EP0415805B1 - Consignment deposit for rigid fixing type of trolleys and trolleys provided with such a device - Google Patents

Consignment deposit for rigid fixing type of trolleys and trolleys provided with such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0415805B1
EP0415805B1 EP19900402052 EP90402052A EP0415805B1 EP 0415805 B1 EP0415805 B1 EP 0415805B1 EP 19900402052 EP19900402052 EP 19900402052 EP 90402052 A EP90402052 A EP 90402052A EP 0415805 B1 EP0415805 B1 EP 0415805B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trolley
deposit
control box
carriage
another
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP19900402052
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0415805A1 (en
Inventor
Alain Le Marchand
Daniel Bailly
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Ateliers Reunis Caddie SA
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Ateliers Reunis Caddie SA
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Publication of EP0415805A1 publication Critical patent/EP0415805A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms 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
    • G07F7/0618—Mechanisms 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
    • G07F7/0636—Mechanisms 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 present invention relates to built-in type transport trolleys, which are intended to be made available to users, for example in self-service shops, in railway stations, airports and in all other places. . More specifically, it relates to trolleys of this type which are provided with a device which makes it possible to have such a trolley only after depositing a certain amount of money in this device while having the possibility of recovering it. during the return of the corresponding carriage at a given point and fitting into the carriages possibly located at this point.
  • a control unit fixed on each carriage and which comprises a coupling member intended to be engaged in the similar housing of a another trolley when these trolleys are embedded one inside the other.
  • the control unit includes a coin-operated system capable of receiving a coin serving as a deposit element, this system being able to then command the release of the coupling member between two carriages so that a potential user can have access to the first of them.
  • this coin-operated system is also capable of ensuring the return of the deposit coin when the trolley used is itself returned at a given point and embedded in one of the trolleys located at this location.
  • the control unit provided on each trolley carries a chain or other flexible connecting element, which ends with a key intended to be engaged in the similar housing of another carriage when they are embedded one inside the other.
  • a coin-operated system is provided which is capable of releasing the key from the chain of the preceding carriage, when a coin is inserted into the control unit of the last carriage. Conversely when this carriage is again coupled with another carriage, by engagement of the key belonging to it, this system ensures the return of the corresponding coin.
  • devices of this kind have the advantage of allowing easier connection of the carriages, even if they have undergone deformation.
  • these devices still have the disadvantage that during the return operation of a carriage, it is necessary to properly engage a determined member in the housing of the corresponding carriage, in this case the key carried by the attached chain. to the previous cart.
  • this is an operation which is still not easy to perform, taking into account the fact that this key must be presented in a determined position in order to be able to be engaged in the corresponding housing.
  • the present invention relates to a locking device designed to avoid the drawbacks of the devices mentioned above.
  • the member intended to serve as a witness to the presence of a carriage consists of a permanent magnet fixed at a determined point on each carriage, while the means capable of react to the presence of the latter consist of a movable magnetic metal blocking element which normally ensures the retention of a drawer for receiving the locking element and which is capable of ensuring its release when this element is present moved by the magnetic attraction resulting from the proximity of the witness provided on another carriage, and this during their installation.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a line of carts embedded in each other at a place of return and removal thereof.
  • Figures 2 to 5 are sectional views of the control box of the locking device provided in each of these carriages, these views illustrating the different successive phases of operation of the mechanism of this housing during removal of a carriage.
  • Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1 but which shows another embodiment of the carts according to the invention.
  • Figures 7 and 8 are vertical section views of another embodiment of a lockout box according to the invention.
  • Figures 9 and 10 are views in horizontal section of a detail of this housing.
  • FIG. 1 represents transport trolleys 1 of the type made available to customers in self-service stores.
  • Each of these carriages therefore comprises a transport basket 2 fixed at a certain height above a base 3.
  • the rear wall of the basket 2 is constituted by a movable flap 4 whose upper edge is hinged around a horizontal axis 5. This allows a series of such carriages to be embedded one inside the other as shown in FIG. 1. After such an embedding, the pivoting rear flap 5 of each carriage is kept raised by the upper part of the transport basket 2 of the trolley located behind it.
  • each of these carriages is equipped with a deposit device according to the invention.
  • each of these devices comprises a main box 6 which serves both as a control box containing the coin mechanism and as a box for mounting the lock of the corresponding device.
  • This housing 6 is fixed on the pivoting flap 4 of each carriage at a distance L from its end.
  • each carriage is equipped with a presence indicator 7 which is intended to act on the locking device provided on the carriage fitted around the carriage in question.
  • this indicator consists of a permanent magnet 7 fixed to the front end of the upper frame 17 of the basket 2 of each carriage.
  • means are provided on each carriage capable of detecting this indicator or of reacting to the presence of the latter.
  • these means 8 are carried by the main unit 6 of each locking device.
  • it is a movable finger of magnetic metal which is likely to be attracted by the permanent magnet constituted by the presence indicator 7 of the preceding carriage.
  • This movable finger is subjected to the pressure of a spring 10 which tends to keep it raised in a position ensuring the blocking of a movable drawer 29 provided in the corresponding housing 6, which will moreover be described in more detail below.
  • the lock also provided on the housing 6 of each locking device, comprises a bolt 14 secured to a rotary axis 15 carrying an operating lever 16.
  • the bolt 14 In the locking position shown in FIG. 2, the bolt 14 extends roughly vertically downwards and its length is such that its end is then engaged inside the upper horizontal frame 17 of the basket 2 of the previous carriage 1, in this case the carriage designated by the reference la on the FIG. 1. Under these conditions, it is not possible to remove the carriage which is equipped with the locking box 6 described above, that is to say the carriage 1b in the example of FIG. 1.
  • This mechanism comprises a main pawl 19 mounted pivoting about an axis 20 and which is provided with two teeth 21 and 22 cooperating with notches provided on a cam 23 integral with the rotary axis 15.
  • This pawl is subjected to elastic pressure of a spring 24 and by means of a tab 25 it bears on a secondary pawl 26 mounted pivoting about an axis 27 and subjected to the elastic pressure of a spring 28.
  • the housing 6 contains the sliding drawer 29 already mentioned, one end of which includes a receptacle 30 intended to receive a coin 18 for deposit.
  • This drawer is subjected to the pressure of a spring 31 which tends to push it back into a position such that the receptacle 30 is located outside the housing 6 when the bolt 14 is in the locked position.
  • the movable blocking finger 9 forming part of the detection means 8 is then held in the erased position, by the magnetic attraction resulting from the permanent element 7 serving as a witness to the presence of the preceding carriage. Consequently, it is possible to push the drawer 29 inside the housing 6. However, to obtain the unlocking of the rotary axis 15, it is necessary that a coin 18 serving as a deposit element has been at previously placed in the receptacle 30 of this drawer.
  • this part acts on a shank 32 of the secondary pawl 26, which has the effect of releasing the main pawl 19 (see FIG. 3). It is therefore the tail 32 of the pawl 26 which detects the shape of the 18 coin or other valid payment item placed in the drawer receptacle.
  • the front wall 33 of the receptacle 30 has an opening 34 intended to receive a shank 35 provided on the main pawl 19, which thus allows the coin 18 to act directly on this pawl.
  • control box of this deposit device can be equipped with a mechanism automatically ensuring both the deletion of the bolt 14 when a deposit coin has been placed in this box, and the return of this bolt in its locked position when the carriage has been returned in place and fitted onto other carriages already located at this location.
  • Each point of removal and return of carriages 1 is equipped with a particular structure allowing the fixing in place of a first carriage under the same conditions as if it were fitted on another carriage.
  • This structure comprises two fixed posts 37 carrying projecting arches 38 intended to play the same role as the front end of a trolley basket, in order to be able to cause the rear flap 4 of the first trolley 1 to be raised. a girl.
  • these two arches are joined by a horizontal stirrup 39 at the place where the bolt 14 for locking the first carriage in question can engage.
  • this stirrup carries a presence indicator 7 identical to those provided on the carriages 1. Under these conditions, the carriage fitted on the poles 38 can be released under the same conditions as if it were fitted on other carriages. It can also be returned to this location under similar conditions.
  • the box 6 groups together the first two parts mentioned above, as well as the last part, only the presence indicator being distinct.
  • these four parts can be completely separate from each other by being connected by electrical circuits or other suitable connecting elements.
  • the detection or reaction means could be constituted by an electric switch capable of being actuated by a permanent magnet 7, this switch being disposed at a point more or less distant from the control unit 6, while being connected, by an electrical circuit, to an electromagnetic coil controlling the movement of the movable blocking finger 9 or of any other member capable of playing the same role.
  • the lock could be separated from the control unit 6 so that the movable bolt is placed in another place.
  • the box of this lock would then be connected to the coin mechanism provided in the control box in order to receive the desired instructions from it, and vice versa.
  • the locations of the various parts of the deposit device can be modified.
  • the locking pin is mounted on the pivoting flap 4 of each carriage so as to be able to engage inside the upper frame 17 of the basket 2 of the preceding carriage.
  • Figure 6 shows a variant in which there is provided a locking box 43 which is separate from the control box 44 of the corresponding locking device.
  • the latter contains a coin mechanism intended to receive the planned deposit element.
  • this box 44 is located at the top of each carriage and close to the operating handle 45 thereof.
  • the locking box 43 it is arranged below the basket 2a of each carriage.
  • the locking housing 43 is able to hang on, or to trap an element of the structure of the preceding carriage 1d in which the carriage considered is fitted.
  • this structural element can be the rear lower cross member 46 of the basket 2a of the preceding carriage.
  • the housing 43 contains a movable locking hook.
  • this box also includes means 8a for detection or reaction which are capable of reacting to the presence of an appropriate indicator 7a provided on the carriage on which the carriage in question is fitted.
  • This indicator may consist of a permanent magnet capable of acting on the detection means 8a which then play the role of a proximity detector of another carriage.
  • the various corresponding mechanisms can be actuated by electromagnetic systems powered by batteries.
  • the mobile elements to be driven have a very low mass, so that the energy consumption is relatively limited and allows a satisfactory longevity of the batteries used.
  • This structure comprises a post 37a, carrying two horizontal arms 47 joined by a metal wire arch 48 capable of playing the role of the rear lower cross member 46 of the basket of a carriage.
  • a metal wire arch 48 capable of playing the role of the rear lower cross member 46 of the basket of a carriage.
  • this hoop is provided with a presence indicator 7a capable of acting on the detection or reaction means 8a provided on the first carriage 1d in the queue.
  • FIG. 6 constitutes only an indicative example of the possible embodiments of the carriages according to the invention and of their recording device. Indeed, this carriage and this device can be the subject of many other different embodiments meeting the same design principles by providing for nesting of the carriages in each other, either from the rear (case of Figure 1) , or from the front (case of Figure 6).
  • FIGS. 7 to 10 show another possible embodiment of a control and locking box 6a which is capable of being provided on a carriage.
  • this casing contains a pivoting jaw 49 which is capable of grasping and trapping the upper front edge 50 of the basket of a neighboring carriage in interlocking mode, if this casing is fixed to the flap 4 from another cart.
  • a number of members provided in this box are similar to those existing in the box 6 shown in Figures 2 to 5. These parts are designated by the same reference numeral, assigned the index "a”.
  • a drawer 29a intended to receive a piece 18 of consignment.
  • the presence of this part is controlled by a secondary pawl 26a which then releases a pawl main 19a. This in turn unlocks the pivoting jaw 49 which pivots in the direction F3 under the effect of the thrust exerted by the front edge 51 of the drawer 29a, so that the jaw 49 emerges from the front edge 50 of the basket of the neighboring carriage (see Figure 8). Under these conditions, the carriage, fitted with the box 6a in question, can be removed from the queue of waiting carriages for free use.
  • this lever carries a metal counterweight 55 capable of being attracted by a permanent magnet provided on a neighboring carriage, and this when these two carriages are nested one inside the other.
  • the pivoting jaw 49 As for the pivoting jaw 49, it has a shape such that its engagement, against the front edge 50 of the basket of another carriage, causes it to pivot in the direction of the arrow F4, and consequently its attachment to this front edge 50. Following this pivoting of the jaw 49, the retaining spoiler 52 releases the drawer 29a.
  • the deposit element to be introduced into the control unit can consist, not only of a coin or a payment token, but in any other electronic means, for example a magnetic card of payment, or other similar item. It is then sufficient for the control box of the locking devices to be arranged accordingly.

Description

La présente invention est relative aux chariots de transport de type encastrable, qui sont destinés à être mis à la disposition des utilisateurs, par exemple dans des magasins en libre-service, dans des gares de chemins de fer, des aéroports et en tous autres lieux. Plus précisément, elle concerne les chariots de ce type qui sont pourvus d'un dispositif ne permettant de disposer d'un tel chariot qu'après consignation d'une certaine somme d'argent dans ce dispositif en ayant la possibilité de récupérer celle-ci lors de la restitution du chariot correspondant en un point donné et encastrement dans les chariots se trouvant éventuellement en ce point.The present invention relates to built-in type transport trolleys, which are intended to be made available to users, for example in self-service shops, in railway stations, airports and in all other places. . More specifically, it relates to trolleys of this type which are provided with a device which makes it possible to have such a trolley only after depositing a certain amount of money in this device while having the possibility of recovering it. during the return of the corresponding carriage at a given point and fitting into the carriages possibly located at this point.

Dans une première catégorie de dispositifs de consignation prévus à cet effet (voir FR 2.333.687), il est prévu un boîtier de commande fixé sur chaque chariot et qui comporte un organe d'accouplement destiné à être engagé dans le boîtier similaire d'un autre chariot lors de l'encastrement de ces chariots l'un dans l'autre. Le boîtier de commande comporte un système monnayeur susceptible de recevoir une pièce de monnaie servant d'élément de consignation, ce système étant apte à commander alors la libération de l'organe d'accouplement entre deux chariots afin qu'un utilisateur éventuel puisse disposer du premier d'entre eux. Cependant ce système monnayeur est également susceptible d'assurer la restitution de la pièce de monnaie de consignation lorsque le chariot utilisé est lui-même restitué en un point donné et encastré dans l'un des chariots se trouvant à cet endroit. Toutefois les dispositifs de ce genre ont pour inconvénient de nécessiter une parfaite présentation des chariots l'un dans l'autre afin de pouvoir engager l'organe d'accouplement du dernier dans le boîtier de commande du précédent. Or les chariots de ce type sont soumis à des contraintes sévères d'utilisation et il arrive fréquemment que ceux-ci soient déformés sous l'effet de chocs, ce qui entraîne de grandes difficultés, sinon une impossibilité, pour leur accouplement.In a first category of locking devices provided for this purpose (see FR 2,333,687), there is provided a control unit fixed on each carriage and which comprises a coupling member intended to be engaged in the similar housing of a another trolley when these trolleys are embedded one inside the other. The control unit includes a coin-operated system capable of receiving a coin serving as a deposit element, this system being able to then command the release of the coupling member between two carriages so that a potential user can have access to the first of them. However, this coin-operated system is also capable of ensuring the return of the deposit coin when the trolley used is itself returned at a given point and embedded in one of the trolleys located at this location. However, devices of this kind have the drawback of requiring perfect presentation of the carriages one inside the other in order to be able to engage the coupling member of the latter in the control box of the previous one. However, carts of this type are subjected to severe constraints of use and it frequently happens that these are deformed under the effect of shocks, which causes great difficulties, if not impossible, for their coupling.

Dans une autre catégorie de dispositifs de consignation destinés à des chariots du type en cause (voir EP 70.997), le boîtier de commande prévu sur chaque chariot porte une chaînette ou autre élément souple de liaison, qui se termine par une clé destinée à être engagée dans le boîtier similaire d'un autre chariot lors de l'encastrement de ceux-ci l'un dans l'autre. Dans ce cas également, il est prévu un système monnayeur qui est susceptible de libérer la clé de la chaînette du chariot précédent, lorsqu'une pièce de monnaie est introduite dans le boîtier de commande du dernier chariot. Inversement quand ce chariot est à nouveau accouplé avec un autre chariot, par engagement de la clé appartenant à celui-ci, ce système assure la restitution de la pièce de monnaie correspondante.In another category of locking devices intended for trolleys of the type in question (see EP 70.997), the control unit provided on each trolley carries a chain or other flexible connecting element, which ends with a key intended to be engaged in the similar housing of another carriage when they are embedded one inside the other. In this case also, a coin-operated system is provided which is capable of releasing the key from the chain of the preceding carriage, when a coin is inserted into the control unit of the last carriage. Conversely when this carriage is again coupled with another carriage, by engagement of the key belonging to it, this system ensures the return of the corresponding coin.

Par rapport aux dispositifs de la première catégorie mentionné ci-dessus, les dispositifs de ce genre ont l'avantage de permettre une liaison plus facile des chariots, même si ceux-ci ont subi une déformation. Toutefois, ces dispositifs ont encore l'inconvénient que lors de l'opération de restitution d'un chariot, il est nécessaire d'engager convenablement un organe déterminé dans le boîtier du chariot correspondant, en l'occurrence la clé portée par la chaînette attachée au chariot précédent. Or il s'agit là d'une manoeuvre qui n'est toujours pas aisée à réaliser, compte tenu du fait que cette clé doit être présentée dans une position déterminée pour pouvoir être engagée dans le boîtier correspondant.Compared to the devices of the first category mentioned above, devices of this kind have the advantage of allowing easier connection of the carriages, even if they have undergone deformation. However, these devices still have the disadvantage that during the return operation of a carriage, it is necessary to properly engage a determined member in the housing of the corresponding carriage, in this case the key carried by the attached chain. to the previous cart. However, this is an operation which is still not easy to perform, taking into account the fact that this key must be presented in a determined position in order to be able to be engaged in the corresponding housing.

C'est pourquoi la présente invention a pour objet un dispositif de consignation conçu pour éviter les inconvénients des dispositifs rappelés ci-dessus.This is why the present invention relates to a locking device designed to avoid the drawbacks of the devices mentioned above.

Ce dispositif de consignation est destiné à équiper des chariots de type encastrable mis à la disposition des utilisateurs, afin que ceux-ci ne puissent disposer d'un tel chariot qu'après consignation d'une certaine somme d'argent dans dispositif en ayant la possibilité de récupérer celle-ci lors de la restitution du chariot correspondant en un point donné et encastrement dans les chariots se trouvant éventuellement en ce point, ce dispositif comportant un boîtier de commande destiné à être fixé sur chaque chariot et pourvu d'un mécanisme actionné par la mise en place d'un élément de paiement et associé à des moyens de retenue des chariots les uns avec les autres. Ce dispositif est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • a) un organe mobile d'accrochage ou de verrouillage dans ou contre la structure d'un autre chariot dont le boîtier est fixé sur le chariot correspondant en un point tel que cet organe s'engage en position de verrouillage dans ou contre la structure d'un autre chariot lorsque ces deux chariots sont encastrés l'un dans l'autre,
  • b) un boîtier de commande dont le mécanisme est activé par la mise en place d'un élément de consignation pour commander, ou tout au moins pour permettre, l'effacement de cet organe d'accrochage ou de verrouillage,
  • c) un système de détection ou le contrôle comprenant deux parties dont l'une est solidaire de ou fait partie de la structure du chariot (1) et dont l'autrre prévue sur le chariot est associée au mécanisme du boîtier de commande de manière que, lors de l'encastrement du chariot considéré sur ou dans un autre chariot, une partie solidaire d'un chariot actionne ou attire une autre partie de l'autre chariot pour agir sur le mécanisme du boîtier de commande de l'autre chariot, cependant que, sous l'effet de cette action, ce mécanisme est apte à assurer la restitution de l'élément de paiement précédemment reçu et à permettre en même temps le retour de l'organe d'accrochage ou de verrouillage dans sa position de verrouillage.
This depositing device is intended to equip built-in type carts made available to users, so that they can have such a cart only after depositing a certain amount of money in the device having the possibility of recovering it during the return of the corresponding carriage at a given point and embedding in the carriages possibly located at this point, this device comprising a control unit intended to be fixed on each carriage and provided with an actuated mechanism by setting up a payment element and associated with means for retaining the carriages with each other. This device is characterized in that it comprises:
  • a) a mobile attachment or locking member in or against the structure of another carriage, the housing of which is fixed on the corresponding carriage at a point such that this member engages in the locking position in or against the structure d '' another trolley when these two trolleys are embedded in each other,
  • b) a control unit, the mechanism of which is activated by the installation of a locking element for controlling, or at least allowing, the erasure of this hooking or locking member,
  • c) a detection or control system comprising two parts, one of which is integral with or forms part of the structure of the carriage (1) and the other of which provided on the carriage is associated with the mechanism of the control unit so that , when the carriage in question is embedded on or in another carriage, a part integral with a carriage actuates or attracts another part of the other carriage to act on the mechanism of the control box of the other carriage, however that, under the effect of this action, this mechanism is capable of ensuring the return of the payment element previously received and at the same time allowing the return of the latching or locking member in its locking position.

Ainsi, pour pouvoir récupérer l'élément de paiement servant de consignation, il n'est plus nécessaire pour l'utilisateur de procéder à la jonction d'organes d'accouplement ou à l'introduction d'une clé dans un mécanisme de serrure ou similaire. En effet, il lui suffit d'encastrer le chariot utilisé sur ou dans le dernier chariot se trouvant à l'endroit du lieu voulu de restitution.Thus, in order to be able to recover the payment item serving as a deposit, it is no longer necessary for the user to join coupling members or to insert a key into a lock mechanism or similar. Indeed, it suffices to embed the cart used on or in the last cart located at the place of the desired place of return.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'objet de l'invention le système de contrôle de l'encastrement des chariots comprend, sur chacun d'eux :

  • d'une part un organe susceptible de servir de témoin, actif ou passif, de la présence du chariot correspondant lorsqu'un autre chariot est encastré sur ou dans celui-ci,
  • d'autre part des moyens aptes à détecter un tel témoin ou à réagir à la présence de celui-ci, et qui sont susceptibles d'agir sur le boîtier de commande du dispositif équipant le chariot comportant ces moyens de détection ou de réaction.
According to another characteristic of the object of the invention, the undercarriage control system comprises, on each of them:
  • on the one hand, a member capable of serving as a witness, active or passive, of the presence of the corresponding carriage when another carriage is embedded on or in it,
  • on the other hand, means capable of detecting such a witness or of reacting to the presence of the latter, and which are capable of acting on the control unit of the device equipping the carriage comprising these detection or reaction means.

Dans une forme de réalisation particulière d'un tel système de contrôle, l'organe destiné à servir de témoin de la présence d'un chariot est constitué par un aimant permanent fixé en un point déterminé de chaque chariot, cependant que les moyens susceptibles de réagir à la présence de celui-ci consistent en un élément mobile de blocage en métal magnétique qui assure normalement la retenue d'un tiroir de réception de l'élément de consignation et qui est susceptible d'en assurer la libération lorsque cet élément se trouve déplacé par l'attraction magnétique résultant de la proximité du témoin prévu sur un autre chariot, et ce lors de leur encastrement.In a particular embodiment of such a control system, the member intended to serve as a witness to the presence of a carriage consists of a permanent magnet fixed at a determined point on each carriage, while the means capable of react to the presence of the latter consist of a movable magnetic metal blocking element which normally ensures the retention of a drawer for receiving the locking element and which is capable of ensuring its release when this element is present moved by the magnetic attraction resulting from the proximity of the witness provided on another carriage, and this during their installation.

Cependant il ne s'agit là que d'un exemple de réalisation. Du reste, d'autres particularités du dispositif de consignation selon l'invention, ainsi que des chariots équipés d'un tel dispositif, apparaitront au cours de la description suivante. Celle-ci est donnée en référence au dessin annexé à simple titre indicatif, et sur lequel :However, this is only an example of implementation. Moreover, other features of the deposit device according to the invention, as well as carts equipped with such a device, will appear during the following description. This is given with reference to the attached drawing for information only, and on which:

La figure 1 est une vue en élévation de côté d'une file de chariots encastrés les uns dans les autres à l'endroit d'un lieu de restitution et de prélèvement de ceux-ci.Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a line of carts embedded in each other at a place of return and removal thereof.

Les figures 2 à 5 sont des vues en coupe du boîtier de commande du dispositif de consignation prévu dans chacun de ces chariots, ces vues illustrant les différentes phases successives de fonctionnement du mécanisme de ce boîtier lors du prélèvement d'un chariot.Figures 2 to 5 are sectional views of the control box of the locking device provided in each of these carriages, these views illustrating the different successive phases of operation of the mechanism of this housing during removal of a carriage.

La figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 mais qui représente une autre forme de réalisation des chariots selon l'invention.Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1 but which shows another embodiment of the carts according to the invention.

Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues en coupe verticale d'une autre forme de réalisation d'un boîtier de consignation selon l'invention.Figures 7 and 8 are vertical section views of another embodiment of a lockout box according to the invention.

Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues en coupe horizontale d'un détail de ce boîtier.Figures 9 and 10 are views in horizontal section of a detail of this housing.

A titre d'exemple, la figure 1 représente des chariots 1 de transport du type de ceux mis à la disposition des clients dans les magasins fonctionnant en libre-service. Chacun de ces chariots comporte donc une corbeille de transport 2 fixée à une certaine hauteur au-dessus d'un socle 3. De façon connue, la paroi arrière de la corbeille 2 est constituée par un volet mobile 4 dont le bord supérieur est monté articulé autour d'un axe horizontal 5. Ceci permet d'encastrer une série de tels chariots les uns à l'intérieur des autres comme représenté sur la figure 1. Après un tel encastrement, le volet arrière pivotant 5 de chaque chariot se trouve maintenu soulevé par la partie supérieure de la corbeille de transport 2 du chariot situé derrière lui.By way of example, FIG. 1 represents transport trolleys 1 of the type made available to customers in self-service stores. Each of these carriages therefore comprises a transport basket 2 fixed at a certain height above a base 3. In known manner, the rear wall of the basket 2 is constituted by a movable flap 4 whose upper edge is hinged around a horizontal axis 5. This allows a series of such carriages to be embedded one inside the other as shown in FIG. 1. After such an embedding, the pivoting rear flap 5 of each carriage is kept raised by the upper part of the transport basket 2 of the trolley located behind it.

Or chacun de ces chariots est équipé d'un dispositif de consignation selon l'invention. Dans l'exemple représenté, chacun de ces dispositifs comporte un boîtier principal 6 qui sert à la fois de boîtier de commande renfermant le mécanisme monnayeur et de boîtier de montage du verrou du dispositif correspondant. Ce boîtier 6 est fixé sur le volet pivotant 4 de chaque chariot à une distance L de son extrémité. En plus de ce boîtier, chaque chariot est équipé d'un témoin de présence 7 qui est destiné à agir sur le dispositif de consignation prévu sur le chariot emboîté autour du chariot considéré. Dans l'exemple représenté, ce témoin consiste en un aimant permanent 7 fixé à l'extrémité avant du cadre supérieur 17 de la corbeille 2 de chaque chariot. En combinaison avec ce témoin de présence, il est prévu, sur chaque chariot, des moyens aptes à détecter ce témoin ou à réagir à la présence de celui-ci. Dans l'exemple représenté, ces moyens 8 sont portés par le boîtier principal 6 de chaque dispositif de consignation. En l'occurrence, dans l'exemple représenté il s'agit d'un doigt mobile en métal magnétique qui est susceptible d'être attiré par l'aimant permanent constitué par le témoin de présence 7 du chariot précédent. Ce doigt mobile est soumis à la pression d'un ressort 10 qui tend à le maintenir relevé dans une position assurant le blocage d'un tiroir mobile 29 prévu dans le boîtier 6 correspondant, ce qui sera du reste décrit plus en détail par la suite.Each of these carriages is equipped with a deposit device according to the invention. In the example shown, each of these devices comprises a main box 6 which serves both as a control box containing the coin mechanism and as a box for mounting the lock of the corresponding device. This housing 6 is fixed on the pivoting flap 4 of each carriage at a distance L from its end. In addition to this housing, each carriage is equipped with a presence indicator 7 which is intended to act on the locking device provided on the carriage fitted around the carriage in question. In the example shown, this indicator consists of a permanent magnet 7 fixed to the front end of the upper frame 17 of the basket 2 of each carriage. In combination with this presence indicator, means are provided on each carriage capable of detecting this indicator or of reacting to the presence of the latter. In the example shown, these means 8 are carried by the main unit 6 of each locking device. In this case, in the example shown it is a movable finger of magnetic metal which is likely to be attracted by the permanent magnet constituted by the presence indicator 7 of the preceding carriage. This movable finger is subjected to the pressure of a spring 10 which tends to keep it raised in a position ensuring the blocking of a movable drawer 29 provided in the corresponding housing 6, which will moreover be described in more detail below. .

Le verrou, également prévu sur le boîtier 6 de chaque dispositif de consignation, comporte un pène 14 solidaire d'un axe rotatif 15 portant une manette de manoeuvre 16. Dans la position de verrouillage représentée à la figure 2, le pène 14 s'étend à peu près verticalement vers le bas et sa longueur est telle que son extrémité se trouve alors engagée à l'intérieur du cadre horizontal supérieur 17 de la corbeille 2 du chariot 1 précédent, en l'occurrence le chariot désigné par la référence la sur la figure 1. Dans ces conditions, il n'est pas possible de retirer le chariot qui est équipé du boîtier de verrouillage 6 décrit ci-dessus, c'est-à-dire le chariot 1b dans l'exemple de la figure 1.The lock, also provided on the housing 6 of each locking device, comprises a bolt 14 secured to a rotary axis 15 carrying an operating lever 16. In the locking position shown in FIG. 2, the bolt 14 extends roughly vertically downwards and its length is such that its end is then engaged inside the upper horizontal frame 17 of the basket 2 of the previous carriage 1, in this case the carriage designated by the reference la on the FIG. 1. Under these conditions, it is not possible to remove the carriage which is equipped with the locking box 6 described above, that is to say the carriage 1b in the example of FIG. 1.

Pour pouvoir retirer ce chariot, il faut donc relever le pène 14 en position d'effacement par rotation de la manette de manoeuvre 16 dans le sens de la flèche F. Toutefois, le mécanisme monnayeur prévu dans le boîtier 6 interdit une telle rotation tant qu'une pièce de monnaie 18 n'a pas été introduite dans celui-ci à titre d'élément de consignation.In order to be able to remove this carriage, it is therefore necessary to raise the bolt 14 in the erasing position by rotation of the operating lever 16 in the direction of the arrow F. However, the coin mechanism provided in the housing 6 prohibits such rotation until a coin 18 has not been introduced therein as a deposit item.

Ce mécanisme comprend un cliquet principal 19 monté pivotant autour d'un axe 20 et qui est pourvu de deux dents 21 et 22 coopérant avec des crans prévus sur une came 23 solidaire de l'axe rotatif 15. Ce cliquet est soumis à la pression élastique d'un ressort 24 et par l'intermédiaire d'une patte 25 il prend appui sur un cliquet secondaire 26 monté pivotant autour d'un axe 27 et soumis à la pression élastique d'un ressort 28.This mechanism comprises a main pawl 19 mounted pivoting about an axis 20 and which is provided with two teeth 21 and 22 cooperating with notches provided on a cam 23 integral with the rotary axis 15. This pawl is subjected to elastic pressure of a spring 24 and by means of a tab 25 it bears on a secondary pawl 26 mounted pivoting about an axis 27 and subjected to the elastic pressure of a spring 28.

Par ailleurs, le boîtier 6 renferme le tiroir coulissant 29 déjà mentionné dont une extrémité comporte un réceptacle 30 destiné à recevoir une pièce de monnaie 18 de consignation. Ce tiroir est soumis à la pression d'un ressort 31 qui tend à le repousser dans une position telle que le réceptacle 30 se trouve situé en dehors du boîtier 6 lorsque le pène 14 est en position de verrouillage.Furthermore, the housing 6 contains the sliding drawer 29 already mentioned, one end of which includes a receptacle 30 intended to receive a coin 18 for deposit. This drawer is subjected to the pressure of a spring 31 which tends to push it back into a position such that the receptacle 30 is located outside the housing 6 when the bolt 14 is in the locked position.

Il convient de noter que dans ce cas le doigt mobile de blocage 9 faisant partie des moyens de détection 8 se trouve alors maintenu en position effacée, par l'attraction magnétique résultant de l'élément permanent 7 servant de témoin de présence du chariot précédent. En conséquence, il est possible de repousser le tiroir 29 à l'intérieur du boîtier 6. Cependant pour obtenir le déverrouillage de l'axe rotatif 15, il est nécessaire qu'une pièce de monnaie 18 servant d'élément de consignation ait été au préalable mise en place dans le réceptacle 30 de ce tiroir.It should be noted that in this case the movable blocking finger 9 forming part of the detection means 8 is then held in the erased position, by the magnetic attraction resulting from the permanent element 7 serving as a witness to the presence of the preceding carriage. Consequently, it is possible to push the drawer 29 inside the housing 6. However, to obtain the unlocking of the rotary axis 15, it is necessary that a coin 18 serving as a deposit element has been at previously placed in the receptacle 30 of this drawer.

Dans un tel cas, cette pièce vient agir sur une queue 32 du cliquet secondaire 26, ce qui a pour effet de libérer le cliquet principal 19 (voir figure 3). C'est donc la queue 32 du cliquet 26 qui détecte la forme de la pièce de monnaie 18 ou autre élément valable de paiement placé dans le réceptacle du tiroir.In such a case, this part acts on a shank 32 of the secondary pawl 26, which has the effect of releasing the main pawl 19 (see FIG. 3). It is therefore the tail 32 of the pawl 26 which detects the shape of the 18 coin or other valid payment item placed in the drawer receptacle.

Lorsque ce tiroir est repoussé à fond à l'intérieur du boîtier 6, il vient agir sur le cliquet principal 19 de façon à provoquer le dégagement de sa dent 21 hors de la came 23 afin de libérer cette dernière. Cependant cette action peut être réalisée par l'intermédiaire de la pièce de monnaie 18 elle-même. A cet effet, la paroi avant 33 du réceptacle 30 comporte une ouverture 34 destinée à recevoir une queue 35 prévue sur le cliquet principal 19, ce qui permet ainsi à la pièce de monnaie 18 d'agir directement sur ce cliquet.When this drawer is pushed back inside the housing 6, it acts on the main pawl 19 so as to cause the release of its tooth 21 from the cam 23 in order to release the latter. However, this action can be carried out by means of the coin 18 itself. To this end, the front wall 33 of the receptacle 30 has an opening 34 intended to receive a shank 35 provided on the main pawl 19, which thus allows the coin 18 to act directly on this pawl.

A partir du moment où la came 23 a été libérée, il est possible de faire tourner l'axe 15 dans le sens de la flèche F au moyen de la poignée 16 de manière à assurer le relèvement du pène 14, et par suite son effacement. Ceci permet donc de dégager en avant le chariot pourvu du présent dispositif afin de le libérer des autres. Bien entendu, il convient qu'il s'agisse du chariot situé en avant, donc le chariot 1b dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 1.From the moment the cam 23 has been released, it is possible to rotate the axis 15 in the direction of the arrow F by means of the handle 16 so as to ensure the lifting of the bolt 14, and consequently its erasure . This therefore allows the carriage provided with this device to be released in front in order to free it from the others. Of course, it should be the carriage located in front, therefore the carriage 1b in the example illustrated in FIG. 1.

Il convient de noter que le relèvement de la poignée 16, dans la position d'effacement du pène 14, a également pour effet que la came rotative 23 repousse un levier 40 de verrouillage dans une position pour laquelle une dent de celui-ci vient s'accrocher contre une dent 41 du tiroir 29. Ceci assure donc le verrouillage de ce dernier dans sa position d'enfoncement à l'intérieur du boîtier 6. En conséquence, la pièce de monnaie 18 de consignation reste enfermée à l'intérieur du boîtier 6 pendant toute la durée d'utilisation du chariot correspondant 1b.It should be noted that the raising of the handle 16, in the position of erasing the bolt 14, also has the effect that the rotary cam 23 pushes a locking lever 40 in a position for which a tooth thereof comes s 'hook against a tooth 41 of the drawer 29. This therefore ensures the locking of the latter in its insertion position inside the housing 6. Consequently, the deposit coin 18 remains locked inside the housing 6 throughout the period of use of the corresponding carriage 1b.

Dès le prélèvement de ce chariot 1b, l'attraction magnétique précédemment exercée par le témoin de présence 7 du chariot précédent est interrompue. En conséquence, le doigt mobile 9 de blocage remonte immédiatement dans sa position de verrouillage sous l'action du ressort de rappel 10. Il assure alors également le verrouillage du tiroir 29 à l'intérieur du boîtier 6, et ce par engagement contre une dent 36 portée par ce tiroir.As soon as this carriage 1b is removed, the magnetic attraction previously exerted by the presence indicator 7 of the preceding carriage is interrupted. Consequently, the movable locking finger 9 immediately rises in its locking position under the action of the return spring 10. It then also ensures the locking of the drawer 29 inside the housing 6, and this by engagement against a tooth 36 carried by this drawer.

Pour pouvoir récupérer la pièce 18 de consignation, il est nécessaire de restituer le chariot utilisé dans un des lieux prévus à cet effet, et en outre de l'emboîter par l'arrière sur le dernier chariot d'une file se trouvant à cet endroit, comme cela est illustré pour le chariot 1c représenté à la figure 1.In order to be able to retrieve the consignment piece 18, it is necessary to return the trolley used in one of the places provided for this purpose, and in addition to nest it from the rear on the last trolley of a file located at this location , as illustrated for the carriage 1c shown in FIG. 1.

En effet, l'emboîtement de ce chariot sur le dernier chariot 1b de la file a pour effet de provoquer le relèvement du volet arrière 6 du chariot 1c dans le sens de la flèche F2. Puis ce volet glisse sur le dessus du cadre supérieur 17 du chariot 1b jusqu'à ce que le chariot 1c soit parfaitement en place.Indeed, the interlocking of this carriage on the last carriage 1b of the queue has the effect of causing the rear flap 6 of the carriage 1c to be raised in the direction of the arrow F2. Then this flap slides on top of the upper frame 17 of the carriage 1b until the carriage 1c is perfectly in place.

A ce moment le témoin de présence 7 du chariot 1b se trouve situé au-dessous du boîtier 6 du chariot 1c. Ceci provoque le déplacement du doigt de blocage 9 dans sa position d'effacement. Cependant ceci ne suffit pas pour que le ressort 31 puisse repousser le tiroir 29 vers l'extérieur. En effet pour que ce déplacement soit possible il faut que l'utilisateur fasse tourner la poignée 16 dans le sens inverse à la flèche F pour ramener le pène 14 du verrou dans sa position de verrouillage à l'intérieur du cadre supérieur 17 du chariot précédent. En effet, ceci est indispensable pour que la came rotative 23 libère le levier 40 assurant le verrouillage du tiroir 29. Dès que ce levier est repoussé dans sa position d'effacement par un ressort de rappel 42, le tiroir 29 est repoussé vers l'extérieur dans la position représentée à la figure 2, ce qui permet la récupération de la pièce de monnaie 18 de consignation.At this time the presence indicator 7 of the carriage 1b is located below the housing 6 of the carriage 1c. This causes the locking finger 9 to move to its erasing position. However, this is not enough for the spring 31 to be able to push the drawer 29 outwards. Indeed, for this movement to be possible, the user must rotate the handle 16 in the opposite direction to the arrow F to return the bolt 14 of the bolt to its locking position inside the upper frame 17 of the previous carriage . Indeed, this is essential for the rotary cam 23 to release the lever 40 ensuring the locking of the drawer 29. As soon as this lever is pushed back into its erasing position by a return spring 42, the drawer 29 is pushed back towards the outside in the position shown in Figure 2, which allows the recovery of the deposit coin 18.

En conséquence, l'utilisateur du chariot ne peut récupérer cette pièce servant d'élément de consignation que dans la double condition :

  • qu'il ait restitué ce chariot en un point voulu et qu'il l'ait alors emboîté sur les autres chariots se trouvant déjà à cet endroit,
  • et qu'il ait également ramené le pène 14 en position de verrouillage de sorte qu'un autre utilisateur éventuel ne puisse retirer ultérieurement ce chariot qu'après avoir lui-même mis en place une autre pièce de monnaie comme élément de consignation.
As a result, the cart user cannot recover this document serving as a consignment element only in the double condition:
  • that it has returned this carriage to a desired point and that it has then fitted it onto the other carriages already located at this location,
  • and that it has also returned the bolt 14 to the locked position so that another potential user can later remove this carriage only after having himself installed another coin as a deposit item.

Toutefois, le boîtier de commande du présent dispositif de consignation peut être équipé d'un mécanisme assurant automatiquement à la fois l'effacement du pène 14 lorsqu'une pièce de monnaie de consignation a été placée dans ce boîtier, et le retour de ce pène dans sa position de verrouillage quand le chariot a été restitué en place et emboîté sur d'autres chariots se trouvant déjà à cet endroit.However, the control box of this deposit device can be equipped with a mechanism automatically ensuring both the deletion of the bolt 14 when a deposit coin has been placed in this box, and the return of this bolt in its locked position when the carriage has been returned in place and fitted onto other carriages already located at this location.

Chaque point de prélèvement et de restitution de chariots 1 est équipé d'une structure particulière permettant la fixation en place d'un premier chariot dans les mêmes conditions que s'il était emboîté sur un autre chariot. Cette structure comprend deux poteaux fixes 37 portant des arceaux saillants 38 destinés à jouer le même rôle que l'extrémité avant d'une corbeille de chariot, afin d'être en mesure de provoquer le soulèvement du volet arrière 4 du premier chariot 1 d'une file. A leur extrémité avant, ces deux arceaux sont réunis par un étrier horizontal 39 à l'endroit duquel peut s'engager le pène 14 de verrouillage du premier chariot considéré. De plus cet étrier porte un témoin de présence 7 identique à ceux prévus sur les chariots 1. Dans ces conditions, le chariot emboîté sur les arceaux 38 peut être libéré dans les mêmes conditions que s'il était emboîté sur d'autres chariots. Il peut également être restitué à cet endroit dans des conditions similaires.Each point of removal and return of carriages 1 is equipped with a particular structure allowing the fixing in place of a first carriage under the same conditions as if it were fitted on another carriage. This structure comprises two fixed posts 37 carrying projecting arches 38 intended to play the same role as the front end of a trolley basket, in order to be able to cause the rear flap 4 of the first trolley 1 to be raised. a girl. At their front end, these two arches are joined by a horizontal stirrup 39 at the place where the bolt 14 for locking the first carriage in question can engage. In addition, this stirrup carries a presence indicator 7 identical to those provided on the carriages 1. Under these conditions, the carriage fitted on the poles 38 can be released under the same conditions as if it were fitted on other carriages. It can also be returned to this location under similar conditions.

Du fait de sa conception, le dispositif de consignation selon l'invention est constitué par la combinaison de quatre parties distinctes à savoir :

  • le boîtier de commande comprenant le mécanisme monnayeur,
  • le verrou comportant le pène mobile 14,
  • le témoin de présence 7 d'un chariot,
  • les moyens 8 de détection ou de réaction en présence d'un tel témoin.
Due to its design, the deposit device according to the invention consists of the combination of four separate parts, namely:
  • the control unit comprising the coin mechanism,
  • the lock comprising the movable bolt 14,
  • the presence indicator 7 of a carriage,
  • the means 8 for detection or reaction in the presence of such a witness.

Dans l'exemple décrit précédemment, le boîtier 6 regroupe les deux premières parties mentionnées ci-dessus, ainsi que la dernière partie, seul le témoin de présence étant distinct. Cependant dans d'autres formes de réalisation ces quatre parties peuvent être complètement distinctes les unes des autres en étant reliées par des circuits électriques ou autres éléments de liaison appropriés. Ainsi, les moyens de détection ou de réaction pourraient être constitués par un interrupteur électrique susceptible d'être actionné par un aimant permanent 7, cet interrupteur étant disposé en un point plus ou moins éloigné du boîtier de commande 6, tout en étant relié, par un circuit électrique, à une bobine électro-magnétique commandant le déplacement du doigt mobile de blocage 9 ou de tout autre organe susceptible de jouer le même rôle.In the example described above, the box 6 groups together the first two parts mentioned above, as well as the last part, only the presence indicator being distinct. However in other embodiments these four parts can be completely separate from each other by being connected by electrical circuits or other suitable connecting elements. Thus, the detection or reaction means could be constituted by an electric switch capable of being actuated by a permanent magnet 7, this switch being disposed at a point more or less distant from the control unit 6, while being connected, by an electrical circuit, to an electromagnetic coil controlling the movement of the movable blocking finger 9 or of any other member capable of playing the same role.

De même le verrou pourrait être dissocié du boîtier de commande 6 pour que le pène mobile soit placé en un autre endroit. Dans un tel cas, le boîtier de ce verrou serait alors relié au mécanisme monnayeur prévu dans le boîtier de commande afin de recevoir les consignes voulues provenant de celui-ci, et vice-versa.Similarly, the lock could be separated from the control unit 6 so that the movable bolt is placed in another place. In such a case, the box of this lock would then be connected to the coin mechanism provided in the control box in order to receive the desired instructions from it, and vice versa.

Du reste les points d'implantation des diverses parties du dispositif de consignation peuvent être modifiés. Dans le cas décrit précédemment et représenté aux figures 1 à 5, le pène de verrouillage est monté sur le volet pivotant 4 de chaque chariot de façon à pouvoir s'engager à l'intérieur du cadre supérieur 17 de la corbeille 2 du chariot précédent. Cette solution permet d'obtenir l'immobilisation voulue du chariot considéré sans avoir à introduire des organes d'accouplement les uns dans les autres, puisque cette immobilisation résulte simplement de l'engagement du pène mobile 14 à l'intérieur de la structure du chariot précédent.Moreover, the locations of the various parts of the deposit device can be modified. In the case described above and shown in Figures 1 to 5, the locking pin is mounted on the pivoting flap 4 of each carriage so as to be able to engage inside the upper frame 17 of the basket 2 of the preceding carriage. This solution makes it possible to obtain the desired immobilization of the carriage in question without having to introduce coupling members into each other, since this immobilization simply results from the engagement of the movable bolt 14 inside the structure of the carriage previous.

Cependant ce même résultat pourrait être obtenu par engagement d'un tel pêne dans d'autres points de la structure d'un chariot voisin, ou même éventuellement contre l'un des éléments de cette structure, et ce de manière telle qu'il ne soit pas possible de retirer librement le chariot équipé du pêne considéré.However, this same result could be obtained by engaging such a bolt in other points of the structure of a neighboring carriage, or even possibly against one of the elements of this structure, and in such a way that it does not it is not possible to freely remove the carriage fitted with the bolt in question.

Du reste, la figure 6 représente une variante dans laquelle il est prévu un boîtier de verrouillage 43 qui est distinct du boîtier de commande 44 du dispositif de consignation correspondant. Ce dernier renferme un mécanisme monnayeur destiné à recevoir l'élément de consignation prévu. Pour faciliter les opérations, ce boîtier 44 est situé à la partie supérieure de chaque chariot et à proximité de la poignée de manoeuvre 45 de celui-ci. Quant au boîtier de verrouillage 43, il est disposé au-dessous de la corbeille 2a de chaque chariot. Ces deux boîtiers sont reliés l'un à l'autre par un circuit électrique transmettant au boîtier de verrouillage les consignes provenant du boîtier de commande 44, et vice-versa.Moreover, Figure 6 shows a variant in which there is provided a locking box 43 which is separate from the control box 44 of the corresponding locking device. The latter contains a coin mechanism intended to receive the planned deposit element. To facilitate operations, this box 44 is located at the top of each carriage and close to the operating handle 45 thereof. As for the locking box 43, it is arranged below the basket 2a of each carriage. These two boxes are connected to each other by an electrical circuit transmitting to the locking box the instructions from the control box 44, and vice versa.

Le boîtier 43 de verrouillage, prévu sur un chariot déterminé, par exemple le chariot le, est apte à s'accrocher sur, ou à emprisonner un élément de la structure du chariot précédent 1d dans lequel est emboîté le chariot considéré le. Dans l'exemple représenté cet élément de structure peut être la traverse inférieure arrière 46 de la corbeille 2a du chariot précédent. Pour réaliser l'emprisonnement de cette traverse, le boîtier 43 renferme un crochet mobile de verrouillage. Cependant ce boîtier comporte également des moyens 8a de détection ou de réaction qui sont susceptibles de réagir à la présence d'un témoin approprié 7a prévu sur le chariot sur lequel le chariot considéré est emboîté. Ce témoin peut consister en un aimant permanent susceptible d'agir sur les moyens 8a de détection qui jouent alors le rôle d'un détecteur de proximité d'un autre chariot.The locking housing 43, provided on a specific carriage, for example the carriage, is able to hang on, or to trap an element of the structure of the preceding carriage 1d in which the carriage considered is fitted. In the example shown, this structural element can be the rear lower cross member 46 of the basket 2a of the preceding carriage. For imprison this cross member, the housing 43 contains a movable locking hook. However, this box also includes means 8a for detection or reaction which are capable of reacting to the presence of an appropriate indicator 7a provided on the carriage on which the carriage in question is fitted. This indicator may consist of a permanent magnet capable of acting on the detection means 8a which then play the role of a proximity detector of another carriage.

Ainsi, on obtient le même fonctionnement que précédemment. En effet, :

  • d'une part, lorsqu'un élément de consignation est introduit dans le boîtier de commande 44, ceci commande l'effacement du crochet mobile du boîtier de verrouillage 43 du même chariot de sorte que l'on peut librement retirer celui-ci par traction en arrière, comme représenté pour le chariot 1f sur la figure 6,
  • d'autre part, lors de la restitution de ce chariot et de son emboîtement sur le dernier chariot de la file se trouvant à l'endroit voulu, ce sont les moyens 8a de détection ou de réaction qui commandent le retour du pène dans sa position de verrouillage, ainsi que la sortie du tiroir du monnayeur permettant de récupérer l'élément de consignation.
Thus, the same operation is obtained as above. Indeed, :
  • on the one hand, when a locking element is introduced into the control box 44, this controls the erasure of the movable hook of the locking box 43 of the same carriage so that it can be freely withdrawn by traction behind, as shown for the carriage 1f in FIG. 6,
  • on the other hand, during the return of this carriage and of its nesting on the last carriage of the queue being at the desired location, it is the means 8a of detection or reaction which control the return of the bolt to its position locking mechanism, as well as the exit from the coin-operated drawer allowing the return element to be recovered.

Dans cette forme de réalisation, les divers mécanismes correspondant peuvent être actionnés par des systèmes électro-magnétiques alimentés par des piles. En effet, les éléments mobiles à entraîner présentent une très faible masse, de sorte que la consommation d'énergie est relativement limitée et permet une longévité satisfaisante des piles utilisées.In this embodiment, the various corresponding mechanisms can be actuated by electromagnetic systems powered by batteries. Indeed, the mobile elements to be driven have a very low mass, so that the energy consumption is relatively limited and allows a satisfactory longevity of the batteries used.

Bien entendu, dans cette forme de réalisation il est nécessaire, comme précédemment, de prévoir une structure permettant la fixation en place du premier chariot 1d d'une file de tels chariots. Cette structure comprend un poteau 37a, portant deux bras horizontaux 47 réunis par un arceau 48 en fil métallique apte à jouer le rôle de la traverse inférieure arrière 46 de la corbeille d'un chariot. Ainsi le crochet mobile du boîtier de verrouillage 43 du premier chariot 1d peut s'accrocher sur cet arceau. De plus, cet arceau est muni d'un témoin de présence 7a susceptible d'agir sur les moyens de détection ou de réaction 8a prévus sur le premier chariot 1d de la file.Of course, in this embodiment it is necessary, as before, to provide a structure allowing the first carriage 1d to be fixed in place of a line of such carriages. This structure comprises a post 37a, carrying two horizontal arms 47 joined by a metal wire arch 48 capable of playing the role of the rear lower cross member 46 of the basket of a carriage. Thus, the movable hook of the locking housing 43 of the first carriage 1d can hang on this hoop. In addition, this hoop is provided with a presence indicator 7a capable of acting on the detection or reaction means 8a provided on the first carriage 1d in the queue.

Mais, de même que dans le cas illustré aux figures 1 à 5, la forme de réalisation selon la figure 6 ne constitue qu'un exemple indicatif des formes d'exécution possibles des chariots selon l'invention et de leur dispositif de consignation. En effet, ce chariot et ce dispositif peuvent faire l'objet de nombreuses autres formes différentes de réalisation répondant aux mêmes principes de conception en prévoyant un emboîtement des chariots les uns dans les autres, soit par l'arrière (cas de la figure 1), soit par l'avant (cas de la figure 6).However, as in the case illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the embodiment according to FIG. 6 constitutes only an indicative example of the possible embodiments of the carriages according to the invention and of their recording device. Indeed, this carriage and this device can be the subject of many other different embodiments meeting the same design principles by providing for nesting of the carriages in each other, either from the rear (case of Figure 1) , or from the front (case of Figure 6).

Ainsi les figures 7 à 10 représentent une autre forme de réalisation possible d'un boîtier 6a de commande et de verrouillage qui est susceptible d'être prévu sur un chariot. Au lieu d'un pène d'accrochage 14, ce boîtier renferme une mâchoire pivotante 49 qui est apte à saisir et emprisonner le bord supérieur avant 50 de la corbeille d'un chariot voisin en emboîtement, si ce boîtier est fixé sur le volet 4 d'un autre chariot.Thus, FIGS. 7 to 10 show another possible embodiment of a control and locking box 6a which is capable of being provided on a carriage. Instead of a latching bolt 14, this casing contains a pivoting jaw 49 which is capable of grasping and trapping the upper front edge 50 of the basket of a neighboring carriage in interlocking mode, if this casing is fixed to the flap 4 from another cart.

Un certain nombre d'organes prévus dans ce boîtier sont similaires à ceux existant dans le boîtier 6 représenté aux figures 2 à 5. Ces pièces sont désignées par le même chiffre de référence, affecté de l'indice "a". Ainsi il est prévu un tiroir 29a destiné à recevoir une pièce 18 de consignation. Lors de l'enfoncement de ce tiroir, la présence de cette pièce est contrôlée par un cliquet secondaire 26a qui débloque alors un cliquet principal 19a. Celui-ci débloque à son tour la mâchoire pivotante 49 qui pivote dans le sens F3 sous l'effet de la poussée exercée par le bord avant 51 du tiroir 29a, de sorte que la mâchoire 49 se dégage du bord avant 50 de la corbeille du chariot voisin (voir figure 8). Dans ces conditions le chariot, équipé du boîtier 6a en cause, peut être retiré de la file des chariots en attente pour être utilisé librement.A number of members provided in this box are similar to those existing in the box 6 shown in Figures 2 to 5. These parts are designated by the same reference numeral, assigned the index "a". Thus there is provided a drawer 29a intended to receive a piece 18 of consignment. When this drawer is inserted, the presence of this part is controlled by a secondary pawl 26a which then releases a pawl main 19a. This in turn unlocks the pivoting jaw 49 which pivots in the direction F3 under the effect of the thrust exerted by the front edge 51 of the drawer 29a, so that the jaw 49 emerges from the front edge 50 of the basket of the neighboring carriage (see Figure 8). Under these conditions, the carriage, fitted with the box 6a in question, can be removed from the queue of waiting carriages for free use.

Dès que le tiroir 29a est repoussé à fond il se trouve bloqué dans cette position à la fois par un becquet 52 de retenue, porté par la mâchoire pivotante 49, et par un levier de verrouillage 53 poussé par un ressort 54. Or ce levier porte une masselote métallique 55 susceptible d'être attirée par un aimant permanent prévu sur un chariot voisin, et ce lorsque ces deux chariots sont emboîtés l'un dans l'autre.As soon as the drawer 29a is pushed back fully it is blocked in this position both by a retaining spoiler 52, carried by the pivoting jaw 49, and by a locking lever 53 pushed by a spring 54. However, this lever carries a metal counterweight 55 capable of being attracted by a permanent magnet provided on a neighboring carriage, and this when these two carriages are nested one inside the other.

Quant à la mâchoire pivotante 49, elle a une forme telle que son engagement, contre le bord avant 50 de la corbeille d'un autre chariot, provoque son pivotement dans le sens de la flèche F4, et par suite son accrochage sur ce bord avant 50. A la suite de ce pivotement de la mâchoire 49, le becquet 52 de retenue libère le tiroir 29a.As for the pivoting jaw 49, it has a shape such that its engagement, against the front edge 50 of the basket of another carriage, causes it to pivot in the direction of the arrow F4, and consequently its attachment to this front edge 50. Following this pivoting of the jaw 49, the retaining spoiler 52 releases the drawer 29a.

Toutefois ce dernier ne peut revenir dans sa position initiale de la figure 7 que s'il est également libéré par le levier de verrouillage 53, donc si celui-ci a basculé sous l'effet de l'attraction magnétique exercée par l'aimant permanent prévu, à titre de témoin de présence, sur le chariot voisin. En conséquence la restitution de la pièce de consignation 18 n'a lieu que si les deux conditions suivantes sont réunies :

  • emboîtement du chariot restitué sur le dernier chariot d'une file de chariots en attente,
  • accrochage de la mâchoire pivotante 49 sur le bord avant de la corbeille de ce dernier chariot.
However, the latter can return to its initial position in FIG. 7 only if it is also released by the locking lever 53, therefore if the latter has tilted under the effect of the magnetic attraction exerted by the permanent magnet. provided, as a presence witness, on the neighboring carriage. Consequently, the return of deposit document 18 does not take place unless the following two conditions are met:
  • nesting of the carriage returned on the last carriage of a queue of waiting carriages,
  • hooking of the pivoting jaw 49 on the front edge of the basket of the latter carriage.

Mais encore une fois de nombreuses autres formes de réalisation peuvent être envisagées.But again many other embodiments can be envisaged.

Par ailleurs, il est bien évident que l'élément de consignation devant être introduit dans le boîtier de commande peut consister, non seulement en une pièce de monnaie ou un jeton de paiement, mais en tout autre moyen monétique, par exemple une carte magnétique de paiement, ou autre élément similaire. Il suffit alors que le boîtier de commande des dispositifs de consignation soit agencé en conséquence.Furthermore, it is obvious that the deposit element to be introduced into the control unit can consist, not only of a coin or a payment token, but in any other electronic means, for example a magnetic card of payment, or other similar item. It is then sufficient for the control box of the locking devices to be arranged accordingly.

Claims (11)

  1. A deposit device intended to equip trolleys (1) of the type which fit inside each other and are placed at the disposal of the users, in order that the users may only use such a trolley (1) after placing a deposit of a certain sum of money in this device, it being possible to retrieve this sum upon returning the corresponding trolley (1) to a given point and fitting it inside the trolleys which may be located at this point, this device comprising a control box (6) intended to be fixed on each trolley (1) and provided with a mechanism actuated by insertion of a unit of payment (18) and associated with means for keeping the trolleys together, this device being characterised in that it comprises:
    a) a movable element (14 or 49) for hooking or locking into or against the structure of another trolley (1) of which the box is fixed to the corresponding trolley (1) at a point such that this element engages in a locking position in or against the structure of another trolley (1) upon these two trolleys being fitted one inside the other,
    b) a control box (6) of which the mechanism is activated by insertion of a deposit unit in order to control, or at least to permit, the cancellation of this hooking or locking element,
    c) a system of detection or control comprising two parts (7, 7a; 8, 8a) of which the one (7, 7a) is firmly fixed to, or is part of the structure of the trolley (1) and of which the other (8, 8a), provided on the trolley (1), is associated with the mechanism of the control box (6) so that when the trolley concerned (1) is fitted onto or into another trolley, a part (7, 7a), which is firmly fixed to a trolley, actuates or attracts another part (8, 8a) of the other trolley in order to act upon the mechanism of the control box (6) of the other trolley, while, under the effect of this action, this mechanism is able to ensure the return of the unit of payment previously received and to permit at the same time the return of the hooking or locking element (14, 49) into it locking position.
  2. A deposit device according to claim 1, characterised in that the system for controlling the fitting together of the trolleys comprises, on each of them:
    - on the one hand, a device (7) able to serve as an active or passive indication of the presence of the corresponding trolley when another trolley is fitted onto or into the trolley,
    - and on the other hand, means (8) able to detect such an indication or to react to the presence thereof, and which are able to act upon the mechanism of the control box (6) of the device equipping the trolley comprising these detection or reaction means.
  3. A deposit device according to claim 2, characterised in that the device intended to serve as an indication of the presence of a trolley is comprised of a permanent magnet (7) fixed to a predetermined point of each trolley, while the means able to react to the presence of the trolley consist of a movable blocking element (9) of magnetic metal which normally ensures the retention of a drawer (29) for receiving the deposit unit and which is able to ensure the release of this unit when this element is displaced by the magnetic attraction resulting from the proximity of the indication (7) provided on another trolley, this taking place upon them being fitted together.
  4. A deposit device according to claim 3, characterised in that the device for hooking or locking onto the structure of another trolley consists of a bolt (14) supported by an axle (15) rotatably mounted in the control box (6) and which is provided with an operating handle (16), the possibilities for rotation of this axle being controlled by one or two levers (19, 26) disposed opposite the drawer (29), which receives the deposit unit, in order to be actuated by the drawer or by the deposit unit held by it upon it being pushed inside the control box (6).
  5. A deposit device according to claim 3, characterised in that the element for hooking or locking to the structure of another trolley consists of a pivoting grip (49) which is able to grip and hold a transverse element of this structure, for example the upper front edge of the basket of another trolley, the possibilities for rotating this grip being controlled by one or two levers (19a, 26a) disposed opposite the drawer (29a), which receives the deposit unit, in order to be actuated by the drawer or by the deposit unit held by it, upon it being pushed inside the control box (6a).
  6. A deposit device according to claim 1, characterised in that the lock box (40) is completely distinct from the control box (6a) comprising the coin mechanism, this latter being connected to the first by an electrical circuit able to ensure the supply to an electromagnetic coil intended to act on the bolt of the lock in order to release the corresponding trolley when a deposit unit is placed in the control box (6a).
  7. A deposit device according to claim 6, characterised in that the reaction means of the indication of the presence of another trolley are supported by the lock box (40) and these means are able to control, in this box, the device for returning the deposit unit in order to ensure the return of the unit upon the corresponding trolley being fitted onto or into another trolley.
  8. A trolley of the type which fit inside each other, characterised in that a deposit device is provided according to one of claims 1 to 7.
  9. A trolley according to claims 4 and 8, characterised in that the lock box, which may be comprised of the control box (6) of the deposit device, is fixed on the rear hinged flap (4) of this trolley at a distance from its end such that the bolt (14) of this lock can engage inside the upper frame (17) of the basket (2) of another trolley onto which the trolley concerned is fitted.
  10. A trolley according to claim 9, characterised in that the device serving as a presence indication consisting of a permanent magnet, is fixed on the front of the upper part of the basket (2) of this trolley in order to be located below the control box (6) of the deposit device of another trolley upon them being fitted together, the means for detection of, or reaction to this presence indication being provided in the control box (6) of each deposit device.
  11. A trolley according to claim 8, characterised in that the lock box (40) is distinct from the control box (6a) comprising the coin mechanism, which is located at the rear of the trolley and on the upper part thereof, this control box being connected to the first by an electrical circuit able to ensure the supply to an electromagnetic coil intended to act upon the bolt of the lock in order to release the corresponding trolley when a deposit unit is placed in the control box (6a).
EP19900402052 1989-08-29 1990-07-17 Consignment deposit for rigid fixing type of trolleys and trolleys provided with such a device Expired - Lifetime EP0415805B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8911323 1989-08-29
FR8911323A FR2651349B1 (en) 1989-08-29 1989-08-29 RETURN DEVICE FOR BUILT-IN TYPE TROLLEY, AND TROLLEYS PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0415805A1 EP0415805A1 (en) 1991-03-06
EP0415805B1 true EP0415805B1 (en) 1994-12-28

Family

ID=9384956

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900402052 Expired - Lifetime EP0415805B1 (en) 1989-08-29 1990-07-17 Consignment deposit for rigid fixing type of trolleys and trolleys provided with such a device

Country Status (4)

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EP (1) EP0415805B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69015516T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2068355T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2651349B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0572879A2 (en) * 1992-06-05 1993-12-08 Vendoret Holding S.A. Connection lock for shopping trolley
US5425438A (en) * 1993-02-12 1995-06-20 Systec Ausbausysteme Gmbh Deposit lock and token for a transport cart

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4111178A1 (en) * 1991-04-06 1992-10-08 Systec Ausbausysteme Gmbh TRANSPORT CARRIAGE WITH COIN LOCK
DE4300852A1 (en) * 1993-01-15 1994-07-21 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Kg Device for borrowing trolleys
DE19924869A1 (en) * 1999-05-29 2000-11-30 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Kg Dolly

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2554916C2 (en) * 1975-12-06 1990-10-25 Willi 7016 Gerlingen Kragl Transport trolley
DE8121677U1 (en) * 1981-07-23 1981-12-03 Sonnendorfer, Horst, 8034 Germering DEVICE FOR ENSURING THE RETURN OF RENTED SHOPPING CART
GB2108745B (en) * 1981-10-21 1985-04-11 Bydale Eng Ltd Trolley control system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0572879A2 (en) * 1992-06-05 1993-12-08 Vendoret Holding S.A. Connection lock for shopping trolley
EP0572879B1 (en) * 1992-06-05 1997-03-19 Vendoret Holding S.A. Connection lock for shopping trolley
US5425438A (en) * 1993-02-12 1995-06-20 Systec Ausbausysteme Gmbh Deposit lock and token for a transport cart

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2068355T3 (en) 1995-04-16
FR2651349B1 (en) 1991-10-18
DE69015516D1 (en) 1995-02-09
FR2651349A1 (en) 1991-03-01
DE69015516T2 (en) 1995-08-10
EP0415805A1 (en) 1991-03-06

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