Communication device, communication method, and antenna roll

Abstract

This communication device is for a wireless communication device. The communication device comprises: a first shield device that defines a first shield space disposed along a conveyance path for conveying an inlay sheet which has a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern disposed between the plurality of wireless communication devices and in which the metal pattern is separated from the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a reader / writer antenna disposed in the first shield space. The first shield space has a size in which one wireless communication device among the plurality of wireless communication devices can be disposed. The first shield device has a conductor that makes contact with the metal pattern.

Description

Communication device, communication method, and antenna roll

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method for a wireless communication device used in a near field communication device such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and also to an antenna roll for manufacturing a wireless communication device.

[0002] As a communication method for a wireless communication device, for example, a method is known in which a large number of IC inlets are formed on an insulating film and the IC inlets are inspected for quality or defect (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection method using an inlay sheet on which a plurality of IC inlets are arranged. In the method of Patent Document 1, an electromagnetic wave absorbing plate is used to irradiate microwaves to only one IC inlet to be inspected among the plurality of IC inlets, thereby inspecting the IC inlets.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-220141

[0005] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of suppressing erroneous communication.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a communication device, a communication method, and an antenna roll that can suppress erroneous communication.

[0007] A communication device of one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device for wireless communication devices, comprising: a first shielding device that defines a first shielding space having a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern arranged between the plurality of wireless communication devices, the first shielding device having a metal pattern arranged along a transport path for transporting an inlay sheet away from the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a reader / writer antenna that is arranged in the first shielding space, the first shielding space being large enough to accommodate one of the plurality of wireless communication devices, and the first shielding device having a conductor in contact with the metal pattern.

[0008] A communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method for wireless communication devices, and includes the steps of transporting an inlay sheet having multiple wireless communication devices and a metal pattern arranged between the multiple wireless communication devices, with the metal pattern being spaced apart from the multiple wireless communication devices, to a shielding device; placing one of the multiple wireless communication devices in a shielded space of the shielding device; contacting a conductor of the shielding device with the metal pattern; and communicating with the one wireless communication device arranged in the shielded space using a reader / writer antenna arranged in the shielded space.

[0009] An antenna roll according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an antenna roll for manufacturing a wireless communication device, and comprises a substrate that can be wound into a roll, a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate, and a metal pattern arranged between the plurality of antenna patterns on the substrate, the metal pattern being spaced apart from the plurality of antenna patterns.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a communication device, a communication method, and an antenna roll that can suppress erroneous communication.

[0011] Schematic diagram of an antenna roll according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic enlarged view of a portion of the antenna roll of FIG. 1; Schematic diagram of another example of the antenna roll according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram for explaining a conductor of a shielding device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Exemplary flowchart of a communication method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic diagram of a communication device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic enlarged view of a portion of an antenna roll according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure; Schematic enlarged view of a portion of an antenna roll according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] (Background to the Invention) Communication apparatuses and communication methods for communicating with wireless communication devices in order to inspect the wireless communication devices and / or write information to the wireless communication devices are known.

[0013] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting IC inlets by irradiating microwaves to a plurality of IC inlets formed on an insulating film and communicating with the IC inlets. In the method of Patent Document 1, a radio wave absorbing plate is inserted between the insulating film and an antenna, and microwaves are irradiated to the IC inlets to be inspected through slits in the radio wave absorbing plate, thereby inspecting the IC inlets.

[0014] However, with the method of Patent Document 1, microwaves passing through the slits in the radio wave absorbing plate may reach an IC inlet adjacent to the IC inlet being inspected, which may result in erroneous communication with IC inlets other than the one being inspected.

[0015] In the method of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to increase the distance between adjacent IC inlets to prevent radio waves from reaching the IC inlet adjacent to the IC inlet being inspected. However, increasing the distance between adjacent IC inlets increases the margin of the inlay sheet, which increases the amount of material that is discarded when the IC inlets are singulated.

[0016] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor(s) have discovered a configuration for suppressing erroneous communication, and have come up with the present disclosure.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0018] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) [Antenna Roll] An antenna roll according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the antenna roll according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the antenna roll shown in Figure 1. Note that the drawings show an X-Y-Z coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0020] In this specification, the term "antenna roll" refers to a sheet that can be wound into a roll and has multiple antenna patterns arranged thereon. Antenna rolls are used to manufacture wireless communication devices. For example, wireless communication devices can be manufactured by mounting an RFIC chip on each of the multiple antenna patterns on the antenna roll and then cutting the roll.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the antenna roll 1 includes a substrate 2, a plurality of antenna patterns 3, and a metal pattern 4.

[0022] The substrate 2 is a sheet that can be wound into a roll. The substrate 2 can be wound in a roll direction R1. The substrate 2 is made of a resin such as PPS.

[0023] The plurality of antenna patterns 3 are arranged in the roll direction R1 on the substrate 2. Specifically, the plurality of antenna patterns 3 are arranged in a line at equal pitches in the roll direction R1.

[0024] The antenna pattern 3 is a conductor pattern made of a conductive material. The antenna pattern 3 is made of a metal material such as aluminum. The antenna pattern 3 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The longitudinal direction of the antenna pattern 3 is a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 (Y-axis direction), and the lateral direction of the antenna pattern 3 is a direction along the roll direction R1 (X-axis direction).

[0025] In this embodiment, the antenna pattern 3 is provided with a slit that extends in a meandering shape with a substantially constant width in the longitudinal direction. The antenna pattern 3 is divided into two parts with the slit in between. The extension length of the slit is adjusted to a predetermined length corresponding to the resonant frequency of the wireless communication device.

[0026] The shape of the antenna pattern 3 is not limited to the above example, and may be any shape. That is, the shape of the antenna pattern 3 may be changed depending on the wireless communication device to be manufactured.

[0027] The metal pattern 4 is disposed between the plurality of antenna patterns 3 on the substrate 2 and is spaced apart from the plurality of antenna patterns 3. That is, the metal pattern 4 is disposed between the adjacent antenna patterns 3, and a gap is provided between the metal pattern 4 and the antenna pattern 3.

[0028] Furthermore, the metal pattern 4 is formed from the same material as the antenna pattern 3. Specifically, the original antenna roll 1 is etched to leave the antenna pattern 3 and the metal pattern 4. This etching is performed using a roll process, so the antenna roll 1 is processed while applying a tensile load in the conveying direction R1. However, when using a thin PPS or PET substrate (e.g., an ultrathin substrate with a thickness of 16 μm) or an original substrate made of a stretchable PP substrate (e.g., an unstretched PP substrate), pulling the antenna roll 1 causes stretching deformation in the antenna roll 1. The antenna roll length is long, for example, 1000 m or more, and the accumulation of subtle stretching deformation reduces the positional accuracy of the individual antenna patterns 3, thereby reducing the accuracy of cutting into individual pieces. Since the metal pattern 4 is connected along the entire length in the roll direction, the metal pattern 4 can withstand the tensile load applied to the antenna roll 1 during roll conveyance, thereby suppressing stretching of the antenna roll substrate and improving the positional accuracy of the individual antenna patterns 3. This allows the gap between the antenna pattern 3 and the cutting region CR1 to be reduced. Specifically, in a normal antenna roll, the gap between the antenna pattern 3 and the cutting region CR1 is 1.5 mm, but by arranging this metal pattern 4, the gap can be reduced to 0.5 mm. As a result, for example, when making a 5 mm wide inlay, the width of the antenna pattern 3 is doubled from 2 mm to 4 mm, and the effective area of ​​the antenna pattern 3 can be expanded, so that the required antenna pattern 3 can be drawn even in a narrow inlay.

[0029] The metal pattern 4 is arranged in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the roll direction R1 of the base material 2, i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of antenna patterns 3. In this embodiment, the metal pattern 4 is also arranged in the roll direction R1 of the base material 2, i.e., along the lateral direction of the plurality of antenna patterns 3, and surrounds each of the plurality of antenna patterns 3. For example, the metal pattern 4 has a lattice shape.

[0030] If an inlay sheet including multiple wireless communication devices is created by mounting RFIC chips on such an antenna roll 1, the metal pattern 4 surrounds the antenna pattern 3 during communication with the wireless communication devices on the inlay sheet, and the metal pattern 4 can degrade the communication performance of the antenna pattern 3. During communication with the wireless communication devices using this antenna roll 1, the communication performance of each individual antenna pattern 3 is poor, making it less likely that erroneous communication will occur between nearby antenna patterns 3 and the reader / writer antenna, and individual communication is possible even when multiple antenna patterns 3 are placed in close proximity. By punching out the inlay after communication to remove the metal pattern 4 from the inlay, predetermined communication performance can be achieved. This makes it possible to create an antenna roll 1 in which the antenna patterns 3 are arranged in close proximity.

[0031] The antenna roll 1 has defined therein a plurality of cutting regions CR1 for cutting the substrate 2 and the plurality of antenna patterns 3. The plurality of cutting regions CR1 are regions for cutting out the antenna roll 1 to extract wireless communication devices. For example, the antenna roll 1 is cut in the plurality of cutting regions CR1 after mounting an RFIC chip on each of the plurality of antenna patterns 3. This allows a plurality of wireless communication devices to be manufactured.

[0032] The antenna roll 1 may be cut in the cutting region CR1 before mounting the RFIC chips. In this case, the RFIC chips may be mounted on the antenna patterns 3 after the antenna roll 1 is cut in the cutting region CR1.

[0033] The multiple cutting regions CR1 are defined by multiple cut lines 5. The multiple cut lines 5 are provided on the metal pattern 4. Specifically, the multiple cut lines 5 are provided on the side of the metal pattern 4 where the antenna pattern 3 is located. The multiple cut lines 5 are provided at positions opposing each other in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the antenna pattern 3. The area surrounded by imaginary lines obtained by connecting the multiple opposing cut lines 5 is defined as the cutting region CR1 to be cut on the antenna roll 1. In this embodiment, the cutting region CR1 has a rectangular shape.

[0034] In the roll direction R1, the interval P1 between the plurality of cutting regions CR1 is smaller than the width W1 of the cutting regions CR1, for example, the interval P1 is 0.1 times or more and less than 1.0 times the width W1.

[0035] The cutting region CR1 is not limited to the above example. The shape of the cutting region CR1 may be any shape, and the multiple cut lines 5 may be changed depending on the shape of the cutting region CR1. Alternatively, the cutting region CR1 may be defined by something other than the multiple cut lines 5.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna roll according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, the antenna roll 1 may have a plurality of antenna patterns 3 arranged on the substrate 2 in the rolling direction R1 and a direction intersecting the rolling direction R1. That is, the antenna roll 1 may have a plurality of antenna patterns 3 arranged in a plurality of rows. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of antenna patterns 3 are arranged in four rows.

[0038] 3, all of the metal patterns 4 are conductive and integrated, which allows the multiple antenna patterns 3 to be isolated from each other by the metal patterns 4. Furthermore, since the metal patterns 4 are connected over their entire length in the roll direction, it is possible to suppress elongation and deformation of the antenna roll 3 due to tensile loads during roll transport.

[0039] [Communication Device] A communication device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are schematic diagrams of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0040] In this specification, a "communication device" refers to a device that communicates with a wireless communication device and inspects and / or encodes the wireless communication device. Specifically, it is a device that uses a reader / writer antenna to communicate with multiple wireless communication devices arranged on an inlay sheet and inspects and / or writes information to the wireless communication device. An "inlay sheet" is a sheet on which multiple wireless communication devices are arranged.

[0041] 4 and 5, the communication device 10 communicates with a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 arranged on the inlay sheet 1A. Specifically, the communication device 10 sequentially communicates with the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 on the inlay sheet 1A that are transported in the transport direction D1 along the transport path 11. The transport path 11 may be any path that can transport the inlay sheet 1A. For example, the inlay sheet 1A may be transported by a belt conveyor, or may be transported by being pulled by a roll winder arranged at the end of the inlay sheet 1A. In this embodiment, the communication device 10 communicates with the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 one by one.

[0042] The multiple wireless communication devices 7 include a substrate 2, an antenna pattern 3, and an RFIC chip 6. The multiple wireless communication devices 7 of the inlay sheet 1A are fabricated by mounting an RFIC chip 6 on each of the multiple antenna patterns 3 of the antenna roll 1. Therefore, in the inlay sheet 1A, the multiple wireless communication devices 7 are surrounded by the metal pattern 4. The metal pattern 4 is spaced apart from the wireless communication devices 7.

[0043] The communication device 10 includes a shield device 20 and a reader / writer antenna 30 .

[0044] <Shielding Device> The shielding device 20 defines a shielding space S1 arranged along the transport path 11 along which the inlay sheet 1A is transported. The shielding device 20 is made of a material that can shield radio waves from the wireless communication device 7 and external noise. For example, the shielding device 20 is made of a metal material.

[0045] The shielding device 20 is a box having an opening. The shielding device 20 includes a cylindrical body having one end and the other end, and a lid that closes the one end of the cylindrical body. The other end of the cylindrical body is open.

[0046] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the shield device 20 has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the shield device 20 has a short side direction along the conveyance direction D1 and a long side direction intersecting the conveyance direction D1.

[0047] A conveying path 11 is provided on the opening side of the shielding device 20. Therefore, the inlay sheet 1A is conveyed on the opening side of the shielding device 20 in the conveying direction D1.

[0048] The shielded space S1 is a space defined inside the shield device 20. The shielded space S1 has a size that allows one of the wireless communication devices 7 of the inlay sheet 1A to be placed therein.

[0049] The shielding device 20 has a conductor 21 that contacts the metal pattern 4 of the inlay sheet 1A. The conductor 21 is arranged at the end of the opening side of the shielding device 20. The conductor 21 is arranged along a direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A.

[0050] The conductor 21 is made of a conductive material, for example, a conductive sheet.

[0051] The conductor 21 is deformable. As a result, when the inlay sheet 1A is transported in the transport direction D1, the conductor 21 deforms, making it easier for the wireless communication device 7 to enter the shielded space S1. For example, the conductor 21 may be made of a conductive material having spring properties.

[0052] The conductor 21 contacts the metal pattern 4 while the wireless communication device 7 is contained within the shielded space S1, and by being conductive with the metal pattern 4, it is possible to prevent radio waves from leaking from the shielded space S1 to the outside and to prevent noise from entering the shielded space S1 from outside the shield device 20.

[0053] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the conductors of the shield device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the opening side of the shield device 20.

[0054] 6, the conductor 21 has a frame shape. Specifically, the conductor 21 has a rectangular frame shape with a short side extending along the X-axis direction and a long side extending along the Y-axis direction.

[0055] The shape of the conductor 21 is not limited to a frame shape. The conductor 21 only needs to be arranged on the open end side of the shield device 20 along the direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A, and does not necessarily have to be arranged in other parts.

[0056] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the conductor 21 is in contact with the metal pattern 4 .

[0057] <Reader / Writer Antenna> The reader / writer antenna 30 is an antenna that communicates with the wireless communication device 7 and performs inspection and / or writing of information. The reader / writer antenna 30 is disposed in the shielded space S1.

[0058] For example, the reader / writer antenna 30 is a loop antenna. The reader / writer antenna 30 radiates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the loop surface and simultaneously radiates an electric field in the direction of the loop surface. The reader / writer antenna 30 wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication devices 7 arranged on the inlay sheet 1A by electric field coupling.

[0059] The loop surface of the reader / writer antenna 30 is arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying plane of the conveying path 11 on which the inlay sheet 1A is placed. That is, the loop surface of the reader / writer antenna 30 intersects with the conveying direction D1 in which the inlay sheet 1A is conveyed. This causes the reader / writer antenna 30 to radiate an electric field toward the wireless communication device 7 that has been conveyed into the shielded space S1. As a result, communication occurs between the reader / writer antenna 30 and the wireless communication device 7 in the shielded space S1.

[0060] The reader / writer antenna 30 can perform inspections such as checking the operation of the memory of the wireless communication device 7 and checking the strength of the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the wireless communication device 7. The reader / writer antenna 30 can also perform encoding processing after the inspection is completed. For example, information such as a management number may be written to the memory of the wireless communication device 7 in response to a customer's request.

[0061] If the loop surface of the reader / writer antenna 30 is arranged parallel to the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A, the reader / writer antenna 30 and the wireless communication device 7 having the magnetic field radiation antenna will be magnetically coupled. In this case, it is possible to perform an operation check, inspection, and encoding process on the wireless communication device 7 having the magnetic field radiation antenna.

[0062] The reader / writer antenna 30 is not limited to a loop antenna, but may be any antenna that can communicate with the wireless communication device 7. For example, the reader / writer antenna 30 may be a dipole antenna.

[0063] [Communication Method] A communication method using the communication device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exemplary flowchart of the communication method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In this specification, the term "communication method" refers to a method for communicating with a wireless communication device and inspecting and / or encoding the wireless communication device. Specifically, it is a method for communicating with a plurality of wireless communication devices arranged on an inlay sheet using a reader / writer antenna and inspecting and / or writing information to the wireless communication device.

[0065] 7, in step ST10, the inlay sheet 1A on which the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 are arranged is transported to the shield device 20. Specifically, the inlay sheet 1A is placed on a transport path 11 and transported.

[0066] In step ST20, one of the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 on the inlay sheet 1A is placed in the shield space S1 inside the shield device 20.

[0067] The shielded space S1 has a size that allows placement of one wireless communication device 7. Therefore, one wireless communication device 7 is placed in the shielded space S1.

[0068] When the wireless communication device 7 enters the shielded space S1 in the shield apparatus 20, the conductor 21 is deformed. The deformation of the conductor 21 allows the wireless communication device 7 to be easily placed in the shielded space S1.

[0069] In step ST30, the conductor 21 comes into contact with the metal pattern 4 of the inlay sheet 1A. With the wireless communication device 7 enclosed in the shielded space S1, the conductor 21 and the metal pattern 4 are electrically connected. This prevents radio waves radiated from the reader / writer antenna 30 from leaking out of the shielded space S1 and prevents noise from entering the shielded space S1 from outside the shield device 20.

[0070] In step ST40, communication is performed with the wireless communication device 7 via the reader / writer antenna 30 placed in the shielded space S1. Specifically, by radiating an electric field from the reader / writer antenna 30 in the shielded space S1, the reader / writer antenna 30 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device 7 placed in the shielded space S1. The signal radiated by the reader / writer antenna 30 does not affect adjacent wireless communication devices 7 beyond the shielded space S1. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous communication with wireless communication devices 7 that are not the communication target.

[0071] Step ST40 also includes step ST41 in which test data is written to and read from the wireless communication device 7 by the reader / writer antenna 30. In step ST41, the reader / writer antenna 30 communicates with the wireless communication device 7 to test the wireless communication device 7. Specifically, in step ST41, the reader / writer antenna 30 checks the operation of the memory of the wireless communication device 7 placed in the shielded space S1.

[0072] In the first embodiment, in step ST41, the reader / writer antenna 30 writes test data to the memory of the wireless communication device 7. Then, the reader / writer antenna 30 reads the data written to the memory of the wireless communication device 7. In this way, in step ST21, the operation of the memory is checked by determining whether the reader / writer antenna 30 can write and read test data to and from the memory of the wireless communication device 7.

[0073] After checking the operation of the memory, the test data written in the memory of the wireless communication device 7 is deleted by the reader / writer antenna 30 .

[0074] Step ST40 also includes step ST42 of measuring the RSSI strength of the wireless communication device 7 by the reader / writer antenna 30. In step ST42, the RSSI strength is measured by the reader / writer antenna 30, whereby the reading distance (communication distance) of the wireless communication device 7 can be checked.

[0075] Step ST40 also includes step ST43, in which the inspected wireless communication device 7 is encoded. In step ST43, information such as the management number is written into the memory of the wireless communication device 7 by the reader / writer antenna 30.

[0076] After inspecting and encoding the wireless communication device 7, the inlay sheet 1A arranged on the transport path 11 is transported in the transport direction D1, and the next wireless communication device 7 is placed in the shielded space S1. Then, steps ST10 to ST40 are performed on the next wireless communication device 7.

[0077] Of the multiple wireless communication devices 7 on the inlay sheet 1A, the wireless communication devices 7 that have been inspected and encoded are cut into individual pieces along the cutting regions CR1. In this way, the wireless communication devices 7 are manufactured.

[0078] [Effects] According to the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0079] The communication device 10 according to the present disclosure is a communication device for wireless communication devices and includes a shield device 20 and a reader / writer antenna 30. The shield device 20 has a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 and a metal pattern 4 arranged between the plurality of wireless communication devices 7, and defines a shield space S1 arranged along a conveying path 11 along which an inlay sheet 1A is conveyed, the metal pattern 4 being spaced apart from the plurality of wireless communication devices 7. The reader / writer antenna 30 is arranged in the shield space S1. The shield space S1 has a size that allows one of the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 to be arranged therein. The shield device 20 has a conductor 21 in contact with the metal pattern.

[0080] This configuration can prevent erroneous communication. Specifically, the reader / writer antenna 30 placed in the shielded space S1 of the shield device 20 can communicate with only one wireless communication device 7 that has been transported into the shielded space S1. That is, it is possible to prevent radio waves from the reader / writer antenna 30 from leaking out of the shielded space S1. This prevents the reader / writer antenna 30 from erroneously communicating with a wireless communication device 7 that is not the communication target and is outside the shielded space S1.

[0081] In the inlay sheet 1A, each of the multiple wireless communication devices 7 has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A, and the metal pattern 4 is arranged along the longitudinal direction. The conductor 21 contacts at least a portion of the metal pattern 4. This configuration further reduces erroneous communication. The conductor 21 further reduces leakage of radio waves from the reader / writer antenna 30 to wireless communication devices 7 outside the shielded space S1 that are not the communication target.

[0082] The conductor 21 is arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A. This configuration can further reduce erroneous communication. The conductor 21 is arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying direction D1 between the wireless communication device 7 arranged inside the shielded space S1 and the wireless communication device 7 outside the shielded space S1. This makes it possible to further reduce leakage of radio waves from the reader / writer antenna 30 to wireless communication devices 7 outside the shielded space S1 that are not the communication target.

[0083] The conductor 21 has a frame shape. With this configuration, the wireless communication device 7, which is the communication target within the shielded space S1, can be enclosed, thereby further suppressing erroneous communication with the wireless communication device 7, which is not the communication target, outside the shielded space S1.

[0084] The conductor 21 is a conductive sheet. With this configuration, the conductor 21 is easily deformed when the inlay sheet 1A is transported to the shielding device 20, making it easier to place the wireless communication device 7 in the shielded space S1. Furthermore, when the wireless communication device 7 is placed in the shielded space S1, the conductor 21 can come into contact with the metal pattern 4.

[0085] The conductor 21 is made of a conductive material having spring properties. This configuration allows the conductor 21 to be elastically deformed. As a result, after the conductor 21 is deformed when the inlay sheet 1A is transported to the shielding device 20, the conductor 21 elastically deforms to return to its original shape, allowing it to easily come into contact with the metal pattern 4.

[0086] The communication method of the present disclosure achieves the same effects as the communication device 10 described above.

[0087] Furthermore, the antenna roll 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0088] The antenna roll 1 according to the present disclosure is an antenna roll for manufacturing a wireless communication device, and includes a substrate 2, a plurality of antenna patterns 3, and a metal pattern 4. The substrate 2 can be wound into a roll. The plurality of antenna patterns 3 are arranged on the substrate 2 in a rolling direction R1 of the substrate 2. The metal pattern 4 is arranged between the plurality of antenna patterns 3 on the substrate 2 and is spaced apart from the plurality of antenna patterns 3.

[0089] With this configuration, the metal pattern 4 can improve the mechanical strength of the antenna roll 1. Specifically, the metal pattern 4 can prevent the antenna roll 1 from being stretched and deformed. Furthermore, the antenna roll 1 can be used to manufacture an inlay sheet 1A capable of suppressing erroneous communication. Specifically, when RFIC chips 6 are mounted on multiple antenna patterns 3 of the antenna roll 1 to manufacture an inlay sheet 1A having multiple wireless communication devices 7, each antenna pattern 3 is surrounded by the metal pattern 4, and therefore the communication characteristics of each wireless communication device 7 deteriorate compared to when the metal pattern 4 is not present around the antenna pattern 3. This prevents the reader / writer antenna 30 from reading adjacent wireless communication devices 7, thereby suppressing erroneous communication of the communication device 10. Furthermore, by removing the metal pattern 4 and leaving only the wireless communication devices 7, wireless communication devices 7 with desired communication characteristics can be manufactured.

[0090] Each of the multiple antenna patterns 3 has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the roll direction R1. The metal patterns are arranged along the longitudinal direction. This configuration can further improve the mechanical strength of the antenna roll 1. In addition, the antenna roll 1 can be used to manufacture an inlay sheet 1A that can further reduce erroneous communication.

[0091] The metal pattern 4 surrounds each of the multiple antenna patterns 3. This configuration can further improve the mechanical strength of the antenna roll 1. In addition, the antenna roll 1 can be used to manufacture an inlay sheet 1A that can further suppress erroneous communication.

[0092] The antenna roll 1 defines a plurality of cutting regions CR1 for cutting the substrate 2 and the plurality of antenna patterns 3. In the rolling direction R1, the spacing P1 between the plurality of cutting regions CR1 is smaller than the width W1 of the cutting regions CR1. This configuration can further improve the mechanical strength of the antenna roll 1. In addition, the pitch between the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 can be reduced, thereby reducing waste of the substrate 2.

[0093] In the first embodiment, an example in which the shield device 20 defines one shield space S1 has been described, but the number of shield spaces S1 is not limited to one. There may be two or more shield spaces S1. The more shield spaces S1 there are, the more wireless communication devices 7 that can communicate at one time, allowing for efficient communication with multiple wireless communication devices 7.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the shield device 20 is described as a box having an opening, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shield device 20 may have a wall that separates adjacent wireless communication devices 7 in the inlay sheet 1A. For example, the shield device 20 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0095] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the shielding device 20 is disposed on the side of the base material 2 of the inlay sheet 1A on which the RFIC chip 6 is disposed, but this is not limiting. For example, the shielding device 20 may be disposed on the side of the base material 2 of the inlay sheet 1A opposite to the side on which the RFIC chip 6 is disposed.

[0096] (Embodiment 2) A communication device according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 2, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the communication device 10A further includes a shield device 40 that is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying path 11 from the shield device 20 .

[0099] In the second embodiment, the shield device 20 will be referred to as a first shield device 20, and the shield device 40 will be referred to as a second shield device 40. The shielded space S1 will be referred to as a first shielded space S1.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 8, the communication device 10A includes a second shield device 40.

[0101] The second shielding device 40 is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying path 11 from the first shielding device 20. The second shielding device 40 is disposed opposite the first shielding device 20.

[0102] The second shield device 40 is made of a material that can shield radio waves from the wireless communication device 7 and external noise. For example, the second shield device 40 is made of a metal material.

[0103] The second shield device 40 defines a second shield space S41 facing the first shield space S1 with the transport path 11 therebetween.

[0104] The second shield device 40 is a box having an opening. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the second shield device 40 has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the second shield device 40 has a short side that is aligned with the conveying direction D1 and a long side that intersects with the conveying direction D1.

[0105] A conveying path 11 is provided on the opening side of the second shielding device 40. Therefore, the inlay sheet 1A is conveyed on the opening side of the second shielding device 40 in the conveying direction D1.

[0106] The second shielded space S41 is a space defined inside the second shield device 40. The second shielded space S41 has a size equivalent to that of the first shielded space S1 in the transport direction D1.

[0107] The second shield device 40 is movable in a direction (Z-axis direction) facing the first shield device 20. For example, the second shield device 40 may be raised and lowered by a lifting device. For example, the second shield device 40 moves in a direction away from the first shield device 20 when transporting the inlay sheet 1A, and moves in a direction toward the first shield device 20 when communicating with the wireless communication device 7.

[0108] When the second shield device 40 moves in a direction approaching the first shield device 20, it comes into contact with the inlay sheet 1A arranged on the transport path 11. Specifically, it comes into contact with the back surface of the base material 2 of the inlay sheet 1A, which is opposite to the surface on which the multiple antenna patterns 3 and the metal pattern 4 are arranged. As a result, the second shield device 40 is capacitively coupled to the metal pattern 4.

[0109] [Effects] According to the communication device 10A according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0110] The communication device 10A according to the present disclosure includes a second shield device 40 disposed on the opposite side of the transport path 11 from the first shield device 20. The second shield device 40 is capable of capacitive coupling with the metal pattern 4. With this configuration, the second shield device 40 can shield the back side of the inlay sheet 1A, thereby further suppressing erroneous communication.

[0111] The second shield device 40 is disposed opposite the first shield device 20 and is movable in a direction opposite to the first shield device 20. With this configuration, the second shield device 40 can be moved in a direction away from the first shield device 20 when transporting the inlay sheet 1A, and can be moved in a direction toward the first shield device 20 when communicating with the wireless communication device 7.

[0112] The second shield device 40 defines a second shield space S41 that faces the first shield space S1 across the transport path 11. With this configuration, erroneous communication can be further suppressed.

[0113] In the second embodiment, an example in which the second shield device 40 is movable has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second shield device 40 does not have to be movable. In this case, the second shield device 40 may include the conductor 21, similar to the first shield device 20.

[0114] In the second embodiment, an example in which the second shield device 40 defines the second shielded space S41 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second shield device 40 does not have to define the second shielded space S41.

[0115] (Embodiment 3) A communication device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 3, differences from embodiment 2 will be mainly described. In embodiment 3, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 2 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 2 will be omitted.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the second shield device 40B is a metal plate.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, a second shield device 40B of a communication device 10B is composed of two metal plates.

[0119] The two metal plates are arranged on the transport path 11 on the side opposite to the side on which the first shield device 20 is arranged. The two metal plates are arranged with a gap between them. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the two metal plates are arranged on both sides of the first shield device 20. The two metal plates are arranged below the wireless communication device 7 adjacent to the wireless communication device 7 arranged in the first shield space S1.

[0120] [Effects] According to the communication device 10B according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0121] The second shield device 40B of the present disclosure is a metal plate. With this configuration, it is possible to shield the wireless communication devices 7 that are not the communication target. This makes it possible to further suppress erroneous communication.

[0122] Although the third embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the second shield device 40B is made up of two metal plates, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second shield device 40B may include one or more metal plates.

[0123] (Fourth Embodiment) A communication device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In the fourth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0124] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a communication device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, in which Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and Fig. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0125] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the first shield device 20C defines a plurality of shield spaces S1 to S4, and a reader / writer antenna 30 is disposed in each of the shield spaces S1 to S4.

[0126] 10 and 11, the first shield device 20C of the communication device 10C defines multiple shield spaces S1 to S4. In this embodiment, the first shield device 20C defines four shield spaces S1 to S4 in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1 of the inlay sheet 1A.

[0127] The first shield device 20C has a plurality of first side walls 22 that define a plurality of shielded spaces S1 to S4. The plurality of first side walls 22 are provided within the first shield device 20C and extend along the conveying direction D1. The plurality of first side walls 22 are arranged at intervals in a direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the conveying direction D1. The plurality of first side walls 22 function as partitions that separate the plurality of shielded spaces S1 to S4. The plurality of first side walls 22 define a plurality of shielded spaces S1 to S4 that are aligned in a direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the conveying direction D1.

[0128] The conductors 21 are disposed on each of the first side walls 22 .

[0129] Each of the plurality of shielded spaces S1 to S4 has a size that allows placement of one wireless communication device 7. One reader / writer antenna 30 is placed in each of the plurality of shielded spaces S1 to S4.

[0130] The inlay sheet 1A communicated by the communication device 10C includes a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 arranged in a plurality of rows. In this embodiment, the inlay sheet 1A is arranged in four rows.

[0131] In the direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1, the arrangement pitch of the multiple shield spaces S1 to S4 is the same as the arrangement pitch of the multiple wireless communication devices 7 on the inlay sheet 1A.

[0132] [Effects] According to the communication device 10C according to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0133] In the communication device 10C of the present disclosure, the first shield device 20C includes a plurality of first side walls 22 that extend in a direction along the transport path 11 and define a plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S4. The communication device 10C includes a plurality of reader / writer antennas 30, each of which is disposed in a respective one of the first shield spaces S1 to S4. This configuration enables communication with a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 while suppressing erroneous communication. Furthermore, the contact area between the first shield device 20C and the metal pattern 4 is increased, thereby improving the shielding performance of the first shield device 20C.

[0134] Although the fourth embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the number of shielded spaces is four, the number of shielded spaces is not limited to four. The number of shielded spaces may be two or more.

[0135] In the fourth embodiment, an example has been described in which the first shield device 20C has a plurality of first side walls 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first shield device 20C may have one or more first side walls 22.

[0136] (Embodiment 5) A communication device according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 5, differences from embodiment 4 will be mainly described. In embodiment 5, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 4 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 5, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 4 will be omitted.

[0137] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of a communication device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and Fig. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device as viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0138] Embodiment 5 differs from embodiment 4 in that a first shield device 20D defines a plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16, a second shield device 40D defines a plurality of second shield spaces S41 to S56, and a reader / writer antenna 30 is arranged in each of the first shield spaces S1 to S16.

[0139] 12 and 13, the first shield device 20D of the communication device 10D defines a plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16. In this embodiment, the first shield device 20D defines 16 first shield spaces S1 to S16. Specifically, the first shield device 20D defines four rows and four columns of first shield spaces S1 to S16.

[0140] The first shield device 20D has a plurality of first side walls 22 and a plurality of second side walls 23 that define a plurality of first shielded spaces S1 to S16. The plurality of first side walls 22 and the plurality of second side walls 23 function as partitions that separate the plurality of first shielded spaces S1 to S16.

[0141] The first side walls 22 are provided in the first shield device 20D and extend along the conveying direction D1. The first side walls 22 are arranged at intervals in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1.

[0142] The second side walls 23 are provided in the first shield device 20D and extend in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1. The second side walls 23 are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction D1.

[0143] The plurality of first side walls 22 and the plurality of second side walls 23 each have a conductor 21 disposed thereon.

[0144] Each of the plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16 has a size that allows placement of one wireless communication device 7. One reader / writer antenna 30 is placed in each of the plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16.

[0145] The multiple first shield spaces S1 to S16 are arranged in accordance with the arrangement pitch Pd1 of the multiple wireless communication devices 7 arranged on the inlay sheet 1A. Specifically, the multiple first shield spaces S1 to S16 are arranged at the same pitch as the arrangement pitch Pd1 of the wireless communication devices 7 arranged on the inlay sheet 1A. For example, the arrangement pitch Pd1 may be determined by the distance between the RFIC chips 6 of adjacent wireless communication devices 7.

[0146] The second shield device 40D of the communication device 10D defines a plurality of second shield spaces S41 to S56. In this embodiment, the second shield device 40D defines 16 second shield spaces S41 to S56. Specifically, the second shield device 40D defines 4 rows and 4 columns of second shield spaces S41 to S56.

[0147] The plurality of second shield spaces S41 to S56 are arranged in accordance with the arrangement pitch Pd1 of the plurality of wireless communication devices 7 arranged on the inlay sheet 1A.

[0148] The second shield device 40D has a plurality of side walls 41 that define a plurality of second shielded spaces S41 to S56. The side walls 41 function as partitions that separate the plurality of second shielded spaces S41 to S56.

[0149] The side walls 41 are provided in the second shield device 40D and extend along the conveying direction D1 and a direction intersecting the conveying direction D1 (the Y-axis direction). When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the side walls 41 are disposed in positions facing the first side walls 22 and the second side walls 23 of the first shield device 20D.

[0150] The multiple side walls 41 come into contact with the inlay sheet 1A arranged on the transport path 11. Specifically, they come into contact with the back surface of the base material 2 of the inlay sheet 1A, which is opposite to the surface on which the multiple antenna patterns 3 and the metal pattern 4 are arranged. As a result, the multiple side walls 41 are capacitively coupled to the metal pattern 4.

[0151] [Effects] According to the communication device 10D according to the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0152] In the communication device 10D of the present disclosure, the first shield device 20D includes a plurality of first side walls 22 and a plurality of second side walls 23 that define a plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16. The plurality of first side walls 22 extend in a direction along the transport path 11. The plurality of first side walls 22 extend in a direction intersecting the transport path 11 (the Y-axis direction). A plurality of reader / writer antennas 30 are disposed in each of the plurality of first shield spaces S1 to S16. The conductors 21 are disposed on the plurality of first side walls 22 and the plurality of second side walls 23. This configuration enables communication with a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 while suppressing erroneous communication. Furthermore, the contact area between the first shield device 20D and the metal pattern 4 is increased, thereby improving the shielding performance of the first shield device 20D.

[0153] Although the fifth embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the number of the first shielded spaces is 16, the number is not limited to this and may be any number as long as it is four or more.

[0154] In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the number of the second shielded spaces is 16 has been described, but the number is not limited to this. The number of the second shielded spaces may be four or more.

[0155] In the fifth embodiment, an example has been described in which the first shield device 20D has a plurality of first side walls 22 and a plurality of second side walls 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first shield device 20D may have one or more first side walls 22 and one or more second side walls 23.

[0156] In the fifth embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication device 10D defines multiple first shielded spaces in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the transport direction D1, but this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 10D may define multiple first shielded spaces along the transport direction D1. In this case, the first shield device 20D may not have the first side wall 22.

[0157] (Embodiment 6) A communication device according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 6, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 6, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 6, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0158] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the conductor 21E is configured as a rotating body having electrical conductivity.

[0160] 14, the conductor 21E of the communication device 10E is configured as a conductive rotating body. The rotating body has a longitudinal direction in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction D1. The rotating body is, for example, a roller. The rotating body may be made of metal, or a conductive film may be provided on the portion that contacts the metal pattern 4.

[0161] [Effects] According to the communication device 10E according to the sixth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0162] In the communication device 10E of the present disclosure, the conductor 21E is configured as a rotating body. This configuration makes it possible to reduce erroneous communication and communicate with the wireless communication device 7. In addition, it makes it easier to transport the inlay sheet 1A.

[0163] Although the sixth embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the rotating body is a roller, the present invention is not limited to this and any rotating body may be used as long as it has a rotatable shape.

[0164] (Seventh embodiment) A communication device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in the seventh embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the seventh embodiment, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in the second embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in the seventh embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0165] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] The seventh embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a second shield device 40F has a protrusion 44.

[0167] 15 , the second shield device 40F of the communication device 10F includes a protrusion 44. The protrusion 44 is conductive. The protrusion 44 has, for example, a shape with a sharp tip. For example, the protrusion 44 has a substantially conical shape.

[0168] The protrusion 44 is disposed on the side of the second shield device 40F where the transport path 11 is disposed. That is, the protrusion 44 is disposed on the side where the opening of the second shield device 40F is provided. When the second shield device 40F moves in a direction approaching the transport path 11, the protrusion 44 penetrates the base material 22 and comes into contact with the metal pattern 4.

[0169] [Effects] According to the communication device 10F according to the seventh embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0170] In the communication device 10F of the present disclosure, the second shield device 40F has a protrusion 44. The protrusion 44 penetrates the base material 2 and contacts the metal pattern 4. With this configuration, the second shield device 40F can directly contact and be electrically connected to the metal pattern 4. This can further reduce erroneous communication.

[0171] The shape of the protrusions 44 is not limited to a substantially conical shape. For example, the protrusions 44 may have any shape that allows them to penetrate the base material 22.

[0172] (Embodiment 8) An antenna roll according to embodiment 8 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 8, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 8, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 8, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0173] FIG. 16 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of an antenna roll according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the metal pattern 4 includes a first metal pattern 4A and a second metal pattern 4B, and the first metal pattern 4A and the second metal pattern 4B are not connected to each other.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 16, the metal pattern 4 of the antenna roll 1 in the eighth embodiment includes a first metal pattern 4A and a second metal pattern 4B.

[0176] The first metal pattern 4A extends on the base material 2 in the roll direction R1 of the base material 2. Specifically, the first metal pattern 4A is composed of two metal patterns facing each other with the antenna pattern 3 therebetween. The two metal patterns are spaced apart in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1 of the base material 2.

[0177] The second metal pattern 4B extends in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 on the base material 2. Specifically, the second metal pattern 4B extends in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1. The second metal pattern 4B has a longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 on the base material 2, and is disposed between the multiple antenna patterns 3.

[0178] In the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction and R1, one side and the other side of the second metal pattern 4B are not connected to the first metal pattern 4A. That is, in the Y direction, non-connected portions 8A are formed between one end of the second metal pattern 4B and the first metal pattern 4A, and between the other end of the second metal pattern 4B and the first metal pattern 4A. The non-connected portions 8A are portions where the first metal pattern 4A and the second metal pattern 4B are not electrically connected.

[0179] In the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1, the length of the second metal pattern 4B is longer than the length of the antenna pattern 3.

[0180] In this embodiment, the interval P1 between the plurality of cutting regions CR1 in the roll direction R1 is greater than the width W1 of the cutting regions CR1, for example, 1.1 to 3.0 times the width W1.

[0181] [Effects] According to the antenna roll 1 according to the eighth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0182] In the antenna roll 1 of the present disclosure, the metal pattern 4 includes a first metal pattern 4A extending on the substrate 2 in the roll direction R1 of the substrate 2, and a second metal pattern 4B extending on the substrate 2 in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1. One end and the other end of the second metal pattern 4B are not connected to the first metal pattern 4A.

[0183] In the inlay sheet 1A formed from the antenna roll 1 of embodiment 1, when a wireless communication device 7 is measured with the communication device 10 of the present disclosure, eddy currents may be generated in the metal pattern 4, which forms a closed circuit, due to the magnetic field generated by the wireless communication device 7. This may interfere with the measurement of the wireless communication device 7 by the communication device. In the antenna roll 1 of embodiment 8, one side and the other end of the second metal pattern 4B are not connected to the first metal pattern 4A, so that the generation of eddy currents in the metal pattern 4 can be suppressed, and the communication device can successfully measure the wireless communication device 7.

[0184] Furthermore, in the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1, the length of the second metal pattern 4B is longer than the length of the antenna pattern 3. With this configuration, the second metal pattern 4B can suppress interference between adjacent wireless communication devices 7.

[0185] Although the eighth embodiment has described an example in which neither one side nor the other side of the second metal pattern 4B is connected to the first metal pattern 4A, this is not limiting. For example, at least one of the one side and the other side of the second metal pattern 4B may not be connected to the first metal pattern 4A. That is, one side or the other side of the second metal pattern 4B may be connected to the first metal pattern 4A.

[0186] (Embodiment 9) An antenna roll according to embodiment 9 of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in embodiment 9, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 9, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, in embodiment 9, descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0187] FIG. 17 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of an antenna roll according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] The ninth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the metal pattern 4 includes a first metal pattern 4A and a second metal pattern 4B, and the second metal pattern 4B is divided by a plurality of slits 8B.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 16, the metal pattern 4 of the antenna roll 1 in the ninth embodiment includes a first metal pattern 4A and a second metal pattern 4B.

[0190] The first metal pattern 4A extends on the base material 2 in the roll direction R1 of the base material 2. Specifically, the first metal pattern 4A is composed of two metal patterns facing each other with the antenna pattern 3 therebetween. The two metal patterns are spaced apart in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1 of the base material 2.

[0191] The second metal pattern 4B extends in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 on the base material 2 and is connected to the first metal pattern 4A. Specifically, the second metal pattern 4B extends in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the roll direction R1. The second metal pattern 4B has a longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 on the base material 2 and is disposed between the multiple antenna patterns 3.

[0192] The second metal pattern 4B is divided by a plurality of slits 8B. Specifically, the second metal pattern 4B is divided into a plurality of sub-metal patterns 4BA to 4BD by the plurality of slits 8B extending in the roll direction R1.

[0193] The slit width of the multiple slits 8B is designed to be large enough to allow electrical coupling between the multiple sub-metal patterns 4BA-4BD via stray capacitance. For example, the slit width is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Preferably, the slit width is 0.3 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. More preferably, the slit width is 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

[0194] The multiple slits 8B may be used as cut lines 5 in the roll direction R1.

[0195] [Effects] According to the antenna roll 1 according to the ninth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0196] In the antenna roll 1 of the present disclosure, the metal pattern 4 includes a first metal pattern 4A extending on the substrate 2 in the roll direction R1 of the substrate 2, and a second metal pattern 4B extending on the substrate 2 in a direction intersecting the roll direction R1 and connected to the first metal pattern 4A. The second metal pattern 4B has a plurality of sub-metal patterns 4BA to 4BD divided by a plurality of slits 8B.

[0197] With this configuration, stray capacitance occurs between the plurality of sub-metal patterns 4BA-4BD in the plurality of slits 8B, and the plurality of sub-metal patterns 4BA-4BD are electrically imaged together, thereby ensuring electrical shielding. As a result, in the inlay sheet 1A formed by the antenna roll 1 in embodiment 9, interference between adjacent wireless communication devices 7 can be suppressed.

[0198] Although the ninth embodiment has described an example in which the second metal pattern 4B is divided by a plurality of slits 8B, the number of slits 8B is not limited. For example, the second metal pattern 4B may be divided by one or a plurality of slits 8B.

[0199] As described above, the above embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Furthermore, these general and specific aspects may be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0200] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0201] (Summary of embodiment) (1) A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device for wireless communication devices, comprising: a first shielding device that defines a first shielding space having a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern arranged between the plurality of wireless communication devices, the first shielding device having a metal pattern arranged along a transport path for transporting an inlay sheet away from the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a reader / writer antenna that is arranged in the first shielding space, the first shielding space having a size that allows one of the plurality of wireless communication devices to be arranged therein, and the first shielding device having a conductor in contact with the metal pattern.

[0202] (2) In the communication device of (1), in the inlay sheet, each of the multiple wireless communication devices may have a longitudinal direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the inlay sheet, the metal pattern may be arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the conductor may be in contact with at least a portion of the metal pattern.

[0203] (3) In the communication device of (1) or (2), the metal pattern may surround each of the plurality of wireless communication devices.

[0204] (4) In the communication device of any one of (1) to (3), the conductor may be arranged along a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the inlay sheet.

[0205] (5) In the communication device according to any one of (1) to (4), the conductor may have a frame shape.

[0206] (6) In the communication device according to any one of (1) to (5), the conductor may be a conductive sheet.

[0207] (7) In the communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), the conductor may be made of a conductive material having spring properties.

[0208] (8) In any one of the communication devices (1) to (7), the first shielding device may include one or more first side walls extending in a direction along the transport path and defining a plurality of first shielding spaces, the reader / writer antenna may include a plurality of reader / writer antennas arranged in each of the plurality of first shielding spaces, and the conductor may be arranged on the one or more first side walls.

[0209] (9) In any one of the communication devices (1) to (7), the first shielding device may include one or more second side walls extending in a direction intersecting the transport path and defining a plurality of first shielding spaces, the reader / writer antenna may include a plurality of reader / writer antennas arranged in each of the plurality of first shielding spaces, and the conductor may be arranged on the one or more second side walls.

[0210] (10) Any one of the communication devices (1) to (9) may further include a second shielding device arranged on the opposite side of the transport path from the first shielding device, and the second shielding device may be capable of capacitively coupling with the metal pattern.

[0211] (11) In the communication device of (10), the second shield device may be disposed opposite the first shield device and may be movable in a direction opposite the first shield device.

[0212] (12) In the communication device of (11), the second shield device may define a second shield space that faces the first shield space with the transport path therebetween.

[0213] (13) In the communication device of (10), the second shielding device may be one or more metal plates.

[0214] (14) A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method for wireless communication devices, comprising the steps of: transporting an inlay sheet having a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern disposed between the plurality of wireless communication devices, the metal pattern being spaced apart from the plurality of wireless communication devices, to a shielding device; placing one of the plurality of wireless communication devices in a shielded space of the shielding device; bringing a conductor of the shielding device into contact with the metal pattern; and communicating with the one wireless communication device disposed in the shielded space using a reader / writer antenna disposed in the shielded space.

[0215] (15) In the communication method of (14), the conductor may be arranged along a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the inlay sheet.

[0216] (16) In the communication method of (14) or (15), the metal pattern may surround each of the plurality of wireless communication devices.

[0217] (17) An antenna roll according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an antenna roll for manufacturing a wireless communication device, and includes a substrate that can be wound into a roll, a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate, and a metal pattern arranged on the substrate between the plurality of antenna patterns, the metal pattern being spaced apart from the plurality of antenna patterns.

[0218] (18) In the antenna roll of (17), each of the plurality of antenna patterns may have a longitudinal direction that intersects with the roll direction, and the metal pattern may be arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0219] (19) In the antenna roll of (17) or (18), the metal pattern may surround each of the plurality of antenna patterns.

[0220] (20) In the antenna roll of any one of (17) to (19), a plurality of cutting regions may be defined for cutting the substrate and the plurality of antenna patterns, and the spacing between the plurality of cutting regions in the roll direction may be smaller than the width of the cutting region.

[0221] (21) In the antenna roll of any one of (17) to (20), the metal pattern may be arranged so as to be continuous in the direction of the roll.

[0222] (22) In the antenna roll of any one of (17) to (21), the metal pattern may include a first metal pattern extending on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate, and a second metal pattern extending on the substrate in a direction intersecting the rolling direction, and at least one of one side and the other side of the second metal pattern may not be connected to the first metal pattern.

[0223] (23) In the antenna roll of any one of (17) to (21), the metal pattern may include a first metal pattern extending on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate, and a second metal pattern extending on the substrate in a direction intersecting the rolling direction and connected to the first metal pattern, and the second metal pattern may have a plurality of sub-metal patterns divided by one or more slits.

[0224] The present disclosure is useful for communicating with, testing and / or writing information to wireless communication devices.

[0225] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Antenna roll 1A Inlay sheet 2 Base material 3 Antenna pattern 4 Metal pattern 4A First metal pattern 4B Second metal pattern 4BA, 4BB, 4BC, 4BD Sub-metal pattern 5 Cut line 6 RFIC chip 7 Wireless communication device 8A Non-connected portion 8B Slit 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Communication device 11 Transport path 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E Shielding device 21, 21E Conductor 22 Side wall 23 Side wall 30 Reader / writer antenna 40 Shielding device 41 Side wall 44 Protrusion D1 Transport direction Pd1 Pitch R1 Roll direction S1 to S16, S41 to S56 Shielded space

Claims

1. A communication apparatus for wireless communication devices, comprising: a first shielding device that defines a first shielding space that has a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern that is placed between the plurality of wireless communication devices, the first shielding device being placed along a transport path that transports an inlay sheet where the metal pattern is spaced apart from the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a reader / writer antenna that is placed in the first shielding space, wherein the first shielding space is large enough to accommodate one of the plurality of wireless communication devices, and the first shielding device has a conductor that contacts the metal pattern.

2. The communication device described in claim 1, wherein in the inlay sheet, each of the multiple wireless communication devices has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the inlay sheet, the metal pattern is arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the conductor contacts at least a portion of the metal pattern.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal pattern surrounds each of the plurality of wireless communication devices.

4. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductors are arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the inlay sheet.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductor has a frame shape.

6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductor is a conductive sheet.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor is made of a conductive material having spring properties.

8. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first shielding device includes one or more first side walls extending in a direction along the transport path and defining a plurality of first shielded spaces, the reader / writer antenna includes a plurality of reader / writer antennas arranged in each of the plurality of first shielded spaces, and the conductor is arranged on the one or more first side walls.

9. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first shielding device includes one or more second side walls extending in a direction intersecting the transport path and defining a plurality of first shielded spaces, the reader / writer antenna includes a plurality of reader / writer antennas arranged in each of the plurality of first shielded spaces, and the conductor is arranged on the one or more second side walls.

10. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second shielding device arranged on the opposite side of the transport path from the first shielding device, wherein the second shielding device is capable of capacitive coupling with the metal pattern.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the second shield device is disposed opposite the first shield device and is movable in a direction opposite the first shield device.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the second shield device defines a second shield space facing the first shield space with the transport path therebetween.

13. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the second shielding device is one or more metal plates.

14. A communication method for wireless communication devices, comprising the steps of: transporting an inlay sheet having a plurality of wireless communication devices and a metal pattern disposed between the plurality of wireless communication devices, the metal pattern being spaced apart from the plurality of wireless communication devices, to a shielding device; placing one of the plurality of wireless communication devices in a shielded space of the shielding device; bringing a conductor of the shielding device into contact with the metal pattern; and communicating with the one wireless communication device disposed in the shielded space by a reader / writer antenna disposed in the shielded space.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, wherein the conductors are arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the inlay sheet.

16. The communication method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the metal pattern may surround each of the plurality of wireless communication devices.

17. An antenna roll for manufacturing a wireless communication device, comprising: a substrate that can be wound into a roll; a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate; and a metal pattern arranged on the substrate between the plurality of antenna patterns, the metal pattern being spaced apart from the plurality of antenna patterns.

18. The antenna roll according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of antenna patterns has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the rolling direction, and the metal pattern is arranged along the longitudinal direction.

19. The antenna roll according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the metal pattern surrounds each of the plurality of antenna patterns.

20. An antenna roll according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein a plurality of cutting regions are defined for cutting the substrate and the plurality of antenna patterns, and the spacing between the plurality of cutting regions in the roll direction is smaller than the width of the cutting regions.

21. The antenna roll according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the metal pattern is arranged so as to be continuous in the direction of the roll.

22. An antenna roll according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the metal pattern includes a first metal pattern extending on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate, and a second metal pattern extending on the substrate in a direction intersecting the rolling direction, and at least one of one side and the other side of the second metal pattern is not connected to the first metal pattern.

23. An antenna roll according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the metal pattern includes: a first metal pattern extending on the substrate in the rolling direction of the substrate; and a second metal pattern extending on the substrate in a direction intersecting the rolling direction and connected to the first metal pattern, and the second metal pattern has a plurality of sub-metal patterns divided by one or more slits.

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