RFID device and contactless charging system

Abstract

To provide an RFID reader device and a contactless charge system that can suppress mutual influence between a power reception coil and an antenna.SOLUTION: An RFID reader device (a ferrule) includes a case (a first housing 211, a second housing 212), an antenna 23, and a power reception coil 24. The case has a rotary mechanism. The antenna is provided in the case. The power reception coil is provided in the case to be separate from the antenna in the axial direction of the rotary mechanism. The power reception coil is connected to the power reception unit for charging the battery 22. The light reception coil is cylindrical.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an RFID device and a contactless charging system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, RFID devices that can be carried by users have been known. The RFID device has a battery and reads an RFID tag by the power supplied from this battery. Since such an RFID device is operated by being held in the user's hand, miniaturization is required.

[0003] Also, in order to charge the battery, technologies for charging with a charging cable and a technology for removing the battery from the RFID device and attaching the battery to a charger for charging are also known.

[0004] However, the operations of plugging and unplugging the charging cable and attaching the battery are complicated. Also, such RFID devices are known to be used, for example, in white canes. However, many users of white canes are visually impaired, and it may be difficult to plug and unplug the charging cable and attach the battery. Therefore, a technology that can easily charge the RFID device is required.

[0005] For example, it is also conceivable to charge the battery using contactless charging technology. However, when the RFID device is miniaturized, there is a risk that the power receiving coil for performing contactless charging may affect the antenna.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an RFID device and a contactless power supply system that can suppress the mutual influence between a power receiving coil and an antenna.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The RFID device according to the embodiment includes a case, an antenna, and a power receiving coil. The case has a rotation mechanism. The antenna is provided on the case. The power receiving coil is provided on the case so as to be separated from the antenna in the axial direction of the rotation mechanism. The power receiving coil is connected to a power receiving unit that Charging charges a battery. The power receiving coil is cylindrical. The power receiving coil is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism. The diameter of the power receiving coil is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical power transmitting coil that performs non-contact power supply to the power receiving coil.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an RFID device and a contactless power supply system that can suppress the mutual influence between the power receiving coil and the antenna.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using the RFID device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using the RFID device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a white cane using the RFID device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the RFID device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the configuration of the tip of the white cane according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the tip according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tip according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] An exploded perspective view showing the main part configuration of the tip according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]Perspective view showing a partial cutout of the configuration of the first housing used in the case of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view showing the main part configuration of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the main part configuration of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Side view showing the configuration of the third housing used in the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Exploded view showing the configuration of the third housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Perspective view showing the configuration of the battery and control board of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the configuration of the battery and control board of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna of the stone protrusion according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] Side view showing the configuration of the antenna according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] Perspective view showing the configuration of the control board according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] Block diagram showing the configuration of the non-contact charging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] Perspective view showing the configuration of the non-contact charging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] Perspective view showing the configuration of the non-contact charging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] Explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the power receiving coil and power transmitting coil of the non-contact charging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] Block diagram showing the configuration of the stone protrusion according to another embodiment. [Figure 24] Block diagram showing the configuration of the stone protrusion according to another embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22, the configurations of the white cane 1, the communication system 2, and the non-contact charging system 3 having the RFID device 12 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a communication system 2 using a white cane 1 having an RFID device 12, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication system 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the white cane 1 using a stone protrusion 12 as the RFID device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the stone protrusion (RFID device) 12.

[0013] FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing the configuration of the stone protrusion 12, FIG. 5 is a perspective view, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stone protrusion 12 with the third housing 213 of the case 21 omitted, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the first housing 211 used for the case 21 cut away. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second housing 212, the battery 22, the antenna 23, and the control board 25 of the case 21. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first component 2122 of the second housing 212, the battery 22, and the control board 25.

[0014] FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the configuration of the third housing 213, FIG. 12 is a side view, and FIG. 13 is an exploded view. FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the battery 22 and the control board 25 when the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are in the second position, and FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the battery 22 and the control board 25 when the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are in the third position. FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the configuration of the antenna 23, FIG. 16 is a perspective view, and FIG. 17 is a side view. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the control board 25.

[0015] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a non-contact charging system 3 according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views showing the configuration of the non-contact charging system 3. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the power receiving coil 24 and the power transmitting coil 74 of the non-contact charging system 3.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the white cane 1 reads the RFID tag 6 on the user's walking path by, for example, the RFID device 12, and notifies the information read to the user's terminal 5. The RFID device 12, the terminal 5, and the RFID tag 6 of the white cane 1 constitute a communication system 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the RFID device 12 of the white cane 1 and the power transmission device 7 constitute a non-contact charging system 3. The non-contact charging system 3 performs non-contact charging of the RFID device 12 by transmitting power from the power transmission device 7 to the RFID device 12 of the white cane 1.

[0017] First, the configuration of the white cane 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the white cane 1 includes a white cane main body 11 and an RFID device 12. The RFID device 12 is an RFID reader that reads information of the RFID tag 6. Here, the RFID device 12 constitutes a tip. In the following description, the RFID device 12 will be described as the tip 12. Also, the vertical direction will be defined with the tip 12 side of the white cane 1 being downward, and the following description will be made.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the white cane main body 11 is formed, for example, so as to be foldable in a plurality of stages. The white cane main body 11 is formed in a rod shape by being unfolded. The white cane main body 11 has a grip 111 at one end, and the tip 12 is attached to the other end. Note that the white cane main body 11 may be a telescopic slide type, or may be formed of a single shaft.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 11, the tip 12 includes a case 21, a battery 22, an antenna 23, a power receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26. The tip 12 slides left and right on the ground while rotating with respect to the white cane main body 11 by being slid on the ground in a state of being in contact with the ground, for example, when the white cane 1 is in use.

[0020] The case 21 forms the outer contour of the stone protrusion 12 and rotates around the central axis coaxial with the axis of the white cane body 11. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the case 21 houses a battery 22, an antenna 23, a power receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26 inside as an electronic device. As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the case 21 includes a first housing 211, a second housing 212, and a third housing 213.

[0021] The first housing 211 is the exterior case of the stone protrusion 12. The first housing 211 houses the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the second housing 212. When the first housing 211 rotates around its central axis, the corners rotate on the ground. The first housing 211 is fixed to the third housing 213. The first housing 211 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The first housing 211 is formed of, for example, polyacetal.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the first housing 211 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. For example, the first housing 211 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Further, the bottom of the first housing 211 is, for example, a flat plate shape with curved corners or a hemispherical shape. Note that as long as the first housing 211 houses the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the second housing 212 and can slide on the ground, the outer shape can be set as appropriate. Other examples of the outer shape of the first housing 211 include a spherical shape, a polygonal prism shape, a gourd shape, and the like.

[0023] As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the first housing 211 has, for example, a rib 2111 extending in the radial direction and a plurality of protrusions 2112 formed at the ends in the radial direction of the rib 2111 on the inner bottom. The first housing 211 has an insertion portion 2113, a plurality of first protrusion portions 2114 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 2113, and a second protrusion portion 2115 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 2113. Further, the first housing 211 has a guide display portion 2116 formed adjacent to the insertion portion 2113.

[0024] The rib 2111 is integrally formed on the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The rib 2111 extends, for example, in four directions radially from the center of the bottom of the first housing 211. In other words, the rib 2111 is formed in a cross shape and protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The upper surface of the rib 2111 is formed in a planar shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first housing 211.

[0025] The protrusion 2112 extends in the axial direction of the first housing 211 from the radial end of the rib 2111. The protrusion 2112 is integrally formed with the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 211. A plurality of protrusions 2112 are integrally formed at the radial ends of the rib 2111, respectively. In the present embodiment, since the rib 2111 is formed in a cross shape, four protrusions 2112 are provided. For example, one of the four protrusions 2112 is higher in the axial height than the other three protrusions 2112.

[0026] At least a part of the upper surface of the rib 2111 and / or the plurality of protrusions 2112 abuts against the antenna 23 and supports the antenna 23 in the axial direction.

[0027] The insertion portion 2113 is formed at the upper end of the first housing 211 that opens. The insertion portion 2113 is inserted into the third housing 213. The insertion portion 2113 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the outer diameter on the central side of the first housing 211. The insertion portion 2113 is formed, for example, by making the opening end of the first housing 211 thinner than the outer diameter on the central side of the first housing 211.

[0028] A plurality of first protrusion portions 2114 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 2113. For example, two first protrusion portions 2114 are provided. The two first protrusion portions 2114 are arranged, for example, at symmetrical positions on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 2113. The second protrusion portion 2115 is provided, for example, between the two first protrusion portions 2114 in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 2113.

[0029] The guide display unit 2116 indicates the position of the first housing 211 inserted into the third housing 213. For example, the guide display unit 2116 is a display that guides the positions for attaching / detaching the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 and the ON / OFF position of the power supply. For example, the guide display unit 2116 includes three depressions for guiding these positions, and unevenness or Braille for displaying "OFF" and "ON". That is, the guide display unit 2116 is a display that guides the operation position of the stone projection 12 by visual or tactile means.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, the second housing 212 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the first housing 211. The second housing 212 is housed inside the first housing 211. For example, the second housing 212 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second housing 212 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing 211 so that it can be inserted into the first housing 211. The second housing 212 houses or holds, for example, the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the sensor 26. The circumferential movement of the second housing 212 is restricted by the first housing 211. Also, the axial movement of the second housing 212 is restricted by the first housing 211 and the third housing 213. Thereby, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213.

[0031] The second housing 212 holds the antenna 23 at the lower end, for example. The second housing 212 houses the battery 22 and the control board 25 inside, for example. The second housing 212 holds the power receiving coil 24 on the outer peripheral surface, for example. The second housing 212 holds a part of the sensor 26 at the upper part, for example. Also, the second housing 212 is formed with four notches 2121 at the lower end where the four projections 2112 of the first housing 211 are arranged. The notches 2121 engage with the projections 2112 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the circumferential movement of the second housing 212 with respect to the first housing 211.

[0032] The second housing 212 is formed of one part or is configured by assembling a plurality of parts. As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the second housing 212 includes a first part 2122 and a second part 2123. The second housing 212 is formed by integrally assembling the first part 2122 and the second part 2123.

[0033] The first part 2122 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The first part 2122 holds, for example, the antenna 23 at the lower end and holds the power receiving coil 24 on the outer peripheral surface. The first part 2122 holds, for example, the battery 22 and the control board 25. The lower end sides of the battery 22 and the control board 25 are inserted into the first part 2122, and the battery 22 and the control board 25 are held. The first part 2122 is formed with ribs, protrusions, etc. so as to be able to restrict the movement of the battery 22 and the control board 25 in the radial direction and the circumferential direction.

[0034] The second part 2123 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The second part 2123 is fixed to the first part 2122 by engagement or fitting by, for example, claws, unevenness, etc. The second part 2123 is assembled to the first part 2122, for example, to constitute the cylindrical second housing 212 together with the first part 2122. The second part 2123 covers the periphery in the radial direction of the battery 22 and the control board 25 held by the first part 2122. Further, the second part 2123 has a holding part 21231 provided with a part of the sensor 26 at the upper end and a restricting part 21232 covering the upper part of the control board 25.

[0035] The holding part 21231 holds, for example, the hall sensor 2621 of the sensor 26 described later. The restricting part 21232 restricts the axial movement of the control board 25. The restricting part 21232 is, for example, a rib formed at the opening at the upper end of the second part 2123 and axially opposed to at least a part of the upper end of the control board 25. Further, at the upper end of the second part 2123, a part axially opposed to the battery 22 is open.

[0036] The third housing 213 is fixed to the tip of the white cane body 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the third housing 213 fixes the first housing 211 rotatably around the axial direction of the white cane body 11. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, FIGS. 12 and 13, the third housing 213 includes, for example, a base portion 2131 fixed to the white cane body 11, a bearing member 2132 provided on the base portion 2131, and a lid portion 2133 fixed to the bearing member 2132.

[0037] The base portion 2131 includes, for example, a fixed portion 21311, an umbrella portion 21312 integrally formed with the fixed portion 21311, and a shaft portion 21313 integrally formed with the umbrella portion 21312.

[0038] The fixed portion 21311 is fixed to the tip of the white cane body 11. The umbrella portion 21312 covers the upper surface of the lid portion 2133. The shaft portion 21313 is, for example, coaxial with the white cane body 11 fixed to the fixed portion 21311. The shaft portion 21313 is inserted or fitted with the bearing member 2132, and the bearing member 2132 is fixed in the axial direction by a bolt 21314 or the like.

[0039] The bearing member 2132 is, for example, a ball bearing or a needle bearing. The bearing member 2132 rotatably holds the lid portion 2133 on the shaft portion 21313.

[0040] The lid portion 2133 is rotatably fixed to the shaft portion 21313 of the base portion 2131 via the bearing member 2132. The lid portion 2133 rotates with respect to the base portion 2131. The lid portion 2133 fixes the first housing 211. The lid portion 2133 covers the opening end of the first housing 211. The lid portion 2133 is formed so that the first housing 211 can be moved to two positions where the power of the stone protrusion 12 is turned on and off in a state where the first housing 211 is fixed.

[0041] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a first terminal 25211 of a positive electrode terminal 2521 connected to the battery 22 is provided on the lid portion 2133. When the relative positions in the circumferential direction of the lid portion 2133 and the first housing 211 change, the lid portion 2133 is formed so as to be able to move the first terminal 25211 and switch the conduction state between the battery 22 and the control board 25.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lid portion 2133 includes a top plate portion 21331, an outer peripheral wall portion 21332, and an inner peripheral wall portion 21333. The top plate portion 21331 is formed in a disc shape. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 13, the top plate portion 21331 is fixed to the bearing member 2132.

[0043] The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 21331. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2113 of the first housing 211. Also, the inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is smaller than the circumscribed circle of the plurality of first protrusion portions 2114 formed on the insertion portion 2113 that is coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211, and the circumscribed circle of the second protrusion portion 2115 formed on the insertion portion 2113 that is coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211.

[0044] The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 has, for example, a first groove 21335 and a second groove 21336 formed on the inner peripheral surface. The number of the first grooves 21335 is the same as that of the first protrusion portions 2114 of the insertion portion 2113. The first groove 21335 is formed so as to be able to insert the first protrusion portion 2114. The first groove 21335 extends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. Also, the first groove 21335 extends in one direction along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 on the central side in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. Here, one direction along the circumferential direction is the direction in which the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are rotated and fixed.

[0045] The second groove 21336 is formed such that the second protrusion 2115 can be inserted axially and can move circumferentially. For example, when a force in a rotational direction equal to or greater than a certain value is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133, the second protrusion 2115 can move circumferentially between the first position and the second position, and between the second position and the third position, and the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133 can rotate. Also, for example, when a rotational force smaller than a certain value is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133, the movement of the second protrusion 2115 is restricted between the first position and the second position, and between the second position and the third position.

[0046] Here, the first position is the position where the insertion portion 2113 is inserted into the lid portion 2133. The second position is the position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133, and as shown in FIG. 14, it is the position where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive electrode terminal 2521 are separated. The third position is the position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133, and as shown in FIG. 15, it is the position where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive electrode terminal 2521 are in contact.

[0047] Note that the fixing of the insertion portion 2113 to the third housing 213 at the second position and the third position means that the axial movement and the relative circumferential movement of the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are restricted. That is, at the second position and the third position, since the first protrusion 2114 of the insertion portion 2113 is in the circumferentially extending portion of the first groove 21335, the axial movement of the insertion portion 2113 (the first housing 211) with respect to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 is restricted. Also, at the second position and the third position, since the movement of the second protrusion 2115 is restricted by the second groove 21336, the circumferential movement of the first housing 211 with respect to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 is restricted.

[0048] For example, the second groove 21336 is composed of a plurality of grooves that extend in the axial direction and in which the second protrusions 2115 can be respectively arranged. Specifically, the second groove 21336 is composed of three grooves formed at positions corresponding to the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0049] The inner peripheral wall portion 21333 is arranged with a predetermined gap from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 and the insertion portion 2113 can be arranged. The height from the top plate portion 21331 of the inner peripheral wall portion 21333 may be formed to have different heights depending on the part. Further, the inner peripheral wall portion 21333 may be configured by arranging a plurality of arc-shaped wall portions in the circumferential direction.

[0050] In the case 21 configured as described above, the base portion 2131 is fixed to the white cane main body 11. The shaft portion 21313 and the bearing member 2132 of the base portion 2131 constitute a rotation mechanism. The first housing 211, the second housing 212, and the lid portion 2133 rotate with respect to the base portion 2131 by the rotation mechanism (the shaft portion 21313 and the bearing member 2132) and constitute a rotating portion for housing various electronic devices. Further, in the case 21, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 in the circumferential direction by the protrusion 2112 and the notch 2121 engaging in the circumferential direction. Also, in the case 21, the antenna 23 or the second housing 212 abuts against the rib 2111 or the protrusion 2112 of the first housing 211, and the second housing 212 or the battery 22 abuts against a part of the third housing 213 (for example, a part of the lid portion 2133) or the first terminal 25211 fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213, whereby the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 in the axial direction.

[0051] The battery 22 is a power source that supplies power to the antenna 23, the control board 25, and the sensor 26. The battery 22 is a secondary battery.

[0052] Antenna 23 has a radiating element. Antenna 23 is, for example, a linearly polarized antenna. For example, Antenna 23 is an inverted-F antenna or a patch antenna (microstrip antenna). Note that Antenna 23 may be a circularly polarized antenna. Antenna 23 can be arranged, for example, inside the first housing 211 and is formed in a shape that can be attached to the second housing 212. The outer shape of Antenna 23 is formed, for example, in a circular shape with a diameter equal to or less than the inner diameter of the first housing 211.

[0053] As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, Antenna 23 includes a base 231, a ground layer 232, and an antenna pattern 233. FIG. 16 shows an example of the antenna pattern 233 and a feeding point 234. The base 231 is formed, for example, in a disk shape with a diameter equal to or less than the inner diameter of the first housing 211. The base 231 may be in an annular shape with a central opening, or may be in a plate shape with one main surface protruding in a cylindrical shape. Note that Antenna 23 is not limited to a circular shape as long as it can be arranged inside the first housing 211 and has a shape that can be attached to the second housing 212.

[0054] The base 231 is formed across both main surfaces and has one or more through-holes 2311 that connect the ground layer 232 and the antenna pattern 233. The ground layer 232 is formed on one main surface of the base 231. The antenna pattern 233 is formed on the other main surface of the base 231. The antenna pattern 233 forms a radiating element.

[0055] The power receiving coil 24 receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting coil 74 and supplies the received power to a power receiving circuit 2551, which will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the power receiving coil 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power receiving coil 24 has a power receiving surface formed in a cylindrical shape. The power receiving coil 24 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second housing 212. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 11, the power receiving coil 24 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first component 2122 of the second housing 212.

[0056] The power receiving coil 24 is provided on the second housing 212 coaxially with the first housing 211, the second housing 212, and the third housing 213. In other words, the power receiving coil 24 is arranged coaxially with the rotation center of the first housing 211, that is, the shaft portion 21313 of the third housing 213 and the bearing member 2132 that constitute the rotation mechanism. As shown in FIG. 19, the power receiving coil 24 constitutes a resonance circuit (power receiving resonance circuit) by being connected in series or in parallel with a resonance capacitor 2553 for power receiving, which will be described later.

[0057] When the power receiving coil 24 as a power receiving resonance circuit approaches the power transmission coil 74, it magnetically couples with the power transmission coil 74. In the power receiving coil 24, an induced current is generated by the magnetic field output from the power transmission coil 74. The power receiving coil 24 may be configured as a winding structure around which insulated electric wires are wound, or may be configured with a coil pattern formed on a cylindrical printed circuit board.

[0058] The power receiving coil 24 supplies the received AC power to a power receiving circuit 2551, which will be described later. Further, for example, when the magnetic resonance method is used for power transmission, the self-resonance frequency of the power receiving resonance circuit as the power receiving coil 24 is set to be substantially the same as the frequency transmitted by the power transmission coil 74.

[0059] Examples of the control board 25 are shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 18. The control board 25 includes a board 251 and terminals 252. The control board 25 is formed to enable various processes by a processing circuit, modules, wiring patterns, etc. mounted on the board 251. As a specific example, the control board 25 includes an RFID module 253, a communication unit 254, and a power receiving unit 255. The control board 25 is connected to the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24. Further, the control board 25 is connected to the battery 22 via the terminals 252.

[0060] The substrate 251 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that can be accommodated within the second housing 212. The substrate 251 may be composed of a plurality of substrates. As a specific example, the substrate 251 includes a first substrate 2511 and a second substrate 2512. The first substrate 2511 and the second substrate 2512 are electrically connected. The first substrate 2511 and the second substrate 2512 are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the second housing 212 within the second housing 212.

[0061] The terminal 252 is connected to the battery 22. The terminal 252 includes a positive terminal 2521 and a negative terminal 2522.

[0062] The positive terminal 2521 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22. As a specific example, the positive terminal 2521 includes a first terminal 25211 and a second terminal 25212. The first terminal 25211 is fixed to the third housing 213. When the first housing 211 in which the second housing 212 is accommodated is fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 and is in the second position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 14, the first terminal 25211 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22 and is separated from the second terminal 25212. When the first housing 211 in which the second housing 212 is accommodated is fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 and is in the third position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 15, the first terminal 25211 contacts both the positive electrode of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIGS. 6, 14, and 15, the first terminal 25211 is formed in a strip shape that extends in an arc shape. Then, when the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 rotate relative to each other and move from the second position to the third position, the first terminal 25211 moves in the circumferential direction along with the circumferential movement of the third housing 213, and connects the positive electrode of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212.

[0064] The second terminal 25212 is provided on the substrate 251. For example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on one of the substrates 251 adjacent to the battery 22 within the second housing 212. As a specific example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on the upper end side of the first substrate 2511 in a posture accommodated within the second housing 212. The second terminal 25212 contacts the first terminal 25211 at the second position.

[0065] The negative electrode terminal 2522 contacts the negative electrode of the battery 22. For example, the negative electrode terminal 2522 is provided on one of the substrates 251 adjacent to the battery 22 within the second housing 212. As a specific example, the negative electrode terminal 2522 is provided at the lower end of the first substrate 2511 in a posture accommodated within the second housing 212. The negative electrode terminal 2522 contacts the negative electrode of the battery 22 when the battery 22 is disposed in the second housing 212.

[0066] The RFID module 253 is electrically connected to the antenna 23. The RFID module 253, for example, reads the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253, together with the antenna 23, constitutes an RFID reader. Note that the RFID module 253 may, as a configuration for reading and writing data to / from the RFID tag 6, constitute an RFID reader / writer together with the antenna 23.

[0067] The RFID module 253 controls the antenna 23 and emits radio waves from the antenna 23 in order to perform wireless communication of data with the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 emits radio waves from the antenna 23 in this way to supply power to the RFID tag 6, demodulates data with the RFID tag 6, and changes the load of the antenna 23 to receive, via the antenna 23, the response wave returned from the RFID tag 6. Thereby, the RFID module 253 reads the data of the RFID tag 6.

[0068] As a specific example, the reading of the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 will be described. First, in order for the RFID module 253 to perform wireless communication with the RFID tag 6, radio waves are radiated from the antenna 23, and the RFID tag 6 is activated by receiving these radio waves. Subsequently, when the RFID module 253 amplitude-modulates the carrier wave radiated from the antenna 23 with a signal encoding communication data, the RFID tag 6 demodulates the amplitude-modulated communication data and returns a response wave by changing the load of the antenna of the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 acquires the data of the RFID tag 6 by receiving this response wave via the antenna 23.

[0069] The RFID module 253 includes, for example, a control unit 2531 and a storage unit 2532. Also, in the RFID module 253, a coupler, a filter, an amplifier, a low-pass filter, a balun, etc. are appropriately provided according to the reader function of the RFID module 253. The control unit 2531 executes arithmetic processing. The control unit 2531 is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit 2531 performs various processes based on, for example, a program stored in the storage unit and data used in the program. The storage unit 2532 stores programs and data used in the programs, etc. The storage unit 2532 is a memory and a storage. The storage unit 2532 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 2532 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) (registered trademark), a FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) (registered trademark), etc.

[0070] The RFID module 253 performs the data reading process of the RFID tag 6 received from the antenna 23 by the control unit 2531 executing the program stored in the storage unit 2532. Also, the RFID module 253 outputs the information read from the RFID tag 6 to the communication unit 254.

[0071] The communication unit 254 is connected to the terminal 5 by wireless communication. The communication unit 254 performs transmission and reception of information with the terminal 5 using a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. For example, the communication unit 254 is a BLE module.

[0072] The communication unit 254 is mounted on the substrate 251. The communication unit 254, for example, transmits an advertisement. When the terminal 5 receives the advertisement and receives a connection request transmitted from the terminal 5, it performs GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) communication. For example, when using the white cane 1, the user pre-sets the terminal 5 that receives information from the communication unit 254 in advance, and the communication unit 254 communicates with the set terminal 5.

[0073] The power receiving unit 255 charges the battery 22 with the power transmitted from the power transmission coil 74 and received by the power receiving coil 24. The power receiving unit 255 supplies the received power to the battery 22. The power receiving unit 255, together with the power receiving coil 24, constitutes a power receiving device.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 19, the power receiving unit 255 includes, for example, a power receiving circuit 2551, a control circuit 2552, and a resonance capacitor 2553.

[0075] The power receiving circuit 2551 converts the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 24 into power that can be supplied to the battery 22. For example, the power receiving circuit 2551 rectifies the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 24 and converts it into direct current. Such a power receiving circuit 2551 is realized by, for example, a rectifying circuit including a rectifying bridge composed of a plurality of diodes. In this case, a pair of input terminals of the rectifying bridge are connected to a power receiving resonance circuit composed of the power receiving coil 24 and the resonance capacitor 2553. The power receiving circuit 2551 outputs direct current power from a pair of output terminals by full-wave rectifying the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 24.

[0076] The control circuit 2552 controls the operation of the power receiving circuit 2551. The control circuit 2552 includes, for example, a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit executes arithmetic processing. The control unit is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, a program stored in the storage unit and data used in the program. The storage unit stores programs, data used in the programs, and the like. The storage unit is a memory and a storage. The storage unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The control circuit 2552 may be constituted by a microcomputer and / or an oscillation circuit or the like.

[0077] The charging circuit 256 supplies the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 2551 to the battery 22 as charging power. For example, the charging circuit 256 converts the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 2551 into a direct current used for charging the battery 22. That is, the charging circuit 256 converts the power from the power receiving circuit 2551 into charging power with a predetermined current value and voltage value for charging the battery 22 and supplies it to the battery 22. Further, for example, the charging circuit 256 includes a charging IC having a port for transmitting the charging state to the control unit of the control circuit 2552.

[0078] The sensor 26 detects a change in the posture of the stone protrusion 12 (case 21). As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 26 includes a first sensor 261 and a second sensor 262.

[0079] The first sensor 261 detects the posture of the stone protrusion 12. The first sensor 261 is a motion sensor. For example, the first sensor 261 is a three-axis gyro sensor capable of detecting angular velocity or a three-axis acceleration sensor capable of detecting acceleration. Note that the first sensor 261 may be a six-axis sensor capable of detecting both angular velocity and acceleration. As shown in FIG. 18, the first sensor 261 is mounted on the substrate 251, for example. The first sensor 261 outputs the detected angular velocity or acceleration as a signal to the control unit 2531.

[0080] The second sensor 262 detects the rotation of the stone protrusion 12, specifically, the rotation of the first housing 211. As shown in FIG. 4, the second sensor 262 includes, for example, a Hall sensor 2621 that detects magnetism, and one or more magnets 2622 provided on the umbrella portion 21312 of the third housing 213.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the Hall sensor 2621 is provided on the holding portion 21231 of the second housing 212. The Hall sensor 2621 moves in the circumferential direction as the first housing 211 rotates. For example, the Hall sensor 2621 moves in the circumferential direction with respect to one or more magnets 2622, detects the magnetism of the magnet 2622 that is opposed during the movement, and outputs a signal to the control unit 2531.

[0082] The magnet 2622 is arranged at a position facing the Hall sensor 2621 when the Hall sensor 2621 moves to a predetermined position, in other words, when the first housing 211 (rotating part) reaches a predetermined rotation angle with respect to the base portion 2131. For example, when a plurality of magnets 2622 are provided, the plurality of magnets 2622 are arranged at equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of magnets 2622 are provided on the umbrella portion 21312 of the third housing 213. For example, the plurality of magnets 2622 are arranged at equal intervals on a coaxial circle coaxial with the axis of the shaft portion 21313 of the third housing 213. For example, four magnets 2622 are provided, and the magnets 2622 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0083] In the white cane 1 configured as described above, the third housing 213 of the case 21 is formed such that the lid portion 2133 is rotatable with respect to the umbrella portion 21312 via the bearing member 2132. Therefore, when the user holds the white cane 1 and moves the stone protrusion 12 left and right with the stone protrusion 12 in contact with the ground, the case 21 of the stone protrusion 12 slides on the ground while rotating about the central axis of the shaft portion 21313 of the third housing 213 as the rotation center.

[0084] When the first housing 211 of the case 21 rotates, the antenna 23 housed in the first housing 211 also rotates. Therefore, even if the stone protrusion 12 is a linearly polarized antenna 23, the polarization direction can be changed.

[0085] Next, the communication system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication system 2 includes a white cane 1 having a stone projection 12 as an RFID device, a terminal 5, and an RFID tag 6.

[0086] The terminal 5 is a device that can be worn or carried by the user of the white cane 1. The terminal 5 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, an audio device such as earphones, a dedicated terminal capable of notifying information by sound or vibration, etc. Note that the terminal 5 may be configured to be built into the grip 111 of the white cane body 11.

[0087] The terminal 5 includes, for example, an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a communication unit 53, a notification unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

[0088] The input unit 51 is a device that receives user input such as buttons, operation panels, touch panels, etc.

[0089] The display unit 52 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0090] The communication unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 56. The communication unit 53 is an arbitrary communication interface capable of communicating with the communication unit 254 of the stone projection 12 using wireless communication technology. Also, the communication unit 53 may be configured to be able to communicate with terminals or networks other than the communication unit 254 of the stone projection 12 using wired communication technology or wireless communication technology.

[0091] The communication unit 53 may be implemented, for example, as a communication module or a communication circuit board. The communication unit 53 transmits and receives information to and from the communication unit 254 of the stone projection 12 using a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Further, the communication unit 53 can be connected to a network via a base station using a long-range wireless communication technology such as a short-range wireless communication technology such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a general-purpose wireless communication technology including a mobile phone line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark).

[0092] The notification unit 54 notifies external information by sound or vibration. For example, the notification unit 54 is a speaker or a vibrator. The notification unit 54 outputs sound and vibration in different patterns. For example, when the notification unit 54 is a speaker and notifies information by sound, the notification unit 54 notifies by sound based on parameters such as different sound types, volumes, and lengths of sound set corresponding to the information to be notified. Here, sound includes voice. Also, when the notification unit 54 is a vibrator and notifies information by vibration, the notification unit 54 notifies by vibration based on parameters such as different vibration types, vibration intensities, and lengths of vibration set corresponding to the information to be notified. Note that the notification unit 54 may notify information by either sound or vibration, or may notify information by both sound and vibration.

[0093] The storage unit 55 is a so-called memory or storage. The storage unit 55 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 55 stores various control programs and control data. The storage unit 55 temporarily stores data during the processing of the control unit 56. The storage unit 55 stores, as a database, setting values necessary for the execution of an application program. Also, the storage unit 55 stores the execution results of the application program and the like. Further, the storage unit 55 stores the information of the RFID tag 6 received by the communication unit 53. Also, the storage unit 55 stores the parameters of the notification unit 54 corresponding to the information of the RFID tag 6.

[0094] Such a memory unit 55 includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) (registered trademark), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a NAND-type flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like.

[0095] The control unit 56 is a processor having a processing circuit. The control unit 56 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other general-purpose or dedicated processors. The single or multiple processors are mounted on a circuit board such as a motherboard or a graphics board.

[0096] The control unit 56 exhibits various functions such as input processing of an external command input by the input unit 51, display processing for displaying information on the display unit 52, communication processing by the communication unit 53, and notification processing by the notification unit 54, according to, for example, a control program or control data stored in the memory unit 55.

[0097] The RFID tag 6 is provided, for example, at stations, roads, buildings, and the like. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the RFID tag 6 shows an example of being embedded under a braille block on a station platform or on the track of the platform, and an example of being provided on a railway vehicle. The RFID tag 6 may be a passive tag or an active tag. The RFID tag 6 includes a tag antenna 61 including an integrated circuit and an IC chip 62. When the RFID tag 6 is an active tag, the RFID tag 6 has a battery, a power supply circuit, and the like.

[0098] An example using such a communication system 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the user walks while swinging the white cane 1 in the left - right direction with the tip 12 of the cane in contact with the ground. When an RFID tag 6 is arranged on the walking path or near the walking path, the tip 12 receives the information transmitted from the arranged RFID tag 6 by the antenna 23 and reads it with the RFID module 253. Then, the information of the RFID tag 6 is transmitted from the communication unit 254 of the tip 12 to the communication unit 254 of the terminal 5, and the terminal 5 performs notification corresponding to the information of the RFID tag 6 by the notification unit 54.

[0099] For example, when the RFID tag 6 is provided on the track side of the station platform, the terminal 5 notifies the user from the information of the RFID tag 6 that the tip of the cane is located on the track side of the platform. Also, when the RFID tag 6 is provided on a railway vehicle, the terminal 5 notifies the user of the position of the railway vehicle, for example, the position of the door of the railway vehicle or the information of the vehicle. As described above, the communication system 2 can read the information of the RFID tag 6 on the walking path by the white cane which is an RFID device and notify the user by the terminal 5.

[0100] Next, the non - contact charging system 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. As shown in FIG. 19, the non - contact charging system 3 is composed of the tip 12 as a power - receiving device having a power - receiving unit 255 and a power - receiving coil 24, and a power - transmitting device 7. The non - contact charging system 3 performs non - contact charging of the tip 12 by the power - transmitting device 7.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the power - transmitting device 7 includes a power - transmitting base 71, a power - supply circuit 72, a power - transmitting circuit 73, a power - transmitting coil 74, a control circuit 75, a notification unit 76, a resonance capacitor 77, and a power - supply unit 78.

[0102] The power transmission base 71 is formed so that the stone projection 12 can be inserted. The power transmission base 71 holds the white cane 1 in an upright posture, for example, by inserting the stone projection 12. The power transmission base 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The inner diameter of the power transmission base 71 is formed to be an inner diameter that can insert the stone projection 12 and hold the posture of the white cane 1. The inner diameter of the power transmission base 71 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first housing 211 of the stone projection 12.

[0103] The power transmission base 71 houses a power supply circuit 72, a power transmission circuit 73, a power transmission coil 74, a control circuit 75, a notification unit 76, and a resonance capacitor 77. Note that the power transmission base 71 only needs to be able to house at least the power transmission coil 74. For example, the power supply circuit 72, the power transmission circuit 73, the control circuit 75, the notification unit 76, etc. may be provided in a separate case or the like.

[0104] The power supply circuit 72 converts the voltage of an external DC power supply into a voltage suitable for the operation of each circuit. The power supply circuit 72 generates power for power transmission to the power transmission circuit 73 and supplies it to the power transmission circuit 73. Also, the power supply circuit 72 generates power for operating the control circuit 75 and supplies it to the control circuit 75.

[0105] The power transmission circuit 73 generates power for power transmission from the power transmission coil 74. The power transmission circuit 73 supplies the generated power for power transmission to the power transmission coil 74. For example, the power transmission circuit 73 generates AC power as power for power transmission by switching the DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 72 based on the control of the control circuit 75.

[0106] The power transmission coil 74 outputs power that the power reception coil 24 can receive according to the power for power transmission supplied from the power transmission circuit 73. The power transmission coil 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power transmission coil 74 has a power reception surface for receiving power formed in a cylindrical shape. The power transmission coil 74 is arranged on the power transmission base 71 so that the power transmission surface faces the power reception surface of the power reception coil 24 provided on the second housing 212 of the stone projection 12 inserted into the power transmission base 71. That is, the power transmission coil 74 is arranged at a height position in the power transmission base 71 that is radially opposed to the power reception coil 24 inserted into the power transmission base 71. For example, the power transmission coil 74 is housed in the power transmission base 71.

[0107] For example, the power transmission coil 74 forms a resonance circuit (power transmission resonance circuit) by being connected in series or in parallel with the resonance capacitor 77. When the power transmission coil 74 as the power transmission resonance circuit is supplied with AC power from the power transmission circuit 73, it generates a magnetic field corresponding to the supplied AC power. The power transmission coil 74 may be configured as a winding structure around which insulated electric wires are wound, or may be configured by forming a coil pattern on a printed circuit board.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 22, the diameter ΦD2 of the power transmission coil 74 is larger than the diameter ΦD1 of the power reception coil 24. The power transmission coil 74 is set to a diameter that enables suitable non-contact charging with the power reception coil 24. That is, the diameter ΦD1 of the power reception coil 24 and the diameter ΦD2 of the power transmission coil 74 are set to a predetermined interval (D2 - D1) at which suitable non-contact charging can be performed.

[0109] The control circuit 75 controls the operations of the power transmission circuit 73 and the notification unit 76. The control circuit 75 includes, for example, a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit executes arithmetic processing. The control unit is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, a program stored in the storage unit and data used in the program. The storage unit stores the program, data used in the program, and the like. The storage unit is a memory and a storage. The storage unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The control circuit 75 may be configured by a microcomputer and / or an oscillation circuit or the like.

[0110] For example, the control circuit 75 switches the notification of the notification unit 76 according to the power transmission state of the power transmission device 7 or the charging state of the battery 22. Further, the control circuit 75 controls the frequency of the AC power output from the power transmission circuit 73 and the on / off operation of the power transmission circuit 73. For example, the control circuit 75 switches between a state where a magnetic field is generated in the power transmission coil 74 (power transmission state) and a state where no magnetic field is generated in the power transmission coil 74 (standby state) by controlling the power transmission circuit 73. Further, the control circuit 75 may perform control to change the timing of power transmission by intermittently generating a magnetic field in the power transmission coil 74.

[0111] The notification unit 76 is an indicator indicating the state of the power transmission device 7, a speaker that notifies the state of the power transmission device 7 by sound, or the like. The notification unit 76 switches the display according to the control of the control circuit 75. For example, the notification unit 76 has an LED and a speaker, and notifies according to the operation state of the power transmission device 7 by lighting, extinguishing, or switching the display color, and by different patterns of sound or voice.

[0112] The power supply unit 78 is, for example, an AC adapter or a mobile battery. The power supply unit 78 supplies power to the power supply circuit 72.

[0113] The stone protrusion 12 and the white cane 1, which are RFID devices configured as described above, can be non-contact charged by the power transmission device 7. Further, the charging of the stone protrusion 12 is performed by disposing the stone protrusion 12 in the charging stand 71, so that the power receiving coil 24 of the stone protrusion 12 and the power transmission coil 74 of the charging stand 71 face each other and non-contact charging is performed.

[0114] Therefore, the battery 22 of the stone protrusion 12 can be charged without disassembling the case 21 and taking out the battery 22. That is, the stone protrusion 12 does not need to take out the battery 22 from inside the case 21 for charging during charging. Further, there is no need to plug and unplug the charging cable.

[0115] Further, the power receiving coil 24 and the power transmitting coil 74 are cylindrical, and the power receiving coil 24 has a smaller diameter than the power transmitting coil 74. Also, the power receiving coil 24 and the power transmitting coil 74 are at the same height position. By placing the stone protrusion 12 on the power transmission base 71, the power receiving coil 24 and the power transmitting coil 74 face each other in the radial direction while maintaining a predetermined distance. Therefore, the stone protrusion 12 can perform contactless charging without worrying about its circumferential position during power reception.

[0116] The stone protrusion 12 and the non-contact charging system 3 can easily charge the battery 22 of the stone protrusion 12. In particular, many users of the white cane 1 are visually impaired. However, since the stone protrusion 12 only needs to be inserted into the power transmission base 71, such a non-contact charging system 3 can easily charge the white cane 1 even for visually impaired persons. Also, since the tip of the first housing 211 of the stone protrusion 12 is formed in a curved surface shape, the tip of the first housing 211 guides the insertion when inserting into the power transmission base 71. Therefore, the stone protrusion 12 can be easily inserted into the power transmission base 71.

[0117] Also, the stone protrusion 12 arranges the antenna 23 at the lower end of the second housing 212, and arranges the power receiving coil 24 axially separated from the antenna 23 in the second housing 212. Thereby, the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24 are arranged axially separated by a predetermined distance within the case 21.

[0118] Therefore, when the stone protrusion 12 reads the RFID tag 6 with the antenna 23, it can suppress the influence of the power receiving coil 24. For this reason, the stone protrusion 12 can stably read the RFID tag 6.

[0119] As described above, according to the white cane 1, the stone protrusion (RFID device) 12, and the non-contact charging system 3 according to one embodiment, by arranging the power receiving coil 24 axially shifted from the antenna 23 in the case 21, the mutual influence between the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24 can be suppressed.

[0120] Note that the white cane 1, the stone protrusion (RFID device) 12, the communication system 2, and the contactless charging system 3 are not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiments.

[0121] For example, although the above-described stone protrusion 12 has been described as having a configuration capable of charging the battery 22 by contactless charging, it is not limited to the above configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the control board 25 of the stone protrusion 12 may be configured to have a cutoff circuit 258 that cuts off the power supply from the battery 22 to the RFID module 253 when the battery 22 is being charged.

[0122] The stone protrusion (RFID device) 12 having such a configuration has a cutoff circuit 258. The cutoff circuit 258 is provided, for example, in a circuit between the battery 22 and the RFID module 253. The cutoff circuit 258 switches the conduction and cutoff between the RFID module 253 and the battery 22 in a potential state such as an FET, a transistor, a relay, etc. That is, the cutoff circuit 258 supplies and cuts off the power supply to the RFID module 253 by switching the ON / OFF. The cutoff circuit 258 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 25521 which is a processor of the control circuit 2552.

[0123] For example, the charging circuit 256 includes a charging IC 2561 having a port that transmits the charging state to the control unit of the control circuit 2552. For example, when charging, the port of the charging IC becomes High, and when not charging, the port becomes Low. The control circuit 2552 has a control unit 25521. The control unit 25521 determines the charging state from the state of the port of the charging IC 2561. Then, when the control unit 25521 determines that the charging state is charging, it controls the cutoff circuit 258 to change the cutoff circuit 258 to OFF and cut off the power supply to the RFID module 253. Also, when the control unit 25521 determines that the charging state is not charging, it controls the cutoff circuit 258 to change the cutoff circuit 258 to ON and supply power to the RFID module 253.

[0124] Incidentally, as another example of the stone projection 12 that detects such a charging state and supplies and cuts off power to the RFID module 253, as shown in FIG. 24, the control board 25 may further be configured to include a voltage conversion circuit 25522 and an OR circuit 25523. For example, the voltage conversion circuit 25522 transforms the voltage of the rectifying circuit of the power receiving circuit 2551. When the control unit 25521 determines charging and a command to cut off the cutoff circuit 258 is input from the control unit 25521, or when the potential of the rectifying circuit of the power receiving circuit 2551 is received, the OR circuit 25523 switches the cutoff circuit 258 to cut off the power supply to the RFID module 253.

[0125] As in these examples, the stone projection 12 may be configured to have a cutoff circuit 258 that cuts off the power supply from the battery 22 to the RFID module 253 during charging of the battery 22. Note that the cutoff circuit 258 may not be configured to be controlled by the control unit 25521 of the control circuit 2552, and may be configured to be controlled by, for example, the control unit 2531 of the RFID module 253. Further, for example, a control unit that is another processor may be mounted on the control board 25, and this control unit may control the cutoff circuit 258.

[0126] In the above-described example, an example in which the RFID device 12 is used as the stone projection of the white cane 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the RFID device 12 may be configured to be used other than the white cane 1.

[0127] For example, in the above-described example, an example in which an electronic device is provided in the second housing 212 of the case 21 has been described. However, the case 21 only needs to be configured to accommodate at least the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24, and other electronic devices may be configured to be accommodated in the white cane body 11 or the grip 111. Further, the above-described electronic device may be configured to be accommodated in the second housing 212.

[0128] In addition, in the above-described example, the RFID device 12 was described as including, as the sensor 26, the first sensor 261 which is a motion sensor and the second sensor 262 which is a Hall sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If the sensor 26 can detect the rotation of the first housing 211 of the case 21 which is a rotating part and the lid part 2133 of the third housing 213 when the white cane 1 is used, it may have only one of the first sensor 261 and the second sensor 262, or may be another sensor.

[0129] According to any one of the white canes 1, communication systems 2, non-contact charging systems 3, and RFID devices 12 configured as described above, the mutual influence between the antenna and the power receiving coil can be suppressed.

[0130] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, the respective embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, if the problem can be solved and the effects can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. The following is an appended description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of the present application. [1] A case having a rotation mechanism, an antenna provided in the case, a cylindrical power receiving coil provided in the case at a distance from the antenna in the axial direction of the rotation mechanism and connected to a power receiving unit that charges a battery, An RFID device comprising: [2] The power receiving coil is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism, The RFID device according to [1], wherein the diameter of the power receiving coil is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical power transmitting coil that performs non-contact power supply to the power receiving coil. [3] The RFID device according to [2], further comprising a cutoff circuit that cuts off power supply from the battery to an RFID module connected to the antenna when the power receiving coil receives power from the power transmitting coil. [4] A communication unit that transmits information read by the RFID module to the outside, The RFID device according to [3], wherein the battery, the power receiving unit, the RFID module, and the communication unit are provided in the case. [5] An RFID device according to any one of [1] to [4], a power transmission station formed in a cylindrical shape having a power transmission device including a power transmission coil and a power transmission circuit, and capable of arranging the RFID device inside, A non-contact charging system comprising:

Description of Reference Numerals

[0131] 1… white cane, 2… communication system, 3… non-contact charging system, 5… terminal, 6… RFID tag, 7… power transmission device, 11… white cane body, 12… stone protrusion (RFID device), 21… case, 22… battery, 23… antenna, 24… power receiving coil, 25… control board, 26… sensor, 51… input section, 52… display section, 53… communication section, 54… notification section, 55… memory section, 56… control section, 61… tag antenna, 62… IC chip, 71… power transmission station, 72… power supply circuit, 73… power transmission circuit, 74… power transmission coil, 75… control circuit, 76… notification section, 77… resonance capacitor, 78… power supply section, 111… grip, 211… first housing, 212… second housing, 213… third housing, 231… base, 232… ground layer, 233… antenna pattern, 234… power supply point, 251… board, 252… terminal, 253… RFID module, 254… communication section, 255… power receiving section, 256… charging circuit, 258… cut-off circuit, 261… first sensor, 262… second sensor, 2111… rib, 2112… protrusion, 2113… insertion section, 2114… first protrusion part, 2115… second protrusion part, 2116… guiding display section, 2121… notch, 2122… first component, 2123… second component, 2131… base, 2132… bearing member, 2133… cover part, 2311… through hole, 2511… first board, 2512… second board, 2521… positive terminal, 2522… negative terminal, 2531… control section, 2532… memory section, 2551… power receiving circuit, 2552… control circuit, 2553… resonance capacitor, 2621… hall sensor, 2622… magnet, 21231… holding section, 21232… regulating section, 21311… fixed part, 21312… umbrella part, 21313… shaft part, 21314… bolt, 21331… top plate part, 21332… outer peripheral wall part, 21333… inner peripheral wall part, 21335… first groove, 21336… second groove, 25211… first terminal, 25212… second terminal, 25521… control section, 25522… voltage conversion circuit, 25523… exclusive OR circuit.

Claims

1. A case having a rotating mechanism, An antenna provided on the case, A cylindrical power receiving coil provided on the case at a distance from the antenna with respect to the axial direction of the rotating mechanism and connected to a power receiving unit that charges a battery, comprising, The power receiving coil is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism, The RFID device, wherein the diameter of the power receiving coil is smaller than the diameter of a cylindrical power transmitting coil that performs non-contact power supply with the power receiving coil.

2. The RFID device according to claim 1, further comprising a cutoff circuit that cuts off power supply from the battery to an RFID module connected to the antenna when the power receiving coil receives power from the power transmitting coil.

3. comprising a communication unit that transmits information read by the RFID module to the outside, The RFID device according to claim 2, wherein the battery, the power receiving unit, the RFID module, and the communication unit are provided inside the case.

4. An RFID device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A power transmitting base formed in a cylindrical shape, having a power transmitting device including a power transmitting coil and a power transmitting circuit, and capable of arranging the RFID device inside, A non-contact charging system comprising.

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