Cylindrical article authentication conveyance device

Abstract

To provide a cylindrical article authentication conveyance device capable of executing highly accurate authentication of a cylindrical article and improving workability.SOLUTION: An authentication conveyance device 10 comprises support means 14 provided with an insertion part 13 insertable from one or both sides of a through-hole 12 formed in a cylindrical article 11, reads identification information of a RF tag 15 attached in the through-hole 12 when the insertion part 13 is inserted into the through-hole 12, and supports and moves the cylindrical article 11 by the support means 14. In the support means 14, a flexible antenna 16 using a coaxial cable 18 provided with, on the tip side, an antenna element 19 for transferring an electromagnetic wave with the RF tag 15 and a RF reader 17 that wirelessly communicates with the outside connected to the base side are installed, and the antenna element 19 is disposed in the insertion part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication and transport device for cylindrical objects, for example, for authenticating and transporting cylindrical objects such as steel (thin plate) coils, wire coils, and paper rolls. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, thin plate products, wire products, paper products, etc. have been stored in large quantities indoors, etc., in coil-shaped packages (cylindrical articles, hereinafter also referred to as coils), and, for example, upon request, the target coils are supported and transported by support means such as C-hooks or coil lifters attached to an overhead crane (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). RF tags (also called RFID tags) are attached to stored coils, and identification information (individual information) such as specifications is stored (recorded) on these RF tags. When a coil is transported, this identification information is checked to authenticate the coil to be transported. RF tags are attached to coils, for example, on cable ties that bind the coiled product to maintain its state.

[0003] To confirm the identification information of the RF tag, for example, an authentication transport device 90 shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) is used. The authentication transport device 90 is equipped with a C-shaped hook 92 attached to a crane (not shown) for supporting a coil 91, and a planar antenna 94 for reading identification information held on an RF tag 93 is attached to the upper end of the C-shaped hook 92. More specifically, a metal frame 95 is attached to the top of the C-shaped hook 92 so as to protrude on both sides, and the planar antenna 94 is attached and fixed to both lower ends of this frame 95. As a result, when the C-shaped hook 92 supports the coil 91, the planar antenna 94 is positioned above the RF tag 93 attached to the coil 91, making it possible to read the identification information of the RF tag 93. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-195583 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-167184 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The RF tag 93 is manually attached by a worker, for example, before the coil 91 is taken out to a storage yard. At this time, the RF tag 93 is supposed to be attached to the upper side of the coil 91, but in rare cases it is attached near the center, and in that case, the larger the outer diameter of the coil 91, the more likely it is that authentication will be missed (see FIG. 9(a)).

[0006] Furthermore, when lifting the coil 91 with the C-shaped hook 92, it is necessary to change the orientation of the C-shaped hook 92 as shown from the top to bottom diagrams in Figure 10. However, since the spacing between adjacent rows of the multiple coils 91 stored in the storage yard is narrow, there is a risk that the frame 95 to which the planar antenna 94 is attached may come into contact with the coils 91.

[0007] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the RF tag 93 is attached in the upper region of the cable tie 96 that restrains the coil 91, but as shown in Fig. 11, since at most two cable ties 96 are used, if the RF tag 93 is attached to the cable tie 96 (indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 11) on the side farther from the planar antenna 94, it may be outside the detection range. Reference numeral 97 in Fig. 11 denotes an attachment means for hanging the C-hook 92 from a crane.

[0008] The identification information on an RF tag is read (authenticated) by emitting electromagnetic waves (specifically, radio waves; the same applies below) from a flat antenna, but the emission of electromagnetic waves usually starts automatically when the crane operator sets up the terminal and ends when the terminal is shut down after the work is completed. In other words, because electromagnetic waves are constantly being emitted while the crane is working, the battery (portable battery, mobile battery, etc.) will be consumed quickly, and depending on the position of the flat antenna, there is also a risk that the identification information of an RF tag attached to another coil will be read. In this case, it is necessary to lift the coil with a C-hook and move it away from the other coils before reading the identification information, which makes it difficult to work.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an authentication and transport device for cylindrical objects that can perform authentication of cylindrical objects with high accuracy and also improve workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of investigations to achieve the above object, the present inventors have made the following findings and have completed the present invention. By attaching a flexible antenna using a coaxial cable, which is different from a planar antenna, to a support means for supporting a cylindrical object, it becomes possible to install it in accordance with (follow) the shape of the support means, thereby eliminating the need for frames, etc., used for installing conventional planar antennas and the risk of interference with cylindrical objects, etc. In addition, by attaching the RF tag to the through-hole of a cylindrical object and attaching the antenna part (element and cable part) of the flexible antenna that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to the RF tag to the insertion part of the support means that is inserted into the through-hole, it becomes possible to read the identification information without being affected by the attachment position of the RF tag. Furthermore, by configuring the RF reader attached to the support means and connected to the base side of the flexible antenna to be able to communicate wirelessly with the outside, there is no risk of the wire getting in the way of work (for example, getting caught), as would be the case if the RF reader were connected to the outside by a wire.

[0011] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1] An authentication and transport device having a support means with an insertion part that can be inserted from one side or both sides of a through-hole formed in a cylindrical object, and when the insertion part is inserted into the through-hole, reading the identification information of an RF tag attached inside the through-hole, and supporting and moving the cylindrical object with the support means, The support means is equipped with a flexible antenna using a coaxial cable with an antenna element at the tip that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves between the RF tag, and an RF reader that is connected to the base side of the flexible antenna and communicates wirelessly with the outside, and the antenna element is arranged in the insertion section, making it an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items.

[0012] [2] The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a cylindrical insulator covering the peripheral surface of the inner conductor, an outer conductor covering the peripheral surface of the cylindrical insulator, and an outer jacket covering the peripheral surface of the outer conductor, which are arranged coaxially; The flexible antenna is 1) The antenna element has an element portion formed by extending only the inner conductor and the tubular insulator of the coaxial cable at the tip end of the coaxial cable, and the base end of the element portion is covered with a balun conductor made of a conductive tape or tube that is conductive with the outer conductor, and the antenna element is formed on the tip end of the element portion that is not covered with the balun conductor, with the peripheral surface of the tubular insulator exposed. Or, 2) Only the inner conductor is protruded from the tip side of the coaxial cable to form an element part without the tubular insulator, the outer conductor and the outer jacket, and the peripheral surface of the inner conductor on the base side of the element part is covered with a balun conductor made of a conductive tape or tube that is electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable via a resin member, and the tip side of the element part that is not covered with the balun conductor becomes the antenna element with the peripheral surface of the inner conductor exposed, thereby improving the antenna performance of the element part and imparting an antenna function to the coaxial cable. The authentication and transportation device for cylindrical objects according to [1] above.

[0013] [3] An authentication and transportation device for cylindrical objects as described in [1] or [2] above, characterized in that a sensor is attached to the tip end of the insertion part so as to detect that the insertion part has been inserted into the through hole.

[0014] [4] The authentication and transport device for cylindrical articles according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the support means is a C-hook attached to a crane. [5] An authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items described in any of [1] to [3] above, characterized in that the support means is a coil lifter attached to a crane, the insertion portion is a claw portion at the lower end of a pair of arms of the coil lifter, and the antenna element is arranged on one or both of the pair of claw portions. [6] An authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items described in any of [1] to [3] above, characterized in that the support means is a lifting means provided at the front of the forklift body, and the insertion part is a fork of the lifting means.

[0015] [7] The cylindrical object authentication and transport device according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the cylindrical object is a steel plate coil or a wire coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the cylindrical article authentication and transport device of the present invention, authentication of cylindrical articles can be performed with high accuracy, and workability can also be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a C-hook of an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical objects according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram of first and second flexible antennas used in the cylindrical article authentication and transportation device, and FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory perspective view of the flexible antennas. [Figure 3]1(a) and 1(b) are an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross-sectional side view of the first flexible antenna, and an explanatory diagram showing a plan view of the flexible antenna, respectively. [Figure 4] 1(a) and 1(b) are an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross-sectional side view of the second flexible antenna, and an explanatory diagram showing a plan view of the flexible antenna, respectively. [Figure 5] 10(a) and 10(b) are a side view and a rear view, respectively, showing the use of a C-hook of an authentication and transport device for cylindrical articles according to a modified example. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the system configuration of an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical objects. [Figure 7] 10(a) to 10(c) are respectively a front view of a coil lifter of an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical articles according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a front view of the device in use, and a partially enlarged front view of the arm portion and claw portion. [Figure 8] (a) is an explanatory diagram of a forklift to which an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed diagonally from the front, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the lifting means of the same forklift, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of another lifting means. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are a rear view and a side view, respectively, showing the use of a C-hook of a conventional authentication and transport device for cylindrical articles. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the C-hook in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing another state of use of the C-hook. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The authentication and transportation device 10 for cylindrical objects (hereinafter also referred to simply as the authentication and transportation device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figure 1, comprises a crane (not shown) and a C-type hook (an example of a support means) 14 attached to the crane and having an insertion portion 13 that can be inserted into a through hole 12 formed in the cylindrical object 11. When the insertion portion 13 is inserted into the through hole 12, the identification information (individual information) of the RF tag 15 attached to the cylindrical object 11 is read, and the cylindrical object 11 is supported by the C-type hook 14 and moved. A detailed explanation is provided below.

[0019] The crane is not particularly limited as long as it can be fitted with a C-type hook 14, and examples include overhead cranes installed indoors in warehouses, etc., but it may also be a self-propelled crane used outdoors. The C-shaped hook 14 is a conventionally known hook that is attached to a crane via attachment means 14a, and is U-shaped when viewed from the side, with its lower part, the insertion part 13, being insertable from one side of a through-hole 12 formed in a cylindrical object 11. The top and / or bottom surfaces of the insertion part 13 of this C-shaped hook 14 are generally covered with an exterior cover to prevent damage to the cylindrical object 11 and the C-shaped hook 14.

[0020] Examples of the cylindrical article 11 include coils made by winding thin plate products, wire products, paper products (such as cardboard base paper), etc., i.e., steel plate (thin plate) coils, wire coils, paper rolls, etc., but are not particularly limited as long as they are cylindrical, and may also be, for example, coils of non-ferrous metals (copper foil or aluminum foil), tires, etc. This cylindrical article 11 has a through hole 12 formed in the axial direction thereof. The cylindrical article 11 is maintained in a coiled state using packing materials, binding bands, etc. depending on the type of product, but these may be omitted if not necessary.

[0021] An RF tag 15 is attached inside the through-hole 12 of the cylindrical article 11 . The RF tag 15 is attached, for example, near the axial end of the inner surface (inside the through-hole 12) of the cylindrical article 11 (inside the through-hole 12) (the area excluding the upper end where the insertion part 13 comes into contact), but may be attached to the center of the axial direction depending on the size of the cylindrical article, etc. This RF tag 15 is available in various types, such as a sticker type and a magnet type, and can be selected appropriately depending on the object to which it is attached (the material of the cylindrical article and the cable tie, etc.). For example, a wire coil has an uneven surface compared to a steel plate coil, so using a flat cable tie is preferable as it is easier to use as a place to attach the RF tag.

[0022] The RF tag 15 is an identifier that stores (holds, records) the specifications of the cylindrical object 11, such as identification information (data) such as material and dimensions, and when it receives a query wave via electromagnetic waves, it transmits a reply wave containing the identification information via electromagnetic waves. The types of this RF tag 15 include, for example, electronic tags, IC tags, ID tags, transponders, wireless tags, and wireless IC tags, and are further divided into metal compatible tags and non-metal compatible tags.

[0023] The RF tag 15 is preferably a passive type (no on-board battery) that operates only with power supplied from an RF reader (transmitter / receiver) 17 connected to a flexible antenna (hereinafter simply referred to as the antenna) 16, which will be described later, but it may also be a semi-passive type (with on-board battery (dedicated to sensor)) that communicates with power supplied from the RF reader, or an active type (with on-board battery (for communication and sensor)) that operates entirely with power supplied from a built-in (on-board) battery.

[0024] A flexible antenna 16 and an RF reader 17 connected to the base side of the flexible antenna 16 are installed on the C-hook 14. The flexible antenna 16 uses a coaxial cable 18 and has an antenna element 19 at its tip that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves (particularly radio waves, the same applies hereinafter) to and from the RF tag 15, and the RF reader 17 communicates wirelessly with the outside. The flexible antenna 16 is not particularly limited as long as it uses a coaxial cable 18, but it is preferable to use a cable-type non-directional flexible antenna as described in Japanese Patent No. 7178451.

[0025] Below, with reference to Figures 2(a), (b), Figures 3(a), (b), and Figures 4(a), (b), we will briefly explain the flexible antennas (hereinafter also referred to simply as antennas) 20, 20a used as the flexible antenna 16 of the cylindrical item authentication and transportation device 10 of the present invention, and the RF reader 21 used as the RF reader 17. The flexible antennas 20, 20a use a coaxial cable 22 (antennaized) that can be connected to an RF reader 21, and transmit and receive electromagnetic waves between the RF tag 15 attached inside the through-hole 12 of the cylindrical object 11.

[0026] The coaxial cable 22 used in the antenna 20 (antenna 20a as well) has a cross section that resembles multiple layers of concentric circles, and is a conventionally known cable that coaxially comprises an inner conductor (core wire: annealed copper wire) 23, an insulator (insulating member: polyethylene or the like) 24 that covers the peripheral surface of the inner conductor 23, an outer conductor (mesh-like copper wire or the like) 25 that covers the peripheral surface of the insulator 24, and an outer sheath (protective coating (insulator): vinyl) 26 that covers the peripheral surface of the outer conductor 25. The thickness of this coaxial cable 22 is, for example, about 2 to 20 mm.

[0027] An inner conductor 23 covered with an insulator 24 protrudes from the tip end surface of the coaxial cable 22 to form an element portion 27, and this element portion 27 has an antenna element 28 on the tip end. This antenna element 28 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to and from the RF tag 15, and the length of the antenna element can be changed depending on the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, with the length L1 being adjustable within the range of 20 to 100 mm, for example.

[0028] The base side of the element section 27 (excluding the antenna element 28) is the portion that becomes the balun main body (balun conductor) 30 shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), and more specifically, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the peripheral surface of the base-side insulator 24 is covered with a resin tube 29, and the peripheral surface of this tube 29 is covered with a balun conductor 30a. The tube 29 and the balun conductor 30a are arranged with a gap between them and the coaxial cable 22, and the balun conductor 30a is soldered to the outer conductor 25 of the coaxial cable 22 through this gap, and electrical continuity is achieved by this solder 31. As a result, the tube 29 and the balun conductor 30a function as a balun to improve the antenna performance of the element section 27, while also being able to intentionally pass current through the coaxial cable 22, thereby giving the coaxial cable 22 an antenna function.

[0029] 2(a) and (b), the peripheral surface of the insulator 24 on the base side of the element section 27 (excluding the antenna element 28) can be directly covered (coated) with a balun conductor 30b (having the same configuration as the balun conductor 30a), as in the flexible antenna 20a shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), without using the resin tube 29. In Figures 4(a) and (b), the same components as those in the flexible antenna 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0030] This balun conductor 30b is arranged with a gap between it and the coaxial cable 22, and the balun conductor 30b and the outer conductor 25 of the coaxial cable 22 are connected via this gap by, for example, soldering, and are electrically connected by this solder 31. As a result, the antenna 20a shown in Figures 4(a) and (b) has a simpler configuration than the antenna 20 shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), and by reducing the leakage current to the coaxial cable 22 side, the antenna performance of the element section 17 can be improved.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the base end of the coaxial cable 22 is detachably connected via a connector 33 to a feeder line 32 (coaxial cable) connected to the RF reader 21. A ferrite core 34 is attached to the tip of the feeder line 32, at the connection between the feeder line 32 and the coaxial cable 22. This ferrite core 34 prevents (decouples) the leakage current flowing through the coaxial cable 22 from flowing to the feeder line 32. Therefore, it can be attached near the connection between the feeder line 32 and the coaxial cable 22, for example, to the base end of the coaxial cable 22, but it may not be used depending on the magnitude of the leakage current flowing through the coaxial cable 22.

[0032] The RF reader 21 sends a predetermined high-frequency current to the flexible antenna 20 (similarly to the flexible antenna 20a), and has a configuration similar to that of an existing RF tag reader (reader / writer). It is preferable that the RF reader 21 supplies power to the RF tag, but it is not necessary that the RF reader 21 does not supply power. This RF reader 21 uses the RF-ID mechanism to transmit a high-frequency current to the flexible antenna 20 and send it out as an electromagnetic wave. The RF tag receives the electromagnetic wave sent out from this flexible antenna 20 and returns preset identification information (data) as an electromagnetic wave. This returned electromagnetic wave is read by the flexible antenna 20.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the authentication and transportation device 10 for cylindrical objects of the present invention has a flexible antenna 16 arranged in an area from the base side (upper side) to the tip side (lower side) so as to follow the shape of the C-shaped hook 14 and not come into contact with the cylindrical object 11, and an RF reader 17 arranged on the upper surface of the upper side of the C-shaped hook 14. Specifically, the flexible antenna 16 can be installed on the outer peripheral surface and / or the side surface of the C-shaped hook 14.

[0034] Here, installing the flexible antenna 16 on the outer peripheral surface of the C-shaped hook 14 means installing it from the top surface of the C-shaped hook 14 through the back surface to the bottom surface (Case 1). For this installation, the flexible antenna can be curved and attached along the outer surface of the C-hook without modifying the C-hook itself, but since the outer surface of the C-hook is covered with an exterior cover as described above, it is also possible to create a groove in this exterior cover and install the flexible antenna in the groove, which prevents the flexible antenna from protruding from the surface of the exterior cover.

[0035] Moreover, installing the flexible antenna 16 on the side surface of the C-shaped hook 14 means installing it on the side surface from the top to the bottom of the C-shaped hook 14 (Case 2). When installing the flexible antenna, the C-hook can be left as is and the flexible antenna can be bent along the side of the C-hook without any modification. The flexible antenna may be installed on only one side of the C-hook, or on both sides of the C-hook. When installing multiple flexible antennas 16 on a C-shaped hook, it is preferable to connect the multiple flexible antennas 16 directly to one RF reader 17 or via a distributor, but it is also possible to use the multiple flexible antennas 16 with each connected to an RF reader 17 (the same applies below).

[0036] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), it is preferable to attach sensors 40 to both side surfaces of the tip end of the insertion part 13 of the C-shaped hook 14. In this case, it is preferable to install the flexible antenna 16 along the outer circumferential surface of the C-shaped hook 14 (Case 1). The sensor 40 is capable of measuring the distance (horizontal distance) to the inner surface of the through-hole 12 of the cylindrical article 11, and examples of this sensor include an ultrasonic sensor and a laser sensor. This makes it possible to detect that the insertion portion 13 of the C-shaped hook 14 has been inserted into the through-hole 12, making it possible to easily and reliably determine whether the insertion portion 13 has been inserted into the through-hole 12.

[0037] Here, the determination of whether the insertion portion 13 has been inserted into the through-hole 12 is made based on the measurement values ​​A and B of each sensor 40 attached to both sides of the insertion portion 13, which are values ​​equivalent to 1 / 2 (half) of the inner diameter of the cylindrical object 11, for example, using the following formula. "A" + "B" < "Inner diameter of cylindrical object 11" + "Tolerance" The tolerance can be set within a range of about 5 mm to 30 mm (here, 20 mm), for example. This is preferable because, when it is determined that the insertion portion 13 of the C-type hook 14 has been inserted into the through hole 12, electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the antenna element 19 of the flexible antenna 16 toward the RF tag 15, thereby eliminating the problem of misreading the identification information of the RF tag of other cylindrical objects placed in close proximity to the cylindrical object 11 to be authenticated.

[0038] In addition, reference numeral 41 in FIG. 5(a) denotes a case that houses a small PC connected to the sensor 40 via a cable, and the RF reader 17 is also housed in this case 41. The case 41 also houses a battery (for example, a mobile battery) for supplying power to the RF reader 17, the small PC, etc., and an access point connected to the RF reader 17 and the small PC. This access point is capable of wireless communication via an antenna with a crane terminal (external) in a crane operation room in the warehouse, which will be described later.

[0039] Next, the system configuration of the above-described cylindrical article authentication and transport device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication and transport device 10 for cylindrical articles is connected to the office, the office server room, inside the warehouse, and in front of the warehouse by, for example, a LAN cable.

[0040] Here, an office terminal (computer) is installed in the office so that workers in the office can check the management status (carry-in and carry-out) of cylindrical objects 11, and this is connected to a LAN cable. The office server room is also equipped with a cylindrical goods inventory management system and a storage system server, which are connected to a LAN cable via a SW-HUB (switching hub).The storage system server is also connected to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

[0041] Inside the warehouse, there are BCRs (barcode readers, same below) for the inventory management system used by workers and on-site tablets, which are connected wirelessly to an access point (wireless device or wireless network) connected to a LAN cable so that they can communicate wirelessly. Meanwhile, an access point connected to a LAN cable is installed in front of the warehouse, and is connected wirelessly to the BCR for the inventory control system used by workers outside the warehouse (on the apron).

[0042] The system on the crane in the warehouse will be described below. A crane terminal (terminal) is installed in the crane control room, and a crane PLC (crane control device) functions as the position management unit for cylindrical objects. This crane PLC is connected to a distance meter (XY coordinates) that measures the storage location (address and tier number) of the cylindrical objects, and a load cell that measures the load, and this information is input into the crane PLC. The height position (tier number) of the cylindrical objects can be calculated using a formula that uses, for example, the outer diameter of the cylindrical objects, but a height meter can also be used. The crane terminal and crane PLC are connected by a LAN cable via an SW-HUB installed in the crane control room and another SW-HUB connected to the crane PLC.

[0043] An antenna is connected to the SW-HUB installed in the crane control room via an access point (AP), allowing signals from the crane terminal to be transmitted into the warehouse via the antenna, and signals from within the warehouse to be received by the crane terminal via the antenna. The antenna described above can wirelessly transmit and receive signals to and from an access point (AP) connected to the RF reader 17. A battery is connected to the RF reader 17 and the access point to enable power supply.

[0044] As a result, the crane terminal is wirelessly connected to the RF reader 17, and therefore, in response to instructions (operations) from the crane terminal, operations between the RF reader 17 and the flexible antenna 16, specifically operations between the RF reader 21 and the flexible antenna 20, can be automatically and repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals based on a preset program. The contents of the data read by the RF reader 17 and the operating status of the RF reader 17 are transmitted to and saved in this crane terminal.

[0045] Next, a method of using the cylindrical article authentication and transport device 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The crane operator moves the C-hook 14 above the target cylindrical object 11 (the object to be transported). At this stage, electromagnetic waves are not emitted from the flexible antenna 16 to authenticate the identification information of the RF tag 15.

[0046] Next, the C-type hook 14 is lowered to a position where its insertion portion 13 can be inserted into the through-hole 12 of the cylindrical object 11, and after inserting the insertion portion 13 into the through-hole 12, the crane operator uses the crane terminal to irradiate electromagnetic waves from the flexible antenna 16 to authenticate the identification information of the RF tag 15. On the other hand, if the sensor 40 shown in Figures 5(a) and (b) is attached to both sides of the tip end of the insertion portion 13, when the insertion portion 13 is inserted into the through-hole 12 and detected, electromagnetic waves are automatically emitted from the flexible antenna 16, and the authentication result of the indicator (the target cylindrical object 11) is notified from the upper system. In this way, the electromagnetic waves can be irradiated manually (at the operator's own discretion) or automatically by the crane operator, and it is not necessary to use a higher-level system; the crane operator can perform authentication while checking the layout of the storage area (placement environment) for the cylindrical object 11.

[0047] If the authentication of the identification information of the RF tag 15 reveals that the cylindrical article 11 is the target cylindrical article, the cylindrical article 11 is supported and moved by the C-type hook 14. On the other hand, if the cylindrical article is not the target cylindrical article, the insertion portion 13 of the C-type hook 14 is removed from the through-hole 12, the C-type hook 14 is raised, and then moved to above the target cylindrical article, lowered, and the above operation is repeated. The crane operator then uses the C-hook 14 to lift the desired cylindrical object 11, moves it, and then moves the cylindrical object 11 to the front of the warehouse for shipping. Inside the warehouse and on the apron (outside the warehouse), workers use a BCR for the inventory management system to check the removal of the cylindrical object 11, based on a barcode attached to the cylindrical object 11 separately from the RF tag 15, and the removal is then managed by the inventory management system in the office server room.

[0048] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c), an authentication and transport device 50 for cylindrical objects (hereinafter simply referred to as authentication and transport device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The authentication transport device 50 has a crane (not shown) and a conventionally known coil lifter (an example of a support means) 51 attached to the crane. The coil lifter 51 has a pair of arms 52 and foldable claws (an example of an insertion part) 53 attached to the lower ends of the arms 52. When in use, each arm 52 is L-shaped when the coil lifter 51 is viewed from the front, and the claws 53 attached to the lower ends can be inserted from both sides of the through-hole 12 formed in the cylindrical article 11.

[0049] 7(c), the flexible antenna 16 is arranged in a region from the center in the height direction to the claw portion 53 so as to follow the shape of the arm portion 52 and not come into contact with the cylindrical article 11, and the RF reader 17 to which the base side of the flexible antenna 16 is connected is arranged in the center in the height direction of the arm portion 52. A battery, an access point (not shown), etc. are connected to the RF reader 17. Specifically, the flexible antenna 16 and RF reader 17, excluding the antenna element 19, are attached and fixed to the surface of the arm portion 52, which is the front or side (side surface) of the coil lifter 51, and the antenna element 19 is positioned on the bottom surface of the claw portion 53 (case 1) or the surface that is the front of the coil lifter 51 (case 2).

[0050] The above-mentioned flexible antenna 16 has the strongest sensitivity of the antenna element 19, and since the RF tag 15 is installed near the end of the inner surface of the cylindrical object 11, it only needs to be installed on one of the paired arm portions 52 of the coil lifter 51, but it can also be installed on both arm portions 52. This allows the authentication accuracy of the identification information of the RF tag 15 to be further improved.

[0051] In use, the coil lifter 51 is moved above the cylindrical article 11 to be transported (transported) with the opposing arm portions 52 spaced apart, and then lowered. Next, the opposing arm portions 52 are moved to be positioned on both sides of the cylindrical article 11 in the axial direction, and the claw portions 53 are opened from their folded state and inserted from both sides of the through-hole 12 formed in the cylindrical article 11. Then, electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the flexible antenna 16 to authenticate the identification information of the RF tag 15. Meanwhile, as with the C-hook 14 described above, an automatic electromagnetic wave irradiation method may be adopted in which the "open" signal of the claw portions 53 is used as a trigger. If the authentication of the identification information of the RF tag 15 reveals that the cylindrical object 11 is the target cylindrical object, the cylindrical object 11 is supported by the coil lifter 51 and moved; on the other hand, if the cylindrical object is not the target cylindrical object, the claw portion 53 of the coil lifter 51 is removed from the through hole 12, the coil lifter 51 is raised, then moved to above the target cylindrical object, and then lowered, and the above operation is repeated.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c), an authentication and transport device for cylindrical objects (hereinafter also simply referred to as authentication and transport device) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The authentication and transport device is a conventionally known forklift 60, with a lifting means (an example of a support means) 61 provided at the front of the vehicle body. The lifting means 61 includes two forks (an example of an insertion portion) 62 and a mast 63 for raising and lowering the forks (claws) 62, and each fork 62 can be inserted from one side of a through-hole 12 formed in the cylindrical article 11. Note that reference numeral 64 in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) denotes a backrest (item receiving frame) for preventing the load supported by the forks 62 from falling behind the mast 63. The type of forklift is not particularly limited as long as it has an insertion portion that can be inserted from one side of the through-hole of the cylindrical article, and for example, it may be one with a single fork.

[0053] 8(b), the flexible antenna 16 is arranged from the base end (backrest side) to the tip end on the underside of one or both of the forks 62 in an area that does not come into contact with the cylindrical article 11. Specifically, the flexible antenna 16 is attached and fixed to the side or bottom surface of the lower side of the forks 62, and the antenna element 19 of the flexible antenna 16 is arranged at the lower tip end of the forks 62. The RF reader 17, to which the base side of the flexible antenna 16 is connected, is disposed on the side of the base end portion below the fork 62, but can also be attached and fixed to the backrest 64. A battery, an access point (not shown), etc. are connected to the RF reader 17.

[0054] Furthermore, the flexible antenna 16 can also be arranged in a region from the upper side of the mast 63 to the lower tip of the fork 62, where it will not come into contact with the cylindrical object 11, as shown in FIG. 8(c). Specifically, the RF reader 17 is attached and fixed to the upper side surface of the mast 63, and the flexible antenna 16 excluding the antenna element 19 is attached and fixed to the lower side surface (side surface) or bottom surface of the fork 62 via the side surface of the mast 63. The antenna element 19 is disposed at the lower tip of the fork 62.

[0055] In this case, when the forks 62 are raised and lowered, slack may occur in the flexible antenna 16 excluding the antenna element 19, which may cause interference problems with the lifting means 61, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to attach a winding drum 65 for the flexible antenna 16 to the base end portion on the lower side of the forks 62 or to the backrest 64, to eliminate slack in the flexible antenna 16. As this winding drum 65, for example, one that automatically winds and unwinds the flexible antenna 16 is preferable, and one that uses a spiral spring or the like can be mentioned.

[0056] In use, the operator of the forklift 60 operates the forklift 60 to move it to the cylindrical object 11 that is the target (the object to be transported). Next, the fork 62 is inserted from one side of the through-hole 12 of the cylindrical object 11 while aligning the length direction of the fork 62 with the axial direction of the cylindrical object 11. Then, the operator of the forklift 60 operates the forklift terminal 66 installed in the driver's seat to irradiate electromagnetic waves from the flexible antenna 16 in order to authenticate the identification information of the RF tag 15. On the other hand, if the sensors 40 shown in Figures 5(a) and (b) are attached to both sides of the tip end of the fork, a system may be adopted in which electromagnetic waves are automatically irradiated from the flexible antenna when the fork is inserted into the through-hole 12 and detected. If the authentication of the identification information of the RF tag 15 reveals that the cylindrical object 11 is the target cylindrical object 11, the cylindrical object 11 is supported by the forks 62 and then the forklift 60 is operated to move it; on the other hand, if the cylindrical object is not the target cylindrical object, the forks 62 are removed from the through-hole 12, and the forklift 60 is moved to the cylindrical object to be transported, and the above operation is repeated.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment and includes other embodiments and modifications that are conceivable within the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the present invention also includes a case in which the authentication and transport device for cylindrical objects of the present invention is configured by combining some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications. In the above embodiment, the support means of the authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items is described as a C-hook, a coil lifter, or a lifting means of a forklift, but there is no particular limitation as long as it can support and move cylindrical items that require authentication. [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is industrially useful because it can provide an authentication and transport device for cylindrical objects that can perform authentication of cylindrical objects with high accuracy and also improve workability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10: Authentication conveyance device for cylindrical object, 11: Cylindrical object, 12: Through hole, 13: Insertion part, 14: C-shaped hook (support means), 14a: Attachment means, 15: RF tag, 16: Flexible antenna, 17: RF reader, 18: Coaxial cable, 19: Antenna element, 20, 20a: Flexible antenna, 21: Transmitter / receiver, 22: Coaxial cable, 23: Inner conductor, 24: Insulator, 25: Outer conductor, 26: Outer jacket, 27: Element part, 28: Antenna element, 29: Tube (resin member), 3 0: balun body (balun conductor), 30a, 30b: balun conductor, 31: solder, 32: power supply line, 33: connector, 34: ferrite core, 40: sensor, 41: case, 42: cable, 50: authentication conveyance device for cylindrical objects, 51: coil lifter (support means), 52: arm portion, 53: claw portion (insertion portion), 60: forklift, 61: lifting means (support means), 62: fork (insertion portion), 63: mast, 64: backrest, 65: winding drum, 66: forklift terminal

Claims

1. An authentication and transport device having a support means with an insertion part that can be inserted from one side or both sides of a through hole formed in a cylindrical object, and when the insertion part is inserted into the through hole, reading identification information of an RF tag attached inside the through hole, and supporting and moving the cylindrical object with the support means, The support means is equipped with a flexible antenna using a coaxial cable with an antenna element at the tip that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves between the RF tag, and an RF reader that is connected to the base side of the flexible antenna and communicates wirelessly with the outside, and the antenna element is arranged in the insertion section, making it an authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items.

2. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a cylindrical insulator covering the peripheral surface of the inner conductor, an outer conductor covering the peripheral surface of the cylindrical insulator, and an outer jacket covering the peripheral surface of the outer conductor, which are arranged coaxially; The flexible antenna is 1) The antenna element has an element portion formed by extending only the inner conductor and the tubular insulator of the coaxial cable at the tip end of the coaxial cable, and the base end of the element portion is covered with a balun conductor made of a conductive tape or tube that is conductive with the outer conductor, and the antenna element is formed on the tip end of the element portion that is not covered with the balun conductor, with the peripheral surface of the tubular insulator exposed. Or, 2) Only the inner conductor is protruded from the tip side of the coaxial cable to form an element part without the tubular insulator, the outer conductor and the jacket, and the peripheral surface of the inner conductor on the base side of the element part is covered with a balun conductor made of a conductive tape or tube that is electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable via a resin member, and the tip side of the element part that is not covered with the balun conductor becomes the antenna element with the peripheral surface of the inner conductor exposed, thereby improving the antenna performance of the element part and imparting an antenna function to the coaxial cable.

2. The apparatus for authenticating and transporting cylindrical articles according to claim 1.

3. 3. The cylindrical article authentication and transport device according to claim 2, wherein a sensor is attached to the leading end of the insertion portion to detect that the insertion portion has been inserted into the through-hole.

4. 4. An authentication and transport device for cylindrical articles according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said support means is a C-hook attached to a crane.

5. An authentication and transportation device for cylindrical items as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the support means is a coil lifter attached to a crane, the insertion portion is a claw portion at the lower end of a pair of arms of the coil lifter, and the antenna element is arranged on either one or both of the pair of claw portions.

6. 4. The cylindrical article authentication and transport device according to claim 2, wherein the support means is a lifting means provided at the front of a forklift vehicle, and the insertion portion is a fork of the lifting means.

7. 4. The cylindrical article authentication and transport device according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical article is a steel plate coil or a wire coil.

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