RF tag attachment method

Abstract

This invention provides a method for attaching RF tags to recesses using a simple method. [Solution] An RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag 5 to an article 1 having an attachment recess 15 recessed on its surface 2 so as to open outward, the method comprising a press-fitting step, in which the RF tag 5 is pressed into the attachment recess 15 from the outside using a press tool 13 of the attachment equipment.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag to an article. [Background Art]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a method for fixing a communication tag, which includes a step of fixing the communication tag to a portion to be fixed. Specifically, the communication tag is placed at the center of a recess, a release agent is applied to the upper surface of the communication tag, and an adhesive is supplied into the recess, for example, so as not to overflow from the recess.

[0003] Through these steps, the communication tag is fixed to the recess. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-99350 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, with the conventional method, unless the adhesive is sufficiently filled into the recess, the communication tag cannot be firmly fixed to the recess, which means that it takes time and effort to mount the communication tag in the recess.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an RF tag attachment method that allows an RF tag to be attached to a recess by a simple method. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] The present invention is an RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag to an article in which an attachment recess is recessed so as to open outward on a surface, the method comprising a press-fitting step, wherein the press-fitting step is characterized by press-fitting the RF tag into the attachment recess from the outside using an attachment device.

[0008] In this invention, the press-fitting process involves using mounting equipment to press-fit the RF tag into the mounting recess from the outside, thereby allowing the RF tag to be press-fitted and fixed into the mounting recess. Therefore, the RF tag can be easily attached to the mounting recess without the need for adhesives or the like.

[0009] In the RF tag attachment method of the present invention, the attachment recess has a side surface that forms the inside of the recess, and the press-fitting step may be performed by press-fitting the RF tag into the attachment recess by having the RF tag in contact with the side surface.

[0010] In this invention, as part of the press-fitting process, the RF tag is pressed into the mounting recess by being in contact with the side surface, so that the RF tag can be easily and reliably attached to the mounting recess.

[0011] In the RF tag mounting method of the present invention, the RF tag has a plurality of corners on its outer circumference, and the press-fitting step may be performed by press-fitting the RF tag into the mounting recess so that at least two of the plurality of corners are in contact with the side surface.

[0012] In this invention, the RF tag has multiple corners on its outer circumference, and in the press-fitting process, at least two of the multiple corners are in contact with the side surface, and the RF tag is press-fitted into the mounting recess. This in-contact between the corners and the side surface allows the RF tag to be attached easily and reliably. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the RF tag other than the corners is spaced apart from the side surface, the radio waves for communication of the RF tag pass through this spaced gap, improving communication performance.

[0013] In the RF tag attachment method of the present invention, the attachment recess has a bottom surface that serves as the bottom of the recess, and the press-fitting step may be performed such that the RF tag is pressed in such a manner that it is spaced apart from the bottom surface.

[0014] In this invention, the mounting recess has a bottom surface that forms the bottom of the recess, and in the press-fitting process, the RF tag is pressed in so that it is spaced apart from the bottom surface. As a result, the radio waves for communication of the RF tag can pass through the spaced gap between the RF tag and the bottom surface, thereby improving communication performance.

[0015] In the RF tag attachment method of the present invention, an expanded recess with a larger opening diameter than the attachment recess is provided on the surface of the article, on the surface side of the attachment recess, and the press-fitting step may be performed such that a part of the RF tag is press-fitted into the attachment recess, and the other part of the RF tag protrudes from the attachment recess towards the surface and fits into the expanded recess.

[0016] In this invention, an expanded recess with a larger opening diameter than the mounting recess is provided on the surface of the article, and a portion of the RF tag can be easily placed in the mounting recess. During the press-fitting process, the RF tag is press-fitted into the side, so the RF tag can be attached easily and reliably. Furthermore, during the press-fitting process, the remaining part of the RF tag protrudes from the mounting recess towards the surface and fits inside the expanded recess, which allows the RF tag's radio waves to pass through more easily and improves communication performance.

[0017] In the RF tag mounting method of the present invention, the mounting recess comprises a bottom surface that forms the bottom of the recess, a side surface that rises from the bottom surface toward the surface, and a guide surface that is continuous with the side surface toward the surface and widens outward in diameter toward the surface toward the surface, and the press-fitting step can also be used to press-fit the RF tag that is placed on the guide surface.

[0018] In this invention, the mounting recess comprises a bottom surface that forms the bottom of the recess, a side surface that rises from the bottom surface toward the surface, and a guide surface that is continuous with the side surface toward the surface and widens radially outward toward the surface toward the opening diameter. The press-fitting process involves press-fitting the RF tag placed on the guide surface, so that the RF tag can be positioned and press-fitted in the correct location relative to the mounting recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the RF tag attachment method of the present invention, the RF tag can be press-fitted and fixed into the attachment recess, so the RF tag can be easily attached to the attachment recess without using an adhesive or the like. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a process diagram of the RF tag attachment method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing an article placing step, (b) is an RF tag placing step, (c) is a press-fitting step, and (d) is a final step. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of a fitting recess in the article placing step, and FIG. 2(b) is a plan view of the fitting recess. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of an RF tag placed in the fitting recess in the RF tag placing step, and FIG. 3(b) is a plan view of the RF tag placed in the fitting recess. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a press surface of a pressing tool approaches the RF tag in the press-fitting step, and FIG. 4(b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the press surface of the pressing tool presses the RF tag. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the press surface of the pressing tool is separated from the RF tag in the final step, and FIG. 5(b) is a plan view showing a state where the RF tag is press-fitted into the fitting recess. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an RF tag is press-fitted into a fitting recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an RF tag is press-fitted into a fitting recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an RF tag is press-fitted into a fitting recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an RF tag is press-fitted into a fitting recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an RF tag is press-fitted into a fitting recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 11] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 12] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 13] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 14] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 15] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 16] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 17] An example of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the RF tag has been press-fitted into the recess in the final step, and (b) is a plan view showing an article with a curved cross-sectional shape. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] A method for attaching an RF tag according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In this method, as shown in Figure 1, a recess 3 is formed in one surface 2 of an article 1 so as to open outward, and an RF tag 5 is pressed into the surface 2 using an attachment device 4.

[0022] Before describing the RF tag attachment method, we will explain item 1, RF tag 5, and attachment equipment 4.

[0023] [Goods] Article 1 handled in this embodiment may be metal products such as column components, bolts, nuts, washers, spring washers, stirring screws, drills, and medical devices (surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors) (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, bronze, bronze titanium, etc.), or synthetic resin products such as pipe fitting caps (PEEK, PTFE, polyethylene, etc.).

[0024] As an example of Article 1, Figure 1 shows a metal product, specifically a column component, which is an end fitting for a column pipe. Article 1 has a polygonal prism-shaped outer surface and therefore has a polygonal (hexagonal in this embodiment) surface. A recess 3 is pre-formed on one surface 2 of Article 1 so as to open outward, and an RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the recess 3. One surface 2 is flat. The recess 3 will be described later.

[0025] [RF tag] This section explains RF tags 5. RF tags 5, also known as IC tags or wireless tags, are information media that incorporate semiconductor memory to hold data written via inductive electromagnetic fields or radio waves, and can be read, written to, and rewritten wirelessly. RF tags 5 can record information about item 1, such as item information and usage history. Data communication is performed by bringing a reader / writer antenna suitable for RF tags 5 close to the RF tag 5.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the RF tag 5 is a rectangular prism shape having different height and width dimensions, in this case a square prism shape, and has four corners 8 on its outer circumference (diagonally opposite when viewed from above). That is, the RF tag 5 has an upper surface 6, a lower surface 7 that faces the upper surface 6 below, and four tag sides 9 that are continuous between the upper surface 6 and the lower surface 7. The tag sides 9 do not have corners 8, and the tag sides 9 form corners 8 with each other.

[0027] Each corner 8 has the height dimension of the RF tag 5, and each corner 8 has an upper corner region 8a located above it, and a lower corner region 8b located below the upper corner region 8a.

[0028] The type, size, and performance of the RF tag 5 used can be arbitrarily set by the user, so there are no particular limitations, but examples include a micro metal tag (size 2.2mm x 2.5mm x 0.91mm, frequency UHF band, communication range up to 5mm (varies depending on the environment, up to 3.6mm when the tag is attached to metal), memory size TID 176bit (non-rewritable) (FeRAM) EPC 160bit, manufactured by SK Electronics Co., Ltd.).

[0029] [Mounting equipment] The mounting device 4 will now be described. In this embodiment, the hand press shown in Figure 1 is used as the mounting device 4. The mounting device 4 comprises a die 10 having a groove 11 formed in the horizontal direction, and a press tool 13 that is movable in the vertical direction. A retaining member 40 (a cylindrical member in Figure 1) that can be attached to and detached from the groove 11 is provided, and the upper surface 40a of the retaining member 40 is a smooth surface. The article 1 is placed on the upper surface 40a of the retaining member 40. The pressing surface, which is the lower surface of the press tool 13, is a press surface 14 that presses against the object to be attached (in this case, the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5). The press surface 14 is a circular smooth surface that is aligned horizontally. The diameter of the press surface 14 is set to be larger than the diameter of the fitting recess 3.

[0030] [Inset recess] The recessed portion 3 will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the recessed portion 3 is a recess formed in one surface 2 of the article 1. The recessed portion 3 is formed from a mounting recess 15 having an outward opening and an expansion recess 16. In the recessed portion 3, the expansion recess 16, which has a larger opening diameter than the mounting recess 15, is recessed on the surface 2 side of the mounting recess 15.

[0031] The mounting recess 15 is formed from a bottom surface 17, a side surface 18, and a guide surface 19. The expansion recess 16 is formed from an expansion bottom surface 20 and an expansion side surface 21. As shown in Figure 2(b), both the mounting recess 15 and the expansion recess 16 are circular when viewed from above.

[0032] The mounting recess 15 will now be described in detail. The bottom surface 17 of the mounting recess 15 is the bottom surface of the mounting recess 15 and is a circular flat surface formed at a predetermined distance below the surface 2. In this case, the predetermined distance is a distance corresponding to the height of the RF tag 5 (0.91 mm in this embodiment), and in this embodiment, the distance from the surface 2 to the bottom surface 17 is greater than the height dimension between the top surface 6 and the bottom surface 7 of the RF tag 5. The bottom surface 17 is a smooth surface.

[0033] The side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 is an inner surface that rises vertically from the outer edge of the bottom surface 17, and is the surface into which a portion of the corner portion 8 of the RF tag 5 is press-fitted, and is a smooth surface in the cross-sectional direction of Figure 2(a). The outer diameter dimension of the side surface 18 is set to a predetermined distance, which is a distance corresponding to the side length of the RF tag 5 (2.2 mm × 2.5 mm in this embodiment), and in this case, it is formed to be slightly smaller than the diagonal dimension of the two opposing corner portions 8 of the RF tag 5.

[0034] The guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15 expands radially outward from the upper end of the side surface 18 and is an inclined surface that slopes upward towards the outer side. In other words, the guide surface 19 is a surface that extends radially outward in the opening diameter towards one side of the surface 2 and is formed continuously with the side surface 18. The guide surface 19 is a smooth surface in the cross-sectional direction shown in Figure 2(a).

[0035] The expanded recess 16 will now be described in detail. The expanded bottom surface 20 of the expanded recess 16 is a circular, flat surface positioned outside the guide surface 19 and formed parallel to the bottom surface 17. The expanded side surface 21 of the expanded recess 16 is a surface that rises from the outer edge of the expanded bottom surface 20, and one surface 2 of the article 1 is formed and extends around the upper outer circumference of the expanded side surface 21.

[0036] Such recessed areas 3 can be formed on a single surface 2 by machining with a cutting tool (e.g., drill forming). In particular, by selecting the right cutting tool, the guide surface 19 can be easily formed.

[0037] [RF Tag Installation Method] This explains how to attach RF tags. The method for attaching RF tags is as follows: (A) An article placement step in which article 1 is placed on the upper surface 40a of the holding member 40 of the mounting device 4 (corresponding to Figures 1(a), 2(a)(b)), (B) After placing the article 1 on the holding member 40 of the mounting device 4 in the article placement process A, the RF tag 5 is placed on the guide surface 19 in the RF tag placement process (corresponding to Figures 1(b) and 3(a)(b)). (C) After the RF tag 5 is placed on the guide surface 19 in RF tag placement process B, the press tool 13 of the mounting equipment 4 is moved downward to press the RF tag 5 into the mounting recess 15 from the outside in a press-fitting process (corresponding to Figures 1(c), 4(a)(b)), (D) After the press-fitting process C is completed, the final process D (corresponding to Figures 1(d), 5(a) and 5(b)) is performed in order to move the press tool 13 of the mounting equipment 4 upward.

[0038] (A) The process of placing items will be described in detail. In the article placement process A, the retaining member 40 attached to the mounting device 4 is fixed to the die 10, and the fitting recess 3 formed on one surface 2 of the article 1 is exposed so as to open upwards, and the article 1 is placed on the upper surface 40a of the retaining member 40.

[0039] At this time, since article 1 has a hexagonal surface and the surface opposite to one surface 2 is also flat, the upper surface 40a of the holding member 40 and the surface opposite to one surface 2 come into contact, so article 1 can be placed on the upper surface 40a of the holding member 40. Therefore, according to this article placement process A, article 1 can be easily and securely placed on the holding member 40 which is attached to the mounting device 4.

[0040] (B) The RF tag placement process will be described in detail. In the RF tag placement process B, after placing the article 1 on the holding member 40 of the mounting device 4, the lower ends of the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5 are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the fitting recess 3 formed on one surface 2 of the article 1.

[0041] In this case, the outer diameter of the side surface 18 is formed to be slightly smaller than the diagonal dimension of the two opposing corners 8 of the RF tag 5. Conversely, the diagonal dimension of the two opposing corners 8 of the RF tag 5 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the side surface 18. Therefore, the lower ends of the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5 are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 3, and the guide surface 19 can guide the RF tag 5 to the radial center of the mounting recess 15.

[0042] Furthermore, when the lower end of the lower corner region 8b of the RF tag 5 is placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the recess 3, the bottom surface 17 and the lower surface 7 of the RF tag 5 become approximately parallel to each other, and the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 protrudes from one surface 2 of the article 1 (Figure 3(a)).

[0043] According to RF tag placement process B, the lower ends of the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5 are firmly placed and stabilized on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the insertion recess 3, and the lower surface 7 of the RF tag 5 and the bottom surface 17 of the insertion recess 3 can be made substantially parallel to each other.

[0044] (C) The press-fitting process will be described in detail. In the press-fitting process C, with the lower end of the lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the fitting recess 3, the press tool 13 of the mounting equipment 4 is moved downward (as shown in Figure 4(b)), and the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 is pressed with the press surface 14 of the press tool 13.

[0045] When the press surface 14 presses against the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5, the entire RF tag 5 moves downward, and the RF tag 5, that is, the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5, move downward toward the side surface 18 while being guided by the guide surface 19.

[0046] As the press surface 14 moves further downward and presses against the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5, the outer diameter of the side surface 18 is formed to be slightly smaller than the diagonal dimension of the two opposing corners 8 of the RF tag 5, as described above. As a result, the lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 is pressed into the side surface 18.

[0047] In this case, the press-fitted state is one in which the lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 is slightly embedded against the side surface 18. However, although the lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 is slightly embedded against the side surface 18, the upper corner region 8a of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 is not press-fitted into the side surface 18 and is exposed above the guide surface 19. In short, the press-fitting process C presses only a part of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 (the lower corner region 8b) into the side surface 18.

[0048] The diameter of the press surface 14 is set to be larger than the opening diameter of the recess 3. Therefore, when the press surface 14 reaches the surface 2, the outer circumference of the press surface 14 comes into contact with the outer circumference of the recess 3 on the surface 2, and the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 becomes level with the surface 2.

[0049] As mentioned above, the distance from one surface 2 to the bottom surface 17 is set to be greater than the height difference between the top surface 6 and the bottom surface 7 of the RF tag 5. Therefore, even when the top surface 6 of the RF tag 5 is at the same height as the one surface 2, the bottom surface 7 and the bottom surface 17 of the RF tag 5 are spaced apart, creating a gap δ (Figure 4(b), Figure 5(a)).

[0050] (D) The final process will be described in detail. In the final step D, after the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5 are press-fitted into the side surface 18, the pressing surface 14 of the pressing tool 13 of the mounting equipment 4 is moved upward. At this time, the expanded bottom surface 20, expanded side surface 21, and guide surface 19 are exposed to one surface 2.

[0051] The shape of the side surface 18 after the press-fitting process C (final process D) and the four corners 8 of the RF tag 5 is as shown in Figure 5. The side surface 18 in contact with the corners 8 is slightly pressed by the corners 8, and the corners 8 in contact with the side surface 18 are slightly pressed by the side surface 18.

[0052] The RF tag attachment method is completed through the above steps: item placement step A, RF tag placement step B, press-fitting step C, and final step D, and item 1 can be used for its intended purpose.

[0053] In particular, the following effects can be obtained by press-fitting process C.

[0054] In press-fitting process C, the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the mounting recess 15 from the outside using the press tool 13 of the mounting equipment 4. This allows the RF tag 5 to be press-fitted and fixed into the mounting recess 15. Since the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the mounting recess 15 by being in contact with the side surface 18, the RF tag 5 can be easily and reliably attached to the mounting recess 15.

[0055] Article 1 has an expanded recess 16 on one surface 2 that is located on the surface side of the mounting recess 15 and has a larger opening diameter than the mounting recess 15. Therefore, in the RF tag placement process B, the RF tag 5 can be easily placed on the guide surface 19, and in the press-fitting process C, the four lower corner regions 8b of the RF tag 5 are press-fitted into the inside of the mounting recess 15, so that the RF tag 5 can be attached easily and reliably.

[0056] The mounting recess 15 comprises a bottom surface 17 which forms the bottom of the recess, a side surface 18 which rises from the bottom surface 17 toward one surface, and a guide surface 19 which is continuous with the side surface 18 toward one surface and widens radially outward in terms of the opening diameter toward one surface. Therefore, in the press-fitting process C, the four lower corner regions 8b (part of the corners 8) of the RF tag 5 placed on the guide surface 19 are press-fitted into the side surface 18 toward the bottom surface 17, so that the RF tag 5 can be positioned and press-fitted in the correct position relative to the mounting recess 15.

[0057] Furthermore, the RF tag 5 has multiple corners 8 on its outer circumference, and in the press-fitting process C, the corners 8 are in contact with the side surface 18, and the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the mounting recess 15. Therefore, the in-contact between the corners 8 and the side surface 18 allows the RF tag 5 to be attached easily and reliably.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the press-fitting process C, the RF tag 5 can be easily attached to the mounting recess 15 without using adhesive or the like.

[0059] Incidentally, when considering the case where item 1 is used for its intended purpose, in the RF tag 5, the parts other than the corner 8 (tag side 9) are spaced apart from the side 18 (dimension L1 shown in Figure 5(b)). Therefore, the radio waves for communication of the RF tag 5 pass through this spaced gap, improving communication performance.

[0060] The RF tag 5 is press-fitted with a gap δ between it and the bottom surface 17. Therefore, the radio waves for communication from the RF tag 5 can pass through the gap δ between the RF tag 5 and the bottom surface 17, improving communication performance. Furthermore, the guide surface 19 is almost completely exposed facing upwards, and this guide surface 19 is inclined. Consequently, the inclination of the guide surface further improves the communication performance of the RF tag 5.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the shape of the recessed portion 3, the cross-sectional shape of the article 1, and the shape of the RF tag 5 are not limited to the embodiments described above. Modified examples will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 17. In each of these examples, the final step D has been completed.

[0062] In Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the shape of the recessed area 3 is different, and a further large recess 25 is formed on one surface 2 side of the expanded recess 16, expanding radially outward from the expanded recess 16. The large recess 25 has a large bottom surface 26 extending parallel to the expanded bottom surface 20 from the outer end of the expanded side surface 21, and a large side surface 27 extending toward one surface 2 side from the outer end of the large bottom surface 26.

[0063] Therefore, the depth of the bottom surface 17 from the surface 2 is formed to be deeper than in the above embodiment. Also, in the above embodiment, in the press-fitting process C, the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 was set to the same height as the surface 2, but in the example shown in Figure 6, the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 does not coincide with the surface 2, but coincides with the large bottom surface 26. For this reason, the press surface 14 of the press tool 13 is smaller than the large side surface 27 and larger than the expanded side surface 21.

[0064] In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the cross-sectional shape of article 1 is different. In the example shown in Figure 7, a cylindrical (or prismatic) protrusion 28 is formed on one surface 2 of article 1, and a recessed area 3 is formed on the convex surface 29 of the protrusion 28. In this case, during the press-fitting process C, the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 is set to the same height as the convex surface 29.

[0065] In Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the shape of the mounting recess 15 among the insertion recesses 3 is different. Specifically, in Figure 8(b), the side surface 18 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, from a pair of side surfaces 30 arranged in opposite directions. In addition, a protruding portion 31 having a guide surface 19 is formed to protrude from each side surface 30 at the center of each side surface 30. The guide surface 19 is formed at the upper end of this protruding portion 31.

[0066] In this case, in RF tag placement step B, the central lower end of the tag side 9 of the RF tag 5 is placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15, and in press-fitting step C, the lower end of the central part of the tag side 9 of the RF tag 5 (referred to as the main side of the tag side 9) is press-fitted into the side 18 (the tip of the protrusion 31). In this example, the corner portion 8 of the RF tag 5 is not press-fitted into the side 18.

[0067] In Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the shape of the mounting recess 15 among the insertion recesses 3 is different. Specifically, in Figure 9(b), the side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, from a pair of side surfaces 30 arranged in opposite directions, and a guide surface 19 is formed at the upper end of each side surface 30. In this example, the length of one tag side surface 9 of the RF tag 5 and the length of one side surface 30 are approximately the same, and the length of the other tag side surface 9 of the RF tag 5 and the length of the other side surface 30 are approximately the same.

[0068] In this case, in RF tag placement step B, the lower ends of two opposing tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15. In press-fitting step C, the entire lower end of the two opposing tag sides 9 (one tag side 9) is press-fitted into the side 18, while the two tag sides 9 on the opposite side (the other tag side 9) are not press-fitted into the side 18. Also, the corners 8 of the RF tag 5 are not press-fitted into the side 18.

[0069] In Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the shape of the mounting recess 15 among the fitting recesses 3 is different. In Figure 10(b), the side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, having a curved portion 32 that is curved in one direction and a straight portion 33 that is parallel to each other in the other direction, when viewed from above. A guide surface 19 is formed at the upper end portion of the side surface 18, including the curved portion 32 and the straight portion 33, and the guide surface 19 formed at the upper end portion of the curved portion 32 is formed between the curved portion 32 and the extended side surface 21.

[0070] In RF tag placement step B, the lower ends of two opposing tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15. In press-fitting step C, the entire lower ends of the two opposing tag sides 9 are press-fitted into the side 18, while the two tag sides 9 facing opposite directions are not press-fitted into the side 18. In addition, the corners 8 of the RF tag 5 are not press-fitted into the side 18.

[0071] In Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the shape of the mounting recess 15 among the embedded recesses 3 is different. The side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 has a polygonal portion 34 that is formed as a regular octagon when viewed from above, and a guide surface 19 is formed at the upper end of the polygonal portion 34.

[0072] As RF tag placement step B, the lower ends of the two opposing tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5, near the corner 8, are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15. The area near the corner 8 is the part of the pair of opposing tag sides 9 that is in a rotationally symmetrical positional relationship on the diagonal of the RF tag 5, and this is referred to as the corner side of the tag side 9.

[0073] In press-fitting process C, the corner surfaces of the two tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 are press-fitted into the side surface 18. The main surface between the corner surfaces of the two tag sides 9 is not press-fitted into the side surface 18, and the two tag sides 9 facing in different directions from the two sides facing each other are not press-fitted into the side surface 18.

[0074] In Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 is provided with a polygonal portion 34 that is formed as a regular octagon in plan view. However, the mounting recess 15 can also be provided with even more polygonal portions.

[0075] In Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the shape of the mounting recess 15 among the embedded recesses 3 is different. In Figure 12(b), the side surface 18 of the mounting recess 15 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, from a pair of side portions 30 arranged in different directions, and has a guide surface 19 at the upper end of the side portion 30. In this example, the four tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 and the side surface 18 (side portion 30) of the mounting recess 15 are formed to be approximately the same length.

[0076] In RF tag placement step B, the lower ends of the four tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 are placed on the inner side of the guide surface 19 of the mounting recess 15. In press-fitting step C, the entire lower end of the tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the side surface 18. In this example, the entire lower end of the tag sides 9 of the RF tag 5 and the lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 are press-fitted into the side surface 18.

[0077] In Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the mounting recess 15 of the embedding recess 3 and the shape of the article 1 are different. As shown in Figure 13(a), the mounting recess 15 has a hole 35 that extends through the side surface 18 to the other surface of the article 1 that is opposite to one surface 2. For this reason, the mounting recess 15 does not have a bottom surface 17. The lower corner region 8b of the corner 8 of the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the side surface 18.

[0078] In Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the shape of the recessed portion 3 is different. As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the recessed portion 3 does not have an expanded recess 16, and one surface 2 is continuous with the guide surface 19. In this case, during the press-fitting process C, the diameter of the press surface 14 only needs to be larger than the guide surface 19.

[0079] In Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the shape of the recessed portion 3 is different. As shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the recessed portion 3 does not have an expanded recess 16, and one surface 2 and the other surface 2a of the article 1 are close together, and there is no bottom surface 17. In other words, the height of the RF tag 5 matches the thickness of the article 1. In this case, in the press-fitting process C, the press surface 14 only needs to be larger than the guide surface 19.

[0080] In Figures 16(a) and 16(b), the shape of the expanded recess 16 of the insertion recess 3 is different. In the first embodiment, the expanded side surface 21 of the expanded recess 16 was a surface that rose from the outer end of the expanded bottom surface 20 and was a surface that followed the vertical direction. However, in the example shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), the expanded side surface 21 widens radially outward and is an inclined surface that is continuous with one surface 2. Alternatively, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 16(a), the expanded side surface 21 can also be curved outward. In addition, although the mounting recess 15 does not have a guide surface 19, in the RF tag placement process B, the lower end of the tag side surface 9 of the RF tag 5 is placed on the upper end of the side surface 18, and in the press-fitting process C, the RF tag 5 is press-fitted into the side surface 18.

[0081] In Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the cross-sectional shape of article 1 is different. In the first embodiment and the above examples, one surface 2 of article 1 was flat. However, in the example in Figure 17, one surface 2 is a curved surface that is directed outward. However, the shape of the recessed part 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. In this example, the upper surface 6 of the RF tag 5 and the upper end of the expanded side surface 21 are configured to coincide, and the press surface 14 in the press-fitting process C is larger in diameter than the expanded side surface 21. Thus, when the outer circumferential surface of article 1 is curved, for example, a part of the upper surface 40a of the retaining member 40 attached to the mounting device 4 is held in a curved manner corresponding to the outer diameter of article 1.

[0082] The holding member 40 is provided to conform to the shape of the article 1, maintains the orientation of the article 1, and is replaceable to smoothly hold the article placement process A, the RF tag placement process B, the press-fitting process C, and the final process D.

[0083] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustrations, the shape of the RF tag 5 is rectangular in the first embodiment and each example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the planar shape of the RF tag 5 may be circular, and it may be press-fitted into the mounting recess 15 at two or more points on its circumference, or the RF tag 5 may have two corners 8 when viewed from above, and the planar shape of the RF tag 5 is not limited. The shape of the side surface 18 can also be made to match the shape of the RF tag 5. In addition, it is possible to perform potting on the RF tag 5 after it has been attached to the side surface 18.

[0084] In the first embodiment and each example, a hand press was used as the mounting device 4, but it is not limited to a hand press. Any press tool 13 having a pressing surface 14 that presses the RF tag 5 is acceptable, and it is not limited to a hand press.

[0085] In the first embodiment, during the press-fitting process C, the corner portion 8 of the RF tag 5 was press-fitted into a predetermined location on the side surface 18 (for example, Figure 5(b)). However, the corner portion 8 may be press-fitted into any location on the circumferential surface of the side surface 18.

[0086] In the first embodiment and each example, the RF tag 5 was provided at one location on the article 1. However, the RF tag 5 can also be provided at multiple locations on the article 1 using recesses. Furthermore, while a metal product was used as the article 1 in the first embodiment and each example, the invention is not limited to this and can also be a synthetic resin product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1: Article, 2: One surface, 2a: Other surface, 3: Insertion recess, 4: Mounting equipment, 5: RF tag, 6: Top surface, 7: Bottom surface, 8: Corner, 8a: Upper corner area, 8b: Lower corner area, 9: Tag side, 10: Die, 11: Groove, 13: Pressing tool, 14: Pressing surface, 15: Mounting recess, 16: Expanded recess, 17: Bottom surface, 18: Side, 19: Guide surface, 20: Expanded bottom surface, 21: Expanded side, 25: Large recess, 26: Large bottom surface, 27: Large side, 28: Protrusion, 29: Protrusion surface, 30: Side part, 31: Protrusion, 32: Curved part, 33: Straight part, 34: Polygonal part, 35: Hole, A: Article placement process, B: RF tag placement process, C: Press-fitting process, D: Final process, δ: Gap

Claims

1. An RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag to an article having an attachment recess recessed on its surface that opens outward, The mounting recess has a side surface that forms the inside of the recess, The RF tag has multiple corners on its outer circumference, Equipped with a press-fitting process, The press-fitting step is an RF tag mounting method in which the RF tag is press-fitted into the mounting recess from the outside using mounting equipment such that the RF tag is press-fitted into the mounting recess by the RF tag being in contact with the side surface, and at least two of the plurality of corners are in contact with the side surface, thereby pressing the RF tag into the mounting recess.

2. An RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag to an article having an attachment recess recessed on its surface that opens outward, The surface of the article has an expanded recess provided on the surface side of the mounting recess, with a larger opening diameter than the mounting recess. Equipped with a press-fitting process, The press-fitting step is an RF tag mounting method in which a part of the RF tag is press-fitted into the mounting recess from the outside using mounting equipment, such that a part of the RF tag is press-fitted into the mounting recess and the other part of the RF tag protrudes from the mounting recess towards the surface and fits into the expanded recess.

3. An RF tag attachment method for attaching an RF tag to an article having an attachment recess recessed on its surface that opens outward, The mounting recess comprises a bottom surface which forms the bottom of the recess, a side surface which rises from the bottom surface toward the surface, and a guide surface which is continuous with the side surface toward the surface and widens radially outward toward the surface toward the surface, Equipped with a press-fitting process, The press-fitting step is an RF tag mounting method in which the RF tag placed on the guide surface is press-fitted into the mounting recess from the outside using mounting equipment.

4. The mounting recess has a bottom surface which forms the bottom of the recess, The RF tag mounting method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the press-fitting step is performed by press-fitting the RF tag so that it is spaced apart from the bottom surface.

Images