Smart Lock for Handcart

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intelligent lock for a trolley, comprising: a protective housing, a titanium wire lock module, a main control module and an NB-IoT module arranged inside the protective housing; the protective housing is fixed to the trolley; the titanium wire lock module and the NB-IoT module are respectively electrically connected to the main control module; the titanium wire lock module is used for locking the lock head; the NB-IoT module is used for receiving the unlocking signal from the management platform; the main control module is used for opening the titanium wire lock module based on the unlocking signal so that the user can take out the lock head and use the trolley. The beneficial effects of the present invention are: by adopting the key technologies of NBIoT technology and titanium wire lock, and utilizing the retractable characteristics of titanium metal wire after being heated by electricity, the purpose of unlocking relying on the Internet of Things is achieved. While improving the operation stability and the user experience, it has the characteristics of low cost and lower power consumption, and has a wider scope of application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of intelligent vehicle locks, and particularly relates to an intelligent lock for a trolley. Background Art

[0002] Shopping trolleys are transportation tools provided by shopping malls, supermarkets and other shopping places to facilitate users' shopping. Generally, collection personnel are required to gather the shopping carts used by users at the entrance of the shopping place for users to choose. In order to facilitate the management of shopping carts and encourage users to actively return the shopping carts for better management, and at the same time reduce the investment in labor costs, the shopping carts are now managed by installing locks on them. When users need to use the shopping cart, they can unlock it by inserting coins, mobile phone operations, etc.

[0003] Most of the existing intelligent locks use the form of electromagnetic locks in combination with WIFI and Bluetooth for unlocking, which not only consumes a large amount of power but also has a high equipment investment cost, and the connection and matching time is relatively long, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problems of high cost and high power consumption in the existing technology, the present invention provides an intelligent lock for a trolley, which has the characteristics of low cost, low energy consumption and long battery life.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] An intelligent lock for a trolley, comprising: a protective housing, and a titanium wire lock module, a main control module and an NB-IOT module arranged inside the protective housing;

[0007] The protective housing is fixed on the trolley;

[0008] The titanium wire lock module and the NB-IOT module are respectively electrically connected to the main control module;

[0009] The titanium wire lock module is used for locking the lock head;

[0010] The NB-IOT module is used for receiving the unlocking signal from the management platform;

[0011] The main control module is used to open the titanium wire lock module based on the unlocking signal so that the user can take out the lock head and use the trolley.

[0012] Further, the protective housing includes: an upper housing, a lower housing and a fixing plate;

[0013] The upper housing and the lower housing are adapted to define an accommodation space;

[0014] The fixed plate is disposed within the accommodation space, and the titanium wire lock module, the main control module, and the NB-IOT module are disposed on one side of the fixed plate close to the upper housing;

[0015] An opening facilitating the insertion of the lock head is provided at a position corresponding to the lower housing and the titanium wire lock, and a fixing portion for connecting to the trolley is further provided on the lower housing.

[0016] Further, the trolley intelligent lock further includes: a rechargeable lithium battery, which is disposed on the fixed plate and is used to provide the required power supply.

[0017] Further, a charging interface is further provided on the lower housing for accessing a 5V charging power supply for charging.

[0018] Further, a manual unlocking portion is further provided within the lower housing for inserting a coin to unlock.

[0019] Further, the manual unlocking portion includes: a coin receiving portion, a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion, and a positioning shaft;

[0020] A groove for placing a coin is provided on the coin receiving portion, a side opening is left on one side of the groove, and the first limiting portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the side opening;

[0021] A spring is sleeved on the positioning shaft, the length of the spring is greater than the length of the positioning shaft, and the movable end of the spring constantly abuts against the coin receiving portion;

[0022] The second limiting portion is disposed on a side corresponding to the first limiting portion for locking the coin receiving portion after the coin receiving portion moves in place;

[0023] The first limiting portion is used for clamping the coin and applying a thrust in the opposite direction to the coin after the coin receiving portion moves in place.

[0024] Further, the trolley intelligent lock further includes a sensing portion disposed on the other side of the fixed plate and connected to the main control module. The coin receiving portion constantly abuts against the sensing portion after moving in place, and the sensing portion sends a corresponding unlocking signal to the main control module to cause the main control module to open the titanium wire lock module.

[0025] Further, a two-dimensional code is provided on the upper housing, and the two-dimensional code includes the connection address of the management platform.

[0026] Further, the main control module includes: a main controller and a voltage monitoring circuit. The voltage monitoring circuit is used for monitoring the voltage of the rechargeable lithium battery and sending it to the management platform through the NB-IOT module.

[0027] Further, the intelligent trolley lock further includes a button disposed on the upper housing and connected to the main controller, for waking up the main controller.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By adopting the key technologies of NBIoT technology and titanium wire lock, and utilizing the retractable property of titanium metal wire after being heated by electricity, the purpose of unlocking by relying on the Internet of Things is achieved. While improving the operation stability and enhancing the user experience, it has the characteristics of low cost and lower power consumption, and has a wider scope of application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an intelligent trolley lock provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a protective housing provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the bottom of the lower housing provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 is a structural diagram of the lower housing and the fixing plate provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of the manual unlocking part in the lower housing provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the manual unlocking part provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 is a connection diagram of the manual unlocking part and the fixing plate provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the main control module provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of the titanium wire lock control provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 10 is a control circuit diagram of the manual unlocking part provided according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] In the figure: 1 - upper housing; 2 - lower housing; 3 - lock head; 4 - button opening; 5 - fixing part; 6 - charging interface; 7 - fixing plate; 8 - manual unlocking part; 81 - coin receiving part; 82 - first limiting part; 83 - second limiting part; 84 - positioning shaft; 9 - sensing part. Specific embodiments

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other implementation manners obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts fall within the scope protected by the present invention.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a smart lock for a trolley, including: a protective housing and a titanium wire lock module, a main control module and an NB-IOT module disposed inside the protective housing;

[0043] When in use, the protective housing is fixed to the trolley;

[0044] The titanium wire lock module and the NB-IOT module are respectively electrically connected to the main control module;

[0045] The titanium wire lock module is used for locking the lock head 3;

[0046] The NB-IOT module is used for receiving the unlocking signal from the management platform;

[0047] The main control module is used for opening the titanium wire lock module based on the unlocking signal so that the user can take out the lock head and use the trolley.

[0048] Specifically, when in use, each smart lock is equipped with a corresponding lock head 3. One end of the lock head 3 is fixedly connected to the trolley through a chain, and the other end is provided with an opening adapted to the electromagnetic lock module for corresponding locking and unlocking. A two-dimensional code is provided on the surface of the protection housing. Users can use the scanning function of devices such as smartphones to scan the code to access the management platform for the trolley. The management platform identifies the number of the corresponding device through the address of the two-dimensional code. After the user pays the corresponding deposit, the corresponding unlocking information is generated. After the main control module receives the corresponding unlocking information through the NB-IOT module, it controls the titanium wire lock module to open, so as to take out the lock head and enable the user to use the corresponding trolley. The NB-IOT communication module has a very fast networking speed and ultra-low power consumption. Utilizing the existing mobile communication network, it does not require network deployment and maintenance, and has the advantages of stable and reliable operation, a large number of nodes, and low power consumption, making it very suitable for battery-powered Internet of Things devices. Compared with the wifi mode, it does not require separate network coverage, greatly reducing the installation cost and maintenance cost of the supermarket. Compared with the Bluetooth mode, there will be no problem of accidental unlocking. The device scanned will only control the unlocking of this lock and will not cause the unlocking of adjacent devices. At the same time, compared with the electromagnetic lock, the titanium wire lock greatly reduces the cost of the lock, thus having a wider range of applications.

[0049] As a feasible implementation of the above embodiment, the protection housing includes: an upper housing 1, a lower housing 2, and a fixing plate 7;

[0050] The upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are adapted to define an accommodation space;

[0051] The fixing plate 7 is disposed in the accommodation space, and the titanium wire lock module, the main control module, and the NB-IOT module are disposed on one side of the fixing plate 7 close to the upper housing;

[0052] An opening for facilitating the insertion of the lock head is provided at a position of the lower housing 2 corresponding to the titanium wire lock, and a fixing portion 5 for connecting to the trolley is further provided on the lower housing 2.

[0053] It further includes: a rechargeable lithium battery, which is disposed on the fixing plate 7 and used to provide the required power.

[0054] In the specific implementation process, a large-capacity lithium battery is selected for power supply, which has an extremely long service life and reduces the maintenance cost caused by battery replacement. At the same time, the device adopts an ultra-low power consumption design technology, has multiple working modes, and operates at an extremely low power consumption to maximize the battery power. The main control module, the NB-IOT module, and the rechargeable lithium battery can be integrated on the same circuit board and then fixed on the fixing plate. The titanium wire lock module can be directly fixed on the fixing plate. A charging interface 6 is further provided on the lower housing for connecting to a 5V charging power supply for charging.

[0055] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, a manual unlocking part 8 is further provided inside the lower shell 2 for inserting coins to unlock the lock.

[0056] The manual unlocking part 8 includes: a coin receiving part 81, a first limiting part 82, a second limiting part 83 and a positioning shaft 84;

[0057] The coin receiving part 81 is provided with a groove for placing coins, and there is a side opening on one side of the groove. The first limiting part 82 is arranged at a position corresponding to the side opening;

[0058] A spring is sleeved on the positioning shaft 84. The length of the spring is greater than the length of the positioning shaft, and the movable end of the spring always directly abuts against the coin receiving part;

[0059] The second limiting part 83 is arranged on one side corresponding to the first limiting part 82 for locking the coin receiving part 81 after the coin receiving part 81 moves in place;

[0060] The first limiting part 82 is used for clamping the coin tightly after the coin receiving part 81 moves in place and applying a thrust in the opposite direction to the coin.

[0061] An induction part arranged on the other side of the fixing plate 7 and connected to the main control module. After the coin receiving part 81 moves in place, it always directly abuts against the induction part 9. The induction part 9 sends a corresponding unlocking signal to the main control module to make the main control module open the titanium wire lock module.

[0062] Specifically, during actual use, the coin receiving part 81 is in a popped-up state. When the user places a 1-yuan coin and then manually pushes the coin receiving part into the protection shell, the elastic piece of the first limiting part 82 connected to the inner side wall of the lower shell 2 by a corresponding spring will be first squeezed, causing the spring to contract and making the first limiting part 82 clamp the coin tightly. After pushing it in place, the buckle of the second limiting part 83 will lock the coin receiving part 81, so that the spring on the positioning shaft 84 cannot pop out the coin receiving part 81. At the same time, at this time, the coin receiving part just moves to the set position and always directly abuts against the induction part. The induction part can be composed of a non-contact elastic piece and a spring. The elastic piece and the spring are respectively connected to the corresponding interfaces of the main control module through wires. When the coin receiving part has not moved in place, the elastic piece is not pressed and does not contact the spring. After the coin receiving part moves in place, the elastic piece is pressed and always contacts the spring, thereby generating a closed signal to the main control module, and then the main control module opens the titanium wire lock for the user to use.

[0063] At the same time, the second limiting part 83 and the titanium wire lock can be linked and move with the thermal expansion and contraction of the titanium wire. When the titanium wire lock is opened, the second limiting part 83 will not move. When the user returns the trolley, inserts the lock head into the titanium wire lock to return it, and after confirmation, the management platform controls the titanium wire lock to close. At the same time, the contraction of the titanium wire drives the second limiting part to move, releasing the coin receiving part, so that it pops out the coin returned by the user under the combined action of the first limiting part and the spring on the positioning shaft.

[0064] In this way, by adopting key technologies such as NBIoT technology and titanium wire locks, and utilizing the property that metal can expand and contract after being heated by electricity, the mechanical device for coin insertion is combined with the electronic control part to achieve the purpose of mechanical unlocking and network unlocking. While improving stability and user experience, it has an extremely low cost. The dual design method of coin and code scanning unlocking is a more user-friendly and intelligent electronic device.

[0065] In some other specific embodiments of the present invention, a two-dimensional code is provided on the upper shell, and the two-dimensional code contains the connection address of the management platform. The scanning function of WeChat on the mobile phone can be used to enter the mini-program system. Due to the popularity and convenience of WeChat, there is no need to install other APPs, which is easy to use and does not increase the memory occupancy. It is a lightweight and convenient unlocking solution.

[0066] The main control module includes: a main controller and a voltage monitoring circuit. The voltage monitoring circuit is used for voltage monitoring of the rechargeable lithium battery and sends it to the management platform through the NB-IOT module.

[0067] It also includes a button arranged on the upper shell and connected to the main controller for waking up the main controller.

[0068] There is a button opening 4 for installing the button on the surface. According to the mobile phone prompt, the user presses the button to wake up the device, and the device establishes a connection with the background. The button has a feedback prompt to provide a better user experience. The button has an automatic indicator light. After being pressed, the indicator light flashes to inform the user that the operation is successful, and the user only needs to wait for unlocking. The unlocking information is automatically sent to the device. In a good network condition, the device can complete the connection with the background and unlock within 2 - 3 seconds. The short waiting time of the user will not cause the user's anxiety about using it.

[0069] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 As shown in the circuit diagram of the main control module, the titanium wire lock and the control part of the manual unlocking part, the main control module can use the STM32L011F4P6 single-chip microcomputer as the main controller. The state of the titanium wire of the titanium wire electric control lock by the main controller is used to open and close the lock body; the manual unlocking part generates a closing signal after detecting the connection of TP12 and TP13 after the coin is inserted, and then judges that the coin is inserted in place, and then the main controller controls the titanium wire lock to perform the corresponding unlocking action. Each of the remaining components can adopt the existing technologies well-known to those skilled in the art, and the present invention will not be elaborated here.

[0070] The trolley intelligent lock provided by the above embodiments of the present invention, by adopting the key technologies of NBIoT technology and titanium wire locks, and utilizing the property that the titanium metal wire can expand and contract after being heated by electricity, achieves the purpose of unlocking relying on the Internet of Things. While improving the operation stability and user experience, it has the characteristics of low cost and lower power consumption, and has a wider scope of application.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the descriptions referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc., mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0072] The above description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods for describing the above embodiments, but those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that each embodiment can be further combined and arranged. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the term "comprising" used in the specification or claims, the way this term is covered is similar to the term "including", as "including" is interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims. In addition, any term "or" used in the claims or the specification is to mean "non-exclusive or".

[0073] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent lock for a trolley, characterized in that, Including: A protective housing and a titanium wire lock module, a main control module, and an NB-IOT module disposed inside the protective housing; The protective housing is fixed to the trolley; The titanium wire lock module and the NB-IOT module are respectively electrically connected to the main control module; The titanium wire lock module is used for locking the lock head; The NB-IOT module is used for receiving the unlocking signal from the management platform; The main control module is used to open the titanium wire lock module based on the unlocking signal so that the user can take out the lock head and use the trolley; The protective housing includes: an upper housing, a lower housing, and a fixing plate; the upper housing and the lower housing are adapted to define an accommodation space; the fixing plate is disposed in the accommodation space, and the titanium wire lock module, the main control module, and the NB-IOT module are disposed on one side of the fixing plate close to the upper housing; an opening for facilitating the insertion of the lock head is provided at a position corresponding to the titanium wire lock module on the lower housing, and a fixing portion for connecting to the trolley is further provided on the lower housing; A two-dimensional code is provided on the upper housing, and the two-dimensional code includes the connection address of the management platform; A manual unlocking portion is further provided inside the lower housing for inserting a coin to unlock; the manual unlocking portion includes: a coin receiving portion, a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion, and a positioning shaft; a groove for placing a coin is provided on the coin receiving portion, and a side opening is left on one side of the groove, and the first limiting portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the side opening; a spring is sleeved on the positioning shaft, the length of the spring is greater than the length of the positioning shaft, and the movable end of the spring constantly abuts against the coin receiving portion; the second limiting portion is disposed on a side corresponding to the first limiting portion for locking the coin receiving portion after the coin receiving portion moves in place; the first limiting portion is used for clamping the coin after the coin receiving portion moves in place and applying a thrust in the opposite direction to the coin; An induction portion disposed on the other side of the fixing plate and connected to the main control module is further included, the coin receiving portion constantly abuts against the induction portion after moving in place, and the induction portion sends a corresponding unlocking signal to the main control module to cause the main control module to open the titanium wire lock module; Wherein, the second limiting portion is linked with the titanium wire lock module and moves along with the thermal expansion and contraction of the titanium wire. The second limiting portion does not move when the titanium wire lock module is opened. When the user returns the trolley, inserts the lock head into the titanium wire lock module to return it, and after confirmation, the management platform controls the titanium wire lock module to close. At the same time, the contraction of the titanium wire drives the second limiting portion to move, releasing the coin bearing portion, so that the coin returned to the user pops out under the combined action of the first limiting portion and the spring on the positioning shaft.

2. The intelligent lock for a trolley according to claim 1, wherein Also including: A rechargeable lithium battery, which is disposed on the fixing plate and used to provide the required power supply.

3. The intelligent trolley lock according to claim 2, wherein, A charging interface is further provided on the lower housing for connecting to a 5V charging power supply for charging.

4. The intelligent trolley lock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main control module includes: a main controller and a voltage monitoring circuit, and the voltage monitoring circuit is used for monitoring the voltage of the rechargeable lithium battery and sending it to the management platform through the NB-IOT module.

5. The intelligent trolley lock according to claim 4, characterized in that It further includes a button disposed on the upper housing and connected to the main controller for waking up the main controller.

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