KR20110053102A - Power supply device and method using locking equipment of shopping cart - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A power supply device and a method using a locking equipment of a shopping cart are provided to continuously supply power to an ID, a smart card, and a display unit which are installed in the shopping cart. CONSTITUTION: A power supply device comprises an input terminal(12), a battery(14), and a power supply line(22). The input terminal is installed in a key insertion unit of a shopping cart locking unit(10). The battery is electrically connected to the input terminal. In the shopping cart, the power supply line is connected to the one end of the input terminal Outside the shopping cart, the other end is connected to a key made of a conductive material. The input terminal and the key are electrically connected.

Description

Power supply device and method using locking equipment of shopping cart}

The present invention relates to a power supply device and method using a shopping cart lock device, and more particularly, power supply using a shopping cart lock device that can simply and continuously supply power to an ID, a smart card, and a display installed in the shopping cart. An apparatus and method are provided.

In general, large discount stores, department stores, airports, duty-free stores, such as shopping carts or push carts (hereinafter, referred to as shopping carts) as a transport mechanism for transporting cargo or purchasing and transporting various items Is widely used. Such a shopping cart is generally provided with a locking device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 on a handle, and a chain key 2 connected to the locking device 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the locking device 1 is provided with a slot 3 for inserting coins and a key inserting portion 4 for inserting the chain key 2.

When overlapping a plurality of shopping carts, the key inserting portion 4 is inserted into the chain key (2) of the locking device (1) installed in the preceding shopping cart, whereby each shopping cart by the locking device (1) Connected. At this time, the slot 3 is protruded from the locking device 1 is in a state capable of inserting coins.

If the user inserts a coin into the slot 3 and pushes the slot 3 into the inside of the locking device 1, the chain key 2 of the locking device 1 installed in the front shopping cart is a key insertion part. Separated from (4), whereby the shopping cart is separated from the preceding shopping cart and is in a state capable of carrying goods.

On the other hand, recently, the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or smart card is installed in the shopping cart, and based on the installed RFID or smart card to identify the moving route of the shopping cart to analyze the customer's shopping pattern and utilize in marketing This is being studied.

In addition, by installing a display with a RFID or smart card in the shopping cart, and whenever the shopping cart moves to display the product description, store guide, advertisements, etc. for the nearby stores to increase the convenience of the shopping cart user.

However, in order to use such RFID, smart card, display, etc., continuous power must be supplied. However, since RFID, smart cards, displays, etc. are installed in a shopping cart that is free to move, power supply using a power line is limited.

Therefore, a space for mounting the battery is provided in the locking device of the shopping cart, and the power is supplied to the RFID, the smart card, or the display using the mounted battery. However, in the case of supplying power using the battery as described above, the timing of replacing the battery for each shopping cart is not constant. Therefore, managing the battery replacement time for all the shopping carts in the store is quite cumbersome. There is this.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, to provide a power supply device and method using a locking device of the shopping cart that can be simply and continuously supply power to the ID, smart card, display, etc. installed in the shopping cart. For the purpose of

Power supply apparatus using a shopping cart locking device according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the input terminal is installed in the key insertion unit inside the shopping cart lock; A rechargeable battery electrically connected to the input terminal; And a power supply line having one end connected to the input terminal inside the shopping cart lock device, a key of a conductive material connected to the other end outside the shopping cart lock device, and electrically connected between the input terminal and the key. Characterized in that it comprises a.

Here, the power supply device using the shopping cart lock device, one end is connected to the power source, the other end is connected to the second key of the same shape and material as the key, and electrically between the power source and the second key It may further include a power line for conducting.

The power supply device using the shopping cart lock may further include a wireless communication module installed inside the shopping cart lock and receiving power from the rechargeable battery.

Preferably, the power supply device using the shopping cart lock device, is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery, and further comprises an output terminal for supplying the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery to the outside.

In addition, the power supply line, the portion formed on the outside of the shopping cart locking device is preferably coated with an insulating material.

Preferably, the power supply apparatus using the shopping cart lock device, one end is connected to the portion of the power supply line from the inside of the shopping cart lock device, the other end further comprises a chain connected to the key. In this case, the power supply line and the chain are electrically insulated, and preferably coated together with an insulating material.

The power supply device using the shopping cart lock may further include a chain electrically insulated from the power line and coated with the power line with an insulating material.

In addition, the power supply device using the shopping cart lock device, so that the output of the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery is cut off when the key is inserted into the key inserting unit, if the key inserted into the key inserting part is removed It may further include a control unit for controlling the output of the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery.

On the other hand, the power supply using the shopping cart lock device, the step of supplying electrical energy through the key inserted into the key insertion portion of the shopping cart lock device; Charging the rechargeable battery with electrical energy supplied through the key; And conducting electrical energy supplied from a key inserted into the key insertion unit to a chain key connected to the shopping cart lock device.

Preferably, the power supply method using the shopping cart lock device, if the key inserted into the key inserting portion, further comprises the step of supplying the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery to the wireless communication module.

Thus, the power supply device and method using the shopping cart lock device according to the present invention, it is possible to simply and continuously supply power to the ID, smart card, display, etc. installed in the shopping cart.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention described below are provided to enable those skilled in the art to more easily understand the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

3 is a view schematically showing a power supply device using a shopping cart lock according to the present invention. Here, since the structure of the shopping cart lock 10 is similar to the shopping cart lock 1 of FIG. 2, the description related to the structural shape of the shopping cart lock 10 itself will be described with reference to the member number of FIG. do.

Referring to the drawings, the power supply using the shopping cart lock device according to the present invention is an input terminal 12, a rechargeable battery 14, a wireless communication module 16, an output terminal (12) inside the shopping cart lock device (10) 17) and the control unit 18. In addition, the power supply line 22 is connected along the chain 20 connected to the outer side of the shopping cart lock 10, the power supply line 22 is a key 30 connected to the end of the chain (20) Is electrically connected to the In addition, a key installed in another shopping cart lock device may be inserted into the key inserting unit 4 of the shopping cart lock 10, or a key connected to a power line may be inserted.

The input terminal 12 is installed in the key inserting portion 4 inside the shopping cart lock 10. In this case, the input terminal 12 is made of a conductive material and is in contact with a key (not shown) inserted into the key insertion unit 4, and is preferably implemented in two line shapes.

The rechargeable battery 14 is electrically connected to the input terminal 12, and is configured to charge the electric energy when electric energy is supplied through the input terminal 12.

The wireless communication module 16 is implemented to receive power from the rechargeable battery 14. Here, the wireless communication module 16 includes wireless communication using RFID technology, wireless communication using a smart card, wireless communication based on a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) such as Bluetooth.

RFID technology is a technology for recognizing information at a separated distance using radio waves, and requires an RFID tag and an RFID reader. An RFID tag consists of an antenna and an integrated circuit, which records information in the integrated circuit and transmits the information to the RFID reader through the antenna. This information is used to identify the object to which the RFID tag is attached. That is, by attaching the RFID tag to the shopping cart and installing the RFID reader at regular intervals in the store, the shopping cart passing around the RFID reader can be identified and the moving path of the shopping cart can be identified.

RFID is classified into passive RFID, semi-passive RFID, and active RFID according to the power used.

Passive RFID refers to RFID, which reads and communicates information on a chip in an RFID tag only with the power of the RFID reader. In addition, the semi-passive RFID refers to the RFID that uses the power to read the information of the chip, and the power of the RFID reader for communication, because the battery is embedded in the RFID tag. In addition, like the passive RFID, active RFID refers to an RFID in which a battery is embedded in an RFID tag and uses the power of the RFID tag to read information on the chip and communicate the information.

In addition, smart card is an electronic credit card that is equipped with IC (Integrated Circuit) memory element and can hold a large amount of information. The standard of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is for all cards with one or more ICs. Say. Smart cards have higher storage capacity, higher functionality and stability than conventional magnetic cards (magnetic cards). Smart cards may be classified into memory type smart cards, microprocessor embedded smart cards, and interactive smart cards in terms of function and durability.

A memory type smart card is a smart card without a microprocessor, and includes a security logic in addition to a memory mainly used in a field that can be treated as a security such as a public telephone card or a purchase right. For example, there is only a built-in memory for pure data storage, such as health insurance card. The memory mainly uses EEPROM (Electrical Erasible Programmable Read Only Memory). In addition, the microprocessor built-in smart card has a built-in microprocessor and memory to perform advanced functions such as judgment, operation, and data protection. In addition, the interactive smart card has a built-in microprocessor, memory, input / output (I / O) protocol, and an application program to interactively transfer information.

WPAN technology is also referred to as a wireless private network technology, and refers to a personal area network (PAN) using wireless. WPAN technology is a short-range wireless network technology designed to support portable computer equipment such as personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants, wireless printers, storage devices, cordless phones, and set-top boxes. Technology. Bluetooth, for example, communicates with each other via built-in wireless network capabilities to exchange information. In addition, some of the wireless telephones have two air interfaces, one of which is used for a cellular network and the other is used for PAN connection.

The output terminal 17 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 14 and used to supply electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery 14 to a separate external electronic device such as a display (not shown).

When the key is inserted into the key inserting unit 4, the control unit 18 controls to block the electric energy charged in the rechargeable battery 14 from being supplied to the wireless communication module 16, or the external electronics through the output terminal 17. Shut off control to prevent supply to the equipment. In addition, the controller 18 controls the electric energy charged in the rechargeable battery 14 to be outputted to the wireless communication module 16 when the key inserted into the key insertion unit 4 is removed from the key insertion unit 4, or the output terminal. Control to be supplied to the external electronic device through (17).

On the other hand, the power supply line 22 is electrically connected with the key 30 and one end along the chain 20 connected to the outside of the shopping cart lock 10, the other end inside the shopping cart lock 10. It is electrically connected to this input terminal 12. At this time, the key 30 is separated into two poles as shown, each pole is preferably electrically insulated. Thus, the power supply line 22 is electrically connected between the input terminal 12 and the key 30 when power is supplied through the key inserted into the key inserting portion 4. In this case, the power supply line 22 is preferably coated with vinyl or rubber and an insulating material to insulate the chain 20. In addition, in order to protect the power supply line 22 formed outside the shopping cart lock 10, the power supply line 22 and the chain 20 is preferably coated with an insulating material.

In addition, one end of the power line 46 is connected to a power source (not shown) such as an outlet, and the other end of the second key 50 having the same shape and material as that of the key 30 of the shopping cart lock 10. Is connected and electrically conducts between the power source and the key 50. At this time, one end of the power line 46 may be provided with a plug 42, as shown in Figure 4 so that it can be easily connected to a power source such as an outlet. In addition, when the power line 46 is connected to an AC power source, an A / D converter 44 for converting AC power to DC power may be provided between the plug 42 and the power line 46. In this case, in order to prevent the power line 46 from being damaged, the A / D converter 44 and the second key 50 may be connected by a chain 40. In this case, as in the case described above, the power line 46 and the chain 40 are electrically insulated, and the power line 46 and the chain 40 are preferably covered with an insulating material.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method using a power supply device using the shopping cart lock of FIG. 3.

Referring to the drawings, a key 50 of a power line 46 having one end connected to a power source and a key 50 formed at the other end thereof is inserted into the key inserting portion 4 of the shopping cart lock 10 according to the present invention. To supply electrical energy to the input terminal 12 (S101, S103).

At this time, the rechargeable battery 14 electrically connected to the input terminal 12 receives electric energy through the power line 46 to charge (S105).

In addition, one end of the power supply line 22 is connected to the input terminal 12 in the shopping cart lock 10, and conducts the electric energy supplied through the input terminal 12 to the chain key 30. (S107).

Thus, when the chain key 30 is inserted into the key insertion portion of the other shopping cart lock device, the electric energy is supplied to the input terminal of the other shopping cart lock device in the same manner as described above.

If the key 50 inserted into the key inserting portion 4 is removed from the key inserting portion 4, the controller 18 supplies electric energy charged in the rechargeable battery 14 to the wireless communication module 16, or Supply to the external electronic device through the output terminal 17 (S109).

6 shows a state of charge of the rechargeable battery 14 installed in each shopping cart 5. That is, when the shopping cart 5 is not in use, each shopping cart 5 is connected and tied together by a chain key 30, and in this case, the A / D converter 44 converts AC power into DC power. Converted to each shopping cart locking device 10 is supplied to charge the rechargeable battery (14).

If the user detaches the key connected to the key insertion unit 4 of the shopping cart lock 10, the controller 18 supplies the wireless communication module 16 with electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery 14 or It is supplied to an external electronic device through the output terminal 17.

Accordingly, the user of the shopping cart can use the store announcement or product description through the display installed in the shopping cart while carrying the goods, or the operator of the shopping cart can use the wireless communication module to provide information on the user's purchase propensity and movement path. Can be analyzed.

In addition, when the shopping cart is not used, the electric energy can be simply charged by simply overlapping with another shopping cart.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Anyone skilled in the art can make various modifications, as well as such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

1 is a view showing an example of a general shopping cart.

2 is a view showing an example of a locking device installed in the shopping cart of FIG.

3 is a view schematically showing an example of a power supply device using a shopping cart lock according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power line.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method using a power supply device using the shopping cart lock of FIG. 3.

6 is a view illustrating a state in which power is supplied to a rechargeable battery of a shopping cart.

Description of the Related Art

10: shopping cart lock 12: input terminal

14: Rechargeable Battery 16: Wireless Communication Module

17: output terminal 18: control unit

20, 40: chain 22: power supply line

42: plug 44: A / D converter

30, 50: key

Claims (10)

An input terminal installed in the key insertion unit inside the shopping cart lock; A rechargeable battery electrically connected to the input terminal; And One end of the shopping cart lock is connected to the input terminal, a key of conductive material is connected to the other end of the shopping cart lock, and a power supply line electrically connected between the input terminal and the key. Power supply using a shopping cart lock, characterized in that it comprises a. The method of claim 1, One end is connected to the power source, the other end is connected to the second key of the same shape and material as the key, the shopping cart lock further comprising a power line for electrically conducting between the power source and the second key. Power supply using the device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Is installed inside the shopping cart lock, the power supply device using a shopping cart lock, characterized in that it further comprises a wireless communication module to receive power from the rechargeable battery. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Electrically connected to the rechargeable battery, the power supply using a shopping cart lock device further comprises an output terminal for supplying the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery to the outside. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply line is a power supply device using a shopping cart lock device, characterized in that the portion formed on the outside of the shopping cart lock device is coated with an insulating material. The method of claim 5, One end is connected to the portion of the power supply line from the inside of the shopping cart lock device, the other end further comprises a chain connected to the key, And the power supply line and the chain are electrically insulated and coated with an insulating material. 3. The method of claim 2, And a chain electrically insulated from the power line and coated with the power line with an insulating material. The method according to claim 1 or 2, When the key is inserted into the key inserting unit is controlled so that the output of the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery is cut off, and if the key is inserted into the key inserting portion further comprises a control unit for controlling the output of the electrical energy charged in the rechargeable battery; Power supply using a shopping cart lock, characterized in that. Supplying electrical energy through a key inserted into a key insertion unit of the shopping cart lock device; Charging the rechargeable battery with electrical energy supplied through the key; And And conducting the electric energy supplied from the key inserted into the key inserting portion to the chain key connected to the shopping cart lock device. The method of claim 9, When the key inserted into the key insertion portion is missing, supplying the electric energy charged in the rechargeable battery to the wireless communication module further comprising the power supply method using a shopping cart lock.

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