Stone protrusion

Abstract

To provide a compact ferrule used by a visually impaired that can be miniaturized even when an antenna is provided.SOLUTION: A ferrule has a base 2131, a rotating body 2133, a first enclosure 211, and an antenna. The rotating body 2133 is provided on the base 2131 and rotates with respect to the base 2131. The first enclosure 211 is provided on the rotating body 2133. The antenna is provided in the first enclosure 211. The antenna has a radiating element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a ferrule. [Background technology]

[0002] White canes used by visually impaired people have been known for some time. These white canes detect road conditions by moving the ferrule left and right while keeping the ferrule in contact with the ground. The ferrule wears out because it is in contact with the ground. For this reason, it is required that the ferrule be replaceable.

[0003] Another idea is to install an RFID device on a white cane. It is also being considered to install an RFID device antenna on the tip of such a cane. However, since the direction and orientation of the RFID tag read by the white cane antenna are not uniform, a circularly polarized antenna is required. However, it is difficult to miniaturize a circularly polarized antenna, making it difficult to install it on the tip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-249880 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2001 / 006354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a ferrule that can be made smaller even when an antenna is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ferrule of the embodiment includes a base, a rotating body, a first housing, an antenna, A second housing;The rotating body is provided on the base and rotates relative to the base. A first housing is provided on the rotating body. An antenna is provided in the first housing. The antenna has a radiating element. The second housing is accommodated in the first housing, and the antenna is provided in the second housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a ferrule that can be made compact even when an antenna is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using a ferrule as an RFID device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using a ferrule according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a white cane according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing, with a part cut away, the configuration of a first housing used in a case of a ferrule according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a third housing used in the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a third housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery and a control board of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery and a control board of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna of the ferrule according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of an antenna according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a control board according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a contactless charging system according to an embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a first housing and an antenna according to another embodiment, partially in cross section. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to another embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the configurations of a white cane 1 having a ferrule (RFID device) 12, a communication system 2, and a contactless charging system 3 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 2 using a white cane 1 having a ferrule 12 as an RFID device, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication system 2 using the ferrule 12. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the white cane 1. The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ferrule (RFID device) 12.

[0011] 5 to 7 are diagrams showing the configuration of the ferrule 12, with FIG. 5 being a perspective view, FIG. 6 being an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 7 being a cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ferrule 12 with the third housing 213 of the case 21 omitted, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first housing 211 used in the case 21 with a portion cut away. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second housing 212, battery 22, antenna 23, and 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.

[0012] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the configuration of the third housing 213, with FIG. 12 showing a side view and FIG. 13 showing 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, with FIG. 16 being a perspective view and FIG. 17 being a side view. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the control board 25. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a contactless charging system 3 according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, a white cane 1 uses, for example, an RFID device 12 to read RFID tags 6 along the user's walking route and notify the user's terminal 5 of the read information. The RFID device 12 of the white cane 1, the terminal 5, and the RFID tag 6 form a communication system 2. Also, as shown in Fig. 19, the RFID device 12 of the white cane 1, together with a power transmission device 7, form a contactless charging system 3. The contactless charging system 3 performs contactless 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.

[0014] First, the configuration of the white cane 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 3, the white cane 1 comprises a white cane body 11 and an RFID device 12. The RFID device 12 is an RFID reader that reads information from an RFID tag 6. Here, the RFID device 12 constitutes the ferrule. In the following explanation, the RFID device 12 will be described as the ferrule 12. Furthermore, the following explanation will be given with the ferrule 12 side of the white cane 1 defined as the downward direction, and the up-down direction defined as the down-side.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the white cane body 11 is formed so that it can be folded, for example, into multiple stages. When unfolded, the white cane body 11 is formed into a rod shape. The white cane body 11 has a grip 111 at one end and a ferrule 12 attached to the other end. The white cane body 11 may be of a retractable sliding type, or may be formed from a single shaft.

[0016] 2 and 3 to 11, the ferrule 12 includes a case 21, a battery 22, an antenna 23, a power receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26. When the white cane 1 is in use, for example, the ferrule 12 is kept in contact with the ground and slid left and right on the ground, causing it to slide on the ground while rotating relative to the white cane body 11.

[0017] The case 21 forms the outer shell of the ferrule 12, which rotates around a central axis coaxial with the axis of the white cane body 11. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the case 21 houses therein, as electronic devices, a battery 22, an antenna 23, a power receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26. 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.

[0018] The first housing 211 is an exterior case for the ferrule 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 the central axis of the first housing 211, the corners rotate on the ground. The first housing 211 is fixed to the third housing 213. The first housing 211 is made of, for example, a resin material. The first housing 211 is made of, for example, polyacetal.

[0019] 5 to 9, the first housing 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. For example, the first housing 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The bottom of the first housing 211 is formed in a flat plate shape with curved corners, or in a hemispherical shape, for example. The first housing 211 accommodates the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the second housing 212, and has an outer shape that can be appropriately set as long as it can slide on the ground. Other examples of the outer shape of the first housing 211 include a spherical shape, a polygonal prism shape, a gourd shape, etc.

[0020] 6 to 9, first housing 211 has, for example, a rib 2111 extending radially at the bottom of the interior, and multiple protrusions 2112 formed at radial ends of rib 2111. First housing 211 has an insertion portion 2113, multiple first protrusions 2114 formed on the outer circumferential surface of insertion portion 2113, and second protrusions 2115 formed on the outer circumferential surface of insertion portion 2113. First housing 211 also has a guidance display portion 2116 formed adjacent to insertion portion 2113.

[0021] The ribs 2111 are formed integrally with the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The ribs 2111 extend, for example, in four radial directions from the center of the bottom of the first housing 211. In other words, the ribs 2111 are formed in a cross shape and protrude from the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The upper surface of the ribs 2111 is formed in a flat shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first housing 211.

[0022] The protrusions 2112 extend in the axial direction of the first housing 211 from radial ends of the rib 2111. The protrusions 2112 are formed integrally with the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 211. The multiple protrusions 2112 are formed integrally with the radial ends of the rib 2111, respectively. In this embodiment, the rib 2111 is formed in a cross shape, and therefore four protrusions 2112 are provided. For example, one of the four protrusions 2112 has a greater axial height than the other three protrusions 2112.

[0023] At least a portion of the upper surface of the rib 2111 and / or the plurality of protrusions 2112 abuts against the antenna 23, supporting the antenna 23 in the axial direction.

[0024] The insertion portion 2113 is formed at the open upper end of the first housing 211. 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 of the central side of the first housing 211. The insertion portion 2113 is formed, for example, by making the open end of the first housing 211 thinner than the outer diameter of the central side of the first housing 211.

[0025] The multiple first protrusions 2114 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113. For example, two first protrusions 2114 are provided. The two first protrusions 2114 are arranged, for example, at symmetrical positions on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113. The second protrusion 2115 is arranged, for example, between the two first protrusions 2114 in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 2113.

[0026] The guidance display unit 2116 displays the position of the first housing 211 inserted into the third housing 213. For example, the guidance display unit 2116 is a display that guides the positions for attaching and detaching the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 and the position for turning the power on and off. For example, the guidance display unit 2116 is three indentations that guide these positions, and unevenness or Braille that displays "OFF" and "ON." In other words, the guidance display unit 2116 is a display that guides the operating position of the ferrule 12 visually or tactilely.

[0027] 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 within 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 the second housing 212 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. Furthermore, the axial movement of the second housing 212 is restricted by the first housing 211 and the third housing 213. As a result, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213.

[0028] The second housing 212 holds the antenna 23 at its 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 its outer circumferential surface, for example. The second housing 212 holds a part of the sensor 26 on its upper part, for example. In addition, the second housing 212 has four notches 2121 formed at its lower end, for example, in which the four protrusions 2112 of the first housing 211 are disposed. The notches 2121 engage with the protrusions 2112 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting circumferential movement of the second housing 212 relative to the first housing 211.

[0029] The second housing 212 is formed from a single component, or is configured by assembling a plurality of components. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the second housing 212 includes a first component 2122 and a second component 2123. The second housing 212 is formed by assembling the first component 2122 and the second component 2123 together.

[0030] The first component 2122 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The first component 2122 holds, for example, the antenna 23 at its lower end and holds the power receiving coil 24 on its outer circumferential surface. The first component 2122 holds, for example, the battery 22 and the control board 25. The lower ends of the battery 22 and the control board 25 are inserted into the first component 2122, and the first component 2122 holds the battery 22 and the control board 25. The first component 2122 has ribs, protrusions, and the like formed thereon to restrict radial and circumferential movement of the battery 22 and the control board 25.

[0031] The second component 2123 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The second component 2123 is fixed to the first component 2122 by, for example, engagement or fitting using claws, protrusions, or recesses. The second component 2123 is assembled to the first component 2122, for example, to form the cylindrical second housing 212 together with the first component 2122. The second component 2123 covers the radial periphery of the battery 22 and control board 25 held by the first component 2122. The second component 2123 also has a holding portion 21231 on whose upper end a portion of the sensor 26 is provided, and a restricting portion 21232 that covers the upper portion of the control board 25.

[0032] The holding portion 21231 holds, for example, a Hall sensor 2621 (described later) of the sensor 26. The restricting portion 21232 restricts axial movement of the control board 25. The restricting portion 21232 is, for example, a rib that is formed in an opening at the upper end of the second component 2123 and faces at least a portion of the upper end of the control board 25 in the axial direction. In addition, the upper end of the second component 2123 is open at a portion that faces the battery 22 in the axial direction.

[0033] 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 so that it can rotate around the axial direction of the white cane body 11. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, 12 and 13, the third housing 213 comprises, for example, a base 2131 fixed to the white cane body 11, a bearing member 2132 provided on the base 2131, and a lid 2133 fixed to the bearing member 2132.

[0034] The base portion 2131 includes, for example, a fixed portion 21311 , an umbrella portion 21312 formed integrally with the fixed portion 21311 , and a shaft portion 21313 formed integrally with the umbrella portion 21312 .

[0035] The fixed part 21311 is fixed to the tip of the white cane body 11. The umbrella part 21312 covers the upper surface of the lid part 2133. The shaft part 21313 is, for example, coaxial with the white cane body 11 fixed to the fixed part 21311. The bearing member 2132 is inserted or fitted into the shaft part 21313, and the bearing member 2132 is fixed in the axial direction by a bolt 21314 or the like.

[0036] The bearing member 2132 is, for example, a ball bearing or a needle bearing, and holds the cover portion 2133 on the shaft portion 21313 so that the cover portion 2133 is rotatable.

[0037] The lid portion 2133 is a rotating body that is rotatably provided relative to the base portion 2131. The lid portion 2133 is rotatably fixed to the shaft portion 21313 of the base portion 2131 via a bearing member 2132. The lid portion 2133 rotates relative to the base portion 2131. The lid portion 2133 fixes the first housing 211. The lid portion 2133 covers the open end of the first housing 211. The lid portion 2133 is formed so that, with the first housing 211 fixed, the first housing 211 can be moved to two positions where the power of the ferrule 12 is turned ON and OFF.

[0038] 6, for example, the cover portion 2133 is provided with a first terminal 25211 of the positive terminal 2521 connected to the battery 22. The cover portion 2133 is formed so that when the relative positions of the cover portion 2133 and the first housing 211 in the circumferential direction change, the first terminal 25211 can be moved to switch the conduction state between the battery 22 and the control board 25.

[0039] 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 disk shape. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 13, the top plate portion 21331 is fixed to a bearing member 2132.

[0040] The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is formed integrally with the outer peripheral edge of the top panel 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. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is smaller than the circumscribing circle of the multiple first protrusions 2114 formed on the insertion portion 2113 and coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211, and the circumscribing circle of the second protrusions 2115 formed on the insertion portion 2113 and coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211.

[0041] The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 has, for example, first grooves 21335 and second grooves 21336 formed on its inner peripheral surface. The number of first grooves 21335 provided is the same as the number of first protrusions 2114 of the insertion portion 2113. The first grooves 21335 are formed so that the first protrusions 2114 can be inserted into them. The first grooves 21335 extend in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. Furthermore, the first grooves 21335 extend in one direction along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 at the center side in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. Here, the one direction along the circumferential direction is the direction in which the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are rotated and fixed.

[0042] The second groove 21336 is formed so that the second protrusion 2115 can be inserted in the axial direction and can move the second protrusion 2115 in the circumferential direction. For example, the second groove 21336 is formed in a shape that allows the second protrusion 2115 to move in the circumferential direction and rotate the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133 between the first position and the second position and between the second position and the third position when a rotational force greater than or equal to a certain level is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133. Furthermore, for example, the second groove 21336 restricts movement of the second protrusion 2115 between the first position and the second position and between the second position and the third position when a rotational force smaller than a certain level is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133.

[0043] Here, the first position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is inserted into the lid portion 2133. The second position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133 and where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive terminal 2521 are separated from each other as shown in Fig. 14. The third position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133 and where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive terminal 2521 are in contact with each other as shown in Fig. 15.

[0044] Note that fixing the insertion portion 2113 to the third housing 213 at the second and third positions means that axial movement and relative circumferential movement of the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are restricted. That is, at the second and third positions, the first protrusion 2114 of the insertion portion 2113 is located in a portion of the first groove 21335 extending in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting axial movement of the insertion portion 2113 (first housing 211) relative to the cover portion 2133 of the third housing 213. Furthermore, at the second and third positions, the second protrusion 2115 is restricted by the second groove 21336, thereby restricting circumferential movement of the first housing 211 relative to the cover portion 2133 of the third housing 213.

[0045] For example, the second groove 21336 is configured by a plurality of grooves that extend in the axial direction and in which the second protrusion 2115 can be disposed. Specifically, the second groove 21336 is configured by three grooves that are formed at positions corresponding to the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0046] The inner circumferential wall portion 21333 is disposed with a predetermined gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential wall portion 21332, allowing the insertion portion 2113 to be disposed therein. The height of the inner circumferential wall portion 21333 from the top plate portion 21331 may be formed to vary depending on the location. Furthermore, the inner circumferential wall portion 21333 may be configured by arranging a plurality of arc-shaped wall portions in the circumferential direction.

[0047] In the case 21 configured in this manner, the base 2131 is fixed to the white cane body 11. The shaft 21313 and bearing member 2132 of the base 2131 constitute a rotation mechanism. The first housing 211, the second housing 212, and the lid 2133 rotate relative to the base 2131 by the rotation mechanism (shaft 21313 and bearing member 2132), and constitute a rotating part that houses various electronic devices. In addition, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 in the circumferential direction by the projections (engaging portions) 2112 and the notches (engaged portions) 2121 engaging in the circumferential direction. In addition, the case 21 is fixed in the axial direction to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 by the antenna 23 or the second housing 212 abutting against the rib 2111 or the protrusion 2112 of the first housing 211, and the second housing 212 or the battery 22 abutting against a part of the third housing 213 (for example, a part of the lid portion 2133) or a first terminal 25211 fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Antenna 23 has a radiating element. Antenna 23 is a linearly polarized antenna. For example, antenna 23 is an inverted-F antenna or a patch antenna (microstrip antenna). Antenna 23 is formed, for example, in a shape that can be placed inside first housing 211. The outer shape of antenna 23 is formed, for example, in a circular shape with a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of first housing 211.

[0050] 16 and 17, antenna 23 includes base 231, ground layer 232, and antenna pattern 233. FIG. 16 shows an example of antenna pattern 233 and feed point 234. Base 231 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disk with a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of first housing 211. Base 231 may be annular with an opening in the center, or may be plate-like with one main surface protruding in a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The base 231 has one or more through holes 2311 formed across both main surfaces and connecting 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.

[0052] The power receiving coil 24 receives transmitted power 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 that receives power that is 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 a first component 2122 of the second housing 212.

[0053] The power receiving coil 24 is provided in 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 at the center of rotation of the first housing 211, i.e., coaxially with the shaft 21313 and bearing member 2132 of the third housing 213 that constitute the rotation mechanism. As shown in Fig. 19, the power receiving coil 24 is connected in series or parallel to a power receiving resonance capacitor 2553, which will be described later, to form a resonance circuit (power receiving resonance circuit).

[0054] When the power receiving coil 24 as a power receiving resonant circuit approaches the power transmitting coil 74, it becomes electromagnetically coupled to the power transmitting coil 74. In the power receiving coil 24, an induced current is generated by the magnetic field output from the power transmitting coil 74. The power receiving coil 24 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 cylindrical printed circuit board.

[0055] The power receiving coil 24 supplies the received AC power to a power receiving circuit 2551 (described later). When using a magnetic field resonance method for power transmission, the self-resonant frequency of the power receiving resonant circuit serving as the power receiving coil 24 is set to be approximately the same as the frequency at which the power transmitting coil 74 transmits power.

[0056] 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 18 show examples of control board 25. Control board 25 includes board 251 and terminals 252. Control board 25 is formed to be capable of performing various processes by processing circuits, modules, wiring patterns, etc. mounted on board 251. As a specific example, control board 25 includes RFID module 253, communication unit 254, and power receiving unit 255. Control board 25 is connected to antenna 23 and power receiving coil 24. Control board 25 is also connected to battery 22 via terminal 252.

[0057] The substrate 251 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that can be housed within the second housing 212. The substrate 251 may be made up 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.

[0058] The terminal 252 is connected to the battery 22. The terminal 252 includes a positive terminal 2521 and a negative terminal 2522.

[0059] The positive electrode terminal 2521 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22. As a specific example, the positive electrode 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 accommodating the second housing 212 is fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 and positioned at the second position, the first terminal 25211 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22 and is separated from the second terminal 25212, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 14. When the first housing 211 accommodating the second housing 212 is fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 and positioned at the third position, the first terminal 25211 contacts both the positive electrode of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 15.

[0060] 6, 14, and 15, the first terminal 25211 is formed in a band shape extending in an arc. When the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 rotate relatively and move from the second position to the third position, the first terminal 25211 moves in the circumferential direction in conjunction with the movement of the third housing 213 in the circumferential direction, and connects the positive electrode of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212.

[0061] The second terminal 25212 is provided on the board 251. For example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on one of the boards 251 adjacent to the battery 22 inside the second housing 212. As a specific example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on the upper end side of the first board 2511 in a position accommodated inside the second housing 212. The second terminal 25212 comes into contact with the first terminal 25211 in the second position.

[0062] 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 inside the second housing 212. As a specific example, the negative electrode terminal 2522 is provided on the lower end of the first substrate 2511 in an orientation accommodated inside the second housing 212. The negative electrode terminal 2522 contacts the negative electrode of the battery 22 when the battery 22 is placed in the second housing 212.

[0063] The RFID module 253 is electrically connected to the antenna 23. The RFID module 253 reads, for example, the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 constitutes an RFID reader together with the antenna 23. Note that the RFID module 253 may be configured to read and write data from and to the RFID tag 6, and may constitute an RFID reader / writer together with the antenna 23.

[0064] The RFID module 253 controls the antenna 23 and emits radio waves from the antenna 23 in order to wirelessly communicate 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 the data in the RFID tag 6, and changes the load on the antenna 23 to receive the response wave returned from the RFID tag 6 via the antenna 23. In this way, the RFID module 253 reads the data in the RFID tag 6.

[0065] To explain the reading of the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 as a specific example, first, the RFID module 253 emits radio waves from the antenna 23 to communicate wirelessly with the RFID tag 6, and the RFID tag 6 is activated by receiving these radio waves. Next, the RFID module 253 amplitude-modulates the carrier wave emitted from the antenna 23 with a signal that encodes communication data, and the RFID tag 6 demodulates the amplitude-modulated communication data and returns a response wave by changing the load on the antenna of the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 receives this response wave via the antenna 23 and acquires the data of the RFID tag 6.

[0066] The RFID module 253 includes, for example, a control unit 2531 and a storage unit 2532. The RFID module 253 also includes a coupler, a filter, an amplifier, a low-pass filter, a balun, and the like, as appropriate, depending on the reader function of the RFID module 253. The control unit 2531 executes arithmetic processing. The control unit 2531 is a processor serving as a processing circuit. The control unit 2531 performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the storage unit and data used in the programs. The storage unit 2532 stores programs, data used in the programs, and the like. The storage unit 2532 is a memory and storage. The storage unit 2532 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 2532 is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) (registered trademark) or a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) (registered trademark).

[0067] The RFID module 253 performs a process of reading data from the RFID tag 6 received from the antenna 23 by causing the control unit 2531 to execute a program stored in the storage unit 2532. The RFID module 253 also outputs the information read from the RFID tag 6 to the communication unit 254.

[0068] The communication unit 254 connects to the terminal 5 via wireless communication. The communication unit 254 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal 5 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 254 is a BLE module.

[0069] The communication unit 254 is mounted on the substrate 251. For example, the communication unit 254 transmits an advertisement, and when the terminal 5 receives the advertisement and receives a connection request sent from the terminal 5, it performs GATT (Generic attribute profile) communication. For example, when using the white cane 1, the user sets in advance the terminal 5 that will receive information from the communication unit 254, and the communication unit 254 communicates with the set terminal 5.

[0070] The power receiving unit 255 charges the battery 22 with the power transmitted from the power transmitting 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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, for example, by a rectifier circuit including a rectifier bridge configured with a plurality of diodes. In this case, a pair of input terminals of the rectifier bridge are connected to a power receiving resonant circuit configured by the power receiving coil 24 and a resonant capacitor 2553. The power receiving circuit 2551 full-wave rectifies the received power supplied from the power receiving coil 24, and outputs direct current power from a pair of output terminals.

[0073] 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 serving as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the storage unit and data used in the programs. The storage unit stores programs, data used in the programs, and the like. The storage unit is a memory and 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 configured with a microcomputer and / or an oscillation circuit, or the like.

[0074] 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 to charge the battery 22. That is, the charging circuit 256 converts the power from the power receiving circuit 2551 into charging power of a predetermined current value and voltage value for charging the battery 22 and supplies it to the battery 22. Also, for example, the charging circuit 256 includes a charging IC having a port that transmits the charging state to a control unit of the control circuit 2552.

[0075] The sensor 26 detects a change in the posture of the ferrule 12 (case 21). As shown in FIG.

[0076] The first sensor 261 detects the attitude of the ferrule 12. The first sensor 261 is a motion sensor. For example, the first sensor 261 is a three-axis gyro sensor that can detect angular velocity or a three-axis acceleration sensor that can detect acceleration. The first sensor 261 may also be a six-axis sensor that can detect angular velocity and acceleration. As shown in FIG. 18 , the first sensor 261 is mounted on, for example, the substrate 251. The first sensor 261 outputs the detected angular velocity or acceleration as a signal to the control unit 2531.

[0077] The second sensor 262 detects the rotation of the ferrule 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.

[0078] 8, the hall sensor 2621 is provided in the holder 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 relative to one or more magnets 2622, detects the magnetism of the magnet 2622 that faces it during the movement, and outputs a signal to the control unit 2531.

[0079] The magnet 2622 is disposed 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 portion) reaches a predetermined rotation angle of the base portion 2131. For example, when a plurality of magnets 2622 are provided, the plurality of magnets 2622 are disposed at positions equally spaced apart 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 disposed at equally spaced apart positions 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 disposed at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0080] Next, the communication system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication system 2 is made up of a white cane 1 having a ferrule 12 as an RFID device, a terminal 5, and an RFID tag 6.

[0081] The terminal 5 is a device that can be worn or carried by the user of the white cane 1. The terminal 5 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, an audio device such as earphones, or a dedicated terminal that can notify information by sound or vibration. The terminal 5 may also be configured to be built into the grip 111 of the white cane body 11.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The input unit 51 is a device that accepts user input, such as a button, an operation panel, or a touch panel.

[0084] The display unit 52 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0085] The communication unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 56. The communication unit 53 is any communication interface that can communicate with the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using wireless communication technology. The communication unit 53 may also be configured to be able to communicate with terminals or networks other than the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using wired communication technology or wireless communication technology.

[0086] The communication unit 53 may be implemented as, for example, a communication module or a communication board. The communication unit 53 transmits and receives information to and from the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 53 can also connect to a network via a base station using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a long-range wireless communication technology such as a general-purpose wireless communication technology including a mobile phone line, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark).

[0087] The alarm unit 54 notifies the outside with sound or vibration. For example, the alarm unit 54 is a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The alarm unit 54 outputs sound and vibration in different patterns. For example, when the alarm unit 54 is a speaker and notifies information with sound, the alarm unit 54 notifies with sound based on parameters such as different sound types, volume, and length of sound that are set corresponding to the information to be notified. Here, sound includes voice. When the alarm unit 54 is a vibrator and notifies with vibration, the alarm unit 54 notifies with vibration based on parameters such as different vibration types, vibration strength, and vibration length that are set corresponding to the information to be notified. Note that the alarm unit 54 may notify with either sound or vibration, or may notify with both sound and vibration.

[0088] The memory unit 55 is what is called a memory or storage. The memory unit 55 stores various data. For example, the memory unit 55 stores various control programs and control data. The memory unit 55 temporarily stores data being processed by the control unit 56. The memory unit 55 stores setting values ​​required for executing application programs as a database. The memory unit 55 also stores execution results of application programs. The memory unit 55 also stores information about the RFID tag 6 received by the communication unit 53. The memory unit 55 also stores parameters for the notification unit 54 corresponding to the information about the RFID tag 6.

[0089] Such a storage 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 flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like.

[0090] 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 processor. One or more processors are mounted on a circuit board such as a motherboard or a graphics board.

[0091] The control unit 56 performs various functions, such as input processing of external commands input by the input unit 51, display processing to display information on the display unit 52, communication processing by the communication unit 53, and notification processing by the notification unit 54, for example, in accordance with the control program and control data stored in the memory unit 55.

[0092] The RFID tag 6 is attached to, for example, stations, roads, buildings, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the RFID tag 6 is shown embedded under the tactile paving blocks on a station platform or in the tracks on the platform, and attached to 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 a matching circuit, and an IC chip 62. When the RFID tag 6 is an active tag, the RFID tag 6 includes a battery, a power supply circuit, etc.

[0093] An example using such a communication system 2 will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, a user walks while swinging a white cane 1 from side to side with the ferrule 12 in contact with the ground. If an RFID tag 6 is placed on or near the walking path, the ferrule 12 receives information transmitted from the placed RFID tag 6 with the antenna 23 and reads it with the RFID module 253. The information from the RFID tag 6 is then transmitted from the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 to the communication unit 254 of the terminal 5, and the terminal 5 issues a notification corresponding to the information from the RFID tag 6 with the notification unit 54.

[0094] For example, if the RFID tag 6 is attached to the track side of a station platform, the terminal 5 notifies the user that the ferrule is located on the track side of the platform based on the information in the RFID tag 6. Also, if the RFID tag 6 is attached to a railway vehicle, the terminal 5 notifies the user of the location of the railway vehicle, for example, the location of the doors of the railway vehicle and information about the vehicle. In this way, the communication system 2 can read information from the RFID tag 6 on the walking route using a white cane, which is an RFID device, and notify the user of the information via the terminal 5.

[0095] Next, the contactless charging system 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 19, the contactless charging system 3 is made up of a ferrule 12 serving as a power receiving device having a power receiving section 255 and a power receiving coil 24, and a power transmitting device 7. The contactless charging system 3 performs contactless charging of the ferrule 12 by the power transmitting device 7.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 19, the power transmitting device 7 includes a power transmitting stand, 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.

[0097] The power transmission base 71 is formed so that the ferrule 12 can be inserted into it. For example, by inserting the ferrule 12 into the power transmission base 71, the white cane 1 is held in an upright position. The power transmission base 71 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the power transmission base 71 is formed so that the ferrule 12 can be inserted into it and the position of the white cane 1 can be maintained. 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 ferrule 12.

[0098] The power transmission stand 71 houses a power supply circuit 72, a power transmission circuit 73, a power transmission coil 74, a control circuit 75, an alarm unit 76, and a resonance capacitor 77. Note that the power transmission stand 71 only needs to be able to house at least the power transmission coil 74, and may be configured such that the power supply circuit 72, the power transmission circuit 73, the control circuit 75, the alarm unit 76, etc. are provided in separate cases or the like.

[0099] 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 causing the power transmission circuit 73 to transmit power and supplies it to the power transmission circuit 73. The power supply circuit 72 also generates power for operating the control circuit 75 and supplies it to the control circuit 75.

[0100] The power transmitting circuit 73 generates transmission power to be transmitted from the power transmitting coil 74. The power transmitting circuit 73 supplies the generated transmission power to the power transmitting coil 74. For example, the power transmitting circuit 73 generates AC power as the transmission power by switching DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 72 based on the control of the control circuit 75.

[0101] The power transmitting coil 74 outputs power that can be received by the power receiving coil 24 in accordance with the transmitted power supplied from the power transmitting circuit 73. The power transmitting coil 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power transmitting coil 74 has a power receiving surface that receives power that is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power transmitting coil 74 is placed on the power transmitting base 71 so that its power transmitting surface faces the power receiving surface of the power receiving coil 24 provided on the second housing 212 of the ferrule 12 inserted into the power transmitting base 71. In other words, the power transmitting coil 74 is placed at a height position on the power transmitting base 71 that faces radially opposite the power receiving coil 24 inserted into the power transmitting base 71. For example, the power transmitting coil 74 is housed in the power transmitting base 71.

[0102] For example, the power transmitting coil 74 is connected in series or parallel to a resonance capacitor 77 to form a resonance circuit (power transmitting resonance circuit). When AC power is supplied from the power transmitting circuit 73, the power transmitting coil 74 as a power transmitting resonance circuit generates a magnetic field according to the supplied AC power. The power transmitting coil 74 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.

[0103] The control circuit 75 controls the operation of the power transmission circuit 73 and the notification unit 76. The control circuit 75 includes, for example, a control unit and a memory unit. The control unit executes arithmetic processing. The control unit is a processor serving as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the memory unit and data used in the programs. The memory unit stores programs, data used in the programs, etc. The memory unit is memory and storage. The memory unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control circuit 75 may be configured with a microcomputer and / or an oscillator circuit, etc.

[0104] For example, the control circuit 75 switches the notification of the notification unit 76 depending on the power transmission state of the power transmission device 7 or the charging state of the battery 22. The control circuit 75 also controls the frequency of the AC power output from the power transmission circuit 73 and controls the on / off operation of the power transmission circuit 73. For example, the control circuit 75 controls the power transmission circuit 73 to switch between a state in which a magnetic field is generated in the power transmission coil 74 (power transmission state) and a state in which a magnetic field is not generated in the power transmission coil 74 (standby state). The control circuit 75 may also perform control to change the timing of power transmission by causing the power transmission coil 74 to intermittently generate a magnetic field.

[0105] The notification unit 76 is an indicator that indicates 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 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 75. For example, the notification unit 76 has an LED and a speaker, and notifies the operation state of the power transmission device 7 by turning on or off the light or switching the display color, and by using different sound or voice patterns.

[0106] 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.

[0107] With the white cane 1 configured in this manner, the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 can restrict circumferential and axial movement of the second housing 212, which houses an electronic device including the antenna 23, within the first housing 211. Furthermore, the first housing 211 is fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 by inserting the insertion portion 2113 into the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213 and moving it circumferentially. Specifically, the first protrusion 2114 and the second protrusion 2115 of the insertion portion 2113 are engaged with the first groove 21335 and the second groove 21336 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 21333 of the lid portion 2133. In this way, the first housing 211 is configured to be detachable from the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213.

[0108] That is, the second housing 212 is detachably fixed inside the first housing 211. Furthermore, the third housing 213 of the case 21 is formed such that the lid portion 2133 is rotatable on the umbrella portion 21312 via the bearing member 2132.

[0109] Therefore, when a user holds the white cane 1 and moves the ferrule 12 left and right with the ferrule 12 in contact with the ground, the case 21 of the ferrule 12 slides on the ground while rotating around the central axis of the shaft 21313 of the third housing 213.

[0110] When the first housing 211 of the case 21 rotates, the antenna 23 fixed inside the first housing 211 via the second housing 212 also rotates. Therefore, even if the ferrule 12 is a linearly polarized antenna 23, it can change the direction of polarization. Therefore, the white cane 1 can read the RFID tag 6 even if the direction or orientation of the RFID tag 6 to be read is not uniform. Furthermore, since the antenna 23 does not need to be a circularly polarized antenna, a relatively small linearly polarized antenna can be used. This makes it possible to miniaturize the ferrule 12.

[0111] Furthermore, when the first housing 211, which is the exterior of the ferrule 12, becomes worn due to use of the white cane 1, only the first housing 211 needs to be replaced. Furthermore, after replacing the first housing 211 of the ferrule 12, the second housing 212 and electronic device that were being used can be reused. Therefore, the first housing 211, which is the exterior of the ferrule 12, can be replaced easily and inexpensively for the white cane 1 and the ferrule 12.

[0112] Furthermore, since the first housing 211 can be easily replaced, it is possible for the user to replace it with a first housing 211 of a desired shape. Furthermore, since the case 21 can be easily attached and detached, the white cane 1 and ferrule 12 can be easily maintained and customized.

[0113] Furthermore, the ferrule 12 positions the antenna 23 at the lower end of the second housing 212, and positions the power receiving coil 24 at a distance from the antenna 23 in the axial direction of the second housing 212. As a result, the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24 are positioned within the case 21 at a predetermined distance in the axial direction.

[0114] Therefore, the ferrule 12 can suppress the influence of the power receiving coil 24 when the antenna 23 reads the RFID tag 6. Therefore, the ferrule 12 can read the RFID tag 6 stably.

[0115] Furthermore, by forming the antenna 23 in a circular shape, it is possible to maximize the area of ​​the ground layer 232. Therefore, the performance of the antenna 23 can be improved.

[0116] As described above, according to the white cane 1 and ferrule 12 of one embodiment, by restricting the circumferential movement of the antenna 23 within the first housing 211, it is possible to make the ferrule 12 smaller even when the antenna 23 is provided.

[0117] The white cane 1 and ferrule 12 are not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described example, the ferrule 12 is configured such that the antenna 23 is fixed to the second housing 212 and the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 so as to restrict circumferential movement of the second housing 212 relative to the first housing 211. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the antenna 23 may be provided on the first housing 211, restrict circumferential movement relative to the first housing 211, and be fixed to the first housing 211. In such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 20 , the first housing 211 may be provided with a protrusion 2112 as an engaging portion, and the antenna 23 may be provided with a notch (recess) 2121 as an engaged portion that engages with the protrusion 2112 in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the first housing 211 may be provided with a recess as an engaging portion, and the second housing 212 or the antenna 23 may be provided with a protrusion as an engaged portion. Furthermore, as long as antenna 23 can rotate following the rotation of first housing 211, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are not limited to a protrusion and a notch, and can be set as appropriate.

[0118] In the above-described example, the antenna 23 is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, but the shapes of the base 231, ground layer 232, and antenna pattern 233 of the antenna 23 can be set as appropriate. Other examples of the antenna 23 are illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24. As shown in each figure, the base 231 of the antenna 23 may be a flat disk, a ring-shaped structure with an opening in the center, or a plate-shaped structure with one main surface protruding in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 24, the ground layer 232 may be semicircular or have another shape. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the antenna pattern 233 may be spiral, circular, or have a linear non-patterned portion, or have another shape.

[0119] In the above example, an example was described in which an electronic device is provided in the second housing 212 of the case 21, but it is sufficient that at least the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24 are housed in the case 21, and other electronic devices may be housed in the white cane body 11 or the grip 111. Also, the above-mentioned electronic device may be housed in the second housing 212.

[0120] In the above example, the second housing 212 and antenna 23 rotate due to the rotation of the rotatable bodies, lid 2133 and first housing 211. However, the angle by which lid 2133, first housing 211, second housing 212, and antenna 23 can rotate is not limited to 360°, and they may be configured to rotate within a predetermined angle range. In other words, as long as the direction of polarization can be changed so that the RFID tag 6 can be read by antenna 23, lid 2133, first housing 211, second housing 212, and antenna 23 may be configured to rotate.

[0121] In the above example, the ferrule 12 is rotated by manipulating the white cane 1, but this is not limiting and the ferrule 12 may be rotated automatically by a driving means such as a motor. In the above example, the ferrule 12 is used as the RFID device 12, but this is not limiting and the RFID device 12 may be used for something other than the ferrule.

[0122] In the above example, the RFID device 12 is described as having a configuration including the first sensor 261, which is a motion sensor, and the second sensor 262, which is a Hall sensor, as the sensor 26, but this is not limiting. The sensor 26 may be configured to have only one of the first sensor 261 and the second sensor 262, or may be another sensor, as long as it can detect the rotation of the first housing 211 of the case 21, which is the rotating part, and the lid part 2133 of the third housing 213, when the white cane 1 is in use.

[0123] With any of the white canes, communication systems, non-contact charging systems, ferrules, and RFID devices configured as described above, the ferrules can be made smaller even when an antenna is installed by restricting the circumferential movement of the antenna within the first housing.

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. The following is a description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of the present application. [1] A base; a rotating body provided on the base and rotating relative to the base; a first housing provided on the rotating body; an antenna having a radiating element provided within the first housing; A ferrule equipped with a spike. [2] The ferrule described in [1], wherein the antenna has a circular shape that is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the first housing. [3] A second housing accommodated in the first housing, The ferrule according to [1] or [2], wherein the antenna is provided on the second housing. [4] The second housing has an engagement portion, The ferrule described in [3], wherein the first housing has an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion and restricts circumferential movement of the second housing. [5] The ferrule described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the antenna is a linearly polarized antenna. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...white cane, 2...communication system, 3...contactless charging system, 5...terminal, 6...RFID tag, 7...power transmission device, 11...white cane body, 12...ferrule (RFID device), 21...case, 22...battery, 23...antenna, 24...power receiving coil, 25...control board, 26...sensor, 51...input unit, 52...display unit, 53...communication unit, 54...alarm unit, 55...memory unit, 56...control unit, 61...tag antenna, 62...IC chip, 71...power transmission stand, 72...power supply circuit, 73...power transmission circuit, 74 ...power transmission coil, 75...control circuit, 76...alarm unit, 77...resonance capacitor, 78...power supply unit, 111...grip, 211...first housing, 212...second housing, 213...third housing, 231...base, 232...ground layer, 233...antenna pattern, 234...power supply point, 251...substrate, 252...terminal, 253...RFID module, 254...communication unit, 255...power receiving unit, 256...charging circuit, 258...interrupting circuit, 261...first sensor, 262...second sensor, 2111 ...Rib, 2112...Protrusion, 2113...Insertion portion, 2114...First protrusion portion, 2115...Second protrusion portion, 2116...Guide display portion, 2121...Notch, 2122...First part, 2123...Second part, 2131...Base portion, 2132...Bearing member, 2133...Cover portion (rotating body), 2311...Through hole, 2511...First substrate, 2512...Second substrate, 2521...Positive terminal, 2522...Negative terminal, 2531...Control portion, 2532...Memory portion, 2551...Power receiving circuit, 2552...Control circuit , 2553...resonant capacitor, 2621...hall sensor, 2622...magnet, 21231...holding portion, 21232...regulating portion, 21311...fixed portion, 21312...umbrella portion, 21313...shaft portion, 21314...bolt, 21331...top plate portion, 21332...outer wall portion, 21333...inner wall portion, 21335...first groove, 21336...second groove, 25211...first terminal, 25212...second terminal, 25521...control portion, 25522...voltage conversion circuit, 25523...logical OR circuit.

Claims

1. A base and a rotating body provided on the base and rotating relative to the base; a first housing provided on the rotating body; an antenna having a radiating element provided within the first housing; a second housing housed in the first housing; Equipped with The antenna is provided on the second housing.

2. The ferrule according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna has a circular shape with a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the first housing.

3. the second housing has an engagement portion, 3. The ferrule according to claim 1, wherein the first housing has an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion and restricts circumferential movement of the second housing.

4. 4. The ferrule according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is a linearly polarized antenna.

Images