Radio frequency identification tag case and method of use

Abstract

To facilitate management of steel members by enabling radio frequency identification tags to be held in a position that makes them easy to detect and in a watertight state. [Solution] A tag case main body 2 has a plate-shaped tag affixing portion 3 to which a radio frequency identification tag 5 is affixed and a weight portion 4 attached to one end of the tag affixing portion 3, and a cover portion 10 that houses the entire tag case main body 2 so that the weight portion 4 of the tag case main body 2 is located on the lower side and the other end side of the tag affixing portion 3 is located on the upper side.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification tag case and a method for using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, when manufacturing steel components for bridges, each steel component is managed by attaching a plated identification tag to it.

[0003] When using such plated identification tags, if there are a large number of components, component management is performed visually, which takes time to search for them.

[0004] Furthermore, since blasting and painting are carried out during the manufacturing process, plated identification tags are required to have a minimum level of strength to withstand these processes.

[0005] Furthermore, if the plated identification tag is sandwiched between the components when they are stacked, it may not be visible.

[0006] Therefore, there is a method for managing components using radio frequency identification (hereinafter also referred to as RFID). For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an RFID tag attachment jig is known that is used to attach RFID tags to rebars in a reinforced concrete structure in which multiple rebars are arranged.

[0007] In addition, as in Patent Document 2, there is also a case in which a wireless tag is attached along one side of the case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-348538 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-21891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the method of attaching a jig to a predetermined position as in Patent Document 1, or placing an RFID tag in a predetermined position on the case as in Patent Document 2, the RFID tag is in a predetermined position and its posture is fairly stable, making it easy to search for using a dedicated reader.

[0010] However, in conventional radio frequency identification methods, when a radio frequency identification tag is in a lying position relative to a reader, detection accuracy is lower than when the tag is standing upright. Therefore, when radio frequency identification tags are attached to multiple steel members in a factory, the position of the radio frequency identification tag is unstable, resulting in a problem of lower detection accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, when steel members are stored outdoors, the radio frequency identification tag is also required to have waterproof properties.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to facilitate the management of steel members by enabling radio frequency identification tags to be positioned in an easily detectable position and held in a watertight manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a tumble-top type tag case body.

[0014] Specifically, in the first invention, a tag case body having a plate-shaped tag affixing portion to which a radio frequency identification tag is affixed and a weight portion attached to one end of the tag affixing portion; The tag case includes a cover portion that accommodates the entire tag case body so that the weight portion of the tag case body is located on the lower side and the other end side of the tag affixing portion is located on the upper side.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when the tag case body is housed inside the cover, the weight portion on one end of the tag affixing portion is positioned on the lower side and the other end of the tag affixing portion is positioned on the upper side, so that the reader can more easily detect the radio frequency identification tag than when the radio frequency identification tag is lying down. Also, because the radio frequency identification tag is housed inside the cover, it is easy to ensure watertightness.

[0016] In the second invention, in the first invention, the cover portion has a cylindrical cross section that is elongated in one direction, The tag attachment section is long in one direction, and when housed in the cover section, the other end extending in the longitudinal direction is configured to abut against the inner surface of the cover section and stand up at an angle to the ground.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the weight of the weight portion positions the tag affixing portion at the bottom, and the other end of the tag affixing portion abuts against the inner surface of the cover portion, stabilizing the tag affixing portion in a slightly tilted position, making it easier for the reader to detect the tag affixing portion.

[0018] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, The tag case body does not stand up by itself, When housed in the cover, the cover is configured to abut against the inner surface of the cover and rise obliquely relative to the ground.

[0019] If the weight of the weight section alone were to be used to achieve the tumbleweed function of the tag case body, the weight section would have to be considerably heavier than the tag affixing section, with the center of gravity positioned lower, but with the above-mentioned configuration, the tag affixing section is held at an angle to the ground with the tag affixing section facing upward while abutting the inner surface of the cover section, making detection much easier than when the tag is lying down. This allows the weight of the weight section to be relatively light.

[0020] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, The weight portion has an outer peripheral surface with an arcuate cross section and is molded integrally with the tag affixing portion.

[0021] According to the above configuration, a weight portion that can exhibit the toy-like function can be easily formed with a simple configuration.

[0022] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, The tag case body is a resin molded product.

[0023] The above-described configuration is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to mold, and does not interfere with detection as occurs in the case of metal.

[0024] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, The cover portion is made of a cylindrical member that accommodates the tag case body in a watertight manner.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the cover member can be made to have a simple configuration that easily exhibits the anti-tip function and the watertight function.

[0026] In the seventh invention, in the sixth invention, The cover portion is configured to cover the outer periphery of one of a cylindrical first cover member having a lid portion and a cylindrical second cover member having a bottom portion with the other of the first cover member and the second cover member, thereby watertightly housing the tag case body.

[0027] According to the above configuration, a cover portion can be obtained that is simple in configuration, allows the tag case body to be easily taken in and out, accommodates the tag case body in a manner that makes it easy to stand up, and also makes it easy to obtain a watertight effect.

[0028] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, The lid portion of the first cover member is configured to have an attachment portion integrally formed therewith for passing a string-like member or a linear member therethrough.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the radio frequency identification tag case can be attached to the object to be managed with a simple and inexpensive configuration.

[0030] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, The cover has a cylindrical protective member that covers the outer periphery of the cover and has a tapered tip end.

[0031] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a protective member that is resistant to water droplets and easy to attach and detach can be obtained.

[0032] In the tenth invention, A radio frequency identification tag case according to the first aspect of the present invention is prepared, affixing the radio frequency identification tag to the tag case body; The tag case body is housed in the cover portion in a watertight manner, Attaching the radio frequency identification tag case to an article to be managed, During management, the management terminal is brought close to within the detectable range of the radio frequency identification tag case, and the radio frequency identification tag is read with the weight part on the bottom side inside the cover part and the tag attachment part on the top side.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the cover is watertight, making it less susceptible to the effects of water droplets that form outdoors, and the tag case body stands upright within the cover, allowing for easy and reliable search for radio frequency identification tags, thereby enabling reliable and easy management of steel members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] As described above, according to the present invention, the radio frequency identification tag can be positioned within the cover portion of the radio frequency identification tag case in a position that makes it easy to detect and can be held in a watertight manner, making it easy to manage the steel members. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of a radio frequency identification tag case. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a radio frequency identification tag case. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the tag case main body. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the tag case main body. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the tag case body. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the tag case main body. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tag case main body. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway plan view of the first cover member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view of the second cover member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] -Radio frequency identification tag case configuration- 1A and 1B show a radio frequency identification tag case 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This radio frequency identification tag case 1 includes a tag case body 2 having a plate-shaped tag attachment portion 3 to which a radio frequency identification tag 5 is attached, and a weight portion 4 attached to one end of the tag attachment portion 3. The tag case body 2 is a molded resin product made of, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or the like. The tag case body 2 may also be reinforced with glass fiber or the like. Note that the weight portion 4 may be made of concrete or clay to increase its specific gravity.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2A to 2E, the tag affixing section 3 is a rectangular plate that is long in one direction. For example, if the dimensions of the radio frequency identification tag 5 are 70 mm in the longitudinal direction and 20 mm in the width direction, the tag affixing section 3 is 75 mm in the longitudinal direction, 22 mm in the width direction, and approximately 1 mm in thickness, but is not limited to these dimensions. The radio frequency identification tag 5 is, for example, a sticker type that can be attached to one side of the tag affixing section 3. For example, the radio frequency identification tag case 1 can be reused by replacing the radio frequency identification tag 5.

[0039] The weight portion 4 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an arc-shaped cross section on the outer periphery, and is molded integrally with one end of the tag affixing portion 3. For example, it is made of a semi-cylindrical member with a radius of 6 mm, but it may also be made of a cylindrical member with a radius of 3 mm.

[0040] The tag case main body 2 cannot stand up by itself due to the weight balance (center of gravity position) relative to the tag affixing part 3, but as shown in Figure 1B, when housed in the cover part 10 described below, it is configured to abut against the inner surface of the cover part 10 and stand up at an angle to the ground.

[0041] The radio frequency identification tag case 1 further includes a cover 10 that accommodates the entire tag case body 2 so that the weight part 4 of the tag case body 2 is located on the lower side and the other end of the tag affixing part 3 is located on the upper side. The cover 10 is made of, for example, the same resin molded product as the tag case body 2.

[0042] 3 and 4, the cover part 10 is made of a cylindrical member that is long in one direction and that watertightly houses the tag case body 2. The cover part 10 includes a cylindrical first cover member 11 having a disk-shaped lid portion 11a, and a cylindrical second cover member 12 having a disk-shaped bottom portion 12a. In this embodiment, the first cover member 11 hermetically covers the outer periphery of the second cover member 12, thereby watertightly housing the tag case body 2.

[0043] For example, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second cover member 12 is 30 mm, and as shown by the solid line in Fig. 1B, a gap of 2 mm is secured above the tag case body 2 when it is stored vertically. This allows the tag affixing portion 3 to be kept standing upright within the second cover member 12, with the tag affixing portion 3 tilted to some extent, when the tag case body 2 is horizontal, as shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 1B. The second cover member 12 is 78 mm long, 1.5 mm thick, and has an outer diameter of 33 mm.

[0044] The inner diameter of the first cover member 11 is approximately 33 mm, which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second cover member 12, allowing the second cover member 12 to be detachably (slidably) and watertightly housed therein. The length of the first cover member 11 is 78 mm, and the thickness is approximately 1.5 mm.

[0045] The lid portion 11a of the first cover member 11 is integrally formed with an attachment portion 11b having a through-hole 11c through which a linear member such as a string-like member or a wire 13 passes.

[0046] Conversely, the second cover member 12 may be configured to cover the outer periphery of the first cover member 11 in a sealed manner.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1A, the radio frequency identification tag case 1 may further include a cylindrical protective member 20 having a tapered portion 20a tapered toward the tip, covering the outer periphery of the cover portion 10. The protective member 20 may be a resin molded product with a certain thickness so as to protect the radio frequency identification tag case 1, or may be made of a thin metal plate. Note that a thin metal plate may block RFID signals, so it is recommended that it be used only during blasting. The radio frequency identification tag case 1, with the wire 13 threaded through the mounting portion 11b, is passed through the bottom opening 20b of the protective member 20, and the wire 13 is then pulled out from the top opening 20c.

[0048] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain a protective member 20 that is resistant to water droplets that may adversely affect the search by the reader and that is easy to attach and detach.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1B, the weight of the weight portion 4 positions the tag affixing portion 3 on the lower side, and the other end of the tag affixing portion 3 abuts against the inner surface of the cover portion 10, stabilizing the tag affixing portion 3 in an inclined position, making it easier for the reader to detect the radio frequency identification tag 5 on the tag affixing portion 3.

[0050] The tag case body 2 does not stand up by itself, but is configured so that when housed in the cover part 10, it abuts against the inner surface of the cover part 10 and stands up at an angle to the ground.

[0051] Specifically, if the tag case main body 2 alone were to exhibit the tumbleweed function, the weight 4 would have to be considerably heavier than the tag affixing part 3 to lower the center of gravity, but in this embodiment, the tag affixing part 3 is in contact with the inner surface of the cover part 10 and stands at an angle to the ground with the tag affixing part 3 on top. Even in this tilted position, it is much easier for the reader to detect it than if it were almost completely lying down. This allows the weight of the weight 4 to be relatively light.

[0052] In this embodiment, the weight portion 4 has an outer peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section and is molded integrally with the tag case main body 2, so that the weight portion 4 can perform the toy-like function with a simple configuration and is easy to mold.

[0053] Furthermore, by making the tag case body 2 a resin molded product, the tag case body 2 can be molded easily, light in weight, and at low cost, and the tag case body 2 does not interfere with detection as would be the case if it were made of metal.

[0054] Furthermore, since the cover portion 10 is made of a cylindrical member that accommodates the tag case main body 2 in a watertight manner, the cover portion 10 can be made to have a simple structure that has a toy-over function and a watertight function.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first cover member 11 and the second cover member are constructed as plug-in cylindrical members, so that a cover section 10 is obtained that has a simple configuration that makes it easy to insert and remove the tag case main body 2 and to store it in a way that makes it easy to stand up, and that also makes it easy to achieve a watertight effect.

[0056] In this embodiment, the attachment portion 11b through which a string-like member or a wire-like member (wire 13) is passed is integrally molded with the lid portion 11a of the first cover member 11, so that the radio frequency identification tag case 1 can be attached to the object to be managed with a simple configuration.

[0057] -How to use the radio frequency identification tag case- Next, a method of using the radio frequency identification tag case 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0058] First, the radio frequency identification tag case 1 of this embodiment is prepared, and the radio frequency identification tag 5 is affixed to one surface of the tag affixing portion 3 of the tag case body 2 as shown in Figs. 2B, 2E, etc.

[0059] Next, the tag case body 2 is housed so that it rests on the bottom 12a of the second cover member 12, and then covered from above with the first cover member 11. At this time, the inner diameter of the first cover member 11 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second cover member 12, so that it can be easily slid on and off, and the tag case body 2 can be housed in a watertight manner.

[0060] Next, the wire 13 is passed through the mounting portion 11b of the first cover member 11. Then, if necessary, the cover portion 10 is covered with a protective member 20 as shown in Fig. 1A. At this time, the weight of the protective member 20 causes the inner surface of its tapered portion 20a to abut against and be held against the lid portion 11a of the first cover member 11.

[0061] In this embodiment, for example, a temporary assembly process is carried out in which a large number of steel members as articles are temporarily assembled in a factory to confirm that they can be assembled on site.

[0062] After the temporary assembly, the assembly is disassembled, and at this time, the radio frequency identification tag case 1 is attached to each steel member.

[0063] Specifically, the wire 13 attached to the radio frequency identification tag case 1 protected by the protective member 20 is attached to an opening or the like of the steel member to be managed. The wire 13 should be attached in a position where the radio frequency identification tag case 1 is not easily hidden when the steel members are stacked. Because the radio frequency identification tag case 1 is covered with the protective member 20, water droplets are unlikely to adhere thereto, and the detection sensitivity is not reduced by water droplets.

[0064] Then, if necessary, each steel member is subjected to blasting or painting. At this time, the radio frequency identification tag case 1 is covered with the protective member 20, so the radio frequency identification tag 5 will not be damaged even if the blasting is performed. Note that if the cover part 10 itself has high rigidity, it can be made to withstand the blasting even if it is not covered with the protective member 20.

[0065] When managing steel components after blasting or the like, a management terminal (reader) is brought close to within the detection range of the radio frequency identification tag case 1, and the radio frequency identification tag 5 is read inside the cover part 10 with the weight part 4 on the bottom side and the radio frequency identification tag 5 on the top side.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the tag case body 2 is housed inside the cover part 10, the weight part 4 on one end side of the tag affixing part 3 stands up so that it is located on the lower side and the other end side of the tag affixing part 3 is located on the upper side, making it easy for the reader to detect the radio frequency identification tag 5. Furthermore, because the radio frequency identification tag 5 is properly housed inside the cover part 10, it is easy to ensure watertightness.

[0067] In this embodiment, the radio frequency identification tag 5 can be easily and reliably searched for without being affected by water droplets that occur outdoors, so that the steel members can be managed reliably and easily.

[0068] Therefore, according to the radio frequency identification tag case 1 of this embodiment, the radio frequency identification tag 5 can be positioned in an easy-to-detect position and can be held in a watertight state, making it easy to manage steel members.

[0069] (Other embodiments) The present invention may be configured as follows in relation to the above embodiment.

[0070] That is, in the above embodiment, examples of the shapes and dimensions of the components are shown, but these are merely examples and the shapes and dimensions are not limited to these.

[0071] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or uses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Radio Frequency Identification Tag Case 2 Tag case body 3 Tag attachment section 4 Weight part 5 Radio Frequency Identification Tags 10 Cover 11 First cover member 11a Lid 11b Mounting part 11c through hole 12 second cover member 12a bottom Platform 13 20 Protective material 20a Tapered section 20b bottom opening 20c top opening

Claims

1. a tag case body having a plate-shaped tag affixing portion to which a radio frequency identification tag is affixed and a weight portion attached to one end of the tag affixing portion; a cover portion that accommodates the entire tag case body so that the weight portion of the tag case body is located on the lower side and the other end side of the tag affixing portion is located on the upper side. A radio frequency identification tag case.

2. the cover portion has a cylindrical cross section that is elongated in one direction, The tag affixing section is elongated in one direction, and when housed in the cover section, the other end extending in the longitudinal direction abuts against the inner surface of the cover section and stands up obliquely relative to the ground.

2. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1.

3. The tag case body does not stand up by itself, When housed in the cover, the device is configured to abut against the inner surface of the cover and rise up at an angle relative to the ground.

2. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1.

4. The weight portion has an outer peripheral surface with an arcuate cross section and is integrally formed with the tag affixing portion.

2. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1.

5. The tag case body is a resin molded product.

2. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1.

6. The cover portion is a cylindrical member that accommodates the tag case body in a watertight manner.

2. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1.

7. The cover portion is configured to cover the outer periphery of one of a cylindrical first cover member having a lid portion and a cylindrical second cover member having a bottom portion with the other of the first cover member and the second cover member, thereby housing the tag case body in a watertight manner.

7. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 6.

8. The lid portion of the first cover member is integrally formed with an attachment portion through which a string-like member or a linear member is passed.

8. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 7.

9. A cylindrical protective member is provided, the tip of which is tapered and covers the outer periphery of the cover portion.

9. The radio frequency identification tag case according to claim 1, wherein the tag case is made of a material selected from the group consisting of fluororesin, fluororesin, fluoropolymers ...

10. a tag case body having a plate-shaped tag affixing portion to which a radio frequency identification tag is affixed and a weight portion attached to one end of the tag affixing portion; a tag case for radio frequency identification including a cover portion that accommodates the entire tag case body such that the weight portion is located on the lower side and the other end side of the tag affixing portion is located on the upper side; affixing the radio frequency identification tag to the tag case body; The tag case body is housed in the cover portion in a watertight manner, Attaching the radio frequency identification tag case to an article to be managed, During management, the management terminal is brought close to the detection range of the radio frequency identification tag case, and the radio frequency identification tag is read in a state where the weight part is on the lower side inside the cover part and the tag attachment part is on the upper side. A method for using a radio frequency identification tag case.

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