rack

Abstract

To provide a rack configured to allow information of a plurality of RFID tags incorporated in tires stored in the rack to be efficiently read.SOLUTION: A rack 1A stores a plurality of tires 4, the rack including: a rack unit 10 for storing the tires in one direction; and a plurality of antennas 20 which are arranged in the rack, configured to read information of the RFID tags 5 incorporated in the tires and communicate with a reader / writer wirelessly or by wire. Each of the antennas includes a partition which has a planar surface that intersects in one direction, and a first antenna arranged on the plane surface of the partition to read the information of the RFID tags. The antennas are configured to define the space in which the tires are disposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rack for storing tires with built-in RFID tags. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an RFID reader device for reading an RFID tag embedded in a tire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38627 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When multiple tires are stored on a rack, it is difficult to efficiently read the information from the multiple RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags embedded in the tires.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a rack that can efficiently read information from multiple RFID tags embedded in multiple tires when the multiple tires are stored in the rack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The rack of the present disclosure comprises: A rack for storing a plurality of tires, a rack unit that stores the plurality of tires in a line; a plurality of antenna units disposed on the rack unit, reading information from RFID tags embedded in the plurality of tires, and communicating with a reader / writer wirelessly or via a wire; Equipped with Each of the plurality of antenna units is A partition portion having a plane that intersects with the one direction; a first antenna disposed on the plane of the partition and configured to read information from the RFID tag; and The plurality of antenna portions define a space in which the plurality of tires are arranged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a rack that can efficiently read information from multiple RFID tags embedded in multiple tires when the multiple tires are stored in the rack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rack in which a plurality of tires are stored in a rack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a main configuration of an example of a rack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an antenna section of the rack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an antenna section of a rack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna section of the rack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna section of the rack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna section of the rack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a main configuration of an example of a rack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an example of an antenna section of a rack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of a rack according to a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of a rack according to a second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) The RFID reader device described in Patent Document 1 has a thin and long reading rod with an antenna that can be coupled to an RFID tag. The reading rod is placed inside the tire opening and reads the information from the RFID tag by coupling with the RFID tag embedded in the tire. When multiple tires are stored, the RFID reader device described in Patent Document 1 moves the reading rod inside the opening of each tire to sequentially read the RFID tag embedded in each tire.

[0010] However, the RFID reader device described in Patent Document 1 has a short communication distance between the reading wand and the RFID tag, which means that the reading wand must be moved to sequentially read the RFID tags embedded in the tires stored in the rack, resulting in poor work efficiency.

[0011] Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the inventors studied a rack that can efficiently read information from multiple RFID tags embedded in multiple tires stored in the rack, and came up with the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rack 1A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a rack 1A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a plurality of tires 4 are stored. Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of the rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The X, Y, and Z directions in the figure indicate the width, height, and depth directions of the rack 1A, respectively.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rack 1A includes a rack unit 10 and multiple antenna units 20A. The rack 1A is configured to store multiple tires 4, each with an RFID tag 5 built in, lined up in one direction in the rack unit 10, and to read information from the multiple RFID tags 5 of the multiple tires 4 using the multiple antenna units 20A. For example, the RFID tags 5 are embedded near the inner edges of the tires 4. In this embodiment, the "one direction" refers to the width direction (X direction) of the rack 1A.

[0015] The rack unit 10 stores a plurality of tires 4 arranged in one direction. For example, the rack unit 10 is configured with a frame that can arrange a plurality of tires 4 in one direction. The frame is configured with a plurality of supports. For example, the rack unit 10 has a longitudinal direction in one direction. The lengths of the rack unit 10 in the height direction and depth direction are equal to or greater than the diameter of the tires 4.

[0016] The plurality of antenna units 20A are arranged on the rack unit 10 and read information from the plurality of RFID tags 5 embedded in the plurality of tires 4. The plurality of antenna units 20A communicate with the reader / writer 8 wirelessly and transmit information from the plurality of RFID tags 5 to the reader / writer 8.

[0017] The multiple antenna units 20A define a space in the rack unit 10 for arranging the multiple tires 4. Specifically, the multiple antenna units 20A are arranged at intervals in one direction in which the multiple tires 4 are arranged side by side. For example, the interval between two adjacent antenna units 20A is 1.1 to 1.9 times the total width of the tires 4. Preferably, the interval between two adjacent antenna units 20A is 1.2 to 1.6 times the total width of the tires 4.

[0018] For example, the plurality of antenna units 20A are fixed to the rack unit 10.

[0019] The antenna units 20A each have a plate or sheet shape with a plane intersecting the width direction of the rack 1A.

[0020] Each of the plurality of antenna units 20A includes a partition unit 30 and an antenna 40A.

[0021] The detailed configuration of the antenna unit 20A will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of an antenna unit 20A of a rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, the tires 4 and the RFID tags 5 are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an antenna unit 20A of a rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] 4 and 5, the partition section 30 has a plane that intersects in one direction (X direction). For example, the plane of the partition section 30 intersects with the width direction (X direction) of the rack 1A at an angle of 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less. Preferably, the plane of the partition section 30 intersects with the width direction of the rack 1A at an angle of 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less. More preferably, the plane of the partition section 30 is perpendicular to the width direction of the rack 1A.

[0024] The partition 30 has a plate or sheet shape. For example, the partition 30 has a rectangular shape.

[0025] The partition 30 is made of, for example, a resin plate. Alternatively, the partition 30 may be made of, for example, a resin plate and a metal piece arranged along the periphery of the resin plate. This increases the strength of the partition 30.

[0026] The antenna 40A reads information from the RFID tag 5 of the tire 4 and transmits it to the reader / writer 8. The antenna 40A is disposed on the plane of the partition section 30.

[0027] The antenna 40A includes a first antenna 41 and a second antenna .

[0028] The first antenna 41 reads information from an RFID tag 5 embedded in the tire 4. For example, the first antenna 41 reads information from the RFID tag 5 by being coupled with the RFID tag 5.

[0029] At least a portion of the first antenna 41 is disposed in a position overlapping with the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10 when viewed from one direction. For example, the first antenna 41 has an elliptical loop shape. For example, when viewed from one direction, the major axis of the first antenna 41 is larger than the inner diameter of the tire 4. Preferably, the major axis of the first antenna 41 is 1.1 to 1.5 times the inner diameter of the tire 4. Furthermore, the major axis of the first antenna 41 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tire 4.

[0030] The second antenna 42 is coupled to the first antenna 41 and communicates wirelessly with the reader / writer 8. The second antenna 42 transmits information of the RFID tag 5 read by the first antenna 41 to the reader / writer 8.

[0031] When viewed from one direction, the second antenna 42 is disposed outward of the first antenna 41. When viewed from one direction, the second antenna 42 has a loop shape disposed in a position surrounding the first antenna 41. For example, when viewed from one direction, the second antenna 42 is a rectangular loop antenna.

[0032] Furthermore, at least a portion of the second antenna 42 is disposed outside the outer periphery of the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10 when viewed from one direction. For example, the projected area where the second antenna 42 and the tire 4 overlap when viewed from one direction is 70% or less of the projected area of the second antenna 42. Preferably, the projected area where the second antenna 42 and the tire 4 overlap when viewed from one direction is 30% or less of the projected area of the second antenna 42. More preferably, the second antenna 42 and the tire 4 are disposed so as not to overlap when viewed from one direction. That is, the entire second antenna 42 is disposed outside the outer periphery of the tire 4 when viewed from one direction.

[0033] The second antenna 42 is physically connected to the first antenna 41. The second antenna 42 is connected to the first antenna 41 via a capacitor 47. This allows the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 to be efficiently coupled.

[0034] An example of the operation of the rack 1A will be described.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, in a rack 1A, a plurality of tires 4 each having an RFID tag 5 embedded therein are placed in spaces provided between a plurality of antenna units 20A.

[0036] 3, in each of the multiple antenna units 20A, the first antenna 41 communicates with the RFID tag 5 embedded in the tire 4 adjacent to the first antenna 41, and reads the information stored in the RFID tag 5. Next, the second antenna 42 wirelessly communicates with the reader / writer 8, and transmits the information of the RFID tag 5 read by the first antenna 41 to the reader / writer 8. This makes it possible to collectively acquire information of multiple RFID tags 5 from the multiple antenna units 20A.

[0037] The rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can provide the following effects.

[0038] The rack 1A is a rack for storing multiple tires 4 and includes a rack unit 10 and multiple antenna units 20A. The rack unit 10 stores multiple tires 4 lined up in one direction. The multiple antenna units 20A read information from RFID tags 5 embedded in the multiple tires 4 arranged on the rack unit 10 and communicate wirelessly with the reader / writer 8. Each of the multiple antenna units 20A includes a partition unit 30 and a first antenna 41. The partition unit 30 has a plane that intersects in one direction. The first antenna 41 is arranged on the plane of the partition unit 30 and reads information from the RFID tag 5. The multiple antenna units 20A define a space in which the multiple tires 4 are arranged.

[0039] With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently read information from the multiple RFID tags 5 embedded in the multiple tires 4 while the multiple tires 4 are stored in the rack 1A. Specifically, in the rack 1A, the multiple antenna units 20A define a space in which the multiple tires 4 are arranged, and each of the multiple antenna units 20A can read information from the RFID tags 5 of the tire 4 using the first antenna 41. The multiple antenna units 20A communicate wirelessly with the reader / writer 8, and can efficiently read information from the multiple RFID tags 5 read by the first antenna 41, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

[0040] Each of the multiple antenna units 20A includes a first antenna 41 and a second antenna 42. The second antenna 42 is coupled to the first antenna 41 and communicates wirelessly with the reader / writer 8. The second antenna 42 transmits information of the RFID tag 5 read by the first antenna 41 to the reader / writer 8.

[0041] With this configuration, in each of the multiple antenna units 20A, information from the RFID tag 5 read by the first antenna 41 can be transmitted to the reader / writer 8 by the second antenna 42. This makes it possible to extend the communication distance with the reader / writer 8, thereby enabling information from multiple RFID tags 5 to be read efficiently.

[0042] At least a part of the first antenna 41 is disposed at a position overlapping with the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10 when viewed from one direction.

[0043] This configuration allows the first antenna 41 to more efficiently read information from the RFID tags 5 embedded in the tires 4 stored in the rack 1A.

[0044] The first antenna 41 has an elliptical loop shape.

[0045] With this configuration, by forming the first antenna 41 into an elliptical loop shape, it is possible to efficiently read information from the RFID tags 5 of a plurality of tires 4 with different rim diameters.

[0046] The second antenna 42 is disposed outside the first antenna 41 when viewed from one direction.

[0047] With this configuration, the second antenna 42 radiates the information of the RFID tag 5 of the tire 4 read by the first antenna 41 from the second antenna 42 to the outside of the outer periphery of the tire 4. In other words, the second antenna 42 can transmit the information of the RFID tag 5 of the tire 4 read by the first antenna 41 to the outside of the first antenna 41.

[0048] At least a part of the second antenna 42 is disposed outside the outer periphery of the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10 when viewed from one direction.

[0049] With this configuration, the second antenna 42 can efficiently communicate with the reader / writer 8. For example, since the second antenna 42 is located outside the outer peripheries of the multiple tires 4, it can radiate radio waves to the outside of the multiple tires 4. This prevents the radiation of radio waves from the second antenna from being blocked by the multiple tires 4. As a result, it is possible to further extend the communication distance between the antenna unit 20A and the reader / writer 8, and increase the amount of information from the RFID tags 5 that can be read by the reader / writer 8.

[0050] The second antenna 42 is disposed in a position surrounding the first antenna 41 and has a loop shape.

[0051] With this configuration, the information from the multiple RFID tags 5 embedded in the multiple tires 4 can be read more efficiently.

[0052] A plurality of antenna units 20A are fixed to the rack unit 10.

[0053] Such a configuration can prevent the plurality of antenna units 20 from coming off the rack 1A.

[0054] The partition portion 30 has a plate or sheet shape.

[0055] With this configuration, the antenna unit 20A can be made smaller.

[0056] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the first antenna 41 has an elliptical loop shape. However, the first antenna 41 may have a loop shape other than an ellipse. For example, the first antenna 41 may have a circular, rectangular, or polygonal loop shape. Alternatively, the first antenna 41 may have a shape other than a loop shape.

[0057] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the second antenna 42 has a rectangular loop shape. However, the second antenna 42 may have a rectangular or polygonal loop shape. For example, the second antenna 42 may have a circular, rectangular, or polygonal loop shape. Alternatively, the second antenna 42 may have a shape other than a loop shape.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are described separately. However, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 may be formed integrally.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna unit 20A of the rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, the tire 4 and the RFID tag 5 are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 6.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna 40A may be formed by integrally forming the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42. For example, the antenna 40A may be a patch antenna. For example, the antenna 40A has a rectangular shape when viewed from one direction. At least a portion of the antenna 40A is disposed in a position overlapping with the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10. At least a portion of the antenna 40A is disposed outside the outer periphery of the tire 4 stored in the rack unit 10. Even with this configuration, it is possible to efficiently read multiple RFID tags 5 embedded in multiple tires 4 when multiple tires 4 are stored in the rack 1A. It is also possible to easily read information from the RFID tags 5 of tires 4 with different rim diameters.

[0061] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna unit 20A of the rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, the tire 4 and the RFID tag 5 are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 7.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 may be configured with a plurality of loop-shaped resonant antennas 45 arranged on the plane of the partition section 30. For example, each of the plurality of resonant antennas 45 has a rectangular shape when viewed from one direction. Furthermore, the plurality of resonant antennas 45 may be arranged in a lattice pattern when viewed from one direction. Even with this configuration, information on the plurality of RFID tags 5 embedded in the plurality of tires 4 can be efficiently read when the plurality of tires 4 are stored in the rack 1A. Furthermore, for example, adjacent resonant antennas 45 of the plurality of resonant antennas 45 are coupled to each other. Therefore, when one resonant antenna 45 is coupled to the RFID tags 5 embedded in the plurality of tires 4, all of the plurality of resonant antennas 45 are also coupled. As a result, the antenna 40A can efficiently read information on the RFID tags 5 embedded in the tires 4.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of another example of the antenna unit 20A of the rack 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, the tire 4 and the RFID tag 5 are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 8.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of antenna portions 20A may have a shape that exposes a part of the tire 4 when viewed from one direction.

[0065] For example, the antenna unit 20A may have a rectangular shape with one corner cut out when viewed from one direction. That is, the corner of the antenna unit 20A may be chamfered. Alternatively, the corner of the antenna unit 20A may be rounded. By exposing a portion of the tire 4 from the antenna unit 20A when viewed from one direction, the tire 4 can be easily stored in and removed from the rack 1A.

[0066] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the RFID tag 5 is embedded near the inner edge of the tire 4. However, the RFID tag 5 may be disposed at any position on the tire 4.

[0067] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of tires 4 are stored in one direction on the rack unit 10. However, for example, the plurality of tires 4 may be stored in the rack unit 10 in different directions.

[0068] (Embodiment 2) A rack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals, and descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0069] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rack 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an example of a rack 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of an antenna unit 20B of a rack 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, the tires 4 and RFID tags 5 are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 11.

[0070] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the rack 1B includes a cable 6, and the antenna 40B and the reader / writer 8 are connected by the cable 6. The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the antenna 40B does not include the second antenna 42.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rack 1B includes a rack section 10, a plurality of antenna sections 20B, and a cable 6.

[0072] The cable 6 connects the plurality of antenna units 20B to the reader / writer 8. Specifically, the cable 6 connects the reader / writer 8 to each antenna 40B of the plurality of antenna units 20B.

[0073] Each of the multiple antenna units 20B communicates with the reader / writer 8 via the cable 6. For example, each of the multiple antenna units 20B has a terminal that connects the antenna 40B to the cable 6 by wire. The terminal electrically connects the antenna 40B to the cable 6. The multiple antenna units 20B transmit information of the multiple RFID tags 5 read by the multiple antennas 40B to the reader / writer 8.

[0074] The antenna 40B in each of the multiple antenna units 20B is configured with a first antenna 41 that reads information from the RFID tag 5. In other words, the antenna 40B does not need to include the second antenna 42, and does not need to have a configuration that emits radio waves.

[0075] 11, the antenna 40B is disposed at a position overlapping the tire 4 when viewed from one direction, and is disposed inside the outer periphery of the tire 4. In this embodiment, the antenna 40B is a patch antenna.

[0076] According to the rack 1B of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the following effects can be achieved.

[0077] The rack 1B includes a cable 6 that connects a plurality of antenna units 20B and a reader / writer 8.

[0078] With this configuration, the reader / writer 8 can efficiently read information from the RFID tags 5 of the tires 4 stored in the rack 1B. For example, the information from the RFID tags 5 of the tires 4 can be read collectively while the tires 4 remain stored in the rack 1B, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, because the rack 1B includes the cable 6, stable communication is possible even in environments where wireless communication is difficult. For example, even when a noise source such as a motor is nearby, the rack 1B can stably transmit information from the RFID tags 5 embedded in the tires 4 to the reader / writer 8. Furthermore, by increasing the length of the cable 6, the communication distance between each of the multiple antenna units 20B and the reader / writer 8 can be increased. In addition, because the antenna 40B does not need to include the second antenna 42, the antenna size can be smaller than that of the antenna 40A of the first embodiment.

[0079] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the antenna 40B is a patch antenna. However, the antenna 40B is not limited to a patch antenna. For example, the first antenna 41 may be a loop antenna. Alternatively, the first antenna 41 may be configured with a plurality of resonant antennas 45 arranged on the plane of the partition section 30 and having a loop shape.

[0080] Even in this configuration, information from the plurality of RFID tags 5 embedded in the plurality of tires 4 can be read efficiently while the plurality of tires 4 are stored in the rack 1B.

[0081] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the antenna 40B does not include the second antenna 42. However, the antenna 40B may include the second antenna 42.

[0082] The following describes modified examples.

[0083] <Variation 1> FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of the rack of the first modified example.

[0084] 12, the rack 1C includes a rack unit 10, an adjustment mechanism 50, and an antenna unit 20A. For example, the rack 1C has a configuration in which the adjustment mechanism 50 is provided in the rack 1A of the first embodiment.

[0085] The adjustment mechanism 50 is a mechanism that can move the multiple antenna units 20A in one direction. The adjustment mechanism 50 can adjust the distance between adjacent antenna units 20A by moving the multiple antenna units 20A in one direction.

[0086] For example, the adjustment mechanism 50 may be capable of adjusting the positions of multiple antenna units 20A collectively, or may be capable of individually adjusting one or more antenna units 20A. For example, the adjustment mechanism 50 may be realized by a rail or a slider.

[0087] The rack 1C of the first modification includes an adjustment mechanism 50 that can move the plurality of antenna units 20A in one direction. With this configuration, for example, when storing a plurality of tires 4 having different total tire widths in the rack 1C, the total width of each of the plurality of tires 4 can be adjusted.

[0088] Note that the rack 1C has been described as an example in which the adjustment mechanism 50 is provided in the rack 1A of the present embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. However, the adjustment mechanism 50 may also be provided in the rack 1B of the present embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. For example, when the adjustment mechanism 50 is provided in the rack 1B, the cable 6 may have a length that can accommodate adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 50 in order to make it easier to adjust the placement positions of the multiple antenna units 20B.

[0089] <Variation 2> FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of the rack of the second modification.

[0090] 13, the rack 1D includes a rack unit 10, an attachment / detachment mechanism 60, and an antenna unit 20A. For example, the rack 1D has a configuration in which an adjustment mechanism 50 is provided in the rack 1A of the first embodiment.

[0091] The attachment / detachment mechanism 60 can attach and detach the plurality of antenna units 20A to and from the rack 1D.

[0092] For example, the attachment / detachment mechanism 60 may be capable of attaching and detaching a plurality of antenna units 20A collectively from the rack 1D, or may be capable of attaching and detaching one or more antenna units 20A individually. For example, the attachment / detachment mechanism 60 may be realized by a fastening part that can be attached and detached.

[0093] The rack 1D of the second modification further includes an attachment / detachment mechanism 60 that enables multiple antenna units 20A to be attached to and detached from the rack unit 10. With this configuration, for example, the number of antenna units 20A can be easily adjusted according to the number of tires 4 to be stored in the rack unit 10. Also, for example, if an antenna unit 20A malfunctions, the malfunctioning antenna unit 20A can be easily replaced with a working antenna unit 20A. Therefore, by providing the attachment / detachment mechanism 60, maintainability is improved.

[0094] Note that the rack 1D has been described as an example in which the rack 1A of the present embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is provided with the attachment / detachment mechanism 60. However, the rack 1B of the present embodiment 2 of the present disclosure may be provided with the attachment / detachment mechanism 60. Also, for example, the rack 1B may be provided with the attachment / detachment mechanism 60 that allows multiple terminals that electrically connect the cable 6 and the antenna 40B to be detached all at once.

[0095] It should be noted that in this disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the 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.

[0096] 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 it is to be understood that such changes and modifications are included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0097] (Outline of the embodiment) (1) A rack according to the present disclosure includes a rack unit for storing multiple tires, the rack unit storing the multiple tires lined up in one direction, and multiple antenna units disposed on the rack unit for reading information from RFID tags embedded in the multiple tires and communicating wirelessly or via wire with a reader / writer. Each of the multiple antenna units includes a partition unit having a plane that intersects the one direction, and a first antenna disposed on the plane of the partition unit for reading information from the RFID tag. The multiple antenna units define a space for arranging the multiple tires.

[0098] (2) In the rack of (1), each of the plurality of antenna units may have a second antenna coupled to the first antenna and configured to wirelessly communicate with the reader / writer, and the second antenna transmits information of the RFID tag read by the first antenna to the reader / writer.

[0099] (3) In the rack of (1) or (2), at least a portion of the first antenna may be positioned so as to overlap a tire stored in the rack portion when viewed from the one direction.

[0100] (4) In the rack of any one of (1) to (3), the first antenna may have an elliptical loop shape.

[0101] (5) In the rack of (2), the second antenna may be disposed outside the first antenna when viewed from the one direction.

[0102] (6) In the rack of either (2) or (5), at least a portion of the second antenna may be positioned outside the outer periphery of the tire stored in the rack section when viewed from the one direction.

[0103] (7) In the rack of any one of (2), (5), or (6), the second antenna may be disposed in a position surrounding the first antenna and have a loop shape.

[0104] (8) In any one of the racks (1) to (7), the first antenna may be configured by a plurality of resonant antennas arranged on the plane of the partition and having a loop shape.

[0105] (9) In any one of the racks of (2) or (5) to (6), the first antenna and the second antenna may be configured by a plurality of resonant antennas arranged on the plane of the partition and having a loop shape.

[0106] (10) In the rack of any one of (1) to (9), the partition may have a plate or sheet shape.

[0107] (11) In the rack of any one of (1) to (10), each of the plurality of antenna parts may have a shape that exposes a part of the tire when viewed from the one direction.

[0108] (12) In the rack of any one of (1) to (11), the plurality of antenna units may be fixed to the rack unit.

[0109] (13) The rack of any one of (1) to (12) may further include a cable connecting the plurality of antenna units to the reader / writer.

[0110] (14) In any one of the racks (1) to (13), an adjustment mechanism may be further provided that can move the plurality of antenna units in the one direction.

[0111] (15) In any one of the racks (1) to (14), a detachable mechanism may be further provided that allows the plurality of antenna units to be attached to and detached from the rack unit. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] The present disclosure is useful, for example, in applications where a plurality of tires are stored in a rack and multiple RFID tags embedded in the tires are read. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D racks 4 tires 5. RFID tags 6 Cables 8 Reader / Writer 10 Rack section 20A, 20B Antenna section 30 Partition 40A, 40B antenna 41 First Antenna 42 Second Antenna 45 Resonant Antenna 47 Capacitor 50 Adjustment mechanism 60 Detachable mechanism

Claims

1. A rack for storing multiple tires a rack unit that stores the plurality of tires in a line; a plurality of antenna units disposed on the rack unit, reading information from RFID tags embedded in the plurality of tires, and communicating with a reader / writer wirelessly or via a wire; Equipped with Each of the plurality of antenna units is A partition portion having a plane that intersects with the one direction; a first antenna disposed on the plane of the partition and configured to read information from the RFID tag; and The plurality of antenna portions define a space in which the plurality of tires are arranged.

2. each of the plurality of antenna units includes a second antenna coupled to the first antenna and configured to wirelessly communicate with the reader / writer; The second antenna transmits the information of the RFID tag read by the first antenna to the reader / writer. The rack of claim 1 .

3. At least a part of the first antenna is disposed at a position overlapping with a tire stored in the rack section when viewed from the one direction. The rack of claim 1 .

4. The first antenna has an elliptical loop shape. The rack of claim 1 .

5. the second antenna is disposed outward of the first antenna when viewed from the one direction; The rack of claim 2.

6. At least a portion of the second antenna is disposed outside an outer periphery of the tire stored in the rack portion when viewed from the one direction. The rack of claim 2.

7. the second antenna is disposed at a position surrounding the first antenna and has a loop shape; The rack of claim 2.

8. the first antenna is configured by a plurality of resonant antennas arranged on the plane of the partition and having a loop shape; The rack of claim 1 .

9. The first antenna and the second antenna are The antenna is configured by a plurality of resonant antennas arranged on the plane of the partition and having a loop shape. The rack of claim 2.

10. The partition portion has a plate shape or a sheet shape. The rack of claim 1 .

11. Each of the plurality of antenna portions has a shape that exposes a part of the tire when viewed from the one direction. The rack of claim 1 .

12. The plurality of antenna units are fixed to the rack unit. The rack of claim 1 .

13. further comprising a cable connecting the plurality of antenna units to the reader / writer; The rack of claim 1 .

14. further comprising an adjustment mechanism that can move the plurality of antenna units in the one direction. The rack of claim 1 .

15. further comprising an attachment / detachment mechanism that allows the plurality of antenna units to be attached to and detached from the rack unit; The rack of claim 1 .

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