、RFICチップ３４は、RFICチップ３４とアンテナ１４との整合をとる整合回路（４つのインダクタンス素子３６Ａ～３６Ｄ）とともにRFICモジュール１６に組み込まれた状態で、アンテナ１４に接続されている。しかしながら、本発明の実施の形態はこれに限らない。 For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the RFIC chip 34 is incorporated in the RFIC module 16 together with a matching circuit (four inductance elements 36A to 36D) for matching the RFIC chip 34 and the antenna 14, and the antenna 14 It is connected to the. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
　図１０は、別の実施の形態に係るRFIDタグの分解斜視図である。なお、上述の実施の形態における構成要素と実質的に同一の構成要素には、同一の符号が付されている。したがって、上述の実施の形態と異なる点を中心に、図１０に別の実施の形態に係るRFIDタグを説明する。 FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID tag according to another embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component substantially the same as the component in the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, an RFID tag according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment.
　図１０に示すように、別の実施の形態に係るRFIDタグ１１０において、RFICチップ３４は、モジュール化されることなく、逆Ｆアンテナ状のアンテナ１１４の本体部１１４ａに設けられる。具体的には、アンテナ１１４の給電線部における接続側導線部１１４ｋにRFICチップ３４の第１の入出力端子が接続され、放射側導線部１１４ｊに第２の入出力端子が接続される。接続側導線部１１４ｋを適切な長さにすることにより、すなわち接続側導線部１１４ｋのインダクタンスを調節することによってアンテナ１１４とRFICチップ３４との間の整合をとることができる。 As shown in FIG. 10, in the RFID tag 110 according to another embodiment, the RFIC chip 34 is provided on the main body 114a of the antenna 114 having an inverted F antenna shape without being modularized. Specifically, the first input / output terminal of the RFIC chip 34 is connected to the connection-side conductor portion 114k in the feed line portion of the antenna 114, and the second input / output terminal is connected to the radiation-side conductor portion 114j. Matching between the antenna 114 and the RFIC chip 34 can be achieved by setting the connection-side conductor 114k to an appropriate length, that is, by adjusting the inductance of the connection-side conductor 114k.
　また、図４に示すように、上述の実施の形態の場合、キャップ状部材１２のアンテナ支持部１２ｅにおいて、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａとキャップ状部材１２との間にスペースを設けるためのスペーサ部１２ｇと、アンテナ１４をキャップ状部材１２に固定するための係合ピン部１２ｈは一体化されている。これに代わって、アンテナ支持部において、スペーサ部１２ｇと係合ピン部１２ｈそれぞれは、異なる場所に設けられて離れていてもよい。また、スペーサ部１２ｇと係合ピン部１２ｈの数は異なっていてもよい。係合ピン部１２ｈは、アンテナ１４の本体部１４ａ全体を、キャップ状部材１２の天板部１２ａの裏面１２ｄに対して平行に維持した状態で、キャップ状部材１２に固定することができる本数であればよく、例えば６本であってもよい。すなわち、アンテナ支持部は、アンテナの本体部とケーシング部材の天板部との間にスペースを設けることができるのであれば、アンテナの支持の形態は問わない。 As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of the above-described embodiment, in the antenna support portion 12 e of the cap-shaped member 12, a spacer portion for providing a space between the main body portion 14 a of the antenna 14 and the cap-shaped member 12. 12g and the engaging pin part 12h for fixing the antenna 14 to the cap-shaped member 12 are integrated. Alternatively, in the antenna support portion, the spacer portion 12g and the engagement pin portion 12h may be provided at different locations and separated from each other. Further, the number of the spacer portions 12g and the engaging pin portions 12h may be different. The engagement pin part 12h is the number which can be fixed to the cap-shaped member 12 in a state where the entire main body part 14a of the antenna 14 is maintained parallel to the back surface 12d of the top plate part 12a of the cap-shaped member 12. There may be only six, for example. That is, the antenna support portion may be in any form for supporting the antenna as long as a space can be provided between the main body portion of the antenna and the top plate portion of the casing member.
　さらに、図３に示すように、上述の実施の形態の場合、RFIDタグ１０において、アンテナ１４の接続部１４ｂは、導体板１８を介して物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａに対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する。これに代わって、アンテナの接続部が、導体板を介することなく、物品の金属面に直流的に接続してもよいまたは容量結合してもよい。この場合、RFIDタグは、導体板を省略することができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the case of the above-described embodiment, in the RFID tag 10, the connection portion 14 b of the antenna 14 is connected to the metal surface Wa of the article W via a direct current via the conductor plate 18. Or capacitively coupled. Instead of this, the connecting portion of the antenna may be connected to the metal surface of the article in a direct current manner or not capacitively coupled without passing through the conductor plate. In this case, the RFID tag can omit the conductor plate.
　さらにまた、図１に示すように、上述の実施の形態の場合、RFICチップ３４（RFICモジュール１６）とアンテナ１４を保護しつつ保持するケーシング部材は、密閉された内部空間Ｒを画定するキャップ状に限らない。例えば、金属面に取り付けられた状態のときに内部空間と外部とを連通する穴をケーシング部材は備えてもよい。例えば、ケーシング部材の天板支持部は、互いに平行な２つの平板状の側壁部であってもよい。また例えば、天板支持部は、４本の柱部であってもよい（この場合、ケーシング部材はテーブル状である）。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the casing member that protects and holds the RFIC chip 34 (RFIC module 16) and the antenna 14 has a cap shape that defines a sealed internal space R. Not limited to. For example, the casing member may be provided with a hole that communicates the internal space with the outside when attached to a metal surface. For example, the top plate support part of the casing member may be two flat side wall parts parallel to each other. Further, for example, the top plate support portion may be four column portions (in this case, the casing member has a table shape).
　加えて、図１に示すようにRFIDタグ１０が取り付けられている物品Ｗの金属面Ｗａは平面であるが、本発明に係る実施の形態はこれに限らない。例えば、金属面は、ガスボンベなどの湾曲面であってもよい。この場合、ケーシング部材が可撓性を備える。または、ケーシング部材がキャップ状部材である場合、その開口縁部が、湾曲面に係合可能な形状を備える。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the metal surface Wa of the article W to which the RFID tag 10 is attached is a flat surface, but the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the metal surface may be a curved surface such as a gas cylinder. In this case, the casing member has flexibility. Or when a casing member is a cap-shaped member, the opening edge part is equipped with the shape which can be engaged with a curved surface.
　すなわち、本発明の実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイスは、任意の形状の金属面を備える様々な物品、例えば事務机やドラム缶などの金属面に取り付けても使用可能であり、また、非金属面に取り付けても使用可能である。 That is, the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used by attaching to various objects having a metal surface of any shape, for example, a metal surface such as an office desk or a drum can, and a non-metal surface. It can be used even if it is attached to.
　加えてまた、図７に示すように、上述の実施の形態の場合、アンテナ１４は逆Ｆアンテナの形態であるが、これに限らない。例えば、逆Ｌアンテナであってもよい。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the antenna 14 is in the form of an inverted F antenna, but is not limited thereto. For example, an inverted L antenna may be used.
　例えば、無線通信デバイスは、その周囲の温度および湿度の少なくとも一方を検出し、その検出結果を外部に出力するように構成されてもよい。例えば、RFICチップ内に温度センサや湿度センサが組み込まれる。あるいは、RFICチップとともに、温度センサや湿度センサがRFICモジュール内に設けられる。 For example, the wireless communication device may be configured to detect at least one of the ambient temperature and humidity and output the detection result to the outside. For example, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are incorporated in the RFIC chip. Alternatively, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are provided in the RFIC module together with the RFIC chip.
　温度センサ付きRFICモジュールがキャップ状部材における天板部の裏面に設けられるため、温度センサは、キャップ状部材の外部の温度を高い精度で検出することができる。具体的に説明すると、温度センサは、外気に接触しているキャップ状部材の温度を実質的に検出することにより、間接的に外部温度を検出する。したがって、これと異なり、温度センサ付きモジュールがキャップ状部材から空間を介して離れた状態で設けられている場合に比べて、外部温度が短時間の間に激しく変化しても、温度センサは高精度にその外部温度を検出することができる。 Since the RFIC module with a temperature sensor is provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the cap-shaped member, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature outside the cap-shaped member with high accuracy. More specifically, the temperature sensor indirectly detects the external temperature by substantially detecting the temperature of the cap-shaped member that is in contact with the outside air. Therefore, unlike the case where the module with the temperature sensor is provided away from the cap-like member through the space, the temperature sensor is high even if the external temperature changes drastically in a short time. The external temperature can be detected with high accuracy.
　なお、湿度センサがRFICモジュールに設けられている場合、キャップ状部材には、内部空間と外部とを連通するための連通穴が設けられる。 When the humidity sensor is provided in the RFIC module, the cap-like member is provided with a communication hole for communicating the internal space with the outside.
　すなわち、本発明の実施の形態に係る無線通信デバイスは、広義には、物品の金属面に取り付けられた状態で使用可能な無線通信デバイスであって、前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える。 That is, in a broad sense, the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device that can be used while attached to a metal surface of an article, and is opposed to the metal surface with a space therebetween. A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface, a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion, a main body portion provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and the main body portion An antenna including a connection portion extending from the metal surface toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled to the top surface of the casing member and connected to the antenna An antenna support that supports the antenna body in a state where the casing member further provides a space between the top plate and the antenna body. A holding part is provided.
　なお、本発明のいくつかの実施の形態を挙げているが、ある実施の形態に対して別の少なくとも１つの実施の形態を全体としてまたは部分的に組み合わせて本発明に係るさらなる実施の形態とすることが可能であることは、当業者にとって明らかである。 Although some embodiments of the present invention are listed, further embodiments according to the present invention may be combined with at least one embodiment in whole or in part with respect to one embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this is possible.
　本発明は、金属面に取り付けて使用されうるRFIDタグなどの無線通信デバイスに適用可能である。 The present invention is applicable to a wireless communication device such as an RFID tag that can be used by being attached to a metal surface.
　　　１０　　　無線通信デバイス（RFIDタグ）
　　　１２　　　ケーシング部材（キャップ状部材）
　　　１２ａ　　天板部
　　　１２ｂ　　天板支持部（側壁部）
　　　１２ｅ　　アンテナ支持部
　　　１４　　　アンテナ
　　　１４ａ　　本体部
　　　１４ｂ　　接続部
　　　１６　　　RFICチップ（RFICモジュール）
　　　Ｗ　　　　物品
　　　Ｗａ　　　金属面 10 Wireless communication devices (RFID tags)
12 Casing member (cap-shaped member)
12a Top plate part 12b Top plate support part (side wall part)
12e Antenna support part 14 Antenna 14a Body part 14b Connection part 16 RFIC chip (RFIC module)
W Article Wa Metal surface

Claims (9)

  1. 　物品の金属面に取り付けられた状態で使用可能な無線通信デバイスであって、
    　前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、
    　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、
    　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、
    　前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える、
    無線通信デバイス。     A wireless communication device that can be used while attached to a metal surface of an article,
    A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
    An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled When,
    An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
    The casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
    Wireless communication device.
  2. 　前記アンテナ支持部が、前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面から突出し、前記アンテナの本体部に接触する接触面を備えるスペーサ部を含んでいる、
    請求項１に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The antenna support portion includes a spacer portion that protrudes from the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and includes a contact surface that contacts the main body portion of the antenna.
    The wireless communication device according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記ケーシング部材の天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との対向方向視において、前記アンテナの本体部に対する前記スペーサ部の接触面の面積が、前記アンテナの本体部の全面積の半分に比べて小さい、
    請求項２に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The area of the contact surface of the spacer portion with respect to the main body portion of the antenna is smaller than half of the total area of the main body portion of the antenna when viewed from the facing direction of the top plate portion of the casing member and the main body portion of the antenna. ,
    The wireless communication device according to claim 2.
  4. 　前記アンテナの接続部が、前記ケーシング部材の天板支持部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記天板支持部に沿って延在している、
    請求項１から３のいずれか一項に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The antenna connection portion extends along the top plate support portion with a space provided between the casing member and the top plate support portion of the casing member.
    The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
  5. 　前記アンテナの本体部が貫通穴を備え、
    　前記アンテナ支持部が前記貫通穴と係合する係合ピン部を含んでいる、
    請求項１から４のいずれか一項に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The antenna body includes a through hole,
    The antenna support portion includes an engagement pin portion that engages with the through hole.
    The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  6. 　前記ケーシング部材がキャップ状部材である、
    請求項１から５のいずれか一項に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The casing member is a cap-shaped member;
    The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  7. 　前記キャップ状部材の内部空間を閉じるように前記キャップ状部材に設けられ、前記金属面に対して取り付けられる導体板を有し、
    　前記アンテナの接続部が、前記導体板に接続している、
    請求項６に記載の無線通信デバイス。     A conductor plate provided on the cap-shaped member so as to close an internal space of the cap-shaped member, and attached to the metal surface;
    A connection portion of the antenna is connected to the conductor plate;
    The wireless communication device according to claim 6.
  8. 　前記アンテナが逆Ｆアンテナであって、
    　前記逆Ｆアンテナの給電線部と短絡線部が、前記接続部として前記導体板に接続している、請求項７に記載の無線通信デバイス。     The antenna is an inverted F antenna,
    The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein a feed line portion and a short-circuit line portion of the inverted F antenna are connected to the conductor plate as the connection portion.
  9. 　少なくとも一部に金属面を備え、前記金属面に無線通信デバイスが取り付けられた物品であって、
    　前記無線通信デバイスが、
    　前記金属面に対してスペースをあけて対向する裏面を備える天板部、および前記天板部から前記裏面側に立設する天板支持部を含むケーシング部材と、
    　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられる本体部、および前記本体部から前記金属面に向かって延在して前記金属面に対して直流的に接続するまたは容量結合する接続部を備えるアンテナと、
    　前記ケーシング部材の天板部の裏面に設けられ、前記アンテナに接続するRFICチップと、を有し、
    　前記ケーシング部材がさらに、前記天板部と前記アンテナの本体部との間にスペースを設けた状態で前記アンテナの本体部を支持するアンテナ支持部を備える、
    物品。     An article comprising a metal surface at least in part, and a wireless communication device attached to the metal surface,
    The wireless communication device is
    A casing member including a top plate portion provided with a back surface facing the metal surface with a space, and a top plate support portion erected on the back surface side from the top plate portion;
    An antenna comprising a main body provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member, and a connection portion extending from the main body toward the metal surface and connected to the metal surface in a direct current manner or capacitively coupled When,
    An RFIC chip provided on the back surface of the top plate portion of the casing member and connected to the antenna;
    The casing member further includes an antenna support portion that supports the main body portion of the antenna in a state where a space is provided between the top plate portion and the main body portion of the antenna.
    Goods.
PCT/JP2019/002248 2018-05-11 2019-01-24 Wireless communication device and article provided with wireless communication device WO2019215963A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014199861A1 (en) * 2013-06-14 2014-12-18 株式会社村田製作所 Antenna device and communication-terminal device
WO2017014152A1 (en) * 2015-07-21 2017-01-26 株式会社村田製作所 Wireless communication device and product equipped with same
JP2017045469A (en) * 2016-11-07 2017-03-02 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 Memory card

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014199861A1 (en) * 2013-06-14 2014-12-18 株式会社村田製作所 Antenna device and communication-terminal device
WO2017014152A1 (en) * 2015-07-21 2017-01-26 株式会社村田製作所 Wireless communication device and product equipped with same
JP2017045469A (en) * 2016-11-07 2017-03-02 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 Memory card

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