Cart-type commodity registration device and cart power supply device

Abstract

To provide a highly efficient cart-type commodity registration device and a cart power supply device that prevent a power reception coil from coming into contact with a floor surface.SOLUTION: A cart-based commodity registration device according to an embodiment includes a cart, a commodity registration device, a secondary battery, a power reception coil, a power reception circuit, and a lifting mechanism. The cart moves along a guide groove provided in a power supply base in which the power supply coil is disposed. The secondary battery supplies electric power to the commodity registration apparatus. The power receiving coil is electromagnetically coupled to the power feeding coil. The power reception circuit charges the secondary battery with electric power generated in the power reception coil. The lifting mechanism lowers the power reception coil while the stress is applied, and raises the power reception coil while the stress is not applied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a cart-type product registration device and a cart power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] A contactless power transfer system consisting of a power transfer device with a power transfer coil and a power receiving device with a power receiving coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the power transfer coil has been put into practical use. The power transfer device generates a change in the magnetic field in the power transfer coil by passing an alternating current through the power transfer coil. The power receiving device can charge a secondary battery (battery) by using an induced voltage in the power receiving coil caused by the change in the magnetic field in the power transfer coil.

[0003] The power receiving device is mounted on, for example, a cart-type product registration device. The cart-type product registration device includes a product registration device (tablet) that registers products to be purchased by a user, and a basket (receiving section) into which the products are placed.

[0004] The power supply device is configured as a power supply device (cart power supply device) that supplies power to the cart-type product registration device. The cart power supply device has a guide groove that guides the entry of the cart rollers and a stopper. The guide groove and the stopper are configured so that when the cart-type product registration device enters up to the stopper, the power receiving coil of the cart-type product registration device and the power supply coil of the cart power supply device are directly opposite each other.

[0005] One possible configuration is to place the power supply coil and the power receiving coil closer to each other in order to increase the magnetic flux interlinking between them and improve power supply efficiency. However, if the power receiving coil of the cart-type product registration device is located at a low position, there is a problem in that the power supply coil may come into contact with unevenness in the floor when a user is using the cart-type product registration device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-101577 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cart-type product registration device and a cart power supply device that are highly efficient and prevent the power receiving coil from coming into contact with the floor surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A cart-type product registration device according to one embodiment includes a cart, a product registration device, a secondary battery, a power receiving coil, a power receiving circuit, and an elevating mechanism. The cart moves along a guide groove provided in a power supply base on which a power supply coil is disposed. The secondary battery supplies power to the product registration device. The power receiving coil is electromagnetically coupled to the power supply coil. The power receiving circuit charges the secondary battery with power generated in the power receiving coil. The elevating mechanism lowers the power receiving coil when stress is applied and raises the power receiving coil when stress is not applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a contactless power supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the cart-type product registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a plurality of cart-type product registration devices are placed on the cart power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lifting mechanism of the cart-type product registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cart-type product registration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cart power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a contactless power supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the cart power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cart-type product registration device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cart power supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a contactless power supply system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a cart-type product registration device is inserted into a cart power supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the cart power supply device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a contactless power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The contactless power transfer system 1 transfers power from a power transfer device to a power receiving device by electromagnetic coupling such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic field resonance. The power transfer device includes a power transfer coil, and the power receiving device includes a power receiving coil that is electromagnetically coupled with the power transfer coil. In the example of Fig. 1, the contactless power transfer system 1 includes a cart-type product registration device 2 as the power receiving device, and a cart power transfer device 3 as the power transfer device.

[0012] First, an example of the configuration of the cart-type product registration device 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart-type product registration device 2. As shown in FIG. The cart-type product registration device 2 is a device that registers products that users put into a basket (storage unit) in a store, for example, and uses the registered information for checkout. The cart-type product registration device 2 includes a cart body 11, a product reader 12, a product registration device 13, a secondary battery 14, a power receiving device 15, and a lifting mechanism 16.

[0013] The cart body 11 supports a product reader 12, a product registration device 13, a secondary battery 14, a power receiving device 15, and a lifting mechanism 16. The cart body 11 includes a frame 21, a plurality of casters 22, a storage basket 23, and a first protruding member 24.

[0014] The frame 21 is a member that supports the storage basket 23, the product reader 12, the product registration device 13, the secondary battery 14, the power receiving device 15, and the lifting mechanism 16. For example, a part of the frame 21 is configured as a handle 25 that is held by a user. The handle 25 is provided on the frame 21 on the front side of the storage basket 23.

[0015] The multiple casters 22 are components that facilitate movement of the cart body 11. The multiple casters 22 are provided at the four corners of the lower part of the frame 21. Each of the multiple casters 22 has a wheel that rotates in the direction of movement. The cart body 11 moves when the wheels of the multiple casters 22 rotate on the floor surface. In this embodiment, the direction in which the storage basket 23 is pushed from the handle 25 held by the user is defined as the forward direction of the cart body 11. Of the multiple casters 22, the pair of casters at the front of the forward direction of the cart body 11 is referred to as the front wheels, and the pair of casters at the rear of the forward direction of the cart body 11 is referred to as the rear wheels.

[0016] The storage basket 23 is a storage section that stores products. The storage basket 23 is supported by the frame 21. A portion of the storage basket 23 (the front surface) is configured to rotate inward of the storage basket 23. The storage basket 23 is also formed so that the front surface is smaller than the front surface. As a result, when multiple carts are stored lined up in front of and behind each other, the rear cart pushes up the front surface of the storage basket 23, and the storage baskets 23 of the front and rear carts are stored in a nested manner so that they overlap.

[0017] The first protruding member 24 is a member that applies stress to the configuration of the lifting mechanism 16, which will be described later. The first protruding member 24 is supported by the frame 21. The first protruding member 24 is disposed, for example, at the lower part of the frame 21 so that the protrusion protrudes rearward in the front-to-rear direction of the cart body 11.

[0018] The product reader 12 is a device that reads product information. The product reader 12 is provided on the frame 21 of the cart body 11. The product reader 12 transfers the read product information to the product registration device 13. The product reader 12 is configured as a scanner that reads a code (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.) attached to a product and acquires product information. The product reader 12 may also be configured as an RFID tag reader (wireless tag reader) that reads an RFID tag (wireless tag) attached to a product placed in the storage basket 23, for example.

[0019] The product registration device 13 is a device that generates a product list. The product registration device 13 is provided on the frame 21 of the cart main body 11. The product registration device 13 is configured, for example, by an information terminal such as a tablet terminal equipped with a program for product registration. The product registration device 13 displays a list of products that the user has placed in the storage basket 23 based on product information transferred from the product reader 12. The product registration device 13 may also settle the price of products on the product list in response to operational input. The product registration device 13 includes, for example, a system controller, a communication interface, a display, an operational interface, and the like, all of which are not shown.

[0020] The secondary battery 14 is configured as, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery including an electrode group in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. The secondary battery 14 is charged with power supplied from a power receiving device 15 (described later). The secondary battery 14 also supplies power to the product registration device 13. The secondary battery 14 also supplies power to the product reader 12 and the lifting mechanism 16.

[0021] The power receiving device 15 receives power supplied from the cart power supply device 3 by utilizing electromagnetic coupling such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic field resonance. That is, the power receiving device 15 receives power in a non-contact state without electrical connection. The power receiving device 15 supplies DC power (charging power) to the secondary battery 14 using the received power. The power receiving device 15 is attached to the frame 21 of the cart body 11 via a lifting mechanism 16, which will be described later. The power receiving device 15 includes a power receiving coil 31 and a power receiving circuit 32.

[0022] The receiving coil 31 is an element that generates induced power by changing magnetic flux. For example, the receiving coil 31 is formed as a coil pattern on a printed circuit board. Alternatively, for example, the receiving coil 31 may have a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound in a planar shape.

[0023] A resonant capacitor is connected in series or in parallel to the power receiving coil 31 to form a resonant circuit (power receiving resonant circuit). The power receiving coil 31 generates an induced current by interlinking with a magnetic flux generated in a power feeding coil, which will be described later.

[0024] The power receiving circuit 32 is a circuit that supplies charging power to the secondary battery 14 using an induced current generated in the power receiving coil 31. The power receiving circuit 32 includes a rectifying and smoothing circuit and a voltage conversion circuit.

[0025] The rectifying smoothing circuit constitutes the input side circuit of the power receiving circuit 32. The rectifying smoothing circuit rectifies, smooths, and outputs the induced current flowing from the power receiving coil 31. The rectifying smoothing circuit includes a rectifying bridge formed by a diode or multiple diodes connected in series to the power receiving coil 31, and a smoothing capacitor. The rectifying smoothing circuit outputs the voltage across both terminals of the smoothing capacitor.

[0026] The voltage conversion circuit is a DC / DC converter that converts the output voltage of the rectifying and smoothing circuit into DC power of a voltage according to the load and outputs it. The voltage conversion circuit is connected to both terminals of the smoothing capacitor of the rectifying and smoothing circuit. For example, the voltage conversion circuit converts the voltage across both terminals of the smoothing capacitor of the rectifying and smoothing circuit into a voltage according to the specifications of the secondary battery 14 and outputs charging power used to charge the secondary battery 14 to the secondary battery 14. Note that if the output voltage of the rectifying and smoothing circuit corresponds to the specifications of the secondary battery 14, the voltage conversion circuit may be omitted.

[0027] The lifting mechanism 16 is configured to lower or raise the power receiving coil 31. The lifting mechanism 16 lowers the power receiving coil 31 while an external stress is applied, and raises the power receiving coil 31 while no external stress is applied. For example, the lifting mechanism 16 includes a contact portion 41, a spring portion 42, and an arm portion 43.

[0028] The contact portion 41 is a member to which external stress is applied by the first protruding member 24 or a second protruding member of the cart power supply device 3, which will be described later. The contact portion 41 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the first protruding member 24 or a second protruding member of the cart power supply device 3, which will be described later.

[0029] The arm portion 43 is a member having one end connected to the contact portion 41 and the other end to which the power receiving device 15 (or the power receiving coil 31 of the power receiving device 15) is provided.

[0030] The spring portion 42 is an elastic member (for example, a torsion spring) that elastically applies stress to the arm portion 43. The spring portion 42 applies stress to the arm portion 43 so as to maintain the power receiving coil 31 provided at the end of the arm portion 43 in a raised state.

[0031] Next, an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 3. As shown in FIG. The cart power supply device 3 wirelessly supplies power to the cart-type product registration device 2. The cart power supply device 3 includes a power supply base 51, a guide groove 52, a stopper 53, a power supply surface 54, a power supply circuit 55, a power supply coil 56, and a second protrusion member 57. The cart power supply device 3 may include, for example, a plurality of power supply circuits 55 and power supply coils 56. In the example of FIG. 3, the cart power supply device 3 includes, for example, four combinations of power supply circuits 55 and power supply coils 56. Since the multiple power supply circuits 55 and power supply coils 56 have the same configuration, one of them will be described as a representative.

[0032] The power supply base 51 is a housing provided with a guide groove 52, a stopper 53, a power supply surface 54, a power supply circuit 55, a power supply coil 56, and a second protruding member 57. The power supply base 51 is placed on the floor.

[0033] The guide grooves 52 are guides that guide the direction in which the cart-type product registration device 2 enters the power supply base 51. The guide grooves 52 are configured, for example, as grooves that guide the wheels of the casters 22 of the cart-type product registration device 2. In the example of FIG. 3, the guide grooves 52 are configured as a pair of grooves that guide the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2.

[0034] The stopper 53 guides the stopping position of the cart-type product registration device 2. The stopper 53 is configured as a member that abuts against the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2 that has entered along the guide groove 52. The stopper 53 abuts against the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2, thereby stopping the cart-type product registration device 2.

[0035] The power supply surface 54 is a surface on which the power supply coil 56 is provided. The power supply surface 54 is configured, for example, between a pair of grooves of the guide groove 52 and parallel to the floor surface. The position at which the power supply surface 54 is provided may be changed as appropriate depending on the position of the power receiving coil 31 of the cart-type product registration device 2.

[0036] The power supply circuit 55 controls the supply of current to the power supply coil 56. The power supply circuit 55 operates the power supply coil 56 using DC power input from a commercial power source (AC power source) via a DC power source such as an AC adapter. Note that a power conversion circuit that converts AC power from the AC power source into DC power may be provided inside the housing of the cart power supply device 3. The power supply circuit 55 also includes a semiconductor switch and a control circuit (not shown).

[0037] The semiconductor switch is a switching element that is turned on and off by a control circuit. The semiconductor switch is, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) made of a wide bandgap semiconductor such as a silicon semiconductor, SiC, GaN, gallium oxide, or diamond. The semiconductor switch has a drain terminal, a gate terminal, and a source terminal. The semiconductor switch is connected to the power supply coil 56 via a resonant capacitor.

[0038] A drive signal is input to the gate terminal of the semiconductor switch from a control circuit (not shown). The drive signal is configured as, for example, a pulse signal. In response to the drive signal, the semiconductor switch switches between a state in which the drain terminal and the source terminal are electrically connected and a state in which the drain terminal and the source terminal are not electrically connected.

[0039] The control circuit generates a drive signal and outputs the drive signal to the gate terminal of the semiconductor switch to control the on / off of the semiconductor switch (switching control). The switching control of the semiconductor switch causes an AC current to flow through the power supply coil 56 via the resonance capacitor.

[0040] The power supply coil 56 is an element that generates a magnetic flux in response to a flowing alternating current. For example, the power supply coil 56 is formed as a coil pattern on a printed circuit board. Alternatively, for example, the power supply coil 56 may have a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound in a plane. The power supply coil 56 is embedded in the power supply surface 54 so that the conductor is disposed parallel to the power supply surface 54. When the power supply coil 56 faces the power receiving coil 31, the magnetic flux generated in the power supply coil 56 interlinks with the power receiving coil 31. The power supply coil 56 is configured to be larger in size than the power receiving coil 31. Alternatively, the power supply coil 56 may be provided above a magnetic body.

[0041] The power supply coil 56 forms a resonant circuit (power supply resonant circuit) by connecting a resonant capacitor in series or parallel. When an AC current flows through the power supply coil 56, magnetic flux generated in the power supply coil 56 interlinks with the power receiving coil 31 opposite the power supply coil 56, generating an induced current. In other words, the power supply coil 56 transmits power to the power receiving coil 31 by magnetic field resonance. When using the magnetic field resonance method for power transmission, the self-resonant frequency of the power supply resonant circuit is configured to be the same as or nearly the same as the self-resonant frequency of the power receiving resonant circuit. This improves the power transmission efficiency when the power supply coil 56 and the power receiving coil 31 are electromagnetically coupled.

[0042] At least one of the multiple power supply coils 56 is located in a position facing the power receiving coil 31 of the cart-type product registration device 2 when the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2 are in contact with the stoppers 53. The other power supply coils 56 are located in positions facing the power receiving coils 31 of each cart-type product registration device 2 when multiple cart-type product registration devices 2 are nested and stored.

[0043] The second protruding member 57 is a member that applies stress to the contact portion 41 of the lifting mechanism 16 of the cart-type product registration device 2. The second protruding member 57 is provided at a predetermined height from the power supply surface 54 of the power supply base 51. The second protruding member 57 is arranged so that the protrusion protrudes rearward in the front-to-rear direction of the cart body 11.

[0044] Next, an example of inserting the cart-type product registration device 2 into the power supply base 51 will be described. 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example in which the cart-type commodity registration device 2 is inserted into the power supply base 51. FIG.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2 move forward along the guide groove 52 on the power supply base 51 of the cart power supply device 3.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the power receiving coil 31 of the power receiving device 15 of the cart-type product registration device 2 is maintained at a high position (raised state) by the lifting mechanism 16 when the device 2 enters.

[0047] The cart-type product registration device 2 further moves forward, and the front wheels of the cart-type product registration device 2 come into contact with the stoppers 53. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 , the second protrusion members 57 provided on the power supply base 51 come into contact with the contact portions 41 of the lifting mechanism 16 of the cart-type product registration device 2. That is, stress is applied to the contact portions 41 from the cart power supply device 3, which is external to the cart-type product registration device 2. As a result, the external stress on the contact portions 41 causes the arm portions 43 of the lifting mechanism 16 to rotate about an axis near the end portion closest to the contact portions 41, and the power receiving device 15 and power receiving coil 31 at the other end of the arm portions 43 lower. The power receiving coil 31 is provided on the cart-type product registration device 2 so that it is parallel to the power supply coil 56 when lowered.

[0048] The cart-type product registration device 2 then moves further in, nested one inside the other and stored on the power supply base 51. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first protrusion member 24 of the front cart-type product registration device 3 comes into contact with the contact portion 41 of the lifting mechanism 16 of the rear cart-type product registration device 2. In this case, too, stress from the other cart-type product registration device 2 to the contact portion 41 causes the arm portion 43 of the lifting mechanism 16 to rotate about an axis near the end closest to the contact portion 41, and the power receiving device 15 and power receiving coil 31 at the other end lower.

[0049] As described above, the cart-type product registration device 2 includes the cart body 11, the product registration device 13, the secondary battery 14, the power receiving coil 31, the power receiving circuit 32, and the lifting mechanism 16. The cart body 11 is configured such that the front wheels of the casters 22 move along the guide grooves 52 provided in the power supply base 51 on which the power supply coil 56 is disposed. The product registration device 13 registers in a list the products that a user places in the storage basket 23 of the cart body 11. The secondary battery 14 supplies power to the product registration device 13. The power receiving coil 31 is electromagnetically coupled to the power supply coil 56. The power receiving circuit 32 charges the secondary battery 14 with power generated in the power receiving coil 31. The lifting mechanism 16 lowers the power receiving coil 31 when external stress is applied, and raises the power receiving coil 31 when external stress is not applied.

[0050] This allows the cart-type product registration device 2 to lower the power receiving coil 31 when it is stored on the power supply base 51 and is subjected to external stress. Also, when the cart-type product registration device 2 is removed from the power supply base 51 and is no longer subjected to external stress, the power receiving coil 31 can be raised.

[0051] As a result, while power is being supplied from the cart power supply device 3, the power supply coil 56 and the power receiving coil 31 can be brought closer to each other, thereby improving power supply efficiency. Also, while a user is using the cart-type product registration device 2, the power receiving coil 31 can be kept in a high position, preventing it from coming into contact with unevenness on the floor surface.

[0052] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0053] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart-type product registration device 202. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 203. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a control system of the contactless power supply system 201 including the cart power supply device 203 and the cart-type product registration device 202.

[0054] First, a cart-type product registration device 202 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the cart-type product registration device 202 includes a cart body 211, a product reader 12, a product registration device 13, a secondary battery 14, a power receiving device 15, a lifting mechanism 216, and an identification tag 217.

[0055] The cart body 211 supports the product reader 12, the product registration device 13, the secondary battery 14, the power receiving device 15, the lifting mechanism 216, and the identification tag 217. The cart body 211 includes a frame 21, a plurality of casters 22, and a storage basket 23. That is, the cart body 211 differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include the first protrusion member 24.

[0056] The lifting mechanism 216 is configured to lower or raise the power receiving coil 31. The lifting mechanism 216 lowers or raises the power receiving coil 31, for example, based on the control of the product registration device 13. For example, the lifting mechanism 216 includes an arm unit 243 and a drive mechanism 244.

[0057] The arm portion 243 is a member having one end connected to the drive mechanism 244 and the other end to which the power receiving device 15 (or the power receiving coil 31 of the power receiving device 15) is provided.

[0058] The drive mechanism 244 is configured to apply stress to the arm portion 243 to rotate the arm portion 243. The drive mechanism A includes a motor, gears, and the like. The drive mechanism 244 drives the arm portion 243 to rotate based on the control of the product registration device 13. In this way, the drive mechanism 244 switches between a state in which the power receiving coil 31 provided at the end of the arm portion 243 is raised and a state in which the power receiving coil 31 is lowered.

[0059] The identification tag 217 is a tag that has information (identification information) for identifying the cart-type product registration device 202. The identification tag 217 is, for example, a tag that includes the identification information and displays a code that can be read as an image (for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.). The identification tag 217 is attached to the frame 21 with the code facing the floor surface. Note that the identification tag 217 may be an RFID tag that stores the identification information.

[0060] 8, the product registration device 13 of the cart-type product registration device 202 includes a system controller 261, a communication interface 262, a display 263, an operation interface 264, The system controller 261 is configured to control the operation of the product registration device 13. The system controller 261 includes a processor 265 and a memory 266.

[0061] The processor 265 is a computing element that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 265 is configured as, for example, a CPU. The processor 265 performs various processes based on programs stored in the memory 266.

[0062] The memory 266 is a storage device that stores programs and data, and includes, for example, one or more of a ROM, which is a read-only nonvolatile memory, a RAM, which temporarily stores data, and a storage device that stores data.

[0063] The communication interface 262 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The product registration device 13 can communicate with the cart power supply device 203 via the communication interface 262. The product registration device 13 can also communicate with a store server or the like via the communication interface 262. For example, the product registration device 13 acquires product information from the product reader 12 via the communication interface 262. The communication interface 262 also transmits the generated product list to the store server.

[0064] The display 263 is a display device that displays a screen based on display data (screen data) supplied from the processor 265 or a graphics controller (not shown).

[0065] The operation interface 264 is a device that generates an operation signal based on the operation of an operation member. The operation member is, for example, a touch sensor. The touch sensor is configured as, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display 263. The touch panel generates an operation signal that indicates the position touched by the user on the screen displayed on the display.

[0066] Next, an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 203 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cart power supply device 203 includes a power supply base 51, a guide groove 52, a stopper 53, a power supply surface 54, multiple power supply circuits 55, multiple power supply coils 56, a system controller 271, a communication interface 272, and a detection unit 273.

[0067] The system controller 271 is configured to control the operation of the cart power supply device 203. The system controller 271 includes a processor 274 and a memory 275.

[0068] The processor 274 is a computing element that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 274 is configured as, for example, a CPU. The processor 274 performs various processes based on programs stored in the memory 275.

[0069] The memory 275 is a storage device that stores programs and data, and includes, for example, one or more of a ROM, which is a read-only nonvolatile memory, a RAM, which temporarily stores data, and a storage device that stores data.

[0070] The communication interface 272 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The cart power supply device 203 can communicate with the product registration device 13 via the communication interface 272. The cart power supply device 203 can also communicate with a store server or the like via the communication interface 272.

[0071] The detection unit 273 detects the identification tag 217 of the cart-type product registration device 202. The detection unit 273 is configured, for example, as a camera including an optical system and an image sensor. The optical system is arranged such that its optical axis is oriented vertically from the power supply surface 54. The optical system is also arranged in a position where it can receive light from the identification tag 217 of the cart-type product registration device 202 when the cart-type product registration device 202 moves on the power supply base 51 guided by the guide groove 52. The image sensor converts the light focused by the optical system into an image (image data). The detection unit 273 detects a code from the image data, decodes the detected code, and acquires identification information of the cart-type product registration device 202. If the identification tag 217 is configured as an RFID tag, the detection unit 273 may be configured as an RFID reader.

[0072] Next, the operation of the cart power supply device 203 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the cart power supply device 203. The processor 274 of the system controller 271 of the cart power supply device 203 generates a charging list in advance and stores it in the memory 275. The processor 274 updates the charging list in the memory 275 every time the detection unit 273 acquires the identification information of the cart-type product registration device 202.

[0073] First, the processor 274 determines whether the detection unit 273 has acquired the identification information of the cart-type product registration device 202 (ACT11). That is, the processor 274 detects the identification tag 217 of the cart-type product registration device 202 using the detection unit 273 and determines whether the identification information has been decoded. If the processor 274 determines that the identification information has not been acquired (ACT11, NO), it repeats the processing of ACT11.

[0074] When the processor 274 determines that the identification information has been acquired (ACT11, YES), it determines whether the detected identification information is included in the charging list (ACT12). When the identification information acquired by the detection unit 273 is not included in the charging list, the processor 274 determines that the cart-type product registration device 202 with the detected identification information has newly entered onto the power supply base 51. Furthermore, when the identification information acquired by the detection unit 273 is included in the charging list, the processor 274 determines that the cart-type product registration device 202 with the detected identification information has been removed from the power supply base 51.

[0075] When the processor 274 determines that the detected identification information is not included in the charging list (ACT12, NO), it sends a lowering command to the cart-type product registration device 202 of the detected identification information (ACT13). Also, the processor 274 adds the detected identification information to the charging list (ACT14).

[0076] The lowering command is information that instructs the cart-type product registration device 202 to lower the power receiving coil 31 using the lifting mechanism 216. The processor 274 establishes communication with the cart-type product registration device 202 of the detected identification information via the communication interface 272, and transmits the lowering command.

[0077] Upon receiving the lowering command, the processor 265 of the system controller 261 of the cart-type product registration device 202 controls the lifting mechanism 216 to lower the power receiving coil 31. As a result, when the cart-type product registration device 202 approaches the power supply base 51, the power receiving coil 31 and the power supply coil 56 come close to each other.

[0078] Furthermore, when the processor 274 determines that the detected identification information is included in the charging list (ACT12, YES), it transmits a lift command to the cart-type product registration device 202 of the detected identification information (ACT15). Furthermore, the processor 274 deletes the detected identification information from the charging list (ACT16).

[0079] The lift command is information that instructs the cart-type product registration device 202 to lift the power receiving coil 31 using the lifting mechanism 216. The processor 274 establishes communication with the cart-type product registration device 202 of the detected identification information via the communication interface 272, and transmits the lift command.

[0080] Upon receiving the raising command, the processor 265 of the system controller 261 of the cart-type product registration device 202 controls the lifting mechanism 216 to raise the power receiving coil 31. As a result, when the cart-type product registration device 202 is removed from the power supply base 51, the power receiving coil 31 rises to a higher position.

[0081] After updating the charging list, the processor 274 determines whether to end the process (ACT 17). If the processor 274 determines not to end the process (ACT 17, NO), it proceeds to the process of ACT 11 and repeatedly executes the processes of ACT 11 to ACT 17. If the processor 274 receives a signal instructing the process to end from the store server or if the power is turned off, it determines to end the process of FIG. 9.

[0082] As described above, the cart power supply device 203 includes the power supply coil 56, the power supply base 51, the guide groove 52, the power supply circuit 55, the detection unit 273, and the system controller 271. The power supply coil 56 is electromagnetically coupled to the power receiving coil 31. The power supply coil 56 is arranged on the power supply base. The guide groove 52 guides the direction of movement of the cart on the power supply base 51. The power supply circuit 55 controls the power supply to the power receiving coil 31 by the power supply coil 56. The detection unit 273 detects the insertion or removal of the cart-type product registration device 202 into or from the power supply base 51.

[0083] The processor 274 of the system controller 271 updates the charging list in the memory 275 in accordance with the detection result of the identification information of the cart-type product registration device 202 by the detection unit 273. The processor 274 determines whether the cart-type product registration device 202 has entered or been removed from the power supply base 51 based on whether the identification information acquired by the detection unit 273 is included in the charging list.

[0084] When the cart-type product registration device 202 enters the power supply base 51, the system controller 271 transmits a lowering command to the cart-type product registration device 202 to lower the power receiving coil 31. When the cart-type product registration device 202 is removed from the power supply base 51, the system controller 271 transmits a raising command to the cart-type product registration device 202 to raise the power receiving coil 31.

[0085] This allows the cart-type product registration device 202 to lower the power receiving coil 31 while it is stored on the power supply base 51, and to raise the power receiving coil 31 while it is removed from the power supply base 51.

[0086] As a result, while power is being supplied from the cart power supply device 203, the power supply coil 56 and the power receiving coil 31 can be brought closer to each other, thereby improving power supply efficiency. Also, while a user is using the cart-type product registration device 202, the power receiving coil 31 can be kept in a high position, preventing it from coming into contact with unevenness on the floor surface.

[0087] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the identification information included in the identification tag 217 is identification information for identifying the cart-type product registration device 202. For example, the identification information included in the identification tag 217 may be configured to include information for establishing a communication path (e.g., a MAC address, an SSID, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device address). With this configuration, the cart power supply device 203 can establish a communication path with the cart-type product registration device 202 using the identification information detected from the identification tag 217 by the detection unit 273.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processor 274 of the cart power supply device 203 is configured to determine whether a cart has entered or been removed from the power supply base 51 based on the identification information detected by the detection unit 273 from the identification tag 217 and the identification information included in the charging list, but this configuration is not limiting.

[0089] The detection unit 273 may be configured to detect the movement of the cart-type product registration device 202, rather than detecting the identification tag 217. For example, the detection unit 273 may continuously acquire multiple frames of images and detect the movement (direction of travel) of the cart-type product registration device 202 between the frames. In this case, the processor 274 of the cart power supply device 203 may be configured to determine whether the cart-type product registration device 202 has entered or been removed from the power supply base 51, based on the direction of travel detected by the detection unit 273.

[0090] In addition, instead of the cart power supply device 203 being equipped with the detection unit 273, the cart power supply device 203 may be configured to acquire multiple frames of images from a surveillance camera or the like in a store, and the processor 274 may determine the movement (direction of travel) of the cart-type product registration device 202 between the frames.

[0091] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first and second embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart-type product registration device 302. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 303. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a control system of the contactless power supply system 301 including the cart power supply device 303 and the cart-type product registration device 302.

[0093] First, a cart-type product registration device 302 according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the cart-type product registration device 302 includes a cart body 211, a product reader 12, a product registration device 13, a secondary battery 14, a power receiving device 15, a lifting mechanism 216, and a detection unit 317.

[0094] The detection unit 317 detects a first marker 381 and a second marker 382 of the cart power supply device 303 (described later). The detection unit 317 is configured, for example, as a camera including an optical system and an image sensor. The optical system is arranged so that its optical axis faces downward at the bottom of the frame 21. The optical system is also arranged in a position where it can receive light from the first marker 381 and the second marker 382 arranged on the power supply surface 54 of the power supply base 51 to which the cart-type product registration device 302 is guided by the guide groove 52. The image sensor converts the light focused by the optical system into an image (image data). The detection unit 317 detects the first marker 381 and the second marker 382 from the image data and transmits the detection result to the product registration device 13.

[0095] Next, an example of the configuration of the cart power supply device 303 according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cart power supply device 303 includes a power supply base 51, a guide groove 52, a stopper 53, a power supply surface 54, a first marker 381, a second marker 382, ​​multiple power supply circuits 55, and multiple power supply coils 56.

[0096] The first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are markers for allowing the cart-type product registration device 302 to detect the cart power supply device 303. The first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are arranged, for example, on the power supply surface 54. For example, the first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are configured as codes (for example, barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) that include predetermined information and can be read as an image.

[0097] The first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are configured to indicate different information, respectively. For example, the first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are configured by combining the identification information of the cart power supply device 303 and a sub-number.

[0098] The second marker 382 is provided at a position closer to the stopper 53 than the first marker 381. That is, from the side closer to the entrance of the power supply base 51, the first marker 381 and the second marker 382 are arranged in this order.

[0099] Next, the operation of the cart-type product registration device 302 according to the third embodiment will be described. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of inserting the cart-type product registration device 302 into the power supply base 51. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the cart-type product registration device 302.

[0100] The processor 265 of the system controller 261 of the cart-type product registration device 302 determines whether or not the detection unit 317 has detected a marker (ACT21). As shown in Fig. 13, the detection unit 317 of the cart-type product registration device 302 is configured to detect a first marker 381 and a second marker 382 on the power supply surface 54 while the cart-type product registration device 302 is moving on the power supply base 51. If the processor 265 determines that the detection unit 317 has not detected a marker (ACT21, NO), it repeats the processing of ACT21.

[0101] When the processor 265 determines that the detection unit 317 has detected a marker (ACT21, YES), the processor 265 determines whether the first marker 381 was detected before the second marker 382 (ACT22).

[0102] As described above, the first marker 381 is located closer to the entrance than the second marker 382. Therefore, when a new cart-type product registration device 302 enters the power supply base 51, the detection unit 317 detects the markers on the power supply surface 54 in the order of the first marker 381 and the second marker 382. That is, when the processor 265 detects the markers in the order of the first marker 381 and the second marker 382, ​​it determines that a new cart-type product registration device 302 has entered the power supply base 51. Furthermore, when the processor 265 detects the markers in the order of the second marker 382 and the first marker 381, it determines that the cart-type product registration device 302 has been removed from the power supply base 51.

[0103] When the processor 265 determines that the first marker 381 has been detected before the second marker 382 (ACT22, YES), it controls the lifting mechanism 216 to lower the power receiving coil 31 (ACT23). As a result, when the cart-type product registration device 302 enters onto the power supply base 51, the power receiving coil 31 and the power supply coil 56 become close to each other.

[0104] Furthermore, when the processor 265 determines that the second marker 382 has been detected before the first marker 381 (ACT22, NO), it controls the lifting mechanism 216 to raise the power receiving coil 31 (ACT24). As a result, when the cart-type product registration device 302 is removed from the power supply base 51, the power receiving coil 31 rises to a higher position.

[0105] The processor 265 determines whether or not to end the processing (ACT25). If the processor 265 determines not to end the processing (ACT25, NO), it proceeds to the processing of ACT21 and repeatedly executes the processing of ACT21 to ACT25. If the processor 265 receives a signal instructing the end from the store server or if the power is turned off, it determines to end the processing of FIG. 14.

[0106] As described above, the power supply surface 54 of the power supply base 51 of the cart power supply device 303 is provided with the first marker 381 and the second marker 382, ​​which is provided at a position closer to the stopper 53 than the first marker 381. The cart-type product registration device 302 also includes a detection unit 317 that detects the first marker 381 and the second marker 382. The processor 265 of the cart-type product registration device 302 controls the lifting mechanism 216 based on the detection result of the markers provided on the power supply base 51 to switch between a state in which the power receiving coil 31 is lowered and a state in which the power receiving coil 31 is raised.

[0107] When the processor 265 detects the first marker 381 and then the second marker 382 on the power supply surface 54 in this order, it determines that a new cart-type product registration device 302 has entered the power supply base 51. In this case, the processor 265 controls the lifting mechanism 216 to lower the power receiving coil 31.

[0108] Furthermore, when the processor 265 detects the second marker 382 and then the first marker 381 on the power supply surface 54 in this order, it determines that the cart-type product registration device 302 has been removed from the power supply base 51. In this case, the processor 265 controls the lifting mechanism 216 to lift the power receiving coil 31.

[0109] This allows the cart-type product registration device 302 to lower the power receiving coil 31 while it is stored on the power supply base 51, and to raise the power receiving coil 31 while it is removed from the power supply base 51.

[0110] As a result, while power is being supplied from the cart power supply device 303, the power supply coil 56 and the power receiving coil 31 can be brought closer to each other, thereby improving power supply efficiency. Also, while a user is using the cart-type product registration device 302, the power receiving coil 31 can be kept in a high position, preventing it from coming into contact with unevenness on the floor surface.

[0111] The cart-type product registration device 302 may acquire identification information of the cart power supply device 3 from the first marker 381 and the second marker 382. Furthermore, the cart-type product registration device 302 may be configured to raise and lower the power receiving coil 31 using the lifting mechanism 216 when the acquired identification information is included in a list of preset identification information.

[0112] Furthermore, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined. For example, the cart-type product registration device 2 may be configured to apply stress to the contact portion 41 of the lifting mechanism 16 in response to a lift command or a lowering command from the cart power supply device 203.

[0113] Furthermore, the first embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined. For example, the cart-type product registration device 2 may include a detection unit 317 and a configuration that applies stress to the contact unit 41 of the lifting mechanism 16 based on the detection result of the detection unit 317.

[0114] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments described above, the lifting mechanism 216 including the arm 243 and the drive mechanism 244 has been described as an example of a configuration for lifting and lowering the power receiving coil 31, but the configuration is not limited to this. The lifting mechanism may have any configuration as long as it is configured to lift and lower the power receiving coil 31 in response to a signal from the product registration device 13. For example, the lifting mechanism may be configured to suspend the power receiving coil 31 via a pulley using a wire connected to the shaft of a motor. In this case, the wire is wound as the motor shaft rotates, and the power receiving coil 31 rises.

[0115] In the second and third embodiments, the product registration device 13 controls the lifting mechanism 216, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The cart-type product registration device 202 and the cart-type product registration device 302 may be configured to further include a controller for the lifting mechanism that controls the lifting mechanism 216.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the product registration device 13 is described as being installed in the cart body 11, but this configuration is not limiting. The product registration device 13 may be replaced with an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a digital camera, etc.) carried by the user. That is, the power receiving device 15 and the secondary battery 14 may be configured to supply power to the information terminal carried by the user.

[0117] The functions described in the above embodiments can be realized not only by hardware but also by software by loading a program describing each function into a computer. Also, each function may be realized by selecting either software or hardware as appropriate.

[0118] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1... non-contact power supply system, 2... cart-type product registration device, 3... cart power supply device, 11... cart body, 12... product reader, 13... product registration device, 14... secondary battery, 15... power receiving device, 16... lifting mechanism, 21... frame, 22... caster, 23... storage basket, 24... protrusion member, 25... handle, 31... power receiving coil, 32... power receiving circuit, 41... contact portion, 42... spring portion, 43... arm portion, 51... power supply base, 52... guide groove, 53... stopper, 54... power supply surface, 55... power supply circuit, 56... power supply coil, 57... protrusion member, 201... non-contact power supply system, 202... cart-type product registration device, 20 3...cart power supply device, 211...cart body, 216...lifting mechanism, 217...identification tag, 243...arm section, 244...drive mechanism, 261...system controller, 262...communication interface, 263...display, 264...operation interface, 265...processor, 266...memory, 271...system controller, 272...communication interface, 273...detection section, 274...processor, 275...memory, 301...contactless power supply system, 302...cart-type product registration device, 303...cart power supply device, 317...detection section, 381...first marker, 382...second marker.

Claims

1. a cart that moves along a guide groove provided in a power supply base on which a power supply coil is disposed; a product registration device; a secondary battery that supplies power to the product registration device; a receiving coil that is electromagnetically coupled with the feeding coil; a power receiving circuit that charges the secondary battery with the power generated in the power receiving coil; an elevating mechanism that lowers the receiving coil while stress is being applied and raises the receiving coil while stress is not being applied; A cart-type product registration device comprising:

2. 2. The cart-type product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism has a contact portion to which stress is applied from the outside, and the stress applied to the contact portion lowers the power receiving coil.

3. 3. The cart-type product registration device according to claim 2, further comprising a protruding member provided at a position that contacts the contact portion of the lifting mechanism provided on the other cart when the other cart is nested inside the other cart.

4. The cart-type product registration device according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is positioned so as to come into contact with a protruding member provided on the power supply base when the front wheel of the cart comes into contact with a stopper provided at the end of the guide groove.

5. a detection unit that detects a marker provided on the power supply base; a controller that controls the lifting mechanism so that, when the marker is read by the detection unit, the lifting mechanism switches between a state in which the power receiving coil is lowered and a state in which the power receiving coil is raised; 2. The cart-type product registration device according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. A cart power supply device that supplies power to a cart-type product registration device, the cart power supply device comprising: a product registration device; a secondary battery that supplies power to the product registration device; a power receiving coil; a power receiving circuit that charges the secondary battery with power generated in the power receiving coil; a lifting mechanism that lowers or raises the power receiving coil; and a cart, a power supply coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the power receiving coil; a power supply base on which the power supply coil is disposed; and a guide groove for guiding the direction of movement of the cart on the power supply base; a power supply circuit that controls power supply from the power supply coil to the power receiving coil; a detection unit that detects whether the cart-type product registration device is inserted into or removed from the power supply base; a controller that transmits a lowering command to the cart-type product registration device to lower the power receiving coil when the cart-type product registration device enters the power supply base, and transmits a raising command to the cart-type product registration device to raise the power receiving coil when the cart-type product registration device is removed from the power supply base; A cart power supply device comprising:

7. the controller comprises a processor and a memory; The cart power supply device according to claim 6, wherein the processor stores the detection result of the cart-type product registration device by the detection unit in the memory, and determines whether the cart-type product registration device has entered the power supply base or been removed from the power supply base based on the information stored in the memory.

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