EP0536611A2 - Apparatus for hiring transport-trolleys - Google Patents

Apparatus for hiring transport-trolleys Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0536611A2
EP0536611A2 EP92116502A EP92116502A EP0536611A2 EP 0536611 A2 EP0536611 A2 EP 0536611A2 EP 92116502 A EP92116502 A EP 92116502A EP 92116502 A EP92116502 A EP 92116502A EP 0536611 A2 EP0536611 A2 EP 0536611A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trolley
coupling part
magnet
locking
trolleys
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92116502A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0536611A3 (en
EP0536611B1 (en
Inventor
Herbert Eberlein
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Wanzl GmbH and Co Holding KG
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Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
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Publication of EP0536611A2 publication Critical patent/EP0536611A2/en
Publication of EP0536611A3 publication Critical patent/EP0536611A3/en
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Publication of EP0536611B1 publication Critical patent/EP0536611B1/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • G07F7/0636Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts in which the trolleys or carts are kept in a restricted zone such as a coral-like enclosure, or are passing a gate before use is possible

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for borrowing trolleys, consisting of a number of stackable trolleys, in particular shopping carts, and at least one fixed collection point, each trolley is equipped with a coupling part which has a plug-in part and a locking shaft, so that the trolleys by means their coupling parts can be coupled to each other in a stack row, that each coupling part also has a device for receiving and returning a coin deposit and the device releases a lock contained in the coupling part after the coin has been received, in such a way that the plug-in part of an adjacent trolley or one on the Collecting station located stand from the locking shaft of the coupled trolley is removable so that this trolley can be removed from the stack and that for the purpose of recoupling the locking one again
  • the trolley returned to the collection point is done by inserting the plug-in part of a preceding trolley or that of the holding stand into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned trolley and then releasing at least part of the previously paid coin deposit and finally at the collection point in the area of the the furth
  • collection points are provided, to which the customer brings back the trolley, which he has borrowed and is equipped with a coupling part, and thus contributes to the fact that unused trolleys do not stand randomly and scattered around in parking lots.
  • the collection points are designed so that rows of stacking trolleys are aimed for in a predetermined length. These predetermined lengths, however, are often increased by the carelessness or by the irrationality of trolley users by coupling returned trolleys to one and the same stack row until the stack row extends into the lanes of the parking lots belonging to the self-service market and thus completely significantly affect the flow of traffic in these parking lots.
  • each coupling part is arranged so that it acts on the locking member when the force field of the magnet in a partially occupying or locking the space of the locking shaft and when the influence of the magnetic force field decreases acting restoring member is movable into a position releasing the space of the locking shaft for the plug-in part.
  • the invention advantageously uses an extremely simple and therefore inexpensive solution, the effect of which is that it is at the predetermined in the force field At the end of a row of stacked magnets it is no longer possible to couple a trolley returned to the collection point to the last transport trolley located in the collection point, since the free plug-in part of this transport trolley can no longer be inserted into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned transport trolley.
  • the locking member which partially takes up the space of this locking shaft, has the effect that the plug-in part of the preceding transport trolley can no longer be inserted into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned transport trolley in such a way that coupling actually takes place.
  • the returned trolley can therefore no longer be coupled to the stack row.
  • the coin deposit remains in the coupling part.
  • the user of the trolley has to look for another still free stack row to which he can couple his trolley. An automatic length limitation of the stack row is achieved.
  • the length of the magnet or a magnetic strip is furthermore advantageous to choose the length of the magnet or a magnetic strip to be greater than the length of the stacking distance of two coupled transport trolleys pushed into one another. This ensures that the trolley, which would extend the stack row beyond the desired dimension, is gripped by the force field of the magnet and brought into a state preventing the coupling.
  • the locking member is expediently a simple part that does not have to be worked extremely precisely. Its task is simply to somehow block the locking shaft of a coupling part for a plug-in part to be inserted. This can be done in a relatively imprecise but no less secure manner, especially since the plug-in part of previously known coupling parts is also designed as a simple stamped sheet metal part. The manufacturing costs of such a locking system can therefore be kept relatively low will.
  • Fig. 1 shows a device 1 consisting of a number of trolleys 2, 2 ', in the example they are telescopic shopping carts, and from at least one collection point 4.
  • Each trolley 2, 2' has a coupling part 9, for example one according to EP 90906159.0, so that these trolleys 2, 2 'in can be coupled in a known manner to a stack row 22.
  • a holding stand 5, to which a first transport carriage 2 can be coupled, is expediently located at the collecting point 4.
  • Trolleys 2, 2 'of this type, their coupling parts 9 and the collecting point 4 with a support stand 5 belong to the long-known prior art, so that a detailed description is unnecessary here.
  • a magnet 7, which can also be a magnetic strip, is located furthest from the support stand 5, preferably stationary and, for example, resting on a post 6, at the level of the coupling parts 9 of the transport carriages 2, 2 '.
  • the magnet 7 or the magnetic strip can consist of at least one permanent magnet; however, the magnetic force field can also be generated in a known manner using electrical energy.
  • the drawing shows how a trolley 2 'is moved to the collection point.
  • the area of action 8 of the magnetic lines of the magnet 7 is shown by curved lines.
  • the trolleys 2, 2 ' can be released in a known manner only by paying a coin deposit from the stack row 22 or from the support stand 5, the coin deposit being inserted into the coupling part 9 of the transport trolley 2' to be removed, so that a lock located in the coupling part 9 solved and thus the pulling out of the preferably flexibly fastened plug-in part 14 of the preceding transport carriage 2 is possible.
  • This process has also been known for a long time and therefore need not be described in more detail.
  • the proposed device 1 also assumes that when a trolley 2 'is returned to the collection point 4 and after coupling to a preceding trolley 2, at least part of the coin deposit previously paid will be reimbursed.
  • the coupling part 9 has a coin holder in a known manner - And a coin input and output device 10. Since these devices 10 are not part of the invention but rather of the prior art, a detailed description is also omitted here. It should only be mentioned that the coupling parts 9 are either equipped with a coin slide button or with a coin insertion and ejection opening.
  • each transport carriage 2, 2 ' is also equipped, according to a known manner, with a locking shaft 11 into which the plug part 14 of the coupling part 9 of a further transport carriage 2 can be inserted and locked with the coupling part 9 of the first-mentioned transport carriage 2'.
  • the plug-in part 14 of the further transport carriage 2 is shown in the position in which it is either inserted into the locking shaft 11 or moved out of it.
  • a locking member 16 is arranged in a guide 15 in the interior of the coupling part 9 so that it can be moved.
  • the locking member 16 is guided below or above the locking shaft 11 below or above it and has a hook-like projection 17 on the left in the drawing, which leads, for example, upwards and is directed toward the locking shaft 11.
  • the blocking member 16 which is made of ferromagnetic material, is equipped with a plate-shaped section 18 which, with its free surface 19, faces the magnet 7.
  • a reset member 21 engages with one end in the locking member 16. With the other end, the reset element 21, which is designed as a tension spring in the example, is attached to the housing 13 of the coupling part 9.
  • the reset member 21 holds this Locking member 16 in a position in which the projection 17 of the locking member 16 either does not protrude into the locking shaft 11 at all or the projection 17 is positioned such that it can no longer hinder a plug-in part 14 to be inserted, for example in that a plug-in part 14 can push the projection 17 to the side.
  • the coupling part 9 approaches the magnet 7, its force field pulls the locking member 16 towards it, so that the projection 17 of the locking member 16 projects into the locking shaft 11, i.e. occupies a position that partially occupies the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 or occupies it ( 12) closed, see dash-dotted line.
  • the locking member 16 If the locking member 16 is in this position, it blocks a plug-in part 14 to be inserted in such a way that it cannot be locked with the coupling part 9. However, if the coupling part 9 is moved again out of the force field of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 gradually pulls the locking member 16 back towards itself, so that the projection 17 leaves the locking shaft 11 more and more.
  • the person skilled in the art will choose the projection 17 of the locking member 16 and the shape of the plug-in part 14 in such a way that no jamming can occur if someone tries to insert the plug-in part 14 into a locking shaft 11 blocked by the projection 17 and to lock it there. Also, you will create certain support surfaces, not shown, for the projection 17 of the locking member 16 in the locking shaft 11, in order to avoid damage to the locking member 16, should anyone try to push the plug 14 with great force into the locked locking shaft 11.
  • the locking member 16 is arranged in a guide 15 located transversely to the longitudinal extent of the locking shaft 11, the example according to FIG. 3 shows that the locking member 16 can also be rotatably arranged on a vertically arranged axis 20.
  • the drawing shows that the locking member 16th again has a hook-like projection 17 which can be moved into the locking shaft 11, so that it takes up part of the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 there. From the protrusion 17, the locking member 16 leads below or above the locking shaft 11 in the direction of the magnet 7, where it again has a relatively large-area plate-shaped section 18 at its end, which is directed with its free surface 19 towards the magnet 7.
  • the reset member 21 On the projection 17, the reset member 21 is in turn attached, which is arranged with its other end on the housing 13 of the coupling part 9 stationary. As long as a transport carriage 2, 2 'and thus the coupling part 9 is outside the effective range 8 of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 holds the locking member 16 in a position in which it cannot hinder a plug-in part 14 to be inserted. However, if the coupling part 9 approaches the magnet 7, its force field pulls the locking member 16 towards it, so that the projection 17 of the locking member 16 projects into the locking shaft 11, i.e. occupies a position that partially occupies the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 or occupies it ( 12) closed, see dash-dotted line.
  • the locking member 16 If the locking member 16 is in this position, it blocks a plug-in part 14 to be inserted in such a way that it cannot be locked with the coupling part 9. However, if the coupling part 9 is moved again out of the force field of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 gradually pulls the locking member 16 back towards itself, so that the projection 17 leaves the locking shaft 11 more and more.
  • the length of the magnet 7 or that of the magnetic strip measured in the longitudinal extent of the stack row 22 will be chosen longer than the stacking distance of two nested transport carriages 2, 2 '. Then it can not happen that two coupled transport trolleys 2, 2 'are placed in relation to the magnet 7 so that the coupling part 9 of one transport trolley 2 in front and the coupling part 9 of the other transport trolley 2' behind Magnet 7 and thus are outside the range of action 8 of the magnet 7. If the latter were the case, an automatic length limitation of the stack row 22 could not be achieved.

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for hiring trolleys. The apparatus (1) consists of a number of trolleys (2, 2') which are equipped with coupling parts (9) for coupling them together, and of a collection point (4). Each coupling part (9) has an insertion part (14) and a locking well (11). The trolleys (2, 2') can be uncoupled from the collection point (4) against payment of a coin deposit and can be coupled to this again after use, the coin deposit being refunded. To prevent the stacked row (22) of returned trolleys (2, 2') from increasing beyond a predetermined length, the invention proposes arranging at the end of the collection point (4) a magnet (7) which, when a trolley (2, 2') moves past, influences a blocking member located in the coupling part (9) of this trolley (2, 2'), in such a way that, as long as the coupling part (9) is in the effective range (8) of the magnet (7), this blocking member projects into the locking well (11) of the coupling part (9), so that the insertion part (14) of a trolley (2) located in front cannot be introduced into the coupling part (9) of a trolley (2') which is to be pushed in. This measure ensures an automatic limitation of the length of a stacked row (22). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung zum Ausleihen von Transportwagen, bestehend aus einer Anzahl von stapelbaren Transportwagen, insbesondere Einkaufswagen, und aus wenigstens einer ortsfesten Sammelstelle, wobei jeder Transportwagen mit einem Kopplungsteil ausgestattet ist, das ein Steckteil und einen Verriegelungsschacht aufweist, so daß die Transportwagen mittels ihrer Kopplungsteile in einer Stapelreihe aneinander ankoppelbar sind, daß ferner jedes Kopplungsteil eine Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme und zur Zurückgabe eines Münzpfandes besitzt und die Vorrichtung nach erfolgter Münzaufnahme eine im Kopplungsteil enthaltene Sperre löst, derart, daß das Steckteil eines benachbarten Transportwagens, oder das eines an der Sammelstelle befindlichen Halteständers aus dem Verriegelungsschacht des angekoppelten Transportwagens herausnehmbar ist, so daß dieser Transportwagen der Stapelreihe entnommen werden kann und daß zum Zwecke des erneuten Ankoppelns die Verriegelung eines wieder zur Sammelstelle zurückgebrachten Transportwagens dadurch erfolgt, daß das Steckteil eines vorausbefindlichen Transportwagens, oder das des Halteständers in den Verriegelungsschacht des Kopplungsteiles des zurückgebrachten Transportwagens eingesteckt wird und daraufhin die Freigabe zumindest eines Teils des zuvor entrichteten Münzpfandes erfolgt und daß schließlich an der Sammelstelle im Bereich des am weitesten vom Halteständer entfernten Endes der Stapelreihe wenigstens ein Magnet und in jedem Kopplungsteil ein auf die Wirkung des Magneten lageverändernd reagierendes Sperrglied vorgesehen sind.The invention relates to a device for borrowing trolleys, consisting of a number of stackable trolleys, in particular shopping carts, and at least one fixed collection point, each trolley is equipped with a coupling part which has a plug-in part and a locking shaft, so that the trolleys by means their coupling parts can be coupled to each other in a stack row, that each coupling part also has a device for receiving and returning a coin deposit and the device releases a lock contained in the coupling part after the coin has been received, in such a way that the plug-in part of an adjacent trolley or one on the Collecting station located stand from the locking shaft of the coupled trolley is removable so that this trolley can be removed from the stack and that for the purpose of recoupling the locking one again The trolley returned to the collection point is done by inserting the plug-in part of a preceding trolley or that of the holding stand into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned trolley and then releasing at least part of the previously paid coin deposit and finally at the collection point in the area of the the furthest end of the row of stacks distant from the support stand, at least one magnet and in each coupling part a blocking member reacting to the action of the magnet are provided.

Einrichtungen ähnlicher Art findet man bevorzugt in großen SB-Geschäften. Dort sind Sammelstellen vorgesehen, zu denen der Kunde den ihm gegen Pfand ausgeliehenen, mit einem Kopplungsteil ausgestatteten Transportwagen zurückbringt und somit beiträgt, daß unbenutzte Transportwagen nicht wahllos und auf Parkplatzen zerstreut herumstehen. Die Sammelstellen sind so gestaltet, daß Stapelreihen von Transportwagen in vorbestimmter Länge angestrebt werden. Diese vorbestimmten Längen werden jedoch durch die Sorglosigkeit oder auch durch die Unvernunft von Transportwagenbenützern oft dadurch vergrößert, daß zurückgebrachte Transportwagen an ein und derselben Stapelreihe so lange angekoppelt werden, bis sich die Stapelreihe in die Fahrbahnen der zum SB-Markt gehörenden Parkplätze erstrecken und somit ganz erheblich den Verkehrsfluß auf diesen Parkplätzen beeinträchtigen.Similar facilities are preferred in large self-service shops. There, collection points are provided, to which the customer brings back the trolley, which he has borrowed and is equipped with a coupling part, and thus contributes to the fact that unused trolleys do not stand randomly and scattered around in parking lots. The collection points are designed so that rows of stacking trolleys are aimed for in a predetermined length. These predetermined lengths, however, are often increased by the carelessness or by the irrationality of trolley users by coupling returned trolleys to one and the same stack row until the stack row extends into the lanes of the parking lots belonging to the self-service market and thus completely significantly affect the flow of traffic in these parking lots.

Es wurden Anstrengungen unternommen, dieses Problem zu lösen. Anregungen finden sich z.B. in der EP 0 161 960 und in der EP 0 231 934. In diesen Druckschriften wird vorgeschlagen, im Bereich des Endes einer Stapelreihe an der Sammelstelle ein Entriegelungselement vorzusehen, das auf das Kopplungsteil eines zurückgebrachten Transportwagens einwirkt und so die Freigabe des zuvor entrichteten Münzpfandes bewirkt. Da die zurückgebrachten Transportwagen am Entriegelungselement vorbeibewegt werden müssen und sich so die Stapelreihe vergrößert, kommt bei weiterem Wagennachschub der Moment, daß das Kopplungsteil eines zurückgebrachten Transportwagens das Entriegelungselement nicht mehr erreicht, so daß dieser Wagen an dieser Stapelreihe nicht mehr angekoppelt werden kann. Dadurch wird nicht nur die Freigabe des Münzpfandes verhindert, sondern auch eine automatische Längenbegrenzung der Stapelreihe erreicht.Efforts have been made to solve this problem. Suggestions can be found e.g. in EP 0 161 960 and in EP 0 231 934. In these publications it is proposed to provide an unlocking element in the area of the end of a row of stacks at the collection point which acts on the coupling part of a returned trolley and thus releases the previously paid coin deposit . Since the returned trolleys have to be moved past the unlocking element and the stack row thus increases, the moment comes when the trolley is replenished that the coupling part of a returned trolley no longer reaches the unlocking element, so that this trolley can no longer be coupled to this stack row. This not only prevents the release of the coin deposit, but also automatically limits the length of the stack row.

Inzwischen zielen weitere Überlegungen darauf ab, anstelle von rein mechanisch wirkenden Entriegelungselementen, nunmehr magnetisch wirkende Entriegelungselemente an den Sammelstellen vorzusehen. Diese Elemente sollen beim Zurückbringen eines Transportwagens an die Sammelstelle jene Vorrichtungen in den Kopplungsteilen lösen, welche zuvor das Münzpfand festgehalten haben. Auch hier macht man sich den Effekt zunutze, daß irgendwann ein zurückgebrachter Transportwagen aufgrund der angewachsenen Stapelreihe das magnetisch wirkende Entriegelungselement nicht mehr erreicht und sich somit die Stapelreihe nicht mehr vergrößern läßt. Eine automatisch sich einstellende Längenbegrenzung der Stapelreihe wird somit erzielt.
Bei der zuletzt genannten Lösung ist es notwenig, jene Teile, welche das Münzpfand in den Kopplungsteilen festhalten, äußerst maßgenau herzustellen, da sich die als Münzpfand infrage kommenden Münzen in ihren Abmessungen oft nur geringfügig unterscheiden. Maßgenau müssen die erwähnten Teile ferner sein, um zu vermeiden, daß, wie vielfach versucht, Münzen geringerer Wertigkeit als Münzpfand verwendet werden. Es braucht deshalb nicht sonderlich erwähnt zu werden, daß aufgrund dieser Umstände auch jene Teile, welche zur Freigabe des Münzpfandes erforderlich sind, ebenfalls sehr maßgenau gearbeitet sein müssen. Beides wirkt sich verteuernd auf die Herstellkosten der Kopplungsteile aus.
In the meantime, further considerations aim at providing now magnetically acting unlocking elements at the collection points instead of purely mechanical unlocking elements. When returning a trolley to the collection point, these elements are intended to loosen those devices in the coupling parts which previously held the coin deposit. Here, too, one takes advantage of the effect that at some point a returned trolley will do so due to the increased stacking magnetically acting unlocking element is no longer reached and thus the stack row can no longer be enlarged. An automatically occurring length limitation of the stack row is thus achieved.
In the last-mentioned solution, it is necessary to manufacture those parts which hold the coin deposit in the coupling parts with extreme dimensional accuracy, since the coins that come into question as coin deposit often differ only slightly in their dimensions. The parts mentioned must also be dimensionally accurate in order to avoid, as has often been attempted, coins of lesser value used as coin deposit. It is therefore not necessary to mention that, due to these circumstances, those parts which are required for the release of the coin deposit must also be made very precisely. Both have an expensive effect on the manufacturing costs of the coupling parts.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Einrichtung der gattungsgemäßen Art zu schaffen, bei der mit einem möglichst geringen technischen Mehraufwand eine automatisch sich einstellende Längenbegrenzung einer Stapelreihe von Transportwagen ohne funktionelle Mitwirkung der Münzpfandrückgabe erzielbar ist.It is an object of the invention to provide a device of the generic type in which, with the least possible additional technical outlay, an automatically set length limitation of a row of stacking trolleys can be achieved without functional participation of the return of the coin deposit.

Die Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß das Sperrglied eines jeden Kopplungsteiles so angeordnet ist, daß es bei Einwirken des Kraftfeldes des Magneten in eine den Raum des Verriegelungsschachtes teilweise beanspruchende oder verschließende Lage und bei Nachlassen des Einflusses des magnetischen Kraftfeldes mit Hilfe eines auf das Sperrglied einwirkenden Rückstellgliedes in eine den Raum des Verriegelungsschachtes für das Steckteil freigebende Lage bewegbar ist.The object is achieved in that the locking member of each coupling part is arranged so that it acts on the locking member when the force field of the magnet in a partially occupying or locking the space of the locking shaft and when the influence of the magnetic force field decreases acting restoring member is movable into a position releasing the space of the locking shaft for the plug-in part.

Die Erfindung bedient sich in vorteilhafter Weise einer äußerst simplen und dadurch kostengünstigen Lösung, deren Wirkung darin besteht, daß es im Kraftfeld des am vorbestimmten Ende einer Stapelreihe angeordneten Magneten nicht mehr möglich ist, einen an die Sammelstelle zurückgebrachten Transportwagen an den letzten in der Sammelstelle befindlichen Transportwagen anzukoppeln, da das freie Steckteil dieses Transportwagens nicht mehr in den Verriegelungsschacht des Kopplungsteiles des zurückgebrachten Transportwagens einsteckbar ist. Das den Raum dieses Verriegelungsschachtes teilweise beanspruchende Sperrglied bewirkt nämlich, daß das Steckteil des vorausbefindlichen Transportwagens nicht mehr so weit in den Verriegelungsschacht des Kopplungsteiles des zurückgebrachten Transportwagens eingesteckt werden kann, daß tatsächlich noch ein Ankoppeln erfolgt. Der zurückgebrachte Transportwagen kann also an der Stapelreihe nicht mehr angekoppelt werden. Das Münzpfand verbleibt weiterhin im Kopplungsteil. Der Benutzer des Transportwagens muß sich eine andere noch freie Stapelreihe suchen, an die er seinen Transportwagen an koppeln kann. Eine automatische Längenbegrenzung der Stapelreihe wird damit erreicht.The invention advantageously uses an extremely simple and therefore inexpensive solution, the effect of which is that it is at the predetermined in the force field At the end of a row of stacked magnets it is no longer possible to couple a trolley returned to the collection point to the last transport trolley located in the collection point, since the free plug-in part of this transport trolley can no longer be inserted into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned transport trolley. The locking member, which partially takes up the space of this locking shaft, has the effect that the plug-in part of the preceding transport trolley can no longer be inserted into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned transport trolley in such a way that coupling actually takes place. The returned trolley can therefore no longer be coupled to the stack row. The coin deposit remains in the coupling part. The user of the trolley has to look for another still free stack row to which he can couple his trolley. An automatic length limitation of the stack row is achieved.

Es ist im Rahmen einer Ausgestaltung weiterhin von Vorteil, die Länge des Magneten oder einer Magnetleiste größer zu wählen, als die Länge des Stapelabstandes zweier ineinandergeschobener angekoppelter Transportwagen. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, daß jener Transportwagen, der die Stapelreihe über das gewünschte Maß hinaus verlängern würde, vom Kraftfeld des Magneten erfaßt und in einen das Ankoppeln verhindernden Zustand gebracht wird.In the context of one embodiment, it is furthermore advantageous to choose the length of the magnet or a magnetic strip to be greater than the length of the stacking distance of two coupled transport trolleys pushed into one another. This ensures that the trolley, which would extend the stack row beyond the desired dimension, is gripped by the force field of the magnet and brought into a state preventing the coupling.

Das Sperrglied ist in zweckmäßiger Weise ein einfaches Teil, das nicht äußerst genau gearbeitet sein muß. Besteht seine Aufgabe doch lediglich darin, den Verriegelungsschacht eines Kopplungsteiles für ein einzuführendes Steckteil irgendwie zu blockieren. Dies kann auf relativ ungenaue, jedoch nicht minder sichere Weise erfolgen, zumal das Steckteil bisher bekannter Kopplungsteile ebenfalls als ein einfaches Blechprägeteil gestaltet ist. Die Herstellkosten eines derartigen Blockiersystems können daher relativ niedrig gehalten werden.The locking member is expediently a simple part that does not have to be worked extremely precisely. Its task is simply to somehow block the locking shaft of a coupling part for a plug-in part to be inserted. This can be done in a relatively imprecise but no less secure manner, especially since the plug-in part of previously known coupling parts is also designed as a simple stamped sheet metal part. The manufacturing costs of such a locking system can therefore be kept relatively low will.

Beim Zurückbringen von Transportwagen an eine Sammelstelle wird das Kopplungsteil eines jeden Transportwagens am Magneten vorbeigeführt. Das Kraftfeld des Magneten bewirkt, daß das Sperrglied angezogen wird und in den Verriegelungsschacht ragt. Hat die Stapelreihe noch nicht ihre vorbestimmte Länge erreicht, muß der Transportwagen am Magneten vorbei weitergeschoben werden, um ihn am letzten Transportwagen der Stapelreihe ankoppeln zu können. Dabei gerät der zurückgebrachte Transportwagen mit seinem Kopplungsteil wieder aus dem Wirkungsbereich des Magneten heraus, so daß das in den Verriegelungsschacht ragende Sperrglied durch Einwirken des Rückstellgliedes zumindest so weit aus dem Verriegelungsschacht herausgezogen wird, daß das Steckteil eines vorausbefindlichen Transportwagens so weit einführbar ist, daß ein Ankoppeln der beiden Transportwagen möglich ist.
Entnimmt man einen Transportwagen der Stapelreihe, so wird dieser mit seinem Kopplungsteil wieder am Magnet vorbeibewegt, so daß das Sperrglied des Kopplungsteiles kurzfristig in den Verriegelungsschacht ragt, dieses wird jedoch beim Weiterbewegen des Transportwagens durch das Rückstellglied wieder in seine den Verriegelungsschacht nicht blockierende Ausgangslage zurückgezogen. Im Bereich des Kraftfeldes des Magneten ist dessen auf das Sperrglied einwirkende Anziehungskraft größer, als die Zugkraft des Rückstellgliedes.
When transport trolleys are returned to a collection point, the coupling part of each transport trolley is guided past the magnet. The force field of the magnet causes the locking member to be tightened and protrude into the locking shaft. If the stack row has not yet reached its predetermined length, the transport carriage must be pushed past the magnet in order to be able to couple it to the last transport carriage of the stack row. Here, the returned trolley with its coupling part comes out of the effective range of the magnet again, so that the locking member protruding into the locking shaft is pulled out of the locking shaft at least so far by the action of the restoring element that the plug-in part of a preceding trolley can be inserted so far that a Coupling the two transport trolleys is possible.
If you remove a transport trolley from the stack row, it is moved with its coupling part past the magnet again, so that the locking member of the coupling part protrudes briefly into the locking shaft, but this is pulled back into its starting position which does not block the locking shaft when the transport trolley is moved further. In the area of the force field of the magnet, its attractive force acting on the locking member is greater than the pulling force of the restoring member.

Die Erfindung wird anhand zweier Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. Es zeigt

Fig. 1
eine gattungsgemäße Einrichtung;
Fig. 2
in einer Draufsicht ein an einem Transportwagen befindliches Kopplungsteil mit dem Magneten sowie
Fig. 3
eine Alternativlösung zu Fig. 2.
The invention is explained in more detail using two exemplary embodiments. It shows
Fig. 1
a generic device;
Fig. 2
in a plan view of a coupling part located on a transport carriage with the magnet and
Fig. 3
an alternative solution to Fig. 2nd

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Einrichtung 1, bestehend aus einer Anzahl von Transportwagen 2, 2', im Beispiel sind es ineinanderschiebbare Einkaufswagen, und aus wenigstens einer Sammelstelle 4. Jeder Transportwagen 2, 2' weist ein Kopplungsteil 9 auf, z.B. ein solches gemäß der EP 90906159.0, so daß diese Wagen 2, 2' in bekannter Weise zu einer Stapelreihe 22 angekoppelt werden können. Zweckmäßigerweise befindet sich an der Sammelstelle 4 ein Halteständer 5, an den ein erster Transportwagen 2 ankoppelbar ist. Transportwagen 2, 2' dieser Art, deren Kopplungsteile 9 sowie die Sammelstelle 4 mit Halteständer 5, gehören zum längst bekannten Stand der Technik, so daß sich an dieser Stelle eine detaillierte Beschreibung erübrigt. Am weitesten vom Halteständer 5 entfernt ist ein Magnet 7, der auch eine Magnetleiste sein kann, bevorzugt ortsfest und beispielsweise auf einem Pfosten 6 ruhend, auf Höhe der Kopplungsteile 9 der Transportwagen 2, 2' angeordnet. Der Magnet 7 oder die Magnetleiste können aus wenigstens einem Permanentmagneten bestehen; das magnetische Kraftfeld kann aber auch in bekannter Weise mit Hilfe elektrischer Energie erzeugt werden. Die Zeichnung zeigt, wie ein Transportwagen 2' zur Sammelstelle bewegt wird. Durch gekrümmte Linien ist der Wirkungsbereich 8 der magnetischen Kaftlinien des Magneten 7 dargestellt. Die Transportwagen 2, 2' können in bekannter Weise nur durch Entrichtung eines Münzpfandes von der Stapelreihe 22 oder vom Halteständer 5 gelöst werden, wobei das Münzpfand in das Kopplungsteil 9 des zu entnehmenden Transportwagens 2' eingeführt wird, so daß eine im Kopplungsteil 9 befindliche Sperre gelöst und somit das Herausziehen des bevorzugt flexibel befestigten Steckteiles 14 des vorausbefindlichen Transportwagens 2 möglich ist. Auch dieser Vorgang ist längst bekannt und braucht deshalb nicht genauer beschrieben zu werden. Auch geht die vorgeschlagene Einrichtung 1 davon aus, daß beim Zurückbringen eines Transportwagens 2' an die Sammelstelle 4 und nach erfolgtem Ankoppeln an einen vorausbefindlichen Transportwagen 2 zumindest ein Teil des zuvor entrichteten Münzpfandes wieder zurückerstattet wird.Fig. 1 shows a device 1 consisting of a number of trolleys 2, 2 ', in the example they are telescopic shopping carts, and from at least one collection point 4. Each trolley 2, 2' has a coupling part 9, for example one according to EP 90906159.0, so that these trolleys 2, 2 'in can be coupled in a known manner to a stack row 22. A holding stand 5, to which a first transport carriage 2 can be coupled, is expediently located at the collecting point 4. Trolleys 2, 2 'of this type, their coupling parts 9 and the collecting point 4 with a support stand 5 belong to the long-known prior art, so that a detailed description is unnecessary here. A magnet 7, which can also be a magnetic strip, is located furthest from the support stand 5, preferably stationary and, for example, resting on a post 6, at the level of the coupling parts 9 of the transport carriages 2, 2 '. The magnet 7 or the magnetic strip can consist of at least one permanent magnet; however, the magnetic force field can also be generated in a known manner using electrical energy. The drawing shows how a trolley 2 'is moved to the collection point. The area of action 8 of the magnetic lines of the magnet 7 is shown by curved lines. The trolleys 2, 2 'can be released in a known manner only by paying a coin deposit from the stack row 22 or from the support stand 5, the coin deposit being inserted into the coupling part 9 of the transport trolley 2' to be removed, so that a lock located in the coupling part 9 solved and thus the pulling out of the preferably flexibly fastened plug-in part 14 of the preceding transport carriage 2 is possible. This process has also been known for a long time and therefore need not be described in more detail. The proposed device 1 also assumes that when a trolley 2 'is returned to the collection point 4 and after coupling to a preceding trolley 2, at least part of the coin deposit previously paid will be reimbursed.

In einer Draufsicht und im Detailschnitt zeigt Fig. 2 ein Kopplungsteil 9, einen Abschnitt der Griffstange 3 eines Transportwagens 2, 2' sowie schematisch einen neben dem Kopplungsteil 9 ortsfest an der Sammelstelle 4 angeordneten Magneten 7. Das Kopplungsteil 9 weist in bekannter Weise eine Münzhalte- und eine Münzein- und -ausgabevorrichtung 10 auf. Da diese Vorrichtungen 10 nicht zur Erfindung, sondern vielmehr zum Stand der Technik zählen, wird auch hier auf eine detaillierte Beschreibung verzichtet. Erwähnt sei lediglich, daß die Kopplungsteile 9 entweder mit einer Münzschiebetaste oder mit einer Münzein- und -auswurföffnung ausgestattet sind. Das Kopplungsteil 9 eines jeden Transportwagens 2, 2' ist gemäß ebenfalls bekannter Art mit einem Verriegelungsschacht 11 ausgestattet, in den das Steckteil 14 des Kopplungsteiles 9 eines weiteren Transportwagens 2 einführbar und mit dem Kopplungsteil 9 des erstgenannten Transportwagens 2' verriegelbar ist. In der Zeichnung ist das Steckteil 14 des weiteren Transportwagens 2 in jener Lage eingezeichnet, wie es entweder in den Verriegelungsschacht 11 eingeführt oder aus diesem herausbewegt wird. Quer zur Längserstreckung des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 ist in einer Führung 15 im Inneren des Kopplungsteiles 9 ein Sperrglied 16 schiebebeweglich angeordnet. Das Sperrglied 16 ist unter- oder oberhalb des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 unter bzw. ober diesem hindurchgeführt und weist links in der Zeichnung einen hakenartigen Vorsprung 17 auf, der z.B. nach oben führt und zum Verriegelungsschacht 11 gerichtet ist. Rechts in der Zeichnung ist das aus ferromagnetischem Material gestaltete Sperrglied 16 mit einem plattenförmigen Abschnitt 18 ausgestattet, der mit seiner freien Fläche 19 zum Magneten 7 weist. Nahe des Vorsprunges 17 greift ein Rückstellglied 21 mit seinem einen Ende in das Sperrglied 16 ein. Mit dem anderen Ende ist das im Beispiel als Zugfeder gestaltete Rückstellglied 21 am Gehäuse 13 des Kopplungsteiles 9 befestigt. Solange sich der Transportwagen 2, 2' und damit das Kopplungsteil 9 außerhalb des Wirkungsbereiches 8 des Magneten 7 befindet, hält das Rückstellglied 21 das Sperrglied 16 in einer Lage, in welcher der Vorsprung 17 des Sperrgliedes 16 entweder überhaupt nicht in den Verriegelungsschacht 11 ragt oder es ist der Vorsprung 17 so positioniert, daß er ein einzuschiebendes Steckteil 14 nicht mehr zu behindern vermag, beispielsweise dadurch, daß ein Steckteil 14 den Vorsprung 17 zur Seite drücken kann. Nähert sich jedoch das Kopplungsteil 9 dem Magnet 7, so zieht dessen Kraftfeld das Sperrglied 16 zu sich heran, so daß der Vorsprung 17 des Sperrgliedes 16 in den Verriegelungsschacht 11 ragt, also eine den Raum 12 des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 teilweise beanspruchende Lage einnimmt oder diesen (12) verschließt, siehe strichpunktierte Darstellung. Befindet sich das Sperrglied 16 in dieser Lage, blockiert es ein einzuschiebendes Steckteil 14 derart, daß dieses mit dem Kopplungsteil 9 nicht verriegelbar ist. Wird das Kopplungsteil 9 hingegen wieder aus dem Kraftfeld des Magneten 7 bewegt, zieht das Rückstellglied 21 das Sperrglied 16 nach und nach wieder zu sich, so daß der Vorsprung 17 mehr und mehr den Verriegelungsschacht 11 verläßt. Der Fachmann wird den Vorsprung 17 des Sperrgliedes 16 und die Form des Steckteiles 14 so wählen, da es zu keinen Verklemmungen kommen kann, wenn sich jemand bemüht, das Steckteil 14 in einen vom Vorsprung 17 blockierten Verriegelungsschacht 11 einzuführen und es dort zu verriegeln. Auch wird man im Verriegelungsschacht 11 gewisse, nicht näher dargestellte Abstützflächen für den Vorsprung 17 des Sperrgliedes 16 schaffen, um Beschädigungen am Sperrglied 16 zu vermeiden, sollte jemand versuchen, das Steckteil 14 mit großer Kraft in den blockierten Verriegelungsschacht 11 einzudrücken.2 shows a coupling part 9, a section of the handle bar 3 of a transport carriage 2, 2 'and schematically a magnet 7 arranged next to the coupling part 9 in a fixed position at the collecting point 4. The coupling part 9 has a coin holder in a known manner - And a coin input and output device 10. Since these devices 10 are not part of the invention but rather of the prior art, a detailed description is also omitted here. It should only be mentioned that the coupling parts 9 are either equipped with a coin slide button or with a coin insertion and ejection opening. The coupling part 9 of each transport carriage 2, 2 'is also equipped, according to a known manner, with a locking shaft 11 into which the plug part 14 of the coupling part 9 of a further transport carriage 2 can be inserted and locked with the coupling part 9 of the first-mentioned transport carriage 2'. In the drawing, the plug-in part 14 of the further transport carriage 2 is shown in the position in which it is either inserted into the locking shaft 11 or moved out of it. Transversely to the longitudinal extent of the locking shaft 11, a locking member 16 is arranged in a guide 15 in the interior of the coupling part 9 so that it can be moved. The locking member 16 is guided below or above the locking shaft 11 below or above it and has a hook-like projection 17 on the left in the drawing, which leads, for example, upwards and is directed toward the locking shaft 11. On the right in the drawing, the blocking member 16, which is made of ferromagnetic material, is equipped with a plate-shaped section 18 which, with its free surface 19, faces the magnet 7. Near the projection 17, a reset member 21 engages with one end in the locking member 16. With the other end, the reset element 21, which is designed as a tension spring in the example, is attached to the housing 13 of the coupling part 9. As long as the transport carriage 2, 2 'and thus the coupling part 9 is outside the effective range 8 of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 holds this Locking member 16 in a position in which the projection 17 of the locking member 16 either does not protrude into the locking shaft 11 at all or the projection 17 is positioned such that it can no longer hinder a plug-in part 14 to be inserted, for example in that a plug-in part 14 can push the projection 17 to the side. However, if the coupling part 9 approaches the magnet 7, its force field pulls the locking member 16 towards it, so that the projection 17 of the locking member 16 projects into the locking shaft 11, i.e. occupies a position that partially occupies the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 or occupies it ( 12) closed, see dash-dotted line. If the locking member 16 is in this position, it blocks a plug-in part 14 to be inserted in such a way that it cannot be locked with the coupling part 9. However, if the coupling part 9 is moved again out of the force field of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 gradually pulls the locking member 16 back towards itself, so that the projection 17 leaves the locking shaft 11 more and more. The person skilled in the art will choose the projection 17 of the locking member 16 and the shape of the plug-in part 14 in such a way that no jamming can occur if someone tries to insert the plug-in part 14 into a locking shaft 11 blocked by the projection 17 and to lock it there. Also, you will create certain support surfaces, not shown, for the projection 17 of the locking member 16 in the locking shaft 11, in order to avoid damage to the locking member 16, should anyone try to push the plug 14 with great force into the locked locking shaft 11.

Während im Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 2 das Sperrglied 16 in einer quer zur Längserstreckung des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 befindlichen Führung 15 angeordnet ist, zeigt das Beispiel gemäß Fig. 3, daß das Sperrglied 16 auch auf einer vertikal angeordneten Achse 20 drehbeweglich angeordnet sein kann. Der Zeichnung ist entnehmbar, daß das Sperrglied 16 wieder einen hakenartigen Vorsprung 17 aufweist, der in den Verriegelungsschacht 11 hinein bewegbar ist, so daß er dort einen Teil des Raumes 12 des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 beansprucht. Vom Vorsprung 17 führt unter- oder oberhalb des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 das Sperrglied 16 weiter in Richtung Magnet 7, wo es an seinem Ende wieder einen relativ großflächigen plattenförmigen Abschnitt 18 aufweist, der mit seiner freien Fläche 19 zum Magnet 7 gerichtet ist. Am Vorsprung 17 ist wiederum das Rückstellglied 21 befestigt, das mit seinem anderen Ende am Gehäuse 13 des Kopplungsteiles 9 ortsfest angeordnet ist. Solange sich ein Transportwagen 2, 2' und damit das Kopplungsteil 9 außerhalb des Wirkungsbereiches 8 des Magneten 7 befindet, hält das Rückstellglied 21 das Sperrglied 16 in einer Lage, in der es ein einzuschiebendes Steckteil 14 nicht zu behindern vermag. Nähert sich jedoch das Kopplungsteil 9 dem Magnet 7, so zieht dessen Kraftfeld das Sperrglied 16 zu sich heran, so daß der Vorsprung 17 des Sperrgliedes 16 in den Verriegelungsschacht 11 ragt, also eine den Raum 12 des Verriegelungsschachtes 11 teilweise beanspruchende Lage einnimmt oder diesen (12) verschließt, siehe strichpunktierte Darstellung. Befindet sich das Sperrglied 16 in dieser Lage, blockiert es ein einzuschiebendes Steckteil 14 derart, daß dieses mit dem Kopplungsteil 9 nicht verriegelbar ist. Wird das Kopplungsteil 9 hingegen wieder aus dem Kraftfeld des Magneten 7 bewegt, zieht das Rückstellglied 21 das Sperrglied 16 nach und nach wieder zu sich, so daß der Vorsprung 17 mehr und mehr den Verriegelungsschacht 11 verläßt.2, the locking member 16 is arranged in a guide 15 located transversely to the longitudinal extent of the locking shaft 11, the example according to FIG. 3 shows that the locking member 16 can also be rotatably arranged on a vertically arranged axis 20. The drawing shows that the locking member 16th again has a hook-like projection 17 which can be moved into the locking shaft 11, so that it takes up part of the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 there. From the protrusion 17, the locking member 16 leads below or above the locking shaft 11 in the direction of the magnet 7, where it again has a relatively large-area plate-shaped section 18 at its end, which is directed with its free surface 19 towards the magnet 7. On the projection 17, the reset member 21 is in turn attached, which is arranged with its other end on the housing 13 of the coupling part 9 stationary. As long as a transport carriage 2, 2 'and thus the coupling part 9 is outside the effective range 8 of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 holds the locking member 16 in a position in which it cannot hinder a plug-in part 14 to be inserted. However, if the coupling part 9 approaches the magnet 7, its force field pulls the locking member 16 towards it, so that the projection 17 of the locking member 16 projects into the locking shaft 11, i.e. occupies a position that partially occupies the space 12 of the locking shaft 11 or occupies it ( 12) closed, see dash-dotted line. If the locking member 16 is in this position, it blocks a plug-in part 14 to be inserted in such a way that it cannot be locked with the coupling part 9. However, if the coupling part 9 is moved again out of the force field of the magnet 7, the reset member 21 gradually pulls the locking member 16 back towards itself, so that the projection 17 leaves the locking shaft 11 more and more.

Man wird die in die Längserstreckung der Stapelreihe 22 gemessene Länge des Magneten 7 oder die der Magnetleiste länger wählen, als den Stapelabstand zweier ineinandergeschobener Transportwagen 2, 2'. Dann kann es nicht vorkommen, daß zwei aneinandergekoppelte Transportwagen 2, 2' in Bezug auf den Magneten 7 so plaziert sind, daß das Kopplungsteil 9 des einen Transportwagens 2 vor und das Kopplungsteil 9 des anderen Transportwagens 2' hinter dem Magnet 7 und sich damit außerhalb des Wirkungsbereiches 8 des Magneten 7 befinden. Wäre letzteres der Fall, könnte eine automatische Längenbegrenzung der Stapelreihe 22 nicht erzielt werden.The length of the magnet 7 or that of the magnetic strip measured in the longitudinal extent of the stack row 22 will be chosen longer than the stacking distance of two nested transport carriages 2, 2 '. Then it can not happen that two coupled transport trolleys 2, 2 'are placed in relation to the magnet 7 so that the coupling part 9 of one transport trolley 2 in front and the coupling part 9 of the other transport trolley 2' behind Magnet 7 and thus are outside the range of action 8 of the magnet 7. If the latter were the case, an automatic length limitation of the stack row 22 could not be achieved.

Claims (7)

Einrichtung zum Ausleihen von Transportwagen, bestehend aus einer Anzahl von stapelbaren Transportwagen, insbesondere Einkaufswagen, und aus wenigstens einer ortsfesten Sammelstelle, wobei jeder Transportwagen mit einem Kopplungsteil ausgestattet ist, das ein Steckteil und einen Verriegelungsschacht aufweist, so daß die Transportwagen mittels ihrer Kopplungsteile in einer Stapelreihe aneinander ankoppelbar sind, daß ferner jedes Kopplungsteil eine Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme und zur Zurückgabe eines Münzpfandes besitzt und die Vorrichtung nach erfolgter Münzaufnahme eine im Kopplungsteil enthaltene Sperre löst, derart, daß das Steckteil eines benachbarten Transportwagens, oder das eines an der Sammelstelle befindlichen Halteständers aus dem Verriegelungsschacht des angekoppelten Transportwagens herausnehmbar ist, so daß dieser Transportwagen der Stapelreihe entnommen werden kann und daß zum Zwecke des erneuten Ankoppelns die Verriegelung eines wieder zur Sammelstelle zurückgebrachten Transportwagens dadurch erfolgt, daß das Steckteil eines vorausbefindlichen Transportwagens, oder das des Halteständers in den Verriegelungsschacht des Kopplungsteiles des zurückgebrachten Transportwagens eingesteckt wird und daraufhin die Freigabe zumindest eines Teils des zuvor entrichteten Münzpfandes erfolgt und daß schließlich an der Sammelstelle im Bereich des am weitesten vom Halteständer entfernten Endes der Stapelreihe wenigstens ein Magnet und in jedem Kopplungsteil ein auf die Wirkung des Magneten lageverändernd reagierendes Sperrglied vorgesehen sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Sperrglied (16) so angeordnet ist, daß es bei Einwirken des Kraftfeldes des Magneten (7) in eine den Raum (12) des Verriegelungsschachtes (11) teilweise beanspruchende oder verschließende Lage und bei Nachlassen des Einflusses des magnetischen Kraftfeldes mit Hilfe eines auf das Sperrglied (16) einwirkenden Rückstellgliedes (21) in eine den Raum (12) des Verriegelungsschachtes (11) für das Steckteil (14) freigebende Lage bewegbar ist.Device for borrowing transport trolleys, consisting of a number of stackable transport trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys, and at least one stationary collection point, each transport trolley being equipped with a coupling part which has a plug-in part and a locking shaft, so that the transport trolleys can be connected in one by means of their coupling parts Stack rows can be coupled to each other, that each coupling part also has a device for receiving and returning a coin deposit and the device releases a lock contained in the coupling part after the coin has been taken in such a way that the plug-in part of an adjacent trolley or that of a holding stand located at the collection point the locking shaft of the coupled transport trolley can be removed so that this transport trolley can be removed from the stack row and that for the purpose of recoupling the locking of a back to the collection point eighth trolley is done by inserting the plug-in part of a preceding trolley or that of the support stand into the locking shaft of the coupling part of the returned trolley and then releasing at least part of the previously paid coin deposit and finally at the collection point in the area of the furthest from Retaining stand distal end of the row of stacks at least one magnet and in each coupling part a locking member reacting to the action of the magnet changing position are provided, characterized in that the locking member (16) is arranged so that it acts in a force field of the magnet (7) the space (12) of the locking shaft (11) partially occupying or closing position and when the influence of the magnetic force field with the help of an acting on the locking member (16) Reset member (21) in a space (12) of the locking shaft (11) for the plug-in part (14) releasing position. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Sperrglied (16) mit einem Vorsprung (17) ausgestattet ist, der zum Hineinragen in den Verriegelungsschacht (11) bestimmt ist.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking member (16) is equipped with a projection (17) which is intended to protrude into the locking shaft (11). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und/oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Sperrglied (16) quer zur Längserstreckung des Verriegelungsschachtes (11) in einer Führung (15) schiebebeweglich angeordnet ist.Device according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the locking member (16) is arranged to be movable in a guide (15) transversely to the longitudinal extent of the locking shaft (11). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und/oder 2 ,dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Sperrglied (16) drehbeweglich angeordnet ist.Device according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the locking member (16) is rotatably arranged. Einrichtung nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Sperrglied (16) einen plattenförmigen Abschnitt (18) aufweist, dessen freie Fläche (19) zum Magnet (7) gerichtet ist.Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member (16) has a plate-shaped section (18), the free surface (19) of which is directed towards the magnet (7). Einrichtung nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Rückstellglied (21) durch eine Zugfeder gebildet ist.Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the restoring member (21) is formed by a tension spring. Einrichtung nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die in Längsrichtung einer Stapelreihe (22) gemessene Länge des Magneten (7) größer ist, als der Stapelabstand zweier ineinandergeschobener Transportwagen (2, 2').Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the length of the magnet (7) measured in the longitudinal direction of a row of stacks (22) is greater than the stacking distance of two transport carriages (2, 2 ') pushed into one another.
EP92116502A 1991-10-08 1992-09-26 Apparatus for hiring transport-trolleys Expired - Lifetime EP0536611B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4133314A DE4133314A1 (en) 1991-10-08 1991-10-08 DEVICE FOR BORROWING TRUCK
DE4133314 1991-10-08

Publications (3)

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EP0536611A2 true EP0536611A2 (en) 1993-04-14
EP0536611A3 EP0536611A3 (en) 1993-08-25
EP0536611B1 EP0536611B1 (en) 1996-12-11

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EP (1) EP0536611B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE146290T1 (en)
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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994016414A1 (en) * 1993-01-15 1994-07-21 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh Installation for releasing trolleys
EP0610586A1 (en) * 1993-02-12 1994-08-17 systec POS-Technology GmbH Refunding-lock for transport trolleys
FR2848323A1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-06-11 Jean Claude Huot Management of trolley parking for supermarkets, airports or railway stations, uses radio signal in allowed parking zones for trolleys, without which the deposit cannot be released
US7337726B2 (en) * 2000-10-17 2008-03-04 Aloys Wobben Wind farm
EP1918889A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-05-07 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH Conveyor trolley
JP2008528361A (en) * 2005-02-03 2008-07-31 ゾンネンドルフェール、ホルスト Shopping cart
CN112449577A (en) * 2018-07-08 2021-03-05 自由零售科技有限公司 Cart locking and dispensing device

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EP0070028A1 (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-01-19 Peter Fuchs Safety device for shopping trolleys, luggage carrying trolleys or the like
DE3436610A1 (en) * 1983-10-07 1985-04-25 Fa. Mors, Paris DEVICE FOR SAFE STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF USE ITEMS LIKE LUGGAGE TROLLEY
WO1986007481A1 (en) * 1985-06-12 1986-12-18 Fuchs, Peter Coupling device for a transportation trolley such as supermarket carts or the like
DE3900538A1 (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-07-12 Peter Fuchs Coin insertion and return arrangement for deposit coins
DE3917172A1 (en) * 1989-05-26 1990-11-29 Peter Fuchs Hand trolley return system using coin deposit-return devices - has trapping devices at collection points preventing removal of trolleys without insertion of coin
EP0513661A1 (en) * 1991-05-13 1992-11-19 Peter Fuchs Device for the limitation of the length of rows of supermarket trolleys

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0070028A1 (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-01-19 Peter Fuchs Safety device for shopping trolleys, luggage carrying trolleys or the like
DE3436610A1 (en) * 1983-10-07 1985-04-25 Fa. Mors, Paris DEVICE FOR SAFE STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF USE ITEMS LIKE LUGGAGE TROLLEY
WO1986007481A1 (en) * 1985-06-12 1986-12-18 Fuchs, Peter Coupling device for a transportation trolley such as supermarket carts or the like
DE3900538A1 (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-07-12 Peter Fuchs Coin insertion and return arrangement for deposit coins
DE3917172A1 (en) * 1989-05-26 1990-11-29 Peter Fuchs Hand trolley return system using coin deposit-return devices - has trapping devices at collection points preventing removal of trolleys without insertion of coin
EP0513661A1 (en) * 1991-05-13 1992-11-19 Peter Fuchs Device for the limitation of the length of rows of supermarket trolleys

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994016414A1 (en) * 1993-01-15 1994-07-21 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh Installation for releasing trolleys
EP0610586A1 (en) * 1993-02-12 1994-08-17 systec POS-Technology GmbH Refunding-lock for transport trolleys
US5425438A (en) * 1993-02-12 1995-06-20 Systec Ausbausysteme Gmbh Deposit lock and token for a transport cart
US7337726B2 (en) * 2000-10-17 2008-03-04 Aloys Wobben Wind farm
FR2848323A1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-06-11 Jean Claude Huot Management of trolley parking for supermarkets, airports or railway stations, uses radio signal in allowed parking zones for trolleys, without which the deposit cannot be released
WO2004055743A1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-07-01 Jean-Claude Huot Shopping cart corral management system
JP2008528361A (en) * 2005-02-03 2008-07-31 ゾンネンドルフェール、ホルスト Shopping cart
US8950567B2 (en) 2005-02-03 2015-02-10 Horst Sonnendorfer Shopping trolley
EP1918889A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-05-07 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH Conveyor trolley
CN112449577A (en) * 2018-07-08 2021-03-05 自由零售科技有限公司 Cart locking and dispensing device
CN112449577B (en) * 2018-07-08 2023-03-31 自由零售科技有限公司 Cart locking and dispensing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE59207664D1 (en) 1997-01-23
DE4133314A1 (en) 1993-04-15
EP0536611A3 (en) 1993-08-25
EP0536611B1 (en) 1996-12-11
ATE146290T1 (en) 1996-12-15

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