Shopping cart system

Abstract

A shopping cart system includes a shopping cart having a cart terminal as a terminal device in which a commodity to be purchased is registered, and a power supply device that supplies power for charging to the cart terminal. The shopping cart includes an input connector for receiving power from a power supply device for charging a battery for operating a terminal device, and a charging circuit as a charging current supply unit for supplying a part of the power received by the input connector to the battery. And a shopping cart output connector that outputs a portion of the power received by the input connector to an input connector provided in another shopping cart connected to the rear section of the shopping cart. The power supply device includes a power supply device output connector for supplying power for charging the battery to an input connector of the shopping cart, a current measurement unit for measuring the magnitude of the current output by the power supply device, and a current limiting unit for limiting the magnitude of the current measured by the current measurement unit to be less than or equal to the rated current of the power supply device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2024-021141, filed on February 15, 2024, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a shopping cart system. Background Art

[0003] Currently, a shopping cart is proposed that is equipped with a product registration device, which allows customers to register the products they want to buy while shopping in a store. This shopping cart is moved to a predetermined location and a battery for operating the product registration device is charged.

[0004] This type of shopping cart allows the battery in the device to be charged even when multiple shopping carts are stacked. Therefore, the shopping carts are connected via electrical contacts. Although power is supplied from the power supply to the upstream contacts, as the number of connected shopping carts increases, the current supplied by the power supply may exceed the rated current. Continuous use of the power supply while supplying current exceeding the rated current may impair its durability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a shopping cart system capable of ensuring the durability of a power supply device that supplies charging current to the shopping cart.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, a shopping cart system according to an embodiment includes a shopping cart and a power supply device. The shopping cart includes a terminal device for registering items to be purchased, and the power supply device supplies power for charging the terminal device. The shopping cart includes an input connector, a charging current supply unit, and an output connector. The input connector receives power from the power supply device to charge a battery that operates the terminal device. The charging current supply unit supplies a portion of the power received by the input connector to the battery. The output connector outputs a portion of the power received by the input connector to an input connector included in another shopping cart connected to a rear portion of the shopping cart. The power supply device includes an output connector, a current measuring unit, and a current limiting unit. The output connector supplies power for charging the battery to the input connector of the shopping cart. The current measuring unit measures the current output by the device, and the current limiting unit limits the current measured by the current measuring unit to below the rated current of the device.

[0007] According to the above-described shopping cart system, even when multiple shopping carts are connected to a power supply device that supplies charging current, the power supply device can be used within the rated current range, thereby ensuring the durability of the power supply device.

[0008] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the current limiting unit repeatedly stops energization and restarts energization after a predetermined time has elapsed when a current exceeding the rated current is detected.

[0009] According to the above-described shopping cart system, by repeatedly stopping power supply and restarting power supply after a predetermined time has elapsed, the magnitude of the current output by the power supply device can be suppressed to be below the rated current of the power supply device.

[0010] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the shopping cart further includes a notification unit that receives the current output by the current limiting unit and notifies that a current exceeding the rated current has been detected.

[0011] According to the shopping cart system described above, it is possible to immediately recognize that a current exceeding the rated current is flowing from the power supply device.

[0012] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the notification unit includes a light emitting component that lights up or flashes according to the current output by the current limiting unit.

[0013] According to the above-described shopping cart system, a situation in which a current exceeding the rated current is flowing from the power supply device can be immediately recognized by the lighting or blinking of the light emitting member.

[0014] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the shopping cart includes a frame, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, the frame has a pair of left and right bottom frames, a lower frame and an upper frame, wherein the pair of left and right bottom frames, the lower frame and the upper frame are connected to each other.

[0015] According to the above-described shopping cart system, it is possible to provide a shopping cart including a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a frame connecting the bottom, the lower portion, and the upper portion.

[0016] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the shopping cart includes: a charging unit including the charging current supply unit, the input connector, the shopping cart output connector and the light-emitting component.

[0017] According to the above-described shopping cart system, the charging current supply unit, the input connector, the shopping cart output connector, and the light emitting component can be integrated into one charging unit.

[0018] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the charging unit is disposed between the pair of left and right bottom frames.

[0019] According to the above-described shopping cart system, the charging unit can function as a reinforcement member connecting the left and right bottom frames.

[0020] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the shopping cart further includes: an upper basket receiving frame mounted on the upper frame; and a weight sensor for measuring the weight of articles placed on the upper basket receiving frame.

[0021] According to the above-described shopping cart system, the weight of the articles placed on the upper basket receiving frame can be measured.

[0022] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the charging current supply unit has a switching unit that switches between a state in which a portion of the power is supplied to the battery and power is supplied to another shopping cart at the subsequent stage, and a state in which power is supplied to the other shopping cart at the subsequent stage without supplying power to the battery. The shopping cart also includes a control unit that, when detecting that an action of limiting the current to below the rated current is being performed and when the weight sensor detects weight, switches the charging current supply unit to a state in which power is supplied to the shopping cart at the subsequent stage without supplying power to the battery.

[0023] According to the above-described shopping cart system, as the number of shopping carts to be charged decreases, the power supply device stops limiting the current to below the rated current, and the batteries of other shopping carts can be normally charged.

[0024] In the above-mentioned shopping cart system, the input connector, the shopping cart output connector, and the power supply device output connector are arranged at the same height from the ground.

[0025] According to the above-described shopping cart system, the connection between the input connector, the shopping cart output connector, and the power supply device output connector can be facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is an external view showing an example of a shopping cart system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is the first stereogram of the shopping cart.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a second stereogram of the shopping cart.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of a power supply device.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the shopping cart system according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6This is a first diagram showing an example of the main configuration of an output connector included in a power supply device and a shopping cart.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a second diagram showing an example of the main structure of the output connector.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a first diagram showing the main structure of an input connector included in the shopping cart.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a second diagram showing an example of the main structure of the input connector.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power supply control circuit included in the power supply device.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals

[0037] 1 Shopping cart system

[0038] 10 Shopping Cart

[0039] 100 Ground

[0040] 20 trolley terminal (terminal device)

[0041] 21 Control Unit

[0042] 22 Display unit

[0043] 23 Operation Department

[0044] 24 Fixed Scanners

[0045] 25 Handheld Scanner

[0046] 26 card reader

[0047] 27 cameras

[0048] 28 weight sensors

[0049] 29 Batteries

[0050] 30 Charging Units

[0051] 31 Input connector

[0052] 311 Input connector cover

[0053] 312 opening

[0054] 313 inner peripheral surface

[0055] 314 top part

[0056] 32 Charging Circuit

[0057] 33 Power-on control circuit

[0058] 34 output connector (shopping cart output connector)

[0059] 341 Output connector cover

[0060] 342 opening

[0061] 35 indicator (notification unit)

[0062] 38 shell

[0063] Sockets 41 and 42

[0064] 43 socket housing

[0065] 431 Peripheral surface

[0066] 44 Switch

[0067] 441 switch housing

[0068] 442 switch button

[0069] 45, 46 plugs

[0070] 47 Plug housing

[0071] 50 Power supply unit

[0072] 501 housing

[0073] 51 Power transmission circuit

[0074] 52 Power-on control circuit

[0075] 521 Current Measurement Unit

[0076] 522 Current limiting unit

[0077] 523 Contact Detection Unit

[0078] 524 Power control unit

[0079] 53 output connector (power supply unit output connector)

[0080] 531 Output connector cover

[0081] 532 opening

[0082] 54 Guidance Department

[0083] 60 frames

[0084] 61 bottom frame

[0085] 62 lower frame

[0086] 621 Guided Department

[0087] 63 Upper frame

[0088] 64 Lower basket bearing frame

[0089] 641 Guide Surface

[0090] 65 Upper basket bearing frame

[0091] 70 front wheel

[0092] 71 rear wheel

[0093] 72 handles DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention.

[0095] Hereinafter, a shopping cart 10 as an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings.

[0096] (Overview of the shopping cart system structure)

[0097] Will use Figure 1 The schematic configuration of the shopping cart system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is an external view showing an example of a shopping cart system according to an embodiment.

[0098] The shopping cart system 1 includes a power supply device 50 and a plurality of shopping carts 10 .

[0099] The power supply device 50 supplies power to the shopping cart 10 connected to the device for charging the battery 29 that drives the cart terminal 20 included in the shopping cart 10. The power supply device 50 is, for example, an AC adapter or an AC / DC converter. The power supply device 50 converts a commercial AC voltage of 100V to a predetermined DC voltage E (e.g., +24V) and supplies the DC voltage to the shopping cart 10 connected to the device.

[0100] The battery 29 included in the shopping cart 10 is charged by the power (current) supplied from the power supply device 50. Specifically, the output connector (power supply device output connector) 53 of the power supply device 50 (see Figure 4 ) through the input connector 31 (see Figure 3 ) is connected to supply power for charging to the shopping cart 10. In addition, multiple shopping carts 10 are connected to Figure 1 In the stacked state shown, the output connector (shopping cart output connector) 34 (see FIG. 1 ) included in the front section, that is, the shopping cart 10 near the power supply device 50 is connected. Figure 2) and the shopping cart 10 of the rear section includes an input connector 31 (see Figure 3 ) are connected, thereby supplying power for charging to the shopping cart 10 in the subsequent stage. In the circuit, when viewed from the power supply device 50, the batteries 29 included in each shopping cart 10 are connected in parallel. In addition, the structure of the input connector 31 and the output connectors 53 and 34 will be described in detail later (see Figures 6 to 9 ).

[0101] The number of shopping carts 10 that can be connected depends on the current output by the power supply unit 50 and the charging current of the battery 29. For example, if the rated current output by the power supply unit 50 is 10A and the charging current required to charge the battery 29 is 1A, ignoring losses caused by wiring harnesses, connectors, various components, and integrated circuits, the number of shopping carts 10 that can be charged simultaneously is 10. However, if the batteries 29 of some of the 10 connected shopping carts 10 are already fully charged, the charging current will not be supplied to the already charged shopping carts 10, allowing the 11th and subsequent shopping carts 10 to be charged. In other words, the upper limit of the number of shopping carts 10 that can be charged among the shopping carts 10 connected to the power supply unit 50 is 10.

[0102] Generally speaking, the power supply device 50 is capable of outputting a current exceeding the rated value. For example, a power supply device with a rated current of 10A can output a maximum current of 12A. However, when the power supply device 50 is continuously used in a state exceeding the rated current, the durability of the power supply device 50 may be impaired, so it is desirable to use it in an area below the rated current. Therefore, in the shopping cart system 1 of this embodiment, the power supply device 50 has a function of limiting the output current to below the rated current. This will be described in detail later (see Figure 10 )

[0103] (Shopping cart schematic structure)

[0104] Will use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The schematic structure of the shopping cart 10 will be described. Figure 2 It is the first stereogram of the shopping cart. Figure 3 It is a second stereogram of the shopping cart.

[0105] As a customer pushes a shopping cart 10 through a store, the product information for the items they wish to purchase is read and the items are registered. The customer places the registered items in a shopping basket or other similar item placed on the shopping cart 10 and continues shopping. After completing their shopping, the customer proceeds to a checkout machine (not shown) and proceeds to pay for the registered items. Alternatively, the shopping cart 10 itself may also be equipped with a payment processing function.

[0106] For ease of explanation, this specification defines an XYZ coordinate system consisting of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. This XYZ coordinate system is established for the shopping cart 10. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is set along the front-to-back direction of the shopping cart 10. The Y-axis is set along the width (left-to-right direction) of the shopping cart 10. The Z-axis is set along the top-to-bottom direction of the shopping cart 10.

[0107] Furthermore, in this specification, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction are defined. The X-direction is a direction along the X-axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X-axis and the -X direction, which is the direction opposite to the X-axis arrow. The Y-direction is a direction along the Y-axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y-axis and the -Y direction, which is the direction opposite to the Y-axis arrow. The Z-direction is a direction along the Z-axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z-axis and the -Z direction, which is the direction opposite to the Z-axis arrow. Furthermore, the +Z direction is the direction that is perpendicular to the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the direction that is perpendicular to the downward direction.

[0108] The shopping cart 10 includes a frame 60, a pair of front wheels 70 (see Figure 3 ) and a pair of rear wheels 71. The frame 60 includes a pair of left and right bottom frames 61, a lower frame 62, and an upper frame 63. The pair of left and right bottom frames 61, lower frame 62, and upper frame 63 are connected to each other. The distance between the pair of front wheels 70 is narrower than the distance between the pair of rear wheels 70. The front wheels 70 and rear wheels 71 are arranged in the front-to-back direction (X direction) of the shopping cart 10. The front wheels 70 and rear wheels 71 are mounted to the bottom frame 61 using mounting components (not shown). The front wheels 70 and rear wheels 71 can steer left and right with the position at which they are mounted to the bottom frame 61 as the axis. Therefore, the direction of travel of the shopping cart 10 can be changed left and right based on the force applied to the handle 72 provided on the top of the shopping cart 10. In other words, the shopping cart 10 can change direction. The customer grasps the handle 72 and pushes the shopping cart 10 while turning the direction left and right.

[0109] The charging unit 30 is installed between a pair of left and right bottom frames 61. The charging unit 30 has a built-in charging circuit 32 (see Figure 5 ) and charges the battery through the charging circuit 32. In addition, the charging unit 30 has an input connector 31 (see Figure 3 ), the output connector 34 and the indicator 35. The charging unit 30 also functions as a strength member connecting the left and right bottom frames 61.

[0110] The input connector 31 is connected to the output connector 53 of the power supply device 50 (see Figure 4) is connected to the charging connector 38 of the charging unit 30. Electric power for charging the battery 29 that operates the cart terminal 20 is supplied from the power supply device 50 to the input connector 31. In addition, the input connector 31 is a charging connector connected to the output connector 34 of the shopping cart 10 at the front stage. Electric power for charging the battery 29 equipped in the own device is supplied from the output connector 34 of the shopping cart 10 at the front stage to the input connector 31. The input connector 31 is mounted to the housing 38 of the charging unit 30 in a state where the outer side is covered by the input connector cover 311. The input connector 31 and the output connector (shopping cart output connector) 34 are set at the same height from the ground. The input connector 31 and the output connector (power supply device output connector) 53 are set at the same height from the ground. The detailed structure of the input connector 31 will be described in detail later (see Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0111] The output connector 34 is a charging connector connected to the input connector 31 of the shopping cart 10 at the rear stage. The output connector 34 transmits a portion of the power supplied to the shopping cart 10 at the front stage for charging the battery 29 to the shopping cart 10 at the rear stage. The output connector 34 is mounted on the housing 38 of the charging unit 30 in a state where the outer side is covered by the output connector cover 341. The detailed structure of the output connector 34 will be described in detail later (see Figure 6 、 Figure 7 ).

[0112] The indicator 35 is composed of a light emitting component such as an LED, and displays the current flowing through the charging circuit 32 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) is used to charge the battery 29. For example, the indicator 35 can at least indicate that the battery 29 is fully charged, the battery 29 is being charged, and the output current of the power supply device 50 exceeds the rated value by realizing a light-off state (indicating an uncharged state), a light-on state (indicating charging), and a flashing state (indicating exceeding the rated current). In addition, the indicator 35 can be composed of a plurality of LEDs, and can indicate each state by the number of lit LEDs and the combination of lit LEDs. In addition, the indicator 35 can be composed of a plurality of LEDs of different luminous colors, and can indicate each state by the different colors of lit LEDs. In addition, the setting position of the indicator 35 is not limited to the charging unit 30, and can be set at a position higher than the shopping cart 10, for example, near the display unit 22. The indicator 35 is an example of a notification unit in the present disclosure.

[0113] A lower frame 62 is attached to the front side (+X direction) of the bottom frame 61. This lower frame 62 stands upright (+Z direction) and then extends diagonally upward and forward (-X direction). The lower frame 62 houses the battery 29. The battery 29 is a rechargeable storage battery that powers the various electronic devices included in the shopping cart 10. Examples of the battery 29 include a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, and a lead-acid battery.

[0114] A pair of upper frames 63 are mounted on the upper ends of the lower frame 62, facing upward (in the +Z direction). A rod-shaped handle 72 is mounted on the pair of upper frames 63, extending in the left-right direction (in the Y direction) of the shopping cart 10. Various electronic devices included in the shopping cart 10 are mounted on the upper frames 63 and the handle 72.

[0115] Furthermore, a lower basket receiving frame 64 is mounted on the bottom frame 61 and the lower frame 62. A shopping basket (not shown) is placed on the lower basket receiving frame 64 to hold merchandise while a customer is shopping. Furthermore, the lower basket receiving frame 64 has a pair of left and right guide surfaces 641. The pair of guide surfaces 641 contact the guided portions 621 disposed below the lower frame 62 of the subsequent shopping cart 10 as it enters the space between them, thereby guiding (guiding) the subsequent shopping cart 10 so that its input connector 31 faces the output connector 34 of its own device.

[0116] An upper basket support frame 65 is mounted on the upper frame 63. A shopping basket (not shown) is placed on the upper basket support frame 65 to store merchandise when a customer is shopping.

[0117] Furthermore, a weight sensor 28 is provided on the upper frame 63, extending along the front side (-X direction). The weight sensor 28 is located below the upper basket support frame 65 and measures the weight of items placed on the upper basket support frame 65. For example, the weight of the shopping basket is measured, and thus the weight of the merchandise placed in the shopping basket is measured.

[0118] The upper portion of the upper frame 63 is provided with a trolley terminal 20, a handheld scanner 25, a card reader 26 and a camera 27 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). In addition, a fixed scanner 24 is provided on the handle 72. These electronic devices operate using the power of the battery 29.

[0119] The cart terminal 20 registers the products purchased by the customer. The cart terminal 20 includes a display unit 22 and an operation unit 23. The cart terminal 20 may also include a function for performing settlement related to the registered products. The cart terminal 20 is an example of a terminal device in the present disclosure.

[0120] The display unit 22 displays various information related to the registration of the commodity. The display unit 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor.

[0121] The operation unit 23 detects operations performed on various buttons displayed on the display unit 22. The operation unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display unit 22.

[0122] The fixed scanner 24 reads a code symbol, such as a barcode, attached to a product being sold and held against the front reading window. The code symbol contains a product code that uniquely identifies the product. The fixed scanner 24 decodes the read code symbol to obtain the product code.

[0123] The handheld scanner 25 reads the code symbol attached to the product to obtain the product code in the same manner as the fixed scanner 24. The handheld scanner 25 is particularly used when reading the code symbol of products that are difficult to read with the fixed scanner 24, such as heavy items and large products.

[0124] The card reader 26 reads the information registered on the customer's IC card or magnetic card. The card reader 26 can read information stored in the electronic chip of an inserted IC card or scan information stored on a magnetic stripe. Furthermore, the card reader 26 can read information stored on a card through near-field wireless communication.

[0125] The card reader 26 reads, for example, the membership information registered on a customer's membership card. Based on the membership information read by the card reader 26, the shopping cart terminal 20 displays, on the display unit 22, special offers and service information for products that suit the customer's preferences, by referring to, for example, the customer's purchase history. Furthermore, if the shopping cart 10 also includes a payment processing function, the card reader 26 can read the registered information of a credit card, electronic money card, prepaid card, or the like used by the customer, and the amount charged.

[0126] Camera 27 captures an image of the area including the shopping basket placed on upper basket support frame 65. The cart terminal 20 associates identification information specifying its own device with the image captured by camera 27, the weight of the shopping basket measured by weight sensor 28, and the product registration information at that time, and transmits the associated information to a store server (not shown).

[0127] The store server analyzes the information sent from the shopping cart 10 and monitors whether unregistered goods have been put into the shopping basket. Specifically, when the weight of the shopping cart increases although the goods are not registered, it is determined that the customer may have put unregistered goods into the shopping basket. In this case, the store server sends a signal to the trolley terminal 20 to draw attention. The trolley terminal 20 then displays a message on the display unit 22 to draw attention. In addition, the trolley terminal 20 can output a warning sound from a speaker (not shown). In addition, the store server can notify the identification number of the corresponding shopping cart 10 to the mobile terminal held by the store clerk. The clerk who receives the notification goes to the corresponding shopping cart 10 and confirms the product registration information and the goods put into the shopping basket. In addition, it is possible to configure the trolley terminal 20 itself to perform such monitoring processing.

[0128] In addition, although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The figure only shows the camera 27 and weight sensor 28 for monitoring the shopping basket placed on the upper basket supporting frame 65, but by also providing a camera and a weight sensor on the side of the lower basket supporting frame 65, the shopping basket placed on the lower basket supporting frame 64 can also be monitored.

[0129] (Schematic Structure of Power Supply Device)

[0130] use Figure 4 A schematic configuration of the power supply device 50 will be described. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of a power supply device.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, the power supply device 50 includes a housing 501, an output connector 53, an output connector cover 531, and a guide portion 54. The power supply device 50 is installed (fixed) on the floor 100 of a store (see FIG. Figure 1 )superior.

[0132] The housing 501 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 501 houses the power transmission circuit 51 (see Figure 5 ) and the power control circuit 52 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0133] The power transmission circuit 51 is a power source that supplies power required to charge the battery 29. The power transmission circuit 51 includes, for example, an inverter circuit that converts a 100V commercial AC voltage into a DC voltage and a rectifier circuit that rectifies the output of the inverter circuit and converts it into a DC voltage.

[0134] When the shopping cart 10 is connected to the output connector 53 and the output current of the power supply device 50 is lower than the rated current, the power supply control circuit 52 supplies power to the shopping cart 10 connected to the output connector 53. The function of the power supply control circuit 52 will be described in detail later (see Figure 10 ).

[0135] The output connector 53 is connected to the output connector 34 included in the shopping cart 10 (see Figure 2 ) are of the same size and shape. The output connector 53 is mounted on the housing 501 of the power supply device 50 in a state where the outer side is covered by the output connector cover 531. The detailed structure of the output connector 53 will be described in detail later (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0136] The guide portion 54 is a pair of protrusions provided along the Y axis across the output connector 53. The pair of guide portions 54 is arranged so as to be larger than the guided portion 621 of the shopping cart 10 (see FIG. Figure 3 The guided portion 621 of the shopping cart 10 is guided between the pair of guide portions 54, thereby connecting the input connector 31 of the shopping cart 10 and the output connector 53 of the power supply device 50.

[0137] (Hardware structure of shopping cart system)

[0138] Will use Figure 5 The hardware structure of the shopping cart system 1 will be described. Figure 5 This is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the shopping cart system according to the embodiment.

[0139] The power supply device 50 included in the shopping cart system 1 includes a power transmission circuit 51, a power supply control circuit 52, and an output connector 53. The functions of each component are as described above.

[0140] The shopping cart 10 included in the shopping cart system 1 includes a shopping cart terminal 20 , a charging unit 30 , a battery 29 , a fixed scanner 24 as peripheral devices, a handheld scanner 25 , a card reader 26 , a camera 27 , and a weight sensor 28 .

[0141] The cart terminal 20 executes various processes related to commodity registration and includes a control unit 21 , a display unit 22 , and an operation unit 23 .

[0142] The control unit 21 controls various processes related to product registration performed by the cart terminal 20 itself. Furthermore, the control unit 21 controls the operation of various peripheral devices connected to the control unit. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a storage unit. The CPU loads control programs stored in the storage unit into the RAM and executes them, causing the cart terminal 20 to perform predefined processes related to product registration, etc. The functions of the display unit 22 and operation unit 23 included in the cart terminal 20 are as described above.

[0143] The functions of the fixed scanner 24, handheld scanner 25, card reader 26, camera 27, and weight sensor 28, which are peripheral devices connected to the control unit 21, are as described above. Furthermore, when certain items (e.g., umbrellas left by customers, forgotten items, etc.) are placed on the upper basket support frame 65 while the shopping carts are stacked, the weight sensor 28 detects the weight. The control unit 21 can detect the status of the charging unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 21 can detect that the current is being limited to below the rated current by, for example, flashing the indicator 35 of the charging circuit 32. If the weight sensor 28 detects the weight, the control unit 21 can stop charging by the charging circuit 32.

[0144] The charging unit 30 charges the battery 29. The charging unit 30 includes an input connector 31, a charging circuit 32, a power-on control circuit 33, an output connector 34, and an indicator 35. The charging unit 30 is housed in a housing 38 (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) is fixed to the frame 60. The input connector 31 and the output connector 34 are supported by the housing 38 and exposed outside the housing 38.

[0145] The input connector 31 receives current (voltage signal) from the power supply unit 50 by connecting to the output connector 53 of the power supply unit 50. Furthermore, the input connector 31 receives current (voltage signal) from the preceding shopping cart 10 by connecting to the output connector 34 included in the charging unit 30 of the preceding shopping cart 10. The voltage signal is transmitted via two signal lines: a signal line that transmits the voltage signal and a ground line that transmits a ground (GND) level, which serves as a standard potential. In other words, the input connector 31 includes two terminals. In this embodiment, the input connector 31 comprises a plug.

[0146] The output connector 34 connects to the input connector 31 of the charging unit 30 of the subsequent shopping cart 10, thereby outputting current (voltage signal) to the subsequent shopping cart 10. Two signal lines, one for outputting a voltage signal and one for outputting a ground level, are connected to the output connector 34. In this embodiment, the output connector 34 comprises a socket.

[0147] The charging circuit 32 supplies a portion of the electric power from the power supply device 50 to the battery 29 for operating the cart terminal 20 for charging. The charging circuit 32 is an example of a charging current supply unit in the present disclosure.

[0148] When a shopping cart 10 is connected to the rear end of the device, the power supply control circuit 33 supplies power to the rear end of the shopping cart 10. On the other hand, when no shopping cart 10 is connected to the rear end of the device, the power supply control circuit 33 does not output power (current) from the output connector 34. This eliminates the risk of electric shock even if the output connector 34 is accidentally touched.

[0149] The charging circuit 32 may include a switching unit that switches between a state in which a portion of the power from the power supply device 50 is supplied to the battery 29 for charging and power is supplied to another subsequent shopping cart 10, and a state in which power is not supplied to the battery 29 but rather supplied to another subsequent shopping cart 10. The shopping cart 10 may include a control unit that switches the state of the charging circuit 32. Specifically, when the charging circuit 32 detects that a pulse current is being supplied (when it detects that the current is being limited to below the rated current), it notifies the control unit 21 that the current is being limited to below the rated current. Upon receiving the notification indicating that the current is being limited to below the rated current (when it detects that the current is being limited to below the rated current), the control unit 21 (control unit) checks the output of the weight sensor 28. When the weight sensor 28 detects weight, it instructs the charging circuit 32 to switch to a state in which power is not supplied to the battery 29 but supplied to the subsequent shopping cart 10. In response to the instruction from the control unit 21, the charging circuit 32 stops sharing power with the battery 29. The indicator 35 turns off. If a shopping cart 10 is connected to the rear section, the power control circuit 33 outputs power (current) from the output connector 34. If not, no power (current) is output. A customer is unlikely to use a stacked shopping cart with items loaded on the upper basket support frame 65. Therefore, even if the battery 29 is not fully charged, there is no problem, and charging is stopped. As the number of shopping carts to be charged decreases, the power supply unit 50 stops limiting the current to below the rated current, and the batteries 29 of the remaining shopping carts can be charged normally. The output of the weight sensor 28 is checked, and if no weight output is detected, no additional instructions are given to the charging circuit 32. Furthermore, if the input connector 31 of the device is disconnected (by a store employee, etc.) after power is supplied to the rear section shopping cart 10 without supplying power to the battery 29, the charging circuit 32 returns to its initial state (when the input connector 31 and output connector 53 are connected, some power is supplied to the battery 29 for charging, and power is also supplied to the rear section shopping cart 10). When the magnitude of the current measured by the current measuring unit becomes smaller than the rated current, the power supply device ends the operation of limiting the current to be equal to or less than the rated current.

[0150] The function of the indicator 35 is as described above.

[0151] The function of the battery 29 is as described above.

[0152] (Output connector structure)

[0153] use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structures of the output connector 53 and the output connector 34 will be described. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the main structure of the power supply device and the output connector included in the shopping cart. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the output connectors included in the power supply device and the shopping cart. Since the output connector 53 included in the power supply device 50 and the output connector 34 included in the shopping cart 10 have the same structure, the output connector 53 included in the power supply device 50 will be described here as an example.

[0154] The output connector 53 is provided on the housing 501 of the power supply device 50 (see Figure 4 ) and faces the −X direction. The output connector 53 includes a socket 41, a socket 42 and a socket housing 43.

[0155] The socket 42 is formed of a conductive member and outputs a DC voltage E (for example, +24 V) from the power supply device 50. The socket 42 is also called a female terminal.

[0156] The socket 41 is formed of a conductive member and is a ground (GND) terminal of the power supply device 50. The socket 41 is also called a female terminal. The socket 41 is an output connector for a voltage signal, and the socket 42 may be an output connector for a ground potential.

[0157] The socket housing 43 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the socket 41 and the socket 42 and supports the socket 41 and the socket 42 in parallel with a predetermined interval. That is, the socket housing 43 includes an outer peripheral surface 431 surrounding the outer periphery of the socket 41 and the socket 42. The socket housing 43 is also called a shell.

[0158] A switch 44 is embedded in the bottom of the outer peripheral surface 431 of the socket housing 43 . The switch 44 includes a switch housing 441 and a switch button 442 .

[0159] The switch housing 441 protects the internal structure of the switch 44 and supports the switch button 442 .

[0160] The switch button 442 is supported relative to the switch housing 441 by an elastic member such as a spring so that the switch button 442 can reciprocate along the extending directions (+X direction, -X direction) of the sockets 41 and 42. When the input connector 31 is inserted into the output connector 53, the switch button 442 is pressed against the top end portion 314 (see FIG. 1 ) of the plug housing 47 of the input connector 31 (described later). Figure 9) is pushed in the +X direction. Switch 44 operates momentarily: when switch button 442 is pressed a predetermined amount, switch 44 is turned on; when the amount pressed is less than the predetermined amount, switch 44 is turned off. The power supply unit 50's energization control circuit 52 outputs a voltage signal from the output connector 53 when switch 44 is on, and stops outputting the voltage signal when switch 44 is off. In other words, switch 44 functions as a so-called interlock switch.

[0161] The output connector cover 531 is attached to the outside of the socket housing 43. The output connector cover 531 has an opening 532 that exposes the outer peripheral surface 431 of the socket housing 43 to the outside. The opening 532 is sized so that even if a finger is inserted from the outside, it will not contact the switch button 442. This prevents the output of a voltage signal from the output connector 53 due to unintentional contact with the switch button 442.

[0162] In this embodiment, the switch 44 is shown as a push button switch, but the form of the switch 44 is not limited to this. For example, the switch 44 may include a photoelectric sensor composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. Alternatively, the switch 44 may include a magnetic sensor or a capacitive sensor.

[0163] The structure of output connector 34 included in shopping cart 10 is the same as that of output connector 53. Specifically, output connector 34 is installed on shopping cart 10 with outer peripheral surface 431 of receptacle housing 43 exposed to the outside through opening 342 formed in output connector cover 341. When input connector 31 of a subsequent shopping cart 10 is connected, switch 44 included in output connector 34 outputs a voltage signal from output connector 34.

[0164] (Structure of input connector)

[0165] Will use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the input connector 31 included in the shopping cart 10 will be described. Figure 8 This is a first diagram showing the main structure of an input connector included in a shopping cart. Figure 9 This is a second diagram showing an example of the main structure of the input connector.

[0166] The input connector 31 is provided on the positive side of the X axis of the charging unit 30, ie, on the front side of the shopping cart 10, facing forward relative to the shopping cart 10. The input connector 31 includes a plug 45, a plug 46, and a plug housing 47.

[0167] The plug 46 is formed of a conductive member and is pluggably connected to the socket 42. The plug 46 inputs a voltage signal (eg, +24V) from the socket 42 to the charging unit 30 (see FIG. 1 ) provided with the device itself. Figure 5 ). The plug 46 is also called a male terminal.

[0168] Plug 45 is formed of a conductive member and is removably connected to receptacle 41. Plug 45 sets its own device potential equal to the ground potential of receptacle 41. Plug 45 is also called a male terminal. Plug 45 is a voltage signal input connector, and plug 46 may be a ground potential input connector.

[0169] Plug housing 47 is formed to have gaps between itself and plug 45 and plug 46, and surrounds plugs 45 and 46, supporting them in parallel at the same distance as receptacles 41 and 42. Plug housing 47 has an elongated cylindrical inner circumferential surface 313. The depth of inner circumferential surface 313 is greater than the lengths of plug 45 and plug 46, and a tip portion 314 is formed at the tip of inner circumferential surface 313.

[0170] The plug housing 47 is fixed to the charging unit 30 by screws or the like.

[0171] An input connector cover 311 is attached to the outside of the plug housing 47. The input connector cover 311 is formed with an opening portion 312 that penetrates the plugs 45, 46 and protects an inner peripheral surface 313 of the plugs.

[0172] When connecting input connector 31 to output connector 53 or output connector 34 , inner peripheral surface 313 of plug housing 47 is inserted along outer peripheral surface 431 of receptacle housing 43 , connecting plug 45 and receptacle 41 , and connecting plug 46 and receptacle 42 .

[0173] In this embodiment, although the input connector 31 includes plugs 45 and 46, and the output connectors 34 and 53 include receptacles 41 and 42, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the input connector 31 may be formed of spring pins, and the output connectors 34 and 53 may be formed of flat terminals.

[0174] (Functional Structure of Energization Control Circuit Included in Power Supply Device)

[0175] use Figure 10 The functional structure of the energization control circuit 52 included in the power supply device 50 will be described. Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power supply control circuit included in the power supply device.

[0176] The energization control circuit 52 included in the power supply device 50 includes a current measuring unit 521 , a current limiting unit 522 , a contact determination unit 523 , and an energization control unit 524 .

[0177] The current measuring unit 521 measures the magnitude of the current flowing through the energization control circuit 52 by amplifying a small potential difference generated across a resistance element (eg, a shunt resistor) inserted in series with the energization control circuit using an operational amplifier.

[0178] The current limiting unit 522 compares the output of the operational amplifier included in the current measuring unit 521 with the standard voltage using, for example, a comparator. Then, when the operational amplifier included in the current measuring unit 521 forms an inverting amplifier circuit and the input of the comparator is greater than the standard voltage, the current limiting unit 522 causes the current flowing through the power-on control circuit 52 (for example, a current less than 10 amperes (rated current of the power supply device 50)) to be input to the input connector 31 of the shopping cart 10 via the power-on control unit 524 (described later) and the output connector 53. On the other hand, when the input of the comparator is lower than the standard voltage, the current from the power-on control circuit 52 stops flowing. That is, the current stops flowing into the shopping cart 10. Then, at a predetermined time, Power is then resumed, and the comparator's determination is repeated. By repeating this process, the current limiter 522 limits the input current to the shopping cart 10 to a predetermined value (e.g., 10 amperes, the rated current of the power supply unit 50). Furthermore, the predetermined value is set based on the reference voltage applied to the comparator. More specifically, the reference voltage is set to the voltage value obtained by amplifying, using an operational amplifier, the potential difference generated by the resistor inserted into the current measurement unit 521 when the rated current of the power supply unit 50 (e.g., 10 amperes) flows into the power control circuit 52.

[0179] Furthermore, when the operational amplifier included in the current measurement unit 521 forms a non-inverting amplifier circuit and the comparator input exceeds the standard voltage, the current limiting unit 522 stops the outflow of current from the power supply control circuit 52. In other words, the current flowing into the shopping cart 10 is stopped. Then, after a predetermined period of time, power is resumed, and the determination based on the comparator is repeated. On the other hand, when the comparator input falls below the standard voltage, the current flowing through the power supply control circuit 52 (e.g., a current less than 10 amperes, which is the rated current of the power supply unit 50) is input to the input connector 31 of the shopping cart 10 via the power supply control unit 524 (described later) and the output connector 53. By repeating this operation, the current limiter 522 limits the input current of the shopping cart 10 to a specified value (e.g., 10 amperes, which is the rated current of the power supply unit 50).

[0180] In addition, although it is shown here Figure 10 This is an example of measuring current on the +E(V) side of the line, but it is also possible to Figure 10 The current is measured on the GND side of the line.

[0181] Indicator 35 included in shopping cart 10 illuminates in response to the input current of shopping cart 10. Therefore, while a current less than the rated current of power supply device 50 is continuously supplied, indicator 35 remains illuminated. In other words, the fact that indicator 35 remains illuminated indicates that a current less than the rated current of power supply device 50 is being supplied to shopping cart 10.

[0182] On the other hand, when a current exceeding the rated current flows through the power supply device 50, the current limiting unit 522 repeatedly temporarily cuts off the current and then resumes it after a predetermined period of time. In other words, a pulsed current is supplied to the shopping cart 10. In this case, the indicator 35 included in the shopping cart 10 flashes. Thus, the flashing indicator 35 indicates that a current exceeding the rated current of the power supply device 50 is being supplied to the shopping cart 10. In this case, since the number of shopping carts 10 connected to the power supply device 50 exceeds the specified number, the store clerk, noticing the flashing indicator 35, takes measures such as removing a shopping cart 10 to illuminate the indicator 35.

[0183] Contact determination unit 523 detects whether receptacles 41, 42 and plugs 45, 46 are in contact. For example, contact determination unit 523 may include a circuit that is conductive when switch 44 is on, or a circuit that outputs a specified voltage when switch 44 is on. The specific circuit structure is not limited. Alternatively, contact determination unit 523 may include a circuit that is non-conductive when switch 44 is off.

[0184] The power-on control unit 524 includes a conversion circuit that is triggered by the output of the contact determination unit 523 and causes the output of the current limiting unit 522 to be output from the socket 42. The power-on control unit 524 is, for example, a load switch. Although the specific circuit structure of the conversion circuit is not limited, for example, it can be a conversion circuit using MOSFET or a mechanical or electrical relay. In addition, the power-on control unit 524 only needs to control at least one side of the sockets 41 and 42 that outputs the voltage signal from the power supply device 50 (in Figure 10 In the case of the power supply, it is sufficient to be in the power-on state of the socket 42 side).

[0185] In addition, the shopping cart 10 includes a power supply control circuit 33 (see Figure 5 ) has a configuration in which the current measuring unit 521 and the current limiting unit 522 are removed from the energization control circuit 52. In other words, the energization control circuit 33 includes a contact determination unit 523 and an energization control unit 524. The functions of the contact determination unit 523 and the energization control unit 524 have been described above, and therefore repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0186] (Functions and Effects of the Embodiments)

[0187] As described above, the shopping cart system 1 of the embodiment includes a shopping cart 10 and a power supply device 50. The shopping cart 10 includes a shopping cart terminal 20 (terminal device) for registering items to be purchased, and the power supply device 50 supplies power to the terminal device for charging. The shopping cart 10 includes an input connector 31, a charging circuit 32 (charging current supply unit), and an output connector 34. The input connector 31 receives power from the power supply device 50 to charge the battery 29 that operates the shopping cart terminal 20. The charging circuit 32 supplies a portion of the power received by the input connector 31 to the battery 29. The output connector 34 outputs a portion of the power received by the input connector 31 to an input connector 31 of another shopping cart 10 connected to a subsequent stage of the shopping cart 10. The power supply device 50 includes an output connector 53 that supplies power for charging the battery 29 to the input connector 31 of the shopping cart 10, a current measuring unit 521 that measures the magnitude of the current output by the power supply device, and a current limiting unit 522 that limits the magnitude of the current measured by the current measuring unit 521 to below the rated current of the power supply device. Therefore, even when a plurality of shopping carts 10 are connected to the power supply device 50 that supplies the charging current, the power supply device 50 can be used within the rated current range.

[0188] Furthermore, in the shopping cart system 1 of the embodiment, the current limiting unit 522 repeatedly stops power supply when it detects a current exceeding the rated current, and then resumes power supply after a predetermined time has passed. This allows the current output by the power supply device 50 to be suppressed to below the rated current of the power supply device 50. The predetermined time period before resuming power supply is determined appropriately.

[0189] Furthermore, in the shopping cart system 1 of the embodiment, the shopping cart 10 further includes an indicator 35 (notification unit) that receives the current output by the current limiting unit and notifies the user of the detection of a current exceeding the rated current. Therefore, the user can immediately recognize that a current exceeding the rated current is flowing from the power supply unit 50. Upon noticing that a current exceeding the rated current is flowing from the power supply unit 50, the store clerk disconnects the stacked shopping carts 10, thereby canceling the notification provided by the indicator 35.

[0190] In the shopping cart system 1 of the embodiment, the indicator 35 (notification unit) includes a light emitting component that lights or flashes according to the current output by the current limiter 522. Therefore, it is possible to immediately recognize that a current exceeding the rated current is flowing from the power supply device 50.

[0191] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention and are encompassed by the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shopping cart system comprising a shopping cart having a terminal device for registering items to be purchased and a power supply device for supplying power to the terminal device for charging, characterized in that: The shopping cart includes: an input connector for receiving power from the power supply device for charging a battery for operating the terminal device; a charging current supply unit that supplies a portion of the power received by the input connector to the battery; and The shopping cart output connector outputs a portion of the power received by the input connector to an input connector provided in another shopping cart connected to the rear of the shopping cart. The power supply device comprises: a power supply device output connector that supplies power for charging the battery to the input connector of the shopping cart; A current measuring unit for measuring the magnitude of the current outputted by the device; and The current limiting unit limits the magnitude of the current measured by the current measuring unit to be less than the rated current of the current limiting unit.

2. The shopping cart system according to claim 1, wherein: The current limiting unit repeatedly stops energization when a current exceeding the rated current is detected, and restarts energization after a predetermined time has elapsed.

3. The shopping cart system according to claim 2, wherein: The shopping cart further includes: The notification unit receives the current output by the current limiting unit and notifies that a current exceeding the rated current has been detected.

4. The shopping cart system according to claim 3, wherein: The notification unit includes: The light emitting component lights up or flashes according to the current output by the current limiting unit.

5. The shopping cart system according to claim 4, wherein: The shopping cart includes a frame, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The frame has a pair of left and right bottom frames, a lower frame and an upper frame, wherein the pair of left and right bottom frames, the lower frame and the upper frame are connected to each other.

6. The shopping cart system according to claim 5, wherein: The shopping cart includes: The charging unit includes the charging current supply portion, the input connector, the shopping cart output connector, and the light-emitting component.

7. The shopping cart system according to claim 6, wherein: The charging unit is disposed between the pair of left and right bottom frames.

8. The shopping cart system according to claim 7, wherein: The shopping cart further includes: an upper basket receiving frame mounted on the upper frame; and The weight sensor measures the weight of articles placed on the upper basket receiving frame.

9. The shopping cart system according to claim 8, wherein: The charging current supply unit includes a switching unit that switches between a state in which a portion of the power is supplied to the battery and the power is supplied to another shopping cart at a subsequent stage, and a state in which the power is supplied to the other shopping cart at the subsequent stage but the power is not supplied to the battery. The shopping cart further includes a control unit that, upon detecting that an action of limiting the current to below the rated current is in progress, switches the charging current supply unit to a state where power is supplied to the subsequent shopping cart instead of to the battery when the weight sensor detects the weight.

10. The shopping cart system according to claim 9, wherein: The input connector, the shopping cart output connector, and the power supply device output connector are arranged at the same height from the ground.

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