Antenna and RFID tag issuing apparatus

Abstract

An antenna and an RFID tag issuing device capable of generating a concentrated magnetic field are disclosed. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a power feeding point, a terminal resistor, and a line. The power feeding point is provided on the dielectric substrate. The terminal resistor is provided on the dielectric substrate in a manner separated from the power feeding point. The line is provided between the power feeding point and the terminal resistor. The line includes a plurality of loop portions. The plurality of loop portions are each arranged in a state in which at least one of the other loop portions is in proximity.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2020-195307, filed on November 25, 2020, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an antenna and an RFID tag issuing device. Background Technology

[0003] For purposes such as product management, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag technology is known. Such RFID tags are, for example, affixed to labels. Furthermore, the RFID tag is attached to the product via the label. The RFID tag is issued by an RFID tag issuing device. The RFID tag issuing device, for example, has a tag reader antenna positioned midway along the label transport path. The RFID tag issuing device uses the tag reader antenna to perform reading information from and writing information to RFID tags. When writing information to RFID tags, the RFID tag issuing device is required to write information to the target RFID tag, while not writing information to RFID tags other than the target. Therefore, it is necessary to generate a concentrated magnetic field in and around the RFID tag to which information is being written. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an antenna and an RFID tag issuing device that can generate a concentrated magnetic field.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna comprising a dielectric substrate, a power supply point, a terminating resistor, and a circuit. The power supply point is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The terminating resistor is disposed on the dielectric substrate separately from the power supply point. The circuit is disposed between the power supply point and the terminating resistor. The circuit includes multiple loop portions. Each of the multiple loop portions is arranged in a state close to at least one loop portion of other loop portions.

[0006] Based on the antenna described above, it is possible to provide an antenna that can generate a concentrated magnetic field.

[0007] In the antenna described above, the antenna is rectangular, and the plurality of loop portions are arranged side by side in the length direction, which is the direction along the long side of the rectangle.

[0008] According to the antenna described above, regions with high magnetic field strength generated by each of the multiple loop sections can be formed in a concentrated manner along the length of the antenna.

[0009] In the antenna described above, the antenna is rectangular, and the plurality of loop portions are arranged in an alternating manner along the length direction, which is the direction along the long side of the rectangle. At least a portion of the plurality of loop portions are arranged to be staggered from each other in a width direction that intersects the length direction.

[0010] Based on the antenna described above, regions with high magnetic field strength can be formed in a concentrated manner along the length of the antenna.

[0011] In the antenna described above, at least a portion of the multiple loop sections are configured to overlap each other in projection from the width direction.

[0012] Based on the antenna described above, the magnetic field can be formed continuously along the length direction.

[0013] In the antenna described above, a grounding layer is provided on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface on which a plurality of loop portions are provided.

[0014] Based on the antenna described above, it is possible to suppress the generation of magnetic fields in unwanted directions.

[0015] In the antenna described above, a grounding layer and a relay section connecting the multiple loop sections are provided on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface where the multiple loop sections are provided.

[0016] Based on the antenna described above, power can be supplied efficiently from the power supply point to the terminal resistor.

[0017] In the antenna described above, the power supply point and the terminating resistor are configured at one end in the width direction.

[0018] The antenna described above is easy to manufacture by placing it on the same side.

[0019] Another aspect of the RFID tag issuing apparatus of the present invention includes: an antenna comprising: a dielectric substrate; a power supply point disposed on the dielectric substrate; a terminating resistor disposed on the dielectric substrate separately from the power supply point; and a line disposed between the power supply point and the terminating resistor, the line including a plurality of loop portions, each of the plurality of loop portions being configured to be close to at least one of the other loop portions; and a reader body for communicating with the RFID tag using the antenna.

[0020] Based on the aforementioned RFID tag issuing device, an RFID tag issuing device capable of generating a concentrated magnetic field can be provided.

[0021] The RFID tag issuing device described above also includes: a conveying mechanism that conveys a roller-shaped tag paper along a conveying path, wherein the antenna is rectangular and is configured to intersect the conveying direction of the tag paper along its length direction, which is the direction along the long side of the rectangle.

[0022] According to the RFID tag issuing device described above, since the antenna is set up to traverse the conveyed tag paper, data can be reliably written to the RFID tag that is the target.

[0023] In the RFID tag issuing device described above, the center of the antenna along its length is aligned with the center of the transport path.

[0024] According to the RFID tag issuing device described above, the tag paper conveyed along the conveying path must pass through the antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the label paper used in the RFID tag issuing device according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the antenna of the RFID tag issuing device according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a general representation of from and Figure 4 A plan view showing the state of the antenna of the RFID tag issuing device involved in the implementation method from different directions.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the antenna of the RFID tag issuing device according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the antenna of an RFID tag issuing device, which is a schematic representation of a variation of the implementation.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a general representation of from and Figure 7 A plan view of the antenna state of the RFID tag issuing device involved in the modified implementation of the embodiment, viewed from different directions.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 1…RFID tag issuing device, 2…conveyor roller, 3…tag paper, 4…pressure roller, 5…tag sensor, 6…sensor signal input unit, 7…motor, 8…motor drive unit, 9…reader, 10…antenna, 11…printer head, 12…head drive unit, 13…moving mechanism drive unit, 14…reporting unit, 15…input unit, 16…communication interface, 17…storage unit, 18…processor, 21, 22…rollers, 31…tag, 32…backing paper, 33…RFID tag, 34…marker, 35…film, 36…tag antenna, 37…IC chip, 101…dielectric substrate, 102…power supply point, 103…terminating resistor, 104…line, 105…line, 106…ground layer, 107…via, 108…first surface (first main surface), 109…second surface (second main surface), 110…first end, 111…second end, 112, 113…through hole, 1041~1045…loop section, 1051~1056…relay section. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is an example of an RFID tag issuing device 1 that adapts an antenna to issue RFID tags attached to a label.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic representation of an RFID tag issuing device involved in an implementation method. Figure 2 This diagram schematically illustrates the modules of an RFID tag issuing device involved in an implementation method. Figure 1 The document specifies the vertical direction (indicated by arrows ZA and ZB), the intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) conveying direction (indicated by arrows XA and XB), and the intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) direction that intersects both the vertical and conveying directions. The infeed side of the conveying direction corresponds to the side indicated by arrow XA, and the outfeed side corresponds to the side indicated by arrow XB. Furthermore, Figure 3 This refers to the label paper 3 used in the RFID tag issuing device 1 according to the implementation method. Figure 3 The document defines the long side direction (vertical) (represented by arrows XC and XD) and the short side direction (horizontal) intersecting the long side direction (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) (represented by arrows YC and YD). In this embodiment, the label paper 3 is used in the RFID tag issuing device 1 with its long side direction aligned with the conveying direction and its short side direction aligned with the intersecting direction. The conveying direction is the direction in which the label paper 3 is conveyed.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the RFID tag issuing device 1 includes a conveyor roller 2, a pressure roller 4, a tag sensor 5, a sensor signal input unit 6, a motor 7, a motor drive unit 8, a reader / writer 9, an antenna 10, a printing head 11, a head drive unit 12, a movement mechanism drive unit 13, a reporting unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication interface (I / F) 16, a storage unit 17, and a processor 18. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the label paper 3 includes: multiple labels 31, a strip of backing paper 32 for attaching the multiple labels 31, an RFID tag 33, and a marking 34. The label paper 3 is, for example, a roller formed by winding the backing paper 32 with the multiple labels 31 attached.

[0038] The conveyor roller 2 (conveyor mechanism) has, for example, a pair of rollers 21 and 22. The conveyor roller 2 conveys the roll-shaped label paper 3 along the conveyor path. Figure 1 In this system, multiple conveyor rollers 2 can be arranged along the conveying path. In one example, roller 21 is driven to rotate by a motor 7, and roller 22 rotates using the power driven by the rotation of roller 21. That is, in this example, roller 22 is the driven roller. The pressure roller 4, by rotating, conveys the label paper 3 along the conveying path towards the output side in the conveying direction. The pressure roller 4 is positioned on the output side of the conveying path relative to the conveyor rollers 2 and the marking sensor 5. In one example, the pressure roller 4 is driven to rotate by a motor 7.

[0039] The marking sensor 5 is positioned opposite the conveying path in the height direction. The marking sensor 5 is disposed on the conveying path, on the outgoing side relative to the conveying roller 2 and on the receiving side relative to the pressure roller 4 in the conveying direction. In one example, the marking sensor 5 optically detects the markings on the label paper 3. The marking sensor 5 scans the surface of the label paper 3 conveyed along the conveying direction. Thus, the marking sensor 5 detects information attached to the markings on the backing paper. The marking sensor 5 outputs the detected information as a signal to the sensor signal input unit 6. The sensor signal input unit 6 is connected to a sensor containing the marking sensor 5. The sensor signal input unit 6 receives the signal from the sensor and outputs it to a processor. The sensor includes an opening / closing sensor. The opening / closing sensor detects the opening and closing of components that are opened or closed when the label paper 3 is replaced. Components that are opened or closed include, for example, covers, doors, and lids. The opening / closing sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor that switches between ON and OFF states corresponding to the closing or opening of a component. An on / off sensor can also be a mechanical switch that switches the connection on and off in accordance with the closing or opening of a component.

[0040] The electric motor 7 is mechanically connected to the conveyor roller 2 and the pressure roller 4. The electric motor 7 rotates the conveyor roller 2 and the pressure roller 4. In one example, the electric motor 7 causes one side of the conveyor roller 21 and the pressure roller 4 to rotate... Figure 1The motor 7 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A. This causes the motor 7 to transport the label paper 3 along the conveyor path. The motor drive unit 8 controls the rotation of the motor 7. In one example, the motor drive unit 8 controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 7. The motor drive unit 8 controls the motor 7 in the forward rotation state. This causes the conveyor roller 2 and the pressure roller 4 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A. Figure 1 Rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A to convey the label paper 3 to the outgoing side in the conveying direction.

[0041] The reader 9 communicates with the RFID tag 33 disposed on the label paper 3 via the antenna 10, thereby writing data to and reading data from the RFID tag 33. The reader 9 emits radio waves from the antenna 10 to communicate with the RFID tag 33. The RFID tag 33 is activated by receiving the radio waves from the reader 9, and simultaneously sends a response wave to the antenna 10. The reader 9 uses the antenna 10 to receive the response wave from the RFID tag 33 and communicates with it. Specifically, the reader 9 sends an interrogation wave (modulated wave) to the RFID tag 33 following a modulated wave. The RFID tag 33 is activated by the modulated wave and responds after receiving the interrogation wave from the reader 9. In the response, the reader 9 also sends a modulated wave to the RFID tag 33. The RFID tag 33 responds by reflecting the modulated wave from the reader 9.

[0042] The printing head 11 is positioned opposite the pressure roller 4 in the height direction. The printing head 11 is connected to the head drive unit 12. The printing head 11 prints on the printing surface of the conveyed label. That is, the printing head 11 prints on the side opposite to the side where the RFID tag 33 is located. The head drive unit 12 drives the printing head 11, thereby printing on the printing surface of the label. The moving mechanism drive unit 13 causes the printing head 11 to reciprocate in a state adjacent to the label paper 3 being conveyed along the conveying path.

[0043] The reporting unit 14 reports information through screen display, sound, and light illumination. The reporting unit 14 may report information requiring operator identification or warning messages to the operator. The reporting unit 14 may be a display screen. The input unit 15 has operating components. Using the operating components, operators input commands related to the operation of the RFID tag issuing device 1. Operating components may include buttons, knobs, and touch panels. The communication interface 16 is an interface for connecting to higher-level equipment. The communication interface 16 receives data to be written to RFID tags and imprinting data for tags from the higher-level equipment. The communication interface 16 also sends issuance performance data and other data to the higher-level equipment.

[0044] The storage unit 17 stores various data required for controlling the RFID tag issuing device 1, such as programs, printing data, and issuance performance data. The storage unit 17 may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or SSD (Solid State Drive). The processor 18 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0045] The processor 18 is connected to the sensor signal input unit 6, the motor drive unit 8, the reader / writer 9, the head drive unit 12, the movement mechanism drive unit 13, the reporting unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication interface 16, and the storage unit 17. The processor 18 controls each component according to the signals input from the sensor signal input unit 6 and the programs stored in the storage unit 17. Thus, the processor 18 performs the function of an RFID tag issuing device 1. In one example, the processor 18 cooperates with the reader / writer 9 to perform data reading from the RFID tag 33 using the antenna 17 and data writing to the RFID tag 33.

[0046] In the label paper 3, the label 31 is a rectangular sheet. Multiple labels 31 are pasted onto one main surface of the backing paper 32. The labels 31 are arranged at intervals along their long sides. The surface of the label 31 opposite the backing paper 32 has an adhesive surface. An RFID tag 33 is disposed on the adhesive surface of the label 31. The RFID tag 33 includes a film 35, a tag antenna 36, ​​and an IC chip 37. The tag antenna 36 includes, for example, a matching circuit (loop section). The tag antenna 36 and the IC chip 37 are disposed on the film 35.

[0047] In this embodiment, the RFID tag 33 is a passive tag without a battery. Multiple marks 34 indicate the beginning of the label strip 31 along the long side of the label paper 3. In one example, the length of the marks 34 along the long side is shorter than the gap length between adjacent label strips 31. The position where the RFID tag 33 is installed on the label strip 31 is appropriately set according to the type of label paper 3. Furthermore, the RFID tag 33 is arranged on the label strip 31 with its tag antenna 36 intersecting the long side direction. In one example, the tag antenna 36 is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the short side direction.

[0048] like Figures 4-6As shown, in antenna 10, a length direction (indicated by arrows YE and YF), a width direction (indicated by arrows XE and XF) intersecting the length direction (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular), and a thickness direction (indicated by arrows ZE and ZF) intersecting both the length and width directions (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) are defined. In this embodiment, antenna 10 is configured in RFID tag issuing device 1 such that its length direction is aligned with (or substantially aligned with) the intersection direction of antenna 10 and RFID tag issuing device 1. Antenna 10 is configured in RFID tag issuing device 1 such that its width direction is aligned with (or substantially aligned with) the transport direction of RFID tag issuing device 1. Antenna 10 is configured in RFID tag issuing device 1 such that its thickness direction is aligned with (or substantially aligned with) the height direction of RFID tag issuing device 1. Antenna 10 is configured in RFID tag issuing device 1 such that its length direction intersects with the transport direction of the label paper 30 of RFID tag issuing device 1.

[0049] The antenna 10 is configured to be positioned away from the transport path in the height direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. The distance of the antenna 10 from the transport path is appropriately set according to the radiation intensity of the antenna 10. In one example, the antenna 10 is configured to be 5 mm away from the transport path. The center of the antenna 10 in the longitudinal direction is configured to coincide (or substantially coincide) with the center of the transport path in the direction intersecting with the RFID tag issuing device 1. Therefore, the RFID tag 33 is transported along the transport path, thereby passing from the central side of the antenna 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The antenna 10 includes: a dielectric substrate 101, a power supply point 102, a terminating resistor 103, lines 104 and 105, and a ground layer 106. The dielectric substrate 101 is formed of a dielectric. In this embodiment, the dielectric substrate 101 is rectangular (including approximately rectangular). In one example, the length dimension of the dielectric substrate 101 is greater than the width dimension. The direction along the long side is the length direction. The direction along the short side is the width direction. It should be noted that the length and width dimensions of the dielectric substrate 101 are not limited to these. The dimensions of the dielectric substrate 101 can be appropriately set according to the usage configuration of the RFID tag issuing device 1, etc. A through-hole 107 is formed in the thickness direction of the dielectric substrate 101. Figure 6 As shown, the via 107 extends from the first surface (first main surface) 108 of the dielectric substrate 101 through the dielectric substrate 101 to the second surface (second main surface) 109 of the dielectric substrate 101 in the thickness direction.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, power supply point 102 is located at one end in the length direction (the side indicated by arrow YF). Power supply point 102 is connected to the first end 110 of the extension formed by lines 104 and 105. Termination resistor 103 is located at the end opposite to the end where power supply point 102 is located in the length direction (the side indicated by arrow YE). In the aforementioned extension formed by lines 104 and 105, termination resistor 103 is connected to the second end 111 on the side opposite to the first end 110. Lines 104 and 105 are arranged between power supply point 102 and termination resistor 103 in the length direction. In one example, the resistance value of termination resistor 103 corresponds to the resistance value of the characteristic impedance of the entire extension formed by lines 104 and 105. In this embodiment, both power supply point 102 and termination resistor 103 are arranged at one end in the width direction (the side indicated by arrow XF). By setting them on the same side, manufacturing becomes easier. Furthermore, the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 are disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. It should be noted that the positions of the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 in the width direction are not limited to this and can be appropriately set according to the application configuration, etc. Alternatively, the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 can be disposed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. It is also possible that one of the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 is disposed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101, and the other is disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101.

[0052] Line 104 is formed on the first surface 108 of dielectric substrate 101 (see reference). Figure 6 ).like Figure 4 As shown, the circuit 104 includes a plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044. Each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is arranged close to one or two corresponding loop portions 1041 to 1044. That is, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is close to at least one of the other loop portions (three corresponding loop portions 1041 to 1044). The plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 do not contact each other on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this embodiment, the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are arranged side by side with each other in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric substrate 101. In one example, the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are arranged in a straight or substantially straight line in the longitudinal direction. Through holes 112 are formed at both ends of each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044. A via 107 is formed on the dielectric substrate 101 corresponding to the location where the via 112 is formed. The line 104 is connected to the line 105 via the via 112 and the via 107.

[0053] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is bent at three locations. That is, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 has a shape that extends in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101 at two locations and in the width direction of the dielectric substrate 101 at two locations. Each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 extends in the length direction from one end. Furthermore, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is bent in the width direction. Each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is further bent in the length direction. Then, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is bent in the width direction and extends in the width direction to an end opposite to one of the ends. Thus, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 forms a loop shape. It should be noted that the shape of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is not limited to the shape described above. That is, as long as the multiple loop sections 1041 to 1044 each form a loop shape, the loop shape can be appropriately adjusted by taking into account the size of the antenna 10 and the required magnetic field strength.

[0054] In this embodiment, four loop portions 1041 to 1044 are formed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101, but the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, the number of loop portions in the antenna 10 can be adjusted by considering the required magnetic field strength, etc. Furthermore, the size of each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044 can be appropriately set according to the size of the antenna 10, etc. However, when the size of each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044 is relatively large, the magnetic field generated by each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044 is not strong enough overall inside each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044. That is, the magnetic field strength is high at the edge portions of each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044, while the magnetic field strength is low at the inner portions of each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044. Therefore, the size of each of the multiple loop sections 1041 to 1044 is preferably set to the degree to which the magnetic field generated by each of the multiple loop sections 1041 to 1044 becomes stronger overall on the inner side of each of the multiple loop sections 1041 to 1044.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, a line 105 (relay section) is formed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. The line 105 includes a plurality of relay sections 1051 to 1055. Each of the relay sections 1051 to 1055 is arranged separately from each other in the longitudinal direction. That is, the relay sections 1051 to 1055 do not contact each other on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this embodiment, the relay sections 1051 to 1055 are arranged side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. Through-holes 113 are formed at both ends of each of the relay sections 1051 to 1055. Vias 107 of the dielectric substrate 101 are formed corresponding to the locations where the through-holes 113 are formed. The line 105 is connected to the line 104 via the through-holes 113 and the vias 107. The line 105, as a relay section, connects a plurality of loop sections 1042 to 1044.

[0056] A relay section 1051 is disposed on the power supply point 102 side in the length direction and extends from one end in the width direction. In this embodiment, one end of the relay section 1051 is connected to the power supply point 102. Multiple relay sections 1052 to 1054 each extend from one end in the length direction. Then, each of the multiple relay sections 1052 to 1054 bends in the width direction and extends along the width direction to an end opposite to one of the original ends. That is, each of the multiple relay sections 1052 to 1054 is formed in an L-shape or approximately L-shape. Furthermore, a relay section 1055 extends from one end in the width direction. Then, the relay section 1055 bends in the length direction. The relay section 1055 further bends in the width direction and extends along the width direction to an end opposite to one of the original ends. That is, the relay section 1055 is formed in a U-shape or approximately U-shape. In this embodiment, the end of the relay section 1055 opposite to one of the original ends is connected to the terminating resistor 103.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, multiple relay sections 1052-1055 are disposed on the second surface 109 at positions corresponding to the multiple loop sections 1041-1044 in the first surface 108. In this embodiment, in a projection along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the multiple relay sections 1052-1055 is arranged to overlap with the multiple loop sections 1041-1044. The power supply point 102 is connected to one end (first end 110) of a pair of ends of the relay section 1051. The end of the pair of ends of the relay section 1051 opposite to the connection position connected to the power supply point 102 is connected to one end of a pair of ends of the loop section 1041 via a corresponding through hole 113, a via hole 107, and a through hole 112. One end of a pair of ends of loop section 1041, opposite to the connection position to which it is connected to relay section 1051, is connected to one end of a pair of ends of relay section 1052 via corresponding through holes 112, 107, and 113. Similarly, each of the plurality of relay sections 1052 to 1054 is connected to one or more corresponding loop sections 1042 to 1044 via corresponding through holes 112, 113, and 107. Termination resistor 103 is connected to the end (second end 111) of a pair of ends of relay section 1055, opposite to the connection position to which it is connected to loop section 1044. By connecting lines 104 and 105 in this way, lines 104 and 105 are arranged in a state of minimal overlap when projected in the thickness direction.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the ground layer 106 is disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. Figure 5 As shown, the ground layer 106 can be rectangular. The ground layer 106 is configured to avoid the area surrounding the line 105. That is, a gap is formed between the line 105 and the ground layer 106. Furthermore, when the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 are disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101, the ground layer 106 is configured to avoid the area surrounding the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103. That is, a gap is formed between the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 and the ground layer 106. It should be noted that when the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 are disposed on the first surface 108, the ground layer 106 is disposed not only on the second surface 109 but also in the area surrounding the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 on the first surface 108.

[0059] The length of the ground layer 106 is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the extensions of lines 104 and 105 along the length of the antenna 10, but less than the length of the dielectric substrate 101. The width of the ground layer 106 is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the extensions of lines 104 and 105 along the width of the antenna 10, but less than the width of the dielectric substrate 101. In this embodiment, the length of the ground layer 106 is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the dielectric substrate 101. Furthermore, the width of the ground layer 106 is the same as or approximately the same as the width of the dielectric substrate 101. It should be noted that the size of the ground layer 106 is not limited to this. When the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103 are disposed on the second surface 109, it is preferable that the ground layer 106 is formed in such a way that it covers the second surface 109 except for the portion where the power supply point 102, the terminating resistor 103, and the lines 105 are disposed.

[0060] As described above, in the antenna 10 of this embodiment, lines 104 and 105 are provided between the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103, and each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is arranged in a state close to at least one of the other loop portions (corresponding three of 1041 to 1044). Therefore, the magnetic fields generated by each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are generated in a state where they are close together in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10. That is, the magnetic fields generated by each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are not generated in a state where they are separated in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10. Therefore, regions with high magnetic field strength in the magnetic fields generated by each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are formed in a state where they are concentrated in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10.

[0061] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that a plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are arranged side by side along the length direction of the antenna 10. By arranging the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 in this way, the magnetic field generated by the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is generated in a more concentrated state along the length direction of the antenna 10. Therefore, the regions with high magnetic field strength in the magnetic fields generated by each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are formed in a more concentrated state along the length direction of the antenna 10.

[0062] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a ground layer 106 on a surface (second main surface) opposite to the surface (first main surface) where the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044 are provided in the thickness direction. By configuring the ground layer 106 in this way, it is possible to suppress the generation of magnetic fields by the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044 in the thickness direction of the antenna 10 from the first main surface 108 toward the second surface 109. That is, in the antenna 10, the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044 generate magnetic fields in the direction from the second surface 109 toward the first surface 108. As a result, the generation of magnetic fields in unwanted directions can be suppressed in the antenna 10.

[0063] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the lines 104 (multiple loop sections 1041-1044) are arranged on the first surface 108, while the lines 105, which serve as relay sections, are arranged on the second surface 109, and that the lines 104 and 105 are arranged in a manner that minimizes overlap when projected in the thickness direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ground layer 106 covers the second surface 109 as much as possible. By forming the lines 104, 105 and the ground layer 106 in this way, power can be efficiently supplied from the power supply point 102 to the terminating resistor 103 in the antenna 10. As a result, the required magnetic field can be reliably generated in the antenna 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in the RFID tag issuing device 1 using the antenna 10 of this embodiment, the antenna 10 is configured such that its length direction intersects with the transport direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. That is, the magnetic field formed side-by-side along the length direction of the antenna 10 is formed such that the transported label paper 3 is traversed horizontally. Therefore, regardless of where the transported label paper 3 is transported in the width direction of the antenna 10, the RFID tag issuing device 1 can write data onto the RFID tag that is the target in the label paper 3.

[0065] (Modified Example)

[0066] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the antenna 10 involved in the modified example. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In, with Figures 4-6Similarly, the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction are specified. In this variation, the power supply point 102 is located on one side of the length direction. The terminating resistor 103 is located on the side opposite to the side where the power supply point 102 is located in the length direction. The power supply point 102 is connected to the first end 110 of the extension formed by lines 104 and 105. The terminating resistor 103 is connected to the second end 111 of the extension formed by lines 104 and 105. Lines 104 and 105 are interconnected via corresponding through holes 112 and 113 and vias 107. In this variation, line 104 has multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045, and line 105 has multiple relay portions 1051 to 1056. The multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045 and the multiple relay portions 1051 to 1056 are interconnected via corresponding through holes 112 and 113 and vias 107.

[0067] In this variation, such as Figure 7 As shown, each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045 is bent at six locations. That is, each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045 has a shape that extends along the length of the dielectric substrate 101 at four locations and along the width of the dielectric substrate 101 at three locations. In each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045, in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101, one end of a pair of ends is positioned relative to the other ends on the power supply point 102 side. In each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1045, the pairs of ends are arranged in a state where they are staggered relative to each other in the width direction.

[0068] In this modified example, at least a portion of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a state of being staggered from each other in the width direction. Furthermore, in this modified example, at least a portion of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a state of being overlapping each other in projection from the width direction. That is, the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a staggered manner along the length direction on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this modified example, the plurality of loop portions 1041, 1043, and 1045 are provided on one side in the width direction. The plurality of loop portions 1042 and 1044 are provided on the side opposite to the side where the plurality of loop portions 1041, 1043, and 1045 are provided in the width direction. Furthermore, loop portion 1042 has a portion that overlaps with loop portions 1041 and 1043 in projection from the width direction, and is disposed between loop portions 1041 and 1043 in the length direction. Similarly, the loop portion 1044 has a portion that overlaps with the loop portions 1043 and 1045 in the projection from the width direction, and is disposed between the loop portions 1043 and 1045 in the length direction.

[0069] Because the antenna 10 of this modified example is configured as described above, the region of high magnetic field strength in the generated magnetic field is formed uninterruptedly along the length direction. Therefore, the antenna 10 of this modified example can generate a magnetic field that is continuous and further concentrated along the length direction. Furthermore, in this modified example, lines 104 and 105 are provided between the power supply point 102 and the terminating resistor 103, and each of the multiple loop sections 1041 to 1045 is arranged close to at least one of the other loop sections (the four corresponding to 1041 to 1045). Therefore, the antenna 10 of this modified example also performs the same function and effect as the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, in the RFID tag issuing device 1 using the antenna 10 of this modified example, even if the tag paper 3 deviates to a certain extent in a direction intersecting the transport direction, information can be written more reliably onto the target RFID tag.

[0070] According to at least one of the above embodiments, the antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a power supply point, a terminating resistor, and a circuit. The power supply point is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The terminating resistor is disposed on the dielectric substrate separately from the power supply point. The circuit is disposed between the power supply point and the terminating resistor. The circuit has multiple loop portions. Each of the multiple loop portions is arranged in a state close to at least one other loop portion. As a result, the antenna can generate a concentrated magnetic field.

[0071] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and also within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An antenna that radiates radio waves for communication with RFID tags, characterized in that, have: Dielectric substrate; A power supply point is located on the dielectric substrate; A terminating resistor is disposed on the dielectric substrate in a manner separate from the power supply point; as well as The circuit includes multiple loop sections disposed between the power supply point and the terminating resistor, each of the multiple loop sections being configured in proximity to at least one of the other loop sections. The antenna has a ground layer and a relay section connecting the multiple loop sections on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface where the multiple loop sections are provided, and a gap is formed between the relay section and the ground layer.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna is rectangular, and the plurality of loop sections are arranged side by side in the length direction, which is along the long side of the rectangle.

3. The antenna according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The antenna is rectangular, and the plurality of loop sections are arranged in an alternating pattern along the length of the rectangle, which is the direction along the long side of the rectangle. At least a portion of the multiple loop sections are configured to be staggered from each other in a width direction that intersects the length direction.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the multiple loop sections are configured to overlap each other in projection from the width direction.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply point and the terminating resistor are configured on one end side in the width direction.

6. An RFID tag issuing device, characterized in that, have: An antenna that radiates radio waves for communication with an RFID tag, the antenna comprising: a dielectric substrate; a power supply point disposed on the dielectric substrate; a terminating resistor disposed on the dielectric substrate separately from the power supply point; and a line disposed between the power supply point and the terminating resistor, the line comprising a plurality of loop portions, each of the plurality of loop portions being configured in a state close to at least one of the other loop portions; as well as The reader / writer body communicates with the RFID tag using the antenna. The antenna has a ground layer and a relay section connecting the multiple loop sections on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface where the multiple loop sections are provided, and a gap is formed between the relay section and the ground layer.

7. The RFID tag issuing device according to claim 6, wherein, It also has: A conveying mechanism that conveys roller-shaped label paper along a conveying path. The antenna is rectangular and is configured to intersect the transport direction of the label paper along its length, which is the direction along the long side of the rectangle.

8. The RFID tag issuing device according to claim 7, wherein, The center of the antenna along its length coincides with the center of the transmission path.

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