Cart Gate

Abstract

To provide a cart gate in which power can be efficiently transmitted with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A cart gate according to an embodiment includes a pair of guide parts that are oppositely disposed on both sides of a cart which is equipped with power receiving devices on lateral sides thereof, and that are arranged along a travel direction of the cart, and a power transmitting device that supplies power to the power receiving devices. The distance between the pair of guide parts is larger than the width dimension of the cart which is disposed between the guide parts, and the difference between the distance and the width dimension of the cart is equal to or less than a power supply available distance between the power receiving device and the power transmission device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a cart gate for a power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a system has been devised that provides various services by mounting electronic devices on a cart (mobile dolly) such as a shopping cart operated by a user. The cart is equipped with a battery that supplies power to the electronic device. A contactless power transmission technology that supplies power to the cart stored in a storage position without contact is adopted as a charging system for the battery mounted on the cart. For example, in a power supply system, a power receiving coil is provided on the cart, and a power transmitting coil that supplies power to the power receiving coil of the cart stored in the storage position is mounted in the storage position. For example, there is a power supply device for a cart that provides power by providing a power receiving coil on the underside of the tip of the cart and a power transmitting coil on the floor surface of the storage position. Also, a configuration is being considered in which a power receiving coil is provided on the side of the cart, and a power transmitting coil is arranged upright from the floor surface facing the power receiving coil. In contactless power transmission, in order to transmit power efficiently, it is important to align the antenna on the power receiving side such as a coil with the antenna on the power transmitting side. For example, in order to align the power receiving antenna with the power transmitting antenna, guide rails for positioning the wheels of the cart are provided on the floor of the accommodation section in which the cart is placed, thereby defining the position of the cart. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-101577 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cart gate that can transmit power efficiently with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The cart gate according to the embodiment includes a pair of guide members disposed opposite each other on both sides of a cart having a power receiving device on each side and aligned along a traveling direction of the cart, and a power transmitting device that supplies power to the power receiving device, The pair of guide sections are arranged at predetermined positions spaced above the running surface of the cart and include a first side rod extending in the running direction of the cart, and one or both of the pair of guide sections further include a second side rod extending in the running direction on the inner side of the first side rod, The distance between the pair of guide portions is greater than the width dimension of the cart placed therebetween, and the difference with the width dimension of the cart is equal to or less than the power supply distance between the power receiving device and the power transmitting device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cart of the power supply system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the power supply system. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the power supply system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the power supply system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, a power supply system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power supply system according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a rear view of the power supply system as seen from the rear, and Fig. 3 is a top view. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cart, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the power supply system. As an example, a case will be described in which the front-rear direction of the cart 2 is arranged along a first direction, the width direction of the cart 2 is arranged along a second direction, and the up-down direction is arranged along a third direction. The power supply system 1 includes a cart 2 equipped with a power receiving device 23, and a cart gate 3 on which the cart 2 is placed and equipped with a power transmitting device 35. In the power supply system 1, the carts 2, each equipped with a power receiving device 23, are stored lined up in the first direction in the cart gate 3 equipped with a plurality of power transmitting devices 35 lined up in a first direction, and the plurality of power transmitting devices 35 and the plurality of power receiving devices 23 are arranged opposite each other at a predetermined interval.

[0008] 4, the cart 2 is a moving object, such as a shopping cart. The cart 2 includes a frame 11, a basket section 12, casters 151 and 152, an electronic device 21, a battery box 223 in which a battery 22 is provided, and a power receiving device 23.

[0009] The frame 11 is configured by assembling a plurality of frame members extending in a plurality of different directions. The frame 11 supports the car section 12, a plurality of casters 151, 152, various electronic devices 21, and a power receiving device 23 at predetermined locations.

[0010] The frame 11 includes a pair of left and right vertical frame portions 111, a lower frame portion 112, a horizontal frame portion 113, a handle portion 114, and a mounting frame 115. The vertical frame portions 111, the lower frame portion 112, and the horizontal frame portions 113 extend in directions that intersect with each other.

[0011] The vertical frame portion 111 includes a pair of main frames 1111 extending upward from the rear casters 152, a pair of sub-frames 1112 provided on the rear side of the main frames 1111, and a pair of sub-frames 1113 provided on the front side of the main frames 1111. The vertical frame portion 111 extends in the vertical direction behind the car portion 12, and the rear casters 152 are disposed at the lower end portion.

[0012] The main frame 1111 may be bent, for example. The sub-frames 1112 and 1113 are fixed to the main frame 1111. The sub-frame 1112 extends in a third direction, which is the up-down direction, and connects one side and the other side of the bent portion of the main frame 1111 behind the bent portion. The sub-frame 1113 extends in the third direction, which is the up-down direction. The upper end of the sub-frame 1113 is connected to the front side of the main frame 1111, and the lower end is connected to the upper side of the main frame 1121 of the lower frame portion 112.

[0013] The lower frame section 112 includes a plurality of frame members arranged along the floor surface. The lower frame section 112 includes, for example, a pair of main frames 1121, a pair of sub-frames 1122, a support frame 1123, and a front connecting section 1124. The main frame 1121 extends forward from the rear caster 152 toward the front caster 151. The sub-frames 1122 are arranged below the main frame 1121. The support frame 1123 forms a basket storage space along the floor surface inside the main frame 1121. The front connecting section 1124 extends in the width direction at the front end of the lower end of the cart 2, and connects the front ends of the pair of main frames 1121.

[0014] The horizontal frame portion 113 includes a plurality of link frames 1131, 1132, and 1133 that are arranged between the left and right vertical frame portions 111 and extend in the width direction.

[0015] The handle portion 114 is disposed above the rear end portion of the cart 2. The handle portion 114 is disposed continuous with the upper end portion of the vertical frame portion 111. As an example, the handle portion 114 extends in the width direction.

[0016] The mounting frame 115 is connected to the vertical frame portions 111. For example, the mounting frame 115 extends above one of the vertical frame portions 111 and supports various electronic devices 21.

[0017] In the frame 11, the car section 12 is supported on the vertical frame section 111, and a front wheel caster 151 and a rear wheel caster 152 are provided at the front end and the rear end of a lower frame section 112 disposed below the car section 12. In addition, in the frame 11, a power receiving device 23 is provided at a corner portion defined by the lower end of the vertical frame section 111 and the rear end of the lower frame section 112. In addition, a battery box 223 is provided on the vertical frame section 111. For example, the battery box 223 is supported on a pair of sub-frames 1112 of the vertical frame section 111.

[0018] In the lower frame portion 112, the pair of main frames 1121 and the pair of sub-frames 1122 extend obliquely toward the center at the front so that the widthwise distance at the front side is narrow. Therefore, the frame 11 is formed so that the width at the front side is narrow and the width at the rear side is wide in the forward movement direction of the cart 2.

[0019] The basket section 12 is configured in a box shape that opens upward, for example, by a perforated panel member or a mesh-like wire member. The basket section 12 constitutes a storage section in which various products and baskets that store products are placed. The basket section 12 is disposed in front of the vertical frame section 111 at a height spaced upward from the floor surface. Both the left and right sides of the rear end of the basket section 12 are supported by the vertical frame section 111. The basket section 12 is formed so that the front side is narrow and the rear side is wide in the forward direction of the cart 2. The basket section 12 is supported by left and right main frames 1111 and a link frame 1131 that is stretched between the main frames 1111, and has an opening / closing panel 121 that can be opened and closed with the lower end as a free end, and is configured so that the rear side can be opened and closed.

[0020] Each of the front casters 151 and the rear casters 152 includes a wheel 153 that rotates in the direction of travel, and a bracket portion 154 that rotatably supports the wheel 153. The bracket portion 154 is rotatably attached to the frame 11. The wheels 153 of the casters 151, 152 rotate on the floor surface to move the cart 2. In addition, the traveling direction of the cart 2 can be changed by rotating the bracket portions 154 of the casters 151, 152.

[0021] As with the shapes of the frame 11 and the cage section 12, the front caster 151 at the front is arranged so that the width from left to right is narrower than the rear caster 152 at the rear. Therefore, when a plurality of carts 2 are lined up in a row, for example, the carts 2 can be stored so that the frame 11 of the rear cart 2 overlaps along the frame 11 of the front cart 2. When stacking the carts 2 front to back, the front end of the cage section 12 of the rear cart 2 pushes the opening and closing panel 121 forward to lift it, and the rear surface of the front cage section 12 is opened, so that the cage section 12 of the rear cart 2 is inserted into the front cage section 12, and the plurality of carts 2 are stacked and stored. In addition, when a plurality of carts 2 are stacked and arranged, for example, the frames 11 of the front and rear carts 2 engage with each other while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship, and the power receiving devices 23 are positioned and lined up at a certain pitch.

[0022] The electronic device 21 is an information terminal such as a tablet terminal for providing information to a user, or a product reader for acquiring information on a product selected by a user. The electronic device 21 is connected to, for example, a battery 22, and is driven by power from the battery 22. The electronic device 21 may be a charging device for charging an electronic device such as a portable terminal (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a digital camera, etc.) carried by a user with power from the battery 22.

[0023] In this embodiment, for example, the electronic device 21 includes a tablet terminal 211 and a product reader 212. The tablet terminal 211 is a computer having a display unit with a touch panel. The tablet terminal 211 is installed with the display unit facing the user positioned on the handle unit 114 side. For example, the tablet terminal 211 displays information about a product read by the product reader 212. The tablet terminal 211 may also perform a payment process for the product read by the product reader 212.

[0024] The product reader 212 is a device that reads product information. The product reader 212 may also have a display unit that displays the read product information. For example, the product reader 212 is an RFID tag reader that reads an RFID tag or the like attached to a product to be put in or taken out of the basket unit 12. The product reader 212 may also be a scanner that reads product identification information, such as a barcode, attached to a product.

[0025] The electronic device 21 may be an interface device for connecting a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal) owned by a user instead of the tablet terminal 211. The mobile terminal connected to the interface device serving as the electronic device 21 may perform the same process as the tablet terminal 211 described above. The interface device serving as the electronic device 21 may charge a battery provided in the mobile terminal. The interface device serving as the electronic device 21 may have a built-in battery 22, or may be connected to a separately provided battery 22.

[0026] The battery box 223 is provided on the frame 11. The battery box 223 is fixed to and supported by, for example, a pair of sub-frames 1112 arranged below the opening / closing panel 121 of the car section 12. The battery 22 is a power supply device that supplies power to the electronic device 21 mounted on the cart 2, and includes a charging circuit 221 and a secondary battery 222. The battery 22 is connected to and charged by the power receiving device 23.

[0027] The charging circuit 221 supplies the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 232 of the power receiving device 23 to the secondary battery 222 as power for charging (charging power). For example, the charging circuit 221 converts the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 232 into a direct current (charging power) used to charge the secondary battery 222. That is, the charging circuit 221 converts the power from the power receiving circuit 232 into charging power of a predetermined current value and voltage value for charging the secondary battery 222 and supplies it to the secondary battery 222. The charging circuit 221 charges the secondary battery with the power from the power receiving device 23.

[0028] The secondary battery 222 is charged by charging power supplied from the charging circuit 221. The secondary battery 222 is connected to the electronic device 21 and supplies power to the electronic device 21. The battery 22 may be configured as a power supply device (external power supply) provided separately from the electronic device 21.

[0029] 5, the power receiving device 23 includes a casing 230, a power receiving coil 231, a power receiving circuit 232, a control circuit 233, and a display unit 234. For example, in the power receiving device 23, the power receiving coil 231 and a circuit board are disposed inside the casing 230, and various processing circuits including the power receiving circuit 232 and the control circuit 233 are mounted on the circuit board.

[0030] The power receiving device 23 is provided on the side of the cart 2 at a corner portion defined by the lower end of the vertical frame portion 111 and the rear end of the lower frame portion 112. The power receiving device 23 is provided on the upper part of the rear caster 152 on the side of the cart 2, and is arranged so that the power receiving surface 2311 of the power receiving coil 231 is oriented vertically or approximately vertically to the support surface, which is the floor surface on which the cart 2 is supported. The power receiving device 23 is configured to have a size such that the power receiving devices 23 of adjacent carts 2 in the front and rear do not come into contact with each other when multiple carts 2 are stacked and stored in a row, and is arranged at a position such that the power receiving devices 23 of adjacent carts 2 in the front and rear do not come into contact with each other.

[0031] The casing 230 houses the power receiving coil 231 and a circuit board on which various circuits are mounted. The casing 230 includes a holder for holding the frame 11, and is held by the frame 11.

[0032] The power receiving coil 231 is disposed within the casing 230. For example, the power receiving coil 231 may be configured as a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound, or may be configured by forming a coil pattern on a printed circuit board. The power receiving coil 231 has a power receiving surface 2311 that receives power formed in a flat shape. The power receiving surface 2311 of the power receiving coil 231 is disposed facing outward on the side of the frame 11 in a state perpendicular to the floor surface.

[0033] The power receiving coil 231 supplies the received AC power to the power receiving circuit 232. Specifically, the power receiving coil 231 receives the transmitted power from the power transmitting coil 353, and supplies the received power to the power receiving circuit 232.

[0034] The power receiving coil 231 is connected in series or parallel with the power receiving resonance capacitor 235 to form a power receiving resonance circuit. When the power receiving coil 231 as the power receiving resonance circuit approaches the power transmitting coil 353 of the power transmitting device 35, the power receiving coil 231 is electromagnetically coupled to the power transmitting coil 353. In the power receiving coil 231, an induced current is generated by the magnetic field output from the power transmitting coil 353 of the power transmitting device 35. In other words, the power receiving coil 231 functions as an AC power source while receiving AC power from the power transmitting device 35. In addition, when the magnetic field resonance method is used for power transmission, the self-resonant frequency of the power receiving resonance circuit as the power receiving coil 231 is configured to be approximately the same as the frequency at which the power transmitting device 35 transmits power. Therefore, the power transmission efficiency is improved when the power receiving coil 231 and the power transmitting coil 353 are electromagnetically coupled.

[0035] The power receiving circuit 232 converts the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 231 into power that can be supplied to the battery 22 or the electronic device 21. For example, the power receiving circuit 232 rectifies the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 231 and converts it into DC. The power receiving circuit 232 is realized by a circuit including a rectifier bridge composed of a plurality of diodes, for example. In this case, a pair of input terminals of the rectifier bridge are connected to a power receiving resonant circuit composed of the power receiving coil 231 and a resonant capacitor 235. The power receiving circuit 232 full-wave rectifies the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 231, and outputs DC power from a pair of output terminals.

[0036] The display unit 234 is a display device that displays various information. For example, the display unit 234 is an indicator that indicates the state of the power receiving device 23. The display unit 234 switches the display according to the control of the control circuit 233. For example, the display unit 234 is an LED that turns on or off or switches the display color according to the operating state of the power receiving device 23. Alternatively, the display unit 234 may be a display screen that displays the operating state as a message.

[0037] The control circuit 233 controls the operation of the power receiving circuit 232 and the display unit 234. The control circuit 233 includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes arithmetic processing. The processor performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the memory and data used in the programs. The memory stores the programs, data used in the programs, and the like. The control circuit 233 may be configured with a microcomputer and / or an oscillator circuit, etc. For example, the control circuit 233 switches the display of the display unit 234 depending on the state of the power receiving device 23.

[0038] The power receiving device 23 receives power transmitted in a non-contact manner and supplies the received power to the electronic device 21 or the battery 22. The power receiving device 23 may be configured to include an output terminal that supplies power to the electronic device 21. In this case, the battery 22 may be configured to be charged by the power supplied via the electronic device 21.

[0039] The cart 2 is stored in a cart gate 3 provided at a predetermined storage position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 1 and 2, one cart or multiple carts 2 are stored in a nested arrangement in the cart gate 3.

[0040] The cart gate 3 as a storage device for storing the cart 2 includes a guide base 31 as a base portion, a guide gate 32, and a plurality of power transmission devices 35.

[0041] The guide base 31 is installed at a predetermined storage position. The guide base 31 has a pair of side frames 311, a front frame 312, a front wheel guide 313, and a rear frame 314. The side frames 311 extend, for example, in a first direction and guide the running direction of the wheels in the first direction. One of the side frames 311 has a plurality of power transmission devices 35 arranged at equal intervals in the first direction. A dimension WO between the pair of side frames 311 is configured to be larger than the width dimension of the lower end portion of the cart 2. The front frame 312 extends in the second direction, and both ends are connected to the front ends of the pair of side frames 311. The front frame 312 regulates the position of the front caster 151 of the leading cart 2 in the first direction, and defines the front end position of the cart 2. The front wheel guide 313 is a rail member extending rearward from a predetermined position of the front frame 312, and regulates the position of the wheel 153 of the front caster 151 of the foremost cart 2. The front wheel guide 313 has, for example, a dimension in the first direction equal to the dimension in the first direction of the wheel 153 of the front caster 151, and has a tapered portion whose rear inner edge in the second direction, which is the entrance side, is inclined so as to expand outward in the second direction. The pair of front wheel guides 313 are arranged slightly outside the position where the wheel 153 of the front caster 151 of the leading cart is arranged, thereby defining the position of the wheel 153 of the front caster 151 in the width direction. The rear frame 314 extends in the second direction and connects between the pair of side frames 311. The rear frame 314 is shorter in height than the side frames 311 and the front frame 312, is made of a thin frame material, and is configured to have a thickness that does not interfere with traveling.

[0042] The guide gate 32 includes a pair of front poles 321 erected from both ends of the front part of the guide base 31, a pair of rear poles 322 arranged at both ends of the rear part of the guide base 31, side bars 323 arranged at a predetermined height on both side edges of the guide base 31, and a front bar 324 arranged at a predetermined height in the front part of the guide base 31. The front poles 321, the rear pole 322, and the side bars 323 are each made of a pipe material or a rod material. In this embodiment, the front poles 321 and the rear poles 322 are each erected upward from both ends of the side frame 311.

[0043] Each of the pair of side bars 323 includes a first side rod 3231 extending in the first direction above the side frame 311 of the guide base 31, and a second side rod 3232 supported by each first side rod 3231 and extending in the first direction on the inner side of the first side rod 3231. Specifically, the second side rod 3232 is joined to the first side rod 3231 by a plurality of connecting members 3233 extending outward from both ends and a center portion of the second side rod 3232 in the first direction. The pair of first side rods 3231 and the pair of second side rods 3232 each extend horizontally along the traveling direction of the cart 2. In each side bar 323, the first side rod 3231, the second side rod 3232, and the plurality of connecting members 3233 are integrally and continuously configured. The pair of first side rods 3231 are supported by being bridged between the front pole 321 and the rear pole 322. The front bar 324 is supported by being spanned between a pair of front poles 321. The front bar 324 extends in a second direction, which is the width direction. The guide gates 32 are disposed facing each other in front of and on both sides of the multiple carts 2 placed on the guide base 31, and are disposed so as to surround the area in which the carts 2 are arranged.

[0044] The side bar 323 is configured such that the interval WP between the second side rods 3232 is slightly larger than the width dimension WC of the cart 2 at the same height position. For example, the side bar 323 is arranged within the power supply range of the cart 2, for example within 20 mm, so that the difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the interval WP between the second side rods 3232 is equal to or smaller than the power supply distance, which is the maximum power supply distance of the power receiving device 23 and the power transmitting device 35. For example, the difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the interval WP between the second side rods 3232 is set to 20 mm or less. In addition, if there is a target value for the gap between the power receiving device 23 and the power transmitting device 35, the maximum value of the difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the interval WP between the second side rods 3232 may be set to the value obtained by subtracting the target value of the gap from the power supply distance.

[0045] The power transmitting devices 35 are arranged side by side in the first direction on the side frame 311, and are arranged to face the power receiving devices 23 of the cart 2 located in a storage position (cart parking area) inside the cart gate 3. The power transmitting devices 35 transmit power to the power receiving devices 23 in a non-contact manner.

[0046] The power transmitting device 35 includes a casing 350, a power supply circuit 351, a power transmitting circuit 352, a power transmitting coil 353, a control circuit 354, a display unit 355, and a resonance capacitor 356. For example, in the power transmitting device 35, the power transmitting coil and a circuit board are housed in the casing 350, and various circuits including the power supply circuit 351, the power transmitting circuit 352, and the control circuit 354 are formed on the circuit board. For example, the power transmitting device 35 is disposed facing the inside of the base frame, and disposed close to the power receiving device 23 with a small gap of about 10 to 20 mm therebetween.

[0047] The multiple power transmitting devices 35 are aligned and positioned at the same pitch as the power receiving devices 23 are aligned when the carts are stacked, for example. As an example, the multiple power transmitting devices 35 are arranged inside the side frame 311, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the multiple power transmitting devices 35 may be arranged on the side frame 311 or outside the side frame 311.

[0048] The power supply circuit 351 supplies DC power to the power transmission circuit 352 via, for example, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power source. For example, the power supply circuit 351 converts the voltage of an external DC power supply into a voltage suitable for the operation of each circuit, generates power for causing the power transmission circuit 352 to transmit power, and supplies the power to the power transmission circuit 352. The power supply circuit 351 also generates power for operating the control circuit 354, and supplies the power to the control circuit 354.

[0049] The power transmitting circuit 352 generates transmission power and supplies the generated transmission power to the power transmitting coil 353. For example, the power transmitting circuit 352 generates AC power as the transmission power by switching DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 351 based on the control of the control circuit 354. The power transmitting coil 353 outputs power that can be received by the power receiving device 23 in accordance with the transmission power supplied from the power transmitting circuit 352.

[0050] The power transmission coil 353 is configured, for example, as a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound. Alternatively, the power transmission coil 353 may be configured, for example, by forming a coil pattern on a printed circuit board. The power transmission coil 353 has a power transmission surface 3511 for transmitting power formed in a planar shape. The power transmission surface 3511 of the power transmission coil 353 is arranged so as to face the power receiving surface 2311 of the power receiving coil 231 of the power receiving device 23 at a predetermined interval in a state where it is perpendicular to the floor surface. For example, a plurality of power transmission coils 353 are provided at positions facing the power receiving surfaces 2311 of the power receiving coils 231 arranged along the surfaces of a plurality of power receiving devices 23 provided in each cart 2 in a state where it is stored in the storage position.

[0051] For example, the power transmitting coil 353 configures a power transmitting resonant circuit by being connected in series or in parallel with a resonance capacitor 356. When AC power is supplied from the power transmitting circuit 352 to the power transmitting coil 353 as the power transmitting resonant circuit, the power transmitting coil 353 generates a magnetic field according to the supplied AC power.

[0052] The control circuit 354 controls the operation of the power transmitting circuit 352 and the display unit 355. The control circuit 354 includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes arithmetic processing. The processor performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the memory and data used in the programs. The memory stores the programs, data used in the programs, and the like. The control circuit 354 may be configured with a microcomputer and / or an oscillator circuit, etc.

[0053] For example, the control circuit 354 switches the display of the display unit 355 depending on the state of the power transmitting device 35. Furthermore, the control circuit 354 controls the frequency of AC power output from the power transmitting circuit 352, and controls the on / off operation of the power transmitting circuit 352. For example, the control circuit 354 controls the power transmitting circuit 352 to switch between a state in which a magnetic field is generated in the power transmitting coil 353 (power transmitting state) and a state in which a magnetic field is not generated in the power transmitting coil 353 (standby state). Furthermore, the control circuit 354 may perform control to change the timing of power transmission by causing the power transmitting coil 353 to intermittently generate a magnetic field.

[0054] The display unit 355 is an indicator that indicates the state of the power transmitting device 35. The display unit 355 switches the display according to the control of the control circuit 354. For example, the display unit 355 is an LED, which turns on or off or switches the display color according to the operating state of the power transmitting device 35. The display unit 355 may also be a liquid crystal screen that displays the operating state as a message.

[0055] When the cart 2 is accommodated in the cart gate 3 configured as above, for example, a user holds the handle portion 114 and pushes the cart 2 forward from the rear opening of the cart gate 3. At this time, the position of the cart 2 is determined by the side bars 323 of the cart gate 3 and guided forward. Specifically, the width dimension WC of the cart 2 between the side bars 323 at the height of the side bars 323 is disposed with a gap of only about 10 mm from the dimension between the side bars 323. Therefore, the widthwise positions of the cart gate 3 side and the cart 2 side are determined with high precision, and the power transmitting device 35 provided on the cart gate 3 side and the power receiving device 23 provided on the side of the cart 2 are close to each other. Furthermore, when the leading cart 2 is pushed to the front end of the cart gate 3, the position of the wheels 153 of the front wheel casters 151 of the cart 2 in the second direction is determined by the front wheel guide 313, and the position of the wheels 153 of the front wheel casters 151 of the cart 2 in the first direction is determined by the front frame 312. The second and subsequent carts 2 are nested and placed on top of the cart 2 that has already been stored and positioned in front of them, and are therefore positioned in the first and second directions.

[0056] According to the cart gate 3 of the embodiment described above, it is possible to transmit power efficiently with a simple configuration. That is, by making the interval between the side bars 323 arranged at a predetermined height above the running surface AA of the cart 2 larger than the width dimension of the part of the cart 2 at that height and making the difference between the interval between the side bars 323 and the width dimension of the cart 2 within the power supply range, for example, 20 mm or less, it is possible to specify the interval between the power transmitting device 35 and the power receiving device 23 while having a simple configuration, and it is easy to position the cart 2. That is, even if there is no rail such as a groove for the wheels on the floor surface, it is possible to specify the interval with the cart 2 with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to keep the distance between the power receiving surface 2311 and the power transmitting surface 3511 constant, and it is possible to transmit power efficiently. In addition, by guiding at a position close to the handle part 114 where the user holds the cart 2 and operates it to travel, it is not hindered from operation and it is easy to position it. For example, when guiding the travel by fitting the wheel 153 at the lower end into a groove, the user needs to adjust the position of the handle portion 114 while checking the position of the wheel 153 at the lower end, which makes the alignment operation complicated; however, by guiding the position of the part close to the handle portion 114, operability is improved.

[0057] Furthermore, by providing the front wheel guide 313 at the front portion of the guide base 31, which determines the position of the wheel 153 of the front wheel caster 151 of the leading cart 2, the positioning of the cart 2 can be achieved with a simpler configuration compared to the case where a rail such as a groove is provided to guide the travel of the front wheels along the travel direction.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified as appropriate. For example, the shapes and specific configurations of the cart 2 and the cart gate 3 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the power receiving device 23 is disposed on one side of the cart 2, which is the right side in the traveling direction in the figure, but it may be disposed on the other side, or on both sides. For example, the battery box 223 may be disposed on the lower side of the car section 12.

[0059] For example, in the above embodiment, the side bar 323 as a pair of guide members is configured by two side rods 3231 and 3232, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one side bar 323 may be configured by only the first side rod 3231. For example, the cart gate 103 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 as another embodiment does not include the second side rod 3232 on the side where the power transmission device 35 is arranged, and the cart 2 is arranged to face the first side rod 3231. In this embodiment, the multiple power transmission devices 35 are supported on the side frame 311, and a part of the power transmission device 35 is arranged outside the side frame 311. In this embodiment, the distance between the first side rod 3231 on one side and the second side rod 3232 on the other side facing each other is the distance on the inside of the side bar 323, and is configured to be slightly larger than the width direction dimension WC of the cart 2 arranged therebetween. For example, the difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the spacing WP of the side bars 323 is equal to or less than the power supply distance, which is the maximum dimension within the power supply range, for example, 20 mm or less.

[0060] Also, the side bars 323 on both sides may be composed of only the first side rod 3231. For example, as another embodiment, the cart gate 203 shown in Figs. 8 and 9 does not include the second side rod 3232, and the cart 2 is disposed facing the first side rod 3231. In this embodiment, the pair of front poles 321 are disposed with a narrower facing distance than the lower end of the rear pole 322, and are erected from the front frame 312, for example, on the inner side of the side frame 311. With such a configuration, the casters 151, 152 of the cart 2 do not interfere with the rear pole 322, and the cart 2 can be easily taken in and out.

[0061] The pair of rear poles 322 are erected upward from the rear end of the side frame 311, and extend inwardly inclined so that the opposing distance above is narrowed. Therefore, the first side rods 3231 constituting the side bar 323 are arranged inside the side frame 311, and the distance between the opposing first side rods 3231 and the cart 2 is narrowed so that the distance between them is equal to or less than the dimension of the power supply range, for example, 20 mm or less, preferably 10 mm or less. In this embodiment, the distance between the opposing first side rods 3231 is the distance inside the side bar 323, and is configured to be slightly larger than the width direction dimension WC of the cart 2 arranged therebetween. For example, the dimensional difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the distance WP of the side bar 323 is equal to or less than the power supply distance, which is the maximum dimension within the power supply range, for example, 20 mm or less.

[0062] Further, as another embodiment, a positioning member for the wheels 153 of the rear casters 152 may be provided as in the cart gate 303 shown in FIG. 10. For example, in the cart gate 303 shown in FIG. 10 as another embodiment, a plurality of power transmitting devices 35 are arranged on the side frame 311. The cart gate 303 is configured to have a narrower width than the configuration in which the power transmitting devices 35 are arranged inside the side frame 11, and the distance between the first side rod 3231 and the second side rod 3232 is narrower. In the cart gate 303 according to this embodiment, a guide rail 315 for regulating the outer position of the wheels 153 of the rear casters 152 is provided on the inside of the side frame 311. The guide rail 315 is a frame member whose inner edge is inclined so that the distance on the rear side, which is the entrance, becomes wider, for example. For example, the guide rail 315 is formed from the vicinity of the front pole 321 at the front end of the side frame 311 to the vicinity of the rear pole 322 at the rear end. The cart gate 303 according to this embodiment can be configured to have a narrow width, and the wheels 153 of the rear casters 152 are guided by the guide rails 315, so that the position of the cart 2 can be stabilized. Further, a rear wheel guide that regulates the arrangement position of the rear wheels in the first direction may be provided. For example, in a cart gate 403 shown in FIG. 11 as another embodiment, a plurality of regulating rails 316 as rear wheel guides that regulate the arrangement position of the rear wheels are provided on the inside of the side frame 311. The regulating rail 316 may be provided with a regulating rail 3161 arranged on the rear side of the wheel 153 of the rear caster 152 as in the cart gate 403 shown in FIG. 11, or, for example, as in a cart gate 503 shown in FIG. 12 as another embodiment, regulating rails 3161, 3162 may be provided on both the front and rear of the wheel 153 of the rear caster 152. For example, the regulating rails 3161, 3162 have a length equal to the width direction of the wheel 153 of the rear caster 152, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction on the inside of the side frame 311 in the second direction. Also, an assisting member for reducing friction and guiding in the traveling direction may be provided on the inside of the side bar 323, that is, on the side facing the cart 2. For example, in a cart gate 603 shown in FIG. 13 as another embodiment, a roller row 319 in which a plurality of rotatable rollers 318 are arranged is provided as an assisting member on the inside of the side bar 323. Specifically, the side bar 323 includes a first side rod 3231 arranged on the outside and a second side rod 3232 arranged on the inside, and a plurality of rollers 318 are provided on the inside of the second side rod 3232. The roller row 319 including the plurality of rollers 318 is provided rotatably around an axis extending vertically, for example, and is exposed on the inside facing the cart 2. The second side rod 3232 rotates so that when the cart 2 hits the roller 318, the roller 318 at the abutting portion is sent in the moving direction of the cart 2, thereby guiding the cart 2 in the traveling direction with low friction. In this embodiment, the distance between the inner ends of the opposing rollers 318 is the distance between the inner sides of the side bars 323, and is configured to be slightly larger than the width dimension WC of the cart 2 placed therebetween. For example, the difference between the width dimension WC of the cart 2 and the distance WP of the side bars 323 is equal to or smaller than the power supply distance, which is the maximum dimension within the power supply range, for example, 20 mm or less.

[0063] Each rod or pole is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be a rectangular column shape or a plate shape having a predetermined width.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments of the cart gate described above, power can be transmitted efficiently with a simple configuration.

[0065] Although some 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 implemented 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The following is a description equivalent to the invention described in the claims of the original application. (1) a pair of guide sections disposed opposite each other on both sides of a cart having a power receiving device on each side and aligned along a traveling direction of the cart; and a power transmitting device that supplies power to the power receiving device, A cart gate, wherein the distance between a pair of guide portions is greater than the width dimension of the cart placed therebetween, and the difference between the width dimension of the cart is less than the power supply distance between the power receiving device and the power transmitting device. (2) The pair of guide portions are arranged at predetermined positions spaced apart above the running surface of the cart and are rods extending in the running direction of the cart, A cart gate as described in (1) above, comprising a base portion that is placed on the running surface of the cart and has a pair of side frames extending in the running direction of the cart. (3) The guide portion is supported by the base portion, The cart gate according to (2), further comprising a plurality of the power transmission devices supported on the base portion and arranged along the traveling direction. (4) the base portion includes a front wheel guide that regulates the position of a front wheel of the cart disposed at the front; A cart gate as described in (2), wherein a rear wheel guide that regulates the position of the rear wheels of the cart in a first direction is provided on the inner side of the pair of side frames. (5) A cart gate as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein a rotatable roller is provided inside the guide portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...power supply system, 2...cart, 3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603...cart gate, 4...basket, 11...frame, 12...cage section, 14...handle, 15...caster, 21...electronic device, 22...battery, 23...power receiving device, 31...guide base, 32...guide gate, 35...power transmitting device, 111...vertical frame section, 112...lower frame section, 113...horizontal frame section, 114...handle, 115...mounting frame Frame, 121...opening and closing panel, 151...front wheel caster, 152...rear wheel caster, 153...wheel, 154...bracket portion, 211...tablet terminal, 212...product reader, 221...charging circuit, 222...secondary battery, 223...battery box, 230...casing, 231...receiving coil, 232...receiving circuit, 233...control circuit, 234...display portion, 235...resonant capacitor, 311...side frame, 312...front frame 313...front wheel guide, 314...rear frame, 315...guide rail, 316...regulating rail (rear wheel guide), 3161...regulating rail, 3162...regulating rail, 318...roller, 319...roller row, 321...front pole, 322...rear pole, 323...side bar, 3231...side rod, 3232...side rod, 3233...connecting member, 324...front bar, 350...casing, 351...power circuit, 352 ...transmission circuit, 353...transmission coil, 354...control circuit, 355...display unit, 356...resonance capacitor, 1111...main frame, 1112...subframe, 1113...subframe, 1121...main frame, 1122...subframe, 1123...support frame, 1124...front connection unit, 1131...link frame, 1132...link frame, 1133...link frame, 2311...receiving surface, 3511...transmitting surface.

Claims

1. a pair of guide sections disposed opposite each other on both sides of a cart having a power receiving device on each side and aligned along a traveling direction of the cart; and a power transmitting device that supplies power to the power receiving device, The pair of guide portions are disposed at predetermined positions spaced above the running surface of the cart and include first side rods extending in the running direction of the cart; One or both of the pair of guide portions further includes a second side rod extending in the traveling direction on the inner side of the first side rod, A cart gate, wherein the distance between a pair of guide portions is greater than the width dimension of the cart placed therebetween, and the difference between the width dimension of the cart is less than the power supply distance between the power receiving device and the power transmitting device.

2. A cart gate as described in claim 1, comprising a base portion positioned on the running surface of the cart and having a pair of side frames extending in the running direction of the cart.

3. The guide portion is supported by the base portion, The cart gate according to claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of the power transmission devices supported on the base portion and arranged along the traveling direction.

4. A power transmission device comprising: a base portion having a pair of side frames disposed opposite both sides of a cart having a power receiving device on the side thereof and disposed on the running surface of the cart and extending in the running direction of the cart; a pair of guide portions disposed along the running direction of the cart; and a power transmitting device for supplying power to the power receiving device; The pair of guide portions are arranged at predetermined positions spaced apart above the running surface of the cart and are rods extending in the running direction of the cart, a distance between the pair of guide parts is greater than a width dimension of the cart disposed therebetween, and a difference between the width dimension of the cart and the distance between the pair of guide parts is equal to or less than a power supply distance between the power receiving device and the power transmitting device; the base portion includes a front wheel guide that regulates the position of a front wheel of the cart disposed at the front; A cart gate, comprising a rear wheel guide provided on the inner side of the pair of side frames for regulating the position of the rear wheels of the cart in a first direction.

5. 5. The cart gate according to claim 1, wherein a rotatable roller is provided inside the guide portion.

Images