JP2007219805A - Printer for rfid paper - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer for RFID paper for avoiding influences of radio wave reflection due to a metal heat sink 17C or a protection cover 17E of a print head (thermal head 17) in a printing part 6, performing data communication with the RFID paper (a RFID label 9) efficiently, and placing an RFID antenna 15 of a data read/write part 5 near the printing part 6 as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: An installation position of the RFID antenna 15 of the data read/write part 5 is carefully decided or, to be more specific, the RFID antenna 15 is provided on the side of the print head 17 opposite to the conventional side beyond a moving path 3 for the RFID paper 9. The RFID antenna 15 of the data read/write part 5 is provided between the print head 17 and the moving path 3 for the RFID paper 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an RFID paper printer, and more particularly to an RFID paper printer for performing data communication and printing with an RFID paper in the form of a label or a tag (a tag).

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is used to load various RFID sheets for reading and reading information in a non-contact manner on a printer and print predetermined information on the surface thereof. .
A conventional printer for RFID paper (for example, thermal printer 1) will be outlined with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an essential part of the thermal printer 1. The thermal printer 1 includes a transfer path 3 of the RFID paper continuous body 2, a paper sensor 4, a data reading / writing unit 5, a printing unit 6, And a control unit 7.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the RFID paper continuous body 2. The RFID paper continuous body 2 includes a belt-like mount 8 and a plurality of RFID labels 9 (RFID paper) temporarily attached to the mount 8 at equal intervals. Have.
The RFID label 9 includes a label main body 10 that can be temporarily attached to the mount 8, an antenna 11 and an IC chip 12 formed on the back surface of the label main body 10, and together with the mount 8 from a predetermined holding portion (not shown). This is transferred onto the transfer path 3.
The RFID label 9 is capable of reading data from the IC chip 12 and writing data to the IC chip 12 in response to the transmission of radio waves from the data reading / writing unit 5.
As a radio wave for communication, the frequency is, for example, a short wave (HF) of 3 MHz to 30 MHz (preferably 13.56 MHz), or a pole of 300 MHz to 3 GHz (preferably 860 to 960 MHz, more specifically 950 to 956 MHz). Ultra high frequency (UHF) or the like can be used.
However, when using radio waves in the HF band, the electromagnetic induction action between the data reading / writing unit 5 and the RFID label 9 is used, and the upper limit of the communication distance is about 70 cm. In addition, when using UHF band radio waves, the radio wave resonance between the data read / write unit 5 and the RFID label 9 is used, and the communication distance is about 1 to 5 m. The shape of the antenna 11 and the specific configuration of the IC chip 12 are appropriate.

    The transfer path 3 is provided with a transfer path bracket 13 made of synthetic resin so that the RFID sheet continuous body 2 is properly transferred to the sheet sensor 4, the data reading / writing unit 5, and the printing unit 6.

    The paper sensor 4 detects the gap between the RFID labels 9 and detects the position of the RFID paper continuous body 2. The paper sensor 4 is attached to a sensor holding bracket 14 made of a synthetic resin along the transfer path 3. It is attached.

The data reading / writing unit 5 is located between the paper sensor 4 and the printing unit 6, and reads data from the RFID label 9 of the RFID paper continuous body 2 or writes data to the RFID label 9, that is, non-wireless. It is a contact data transmission, has an RFID antenna 15, and can read and write the data wirelessly in a non-contact and bidirectional manner by a control signal from the control unit 7.
The RFID antenna 15 is a flat patch antenna, for example, and includes a central dielectric substrate 15A, an antenna metal plate 15B on the transmission side (front surface side) of the dielectric substrate 15A, and a metal ground plate 15C on the back surface side. , And is provided so as to face the RFID label 9 of the RFID sheet continuous body 2 so that radio waves for communication can be transmitted from the RFID antenna 15 (antenna metal plate 15B) toward the RFID label 9.
By using the RFID antenna 15 as a patch antenna, it is possible to cover the surface of the RFID label 9 as wide as possible, particularly as shown by the phantom line in FIG. This can also be arranged.
The RFID antenna 15 is attached to an antenna bracket 16 made of synthetic resin and integrated with the transfer path bracket 13.

The printing unit 6 includes a thermal head 17 (printing head) and a platen roller 18, and prints predetermined information on the surface of the RFID label 9 of the RFID paper continuous body 2 as required by a control signal from the control unit 7. To do. The information to be printed is arbitrary information such as management information of the RFID label 9, other necessary display information, or information corresponding to data in the IC chip 12.
The thermal head 17 includes a head body 17A facing the platen roller 18, a large number of dot-like heating elements 17B extending in the width direction of the RFID label 9, a metal (for example, aluminum) heat sink 17C, and a heating element. The connection cable 17D connected to 17B, and a protective cover 17E made of metal (for example, iron) of the connection cable 17D. The protective cover 17E also has a function of releasing static electricity when the RFID label 9 transferred on the transfer path 3 comes into contact with the bottom surface.
The platen roller 18 is located at the tip of the transfer path bracket 13.
Further, by providing a peeling part (peeling plate, not shown) for peeling the RFID label 9 from the mount 8 as necessary, only the mount 8 is turned and the RFID label 9 can be peeled from the mount 8. be able to.

    The control unit 7 controls the paper sensor 4, the RFID antenna 15, the thermal head 17, and the platen roller 18 described above.

    In the thermal printer 1 having such a configuration, data can be read from the IC chip 12 through the antenna 11 in the RFID label 9 from the RFID antenna 15 in the data read / write unit 5 or necessary data can be written into the IC chip 12. At the same time, predetermined bar code information corresponding to these data can be printed on the surface of the RFID label 9 in the printing unit 6.

However, with respect to the RFID paper continuous body 2, the data reading / writing unit 5 transmits and receives data to each RFID label 9 whose position is detected by the paper sensor 4, and the data corresponding to the RFID label 9 is printed. Since the RFID label 9 is performed by the printing unit 6, the same RFID label 9 needs to be positioned in the data reading / writing unit 5 and the printing unit 6 respectively.
That is, the RFID label 9 that performs data communication in the data reading / writing unit 5 and the RFID label 9 that performs data printing in the printing unit 6 are preferably the same, and another RFID label 9 is provided between the RFID label 9 and the printing unit 6. It is not desirable for the label 9 to be located.
In particular, in order to cope with the RFID label 9 having a small size, the RFID antenna 15 of the data reading / writing unit 5 needs to be disposed in the vicinity of the platen roller 18 and the thermal head 17.
However, there is a problem that data transmission / reception between the RFID antenna 15 and the RFID label 9 may cause a problem due to the influence of metal parts in the platen roller 18 and the thermal head 17.

    That is, as shown in FIG. 3, radio waves are transmitted from the RFID antenna 15 of the data reading / writing unit 5 toward the RFID label 9 and the thermal head 17 of the RFID paper continuous body 2. Further, since the thermal head 17 is located on the transmission direction side, the iron protective cover 17E is located most recently, and the aluminum heat sink 17C is located further on the inner side, the protective cover 17E and the heat sink 17C portion The radio wave is reflected (dotted arrow in FIG. 3) and acts in the direction to cancel the radio wave on the transmitting side (solid arrow in FIG. 3) to weaken its strength, thereby reducing the performance of the RFID antenna 15. End up. Therefore, there is a problem that data communication is not properly performed, and reading errors and writing errors are likely to occur.

In particular, radio waves transmitted from the RFID antenna 15, for example, UHF band radio waves have a higher frequency than conventional HF band radio waves, and are therefore relatively straight and reflective. There is a problem that the closer it is to 6, the more adversely affect data communication between the RFID antenna 15 and the RFID label 9.
Of course, the same problem may occur in radio waves of any frequency.

JP 2003-283365 A

    The present invention has been considered in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a printer for RFID paper that can efficiently perform data communication with RFID paper such as an RFID label.

    Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer for RFID paper in which the RFID antenna of the data reading / writing unit can be arranged as close as possible to the printing unit.

    Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer for RFID paper that can avoid the influence of reflection of radio waves by a metal heat sink or protective cover of a thermal head in a printing section.

    Another object of the present invention is to provide an RFID paper printer capable of improving the gain as an RFID antenna.

    That is, according to the present invention, the mounting position of the RFID antenna in the data reading / writing unit is devised. Specifically, the RFID antenna is provided on the print head side opposite to the conventional one across the transfer path of the RFID paper. In the first invention, the RFID paper having an antenna and an IC chip is transferred on a predetermined transfer path, and data is read or written on the RFID paper in a data reading / writing unit. An RFID paper printer for printing predetermined information in a printing unit, wherein the data reading / writing unit has an RFID antenna facing the RFID paper, and the printing unit is capable of printing on the RFID paper. The RFID antenna of the data read / write unit has a head. A printer for RFID sheet, characterized in that provided between the transport path of the head and the RFID sheet.

    According to a second aspect of the invention, an RFID sheet having an antenna and an IC chip is transferred on a predetermined transfer path, and data is read or written on the RFID sheet by a data reading / writing unit, and further, a predetermined unit is read by a printing unit. An RFID paper printer for printing information, wherein the data reading / writing unit has an RFID antenna facing the RFID paper, and the printing unit has a print head capable of printing on the RFID paper, An RFID paper printer, wherein the RFID antenna of the data read / write unit is attached to the print head.

    The print head may have a metal protective cover facing the RFID antenna.

    The RFID antenna can be provided in the vicinity of the print head.

    The RFID antenna can be brought into direct contact with a metal part such as a protective cover of the print head.

    The RFID antenna may be a flat patch antenna.

    The RFID antenna can transmit a very high frequency wave having a frequency of 300 MHz to 3 GHz.

In the printer for RFID paper according to the present invention, the RFID antenna of the data reading / writing unit is arranged between the RFID paper on the transfer path and the print head. Since it is provided on the opposite print head side, the direction of radio waves from the RFID antenna can be concentrated on the RFID label, avoiding the negative effects of reflection from the print head part (parts such as protective covers) as in the past. In addition, the radio wave transmitted from the back side of the RFID antenna and reflected from the print head can be directed toward the RFID label in the same way as the radio wave transmitted from the RFID antenna, and the radio wave to the RFID label can be enhanced. It is.
In other words, the reflection of radio waves in the print head part is utilized (reversely used) to improve the antenna performance and increase the degree of freedom in designing the printer, such as being able to place the RFID antenna as close to the print part as possible, Therefore, it is possible to increase the radio wave and expand the communication area.

    In particular, according to the first invention, since the RFID antenna is disposed between the RFID paper on the transfer path and the print head, the direction of the radio wave from the RFID antenna can be concentrated on the RFID label, and on the transfer path. The RFID antenna can be designed to be arranged at an appropriate site according to the specification of the RFID label.

In particular, according to the second invention, since the RFID antenna is attached to the print head, a metal part such as a protective cover of the print head acts as a ground plate of the RFID antenna, and directs radio waves from the RFID antenna. Can increase the sex.

    According to the present invention, since the RFID antenna of the data read / write unit is arranged on the print head side with the RFID paper on the transfer path separated, radio waves can be transmitted from the print head side toward the RFID label. By utilizing the influence of reflection in the antenna for improving the antenna performance, an RFID paper printer capable of ensuring the stability of communication with the RFID label has been realized.

Next, an RFID paper printer 20 according to a first embodiment (first invention) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an essential part of an RFID paper printer 20. The RFID paper printer 20 is similar to the thermal printer 1 (FIG. 3), and includes a transfer path 3 of an RFID paper continuous body 2 and a paper sensor. 4, a data reading / writing unit 5, a printing unit 6, and a control unit 7.
However, in the RFID paper printer 20, the arrangement structure of the RFID antenna 15 of the data read / write unit 5 is different.

That is, in the present invention, the RFID antenna 15 of the data reading / writing unit 5 is disposed between the RFID paper continuous body 2 on the transfer path 3 and the thermal head 17 of the printing unit 6.
Therefore, the antenna metal plate 15B on the front side of the RFID antenna 15 faces the RFID label 9 side, and the metal ground plate 15C on the back side faces the protective cover 17E side of the thermal head 17 in the printing unit 6.
Further, the inclination angle of the RFID antenna 15 with respect to the RFID paper continuous body 2 (RFID label 9) is slightly inclined in relation to the thermal head 17 or its protective cover 17E, in addition to the configuration in which these members face each other in parallel. The configuration can also be adopted.
Thus, data communication is performed from the antenna metal plate 15B on the front side of the RFID antenna 15 toward the RFID label 9, that is, in the opposite direction where there are no metal parts such as the protective cover 17E and the heat sink 17C in the thermal head 17. It is possible to transmit radio waves for use.

    In the RFID paper printer 20 having such a configuration, the radio wave transmitted from the RFID antenna 15 toward the RFID label 9 propagates toward the side opposite to the thermal head 17 side (the solid line in FIG. 1). (Arrow), the adverse effect of reflection from the thermal head 17 as in the conventional thermal printer 1 (FIG. 3) can be avoided.

In addition, relatively weak radio waves are also transmitted from the metal ground plate 15C on the back side of the RFID antenna 15 and are directed toward the heat sink 17C and the protective cover 17E of the thermal head 17, so that these radio waves are reflected at these portions. Then, it goes to the RFID label 9 (dotted arrow in FIG. 1).
Therefore, as a result of the radio wave from the RFID antenna 15 being enhanced in the direction of the RFID label 9, the antenna performance or efficiency can be improved, and the reading or writing of data between the RFID label 9 can be made more reliable.

    In particular, when a flat plate-like RFID antenna 15 such as a patch antenna is employed, the protective cover 17E of the thermal head 17 acts to increase the area of the metal ground plate 15C of the RFID antenna 15, In addition to eliminating the adverse effects of the thermal head 17, it is possible to prevent radio waves from spreading and improve gain by utilizing the reflection of radio waves from the protective cover 17 E of the thermal head 17.

    Thus, even if the RFID antenna 15 of the data reading / writing unit 5 is arranged close to the thermal head 17 or the platen roller 18 of the printing unit 6, reflection by metal parts such as the heat sink 17C and the protective cover 17E in the thermal head 17 is performed. In addition, the radio wave to the RFID label 9 can be increased and the degree of freedom in designing the RFID antenna 15 can be secured.

FIG. 2 shows an RFID paper printer 30 according to the second embodiment (second invention) of the present invention.
The RFID paper printer 30 is similar to the thermal printer 1 (FIG. 3) and the RFID paper printer 20 (FIG. 1). The sensor 4 includes a data reading / writing unit 5, a printing unit 6, and a control unit 7.
However, in the RFID paper printer 30, the arrangement structure of the RFID antenna 15 of the data read / write unit 5 is different.

That is, in the second invention, the RFID antenna 15 of the data reading / writing unit 5 is attached to the thermal head 17 of the printing unit 6 so as to face the RFID paper continuous body 2 on the transfer path 3.
Specifically, the RFID antenna 15 is attached so that the metal ground plate 15C on the back surface side of the RFID antenna 15 is in direct contact with a metal part of the thermal head 17, for example, an iron protective cover 17E. The antenna metal plate 15 </ b> B can transmit radio waves for communication in the direction of the RFID label 9 on the transfer path 3.

In the RFID paper printer 30 having such a configuration, as in the RFID paper printer 20 according to the first aspect of the invention, even if the RFID antenna 15 is arranged as close as possible to the printing unit 6, the protective cover 17E particularly in the thermal head 17 is provided. The protective cover 17E itself increases the area of the metal ground plate 15C of the RFID antenna 15 and further increases the directivity of radio waves to the RFID label 9. The degree of freedom can be ensured in the design of the RFID antenna 15.

It is a principal part schematic side view of the printer 20 for RFID paper by 1st Example (1st invention) of this invention. It is a principal part schematic side view of the printer 30 for RFID paper by 2nd Example (2nd invention) of this invention. It is a principal part schematic side view of the printer (for example, thermal printer 1) for the conventional RFID paper. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the RFID paper continuous body 2.

Explanation of symbols

1 Thermal printer (conventional, Fig. 3)
2 RFID paper continuum (Fig. 4)
3 Transfer path of RFID paper continuous body 2 4 Paper sensor 5 Data reading / writing part 6 Printing part 7 Control part 8 Mount 9 RFID label (RFID paper)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Label main body 11 Antenna 12 IC chip 13 Transfer path bracket 14 Sensor holding bracket 15 RFID antenna 15A Dielectric substrate 15B of RFID antenna 15 Antenna metal plate 15C of RFID antenna 15 Metal ground plate 16 of RFID antenna 15 Antenna bracket 17 Thermal head (printing head)
17A Head body 17B of thermal head 17 Heating element 17C of thermal head 17 Aluminum heat sink 17D of thermal head 17 Connection cable 17E of thermal head 17 Iron protective cover 18 of thermal head 17 Platen roller 20 RFID paper printer (first Example of the first invention, FIG. 1)
30 RFID paper printer (second embodiment, second invention, FIG. 2)

Claims (7)

An RFID sheet having an antenna and an IC chip is transferred on a predetermined transfer path, and data is read or written on the RFID sheet by a data reading / writing unit, and further, predetermined information is printed on a printing unit. A paper printer,
The data read / write unit has an RFID antenna facing the RFID paper,
The printing unit has a print head capable of printing on the RFID paper,
An RFID paper printer, wherein the RFID antenna of the data read / write unit is provided between the print head and the transfer path of the RFID paper. An RFID sheet having an antenna and an IC chip is transferred on a predetermined transfer path, and data is read or written on the RFID sheet by a data reading / writing unit, and further, predetermined information is printed on a printing unit. A paper printer,
The data read / write unit has an RFID antenna facing the RFID paper,
The printing unit has a print head capable of printing on the RFID paper,
An RFID paper printer, wherein the RFID antenna of the data read / write unit is attached to the print head. 3. The RFID paper printer according to claim 1, wherein the print head has a metal protective cover facing the RFID antenna. 2. The RFID paper printer according to claim 1, wherein the RFID antenna is provided in the vicinity of the print head. 3. The RFID paper printer according to claim 2, wherein the RFID antenna is brought into direct contact with a metal part of the print head. 3. The RFID paper printer according to claim 1, wherein the RFID antenna is a flat patch antenna. 3. The RFID paper printer according to claim 1, wherein the RFID antenna emits an ultra high frequency wave having a frequency of 300 MHz to 3 GHz.

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