EP0433751A1 - Device for the limitation of the length of rows of supermarket trolleys - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the limitation of the length of rows of supermarket trolleys, namely a mechanical block which is provided at the end of a row of supermarket trolleys, the supermarket trolleys being equipped with coin deposit systems. By means of the device according to the invention, further supermarket trolleys are prevented from being able to be coupled on, activating the coin deposit system, if the intended length of the row of supermarket trolleys is exceeded. According to the invention, for this purpose swivellable, arm-type or lever-type mechanical parts are provided which are controlled and actuated by the supermarket trolleys passing them in such a way that they assume a normal or passage position or a blocking position, in the blocking position corresponding blocking parts extending up to about 10% into the horizontal plane of the range of movement of the supermarket trolley and preventing coupling onto the row of supermarket trolleys formed. The basic principle of the invention is as follows: If a supermarket trolley is within the range of action of the device in the coupling position with the row of trolleys, the blocking position is inevitably assumed, i.e. further supermarket trolleys cannot be coupled on, solely removal of the supermarket trolley coupled on last is still possible. The device according to the invention fulfils its sense and purpose in every conceivable practical situation, manual bypassing possibilities are ruled out and it can be used for the widely varied coin deposit systems. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for delimiting rows of shopping trolleys, that is to say a mechanical lock, which is provided at the end of a row of shopping trolleys, the row of shopping trolleys being parked between guide rods on both sides. These guide rods have a certain length, which are generally matched to the spatial dimensions, for example in a parking lot at a supermarket. The problem arises here that more and more shopping trolleys are pushed into one another and this series of shopping trolleys protrudes beyond the guide rods and thus possibly cause a substantial blockage of streets, footpaths and thus an impairment of traffic safety.

The majority of these shopping trolleys are equipped with known coin deposit systems, i.e. the last shopping trolley can only be removed from a coupled shopping trolley row if a coin of a certain value is inserted into a box or similar device intended for this purpose; Conversely, this "deposit coin" is issued again when the shopping cart is coupled again to the shopping cart row after the purchase has been made and the engagement of the coupling systems is restored. This coupling position, i.e. the interlocking of adjacent coupling systems means a certain minimum distance between the coupled shopping carts in a row of shopping carts. There are coin deposit systems in which the coin deposit systems are rigid, i.e. there is also a fixed coupling distance, there are also other coin deposit systems in which flexible devices such as e.g. Chains the coin deposit systems can be coupled to one another, so that a coupling distance that is variable within certain limits is created, within the range of which the coin deposit systems can be activated.

It goes without saying that every user of such a shopping cart, if possible, the "deposit coin" once spent. when returning the shopping cart, ie when reinserting it into a shopping cart row, wants to bring his shopping cart into the coupling position mentioned, where he gets the coin back.

The invention assumes that the respective shopping trolleys are equipped with one of the coin deposit systems described and in the stacking position, i.e. are coupled together in the shopping cart row (coupling position).

The aim and object of the invention is therefore to ensure in shopping carts equipped with coin deposit systems that the intended end of the shopping cart row at the end of the mentioned guide rods or guide rails is not exceeded.

The currently known state of the art in this regard makes use of several functional principles for problem solving, but practice has shown that the desired effect can only be achieved to a limited extent with the known problem solutions, because the technical systems are simple, so they can be used only to a very limited extent. because an individual adaptation to the various dimensions of the shopping trolleys and the different coin deposit systems is not possible there.

It is therefore a further object of the invention to design such a system in such a way that it is independent of the conceptual design of the coin deposit system and of the dimensions of the shopping trolleys.

Here too there are technical systems that strive for this solution, but they are then so technically complex that the market relevance is questioned as a result of high investment costs and the need for repairs.

It is therefore a further object of the invention to find a simple technical solution which results in a realistic cost-effectiveness can be manufactured and can also be used universally due to its simple technical-mechanical principle. This means that only problem solutions that can be used for all known shopping trolleys and coin deposit systems meet the requirement and guarantee the primary function "order and security without the use of personnel" in the parking area of a shopping center.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in accordance with the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

The basic principle of the invention is therefore that the device according to the invention prevents the filling of the row of shopping trolleys from allowing another shopping trolley to reach the minimum coupling distance required for activating the coin deposit system to issue the deposit coin.

For this purpose, the device consists of at least three main functional parts with certain outer contours, which are operatively connected to one another and are held in a predetermined position (normal or open position) by at least one spring element.

This mechanism is attached to a base plate, preferably on the right, local guide row at the end or at the exit of a shopping cart row and aligned vertically to the respective dimensions of the shopping cart. The principle of operation of the device is that on the one hand the desired effect is produced with two basic positions (blocking position and normal or open position) and on the other hand, due to the movement triggered and transmitted by the mechanics, mirror-image blocking contours are produced which eliminate any possibility of circumvention and nevertheless ensure trouble-free normal operation. This essential distinguishing feature to all known systems is achieved in that the main functional parts up to about 10% in the horizontal plane of the Range of the shopping cart; since the distance between adjacent guide rows is matched accordingly, a shopping cart cannot be coupled to the shopping cart row without actuating these main functional parts; accordingly, these main functional parts are touched and actuated by each shopping cart moved forwards or backwards at a predeterminable position on the shopping cart; that is, the contours of the device come into engagement with the contour of a shopping cart and either block the further movement or let the shopping cart pass unhindered, generating interval-like movements of the device.

Depending on the shopping cart occupancy of the row of shopping trolleys, there is therefore only operational readiness for either passage in two directions (insertion or removal of a shopping trolley), or blocked position in the forward direction (insertion is no longer possible) and passage in the reverse direction (removal of the last shopping trolley in a coupled shopping trolley row is possible who previously activated the locking device).

These functions are achieved and produced by the interaction of the individual components of the device, their dimensioning and spatial position. The decisive basic principle can therefore be summarized as follows:
"If a shopping cart is within the effective range of the device in a coupling position with the row of trolleys, the blocking position is essential, ie further shopping carts cannot be coupled. Only the last shopping trolley that has been coupled can still be removed."

Of particular importance here is that the number and spatial arrangement of these main functional parts can be selected so that all coin deposit systems and all shopping trolley systems can be recorded with a common design.

Figur 1:

Eine perspektivische Prinzipdarstellung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels mit angedeutetem Einkaufswagen im Wirkbereich der Vorrichtung,

Figur 2:

eine Aufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit weggelassener Abdeckung,

Figur 3:

einen Längsschnitt der Vorrichtung gemäß Linie A-A der Figur 2 mit Abdeckung,

Figur 4:

eine prinzipielle Funktionsdarstellung der Vorrichtung in Positionen A (Normalposition), B (Einfahrt) und C (Sperrposition),

Figur 5:

eine Aufsicht auf das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel in einer ersten Arbeitsposition (Sperrposition),

Figur 6:

eine Aufsicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer zweiten Arbeitsposition (Durchlaßposition),

Figur 7:

eine Vorderansicht der Vorrichtung nach Figur 5 und 6, montiert im Einschubbereich der Einkaufswagen,

Figur 8:

eine Stirnansicht der Vorrichtung mit dem Eingriffsbereich X eines Einkaufswagens, und

Figur 9:

eine Detaildarstellung der Stirnansicht gemäß Figur 8.

Two exemplary embodiments for realizing these main functional parts will now be explained with reference to drawings; show it:

Figure 1:

3 shows a perspective illustration of the principle of the first exemplary embodiment with a shopping cart indicated in the effective area of the device,

Figure 2:

2 shows a top view of the device according to FIG. 1 with the cover omitted,

Figure 3:

2 shows a longitudinal section of the device according to line AA of FIG. 2 with cover,

Figure 4:

a basic functional representation of the device in positions A (normal position), B (entrance) and C (locked position),

Figure 5:

a supervision of the second embodiment in a first working position (locked position),

Figure 6:

5 in a second working position (open position),

Figure 7:

5 shows a front view of the device according to FIGS. 5 and 6, mounted in the insertion area of the shopping trolley,

Figure 8:

an end view of the device with the engagement area X of a shopping cart, and

Figure 9:

a detailed view of the front view according to Figure 8.

In the first exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 4), the main functional parts are four control and locking levers 20-23, which are fastened on a base plate 12 via vertical axes of rotation 20A-23A, extend horizontally in determinable sectors into the traffic area of a shopping cart 40 and via connecting links 24-26 assume 40 different positions, in particular a normal or open position, and a blocking position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 2) as a result of external contact through the contours of a shopping cart.

Figure 1 shows the coupling principle between the device 10 and a shopping cart 40 (which is only shown in fragments) in the insertion direction E. The device 10 consists of an elongated housing 11, which is closed by end caps 11A, 11B and one on the side facing the shopping cart row Has slot 13 and 14. From these slots 13, 14, the control and locking levers 20, 21, 22 and 23 can be swiveled out and swiveled in, with each other position of one of these control and locking levers also the positions of the other three control and locking levers as a result of the forced coupling defines and defines.

The device is located on supports 18 and 19, for example metal profile tubes, at the end of a guide rail, not shown, for the shopping carts coupled to one another, which form a row of shopping carts. Several such devices 10, as can be seen from FIG. 4A, are arranged laterally from one another and spaced such that when the shopping cart 40 (FIG. 1) is pushed through in the insertion direction E (correspondingly also when it is removed in the opposite direction of the insertion direction E), the control and locking levers are forced through the side rail 41 of the shopping cart 40 is actuated and thus brought into the normal or locked position. In the position of the control and locking levers 20-23 shown in FIG. 1, the device is in the open position, ie the shopping cart 40 shown can move the device in the insertion direction E (by actuating the control and locking levers 21-23 still in front of it) Leave 10 to the left and there are coupled to the "waiting" row of shopping trolleys or its coin deposit system.

Figures 2 and 3 show in plan and longitudinal section the structure of the device 10. Inside the housing 11 are the control and Locking levers 20-23 are mounted on corresponding vertical axes 20A ... 23A, so that they can be pivoted in the direction of the double arrows indicated in FIG. 2 into the driving area of a passing shopping cart. This pivoting is forcibly coupled, for this purpose three connecting links 24, 25, 26 designed as rods are provided which are rotatably articulated on the control and locking levers outside of these axes of rotation 20A ... 23A, so that each pivoting of one of the control and locking levers is corresponding Defined pivoting of the other three control and locking levers. Two end positions are defined here, the normal or open position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 2) and the blocking position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2). This arrangement is mounted on a base plate 12 and covered by a cover plate 12A, both of which form the essential part of the housing 11. In particular, this housing prevents mechanical damage, contamination or weather influences on the moving parts, in particular the articulated parts of the device.

It is readily apparent here that the articulation points of the connecting links 24, 25, 26 can be chosen with regard to their distance from the respective axis of rotation in such a way that a certain reduction effect occurs, ie that, as can be seen in FIG. 2, a pivoting of the two middle ones Control lever 21.22 by 90 ° between the two end positions only causes a pivoting of the two outer locking levers 20.23 by 45 °. This is of course freely selectable, the exemplary embodiment shown is the preferred embodiment.

The outwardly pivotable end regions of the control and locking levers are individually shaped in order to ensure maximum safety and reliability when a spar 41 (FIG. 1) engages with a passing shopping cart 40 in the insertion direction E or in the opposite direction, ie to ensure that on the one hand there is no shopping cart can happen without actuation of the device, but that on the other hand no locks or Deadlocks can occur during operation. For example, for this purpose the foremost control and locking lever 20 has a locking edge 20C which extends in the locking position perpendicular to the insertion direction E and which reliably precludes non-system-compatible passing of another shopping cart 40 in the locking position of the device 10.

The normal or open position is ensured by a spring 27 which is arranged between one of the control and locking levers on the one hand and a fixed point in the housing 11 and which produces the end position (normal or open position) with a dashed line in FIG with a shopping cart 40.

The operation of the device 10 is explained briefly with reference to FIG. 4, where the positions A, B and C are shown:

In position A, the row of shopping carts, coupled by chains K of the coin deposit system, is already at the end of device 10 and the device is (controlled by spring 27) in the open or normal position, also shown in FIG.

In position B, a further shopping cart 40 is now coupled to the already existing row of shopping carts and the spar 41 of this shopping cart 40 now first actuates the control lever 21 in the insertion direction E, whereupon this folds backwards (and the control lever 22 forwards) and accordingly the two are positively controlled outer control and locking lever 20, 23 can be pivoted into the driving range of the shopping cart 40.

In position C it can be seen that the shopping cart 40 is now coupled, but that on its way along the device according to the invention it is in the effective area thereof, ie in the area between the outer locking levers 20, 21, in other words, the front locking lever 20 with its locking edge 20C remains in the Entry area of further shopping trolleys and thus prevents further shopping trolleys 40 from being able to be coupled, because pulling out the shopping trolley row is not possible because of the rear locking lever 23, and manual actuation of the front locking lever 20 to release the lock is likewise not possible, since this blocks this movement is that the inevitably associated pivoting out of the two inner locking levers 21, 22 is blocked by the spar 41 of the last coupled shopping cart 40.

On the other hand, it is easily possible to pull out the last connected shopping cart 40 against the removal direction E, which slides past the front locking lever 20 and thus again generates the normal or open position of the device shown in position A as a result of the forced coupling. The purpose of the invention is therefore achieved when the contour of the last shopping cart of a row of shopping trolleys is in contact with the locking levers in the device, because there is then at least one further locking lever in the locking position and prevents coupling, because the distances between the locking levers are so dimensioned so that the minimum coupling distance from shopping cart to shopping cart cannot be achieved in this position.

The limiting device according to the invention thus prevents that rows of cars can be extended beyond the local position of the limiting device in a system-contrary manner.

It should also be noted here that the two rear locking levers 22 and 23 are essentially only required if the coin deposit system contains a coupling distance which is variable up to a maximum value as a result of a coupling chain K; in coin deposit systems with a defined, variable coupling distance K, only the two front control and locking levers 20 and 21 are mandatory, the rear locking lever 23 only prevents the coupled car row from being pulled up in the manner of an accordion in such coin deposit systems with variable coupling distance to achieve an anti-system, undesired coupling position of the coin deposit systems.

In addition to the example of a locking position shown in FIG. 4, the locking position is also established when the contour of the shopping cart 40 acts on the last locking lever 23, since in this position the mechanics are blocked according to the connecting links in such a way that the inner locking levers 21 and 22 do not can be overcome and thus take over the blocking function in such a way that neither further couplings are possible nor that it is possible to bring the coupled carriage row into the coupling position of the coin deposit systems. The system shown and explained in Figures 1 to 4 is therefore on the one hand structurally simple and in the preferred embodiment shown with four control and locking members absolutely reliable and not manipulable, for every conceivable type of coin deposit systems, especially those with fixed or such with variable coupling distance of the coin deposit systems.

A second exemplary embodiment will now be briefly explained in connection with FIGS. 5 to 9:

The essential change compared to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 is that the main functional parts are two toggle-shaped locking levers 30 and 31 which are operatively connected to a connecting part 32. When passing the device, the contours of the shopping cart (spar 41) also come into engagement with the device (FIG. 8). When moving forward in the insertion direction E, the contour of the shopping cart first touches the locking lever 30, which rotates in a definable sector as a result of the fastening arrangement 17A, 17B fastened on the base plate 17. Coupled to this, the connecting part 32, which is in operative connection with the locking lever 30 via the connecting member 32 via the connecting bolt 34, changes its position and, while the shopping trolley contour continues to slide, causes a corresponding change in position of the Locking lever 31. All contours of the locking levers 30 and 31 and the connecting part 32 extend in a neutral position into the traffic area of the shopping cart row, are pressed out of this traffic area at intervals as they pass a shopping cart, with at least one locking lever independent of the respective position of the shopping cart 30 or 31 or the connecting part 32 remains in the traffic area. Here forward and backward movements in the functional sequence are identical.

The elongated holes 33 in the connecting part 32 guarantee a smooth functional sequence and smooth change of position of the functional parts; This process is supported by the springs 37A, 37B, which are accommodated in the fastening devices and which are connected to the locking levers 30 and 31 and basically establish the starting position (FIG. 6) when the device is not under stress.

The purpose of the device is basically achieved when the row of shopping carts is filled up to the vicinity of the device and is coupled via the coin deposit systems. The last connected shopping cart in this system state is inevitably in the effective range of the device, because the required coupling distance to the row of wagons means that the last shopping cart must inevitably be within the effective range of the device. The position of this last shopping cart coupled in the occupied row within the device causes a change in position of the locking levers 30 and 31, which assume a tong-shaped system contour, triggered via the connecting part 32. The locking levers 30 and 31 are in a non-changeable locking position (FIG. 6), ie , no further shopping trolley can be pushed and coupled and the coupled trolley row 40A, 40B ... cannot be brought into the coupling position either. Manual interventions to manipulate the device are also not possible. This situation can only be resolved by uncoupling the last shopping cart 40A. The dimensioning of the device, ie the dimensions of the locking levers 30 and 31 as well of the connecting part 32 are based on the maximum possible distance from shopping cart to shopping cart in the coupling position, ie the distance from the last shopping cart 40B (position within the device) in the coupled row of shopping carts to the outer limitation of the device (locking lever 30) must be greater than that to Coupling essential minimum distance distance (F).

Particularly noteworthy here is the fact that the struts 41 to the handle position are preferably provided as the locking engagement position between the device and the shopping cart, which result in the minimum distance from the shopping cart to the shopping cart in the stacking position and thus enable a spatially rational design of the dimension of the device.

The device fulfills the meaning and purpose in every conceivable, practical situation, manual avoidance options are excluded, and makes a surprisingly simple, robust form of a problem solution available that meets all conceivable requirements in every respect.

Claims (21)

Device for delimiting shopping rows, formed from shopping carts with coin deposit systems,
characterized in that at the end of a shopping cart row rail at least two control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) are rotatably mounted in vertical axes of rotation (20A-23A) and horizontally (controlled by a shopping cart 40) in the engagement area, in particular the bars (41) the shopping trolley can be pivoted, and that the control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) are positively coupled to one another such that at least the foremost locking lever (20) or locking lever section (30A) always then or so is in the locked position for a long time, if or how there is a shopping cart (40) in the control area between the control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three arm-shaped locking levers (20, 21, 22) are mounted on a horizontal base plate (12), which are positively coupled in such a way that when the foremost locking lever (20) is in the inserted position, the other two in Pass position and vice versa, the directions of movement of at least two control and locking lever is opposite. Apparatus according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that for the positive coupling of the control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) connecting members (24, 25) are provided which are in the vicinity of the axes of rotation (20A-23A) of the control and locking lever (20-23; 30.31) are articulated thereon. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that a fourth locking lever (23) is provided in the insertion direction (E), which is positively coupled via a further connecting member (26) in such a way that its pivoting direction is opposite to the pivoting direction of the front locking lever (20) and it is in the blocking or passage position together with it. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the articulation points (20B ... 22B) of the connecting links (24 ... 26) on the control and locking levers have different center distances and thus bring about a reduction in the swiveling movement in such a way that a Pivoting the two inner control and locking levers (21, 22) by 90 ° causes the front (and rear, if present) locking bolt (20) to pivot by a reduced angular range, preferably approximately 45 °. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end regions lying opposite the pivot axes of the arm-shaped control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) are individually shaped with regard to their respective interaction when engaging with the shopping cart. Device according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the front locking bolt (20) is pivoted out of its open position in the locking position by approximately 45 °, in which it is aligned with the base plate (12), and in that locking position it is perpendicular to the direction of insertion (E) extending locking edge (20C). Apparatus according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base plate (12) is part of a housing (11) which encloses the axis regions and the connecting members (24-26) of the control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) , and which has at least one slot (13, 14) for the passage of the end regions of the control and locking levers (20-23; 30, 31) in their locking position. Device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the axes of rotation (20A ... 23A) of the control and locking levers (20-23; 30,31) lie on a straight connecting line (A-A). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that two control and locking levers (31, 31) designed like a toggle lever are articulated on a base plate (17), which are positively coupled in this way are that in each position they are mirror-symmetrical to a line of symmetry (SS) perpendicular to the connecting line (RR) of their axes of rotation, so that in the locked position their two outer sections (30A, 31A) protrude into the path of movement of the shopping trolley (40). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that a connecting member (32) is provided for the positive coupling of the two control and locking levers (30, 31), which connects the two opposite, inner sections (30B, 31B) of the control and locking levers (30, 31) connects. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the connecting member (32) is held on the pins (34, 35) of the control and locking levers (30, 31) by means of elongated holes (33). Apparatus according to claim 1 and 2 or 1 and 10, characterized in that at least one spring device (27,37) is attached between at least one of the control and locking levers on the one hand and the base plate or the housing on the other hand, which the front and rear locking levers (if present) acted on in the open position. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the control and locking levers are preferably pivotable at an angle of 90 °, but any angular position is also possible. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distances between the outer locking levers (20) or (23) in the locked position to the position of the last shopping trolley in a coupled row which causes the locking via the inner locking levers (21) or (22), freely selectable, adjustable, but always larger than the minimum distance required for coupling. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the functional principle ensures that all shopping trolley dimensions, including those which are seriously different, and their available engagement contours, can be equipped with one embodiment of the apparatus. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the principle of operation ensures that the various types of shopping trolleys, some with seriously differing external dimensions, can be equipped with an embodiment which is uniform in their dimensions and dimensions. Device according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the entire construction can be produced from prefabricated plastic parts. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the control and locking levers (30, 31) are each rounded off at the free end and / or bevelled at a certain angle, are freely movably attached at the other end and by means of a vertical fastening device (17A, 17B) with pivot bearing horizontally, in a predeterminable range, are pivotable. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting part (32) is rod-shaped with semicircular ends, in the center of which the elongated hole (33A, 33B) is arranged, via which the connecting bolt (17A, 17B) the fixed, freely movable operative connection with the Manufactures locking levers (30, 31) and its length dimension is such that the minimum distance from shopping cart to shopping cart required for coupling is smaller. Device according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the blocking position between the device and the shopping trolley can preferably take place on the vertical struts (41) of the handle attachment, which offers the smallest distance between the shopping trolley and the shopping trolley in the stacking position and thus enables favorable, spatial dimensioning of the device .

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