Non-contact data transmitter

Abstract

To provide a non-contact data receiving / transmitting body hardly causing damage to an antenna even when an external force is applied to the antenna.SOLUTION: An RFID tag 10 includes: a substrate 1; a second antenna 2; and an outer package 3. The outer package 3 has the main surface on which an antenna holding groove is formed. The second antenna 2 includes: an electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 held in the antenna holding groove; and an extending part 22. The extending part 22 extends from an end part of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and extends outside the outer package 3. The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is housed in the antenna holding groove in a state of being displaceable in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The outer package 3 is formed so that the maximum movable angle when the second antenna 2 rotates around a rotation axis A1 orthogonal to the main surface becomes 14 to 40 degrees.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact data transmitter.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags have been used for purposes such as distribution management. An RFID tag includes, for example, an RFID chip and an antenna (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described RFID tag, an external force may be applied to the antenna due to deformation of the article to which the tag is to be installed or the like. Therefore, there is a demand for a non-contact data transmitter in which the antenna is not easily damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a non-contact data transmitter in which the antenna is not easily damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a non-contact data transceiver including a substrate provided with an RFID chip and a first antenna connected to the RFID chip, a second antenna separate from the substrate, and an exterior body having a main surface formed with a substrate holding portion for holding the substrate and an antenna holding groove for holding the second antenna. The second antenna includes an electromagnetic coupling portion held in the antenna holding groove and electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna, and an extending portion extending from an end of the electromagnetic coupling portion and extending outside the exterior body. The electromagnetic coupling portion is accommodated in the antenna holding groove in a state displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the length direction, and the exterior body is formed such that a maximum movable angle when the second antenna rotates around a rotation axis orthogonal to the main surface is 14 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0007] Preferably, in the non-contact data transceiver, a housing recess for housing a part of the extending portion is formed continuously with the antenna holding groove on the main surface of the exterior body.

[0008] Preferably, the electromagnetic coupling portion has a shape along the outer peripheral edge of the first antenna.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a non-contact data transceiver in which the antenna is less likely to be damaged even when an external force is applied to the antenna.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] [Non-contact data transmitter] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a non-contact data transmitter 10 according to the first embodiment. The non-contact data transmitter may be referred to as an “RFID tag”. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the RFID tag 10 with the lid portion 32 of the exterior body 3 opened. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RFID tag 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 10 includes a substrate 1, a second antenna 2, and an exterior body 3. The longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) of the main surface 31a (see FIG. 3) of the exterior body 3 is referred to as the X direction. One direction in the X direction (the right direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as the +X direction. The other direction in the X direction (the left direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as the -X direction. The short-side direction of the main surface 31a (see FIG. 3) of the exterior body 3 is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction in the plane along the main surface 31a. One direction in the Y direction (the upward direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as the +Y direction. The other direction in the Y direction (the downward direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as the -Y direction. The direction orthogonal to the main surface 31a of the exterior body 3 is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. Viewing from the Z direction is referred to as a plan view. The Z-axis is the central axis along the Z direction. The plane along the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as the XY plane.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 1 includes an RFID chip 11, a first antenna 12, and a base material 13.

[0014] The base material 13 is formed in a plate shape. The shape of the base material 13 in a plan view is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that at least a part of the outer peripheral edge 13a is in a curved shape. The curved shape is, for example, an elliptical arc shape, an arc shape, a higher-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve shape), etc. The higher-order curve shape is a parabolic shape, a hyperbolic shape, etc. The outer shape of the base material 13 in a plan view may be, for example, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, an oval shape (race track shape), etc. The outer shape of the base material 13 in a plan view is preferably a non-circular shape. In the present embodiment, the base material 13 has an elliptical shape. The base material 13 is oriented with the major axis direction in the X direction. As the base material 13, a glass epoxy resin substrate, a ceramic substrate, a plastic film, etc. can be used.

[0015] The RFID chip 11 can write and read information in a non-contact manner via the first antenna 12 and the second antenna 2. The RFID chip 11 is mounted on the base material 13.

[0016] The first antenna 12 is, for example, a conductive layer formed on one surface of the base material 13. The conductive layer is composed of, for example, a conductive foil, a plating layer, a conductive ink layer, etc. The conductive foil is a metal foil composed of, for example, copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive foil is formed into a predetermined shape by etching or the like. The plating layer is composed of a metal such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive ink layer is formed by printing or the like using conductive ink. The conductive ink contains conductive particles formed of a metal, a carbon material, etc.

[0017] The first antenna 12 is formed in a loop shape. The first antenna 12 has, for example, a curved shape along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the base material 13. In the present embodiment, the first antenna 12 is formed in an elliptical loop shape. The first antenna 12 is electrically connected to the RFID chip 11.

[0018] The second antenna 2 is an antenna for a booster. The second antenna 2 is, for example, a linear body. The second antenna 2 is formed of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, copper, or a copper alloy. The second antenna 2 can be formed of, for example, brass-plated steel wire. The second antenna 2 is separate from the substrate 1. Note that although the second antenna 2 in the present embodiment is a linear body, the shape of the second antenna is not particularly limited. The second antenna may be, for example, a plate-like body.

[0019] The second antenna 2 includes an electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and a pair of extending portions 22. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape. The "curved shape" is a shape that has no sharp bent portions and bends smoothly. Examples of the curved shape include an elliptical arc shape, an arc shape, and a higher-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve shape). Examples of the "higher-order curve shape" include a parabolic shape and a hyperbolic shape. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a semi-elliptical shape. Specifically, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex (the vertex on the major axis) of the ellipse to the other vertex (the vertex on the major axis).

[0020] In plan view, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape that surrounds at least a part of the substrate 1. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 surrounds a range (+Y-direction side semi-perimeter range) extending from one vertex (the vertex on the major axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (the vertex on the major axis).

[0021] In plan view, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12. The separation distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 12a is substantially constant. In plan view, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is located outside the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 and close to the outer peripheral edge 13a. In plan view, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape along the outer peripheral edge 13a. The separation distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 13a is substantially constant.

[0022] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is in non-contact electromagnetic field coupling with the first antenna 12. Electromagnetic field coupling is, for example, one of electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling. The shape of the cross-section orthogonal to the length direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is, for example, circular (see FIG. 5).

[0023] The pair of extending portions 22 extend from one and the other end portions 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, respectively. One of the pair of extending portions 22, the first extending portion 22A (see FIG. 1), extends in the -X direction while meandering from the -X direction end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The other of the pair of extending portions 22, the second extending portion 22B (see FIG. 1), extends in the +X direction while meandering from the +X direction end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21.

[0024] The shape of the extending portion 22 in plan view is a meander (serpentine) shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the extending portion 22 includes a plurality of straight portions 23 and a plurality of folding portions 24. The straight portions 23 are linear along the Y direction. The plurality of straight portions 23 are arranged in parallel at intervals in the X direction. The plurality of straight portions 23 have the same length as each other. The folding portion 24 connects the ends of adjacent straight portions 23. Specifically, the folding portion 24 alternately connects one and the other ends of adjacent straight portions 23. The folding portion 24 has a curved shape (for example, an arc shape).

[0025] The straight portion 23 closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as the "first straight portion 23A". The straight portion 23 second closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as the "second straight portion 23B". The straight portion 23 third closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as the "third straight portion 23C". The straight portion 23 nth (n is an integer of 1 or more) closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 among the plurality of straight portions 23 is referred to as the "nth straight portion 23".

[0026] The folded-back portion 24 that connects the first straight portion 23A and the second straight portion 23B is referred to as the "first folded-back portion 24A". The folded-back portion 24 that connects the second straight portion 23B and the third straight portion 23C is referred to as the "second folded-back portion 24B". The folded-back portion 24 that connects the m-th straight portion 23 (where m is an integer of 1 or more) and the (m + 1)-th straight portion 23 is referred to as the "m-th folded-back portion 24".

[0027] The first straight portion 23A extends from the end portion 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 in the -Y direction. The first folded-back portion 24A curves and extends from the -Y direction end portion of the first straight portion 23A and reaches the -Y direction end portion of the second straight portion 23B. The first folded-back portion 24A connects one end portion (the -Y direction end portion) of the first straight portion 23A and the second straight portion 23B. The second folded-back portion 24B connects the other end portions (the +Y direction end portions) of the second straight portion 23B and the third straight portion 23C. The p-th folded-back portion 24 (where p is an odd number) connects one end portion (the -Y direction end portion) of the p-th straight portion 23 and the (p + 1)-th straight portion 23. The q-th folded-back portion 24 (where q is an even number) connects the other end portions (the +Y direction end portions) of the q-th straight portion 23 and the (q + 1)-th straight portion 23.

[0028] Among the extending portions 22, the first straight portion 23A and a part of the first folded-back portion 24A are inside the exterior body 3, but the other parts of the extending portions 22 extend outside the exterior body 3 (see FIG. 3). Note that it is sufficient that a part of the extending portion 22 is arranged inside the exterior body 3.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior body 3 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 31, a plate-shaped lid portion 32, and a connecting portion 41. The exterior body 3 is plate-shaped as a whole. The main body portion 31, the lid portion 32, and the connecting portion 41 are formed of, for example, resin. Examples of the resin include polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyethylene, polyolefin resins; polyfluoroethylene-based resins such as polyvinyl fluoride; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, etc.

[0030] The main body portion 31, the lid portion 32, and the connecting portion 41 are integrally formed. Therefore, the lid portion 32 is integrally formed with the main body portion 31 via the connecting portion 41. The exterior body 3 can be manufactured by compression molding, injection molding, or the like. Since the lid portion 32 is integrally formed with the main body portion 31 via the connecting portion 41, the movement of the lid portion 32 in the direction of approaching and separating from the main body portion 31 may be restricted.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body portion 31 is rectangular in plan view. On the main surface 31a, which is one surface of the main body portion 31, a substrate holding recess 37 (substrate holding portion), an antenna holding groove 34, and a pair of accommodating recesses 35 are formed. The substrate holding recess 37 is formed by a substrate holding projection 33. The substrate holding recess 37 is a recess surrounded by the substrate holding projection 33.

[0032] The substrate holding projection 33 is an annular rib-shaped projection. The substrate holding projection 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1. The substrate holding projection 33 projects in the +Z direction from the main surface 31a. The shape of the cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the substrate holding projection 33 is, for example, rectangular. The substrate holding projection 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in plan view.

[0033] The substrate holding recess 37 holds the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 has a shape (for example, an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1. The inner dimension (inner diameter) of the substrate holding recess 37 is substantially the same as the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1, or slightly larger than the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 is similar in shape to the substrate 1 in plan view.

[0034] When the substrate 1 and the substrate holding recess 37 are non-circular (for example, elliptical), the inclination of the substrate 1 around the Z axis can be restricted, and the correct posture of the substrate 1 can be maintained. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the first antenna 12 and the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be maintained.

[0035] The antenna holding groove 34 accommodates the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The antenna holding groove 34 is formed outside the substrate holding convex portion 33 and close to the substrate holding convex portion 33. The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape along the substrate holding convex portion 33 in plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 in plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape in plan view. Specifically, the antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex (the vertex on the major axis) of the ellipse to the other vertex (the vertex on the major axis).

[0036] The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape surrounding at least a part of the substrate 1 in plan view. In the present embodiment, the antenna holding groove 34 surrounds a range (+Y direction side semi-peripheral range) extending from one vertex (the vertex on the major axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (the vertex on the major axis).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the antenna holding groove 34 is, for example, rectangular. The width (inner dimension) W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter (outer dimension) D1 of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21. The difference between the width W1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). Since the width W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state where it can be displaced in the wire diameter direction (for example, the Y direction). The "wire diameter direction" is a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21. The electromagnetic coupling portion 21 can also be displaced in the length direction with respect to the antenna holding groove 34.

[0038] The depth of the antenna holding groove 34 is determined such that the height (inner dimension) H1 from the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34 to the lid portion 32 (top surface 38a) is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21. The difference between the height H1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). Since the height H1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic coupling portion 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state where it can be displaced in the wire diameter direction (for example, the Z direction).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the accommodation recess 35 is formed on one side and the other side of the main surface 31a. The accommodation recess 35 is formed in communication with (that is, continuous with) the antenna holding groove 34. The accommodation recess 35 is formed in a region including at least a part of the side edge 31b of the main body portion 31 in plan view. The inner edge 35a of the accommodation recess 35 has a first straight portion 35b along the Y direction, a concave curved portion 35c, a convex curved portion 35d, and a second straight portion 35e along the Y direction.

[0040] The first straight portion 35b is a linear portion extending in the -Y direction starting from the end of the inner peripheral edge of the antenna holding groove 34. The concave curved portion 35c is curved so as to approach the side edge 31b while the inclination angle with respect to the X direction decreases, with the tip (-Y direction end) of the first straight portion 35b as the base end. The concave curved portion 35c is curved in a concave shape. The concave curved portion 35c has, for example, an arc shape. The tangent line at the base end of the concave curved portion 35c is along the Y direction. Therefore, the concave curved portion 35c is formed smoothly and continuously with respect to the first straight portion 35b.

[0041] The convex curved portion 35d is curved so as to approach the edge 31d of the main body portion 31 while the inclination angle with respect to the X direction increases, with the tip of the concave curved portion 35c as the base end. The convex curved portion 35d is curved in a convex shape. The convex curved portion 35d has, for example, an arc shape. The tangent line at the tip of the convex curved portion 35d is along the Y direction. The second straight portion 35e is a linear portion extending in the -Y direction from the tip of the convex curved portion 35d.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the accommodation recess 35 accommodates the first straight portion 23A of the second antenna 2 and a part of the first folded-back portion 24A in a plan view. The first straight portion 23A is close to the first straight portion 35b (see FIG. 4). The first folded-back portion 24A is close to the concave curved portion 35c (see FIG. 4). The accommodation recess 35 accommodates at least a part of a predetermined length range (the first straight portion 23A and a part of the first folded-back portion 24A) of the second antenna 2 in a plan view. Note that the accommodation recess 35 only needs to be able to accommodate a part of the extending portion 22.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, since there is a sufficient distance in the Y direction in the accommodation recess 35, a slit-shaped side-end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (the direction along the main surface 31a) is formed in the side-end edge 31b. The dimension in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the side-end opening 36 is preferably larger than the wire diameter of the extending portion 22. The second antenna 2 (specifically, the extending portion 22) extends outside the exterior body 3 through the side-end opening 36. As shown in FIG. 4, two locking recesses 39 are formed at different positions in the X direction on the +Y direction edge 31c of the main body portion 31.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the lid portion 32 is rectangular in a plan view. The lid portion 32 has the same shape as the main body portion 31 and is installed facing the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31. The lid portion 32 is installed so as to overlap the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 in a plan view.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the opposing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 is the surface facing the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31. A positioning groove 38 is formed in the opposing surface 32a. The positioning groove 38 is an annular groove. The shape of the cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the positioning groove 38 is, for example, rectangular.

[0046] The positioning groove 38 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) corresponding to the substrate holding convex portion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. The positioning groove 38 has a width that collectively encompasses the substrate holding convex portion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34 in a plan view. A part of the top surface 38a of the positioning groove 38 faces the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, two locking convex portions 40 are formed at different positions in the X direction on the +Y direction edge 32c of the lid portion 32. The locking convex portion 40 has a locking claw portion (not shown) formed at its tip. The locking convex portion 40 is inserted into the locking concave portion 39 (see FIG. 3) of the main body portion 31. The locking claw portion of the locking convex portion 40 locks to the main body portion 31. Thereby, the lid portion 32 is coupled to the main body portion 31.

[0048] The connecting portion 41 is formed in a sheet shape or a plate shape. The connecting portion 41 connects the -Y direction edge 31d of the main body portion 31 and the -Y direction edge 32d of the lid portion 32. The connecting portion 41 has bending elasticity in the thickness direction. Therefore, the lid portion 32 can open and close the main surface 31a by the elastic bending of the connecting portion 41 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The connecting portion 41 applies a large elastic repulsive force in the direction of opening the main surface 31a to the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 by its own bending elasticity. The connecting portion 41 is formed thinner than the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32, for example.

[0049] When the lid portion 32 is in the open state (see FIG. 3), the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 is opened. When the lid portion 32 is in the closed state (see FIG. 2), the lid portion 32 is overlapped on the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 and covers the main surface 31a when viewed from the Z direction. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 41 is bent. By the locking convex portion 40 of the lid portion 32 locking to the locking concave portion 39 of the main body portion 31, the exterior body 3 is maintained in the state where the lid portion 32 is closed.

[0050] The exterior body 3 shown in FIG. 2 is folded back at the connecting portion 41 so that the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 face each other, and thus the form of this exterior body 3 is referred to as a "folded-back form". In the folded-back form, the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 and the opposing surface 32a (see FIG. 5) of the lid portion 32 face each other. In the folded-back form, it is preferable that the main body portion 31 and the lid portion 32 are separated from each other except at the edges 31c, 32c (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0051] The exterior body 3 is not fixed to the second antenna 2. That is, the exterior body 3 is non-fixed with respect to the second antenna 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, a reference line L1 is defined for the second antenna 2. The reference line L1 is a line passing through the midpoints of the plurality of straight portions 23. The second antenna 2 is displaceable with respect to the exterior body 3 within the XY plane. The second antenna 2 can take a basic posture P1, a first inclined posture P2, and a second inclined posture P3. The second antenna 2 can also take a posture intermediate between the basic posture P1 and the first inclined posture P2. The second antenna 2 can also take a posture intermediate between the basic posture P1 and the second inclined posture P3.

[0053] The basic posture P1 is a posture in which the reference line L1 extends along the X direction. The first inclined posture P2 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the basic posture P1 and is inclined such that the reference line L1 slopes downward to the left in FIG. 1. The first inclined posture P2 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 is displaced the most counterclockwise. In the first inclined posture P2, a part of the second antenna 2 abuts against a part of the exterior body 3, and the counterclockwise rotation is restricted. The first inclined posture P2 is, for example, a posture in which in FIG. 3, the first straight portion 23A or the first folded-back portion 24A of the first extending portion 22A abuts against the inner edge 35a of the accommodating recess 35, and the counterclockwise rotation is restricted. The first inclined posture P2 may be a posture in which the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 abuts against the inner surface of the antenna holding groove 34 and the counterclockwise rotation is restricted.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, the second inclined posture P3 is a posture in which the second antenna 2 rotates clockwise with respect to the basic posture P1 and is inclined such that the reference line L1 slopes downward to the lower right in Fig. 1. The second inclined posture P3 is the posture in which the second antenna 2 is displaced the most clockwise. In the first inclined posture P2, a part of the second antenna 2 abuts against a part of the exterior body 3, and the clockwise rotation is restricted. The second inclined posture P3 is, for example, a posture in which the first straight line portion 23A or the first folded-back portion 24A of the second extending portion 22B abuts against the inner edge 35a of the accommodating recess 35 in Fig. 3, and the clockwise rotation is restricted. The second inclined posture P3 may be a posture in which the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 abuts against the inner surface of the antenna holding groove 34 and the clockwise rotation is restricted.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, the operation of the second antenna 2 that transitions from the basic posture P1 to the first inclined posture P2 can be said to be an operation of rotating around the rotation axis A1 orthogonal to the main surface 31a. The operation of the second antenna 2 that transitions from the basic posture P1 to the second inclined posture P3 can also be said to be an operation of rotating around the rotation axis A1. The rotation axis A1 passes through the center of the substrate 1, for example.

[0056] The inclination angle of the reference line L1 in the first inclined posture P2 with respect to the reference line L1 in the basic posture P1, and the inclination angle of the reference line L1 in the second inclined posture P3 with respect to the reference line L1 in the basic posture P1 are referred to as "θ". θ is 7 degrees to 20 degrees. Therefore, the maximum movable angle (maximum movable angle) when the second antenna 2 rotates around the rotation axis A1 is twice the inclination angle θ, that is, 14 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0057] When the maximum movable angle (2θ) is 14 degrees or more, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the second antenna 2 can be displaced according to the external force. Therefore, stress concentration at the base end portion of the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Thus, breakage of the base end portion of the extending portion 22 is less likely to occur. When the maximum movable angle (2θ) is 40 degrees or less, the posture of the second antenna 2 with respect to the substrate 1 can be stabilized, so that the distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the first antenna 12 becomes appropriate. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the first antenna 12 becomes good.

[0058] The RFID tag 10 can be installed on an article to be installed. The RFID tag 10 may be installed on the surface of the article or embedded in the article. For example, when the article is deformed, an external force may act on the second antenna 2. For example, it is conceivable that an external force in a direction of rotating around the rotation axis A1 acts on the extending portion 22. It is also conceivable that a tensile force in a direction away from the exterior body 3 along the X direction acts on the extending portion 22. It is also conceivable that an external force in a direction approaching the exterior body 3 along the X direction acts on the extending portion 22.

[0059] [Effects of the RFID tag according to the embodiment] In the RFID tag 10, since the exterior body 3 is formed such that the maximum movable angle (2θ) when the second antenna 2 rotates around the rotation axis A1 is 14 degrees to 40 degrees, when an external force acts on the extending portion 22, the second antenna 2 can be displaced according to the external force. Therefore, stress concentration at the base end portion of the extending portion 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, breakage of the second antenna 2 (for example, the base end portion of the extending portion 22) is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, when the second antenna 2 is fixed to the exterior body 3, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, stress concentrates on the base end portion of the extending portion 22, and there is a possibility that the second antenna 2 is likely to be damaged at this location.

[0060] Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a shape along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12. Since the antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be arranged along the first antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12.

[0061] Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a curved shape (e.g., semi-elliptical shape), stress concentration is less likely to occur compared to the case of a rectangular shape even when an external force acts on the second antenna 2. Therefore, breakage of the second antenna 2 can be made less likely to occur. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic field coupling portion is rectangular, when an external force acts on the second antenna, stress concentrates at the corners (bending portions), and there is a possibility that the second antenna 2 is likely to be damaged at this location.

[0062] The exterior body 3 can prevent the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 from falling off the main body portion 31 by the lid portion 32. Therefore, the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 can be stably held in the exterior body 3.

[0063] In the RFID tag 10, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (direction along the main surface 31a) is formed at the side end edge 31b of the exterior body 3. Therefore, the second antenna 2 can be displaced in the Y direction with respect to the exterior body 3. Accordingly, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, stress is easily relaxed by the displacement. Therefore, breakage of the second antenna 2 can be made less likely to occur.

[0064] [Contactless Data Transmitter] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an RFID tag 110 according to the second embodiment. For the common configuration with the RFID tag 10 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the RFID tag 110 is different from the RFID tag 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes an exterior body 103 instead of the exterior body 3.

[0065] The exterior body 103 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 131 and a plate-shaped lid portion 132. The exterior body 103 is different from the exterior body 3 shown in FIG. 2 in that the main body portion 131 and the lid portion 132 are separate bodies. On the main body portion 131, two locking recesses 39 are formed at different positions in the X direction not only at the edge 131c in the +Y direction but also at the edge 131d in the -Y direction. On the lid portion 132, two locking protrusions 40 are formed at different positions in the X direction not only at the edge 132c in the +Y direction but also at the edge 132d in the -Y direction. The locking protrusion 40 is inserted into the locking recess 39 of the main body portion 31 and locks to the main body portion 31. Thereby, the lid portion 32 is detachably coupled to the main body portion 31.

[0066] The main body portion 131 has the same structure as the main body portion 31 shown in FIG. 2 except for the locking structure (locking recess 39 and locking protrusion 40) with the lid portion 132. Therefore, the RFID tag 110 exhibits the same effects as the RFID tag 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[0067] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the RFID tag 10, the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 and the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 are curved over the entire circumference, but the substrate and the first antenna may have a curved shape for a part of the outer peripheral edge. The exterior body 3 includes a main body portion 31 and a lid portion 32, but the configuration of the exterior body is not particularly limited. For example, the exterior body may not include a lid portion. The exterior body is not limited to a plate shape and may have other shapes (such as a block shape). In the RFID tag 10, the extending portion 22 has a meander shape, but the shape of the extending portion is not particularly limited. The extending portion may be, for example, linear, rectangular plate-shaped, rectangular frame-shaped, or the like.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1… Substrate, 2… Second antenna, 3, 103… Exterior body, 10, 110… RFID tag (non-contact data transceiver), 11… RFID chip, 12… First antenna, 12a… Outer peripheral edge, 21… Electromagnetic coupling part, 21a… End part, 22… Extension part, 23… Straight part, 24… Folding part, 31, 131… Main body part, 31a… Main surface, 34… Antenna holding groove, 35… Accommodation recess, 37… Substrate holding recess (substrate holding part), A1… Rotation axis.

Claims

1. a substrate provided with an RFID chip and a first antenna connected to the RFID chip; a second antenna separate from the substrate; an exterior body having a main surface formed with a substrate holding portion for holding the substrate and an antenna holding groove for holding the second antenna; comprising wherein the second antenna comprises an electromagnetic coupling portion held in the antenna holding groove and electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna; and an extension portion extending from an end of the electromagnetic coupling portion and extending outside the exterior body; comprising wherein the electromagnetic coupling portion is accommodated in the antenna holding groove in a state displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the length direction; the exterior body is a non-contact data transceiver formed such that a maximum movable angle when the second antenna rotates around a rotation axis orthogonal to the main surface is 14 degrees to 40 degrees.

2. The non-contact data transceiver according to claim 1, wherein a receiving recess for receiving a part of the extension portion is formed continuously with the antenna holding groove on the main surface of the exterior body.

3. The non-contact data transceiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electromagnetic coupling portion has a shape along the outer peripheral edge of the first antenna.

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