FR2772496A1 - Polyvalent key for coin deposit holders on trolleys - Google Patents

Abstract

The coin holder has a box (1) receiving a key plate (CL). The box has a guide for the key and for a coin or token (720). A tilting lock (30,60) moves between locked and released positions. The key passes through a cut-out (408) in a spring-loaded gate (40), which has a lower extension (405) to hold the key horizontal. The coin is retained in a slot in a block (70) at the end of the box.

Description

Multipurpose concaneur for trolleys
The invention relates to a locker for carts made available to users in supermarkets, airports, stations, among other places where large loads are to be transported.

Such depositors have been described in particular in the following Patents or Patent Applications: FR-A-2 333 687, EP-A0 070 997, FR-A- 2 645 306, FR-A-2 662 284, WO-A- 86/04174.

As indicated in FR-A-2 721 128, a major problem for the depositors is to find a satisfactory compromise between the cost of the depositor for the supermarket, and its efficiency.

Such a locker works by trapping a piece of particular shape, called "key", fixed, in principle by chain, to another carriage, preferably to the locker of this other carriage. Each family, even each model, of lockers has its own key: in fact, it is the form of this key which, recognized, authorizes the recovery of the deposit, and this form must therefore be difficult enough to counterfeit to discourage fraud .

Currently, supermarket operators choose lockers based on various criteria, including an estimate of customer behavior. This estimate may be found in default, in which case they must consider modifying their choice of depositors. Given the specific nature of the keys, this generally means the complete replacement of the locker fleet, which is particularly unpleasant for supermarket operators, who must, in one way or another, pass this cost on to customers. . The latter can also feel quite badly the change in the ergonomics of the lockers, and especially the increase in its expenses, all other things being equal.

In addition, we are witnessing a certain convergence of the lockers market towards a reduced number of models, which their manufacturers will seek to reserve for themselves, in particular by the shape of the key. After this market restriction, which has become almost captive, we can fear a significant increase in device prices.

Thus a locker of interesting structure, marketed under the name DAN-LOCK, has so far not been widely distributed, due in particular to a different form of key.

The present invention improves the situation.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a locker which can be made compatible with at least some of the existing models.

Another object of the invention is to provide an evolving locker for various reasons, in particular for the purpose of admitting two clearly different parts from one another. In Europe, it is indeed to be expected that coins denominated in the so-called Euro currency will coexist long enough with coins in national currency, and that there will be an obligation to accept one or the other.

The lockout devices for the cart in question include a box, provided with means of attachment to a part of a cart, in particular its handle bar, as well as a flexible link such as a chain, whence depends on a specific form of coupling, said key.

In a known locker, the box internally comprises: - a key passage and a coin or token passage, opposite corresponding entry slots for the key and the part, slots which are to be placed in a substantially horizontal plane, - a movable assembly capable of switching between a position for locking the part and for releasing the key, when a part pushes a work stop, and a position for locking the key and for releasing the part, when a key pushes a key stop, and - at least one movable latch, preferably two symmetrical latches, arranged to block the movable element when a part is locked, while interposing a profile forming a lip in the key passage, so that the introduction of a key, pushing this lip, moves the latch according to an unlocking movement of the movable assembly which is synchronized with the action of the key itself on the key stop of this crew mobile.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the key being a flat key with an enlarged head followed by lateral open cells, the latch lip is notched to let the head of this key pass, and the latch further comprises, in the selected position relative to this lip, a low range substantially parallel to the key entry, in order to maintain this key in a horizontal position, in particular when its open cells pass at the level of the lip.

Preferably, the lip is shaped to prevent the extraction of the key after it has been locked.

According to a second important characteristic of the invention, the device comprises two superimposed part corridors, mounted to cooperate respectively with two part stops situated on either side of the slide, and the dimensions of the part confinement projections, thus as the pivoting excursion of the swing, are chosen jointly to allow a room to be trapped in one or the other of these two corridors, naturally retaining the alternating bistable locking.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of the proposed locker, - Figures 2A and 2B are respectively a sectional view
II-A and a top view of the lower shell 20 of the deposit box, - Figures 3A and 3B are respectively a sectional view
III-A and a bottom view of the upper shell 10 of the locker, - Figures 4A and 4B are respectively a top view and a side view of the block of parts 70, - Figures 5A and 5B (superimposed) are respectively a top view and a side view of the slide 60, - Figures 6A and 6B (superimposed) are respectively a top view and a side view of the swing 30, - Figure 7 is an explanatory sectional view of part of an assembled locker, - Figures 8A and 8B are respectively a side view and a top view of the latch 40, and - Figures 9A and 9B respectively illustrate an old key and a new key.

The attached drawings are, for the most part, certain. Consequently, they can not only serve to make the description better understood, but also contribute to the definition of the invention, if necessary.

In FIG. 1, the locker box consists of an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 20. We also see a key CL.

The lower part of the lower shell 20 is notched at 210, to receive a part of a carriage such as its handle bar BP, in cooperation with a clamp 21, for example as indicated in FR-A- 2 721 128.

Inside (Figures 1, 3A and 3B), two studs 22 form support on either side of the key entry, behind the key slot 10 of the upper shell 1 (when the locker is assembled).

Behind, two flanges 23 define on the one hand notches such as 230, the bottom of which forms an axle support, and on the other hand support shoulders such as 231 and 232.

Still behind, and this time on the side of the room entrances, a projection 240 is provided, provided with a circular centering perforation to which we will return. This projection is in the axis of symmetry of the lower shell and the flanges 23.

Significantly in the transverse axis defined by the two notches 230 is provided in the bottom of the lower shell 20, a groove 235.

The two notches 230 support an axis rod 31 which passes through the pivoting orifices such as 320 of a swing 30. The axis 31 extends beyond the stops 238 and 239 (Figure 2B).

 I1 also supports laterally pivotally two latches 40 and 50, symmetrical, and the lower edge of which such as 51 engages on an arm of a spring such as 52, in a pin operating by extension. The central loop 520 surrounds the axis 31 and its other end 522 rests on a fixed part of the lower shell 20, such as the groove 241.

The swing 30 (Figures 1, 6A and 6B) carries a pair of front claws 331 and 332, as well as a pair of rear claws 341 and 342. These are defined at the ends of a fork 34 whose teeth form a fold as indicated for example at 345. In the center, above the pivot bearings such as 320, the swing 30 has two lugs 351 and 352, with on either side of each of these planar abutments support such as 356.

On these lugs and their flat support stops are placed the central notches 601 and 602 of a slide 60 (Figures 1, 5A and 5B). On the lower right side, this has two rods 611 and 612, which form the key stop.

On the left side, it also carries two pairs of rods, respectively upwards at 621 and 622, and downwards at 631 and 632. Each pair defines a stop for coins or tokens, as will be seen. Finally, the slide comprises to the left a notch 640, the bottom of which carries a horizontal rib 641.

In the assembled locker, this rib 641 is slidably engaged in a deep guide groove 701 of a block of parts 70 (Figures 1, 4A and 4B). This coin block 70 comprises - a high flat groove 710 ending in the slot 711, and - a low flat groove 720 ending in the slot 721.

Under its central body and its deep groove 701, the coin block has a notch 72, at the bottom of which there is a pin 725, which engages in the projection 240 of the lower housing when the system is assembled, the block parts engaging by its groove 701 on the rib 641 of the slide 60.

The upper shell 1 (FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B) internally comprises the key entry slot 10, with behind it a guide plane 11 defined first in a broad manner and then by a narrower rib 110 , crossing the axial clearance 690 of the slide 60 (Figure 5A). Two studs 120 and 121 immobilize the axis 31 on either side of the flanges 23. For the rest, the upper housing is released at 130 to allow the implantation and the introduction of the block of parts 70 already mentioned.

In summary, a first corridor of coins is defined at the top by the slot 711 and the groove or recess-plane.

Below, a second coin corridor is defined by the slot 721 and the groove 720.

A movable assembly comprises the swing 30 and the bucket grout 60, the swing pivoting on the axis 31 while the slide 60 undergoes translational movement at the same time. The tilting of the swing is made bistable, preferably by a spring 39 placed between a bottom groove 390 of the swing and the groove 235 of the lower shell. Two upper and lower part stops are defined respectively by rods 621 and 622, as well as 631 and 632. Two key stops are defined by rods 611 and 612. The slide 60 rests on surfaces supporting the lower shell 20 such that 243 and 244, 245 and 246, as well as 247 and 248.

Finally, the latches 40 and 50 (FIGS. 1, 8A, 8B) comprise two bolts 401 and 501, capable of engaging in the recesses 691 and 692 of the slide 60.

When a coin is inserted into one of the slots 711 and 721, it pushes one of the pairs of stop rods 621, 622, and 631, 632, respectively. The slide 60 adopts a translational movement towards the "key" side (to the right of FIG. 1). In their movement, the central notches 601 and 602 push the two lugs 351 and 352 and tilt the swing 30. The rear claws 341 and 342, in the high position, trap the inserted part, while the front claws 331 and 332, low position, release the cells 94 and 95 (Figures 1, 9B) from the key initially introduced. The elastic recalls 42 and 52 urging upwards the two latches 40 and 50, the two bolts 401 and 501 engage in the recesses 691 and 692. The latches are in the high position.

Conversely, when the key CL is inserted into the slot 10, it pushes the inclined planes 408 and 508 that comprise the latches 40 and 50, causing them to tilt in the low position, and releasing the bolts 401 and 501 from the recesses 691 and 692 Going further forward, the key pushes the pair of rods 611 and 612 of the slide 60, which then adopts a translational movement towards the "workpiece" side (on the left of FIG. 1). During their movement, the central notches 601 and 602 bring back the lugs 351 and 352 in a horizontal position, by tilting the swing 30.

The front claws 331 and 332, in the high position, trap the inserted key, while the rear claws 341 and 342, in the low position, release the part.

Until now, the DAN-LOCK lockers have operated with the key 80 of FIG. 9A, which comprises a rectangular plate 81, provided with two closed cells 82. Their internal structure included: - a key corridor and a room corridor or token, opposite corresponding entry slots for the key and the coin, slots which are to be placed in a substantially horizontal plane, - a movable assembly capable of switching between a position for locking the coin and for releasing the key when a workpiece pushes a workpiece stop, and a key locking and release position of the workpiece when a key pushes a workpiece stop, and - at least one (in fact two) movable latch, arranged to block the moving part when a part is locked, while interposing a profile forming a lip in the key passage, so that the introduction of a key, pushing this lip, moves the latch according to an unlocking movement of the equ mobile ipage which is synchronized with the action of the key itself on the key stop of this mobile equipment.

This internal structure was completely dependent on the key of figure 8, and moreover practically non-modifiable, without losing the required properties of the consignor, in particular the prohibition to release the key until the part is imprisoned, and vice versa .

For example, the key passage is not delimited by parts integral with one another. It has a central rib at the top, in the upper shell, the inlet slot 10, and other parts which do not always act, such as the base of the swing around the claws 331 and 332.

It was in fact the strictly rectangular shape of the key which ensured its guiding, resting on different parts as the key was introduced.

In addition, two latches were used on the latches 40 and 50 which closed the entry slot 10 almost completely, in the manner of closing a car door lock.

These remarks, and other factors, suggested at the outset that any key other than a strictly rectangular shape would not work, in particular because a key hollowed out laterally like that of Figure 9 could be shaken in the slot (especially after some wear of it) and, by this means, free of claws, which is of course inadmissible.

The Applicant nevertheless persisted, and found a way to make the locker work correctly with the key 90 of FIG. 9B, which is a flat key with head 91 enlarged in two branches 92 and 93, with central recess 91, head followed by lateral open cells 94 and 95, then by a short rectangular area 96, itself followed by a handle 97 in which there is at 98 the point of attachment of the chain.

To do this, it was necessary: to abandon the idea of the two inclined lips which almost completely closed the entry slit 10, to on the contrary dig in these lips the passage of the key head, provide low areas 405 conformed with the entry inclined plane 408 to define a horizontal guide in the key passage, both when the key enters and when it is locked, while the swing is in two opposite positions, - add lateral studs 403 to define , together with the studs 22, as well as the sides 247 and 248 of the flanges 23 (FIG. 2B), a lateral key passage and ensuring the maintenance and retention of the key.

The problem is further complicated by the fact that we want to provide a two-piece locker, as described, which implies an increase in the swing of the swing, whose rear claws 341 and 342 must be able to close the two room corridors, and in the other release them both. The curvature at 345 (FIG. 6B) is a means which contributes to obtaining this result. In addition, due to the increase in the swing of the swing, it becomes more difficult to ensure good temporal synchronism at the level of the combined effect of the introduction of a key on the slide (via the latches ) and on the swing, while keeping the room locked in one or other of the room corridors long enough.

The complexity of the mechanism, in particular on the key side, is well illustrated by FIG. 7, where we see in section the locker awaiting key, with a coin (not shown) enclosed in one of the coin corridors. In principle, in its initial state at the factory, the consignor must be able to take the represented state, without any part present and awaiting a key.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example, it extends to other variants.

Thus, it will be understood that the support element 39 of the swing 30 is not necessarily a spring. Generally, this part must maintain the swing and pivot in the groove 235 about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the swing 30, thereby forming a toggle.

Claims (8)

 characterized in that, the key being a flat key with an enlarged head followed by lateral open cells, the latch lip is notched (401,403,407,408) to let the head of this key pass, and in that the latch further comprises, in position chosen with respect to this lip, a low range (405) substantially parallel to the key entry, in order to ensure that this key is kept in a horizontal position, in particular when its open cells are passing at the level of the lip , while the lip is shaped to prevent the extraction of the key after it has been locked.  said housing having internally - a key passage and a coin or token passage (720), opposite corresponding entry slots for the key (10) and the part (721), slots which are to be placed in a plane substantially horizontal, - a movable assembly (30.60) capable of switching between a position for locking the workpiece and for releasing the key, when a workpiece pushes a workpiece stop (631,632), and a position for locking the key and release of the part, when a key pushes a key stop (611,612), and - at least one movable latch (40,50), arranged to block the movable assembly when a part is locked, while interposing a profile forming a lip in the key passage, so that the introduction of a key, pushing this lip, moves the latch according to an unlocking movement of the moving assembly which is synchronized with the action of the key itself on the key stop of this moving assembly, Claims 1. Locker device for trolley, of the type comprising a box (1), provided with means for fixing to a part of a trolley, in particular its handle bar (BP), as well as a flexible link such as a chain, on which depends a coupling member of specific shape, called key (CL), 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile assembly comprises an articulated swing (30) provided on the one hand with hooking claws (331,332) intended to be introduced into the cells of the key, on the other hand, projections (341,342) for confining the part, as well as a slide (60) which controls the tilting of this swing, and carries said part (631,632) and key (611,612) stops. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two latches (40.50) substantially symmetrical, articulated in rotation coaxially with the swing, and urged towards the slide by an elastic return, the blocking of the slide being done by the entry of lugs (401,501) of said latches in homologous slots (691,692) of the slide. 4. Device according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the swing is made bistable by a support element (39) of the swing, forming a toggle. 5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two superimposed room corridors (710,711; 720,721), mounted to cooperate respectively with two room stops (621,622; 631,632) located on the side and d 'other of the slide, and in that the dimensions of the room trapping projections, as well as the pivoting excursion of the swing, are chosen jointly to allow a room to be trapped in one or the other of these two hallways. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (20) internally comprises studs (22, 247, 248) arranged, on the one hand, to define a lateral passage of the key, and, on the other hand, to maintain the key (CL) in the housing. 7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the slide (60) has a rib (641), and in that the housing further comprises a groove (701) arranged to accommodate at least partially said rib (641), as well as a plurality of bearing surfaces (243,244, 245,246, 247,248) of the slider (60), arranged to provide translational guidance of the slider (60). 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (20) has a notch (210) for receiving the handle bar (BP), in cooperation with a clamping flange (21).