WO2006122717A1

WO2006122717A1 - Transport trolley and theft protection method

Info

Publication number: WO2006122717A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/004478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Wanzl
Original assignee: Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-05-19
Filing date: 2006-05-12
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Also published as: EP1885592A1; DE202005008098U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport trolley (1) with a frame (3) and a plurality of swiveled casters (5, 6) that have a first receiving section (12) for a deflector ring (13). The transport trolley (1) has a controlled safety device (2) for inhibiting the swiveling motion of at least one caster (5, 6). Said safety device comprises a drive and one or more driven adjusting elements (18) that interact with an inhibiting element (19) that is provided in the receiving section (12) and rotationally connected to the caster (5, 6).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Transport trolley and method for theft prevention

The invention relates to a trolley and a method for anti-theft device having the features in the preamble of the method and device main claim.

Such a trolley is known from DE 81 09 855 Ul. It consists of a frame with four freely pivoting and freely rotatable casters, each having a deflector and have a receiving area for this deflector ring. Such trolleys or shopping carts can be moved everywhere by the operators or shopkeepers and also brought in an undesirable manner from the shop area and taken home.

DE 203 14 705 Ul shows a theft protection for a trolley, with the two or more casters can be fixed in predetermined steering positions. The fixation is achieved by spring-loaded bolts that engage in a recess on the roller. This arrangement requires major modifications to the trolley and is not very suitable for retrofitting existing trolley.

From US-A-4, 591, 175 and US 6,362,728 Bl other anti-theft devices are known in which, however, the rolling movement of the roller or the wheel is blocked by a built-in the roller body brake. This has an increased role wear and maintenance costs with corresponding cost disadvantages result. It is an object of the present invention to provide a better way to equip a trolley with a controllable security device.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the method and device main claim. The arrangement of a locking device belonging to the locking element in the receiving area of a Abweisrings on one or more casters has the advantage of low construction costs and also allows the cost-effective and easy retrofitting existing transport or shopping cart with a security device. It is inhibited the pivotal movement of at least one swivel caster, the driving and maneuverability of the transport or shopping cart and thus the unwanted entrainment by a customer or the like. considerably more difficult, which counteracts excessive role wear.

Here, the claimed solution offers various design options. On the one hand, the deflector ring itself can be designed as an inhibitor and fulfill a dual function. On the other hand, the existing deflector ring can be replaced by an inhibitor, which can be attached to said receiving area and thus to a prepared mounting location. In this embodiment, the inhibition function is in the foreground, with the rejection effect can be completely or partially omitted. In a further variant, a deflector ring may be rotatably arranged on the inhibiting element, so that in turn there is a double function, in which, however, in a modification to the first variant, the deflector ring is given additional rotatability.

The inhibitor can be connected by means of drivers or the like rotationally connected to the castor and in particular with its roll holder. This also offers simple and cost-effective design options. Existing deflector rings can be supplemented with such a driver. For original equipment, a driver may be molded onto or otherwise connected to a deflector ring or other restraining element. For the fulfillment of the inhibiting function said connection between driver and caster can be positive or non-positive or a combination of positive and non-positive.

The said inhibitory effect means that the caster does not necessarily have to be completely blocked and fixed in one or more specific steering positions. It is sufficient if the free pivoting of the swivel caster is limited or braked about its bearing axis on the frame and is inhibited so far. A trolley and in particular a shopping cart with one or more only pivotally swivel casters makes the vehicle unwieldy and difficult to move, which may be sufficient for the backup effect. A fixation or blockage is also possible as an alternative. Due to the controllability of the safety device, the inhibiting effect of the travel movement occurs only in certain situations and specified by the owner of the trolley situations, such as when a customer with the trolley the surrounding area of a shop, e.g. the parking lot and / or the surrounding sidewalks, wants to leave. In such a case, the safety device is triggered remotely, e.g. by radio signal, magnets, induction loops or the like

To achieve the inhibiting effect, there are also various possible embodiments. On the one hand, a positive engagement of a movable actuating element of the securing device on a corresponding receptacle of the inhibiting element or Abweisrings, eg in a local bore possible. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect can also be frictionally by braking and one of - A -

Pivoting movement opposing friction torque can be generated. For this purpose, a sanding track can be used. The braking effect can be increased by friction linings. In addition, the grinding track may have a curved path, by means of which the pivot roller snaps into certain pivot positions, from which they can be moved out again, but this requires increased effort and because of the adjoining curves immediately snaps again into the next curve recess and corresponding pivot position brings with it.

In the dependent claims further advantageous embodiments are given.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. In detail show:

Figure 1: a partial plan view of a

Trolley with casters and a safety device,

Figure 2: a longitudinal section through the securing device according to section line

II-II of Figure 1 and

Figure 3: an enlarged and broken off

Top view of the safety device and the castors with several

Design variants of the Hemmelements.

The invention relates to a trolley (1) and further its equipment with a safety device (2) and a method for securing a trolley (1) against unauthorized or undesired use, in particular against theft.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a transport cart (1), which is, for example, a shopping cart, a luggage cart or another manually operated transport device. The trolley (1) has an aborted shown frame (3) on which a plurality of casters (5,6) in the normal operation preferably freely pivotally mounted by means of pivot bearings (9) and pivot axes (10) are mounted. The casters (5,6) are also freely rotatably supported for the rolling and driving movement. Figure 1 shows the front portion of the trolley (1) with the two front castors (5.6). The longitudinal struts of the frame (3) are interconnected by a transverse strut (4) and stiffened .

The frame (3) of the trolley (1) can be a basket, a platform or other suitable receptacle for purchases and goods or for luggage or the like. exhibit.

Furthermore, the frame (3) has a suitable location, e.g. on the back, a handle or handle with which the trolley (1) can be pushed. For the sake of clarity, these car parts are just as little represented as the rear castors. In the embodiment shown, the trolley (1) has four casters. The number may alternatively be smaller or larger.

The trolley (1) has a controllable security device (2) for securing the trolley (1) against unauthorized use, especially against theft. The securing device (2) serves to inhibit the pivoting movement of the castors (5, 6) in special cases. The safety device (2) can be in particular an anti-theft device (2). In addition, other applications are possible. By the safety device (2) can be prevented, for example, that a trolley (1) enters the areas of a building or a facility for which he is not provided. A preferred area of use is the aforementioned theft protection (2), with which it can be prevented that the transport cart (1), in particular in the form of a shopping cart (1), from the area of a shop, a shopping center or the like, is spent by customers. In this case, for example, it is prevented or at least made considerably more difficult by the said inhibition that the trolley (1) is moved and removed from the parking area or from the immediately adjacent sidewalks. The safety device (2) has for this purpose a drive (15) and one or more actuated and movable actuating elements (18) which cooperate with an inhibiting element (19) which is arranged in a receiving region (12) for a deflector ring (13) , By the inhibiting element (19), the pivotal movement of the impinged casters (5,6) is difficult, eg braked, or blocked, which also leads to an inhibition of the driving movement. This means that at least the maneuverability of the trolley (1) makes it difficult and thus makes the handling uncomfortable or even impossible.

The safety device (2) has a trigger (not shown), with which it can be remotely controlled and triggered only when needed. For such a trigger there are a variety of execution options. It can e.g. stationary magnetic sleepers, induction loops, radio antennas or the like at the edge of a parking space or other area cleared for unimpeded transport carriage movement. be embedded in the ground or elsewhere, which in the crossing or pass by a corresponding, not shown in the drawing, sensor in the safety device (2) respond, by means of a suitable control (not shown), the safety device (2) and their Inhibitory function triggers. The inhibition function can be reversed and resolved by a counter signal. The circuit possibilities for such an inhibition function are e.g. in US-A-4, 591, 175 and US

6,362,728 Bl find. Alternatively, a release by radio or the like. Be given when, for example, the trolley (1) leaves a radio range and the safety device (2) responds to the absence of the radio signal. Figure 2 shows in longitudinal section the securing device (2) and the design and storage of the two castors (5.6). The casters (5,6) each consist of at least one roller (7) which is mounted freely rotatable about a horizontal axis in a usually fork-shaped roller holder (8). The roller holder (8) is in turn pivotally mounted on the said pivot bearing (9) and the upright, usually vertical pivot axis (10) on a fitting (11) of the frame (3). The roller holder (8) in this case has a raised area with a circular shape in plan view, which forms the inner receiving area (12) for a centrally mounted deflector ring (13) which projects laterally beyond the frame contour. This above the roller (7) located receiving area (12) serves as a bearing head for receiving the likewise circular Abweisrings (13). Such a deflector ring (13) is in conventional transport vehicles, which are formed, for example, according to DE 81 09 855 Ul, usually present and possibly freely rotatably mounted on the bearing head (12).

The securing device (2) has one or more restraining elements (19) which cooperate with said adjusting elements (18) and which are arranged in the receiving area (12). By this arrangement, it is possible to form a deflector ring (13) as an inhibiting element (19), as shown in Figure 1 to 3. In this case, the Abweisringe (13) or inhibiting elements (19) are rotationally connected to the caster (5.6). For this purpose, the conventional deflector ring (13), which normally does not have this rotational connection, can be converted into the restraining element (19) and modified or supplemented accordingly. It may, for example, have the fork-shaped or semi-annular and downwardly projecting driver (14) shown in FIG. 2, which engages positively via the roller holder (8). By the rotation all pivoting movements of the caster (5,6) and their role holder (8) on the inhibitor (19) or the correspondingly adapted Abweisring (13) transmitted. The deflector ring (13) and the inhibitor (19) rotate with the roller holder (8) to the pivot bearing (9) on the fitting (11). Conversely, the inhibition of the deflector ring (13) or inhibitor (19) described below also leads to an inhibition of the castor (5, 6).

In a modification of the embodiments shown, a conventional deflector ring, e.g. according to DE 81 09 855 Ul or formed in another way, removed and replaced by an inhibiting element (19). For this purpose, the pivot bearing (9) can be opened, whereby the conventional deflector ring deducted and the

Inhibiting element (19) can be plugged onto the receiving area (12). The inhibiting element (13) can then be designed differently than in the embodiments shown. It can e.g. no longer protrude laterally over the roller holder (8) in the manner shown in the embodiments and exercise a rejection function. In this variant, the inhibiting element (19) may be narrower and particularly adapted to the inhibiting function.

In a third variant, it is also possible to replace an existing deflector ring and to replace it with a restraining element (19) which additionally carries a smaller or thinner deflector ring, which can also be freely rotatably mounted on the inhibitor element.

The said construction variants can be retrofitted to existing transport vehicles (1) by replacement or structural modification of the existing Abweisringe. With the mentioned design variants also new transport trolleys (1) can be equipped by the manufacturer in the original equipment. The inhibition function can be effected in various ways, with FIGS. 2 and 3 indicating different variants. Said inhibiting element (19) has at least one receptacle (20) for the interaction and preferably for the engagement of the adjusting element (18). Here, optionally on the inhibiting element (19) a single receptacle (20) may be present, which ensures by the engagement of the adjusting element (18) for a blockage of the impinged caster (5.6) in a specific and selectable pivot position. If this pivot position on several

Casters, e.g. at the two front adjacent castors (5.6), is different, the trolley (1) can only very difficult to push and maneuver or steer and no longer rolls in the usual way. Different pivot positions can also result in blockade of front and rear casters (5,6). The receptacles (20) are preferably arranged on the periphery of the Hemmelements (19) for the fulfillment of the inhibiting function.

The receptacles (20) can also be present several times and occupy different angular positions with respect to the pivot axis (10), as illustrated in FIG. 3 in the right-hand half of the figure, so that a swivel caster (5, 6) can be blocked in several different pivot positions.

For the aforementioned blockage or fixation, the receptacle (20) can be formed as bores (21), which can be configured as a blind bore or as a through hole in the restraining element (19). The shape and size of the bores (21) is adapted to the preferably plunger-like and spring-loaded actuator (18) and allow its positive engagement as soon as the castor (5,6) assumes a suitable pivot position when moving the trolley (1). The pivoting movement of the castor (5,6) is thereby locked positively and blocked.

In terms of the aforementioned inhibition, it may also be sufficient to make the pivotal movement of one or more casters (5, 6) more difficult and, in particular, to brake. This is e.g. by friction and sliding contact by means of the grinding track (22) shown in Figures 2 and 3 in the respective right half of the picture on the circumference of the Hemmelements (19) possible. FIG. 2 illustrates the variant of an annular grinding track (22), which may be concentric with the pivot axis (10) and which is recessed in the outer periphery of the locking element (19). In this annular groove-like grinding track (22), a friction lining (23) may be present on the groove bottom. The actuating element (18), which dips into the grinding track (22) from outside, presses with force against the bottom of the grinding track (22) and the friction lining (23) possibly arranged there. As a result, a frictional force or a frictional torque is generated, which brakes the pivoting movements of the impinged caster (5,6) and thereby significantly hampers and inhibits the maneuverability of the trolley (1).

In the illustrated embodiment, the ram (18) has a cylindrical shape at the front end of the action, the grinding track (22) being substantially rectangular

Cross section has. Alternatively, corresponding wedge shapes or conical shapes may be present on both parts (18, 22), which in addition will result in contact and braking action on their sloping walls.

FIG. 3 also shows, in the right-hand half of the drawing, an additional variant of the grinding track (22), which in this case is designed as a curved track (24), which may be present in places on the circumference of the locking element (19) or extends circumferentially there. The cam track (24) has variable depths, in which the plunger-like inhibiting element (18) dive accordingly far can. If it passes through a pivoting movement of the castor (6) to a trough-shaped, concave depression in the curved path (24), the control element (18) snaps in here and can be moved out of the relatively stable engagement position again only with increased effort to pivot the pivot roller (6) to allow the axis (10). At the raised and convex points of the cam track (24) results from the rounding an unstable position, so that the force of the actuating element (18) and the curved oblique force attack to a new pivotal movement of the castor (5,6) in the tub position and a Snapping the adjusting element (18) lead.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the drive (15) and the adjusting elements (18). For this purpose, a transverse guide (25) between the castors (5,6) is arranged below the transverse strut (4) and fixed to the frame-fixed fittings (11). In the guide (25), the adjusting elements (18) are axially movable and mounted in preferably aligned arrangement and linearly guided in the axial direction. On the guide (25) further equipped with a suitable motor (16) drive (15) is arranged. The motor (16) is e.g. an electric motor. But it can also be any other electrically or otherwise operated actuator. For example, the motor (16) may also be an activated by the trigger mentioned above electromagnet or a magnetically released spring.

The motor (16) acts via a transformer (17) on one or more adjusting elements (18). In the illustrated embodiment, the transformer (17) is designed as a link mechanism, which is equipped with two links (17), which hinged on the one hand to a turntable on the motor shaft and rotatable at the other end with a plunger-like control element (18) are connected. By a rotation up to about 90 ° of the motor (16), the link (17) can be brought into an extended position with axial alignment in the guide (25), in which they the spring-loaded plunger (18) from the guide (25). axially push out and bring into engagement with the receptacles (20) on the inhibiting element (19). By an opposite rotational movement of the motor (16), the link (17) and the plunger (18) can be pulled back into the starting position shown in Figure 2 back. The plunger (18) may be formed in several parts in the manner shown. In addition, they may have friction-like front ends when interacting with a grinding track (22).

Modifications of the embodiments shown are possible in various ways. On the one hand, this relates to the number and arrangement of the cast swivel castors (5, 6). Instead of the arrangement shown, the securing device (2) can act on only one swivel caster (5, 6). Alternatively, it can at the front and back of the trolley (1) each one

Influence and inhibit caster. Furthermore, the configuration of the drive (15) and the adjusting elements (18) can vary as desired. In addition, a kinematic reversal is possible, wherein the adjusting elements (18) are arranged on the one or more inhibiting elements (19) and by a suitable device, e.g. an electromagnet, are activated in the inhibition position and thereby positively and / or non-positively engage with a corresponding receptacle on the guide (25) into engagement. Also variable is the structural design of the castors

(5,6) and their parts. The arrangement and design of the inhibiting elements (19) and their receptacles (20) can be changed. The design features shown in the drawings and in various embodiments can be interchanged and combined as desired. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 trolley, shopping cart

2 security device, anti-theft device

3 frame

4 cross strut

5 swivel caster

6 swivel caster

7 roll

8 roll holders

9 pivot bearings

10 pivot axis

11 Fitting

12 receiving area, bearing head

13 deflector ring

14 drivers

15 drive

16 engine

17 transformers, linkage

18 control element, plunger

19 inhibitor

20 recording

21 hole

22 sanding track

23 friction lining

24 curved track

25 leadership

Claims

1) Transport trolley with a frame (3) and a plurality of pivotable casters (5,6) having a receiving area (12) for a Abweisring (13), characterized in that the trolley (1) a controllable securing means (2) for Inhibiting the pivoting movement of at least one swivel caster (5, 6), wherein the securing device (2) has a drive (15) and one or more driven adjusting elements (18) which cooperate with a retaining element (19) arranged in the receiving region (12) ,

2.) Transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that e e e c e s e n e that the deflecting ring (13) as an inhibiting element (19) is formed.

3.) Transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that e e e n e c e s e s that the deflecting ring (13) is replaced by an inhibiting element (19).

4.) Transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized g e k e n n e c e s e s that on the

Hemming element (19) a deflector ring (13) is rotatably arranged.

5.) Transport trolley according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it e e c e n e c e s that the inhibiting element (19) is rotationally connected to the castor (5,6).

6.) Transport trolley according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inhibiting element (19) has a driver (14), the form-fitting and / or non-positively with a Roller holder (8) is connected.

7.) Dolly after one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the inhibiting element (19) has at least one receptacle (20) for an actuating element (18).

8.) Dolly according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the inhibiting element (19) has a plurality of receptacles (20) distributed around its circumference for an actuating element (18).

9.) Transport trolley according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that e e e c e s e s that the receptacle (20) as a bore (21) for a plunger-like adjusting element (18) is formed.

10.) Transport trolley according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that e e n e c e s e s that the receptacle (20) as a grinding track (22) for a friction-type adjusting element (18) is formed.

11.) A trolley according to claim 10, characterized in that a friction lining (23) is arranged on the grinding track (22).

12.) A trolley according to claim 10, characterized in that it e e n e c i n e s that the grinding track (22) has a curved track (24) with variable depth.

13.) Dolly according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the drive (15) has an electric motor (16) and a transformer (17), preferably a link mechanism, for connection to the linear having guided actuators (18).

14.) Dolly according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that on the frame (3) between the castors (5.6) a transversely disposed guide (25) for the adjusting elements (18) and the drive (15) is arranged and supported.

15.) Dolly after one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the securing device (2) on the front casters (5,6) is arranged.

16.) A method for theft prevention of transport vehicles, wherein by a controllable securing device (2) the pivoting movement of at least one swivel caster (5,6) of the trolley (1) with at least one driven adjusting element (18) is inhibited, characterized in that the pivoting movement a pivot roller (5,6) is inhibited by the action of the adjusting element (18) on a in a receiving area (12) for a Abweisring (13) arranged inhibiting element (19).

17.) Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the pivoting movement of at least one pivoting roller (5, 6) is made more difficult and / or blocked.

18.) Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a plurality of casters (5, 6) are blocked in different pivoting positions.