RF tagged pallet and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To firmly fix an RF tag to a pallet and reduce damage to the RF tag due to an external impact when managing a pallet or a workpiece carried on the pallet.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an RF tagged pallet including: a pallet used for transporting or storing a workpiece; an RF tag 40 attached to the pallet; a first silicone cured body 20 encasing the RF tag 40 disposed on one surface of a plate 10 constituting the pallet; and a rivet 30 of a second silicone cured body inserted and fixed to the first silicone cured body 20 through the plate 10 from one surface of the plate 10 to the other surface on the opposite side. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the RF tagged pallet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet with an RF tag and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the use of management systems for easily and reliably managing various members using RF (Radio Frequency) tags and barcodes has been spreading.

[0003] As an example, a transport system equipped with an RF system for identifying the types of workpieces can be cited. This transport system includes an RF tag attached to a pallet with the type information of the workpiece mounted on the pallet, and a reader for reading the information of the RF tag. Thereby, in a transport system that supplies and discharges workpieces by a shared supply conveyor and a shared discharge conveyor to a plurality of processing apparatuses, even when switching the workpiece type, it is possible to provide a transport system in which the lot integrity of the workpiece type on the discharge conveyor is maintained without causing a decrease in the operation rate of the equipment (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the prior art as described above, when attaching an RF tag to a pallet, usually, an adhesive tape or a double-sided adhesive tape is used. However, such a fixing method has a problem that the RF tag is likely to be peeled off from the pallet due to long-term use. In addition, there is a problem that the RF tag is likely to be damaged by an external impact.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above problems, and aims to enable the secure attachment of RF tags to pallets when managing pallets or products (workpieces) transported on pallets, and to reduce damage to RF tags due to external impacts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) An RF tagged pallet according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is: Pallets used for transporting or storing workpieces, An RF tag attached to the pallet, A first silicone cured body enclosing the RF tag, which is positioned on one side of the plate constituting the pallet, A rivet of the second silicone cured body is inserted and fixed into the first silicone cured body, penetrating the plate from the other side of the plate opposite to the one side of the plate, This is an RF tagged pallet equipped with [feature / feature]. (2) In another embodiment of the RF tagged pallet, preferably the first silicone cured body may be a condensation reaction type silicone rubber. (3) In a method for manufacturing an RF tagged pallet according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective, The RF tagged pallet is Pallets used for transporting or storing workpieces, An RF tag attached to the pallet, A first silicone cured body enclosing the RF tag, which is positioned on one side of the plate constituting the pallet, A rivet of the second silicone cured body is inserted and fixed into the first silicone cured body, penetrating the plate from the other side of the plate opposite to the one side of the plate, It is equipped with, The method for manufacturing the RF tagged pallet is as follows: A hole forming step is to form a hole in a part of the plate constituting the pallet that penetrates in the thickness direction of the plate, An RF tag embedding step is performed in which the RF tag is embedded in an uncured curable silicone composition that hardens to become the first silicone cured body, A rivet installation step involves inserting the rivet through the hole into the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded, The method includes a curing step, after the rivet installation step, in which the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded is cured to fix the first cured silicone body and the rivet. (4) In a method for manufacturing an RF tagged pallet according to another embodiment, preferably the curing step may involve curing the curable silicone composition by a condensation reaction using moisture in the air. (5) In a method for manufacturing an RF tagged pallet according to another embodiment, preferably the rivet installation step is: A placement step of placing the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded on one side of the plate, Insertion step of inserting the rivet through the hole into the curable silicone composition arranged on one of the aforementioned surfaces, It may include this. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when managing pallets or workpieces transported on pallets, RF tags can be firmly fixed to the pallet, and damage to the RF tags due to external impacts can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, and a magnified photograph of a portion A of the bottom view of an RF-tagged pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a top view and a right side view (2A) of an RF tagged pallet relating to Modification 1, which differs from Figure 1; a top view and a front view (2B) of an RF tagged pallet relating to Modification 2, which differs from Figure 1; and a magnified photograph (2C) of a part of Modification 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view near an RF tag attached to a plate constituting the pallet with an RF tag of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flow of each process for manufacturing a main part of the pallet with an RF tag of FIG. 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to each claim of the claims. Also, not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Pallet with an RF tag FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view of a pallet with an RF tag according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged photograph of a part A of the bottom view. FIG. 2 shows a plan view and a right side view (2A) of a pallet with an RF tag according to Modification 1 different from FIG. 1, a plan view and a front view (2B) of a pallet with an RF tag according to Modification 2 different from FIG. 1, and an enlarged photograph (2C) of a part of Modification 1. In (2A) and (2B), suitable dimensions (unit: mm) are also shown. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view near an RF tag attached to a plate constituting the pallet with an RF tag of FIG. 1. Here, the “longitudinal sectional view” means a sectional view cut along the direction from the first silicone cured body toward the rivet.

[0012] The RF-tagged pallet 1 according to this embodiment and its modified examples 1 and 2 includes a pallet 5 used for transporting or storing a workpiece, an RF tag 40 attached to the pallet 5, a first silicone cured body 20 that wraps the RF tag 40 disposed on one surface of a plate 10 constituting the pallet 5, and a rivet 30 of a second silicone cured body that penetrates the plate 10 from the other surface opposite to one surface of the plate 10 and is inserted and fixed to the first silicone cured body. The RF tag 40 is preferably completely covered by the first silicone cured body around it. Therefore, the RF tag 40 can reduce the risk of being damaged by an external impact. Note that the pallet 5 constituting the RF-tagged pallet 1 according to modified examples 1 and 2 is different from the pallet 5 constituting the RF-tagged pallet 1 in FIG. 1 in that it is a pallet with holes.

[0013] The pallet 5 is a structure used for transporting or storing a workpiece. In this embodiment and its modified examples 1 and 2, the pallet 5 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but there is no restriction on the shape. The pallet 5 includes an outer frame and a reinforcing plate for reinforcing the outer frame. In the present application, both the plate constituting the outer frame and the outer frame reinforcing plate are referred to as "plates".

[0014] The RF tag 40 may also be referred to by other names such as an electronic tag, an IC tag, a wireless tag, an RF tag, etc. The "RF tag" referred to in this embodiment and its modified examples 1 and 2 is preferably used in conjunction with a corresponding reader (in addition to a dedicated receiving device, something with a reader function on a PC or a smartphone, etc.) and can transmit or transmit and receive data in a non-contact manner with the reader. Such non-contact transmission or transmission and reception is preferably performed by radio waves. Note that the reader may also function as a writer (writing). The RF tag 40 is preferably an integrated unit of components such as a control circuit including an IC chip, a memory, and an antenna.

[0015] The RF tag 40 may include any of the following: a passive tag that can operate using radio waves from a reader as energy and does not have a built-in battery; an active tag that has a built-in battery and emits radio waves using its own power; or a semi-active tag that has a built-in battery but passively initiates communication with a higher-level system. Preferably, the RF tag 40 is a passive tag. Furthermore, the RF tag 40 may be a tag that can be driven by either electromagnetic induction or radio waves. The shape of the RF tag 40 may be any shape, such as a box (i.e., a rectangular prism), a sphere, an egg, a card, a coin, a stick, or a label.

[0016] The first silicone cured body 20 is a silicone elastomer, and its main chain is a silicone rubber or silicone resin having siloxane bonds (Si-O bonds). The first silicone cured body 20 may be either a condensation reaction type silicone rubber or an addition reaction type (also called an addition curing type) silicone rubber, but is preferably a condensation reaction type silicone rubber that can be cured by moisture in the air.

[0017] The rivet 30 is a screw-type second silicone cured body that is fixed to the first silicone cured body 20. Alternatively, an uncured silicone composition may be used instead of the second silicone cured body. The rivet 30 preferably comprises a shaft portion 31 and a head portion 32. The shaft portion 31 is inserted and fixed into the first silicone cured body 20 through a hole 15 that penetrates the plate 10 in its thickness direction. The head portion 32 is larger than the hole 15. As a result, the rivet 30 and the first silicone cured body 20 are integrated with the plate 10 in between. Both the rivet 30 and the first silicone cured body 20 are silicone elastomers. Therefore, the rivet 30 and the first silicone cured body 20 are integrated from the same material.

[0018] 2. Manufacturing method for RF tagged pallets (1) Materials for the first silicone cured body The first silicone cured body 20 is formed by curing a curable silicone composition. In its uncured state, the curable silicone composition can maintain an independent shape and is deformable according to the pressure applied. Therefore, the uncured curable silicone composition can be easily deformed to embed the RFID tag 40, and by deforming it according to the unevenness and curved surfaces of the placement location, it is possible to ensure close adhesion regardless of the surface shape of the placement location. Furthermore, by applying a primer to the placement location, the adhesive strength between the first silicone cured body 20 and the plate 10 can be further enhanced.

[0019] The uncured curable silicone composition preferably has a Williams plasticity of 50 to 500 at 25°C, more preferably 50 to 300, and even more preferably 50 to 250. The Williams plasticity is measured using a parallel plate plasticity meter (Williams spurt meter) in accordance with the measurement method specified in JIS K 6249 "Test Methods for Uncured and Cured Silicone Rubber".

[0020] The curing type of the curable silicone composition may be either a condensation reaction type or an addition reaction type, but it is preferably a condensation reaction type that can be easily cured by reaction with moisture in the air when left at room temperature. A condensation reaction type curable silicone composition is a composition that can be fixed by a simple method without requiring any special skills for handling from placement to curing.

[0021] The following describes in detail condensation reaction type curable silicone compositions that can be suitably used in this embodiment and its 1 and 2 variations.

[0022] Condensation reaction type curable silicone compositions mainly consist of the following components.

[0023] (1-1) Organopolysiloxane Organopolysiloxane is the main component of condensation reaction type curable silicone composition and is a diorganopolysiloxane represented by the following chemical formula (1) or chemical formula (2).

[0024] [ka]

[0025] [ka]

[0026] In the above chemical formulas (1) and (2), R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group. R can be one or more hydrocarbon groups selected from alkyl groups (methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, 2-ethylbutyl group, octyl group, etc.), cycloalkyl groups (cyclohexyl group, cyclopentyl group, etc.), alkenyl groups (vinyl group, propenyl group, butenyl group, heptenyl group, hexenyl group, allyl group, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl group, tolyl group, xylyl group, naphthyl group, diphenyl group, etc.), aralkyl groups (benzyl group, phenylethyl group, etc.), and hydrocarbon groups in which at least some of the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms of the above hydrocarbon groups are substituted with halogens or cyano groups, etc. (chloromethyl group, trifluoropropyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group, 3-cyanopropyl group, etc.). The number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 1 to 12, and more preferably 1 to 10.

[0027] In the above chemical formulas (1) and (2), A is an oxygen atom or -(CH2) m -(m is 1 to 8) is a polymethylene group (including a methylene group). A is preferably an oxygen atom or an ethylene group.

[0028] In the above chemical formulas (1) and (2), n is the kinematic viscosity of component (1-1) at 25°C, ranging from 100 to 1,000,000 cm². 2 This is any number within the range of / s. The kinematic viscosity is 500 to 500,000 cm². 2It is even more preferable to keep it within the range of / s.

[0029] In the above chemical formulas (1) and (2), B is a hydrolyzable group. Examples of B include alkoxy groups (methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, etc.), ketoxime groups (dimethylketoxime, methylethylketoxime, etc.), acyloxy groups (acetoxy, etc.), and alkenyloxy groups (isopropenyloxy, isobutenyloxy, etc.). Note that x in the above chemical formulas (1) and (2) is either 2 or 3.

[0030] The above component (1-1) can be produced by known methods (for example, by an equilibrium reaction using a cyclic siloxane or linear oligomer with an acid catalyst or a base catalyst).

[0031] Furthermore, when introducing a branched structure to the diorganopolysiloxane, which is component (1-1), the conventional method is to use SiO during polymerization. 3 / 2 Units and SiO 4 / 2 A method can be used in which a silane or siloxane containing at least one of the units is added to such an extent that the diorganopolysiloxane does not gel. (1-1) For the component, it is preferable to remove low molecular weight siloxane by washing or the like in order to reduce contamination before use.

[0032] (1-2) Crosslinking agents As the crosslinking agent, a silane having two or more, preferably three or more, hydrolyzable groups in one molecule, or a partially hydrolyzed condensate of said silane is used. Examples of hydrolyzable groups include alkoxy groups (methoxy group, ethoxy group, butoxy group, etc.), ketoxime groups (dimethylketoxime group, methylethylketoxime group, etc.), acyloxy groups (acetoxy group, etc.), alkenyloxy groups (isopropenyloxy group, isobutenyloxy group, etc.), amino groups (N-butylamino group, N,N-diethylamino group, etc.), and amide groups (N-methylacetamide group, etc.). Among these, alkoxy groups, ketoxime groups, acyloxy groups, and alkenyloxy groups are preferred. The amount of crosslinking agent is preferably in the range of 1 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably in the range of 2 to 30 parts by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1).

[0033] (1-3) Curing catalyst While a curing catalyst is not essential, its use can accelerate the curing of condensation-type curable silicone compositions. Examples of curing catalysts include alkyltin ester compounds (dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin dioctoate, etc.), titanate esters or titanium chelate compounds (tetraisopropoxytitanium, tetra-n-butoxytitanium, tetrakis(2-ethylhexoxy)titanium, dipropoxybis(acetylacetona)titanium, titanium isopropoxyoctylene glycol, etc.), other suitable organometallic compounds (zinc naphthenate, zinc stearate, zinc-2-ethyloctoate, iron-2-ethylhexoate, cobalt-2-ethylhexoate, manganese-2-ethylhexoate, cobalt naphthenate, alkoxyaluminum compounds, etc.), and aminoalkyl group-substituted alkoxysilanes (3-aminopropyl Examples include triethoxysilanes (such as N-β(aminoethyl)γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane), amine compounds or their salts (such as hexylamine and dodecylamine phosphate), quaternary ammonium salts (such as benzyltriethylammonium acetate), alkali metal lower fatty acid salts (such as potassium acetate, sodium acetate, and lithium oxalate), alkali metal lower fatty acid salts, dialkylhydroxylamines (such as dimethylhydroxylamine and diethylhydroxylamine), and silanes or siloxanes having a guanidyl group (such as tetramethylguanidylpropyltrimethoxysilane, tetramethylguanidylpropylmethyldimethoxysilane, and tetramethylguanidylpropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane). These may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more. The amount of curing catalyst blended is preferably in the range of 0 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1), more preferably in the range of 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass.

[0034] (1-4) Fillers Fillers are not essential, but can be suitably used for purposes such as reinforcement. Examples of fillers include reinforcing agents (fumed silica, precipitated silica, silica whose surface has been hydrophobized with organosilicon compounds, quartz powder, talc, zeolite, bentonite, etc.), fibrous fillers (asbestos, glass fibers, organic fibers, etc.), and basic fillers (calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, Celite, etc.). Among these, silica, calcium carbonate, and zeolite are preferred, and fumed silica and calcium carbonate whose surfaces have been hydrophobized are even more preferred. The amount of the above filler can be selected depending on the purpose and type of filler, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 90 volume percent relative to component (1-1), and preferably in the range of 5 to 60 volume percent.

[0035] (1-5) Adhesive properties imparting component Adhesion-imparting components are not essential but are preferably used. Examples of adhesion-imparting components include amino group-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), epoxy group-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), mercapto-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), and reaction mixtures of amino group-containing organoalkoxysilanes and epoxy group-containing organoalkoxysilanes. The amount of adhesion-imparting component is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1).

[0036] (2) Flow of the manufacturing process Figure 4 shows the flow of each process for manufacturing the essential components of the RF-tagged pallet shown in Figure 3.

[0037] The method for manufacturing an RF-tagged pallet according to this embodiment and its modifications 1 and 2 is as follows: A hole forming step (S100) is performed to form a hole 15 that penetrates through a portion of the plate 10 that makes up the pallet 5 in the thickness direction of the plate 10, The process includes an RF tag embedding step (S200) in which an RF tag 40 is embedded in an uncured curable silicone composition that will harden to become a first silicone cured body 20, The curable silicone composition in which the RF tag 40 is embedded is subjected to a rivet installation step (S300) in which a rivet 30 is inserted through a hole 15, The process includes a curing step (S400) after the rivet installation step (S300), in which the curable silicone composition with the embedded RF tag 40 is cured to fix the first cured silicone body 20 and the rivet 30. The RF tagged pallet 1 has the configuration described in item 1 in this embodiment and its modified examples 1 and 2. In this embodiment and its modified examples 1 and 2, the curing step (S400) is preferably a step in which the curable silicone composition is cured by a condensation reaction using moisture in the air.

[0038] The rivet installation step (S300) may include a placement step (S310) in which the curable silicone composition with the RF tag 40 embedded is placed on one side of the plate 10, and an insertion step (S320) in which the rivet 30 is inserted into the curable silicone composition placed on the one side through the hole 15. Furthermore, steps S310 and S320 may be performed in reverse order. Moreover, steps S100 and S200 may be performed in reverse order.

[0039] 3. Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments and 1 and 2 of its modifications, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and 1 and 2 of its modifications, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0040] For example, in the embodiments and their modifications 1 and 2 described above, the rivet 30 is a silicone cured body whose manufacturing method is not limited, but it may also be a cured body obtained by curing a condensation reaction type curable silicone composition similar to the first silicone cured body 20, a cured body obtained by curing an addition reaction type curable silicone composition, a cured body obtained by curing a photocurable type curable silicone composition, or a cured body obtained by curing an electron beam curable type curable silicone composition.

[0041] In the above embodiment, a hole 15 is made in the reinforcing plate inside the housing of the pallet 5, and the first silicone cured body 20 containing the RF tag 40 and the rivet 30 are fixed to it. However, instead of the reinforcing plate, the hole 15 may be made in the plate that constitutes the outer frame of the pallet 5, and the first silicone cured body 20 containing the RF tag 40 and the rivet 30 may be fixed to it. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] This invention is applicable to industries that use pallets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1...Pallet with RF tag, 5...Pallet, 10...Plate, 15...Hole, 20...First silicone cured body, 30...Rivet, 31...Shaft, 32...Head, 40...RF tag.

Claims

1. Pallets used for transporting or storing workpieces, An RF tag attached to the aforementioned pallet, A first silicone cured body enclosing the RF tag, which is placed on one side of the plate constituting the pallet, A rivet of the second silicone cured body is inserted and fixed into the first silicone cured body, penetrating the plate from the other side of the plate opposite to the one side of the plate, A pallet equipped with RF tags.

2. The RF tagged pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the first silicone cured body is a condensation reaction type silicone rubber.

3. A method for manufacturing RF tagged pallets, The RF tagged pallet is Pallets used for transporting or storing workpieces, An RF tag attached to the aforementioned pallet, A first silicone cured body enclosing the RF tag, which is placed on one side of the plate constituting the pallet, A rivet of the second silicone cured body is inserted and fixed into the first silicone cured body, penetrating the plate from the other side of the plate opposite to the one side of the plate, It is equipped with, A hole forming step is to form a hole in a part of the plate constituting the pallet that penetrates in the thickness direction of the plate, An RF tag embedding step is performed in which the RF tag is embedded in an uncured curable silicone composition that hardens to become the first silicone cured body, A rivet installation step involves inserting the rivet through the hole into the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded, After the rivet installation step, a curing step is performed to cure the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded to fix the first cured silicone body and the rivet. A method for manufacturing an RF-tagged pallet, characterized by including the following:

4. The method for manufacturing an RF-tagged pallet according to claim 3, characterized in that the curing step involves curing the curable silicone composition by a condensation reaction using moisture in the air.

5. The rivet installation step includes a placement step of placing the curable silicone composition in which the RF tag is embedded on one surface of the plate, Insertion step of inserting the rivet through the hole into the curable silicone composition arranged on one of the aforementioned surfaces, A method for manufacturing an RF tagged pallet according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by including the following:

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