Stackable shopping cart and stack of multiple shopping carts

Abstract

Stackable shopping cart (100; 100'; 100"), comprising at least: - a chassis (20; 20'; 20") with a lower, V- or U-shaped chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") with rollers (22, 23) and with a vertical frame (24; 24") with at least two lateral beams (24.3, 24.4; 24.3", 24.4"), - a shopping article receiving unit (10; 10'; 10"), which has an upper shopping article receiving unit (11) and a lower shopping article receiving unit (12; 12'; 12") arranged vertically spaced therefrom, wherein the shopping trolley (100; 100'; 100") is designed to be stackable by a forwardly tapering wedge shape of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and by a movable storage element (14; 14") that can be lifted at least at the rear end on the lower shopping article holder (12; 12') and wherein the shopping article receiving unit (10; 10'; 10") is mounted on the chassis (20; 20'; 20") via at least three load cells (31, 32), of which one load cell (31) is arranged in each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and at least one load cell (32) is arranged in a front region of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21"); characterized by - that the storage element (14; 14'; 14") of the lower shopping article holder (12; 12'; 12") is encompassed by a storage frame (16; 16'; 16") which runs above the respective upper edge of the weighing cells (31, 32) and which extends rearward in the longitudinal direction to above the rear lateral weighing cells (31); - that the rear end of the storage element (14; 14'; 14") is suspended from a bearing bracket (16.3; 16.3") which extends transversely across a rear section of the storage frame (16; 16'; 16") and which is positioned above the rear lateral load cells (31); - that a cross brace (27; 27") serving as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys is inserted into the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and - that a front load cell (32) is positioned on a further cross member (26) behind the front area of the chassis frame (21) or in a space between the front area of the chassis frame (21") and the cross member (27") serving as a fixed stop during stacking.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stackable shopping cart, comprising at least: - a chassis with a lower, V- or U-shaped chassis frame with rollers and with a vertical frame with at least two side uprights - a shopping item receiving unit, which has an upper shopping item receiving unit and a lower shopping item receiving unit arranged vertically spaced therefrom, wherein the shopping cart is designed to be stackable by a forwardly tapered wedge shape of the chassis frame and by a movable storage element on the lower shopping item receiving unit that can be lifted at least at the rear end; and wherein the shopping item receiving unit is mounted on the chassis via at least three load cells, one of which is arranged on each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame and at least one load cell is arranged in a front region of the chassis frame, and a stack of several shopping carts formed from it.

[0002] Such a shopping cart with a weighing function and two shopping item holders is described in DE 10 2018 132 059 A1. By connecting an upper shopping item holder designed as a basket and a lower shopping item holder with a storage area that can be pivoted up at the rear, a shopping item holder unit is created that is separate from the chassis so that the weight of all items placed in or on top or bottom can be measured using the same set of sensors. To ensure that several similar shopping carts can be pushed into each other, i.e. stacked, the upper shopping item holder has a pivoting rear wall flap and the lower shopping item holder has a storage frame in which a storage element with a storage area is attached in such a way that it can pivot about a front axis and be lifted up at the rear when stacked. The lateral rear load cells are mounted outside the storage frame.For this purpose, extension rods resting on the load cells are connected to the rear end of the storage frame. The extension rods are also necessary because additional angled support struts are provided between the chassis frame, which is arranged on a lower level, and the vertical frame. Thus, the part of the storage frame with the movable storage element begins, viewed longitudinally, only in front of the load cells and in front of the connection point of the support struts to the chassis frame. This significantly reduces the usable length of the lower storage element compared to the total available chassis length of the shopping cart.

[0003] Furthermore, the lower shopping item holder is located inside between the two side members of the vertical frame. It connects to the rear load cells, which are open and unprotected. They are exposed when stacking shopping carts and can therefore be damaged.

[0004] In addition, the shopping cart is only stiffened in the lower rear area by a crossbar that extends across the storage frame. If the chassis frame is spread at the rear, for example, by inserting a second shopping cart diagonally from the rear, the resulting forces are absorbed by the crossbar. The disadvantage, however, is that the spreading of the chassis frame leads to shear stresses in the connection plane between the chassis frame and the load cells and / or between the load cells and the storage frame, which can falsify the measurement results and / or damage the load cells.

[0005] Another shopping cart with a weighing function is known from CN 206 336 317U. In this case, the chassis frame extends forward from the struts of the vertical frame. This results in a smaller overall width than the shopping cart described above. However, the load cells are not protected against lateral impact when multiple shopping carts are pushed into one another. Furthermore, there is no lower shopping item holder.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to improve a shopping trolley of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the usable length of the storage element is increased in relation to the length of the chassis and that the protection of the load cells is improved, in particular during stacking.

[0007] This task is solved by a stackable shopping cart of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by: - that the storage element of the lower shopping article holder is enclosed by a storage frame which runs above the respective upper edge of the load cells and which extends longitudinally to the rear above the rear lateral load cells; - that the rear end of the storage element is suspended from a bearing bracket which extends across a rear section of the storage frame and which is positioned above the rear lateral load cells; - that a cross brace serving as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys is inserted into the chassis frame and - that a front load cell is positioned on a cross member behind the front section of the chassis frame or in a space between the front section of the chassis frame and the cross member serving as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys.

[0008] The vertical frame has at least one cross brace positioned at a height between the upper edge of the lower shopping item holder and the lower edge of the basket of the upper shopping item holder. A front load cell is positioned on the cross brace behind the front area of the chassis frame or in a space between the front area of the chassis frame and the cross brace. The cross brace compensates for spreading forces on the chassis frame, preventing them from acting on the connection plane between the load cell and the chassis frame and the storage frame.The cross brace also serves as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys, i.e. a front section of the chassis frame of a shopping trolley at the back of the stack hits the cross brace of the shopping trolley in front of it, so that the path is limited when stacking and prevents the shopping trolleys from becoming wedged into each other.

[0009] It is advantageous that the storage frame is positioned completely above the top edge of the load cells. This means that the lower shopping item holder is located completely above the load cells, so that when several shopping carts are pushed together, the front area of the storage frame of a rear shopping cart cannot collide sideways with the load cell of a shopping cart in front. Another advantage is that the storage frame of the lower shopping item holder extends in a continuous plane to a point above the rear side load cells, and that a bearing bracket, to which the rear end of the movable storage element is attached, is positioned above the load cells. This allows even better utilization of the length of the chassis for the pivoting storage element.

[0010] It can be advantageous for the chassis frame to extend forward from the front of the vertical frame, rather than being located between them. This protects the two side legs of the chassis frame behind the support sections, from which the side members of the vertical frame extend upward. Furthermore, this allows the load cells to stand on the chassis frame, while being shielded from impacts from behind by the vertical frame located behind it.

[0011] The vertical frame is preferably reinforced at the lower end by a support profile section with an enlarged profile width, which connects to the chassis frame at a right angle. The support profile sections protrude slightly beyond the chassis frame, which is sufficient to protect the load cells from impact during stacking.

[0012] Space is provided for the load cells directly in the transition area between the horizontal and vertical parts of the chassis. The distance between the load cells and the vertical frame is chosen to be as small as possible and is preferably less than half the length of the rear load cell housing.

[0013] One embodiment of the stackable shopping cart provides for an electronics housing located in the front area of the chassis, preferably on its underside. The electronics housing is preferably positioned, in plan view, between the front wheels and a cross brace inserted as a stacking stop. This area is not required for nesting multiple shopping carts. The electronics housing can accommodate, among other things, the electronics required for controlling and evaluating the load cells, as well as a battery for power supply.

[0014] In one embodiment of the shopping cart, the front load cell is also located within the electronics housing, thus simultaneously protecting it from external influences. At least one recess is provided on the top of the electronics housing so that the unit to be weighed can be placed on the load cell.

[0015] Typically, a conventional shopping cart without a weighing function features a lower shopping item holder with a fixed, outer storage frame and a storage element mounted within it that pivots upwards. The fixed storage frame is usually formed by two outer wire elements running one above the other, and the storage surface is formed by additional wire elements extending between them. The upper wire element rises toward the rear to allow the pivot axis for the movable storage surface to be positioned higher and allow parts of a second shopping cart to be inserted underneath when stacking.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the shopping trolley according to the invention, it is provided that the outer storage frame, viewed in the longitudinal direction, extends from a low level located directly above the chassis frame through a bend formed in front of the rear weighing cells to an upper level located above the rear lateral weighing cells.

[0017] If the storage frame is formed by wire elements, the offset is achieved by the lower wire element, via which the shopping item receiving unit is mounted on the load cells, springing upwards in the rear area, just like the upper wire element. This means that only the support and connection point between the shopping item receiving unit and the load cells is shifted upwards, while the lower edge of the shopping item receiving unit to be weighed is shifted downwards. This reduces the distance between the chassis and the lower wire frame of the unit to be weighed, which in turn reduces the handle height and consequently the overall height of the shopping cart with the weighing unit can be reduced. The lower handle height is ergonomically better for shorter people. A reduced overall height also reduces the tipping moment of the loaded shopping cart, for example when used on sloping outdoor parking spaces.

[0018] It can be advantageous to also provide an upper cross brace on the vertical frame, positioned at a height below the handle and above the pivot axis of the rear panel flap, which directly connects the two side members, for example, by being welded to them. This results in greater stability compared to a conventional cross brace attachment using plastic fasteners.

[0019] The upper cross member can, in particular, be designed as a hollow cross tube. It is further advantageous if the display unit is attached directly to the upper cross member and at least one of the side members has a recess covered by the cross section of the cross member, so that the upper cross member can be used as a cable duct leading to the display unit.

[0020] To facilitate cable routing, mounting holes can be provided throughout the chassis, which can be resealable with plugs. These mounting holes allow the cables needed to connect the electronics housing, load cells, and display unit to be pulled through the tubular frame more easily. This eliminates the need for exposed, external cables.

[0021] The storage frame is preferably located within the footprint of the trolley frame and, in the rear area, is mounted on the load cells via side-mounted brackets. In this design, the storage frame is not only located above the load cells, but also—except for the side brackets—in the free space between the two rear load cells. The fact that the chassis border forms the border of the lower area of the shopping cart, in which the lower shopping item holder is located, further prevents the load cells from being damaged during stacking and / or the weighing process from being distorted when the shopping cart is in use.

[0022] Preferably, the vertical frame also has a support profile section at each of its lower ends, which connects to the trolley frame at a right angle. This section can, for example, be tubular and has a wider profile than the trolley frame in the width direction of the shopping cart. This sufficiently stiffens the junction between the trolley frame and the vertical frame, eliminating the need for additional angled support struts. The wider profile also protects the load cells located in front of the support profile section from impact from behind.

[0023] The protection of the rear side load cells can be further enhanced by protective bars extending outward and downward from the storage frame to the sides in front of the load cells, possibly even to the chassis frame. These protective bars are preferably an integral part of the lower storage frame.

[0024] In the alternative preferred embodiment of the shopping cart, sections of U-profiles are used as protective elements for the rear weighing units. These are placed with their open sides over the load cells and rest on their support surface intended for weighing. The shopping item receiving unit, in turn, is placed on the U-shaped protective elements. The U-profile shape protects the load cells on both sides from mechanical damage. It also provides better protection against direct water exposure.

[0025] A solution to the problem of the invention, to increase the usable length of the storage element in relation to the length of the chassis and to improve the protection of the load cells, in particular during stacking, is also achieved by a stack of several shopping trolleys with the feature of claim 13 or 14.

[0026] In the stack, the shopping carts can advantageously be coordinated so that - that the longitudinal position of the offset on the chassis frame is selected so that the front, lowered part of the lower shopping article holder is sufficiently long so that the chassis frame of a rear shopping trolley cannot hit the rear side load cells of a front shopping trolley when pushed together, and - that the offset on the rear shopping trolley is located in the stack in front of the protective elements on the rear side load cells of the front shopping trolley.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the shopping trolleys in the stack are coordinated with each other in such a way that - that a display unit is attached to each of the shopping trolleys on an upper cross member in the vertical frame and that the display units are connected to the upper cross member by a holding plate which is angled with a bend, the angled holding plate being positioned in such a way that a handlebar of a front shopping trolley can be positioned in the area on the rear of the display unit of the rear shopping trolley which is free due to the bend.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments of a shopping cart constructed according to the invention and a stack of shopping carts shown in the drawings. The figures show in detail: Fig. 1 shows a stackable shopping cart according to a first embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 2 the shopping cart from the left side; Fig. 3 a lower part of the shopping cart from the front; Fig. 4 a lower part of the shopping cart from the rear; Fig. 5 a stackable shopping cart according to a second embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 6 a rear right area of the shopping cart to Fig. 5 in a perspective view from the rear; Fig. 7 a front right area of the shopping cart to Fig. 5 in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 8 a front right area of the shopping cart to Fig. 5 in a perspective view from the rear. Fig. 9 a stackable shopping cart according to a third embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 10 the shopping cart Fig. 9 from the left side; Fig. 11 a lower part of the shopping cart Fig. 9 from the front; Fig. 12 a lower part of the shopping cart Fig. 9 from behind; Fig. 13 a lower part of the shopping cart Fig. 9 in perspective view from below; Fig. 14 a section of a perspective view of the shopping cart according to Fig. 9 from the rear right and Fig. 15 two shopping carts stacked one inside the other according to the third embodiment.

[0029] In Fig. 1 shows a stackable shopping cart 100 in perspective from the front. This cart comprises a chassis 20 with a lower, V-shaped chassis frame 21, a front pair of casters 22, and a rear pair of casters 23. The chassis 20 also comprises a vertical frame 24 formed by lateral struts 24.3, 24.4 extending from the bottom upwards and connected to one another by cross braces 24.1, 24.2 and a handle bar 25.

[0030] In addition, there is a shopping item receiving unit 10, which—as is usual with shopping carts—has a basket-like upper shopping item receiving unit 11 and a separate, lower shopping item receiving unit 12 in the form of a floor grid, which is suitable, for example, for beverage crates. The upper shopping item receiving unit 11 and the lower shopping item receiving unit 12 are connected to one another on both sides via struts 15 and are thus arranged one above the other at a fixed distance. A display unit 40 can be provided to display the goods inserted into the shopping item receiving unit 10 and the goods detected by weight measurement and / or a scanner unit.

[0031] To enable multiple shopping carts 100 to be stacked, i.e., pushed into one another to save space when parked, a known, forward-tapering wedge shape of the chassis bar frame 21 and the shopping item receiving unit 10 is provided. Furthermore, the basket-like upper shopping item receiving unit 11 has a pivoting rear wall flap 11.2, which is suspended from a cross bar 11.1, which forms an upper basket edge. A fixed storage frame 16 and an upwardly pivoting storage element 14 mounted therein are provided on the lower shopping item receiving unit 12. This storage element has a pivot axis in the front area and can be raised in the rear area. The pivoting storage element 14 is provided with hooks at the rear, with which it is suspended from a bearing bracket 16.3 of the storage frame 16.

[0032] Unlike conventional shopping carts, the shopping item receiving unit 10 and the chassis 20 in the shopping cart according to the invention are largely decoupled from one another. For example, there is no direct connection between the vertical frame 24 and the shopping item receiving unit 10. The entire shopping cart unit 10 is mounted on three load cells 31, 32, which in turn rest on the chassis 20. The mechanical connection between the shopping item receiving unit 10 and the chassis 20 is thus established solely via the load cells 31, 32. One load cell 31 is arranged on each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame 21 directly adjacent to the vertical frame 24, and at least one further load cell 32 is arranged on a front section of the chassis 20; in the illustrated embodiment, the front load cell 32 is positioned on a cross strut 26 behind the front area of the chassis frame 21.The load cells 31, 32 are each cuboid-shaped and have an upper horizontal surface.

[0033] A cross brace 27 serves as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys, i.e. a front area of the chassis frame 21 of a rear shopping trolley 100 abuts against the cross brace 27 of the shopping trolley 100 in front of it, so that the path during stacking is limited and the shopping trolleys 100 are prevented from becoming wedged into one another.

[0034] A cross brace 24.2 in the vertical frame 24 absorbs forces that occur when the two vertical profile sections of the vertical frame 24 are spread apart.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows the shopping cart 100 viewed from the left side. The dashed line indicates the separation between the vertical frame 24 as part of the chassis 20 and the separate shopping item receiving unit 10. The front edge of the lower shopping item receiving unit 12 is slightly offset in the longitudinal direction of the shopping cart 100 relative to the front edge of the V-shaped chassis frame 21.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a lower section of the shopping cart 100 from the front. The dotted lines indicate the largest possible lateral extent of the outer contour of the chassis frame 21. In a plan view, i.e., viewed from above, the lateral rear load cells 31 are thus located within this outer contour.

[0037] The storage element 14 is pivotally mounted on a storage frame 16. The storage frame 16 is located entirely above the rear side load cells 31, while the chassis frame 21 is located entirely below it. Thus, there are no parts that can collide with the rear side load cells 31 when stacking multiple shopping carts.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a lower section of the shopping cart 100' from the rear. As in the first embodiment of the shopping cart 100, the lateral rear load cells 31 are shielded to the rear by the wider support profile sections 28 of the vertical frame 24. The load cells 31 do not protrude inward beyond the chassis frame 21 and cannot be directly impacted when stacking multiple shopping carts.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a stackable shopping cart 100'. The chassis 20 is unchanged from the previously described embodiment. A shopping item receiving unit 10' is also almost identical. The only difference is that protective bars 17', 19' are provided, which are attached to a lower shopping item receiving unit 12' and project downward from there.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows, in a perspective view of the rear right area of the shopping cart 100', that the protective bars 17' are connected laterally to the storage frame 16' of the lower shopping article holder 12' and extend beyond the side surface of the load cell 31 to the height of the chassis bar frame 21. Also visible is the position of the brackets 16.4' with which the storage frame 16' rests on the load cell 31.

[0041] Fig. 7 shows, in a perspective view obliquely from the front onto the front right area of the shopping cart 100', that the front protective bar 19' extends over the side surface of the load cell 32 up to a cross strut 26 of the chassis bar frame 21.

[0042] Fig. 8 shows, in a perspective view obliquely from the rear onto the front right area of the shopping cart 100', that a further protective bar 18' is provided, which extends over the side surface of the front weighing element 32 to behind the cross strut 26 of the chassis bar frame 21.

[0043] The protective bars 18', 19' secure the lower shopping item holder 12' in a form-fitting manner to the cross strut 26 in the longitudinal direction, and indirectly the entire shopping item holder unit 10 thereabove. The lateral protective bars 17' also secure the shopping item holder unit 10 in a form-fitting manner to the chassis 20 in the transverse direction. This prevents shear forces on the connections of the load cells 31, 32 to the chassis frame 21 and to the shopping item holder 12'.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a stackable shopping cart 100' in perspective from the front. This includes a chassis 20" with a lower, V-shaped chassis frame 21", a front pair of casters 22", and a rear pair of casters 23".

[0045] The chassis 20" comprises a vertical frame 24" with a handlebar 25". A shopping item receiving unit 10" has the same basket-like upper shopping item receptacle 11 as the previously described embodiments and a separate, lower shopping item receptacle 12", which is suitable, for example, for beverage crates. The basket-like upper shopping item receptacle 11 has a pivoting rear wall flap 11.2, which is suspended from a crossbar 11.1. The crossbar 11.1 also forms an upper basket rim. The upper shopping item receptacle 11 and the lower shopping item receptacle 12" are connected to each other on both sides via two parallel struts 15" each and are thus arranged one above the other at a fixed vertical distance.

[0046] The lower shopping item holder 12" features a fixed, outer storage frame 16" and a storage element 14" mounted therein, which can be pivoted upwards. This has a pivot axis in the front area and can be raised in the rear area. The pivoting storage element 14" is provided with hooks at the rear, with which it is suspended from a bearing bracket 16.3" of the storage frame 16". The outer storage frame 16" is formed by two parallel wire elements 16.1", 16.2" that are connected to each other at several points. These extend in the longitudinal direction in front of the rear weighing cells up to an upper level that is located completely above the weighing cells. The offset 13" of the wire elements 16.1", 16.2" allows the longitudinally front area of the storage frame 16" and the storage element 14" to be positioned very low, namely in a level directly above the chassis bracket frame 21".

[0047] In order to enable several 100" shopping trolleys to be stacked, i.e. pushed into each other to save space when parked, a known wedge shape of the 21" chassis frame and the basket-like shopping item receiving unit 10" is provided, which tapers towards the front.

[0048] The vertical frame 24" is formed by lateral struts 24.3", 24.4", which extend upwards from the chassis frame forming the lower level, and by cross braces 24.1", 24.2", which connect the lateral struts 24.3", 24.4". A display unit 40" is attached to the upper cross brace 24.1".

[0049] There is no direct connection between the vertical frame 24" and the shopping item receiving unit 10". The entire shopping cart unit 10" is mounted on three load cells 31, 32, which in turn rest on the chassis 20". The mechanical connection between the shopping item receiving unit 10" and the chassis 20" is therefore established solely via the load cells 31, 32. One load cell 31 is arranged on each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame 21" directly adjacent to the vertical frame 24", and at least one further load cell is arranged on a front section of the chassis 20".

[0050] The load cells 31, 32 are each cuboid-shaped and have an upper horizontal surface. They are covered on the inside and outside by a protective element 17" formed by a section of a U-profile. The struts 15" of the shopping item receiving unit 10" are welded directly to the upper side of the middle leg of the protective element 17". The downward-facing surface of the middle leg of the protective element 17" rests on the load cell 31 located below.

[0051] Fig. 10 shows the 100" shopping cart viewed from the left side. The dashed line indicates the separation between the 24" vertical frame as part of the 20" chassis and the separate 10" shopping item receiving unit. The front edge of the lower 12" shopping item receiving unit is slightly set back in the longitudinal direction of the 100" shopping cart compared to the front edge of the 21" V-shaped chassis frame.

[0052] The vertical positioning of the 21" chassis frame and the 16" outer storage frame is clearly visible here. To facilitate the insertion of cables, several slot-shaped mounting openings are provided on the side surfaces of the 21" chassis frame and the 24" vertical frame, which were subsequently closed by 42" mounting opening covers.

[0053] Fig. 11 shows a lower section of the shopping cart 100" from the front. The dotted lines indicate the greatest possible lateral extension of the outer contour of the chassis frame 21". In a plan view from above, the lateral rear load cells 31 are thus located completely within this outer contour.

[0054] Fig. 12 shows a lower section of the shopping cart 100" from the rear. The lateral rear load cells 31 are, as in the other embodiments of the shopping cart designed according to the invention, shielded to the rear by the wider support profile sections 28" of the vertical frame 24". The load cells 31 therefore do not project laterally inward beyond the chassis frame 21" and therefore cannot be directly hit when stacking several shopping carts 100".

[0055] In Fig. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the underside of a 100" shopping cart turned upside down. Clearly visible here is the positioning of the load cells 31 within the protective elements 17". Attached from below to the front area of the chassis frame 21" is an electronics housing 41", the rear side of which is supported by a cross brace 27" serving as a stacking stop.

[0056] Fig. Figure 14 shows a section of a perspective view of the shopping cart from the rear right. A recess is provided in the top side of the electronics housing 41" through which a portion of the load cell 32 protrudes outward, supporting the front portion of the storage frame 16". Due to the recessed arrangement of the front load cell 32 in the electronics housing 41" and the offset of the wire elements 16.1", 16.2" in the storage frame 16", the lower shopping item holder 12" can be positioned very close to the chassis frame 21". The distance is selected to be just large enough that the lower shopping item holder 12" does not strike the chassis frame 21", even with maximum weight load on the shopping item holder unit 10" and a corresponding spring travel on the load cell 32'.

[0057] In Fig.15 shows two stacked 100" shopping carts viewed diagonally from the front. The baskets of the upper shopping item holders 11 interlock in a known manner, with the rear wall flap of the front 100" shopping cart (not shown here) pivoting upwards. Also not shown on both 100" shopping carts is the lower storage area on the lower shopping item holder 12".

[0058] In order to make it possible to form a stack of several shopping carts 100" according to the invention, two special features are provided: The display units 40" are connected to the upper cross member 24.1" by angled support plates 43". A bend is provided in the angled support plate 43", and the support plate 43" is positioned such that the handle bar 25" of a front shopping cart 100" can be positioned in the area at the rear of the display unit 40 of the rear shopping cart 100" that is free due to the bend.

[0059] Furthermore, the longitudinal position on the chassis bar frame 21" at which the wire elements of the outer storage frame 16" are cranked and run up above the rear side load cells 31 is selected such that the front, lowered part of the shopping article holder 12" is sufficiently long so that the chassis bar frame 21" of the rear shopping cart 100" cannot hit the rear side load cells 31 of the front shopping cart 100" when pushed together. Rather, the position is selected such that the chassis bar frames 21" of both shopping carts 100" are already correctly guided and aligned with each other before the higher sections of the storage frame 16" of the rear shopping cart 100" can even hit the protective elements 17" on the rear side load cells 31 of the front shopping cart 100".

[0060] If two 100" shopping carts are pushed into one another, the front area of the 21" chassis frame of the rear 100" shopping cart can initially hit the 21" chassis frame of the front 100" shopping cart from the inside. However, the load cells 31 cannot be hit because they are shielded to the rear by the 28" support sections and are mounted on top of the 21" chassis frame, so that contact is only possible between the further forward and lower parts of the 21" chassis frame and the lower shopping article holder 12". By pushing them into one another, the two 21" chassis frames are brought together and aligned with one another before the higher parts can hit one another.

[0061] In the final position in the stack, the area of the offset 13" of the wire elements of the storage frame 16" on the rear shopping cart 100" is located well in front of the protective elements 17" on the rear side load cells 31 of the front shopping cart 100" in the stack. Reference symbols: 100; 100'; 100" shopping carts 10; 10" shopping item pick-up unit 11 upper shopping item holder 11.1 Crossbar 11.2 Rear panel flap 12; 12'; 12" lower shopping item holder 13" offset 14; 14" lower storage element 15; 15" struts 16; 16" storage frame 16.1; 16.2; 16.1", 16.2" wire elements 16.4, 16.4" bearing bracket 16.2; 16.2' console 17' side guard 17" side protection element 18' protective bar 19' front protection bar 20; 20" chassis 21; 21" chassis frame 22, 23 roles 24; 24" vertical frame 24.1; 24.1" upper cross brace 24.2; 24.2" lower cross brace 24.3; 24.4; 24.3"; 24.4" side rails 25; 25' handlebar 26, 26" cross brace 27; 27" cross brace 28; 28" support profile section 31, 32 load cells 40; 40" display unit 41" electronics housing 42" mounting hole cover 43" retaining plate QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 132 059 A1

[0002] CN 206 336 317U

[0005]

Claims

[1] Stackable shopping cart (100; 100'; 100"), comprising at least: - a chassis (20; 20'; 20") with a lower, V- or U-shaped chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") with rollers (22, 23) and with a vertical frame (24; 24") with at least two lateral beams (24.3, 24.4; 24.3", 24.4"), - a shopping article receiving unit (10; 10'; 10"), which has an upper shopping article receiving unit (11) and a lower shopping article receiving unit (12; 12'; 12") arranged vertically spaced therefrom, wherein the shopping trolley (100; 100'; 100") is designed to be stackable by a forwardly tapering wedge shape of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and by a movable storage element (14; 14") that can be lifted at least at the rear end on the lower shopping article holder (12; 12') and wherein the shopping article receiving unit (10; 10'; 10") is mounted on the chassis (20; 20'; 20") via at least three load cells (31, 32), of which one load cell (31) is arranged in each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and at least one load cell (32) is arranged in a front region of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21"); characterized by , - that the storage element (14; 14'; 14") of the lower shopping article holder (12; 12'; 12") is encompassed by a storage frame (16; 16'; 16") which runs above the respective upper edge of the weighing cells (31, 32) and which extends rearward in the longitudinal direction to above the rear lateral weighing cells (31); - that the rear end of the storage element (14; 14'; 14") is suspended from a bearing bracket (16.3; 16.3") which extends transversely across a rear section of the storage frame (16; 16'; 16") and which is positioned above the rear lateral load cells (31); - that a cross brace (27; 27") serving as a fixed stop when stacking the shopping trolleys is inserted into the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") and - that a front load cell (32) is positioned on a further cross member (26) behind the front area of the chassis frame (21) or in a space between the front area of the chassis frame (21") and the cross member (27") serving as a fixed stop during stacking. [2] Shopping cart (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 1, characterized by that the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21") is arranged in the direction of travel in front of the side members (24.3, 24.4; 24.3", 24.4") of the vertical frame (24; 24"). [3] Shopping cart (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the storage frame (16; 16'; 16") lies within the outline contour of the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21"). [4] Shopping cart (100; 100') according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the storage frame (16; 16') is placed in the rear area via laterally attached consoles (16.4; 16.4') on the rear load cells (31), which stand on the chassis frame (21; 21'). [5] Shopping cart (100; 100'; 100") according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the upper shopping article holder (11) is designed like a basket and has a wedge shape tapering towards the front and has a pivotable rear wall flap (11.2). [6] Shopping cart (100; 100'; 100") according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the front region of the storage frame (16; 16") and of the storage element (14; 14"), viewed in the longitudinal direction, extends from a low level, which lies directly above the chassis frame (21; 21'; 21"), through a bend formed in front of the rear weighing cells (31), at least on the upper wire element (16.1; 16.1") to an upper level, which is located above the rear lateral weighing cells (31). [7] Shopping cart (100") according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an electronics housing (41") is arranged in the front area of the chassis (20"), which, viewed in plan view, is placed between the front wheels (22) and the cross strut (27") inserted into the chassis frame (21") as a stacking stop. [8] Shopping cart (100") according to claim 7, characterized bythat the front load cell is located within the electronics housing (41"), wherein at least one recess is provided on the top side of the electronics housing (41"), through which the shopping article receiving unit (10") is placed onto the front load cell (32). [9] Shopping cart (100'; 100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lower shopping article holder (12'; 12") has at least one lateral rear protective element (17") on each of the two sides of the chassis (20'; 20"), which extends at least as far as the outside of the rear load cells (31). [10] Shopping cart (100") according to claim 9, characterized by , - that the rear protective element (17") is formed from a U-shaped profile section or comprises such a section, which is placed with its open side from above over the rear lateral weighing cell (31) and which rests on a support surface of the weighing cell (31) provided for weighing and - that the shopping item receiving unit (10") is connected to the rear protective elements (17"). [11] Shopping cart (100") according to claim 10, characterized by that the upper shopping article holder (11) and the lower shopping article holder (12; 12'; 12") are connected to one another via struts (15") and that the struts (15") are directly connected to the upper side of the middle leg of the U-shaped protective element (17"). [12] Shopping cart (100") according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the outer storage frame (16"), viewed in the longitudinal direction, rises from a level located just above the chassis frame (21") through a crank (13") in front of the rear load cells (31) and runs up to an upper level which is located completely above the rear side load cells (31). [13] Stack of several shopping trolleys (100"), which are designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , - that the longitudinal position of the offset (13") on the chassis frame (21") is selected such that the front, lowered part of the lower shopping article holder (12") is sufficiently long so that the chassis frame (21") of a rear shopping trolley (100") cannot hit the rear lateral load cells (31) of a front shopping trolley (100") when pushed together, and - that the offset (13") on the rear shopping cart (100") is located in the stack in front of the protective elements (17") on the rear side load cells (31) of the front shopping cart (100"). [14] Stack of several shopping trolleys (100"), which are designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , - that on each shopping trolley (100") a display unit (40") is attached to an upper cross member (24.1") in the vertical frame (24") and - that the display units (40") are connected to the upper cross member (24.1") by a holding plate (43") angled with a bend, wherein the angled holding plate (43") is positioned such that a handle bar (25") of a front shopping cart (100") can be positioned in the area free due to the bend on the rear side of the display unit (40") of the rear shopping cart (100").

Images