Antenna and RFID tag issuing device

Abstract

To provide an antenna capable of generating a concentrated magnetic field and an RFID tag issuing device.SOLUTION: In an RFID tag issuing device, an antenna 10 includes a dielectric substrate 101, a feeding point 102, a terminating resistor 103, and lines 104 and 105. The feeding point 102 is provided on the dielectric substrate 101. The terminating resistor 103 is provided on the dielectric substrate 101 away from the feeding point 102. The lines 104 and 105 are provided between the feeding point 102 and the terminating resistor 103. The lines 104 and 105 include a plurality of loop portions. Each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is arranged in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions 1041 to 1044.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an antenna and an RFID tag issuing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag for managing products and the like is known. The RFID tag is provided on, for example, a label. The RFID tag is attached to a product via the label. The RFID tag is issued by an RFID tag issuing device. In the RFID tag issuing device, for example, a tag reader / writer antenna is disposed in the middle of a conveying path along which the label is conveyed. The RFID tag issuing device reads information from the RFID tag and writes information to the RFID tag using the tag reader / writer antenna. When the RFID tag issuing device writes information to an RFID tag, it is required to write information to a target RFID tag and not to write information to RFID tags other than the target. For this reason, it is required to generate a magnetic field concentrated on the RFID tag to which information is to be written and in its vicinity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-20501 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-41665 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-209737 [Patent Document 4] JP 2005-182637 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna and an RFID tag issuing device capable of generating a concentrated magnetic field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The antenna of the embodiment includes a dielectric substrate, a feeding point, a termination resistor, and a line. Facing one side in the thickness direction 1. main Face and the first main surface The side facing On the opposite side facing Second main The dielectric substrate has a first surface. The feeding point is provided on the dielectric substrate. The termination resistor is provided on the dielectric substrate away from the feeding point. The line is provided between the feeding point and the termination resistor. The line has a first main The track has a plurality of loop portions arranged on a second surface. main The loop portion includes a plurality of relay portions disposed on a surface of the loop portion, and each of the plurality of loop portions is disposed adjacent to at least one of the other loop portions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a label paper used in the RFID tag issuing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an antenna of the RFID tag issue device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view that shows the antenna of the RFID tag issue device according to the embodiment, viewed from a different direction than that in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates an antenna of an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a plan view that illustrates an antenna of an RFID tag issue device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view that shows a schematic view of an antenna of an RFID tag issuing device according to a modified example of the embodiment, viewed from a different direction than that in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an antenna is applied to an RFID tag issuing device 1 that issues an RFID tag attached to a label.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a block of an RFID tag issuing device according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, a height direction (indicated by arrows ZA and ZB), a conveying direction (indicated by arrows XA and XB) intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the height direction, and a cross direction (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) intersecting both the height direction and the conveying direction are defined. The carry-in side of the conveying direction corresponds to the side indicated by the arrow XA, and the carry-out side of the conveying direction corresponds to the side indicated by the arrow XB. FIG. 3 shows a label paper 3 used in an RFID tag issuing device 1 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 3, a longitudinal direction (indicated by arrows XC and XD) and a transverse direction (indicated by arrows YC and YD) intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the longitudinal direction are defined. In this embodiment, the label paper 3 is used in the RFID tag issuing device 1 in a state in which the longitudinal direction coincides with the conveying direction and the transverse direction coincides with the cross direction.

[0009] 1 and 2, the RFID tag issuing device 1 includes a conveyor roller 2, a platen roller 4, a mark sensor 5, a sensor signal input unit 6, a motor 7, a motor drive unit 8, a reader / writer 9, an antenna 10, a print head 11, a head drive unit 12, a movement mechanism drive unit 13, a notification unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication interface (I / F) 16, a memory unit 17, and a processor 18. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the label paper 3 includes a plurality of labels 31, a belt-shaped backing 32 to which the plurality of labels 31 are affixed, an RFID tag 33, and a mark 34. The label paper 3 is, for example, in the form of a roll obtained by winding up the backing 32 to which the plurality of labels 31 are affixed.

[0010] The transport rollers 2 include, for example, a pair of rollers 21 and 22. The transport rollers 2 transport the rolled label paper 3 along the transport path. In FIG. 1, multiple transport rollers 2 may be arranged on the transport path. In one example, the roller 21 is rotated by the motor 7, and the roller 22 rotates by the power of the rotation drive of the roller 21. That is, in this example, the roller 22 is a driven roller. The platen roller 4 rotates to transport the label paper 3 along the transport path to the discharge side in the transport direction. The platen roller 4 is arranged on the discharge side of the transport path with respect to the transport rollers 2 and the mark sensor 5. In one example, the platen roller 4 is rotated by the motor 7.

[0011] The mark sensor 5 is provided facing the conveying path in the height direction. The mark sensor 5 is disposed on the conveying path on the conveying direction output side relative to the conveying roller 2 and on the conveying direction input side relative to the platen roller 4. In one example, the mark sensor 5 optically detects the mark on the label paper 3. The mark sensor 5 scans the surface of the label paper 3 conveyed along the conveying direction. In this way, the mark sensor 5 detects information attached to the mark on the backing paper. The mark sensor 5 outputs the detected information as a signal to the sensor signal input unit 6. The sensor signal input unit 6 is connected to a sensor including the mark sensor 5. The sensor signal input unit 6 receives a signal from the sensor and outputs it to the processor. The sensor includes an open / close sensor. The open / close sensor detects the open / close of a member that is opened or closed when replacing the label paper 3. The opened / closed member is, for example, a cover, a door, a lid, etc. The open / close sensor may be, for example, an optical sensor that switches on and off in response to the closing or opening of a member. The open / close sensor may be a mechanical switch that switches between on and off in response to the closing or opening of a member.

[0012] The motor 7 is mechanically connected to the transport roller 2 and the platen roller 4. The motor 7 rotates the transport roller 2 and the platen roller 4. In one example, the motor 7 rotates one roller 21 of the transport roller 2 and the platen roller 4 in the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 1. As a result, the motor 7 transports the label paper 3 along the transport path. The motor drive unit 8 controls the rotation of the motor 7. In one example, the motor drive unit 8 controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 7. The motor drive unit 8 controls the motor 7 in the forward rotation state. As a result, the transport roller 2 and the platen roller 4 rotate in the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, transporting the label paper 3 to the output side in the transport direction.

[0013] The reader / writer 9 communicates with the RFID tag 33 placed on the label paper 3 via the antenna 10, thereby writing data to the RFID tag 33 and reading data from the RFID tag 33. The reader / writer 9 emits radio waves from the antenna 10 to communicate with the RFID tag 33. The RFID tag 33 is activated by receiving the radio waves from the reader / writer 9, and the RFID tag 33 transmits a response wave to the antenna 10. The reader / writer 9 receives the response wave from the RFID tag 33 via the antenna 10 and communicates with the RFID tag 33. Specifically, the reader / writer 9 transmits an unmodulated wave followed by an interrogation wave (modulated wave) to the RFID tag 33. The RFID tag 33 is activated by the unmodulated wave, and responds upon receiving the interrogation wave from the reader / writer 9. In response, the reader / writer 9 also transmits an unmodulated wave to the RFID tag 33. The RFID tag 33 responds by reflecting the unmodulated wave from the reader / writer 9 .

[0014] The print head 11 is disposed facing the platen roller 4 in the height direction. The print head 11 is connected to a head drive unit 12. The print head 11 prints on the printing surface of the transported label. In other words, the print head 11 prints on the surface opposite to the surface on which the RFID tag 33 is provided. The head drive unit 12 drives the print head 11 to print on the printing surface of the label. The movement mechanism drive unit 13 moves the print head 11 back and forth adjacent to the label paper 3 transported along the transport path.

[0015] The notification unit 14 notifies by displaying a screen, emitting a sound, turning on a light, etc. The notification unit 14 notifies, for example, information that needs to be recognized by the worker, and warning information for the worker. The notification unit 14 is, for example, a display. The input unit 15 includes an operation member. In the operation member, a command related to the operation of the RFID tag issuing device 1 is input by the worker, etc. Examples of the operation member include a button, a dial, and a touch panel. The communication interface 16 is an interface connected to a higher-level device. The communication interface 16 receives data to be written to the RFID tag, print data to be printed on the label, etc. from the higher-level device. The communication interface 16 transmits data such as issuance record data to the higher-level device.

[0016] The storage unit 17 stores various data such as programs required to control the RFID tag issue device 1, print data, and issuance record data. The storage unit 17 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The processor 18 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The processor 18 is connected to the sensor signal input unit 6, the motor drive unit 8, the reader / writer 9, the head drive unit 12, the moving mechanism drive unit 13, the notification unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication interface 16, and the storage unit 17. The processor 18 controls each component based on a signal input from the sensor signal input unit 6 and a program stored in the storage unit 17. In this way, the processor 18 realizes the functions of the RFID tag issuing device 1. In one example, the processor 18 cooperates with the reader / writer 9 to read data from the RFID tag 33 or write data to the RFID tag 33 using the antenna 10.

[0018] In the label paper 3, the label 31 is in the shape of a rectangular sheet. A plurality of labels 31 are attached to one of the main surfaces of the backing sheet 32. Each of the plurality of labels 31 is arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The label 31 has an adhesive surface on the surface facing the backing sheet 32. The RFID tag 33 is provided on the adhesive surface of the label 31. The RFID tag 33 includes a film 35, a tag antenna 36, and an IC chip 37. The tag antenna 36 includes, for example, an integrated circuit (loop portion). The tag antenna 36 and the IC chip 37 are arranged on the film 35.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 33 is a passive tag without a battery. A plurality of marks 34 indicate the leading ends of the labels 31 in the longitudinal direction of the label paper 3. In one example, the length of the mark 34 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the gap between adjacent labels 31. The position where the RFID tag 33 is attached to the label 31 is appropriately set according to the type of the label paper 3. Also, the RFID tag 33 is arranged on the label 31 in a state where the tag antenna 36 of the RFID tag 33 intersects the longitudinal direction. In one example, the tag antenna 36 is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the short side direction.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the antenna 10, a length direction (indicated by arrow YE and arrow YF), a width direction (indicated by arrow XE and arrow XF) that intersects the length direction (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular), and a thickness direction (indicated by arrow ZE and arrow ZF) that intersects both the length direction and the width direction (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) are defined. In the antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the antenna 10 is arranged in the RFID tag issuing device 1 in a state where the length direction of the antenna 10 coincides or substantially coincides with the intersecting direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. The width direction of the antenna 10 is arranged in the RFID tag issuing device 1 in a state where it coincides or substantially coincides with the conveyance direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. The thickness direction of the antenna 10 is arranged in the RFID tag issuing device 1 in a state where it coincides or substantially coincides with the height direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1.

[0021] The antenna 10 is disposed away from the transport path in the height direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. The distance at which the antenna 10 is away from the transport path is set appropriately depending on the radiation intensity of the antenna 10. In one example, the antenna 10 is disposed away from the transport path by 5 mm. The antenna 10 is disposed so that the center of the width direction of the antenna 10 coincides or nearly coincides with the center of the transport path in the crossing direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. Therefore, the RFID tag 33 passes through the center of the antenna 10 in the width direction as it is transported along the transport path.

[0022] The antenna 10 includes a dielectric substrate 101, a feed point 102, a termination resistor 103, lines 104 and 105, and a ground layer 106. The dielectric substrate 101 is made of a dielectric material. In this embodiment, the dielectric substrate 101 is a rectangular plate. In one example, the length of the dielectric substrate 101 is greater than the width of the dielectric substrate 101. The length and width of the dielectric substrate 101 are not limited to these dimensions. The dimensions of the dielectric substrate 101 can be appropriately set according to the manner of use of the RFID tag issuing device 1. The dielectric substrate 101 is provided with a via hole 107 that penetrates the dielectric substrate 101 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the via hole 107 penetrates the dielectric substrate 101 in the thickness direction from a first surface (first main surface) 108 of the dielectric substrate 101 to a second surface (second main surface) 109 of the dielectric substrate 101.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the feeding point 102 is provided at one end side in the length direction (side indicated by arrow YF). The feeding point 102 is connected to a first end 110 of the extension portion formed by the lines 104 and 105. The termination resistor 103 is provided at an end side (side indicated by arrow YE) opposite to the end side where the feeding point 102 is located in the length direction. The termination resistor 103 is connected to a second end 111 opposite to the first end 110 in the above-mentioned extension portion formed by the lines 104 and 105. The lines 104 and 105 are arranged between the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 in the length direction. In one example, the resistance value of the termination resistor 103 is a resistance value corresponding to the characteristic impedance of the entire extension portion formed by the lines 104 and 105. In this embodiment, both the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are disposed on one end side in the width direction (the side indicated by the arrow XF). In addition, both the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. Note that the positions in the width direction of the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are not limited to this, and they can be disposed appropriately depending on the usage mode, etc. In addition, the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 may be disposed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. One of the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 may be disposed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101, and the other may be disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101.

[0024] The line 104 is formed on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the line 104 includes a plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044. Each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is disposed in close proximity to one or two corresponding ones of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044. That is, each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions (the three corresponding ones of 1041 to 1044). The plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are not in contact with each other on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this embodiment, the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are disposed in a state of being aligned with each other in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101. In one example, the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 are disposed in a linear or substantially linear manner in the length direction. Vias 112 are formed at both ends of each of the multiple loop portions 1041 to 1044. Via holes 107 are formed in the dielectric substrate 101 at positions corresponding to the positions where the vias 112 are formed. The line 104 is connected to the line 105 through the vias 112 and the via holes 107.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is bent at three places. That is, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 has a shape that extends in two places in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101 and also extends in two places in the width direction of the dielectric substrate 101. Each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is extended in the length direction from one end. Then, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is bent in the width direction. Furthermore, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is bent in the length direction. Then, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is bent in the width direction and extends in the width direction to the end opposite to the one end. As a result, each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 forms a loop shape. Note that the shape of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape. That is, if each of the plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1044 is formed in a loop shape, the loop shape can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the size of the antenna 10, the required magnetic field strength, and the like.

[0026] In this embodiment, the loop parts 1041-1044 are formed four on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101, but the number is not limited to this. That is, the number of loop parts in the antenna 10 can be adjusted in consideration of the required magnetic field strength, etc. In addition, the size of each of the loop parts 1041-1044 can be appropriately set according to the size of the antenna 10, etc. However, when the size of each of the loop parts 1041-1044 is relatively large, the magnetic field generated by each of the loop parts 1041-1044 does not become strong overall on the inside of each of the loop parts 1041-1044. That is, the magnetic field strength becomes high at the edge part of each of the loop parts 1041-1044, and the magnetic field strength becomes low at the inside part of each of the loop parts 1041-1044. Therefore, it is preferable that the size of each of the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044 is set to such an extent that the magnetic field generated by each of the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044 is generally strong inside each of the plurality of loop portions 1041-1044.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the line 105 is formed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. The line 105 includes a plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1055. The plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1055 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction. That is, the plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1055 do not contact each other on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this embodiment, the plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1055 are arranged side by side with respect to each other in the length direction. Vias 113 are formed at both ends of each of the plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1055. Via holes 107 of the dielectric substrate 101 are formed corresponding to the positions where the vias 113 are formed. The line 105 is connected to the line 104 through the vias 113 and the via holes 107.

[0028] The relay portion 1051 is disposed on the feeding point 102 side in the length direction and extends from one end in the width direction. In this embodiment, one end of the relay portion 1051 is connected to the feeding point 102. Each of the relay portions 1052 to 1054 extends in the length direction from one end. Each of the relay portions 1052 to 1054 is bent in the width direction and extends in the width direction to an end opposite to the one end. That is, each of the relay portions 1052 to 1054 is formed in an L-shape or an approximately L-shape. The relay portion 1055 extends in the width direction from one end. The relay portion 1055 is bent in the length direction. Furthermore, the relay portion 1055 is bent in the width direction and extends in the width direction to an end opposite to the one end. That is, the relay portion 1055 is formed in a U-shape or an approximately U-shape. In this embodiment, the end opposite to the one end of the relay unit 1055 is connected to the termination resistor 103 .

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the relay parts 1052-1055 are provided at the second surface 109 at positions corresponding to the positions of the loop parts 1041-1044 on the first surface 108. In this embodiment, the relay parts 1052-1055 are arranged so that at least a part of them overlaps with the loop parts 1041-1044 when projected from the thickness direction. The power feed point 102 is connected to one end (first end 110) of a pair of ends of the relay part 1051. The end of the pair of ends of the relay part 1051 opposite to the connection position to the power feed point 102 is connected to one end of the pair of ends of the loop part 1041 through the corresponding via 113, via hole 107, and via 112. Of the pair of ends of the loop portion 1041, the end opposite to the connection position to the relay portion 1051 is connected to one of the pair of ends of the relay portion 1052 through the corresponding vias 112, via holes 107, and vias 113. Similarly, each of the multiple relay portions 1052 to 1054 is connected to one or more of the multiple loop portions 1042 to 1044 through the corresponding vias 112, 113, and via holes 107. The termination resistor 103 is connected to the end (second end 111) of the pair of ends of the relay portion 1055 opposite to the connection position to the loop portion 1044. By connecting the lines 104 and 105 in this manner, the lines 104 and 105 are arranged so as not to overlap as much as possible when projected from the thickness direction.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the ground layer 106 is provided on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101. As shown in FIG. 5, the ground layer 106 may be rectangular. The ground layer 106 is provided in a state where it avoids the area around the line 105. That is, a gap is formed between the line 105 and the ground layer 106. When the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are disposed on the second surface 109 of the dielectric substrate 101, the ground layer 106 is provided in a state where it avoids the area around the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103. That is, a gap is formed between the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 and the ground layer 106. When the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are provided on the first surface 108, the ground layer 106 is provided not only on the second surface 109 but also in the area around the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 on the first surface 108.

[0031] The size of the ground layer 106 in the length direction is equal to or larger than the maximum size of the extended portion of the lines 104 and 105 in the length direction of the antenna 10, and is equal to or smaller than the size of the dielectric substrate 101 in the length direction. The size of the ground layer 106 in the width direction is equal to or larger than the maximum size of the extended portion of the lines 104 and 105 in the width direction of the antenna 10, and is equal to or smaller than the size of the dielectric substrate 101 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the size of the ground layer 106 in the length direction is equal to or approximately equal to the size of the dielectric substrate 101 in the length direction. Also, the size of the ground layer 106 in the width direction is equal to or approximately equal to the size of the dielectric substrate 101 in the width direction. Note that the size of the ground layer 106 is not limited to this. When the feeding point 102 and the termination resistor 103 are arranged on the second surface 109, it is preferable that the ground layer 106 is formed so as to cover the second surface 109 other than the portion where the feeding point 102, the termination resistor 103, and the line 105 are arranged.

[0032] As described above, in the antenna 10 of this embodiment, the lines 104 and 105 are provided between the power feed point 102 and the termination resistor 103, and each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop parts (the three corresponding to 1041 to 1044). This allows the magnetic fields generated by each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 to be generated in close proximity to each other in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10. In other words, the magnetic fields generated by each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 are not generated in a state of being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10. Therefore, the regions of high magnetic field intensity in the magnetic fields generated by each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1044 are formed in a state of being concentrated in the longitudinal direction of the antenna 10.

[0033] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 are arranged in a line along the length direction of the antenna 10. By arranging the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 in this manner, the magnetic field generated by the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 is generated in a more concentrated state along the length direction of the antenna 10. Therefore, the regions of high magnetic field intensity in the magnetic field generated by each of the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 are formed in a more concentrated state along the length direction of the antenna 10.

[0034] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the ground layer 106 is provided on a surface (second main surface) opposite to a surface (first main surface) on which the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 are provided in the thickness direction. By arranging the ground layer 106 in this manner, it is possible to suppress the generation of a magnetic field generated by the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 in the thickness direction of the antenna 10 from the first main surface 108 to the second surface 109. That is, in the antenna 10, the multiple loop portions 1041-1044 generate a magnetic field in the direction from the second surface 109 to the first surface 108. As a result, in the antenna 10, the generation of a magnetic field in an unnecessary direction is suppressed.

[0035] In the antenna 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the line 104 is arranged on the first surface 108, the line 105 is arranged on the second surface 109, and that the lines 104 and 105 are arranged so as not to overlap as much as possible when projected from the thickness direction. It is also preferable that the ground layer 106 covers the second surface 109 as much as possible. By forming the lines 104, 105 and the ground layer 106 in this manner, the antenna 10 can efficiently supply power from the power feed point 102 to the termination resistor 103. This allows the antenna 10 to reliably generate a required magnetic field.

[0036] Furthermore, in the RFID tag issuing device 1 using the antenna 10 of this embodiment, the antenna 10 is disposed so that its length direction intersects with the conveying direction of the RFID tag issuing device 1. That is, the magnetic fields formed in parallel along the length direction of the antenna 10 are formed so as to intersect with the conveyed label paper 3. Therefore, no matter where the conveyed label paper 3 is conveyed to in the width direction of the antenna 10, the RFID tag issuing device 1 can write data to the targeted RFID tag on the label paper 3.

[0037] (Modification) 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing an antenna 10 according to a modification. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction are defined as in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. In this modification, the feeding point 102 is provided on one side in the length direction. The termination resistor 103 is provided on the opposite side of the length direction to the side where the feeding point 102 is located. The feeding point 102 is connected to a first end 110 of the extension portion formed by the lines 104 and 105. The termination resistor 103 is connected to a second end 111 of the extension portion formed by the lines 104 and 105. The lines 104 and 105 are connected to each other through the corresponding vias 112 and 113 and via hole 107. In this modification, the line 104 includes a plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1045, and the line 105 includes a plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1056. The plurality of loop portions 1041 to 1045 and the plurality of relay portions 1051 to 1056 are connected to each other through the corresponding vias 112, 113 and via holes 107.

[0038] In this modification, each of the multiple loop portions 1041-1045 is bent at six locations as shown in Fig. 7. That is, each of the multiple loop portions 1041-1045 has a shape that extends at four locations in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101 and at three locations in the width direction of the dielectric substrate 101. In each of the multiple loop portions 1041-1045, one end of a pair of ends is disposed closer to the power feed point 102 than the other end in the length direction of the dielectric substrate 101. In each of the multiple loop portions 1041-1045, the pair of ends are disposed in a shifted state with respect to each other in the width direction.

[0039] In this modification, at least some of the loop parts 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a state where they are shifted from each other in the width direction. In addition, in this modification, at least some of the loop parts 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a state where they overlap each other when projected from the width direction. That is, the loop parts 1041 to 1045 are arranged in a staggered manner along the length direction on the first surface 108 of the dielectric substrate 101. In this modification, the loop parts 1041, 1043, and 1045 are provided on one side in the width direction. The loop parts 1042 and 1044 are provided on the opposite side in the width direction to the side where the loop parts 1041, 1043, and 1045 are provided. In addition, the loop part 1042 has a portion that overlaps with the loop parts 1041 and 1043 when projected from the width direction, and is arranged between the loop parts 1041 and 1043 in the length direction. Similarly, the loop portion 1044 has a portion that overlaps with the loop portions 1043 and 1045 when projected in the width direction, and is disposed between the loop portions 1043 and 1045 in the length direction.

[0040] Since the antenna 10 of this modification is configured as described above, the antenna 10 of this modification forms an area where the magnetic field generated has a high magnetic field strength in the length direction without interruption. Therefore, the antenna 10 of this modification can generate a magnetic field in a continuous and concentrated state in the length direction. Also in this modification, the lines 104 and 105 are provided between the power supply point 102 and the termination resistor 103, and each of the multiple loop parts 1041 to 1045 is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop parts (the four corresponding ones of 1041 to 1045). Therefore, the antenna 10 of this modification also achieves the same actions and effects as the above-mentioned embodiment and the like. Therefore, in the RFID tag issuing device 1 using the antenna 10 of this modification, even if the label paper 3 is shifted to some extent in the direction intersecting the conveying direction, it is possible to write information more reliably to the target RFID tag.

[0041] According to at least one of these embodiments, the antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a feed point, a termination resistor, and a line. The feed point is provided on the dielectric substrate. The termination resistor is provided on the dielectric substrate away from the feed point. The line is provided between the feed point and the termination resistor. The line includes a plurality of loop portions. Each of the plurality of loop portions is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions. This allows the antenna to generate a concentrated magnetic field.

[0042] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The following are additional notes. [1] A dielectric substrate; A feeding point provided on the dielectric substrate; a termination resistor provided on the dielectric substrate away from the feeding point; a line including a plurality of loop portions and provided between the power supply point and the termination resistor, wherein each of the plurality of loop portions is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions; An antenna comprising: [2] A plurality of the loop portions are arranged side by side in the length direction. 2. The antenna of claim 1. [3] The plurality of loop portions are arranged in a staggered pattern along the length direction, At least some of the loop portions among the plurality of loop portions are arranged in a state where they are shifted from each other in a width direction intersecting with the length direction. 3. An antenna as claimed in claim 1 or 2. [4] At least some of the loop portions among the plurality of loop portions are arranged in a state where they overlap each other when projected from the width direction. 4. The antenna of claim 3. [5] An antenna comprising: a dielectric substrate; a power feed point provided on the dielectric substrate; a termination resistor provided on the dielectric substrate away from the power feed point; and a line provided between the power feed point and the termination resistor, the line having a plurality of loop portions, each of the plurality of loop portions being disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions; A reader / writer main body that communicates with the RFID tag by the antenna; An RFID tag issuing device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1...RFID tag issuing device, 2...conveyor roller, 3...label paper, 4...platen roller, 5...mark sensor, 6...sensor signal input section, 7...motor, 8...motor drive section, 9...reader / writer, 10...antenna, 11...print head, 12...head drive section, 13...movement mechanism drive section, 14...notification section, 15...input section, 16...communication interface, 17...storage section, 18...processor, 21, 22...roller, 31...label, 32...backing paper, 33...R FID tag, 34...mark, 35...film, 36...tag antenna, 37...IC chip, 101...dielectric substrate, 102...feed point, 103...termination resistor, 104...line, 105...line, 106...ground layer, 107...via hole, 108...first surface (first main surface), 109...second surface (second main surface), 110...first end, 111...second end, 112, 113...vias, 1041-1045...loop portion, 1051-1056...relay portion.

Claims

1. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface facing one side in a thickness direction and a second main surface facing the opposite side to the side to which the first main surface faces; A feeding point provided on the dielectric substrate; a termination resistor provided on the dielectric substrate away from the feeding point; A line provided between the power supply point and the termination resistor; Equipped with the line includes a plurality of loop portions arranged on the first main surface and a plurality of relay portions arranged on the second main surface, In the line, each of the plurality of loop portions is disposed in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions. antenna.

2. The loop portions are arranged side by side in the length direction.

2. The antenna of claim 1.

3. The loop portions are arranged in a staggered pattern along the length direction, At least some of the loop portions among the plurality of loop portions are arranged in a state where they are shifted from each other in a width direction intersecting with the length direction.

3. An antenna as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. At least some of the loop portions among the plurality of loop portions are arranged in a state where they overlap each other when projected from the width direction.

4. The antenna of claim 3.

5. An antenna comprising: a dielectric substrate having a first main surface facing one side in a thickness direction and a second main surface facing the opposite side to the side to which the first main surface faces; a feed point provided on the dielectric substrate; a termination resistor provided on the dielectric substrate away from the feed point; and a line provided between the feed point and the termination resistor, the line having a plurality of loop portions arranged on the first main surface and a plurality of relay portions arranged on the second main surface, the line being arranged such that each of the plurality of loop portions is arranged in close proximity to at least one of the other loop portions; a reader / writer main body that communicates with an RFID tag via the antenna; An RFID tag issuing device comprising:

Images