EP0360264A2 - Arrangement for blocking shopping trolleys, transport trolleys or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement is described for blocking shopping trolleys, transport trolleys or the like. In this connection, this arrangement has a locking device for the receiving and blocking of a locking element which is fastened to each trolley, and an actuating mechanism assigned to the locking device, it being possible to insert a coin or the like into the actuating mechanism, as a result of which the blocking of the locking element is released and a trolley is freed. The locking device is designed as a locking rail, in which the locking element can be guided into the locking rail or can be guided out from the locking rail and is fixed axially sliding there. At one end, the locking rail is provided with the actuating mechanism, which frees the locking rail for the guiding out of a locking element when the coin or the like is inserted, while the other end of the locking rail for such a guiding out of the locking element is blocked or comprises a further actuating mechanism. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a device for locking shopping carts, transport trolleys or the like with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

In order to lock transport wagons, baggage transport wagons or the like, for example at airports or train stations, at a predetermined location and only release them for use by inserting a coin, a special chip or the like, it is known to releasably connect the wagons to one another . Here, each carriage has a locking element and a locking device and an actuating device assigned to the locking device. In the locked state, the locking element of each carriage is in engagement with the locking device of a second carriage arranged in front or next to it, this engagement being releasable by inserting a coin, a chip or the like into the actuating device, so that only one carriage is removed at a time and can be used accordingly.

In addition, in the known device described above, an embodiment is used in which the actuating device again issues a coin or the like when the locking element is inserted into the locking device. This is intended to motivate the respective user of the trolley to return the trolley used to a predetermined position after use, so that the trolleys used do not stand around untidily, which can be observed particularly frequently in shopping trolleys at supermarkets.

The known device described above has the disadvantage that a locking device and an associated actuating device are required on each carriage in addition to the locking element. This requires a high investment, so that such cars are relatively expensive because of the additional locking device and the actuator. In addition, the actuating device and / or locking device provided on each carriage can be easily damaged, so that the known device requires a relatively high repair effort. This is particularly true if the actuating device comprises a coin validation device, since such a coin validation device is particularly sensitive and can therefore easily fail when subjected to a somewhat heavy load or improper handling of the car and is therefore a further source of interference.

The present invention has for its object to provide a device of the type specified, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture with a particularly low susceptibility to failure.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device with the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

According to the invention, a device for locking trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys, transport trolleys, luggage transport trolleys or the like is proposed, in which the locking device is designed as a locking rail. The locking element can be guided into and out of the locking rail in this locking rail and is held there in an axially sliding manner. At one end the locking rail is provided with the actuating device which, when a coin or the like is inserted, releases the locking rail for the removal of a locking element which is attached to a carriage, so that the carriage can be used according to its purpose. The other end of the locking rail is blocked for the locking element to be brought out. It is also possible that the other end of the locking rail is provided with a further actuating device, so that when a coin or the like is inserted into this actuating device, the locking rail is released for the removal of a locking element and thus a carriage can be removed from the device.

The device according to the invention has a number of advantages. Due to the design of the locking device as a locking rail, it is possible for a plurality of carriages to be particularly easily locked to the device according to the invention, each carriage having only the locking element and a single central locking device locking the plurality of locking elements. This in turn leads to the device according to the invention being compared to the known device described at the outset can be manufactured particularly inexpensively, since only a single stationary locking device and therefore only a single actuating device are required. Since only the locking element, which is insensitive to mechanical stress, is arranged on each carriage and the relatively sensitive locking device and actuating device are provided stationary for this purpose, no disturbances affecting its function occur in the device according to the invention, so that the device according to the invention can be used in many ways. For example, it is possible to design the actuating device assigned to the locking device in such a way that the coin or the like thrown into the actuating device is not released again, and thus a rental fee for a car is automatically collected. There is also the possibility of designing the device according to the invention in such a way that a coin or the like thrown into the actuating device is issued again when a locking element is inserted into the locking rail, ie thus a carriage is returned after use and is locked on the device. Such an embodiment has the additional advantage that the respective user, in order to get back his inserted coin, which is for example a one-mark piece, two-mark piece or five-mark piece, is forced to lock the carriage again at the device according to the invention. This ensures that the trolleys are always returned to the same place from which they were previously removed, such an embodiment of the device according to the invention also being able to be used in particular for shopping carts in supermarkets, especially since the device according to the invention is technically very useful simple means, particularly inexpensive and can be implemented without great effort.

The locking rail used in the device according to the invention can in principle be of any shape, it only having to ensure that the locking rail slides the plurality of individual locking elements in such a way that the locking elements can only be removed over one head side or over both head sides of the locking rail. So it is possible, for example, that the locking rail has a rail run designed as an elevation, the z. B. is Ω-shaped. Then, from a head side or from both head sides of the rail, the locking elements correspondingly adapted to the rail run can be pushed one after the other or pulled off individually from the rail run via a head end or both head ends, so as to remove the trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys, to lock or release individually.

In a particularly suitable embodiment of the device, the locking rail is designed as a hollow profile and has an axially extending slot-shaped recess. In such an embodiment, if only one actuating device is provided at one end of the locking rail, the opposite end of the locking rail is blocked in the simplest case by the slot-shaped recess not extending to this end, but rather at a certain distance, for example approximately 5 cm to about 10 cm, before this end of the locking rail ends. The design of the locking element cooperating with such a locking rail depends on the cross section of the Hohlpro fils the locking rail. If, for example, a locking rail with a rectangular cross section is provided, it is advisable to also form the section of the locking element which can be brought into engagement with the locking rail, this section of the locking element being chosen so large that it can be inserted into the locking rail and is slidably held there. If, on the other hand, the locking rail is produced from a hollow profile with a circular cross-section, a circular cross-section is accordingly also chosen for the section of the locking element, the cross-sectional diameter of such a section being slightly smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the locking rail.

A particularly trouble-free and simple insertion or removal of the locking element into a locking rail designed as a hollow profile allows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in which the locking element is provided with a spherical locking section at its end opposite the attachment point on the carriage, the spherical locking section preferably still has a pin attached to the spherical portion. Here, the diameter of the spherical section is slightly smaller than the diameter of the locking rail designed as a hollow profile, so that the spherical section can be inserted into and out of the locking rail. If the spherical section is arranged within the locking rail, ie if the respective carriage is locked to the device, the pin attached to the spherical section extends through the slot-shaped out provided in the locking rail Saving to the outside and so that the locking element is axially slidably held in the locking rail and can only be inserted or removed via one or both head sides of the locking rail. In addition, if the spherical section is connected to the pin such that the spherical section is freely rotatable relative to the pin, the spherical section rolls within the locking rail during the axial displacement. This has the advantage that such a locking element is particularly easy to insert into and out of the rail and can be moved along the length of the rail without the occurrence of large frictional forces, so that in such an embodiment no large forces are required to the carriage to move during the engagement of the locking element with the locking rail. In addition, such an embodiment is associated with the further advantage that a locking element provided with a spherical section and fastened to each carriage excludes the risk of injury when using the carriage.

A particularly good, tilt-free guidance of the locking element in the locking rail enables a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which axially extending guide sections are assigned to the slot-shaped recess of the locking rail. Here, these guide sections protrude radially outward over the circumference of the locking rail to form a support surface for the front end of the locking element and thus prevent the locking element from tilting in the slot-shaped recess or the locking rail consisting of a hollow profile. In particular, such an embodiment is preferred if the locking element in its the fastening point on the opposite end of the carriage is designed as a locking pin and has, for example, a T-shaped or Y-shaped cross section.

The actuating device arranged at the end (head side) of the locking rail, which releases the locking rail for the insertion of a locking element by inserting a coin or the like, can in principle work mechanically or electrically. In any case, the actuating device comprises a locking element which prevents a first position in which it extends into the path of movement of the locking element and prevents the locking element from being led out of the locking rail, and a second position in which it leads in and / or out the locking element from the locking rail is allowed to move. Depending on the respective configuration of the actuating device and the locking rail and of the locking element, the locking element is arranged, for example, pivotably, displaceably or rotatably in the path of movement of the locking element. For example, the blocking element can be designed as a pin which extends in its first position transversely to the movement path of the locking element and which is pivoted or shifted into its second position when a coin is inserted into the actuating device. Such pivoting or shifting can be achieved mechanically, for example, in that the inserted coin shifts or swivels the pin from the first position into the second position due to its weight. It is also possible that an electrical signal is generated by inserting the coin, which is fed to a control unit which in turn controls an electric motor in order to thereby achieve the desired movement bring about the locking element from the path of movement of the locking element.

In a particularly suitable embodiment in which the locking element is moved electrically, an electrical contact is closed by inserting the coin, as a result of which the locking element designed as the core of an electromagnet is displaced into the second position, so that a locking element can be guided out of the locking rail. Immediately behind the locking element, ie in the direction of movement when executing the same, a sensor is arranged which interrupts the power supply to the electromagnet upon contact with a locking element, whereby this is returned to the first position due to a corresponding spring preload, so that each time only from the locking rail a single locking element can be brought out. Here, the previously inserted coin then falls into a coin collecting device. When a locking element is inserted into the locking rail, the sensor arranged in front of the locking element in relation to the insertion in turn closes a circuit and, via the electromagnet, causes the locking element designed as the core of the electromagnet to be transferred into its second position, so that the locking element locks the locking element can happen unhindered. After a predetermined time, the power supply to the electromagnet is interrupted, so that the corresponding spring-biased core, which simultaneously forms the locking element, is moved back into its first position. To achieve this, a timing element is arranged in the circuit at the appropriate point. It is also possible that a second sensor is provided behind the locking element, ie in the direction of movement when inserting a locking element, which only then takes the power supply to the electromagnet breaks if it comes into contact with a locking element and if the current supply to the electromagnet has previously been brought about by the first sensor. This ensures that the second sensor does not always open the locking element when it comes into contact with a locking element.

Of course, it is possible to design the actuating device in the two embodiments described above, which work on the one hand with a timer and on the other hand with a second sensor, such that a coin is dispensed after a predetermined time or after the locking element has come into contact with the second sensor . In this way, as already mentioned above, the user is motivated to feed the trolley removed from the device by inserting a coin back into the device, since he receives his original coin.

As already explained above, the actuating device can also mechanically release or block the blocking element. For example, it is possible to design the locking element as a cross-shaped locking element which is rotatably arranged within the movement path of the locking element. Here, the locking element can be freely rotated in one direction, while its rotation in the other direction is only released after the coin or the like has been inserted into the actuating device, so that the locking element causes a rotation of the cruciform locking element by 90 ° when it is inserted into the locking rail without this rotation being blocked. Leading the locking element out of the locking rail is only possible if a corresponding coin or the like is in the actuating device is inserted, whereby a rotation of the locking element by about 90 ° is released.

A further embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the locking element of the actuating device between a first position, in which it blocks the introduction and insertion of the locking element into the locking rail, a second position, in which it only allows the locking element to be led out of the locking rail and a third position in which it is only possible to insert the locking element into the locking rail, is movable, preferably pivotable. In such an embodiment, the movement or pivoting of the locking element is preferably controlled via sensors which are arranged in front of and behind the locking element, as has already been described above. Of course, it is also possible to design the actuating device in such a way that when a coin is inserted, the blocking element is transferred from the first position to the second position and remains there for a predetermined time and is then moved back to the first position, so that a carriage comes out of the device can be removed. When a locking element is inserted into the locking rail, the locking element is then correspondingly moved from the first position to the third position and remains there for a predetermined time and is then moved back into the first position, so that a carriage can be locked again on the device, one Such embodiment only requires a sensor, which is arranged in front of the locking element as seen in the insertion direction and brings about the previously described movement of the locking element from the first into the third position and back, since the movement of the locking element when it is removed by inserting the coin into the actuator is triggered. Of course, such an embodiment can also be developed in such a way that a coin is dispensed from the actuating device when a locking element is inserted into the locking rail.

The locking element, which is fastened to the respective carriage and engages with the locking rail, can be designed in different ways. For example, it is possible to provide a flexible locking element which preferably has a rigid section at its end opposite the attachment point on the carriage, so that this rigid section can be grasped by hand and inserted into and out of the locking rail. It is also possible to attach a rigid locking element, for example a rod-shaped locking element, to the trolley, for example to the handle of the trolley, the rigid locking element projecting laterally, for example, as an extension of the handle of the trolley. In order to rule out injury to the user when using the car, it is possible to design the locking element to be spring-loaded, so that after it has been removed from engagement with the locking rail, that is to say after the car has been removed from the device, only minimally laterally, upwards or protrudes down over the car and is otherwise covered by part of the car. In order to achieve this, one can for example arrange the locking element within the handle of the carriage, so that when the engagement with the locking rail is released, it is drawn almost completely into the handle due to a correspondingly arranged spring. On the other hand, if you want to make the locking element flexible, you can train it as a chain, steel cable or the like.

The locking rail can be arranged as desired in the device according to the invention. For example, it is possible to arrange the locking rail above the carriage or on the floor. In the case of shopping carts in particular, it is advisable to arrange the locking rail laterally at hand height, so that the locking element can be inserted or removed from the locking rail without great effort. A particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the locking rail simultaneously forms a side region of a frame for receiving shopping trolleys, the frame being open on one side and having a head side corresponding approximately to the shopping trolley width and a second side running parallel to the locking rail, so that the shopping carts in such a frame are arranged in a row one behind the other and preferably pushed into one another.

In order to prevent undesirable contamination of the locking rail provided with a slot-shaped recess from a hollow profile, it is advisable to arrange the axially extending slot-shaped recess in such a way that it faces the floor. On the one hand, this prevents dirt, water or the like from getting into the locking rail designed as a hollow profile and, moreover, also ensures that dirt which has been brought in via the locking element falls out of the locking rail.

Any material that has sufficient strength is suitable as the material for the locking rail and the locking element. Preferably for this high-strength plastics or steel alloys are used, the former additionally having the advantage that the frictional forces between the locking element and the locking rail are low with an axially sliding movement of the locking element with a relatively low weight.

A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the locking element has at least one coding designed as a depression, elevation and / or as a magnetic area. This has the effect that an object is not inserted into the locking rail without authorization in order to obtain the coin or the like stored in the actuating device.

In order to be able to detect the coding provided for the locking element, a further embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the actuating device comprises a mechanical, electrical and / or electromagnetic reading device. In this case, this reading device is assigned to the locking rail, so that the coding provided on the locking element is read each time it is inserted into or each time it is led out of the locking rail.

A magnet arranged in the locking element or on the outside of the locking element has proven particularly suitable for this purpose, in which case the actuating device comprises at least one reading device designed as a reed contact, which is assigned to the locking rail and can be brought into operative engagement with the magnet provided on the locking element. Is also such a reading device Arranged within the locking rail, this reading device is effectively protected against the weather.

A particularly suitable embodiment of the device according to the invention provides an actuating device which is provided with a control device for at least one electrically operated locking element. This locking element is assigned to the locking rail, whereby it is preferably arranged inside the locking rail for protection against weather influences. The electrically actuated locking element causes the locking element to be released when the locking element is inserted or removed from the locking rail.

The control device provided in the previously described embodiment of the device according to the invention preferably has a microprocessor provided with inputs and outputs, a memory unit, an address buffer, a driver unit and a voltage stabilization unit. Here, the control device serves to move the locking element depending on the insertion of a coin into the actuating device or from the insertion of a locking element into the locking rail from the path of movement of the locking element, so that in each case only a single locking element is guided out of the locking rail correctly and without interference can be inserted into the locking rail.

In a further embodiment of the embodiment described above, it is provided that the coin checking device when a coin is inserted into the actuating device and after prior checking and acceptance this coin or the like controls the microprocessor and this releases the electrically operated locking element for leading out a single locking element.

A further embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the locking rail in the direction of movement of the locking element in front of and / or behind the locking element each comprises at least one, preferably two sensors, which are connected to the microprocessor. In this case, these sensors can be designed as mechanical, electrical and / or optical sensors, with sensors of small construction, in particular mechanically operating microswitches, preferably being used. These sensors detect the sequence of movements of the locking element within the locking rail, i. H. preferably the direction of the locking element. In this case, it is advisable to provide two sensors of the above-mentioned construction types which are arranged at a distance from one another on each side of the blocking element. These sensors are preferably connected in the device according to the invention such that when the locking element is inserted into the locking rail, the sensors, possibly in conjunction with the reading device, move the locking element out of the movement path of the locking element via the microprocessor, preferably pivot it, and the microprocessor swings the coin validator driven to release a coin or the like.

A particularly suitable embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the locking element, preferably the electrically operated locking element, is designed as a separating device, so that at the same time only a single locking element from the Locking rail can be brought out or inserted into the locking rail. An embodiment of the locking element, which comprises a locking magnet, a pull magnet and a spring-loaded rocker, has proven particularly useful. The locking magnet and the rocker are preferably aligned with one another in such a way that when a locking element is inserted or removed from the locking rail, the locking magnet releases the rocker. When the locking element is brought out of the locking rail, the pull magnet pivots the rocker out of the movement path of the locking element, as will be explained in more detail below in the specific exemplary embodiment. Since, in such an embodiment, the blocking magnet and the pull magnet are only excited until the locking element has passed the sensors, such an embodiment of the device according to the invention requires a minimal electrical energy requirement.

Advantageous developments of the device according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• Figur 2 eine vergrößerte Detailansicht mit teilsweise herausge­brochener Vorderwand;
• Figur 3 eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• Figur 4 eine Draufsicht auf ein in Figur 3 abgebildetes Sperrelement;
• Figur 5 eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie A-B in Figur 4;
• Figur 6 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Ver­riegelungsschiene sowie das hierzu gehörend Verriegelungs­element;
• Figur 7 eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Verriegelungsschiene sowie eines zugehörigen Verriegelungselementes;
• Figur 8 eine Schnittansicht einer weiteren schematisch abgebildeten Ausführungsform in der Draufsicht;
• Figur 9 eine seitliche Schnittansicht der in Figur 8 abgebildeten Ausführungsform; und
• Figur 10 ein Stromlaufplan bzw. ein Blockschaltbild der in Verbindung mit der in den Figuren 8 und 9 gezeigten Ausführungsform verwendeten Steuereinrichtung.

The device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of embodiments. Show it:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment;
• Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view with the front wall partially broken away;
• Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment;
• Figure 4 is a plan view of a locking element shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line AB in Figure 4;
• FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a further embodiment of a locking rail and the locking element belonging to it;
• Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a locking rail and an associated locking element;
• Figure 8 is a sectional view of a further schematically illustrated embodiment in plan view;
• Figure 9 is a side sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8; and
• 10 shows a circuit diagram or a block diagram of the control device used in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 1 shows a device, generally designated 1, for locking trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys. Here, the device 1 has a locking rail 2, which, together with a locking element, denoted overall by 3, which is fastened to a carriage, effects the locking of the carriage.

The locking rail 2 is designed as a rectangular hollow profile. It has a laterally axially extending slot-shaped recess 7, which extends from the left end 2a almost over the entire length of the locking rail 2. The slot-shaped recess 7 ends at a distance from the right end 2b of the locking rail 2. In the area of the end 2a (head side), a schematically illustrated actuating device is provided, into which a coin or the like can be inserted, thereby leading a locking element 3 out of the Locking rail 2 is made possible. Furthermore, the actuating device 8 releases a coin when a locking element 3 is inserted into the locking rail 2, as will be described below. The locking rail 2 is arranged on supports, the supports being formed approximately so high that the locking rail 2 is overall at hand height of an adult.

The locking element 3 is attached at its end 3a to a shopping cart or the like, not shown. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is provided with a chain, which preferably has a plastic coating. At the end 3b opposite the attachment point on the carriage, the locking element 3 has one rectangular section 4 and a pin section 5 fastened thereon. The rectangular section 4 has a size such that it can be pushed into the locking rail 2 and is held there in an axially sliding manner. If the section 4 of the locking element 3 is inserted into the rail, an area of the pin-shaped section 5 rests on the edges of the slot-shaped recesses 7, whereby the locking element is held in the locking rail on the one hand and the locking element is guided when the locking element is displaced. As can be seen in particular in Figure 2, the slot-shaped recess 7 of the locking rail 2 on the outer wall of the locking rail 2 protruding guide sections 8, so that thereby the contact surface of the pin-shaped section 5 of the locking element 3 is increased, whereby the axial displacement of the section 4 of the Locking element 3 in the locking rail 2 facilitated and tilting of the section 4 is prevented.

The actuating device 8 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 operates electrically. In this case, the actuating device 8 has a coin validator which is assigned to the coin insert and which checks the authenticity of the coin when a coin or the like is inserted. Furthermore, a control unit is provided in the actuating device 8 which, when a coin is inserted, generates an electrical control signal which is fed to an electric motor which, depending on the occurrence of the control signal, has a locking element 9 which is assigned to the electric motor and which is in the path of movement of section 4 of the locking element 3 extends within the locking rail 2, moved from a first position, as shown in Figure 2, to a second position. In the second position of the locking element 9, the locking element 9 arranged outside the movement path of the section 4 of the locking element 3, so that the section 4 can be freely inserted into the locking rail 2 or can be removed therefrom. Furthermore, two sensors 10 and 11 are arranged in the movement path of section 4 in FIG. 2, each of which generates an electrical signal when it comes into contact with section 4.

The embodiment of the device shown above in FIGS. 1 and 2 operates as follows:

A number of sections 4 are arranged one behind the other in the locking rail 2, ie a number of carriages corresponding to the sections 4 are thus locked on the device 1. If the respective user now wants to remove a carriage, he grasps the locking element 3 of the corresponding carriage on the pin-shaped section 5 and leads it to the blocking element 9, which is at the time in the first position shown in FIG. 2. Now the user throws a coin into the actuating device 8. This actuates the electric motor so that it moves the locking element 9 in the direction of the arrow 10 and thus moves it into its second position, so that the user leads the section 4 out of the locking device and thus a carriage can be seen from the device 1. However, as soon as the section 4 comes into contact with the sensor 10, this sensor 10 generates a signal so that the control unit, via the electric motor, causes the locking element 9 to move in the opposite direction to the arrow 10, ie the locking element moves from its second position into the first Position. This prevents further sections and thus further carriages from being removed from the device 1. The user now wants his coin back after using the trolley get back, he introduces the section 4 of the locking element 3 into the locking rail at the end 2a. Upon contact with the sensor 10, a new control signal is generated which is fed to the control unit, whereby the locking element 9 is moved in the direction of the arrow 10 via the control unit and the electric motor (2nd position). When section 4 comes into contact with sensor 11, a new control signal is generated which is evaluated by the control unit, the electric motor causing the blocking element to move into its first position. In addition, a coin is issued on the basis of this signal from the sensor 11, if so desired, so that the respective user can remove the coin from the actuating device and thus has used the trolley free of charge. Likewise, the control unit can of course be designed such that the actuating device does not deliver a coin or a partial amount of the inserted coin, so that a corresponding rental price is automatically collected for the use of the car.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show an embodiment of the actuating device 8 which, in contrast to the embodiment described above, works mechanically. Here, the locking rail 2 is only indicated schematically. The locking element 3, also shown only schematically, also has a pin-shaped section 5 at its front end 3b, which ends in a spherical section 12. The section 12 is rotatably mounted relative to the section 5. The actuating device, designated overall by 8, has a coin shaft 13 which opens into an area 14 of a coin scale 15. The coin scale 15 is rotatably arranged in the direction of the arrow 16 or 17. A region 18 of the coin scale 15 arranged opposite the region 14 rests on an annular section 19, which is attached to the shaft 20 of the locking element 21. The shaft 20 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow 24 or 25. On its lower section, it carries two pins 22 and 23, which intersect at an angle of approximately 90 °, and which protrude into the movement path of section 12.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper side 26 of the annular section 19 is specially designed. Here, recesses 27 are provided in a cross shape at an angle of 90 °, into which the area 18 of the coin scale 15 can be arranged. Furthermore, the upper side 26 of the annular section 19 is provided with a slope in each quarter, as is expressed in FIG. 5.

The mechanical actuating device shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 operates as follows:

In the locked state, the area 18 of the coin scale 15 is arranged in one of the four recesses 27 of the annular section 19. This ensures that the shaft 20 can not be rotated in the direction of arrow 24. If the correct coin or the like is now inserted through the coin shaft 13, this coin reaches the area 14 of the coin scale 15. This causes the area 18 to be lifted out of the recess 27 so that the shaft 20 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 24 can be. This enables a section 12, as shown in FIG. 3, to pass the blocking element 21 in the direction of the arrow 28. Due to the rotation of the shaft 20 in the direction of the arrow 24, the area 18 in the direction of the arrow 17 is raised to such an extent that it reaches a position 29 (FIG. 5). In this position, the coin located in the area 14 then rolls into a coin store 30. With a further, slight rotation of the The shaft 20 drops the area 18 of the coin balance 15, which is now relieved, into the next recess 27, so that the shaft 20 is blocked for further rotation in the direction of arrow 24, and thus the blocking element 21 prevents a further section 12 from being removed.

If a section 12 is now to be reinserted into the locking rail 2 in the embodiment shown above, i.e. a carriage are locked again on the device 1, causes a, in Figure 3 with 31 freewheeling that the locking element 21 is freely rotatable by 90 ° in the direction of arrow 25, so that the portion 12 past the locking element 21 opposite to the arrow direction 28 can be. As a result, this section and thus the associated car is locked again on the device. If, in such an embodiment, a further section corresponding to the annular section 19 is provided in a region 32 of the shaft 20, such a section enables a coin to be removed when the shaft 20 and thus the locking element 21 rotate in the direction of the arrow 25 the coin store 30 is released. All that is required for this is that such a further annular section has a surface as shown in FIG. 5, but the recesses 27 are omitted in the further section.

6 and 7 show further locking rails. Here, the locking rail 2 shown in FIG. 6 has a raised, approximately Ω-shaped section 33, onto which an Ω-shaped section 4 of the locking element 3 shown next to it can be pushed.

The locking rail 2 shown in Figure 7 is designed as a circular hollow profile, which is a slot has recess 7 and guide portions 8 arranged on both sides thereof. A spherical section 4 of the locking element 3 shown next to it can be inserted into this locking rail 2, the locking element 3 having the pin-shaped section 5, which engages with the guide sections 8 and thus prevents the locking element from tilting.

The further embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 has a locking rail 2 designed as a C-profile, which holds the locking element 3 axially displaceably in the direction of arrow 70 and vice versa. The locking element 3 is provided with a magnetic area 52, which is arranged inside the locking element 3 and consists of a permanent magnet. As seen in the direction of arrow 70, two sensors 63 are initially arranged in the path of movement of the locking element 3, these sensors 63 being arranged at a distance from one another and, in the specific embodiment shown, consisting of two microswitches. In the side wall of the C-shaped locking rail, a reed contact 50 is provided at the level of the microswitch 63, which forms the reading device in the embodiment shown and cooperates with the magnet 52 and thus ensures that only that intended for the embodiment described and matching locking element is inserted into the locking rail. This is followed in the direction of arrow 70 by a locking element, designated overall by 62, which consists of a rocker 62c, a spring 62e, an electrically operated pull magnet 62b and a locking magnet 62a. Here, this locking element 62 can be pivoted in the direction of arrow 71 and 72 about its axis of rotation 62d. Furthermore, as seen in the direction of the arrow 70, the blocking element 62 is followed by two sensors 63 which are arranged at a distance from one another and are designed as microswitches. On At the level of these further microswitches 63 in the side wall of the locking rail 2, a second reading device 51 is provided, which is also designed as a reed contact.

The control device shown in FIG. 10 and designated overall by 53 comprises a microprocessor 54 provided with outputs and inputs, a memory unit 55, an address buffer memory 56, a driver unit 57 and a voltage stabilization unit 58. The microprocessor 54 is a conventional, electronic one Component with the type designation 8032. The memory unit 55 is designed as an EPROM or an E EPROM. The address buffer memory 56 is also designed as a conventional electronic component and consists of eight individual JK master-slave memory cells. The driver unit 57 comprises three decoupling elements 57a and three amplifier stages 57b, each individual amplifier stage being assigned to a decoupling element. Here, the driver unit connects the microprocessor 54 to the coil of the pull magnet 62b and to the coil of the blocking magnet 62a. A further connection is made by the driver unit to a coin validator 69, which is indicated schematically in FIG. 10, the coin validator 69 releasing a coin via a coin dispenser (not shown) as soon as a locking element of a shopping cart is inserted into the locking rail 2 in the direction of arrow 70 and the blocking element 62 or has passed microswitch 63 shown in FIG. 8 and arranged on the left. When passing the locking element 62, this engages with the portion 62h of the locking element 62 a further portion 62e into the movement path of the locking element, so that no further locking element can be inserted into the locking rail. However, as soon as the locking element is no longer in contact with the section 62h, the locking element pivots in the opposite direction to the arrow 71 or 72 due to the Spring force of the spring 62e, so that the locking element reaches the starting position shown in FIG. 8. As soon as the left microswitch (FIG. 8) is actuated when the locking element is inserted, the microprocessor 54 sends a signal via the driver unit 57 to the coin validator 69, which has a coin dispenser (not shown), so that a corresponding coin or the like is released.

When a locking element 3 is brought out of the locking rail, i. H. when moving in the opposite direction of the arrow 70 in FIG. 8, the locking element first passes the two left microswitches. As a result, an electrical signal is supplied to the microprocessor 54, which excites the coil of the electrically actuated locking magnet 62a via the driver unit 57, whereby the locking element 62 is unlocked. Furthermore, an electrical pulse is supplied to the coil of the pull magnet 62b via the microswitches 63, the microprocessor 54 and the driver unit 57, whereby this coil is excited so that the pull magnet 62b presses the rocker 62c against the spring force of the spring 62e (compression spring) in the direction of the arrow 71 or 72 pivoted. Here, the excitation of the coil of the pull magnet 62b continues until the individual locking element has passed the section 62h. As soon as this has happened, the spring 62e causes the rocker 62c to be pivoted in the opposite direction of the arrow 71 or 72 and thus to reach the starting position shown in FIG. However, this movement is only possible if the coin validation device has previously supplied the microprocessor with a signal which indicates that a coin accepted by the coin validator has been inserted into the actuating device.

Claims (35)

1. Device for locking shopping carts, trolleys or the like, with a locking device for receiving and locking a locking element fastened to each trolley and an actuating device assigned to the locking device, into which a coin or the like can be inserted, thereby locking the locking elements released and a carriage is released, characterized in that the locking device is designed as a locking rail (2), that the locking element (3) in the locking rail (2) in and out of the locking rail (2) and is axially sliding there is held and that the locking rail (2) is provided at one end (2a) with the actuating device (8) which, when the coin or the like is inserted, releases the locking rail (2) for the removal of a locking element (3), the other end (2b) of the locking rail (2) for such a removal leadership of the lock tion element (3) is blocked or has a further actuating device. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking rail (2) has an axially extending, slot-shaped recess (7). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking rail (2) has guide sections (8) which project relative to the locking rail (2) and are arranged in the region of the recess (7). 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking rail (2) is designed as a hollow profile, preferably as a round or rectangular hollow profile. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (3) at its front end (3b) has a spherical locking section (4). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the spherical section (4) is connected to a pin-shaped section (5) such that the spherical section is rotatable relative to the pin-shaped section (3). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (8) comprises a locking element (9, 21) which prevents a first position in which it extends into the path of movement of the locking element (3) and prevents it from leading out of the locking rail (2), and a second position in which it is possible to move the locking element (3) in and / or out of the locking rail (2). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking element is movable into a third position, wherein in the second position of the locking element, the locking element (3) in the locking rail (2) can be inserted and in the third position of the locking element, the locking element (3rd ) can be led out of the locking rail (2). 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (8) actuates the locking element (21) mechanically. 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating device (8) actuates the locking element (9) electrically. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuating device (8) is a control unit for controlling the has locking element (9) moved by an electric motor. 12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the actuating device (8) generates an electrical signal when inserting a coin and that the control unit depending on this electrical signal, the locking element (9) by the electric motor from the first position to the second Position moved. 13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the control unit comprises a timer to move the locking element (9) after a predetermined time from the second position to the first position. 14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the locking element (9) is assigned at least one sensor (10, 11), which when inserting a locking element (3) into the locking rail (2) and / or Leading the locking element (3) out of the locking rail (2) generates an electrical sensor signal, the sensor signal being fed to the control unit and the control unit via the electric motor depending on the sensor signal, the locking element (9) from the first position to the third position or from moved from the first position to the second position. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the locking element (9) two sensors (10, 11) are assigned. 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (8) has a coin checking device. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device emits a coin or the like after inserting a locking element (3) into the locking rail (2). 18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (21) is designed as a rotatable locking element with at least two intersecting web-shaped sections (22, 23). 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the locking element in one direction (25) freely and in the opposite direction (24) is rotatable only after inserting a coin or the like. In the actuating device (8). 20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the locking element (21) is rotatable by 90 °. 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (3) has at least one as a depression, elevation and / or as a magnetic region (52) formed coding. 22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a mechanical, an electrical and / or electromagnetic reading device (50, 51) for the coding (52) provided on and / or in the locking element (3). 23. Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the locking element (3) has a locking element (3) associated with magnet (52) and that the actuating device comprises at least one reading device designed as a reed contact (50, 51) which assigned to the locking rail (2) and can be brought into operative engagement with the magnet (52). 24. Device according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the actuating device has a control device (53) for at least one electrically operated locking element (62) which is assigned to the locking rail (2) and which an insertion or removal of the Releases the locking element (3) in or out of the locking rail (2). 25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the control device (53) has a microprocessor (54) provided with inputs (59) and outputs (60), a memory unit (55), an address buffer (56), a driver unit (57) and a voltage stabilizing unit (58). 26. The device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the locking rail (2) in the direction of movement of the locking element (3) before and / or behind the locking element (62) comprises at least one, preferably two sensors (63) which on the Microprocessor (54) are connected. 27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that when a coin or the like is inserted into the actuating device, the coin checking device (69) controls the microprocessor (54) and this controls the electrically operated locking element (62) for leading out a single locking element ( 3) releases. 28. Device according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that when inserting the locking element (3) into the locking rail (2), the sensors (63), possibly in connection with the reading device (50, 51), via the microprocessor (54) moves the blocking element (62) out of the movement path of the locking element (3) in the locking rail and the microprocessor (54) controls the coin validator (69) to release a coin or the like. 29. Device according to one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the locking element (62) is designed as a separating device and comprises a locking magnet (62a), a pull magnet (62b) and a spring-loaded rocker (62c). 30. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that the locking magnet (62a) releases the rocker (62c) for inserting or removing a locking element (3) into or out of the locking rail (2). 31. The device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the pull magnet (62b) pivots the rocker (62c) when the locking element (3) is brought out of the locking rail (2) from the path of movement of the locking element (3). 32. trolley, preferably shopping trolley, characterized in that it has a locking element (3) which is fastened at one end to the trolley and which comprises at least one section which can be inserted into a locking rail (2). 33. Carriage according to claim 32, characterized in that the locking element (3) at its front end (3b) has a section (4) adapted to the respective locking rail (2), which section is preferably spherical. 34. Cart according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the section (4) with a pin-shaped section (5) is rotatably connected. 35. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 31 for locking shopping carts in supermarkets.

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