Mountable contacting system for electrical and / or mechanical contacting for a slidable carriage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contacting system for a slidable carriage. The contacting system comprises: a support which can be mounted on the slidable carriage; a first contact pair which is arranged on the support and has at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage; a second contact pair which is arranged on the support and has at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage; wherein the first and second contact pairs are designed in such a way that: by inserting the slidable carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second slidable carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establish an electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second slidable carriage.

Description

[0001] Mountable contact system for electrical and / or mechanical contacting for a pushable trolley

[0002] 1. Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a contacting system for a pushable trolley, preferably a shopping trolley, wherein a mechanical and / or electrical contact can be established with another pushable trolley equipped with the contacting system according to the invention by means of a pushing-in process.

[0004] 2. Background

[0005] When shopping in a supermarket, a shopping cart is typically used to place products during the shopping process. To provide customers with a pleasant, efficient, and modern shopping experience, the general trend toward digitalization has led to the development of so-called smart shopping carts. Such smart shopping carts are generally equipped with electronic devices, such as a tablet computer and / or a cell phone charger. In certain embodiments, the shopping cart itself can become part of the shopping process. For example, the shopping cart is equipped with a handheld scanner and / or a camera. The shopping cart often also includes a battery that supplies the electronic devices with power.

[0006] Regardless of the number of electrical devices attached to the shopping cart, they must be supplied with electricity in order to operate.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2022 103520 Ai discloses a shopping cart in which the power supply is provided via a conventional deposit lock and chain attached to the handle of the cart in the shopping cart house, where the shopping carts are pushed together, usually overnight. The battery of the cart at the front of a row is charged using a special device permanently installed in the house. This device contains a powered plug that is inserted into a socket on the deposit lock of the first cart. The battery of the next shopping cart and the batteries of all other nested shopping carts are charged via a contact system integrated into the deposit lock, which also electrically connects the carts to one another via the chain. The disadvantage of this system is that the contact system becomes quite complex because the mechanical coupling also includes the electrical coupling.There is no guarantee that the system will function reliably for years to come, as customers often pull or tug on the shopping cart handle even though the cart is still mechanically connected via the deposit lock. This puts strain on both the mechanical components and the relatively sensitive electrical contacts, which can be damaged. Furthermore, the chain must be insulated, as customers can touch this part of the cart directly and need to be protected from electric shocks. Moreover, not every shopping cart has a chain. Many retail chains deliberately opt for shopping carts without a deposit lock or chain to save customers from having to bring a shopping cart token or coin with them. Many customers also have key fobs, which can be inserted into a deposit lock to open it and then immediately removed again.When returning the shopping cart, the customer doesn't have to close the deposit lock again because there's neither a chip nor a coin inside. This interrupts the flow of electricity. A solution using electronic deposit lock opening also presents a further hurdle for the customer when shopping, something many retailers want to avoid.

[0008] The European patent EP 3 252913 Bi describes a contacting system in which the contacts are arranged on the right and left outside of the handle bar of the shopping trolley and are functionally separated from the mechanical coupling of the trolleys to each other.

[0009] The disadvantage of this system is that a relatively high level of technical and structural effort is required in the shopping cart building. This is because it requires two railings with rails and contact rails inside them, which accommodate the contacts on the right and left outside. These devices are also expensive and space-consuming. This requires the customer to deliberately drive into the contact rails. This can result in customers pinching their fingers if they are careless when pushing them in. Since children, who are naturally more careless than adults, often take away empty shopping carts, this risk is increased even further. European patent application EP 3 644474 Ai discloses a system that charges the batteries of the shopping carts without mechanical contacts using induction surfaces attached to the side of the cart.However, the counter surfaces must be installed separately for each shopping cart in the shopping cart building, which requires a high level of technical effort and incurs high costs. The carts must also be precisely positioned; otherwise, the induction surfaces will be too far apart or unevenly spaced, making battery charging inefficient, expensive, and unsustainable. Therefore, the buildings require rails installed in the floor for the carts, into which the carts must be precisely guided. These rails represent an additional technical and structural effort; they are potential tripping hazards and can be blocked by garbage. However, the willingness to clean up other people's garbage is generally quite low.

[0010] In light of this technical background, there is a need for improved techniques for electrically charging electrical devices attached to a shopping cart.

[0011] 3. Summary of the invention

[0012] This objective is achieved in a first aspect by a contacting system for a first pushable carriage. The contacting system comprises a carrier that can be (separately) mounted on the first pushable carriage. A first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage is arranged on the carrier. Furthermore, a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage is arranged on the carrier.The first and second contact pairs are configured such that, by inserting the first sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage.

[0013] The support and thus the contacting system can be attached and / or fastened to the push-along carriage, for example, by fastening elements such as screws and / or clamps and / or sleeves. In general, the contacting system can be a system independent of the push-along carriage that can be easily attached and / or removed and / or retrofitted (in one piece), for example, by fastening or loosening one or two screw, clamp, or sleeve connections. The support can thus be designed for detachable attachment to the carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the support can be attached to the push-along carriage by riveting, gluing, and / or welding. The support therefore does not necessarily have to be detachably connected.

[0014] This usually refers to a mountable support. However, it is also intended to include supports that have already been mounted.

[0015] In some examples, the entire contacting system can be attached to the carrier. In general, by attaching the carrier to the pushable cart, the entire contacting system can be attached to the pushable cart. In particular, the pushable cart can be a pushable cart that has not previously been equipped with electronic devices. Alternatively, or additionally, the pushable cart can already have electronic devices such as load cells and / or a camera system. In general, the carrier is designed such that it can be attached to the pushable cart in such a way that the latter can be at least partially separated from the pushable cart by loosening the fastening elements. For example, the carrier can be completely separated and / or separated from the pushable cart by loosening the fastening elements.

[0016] The support can, for example, be formed in one piece. In some examples, it can be designed to be mounted on the top of a basket of a shopping cart. It can, for example, have a substantially longitudinal extension and be designed for mounting in a direction substantially parallel to a transversely extending handle of the shopping cart. The support can therefore, for example, be designed essentially as a cross brace that runs along the cart.

[0017] In general, the carrier can be located on a side of the pushable cart facing the person pushing, e.g., in a front third or a front quarter of the cart. In other examples, the carrier can be designed as an element designed for fastening and / or attachment to a (pre-existing) cross member of a cart. The cross member can, for example, run along an upper side of a basket of a shopping cart, have a substantially longitudinal extension, and / or be designed substantially parallel to a transverse handle of the shopping cart. It can be located on a side of the pushable cart facing the person pushing, e.g., in a front third or a front quarter of the cart. The fastening and / or attachment of the carrier to such a cross member can, for example, be designed as generally explained above for carriers, i.e., be detachable or non-reversible, e.g.,include a screw or clamp connection, etc.

[0018] This design can make it possible to retrofit push-along trolleys that already have a cross brace with a contact system.

[0019] For example, the carrier may include or be configured as a receptacle for an electronic device, a tablet computer, a coin lock, a handheld scanner and / or other devices, which are designed, for example, for mounting on a cross member.

[0020] The carrier and its contact pairs as well as the respective carriage on which the carrier can be mounted are coordinated with one another in such a way that the first contact pair with the at least two contact elements and the second contact pair with the at least two contact elements can be mounted on the sliding carriage in such a way that by sliding the sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage.

[0021] The cross member (of a trolley and / or the carrier) can, for example, also be designed as a handle for pushing the trolley. In other examples, the cross member can be arranged at a distance of, for example, 5 to 50 cm, e.g. 10 to 40 cm further away from the person pushing than any handle of the trolley. The pushing-in process can relate to a second pushable trolley that is identical in construction to the first. Alternatively or additionally, it can relate to a second contact system that is identical in construction to the first contact system. The counter contact elements can be part of the second contact system of the second pushable trolley, so that the electrically effective contact only occurs between contact elements that have the same connection polarity.Since the contact pairs and the corresponding contact elements are arranged in such a way that the electrical contact with a respective counter-contact element of the second carriage is created by the insertion process of the first pushable carriage into the second pushable carriage, this contacting system is independent of the existence of a deposit lock.

[0022] The use of a contacting system having a mountable carrier allows modular attachment of the contacting system to the push cart. For example, the push cart to which the carrier is attached can be an analog push cart, i.e., the push cart has no electronic device and no power supply. By attaching the carrier to the analog push cart, an infrastructure for digital retrofitting can be created on the push cart. Thus, in a store that has a large number of analog shopping carts, not every shopping cart needs to be replaced with a completely new, digital push cart; instead, the contacting system according to the invention can be retrofitted to the analog push cart by attachment. In particular, retrofitting does not involve any substantial modification of the analog push cart.This minimizes the labor and cost involved in converting to digital push carts and maximizes the reuse of existing resources, such as analog push carts. Furthermore, the modular retrofitting with the contact system allows for simple and efficient replacement in the event of a defect, whether in a shopping cart and / or in the contact system itself. This minimizes downtime, i.e., the time the push cart is not in use, and thus optimizes its use.

[0023] In general, the carrier can be configured to accommodate at least one electronic device and / or a battery. In particular, at least one of the electronic devices and / or the batteries can be supplied with power by the electrical charging voltage. For example, the at least one electronic device can comprise a mobile phone and / or a tablet computer and / or a handheld scanner and / or a camera system. In other examples, a personal shopping assistant (e.g., a PSA Zebra) can be used.

[0024] The carrier may have one or more holders into which, for example, electronic devices can be inserted. The carrier may comprise an elongated part, wherein the length of the elongated part may be based on the width of the pushable trolley and / or the shopping cart. For example, the electronic devices may be arranged along the elongated part. In general, the carrier may have at least two feet which extend perpendicularly from the elongated part. Preferably, the length of each of the at least two feet is less than the length of the elongated part. For example, the at least two feet may be configured for fastening and / or attaching the carrier to the pushable trolley and / or shopping cart.

[0025] In general, the carrier can comprise at least one hollow space. In particular, the at least one hollow space can be configured to guide at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable can be connected to at least one contact element. For example, without any externally visible cabling, the cable can be routed via the hollow space to a device attached to the carrier, e.g., a handheld scanner, at least one camera, and / or a tablet computer. In particular, by attaching the electronic devices and the contacting system to the carrier, all of the required cabling can be enclosed in the hollow space of the carrier. This minimizes the amount of cable required. Furthermore, the hollow space reduces the material and weight of the carrier. This lowers potential material costs and minimizes the inertia of the trolley, thus optimizing the mobility and / or maneuverability of the pushable trolley.

[0026] The contacting system can further be configured such that at least a portion of the contacting system is located above the pushable carriage and / or a basket of the pushable carriage. For example, one of the contact elements of the contacting system and / or the carrier can be located above the pushable carriage and / or the basket.

[0027] The contacting system can be configured on the pushable cart such that at least part of the contacting system is located above the pushable cart. In general, the support of the contacting system can be located above the pushable cart. The fact that part of the contacting system is located above the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart can be controlled via the length of at least two feet of the support. Additionally, or alternatively, part of the contacting system can extend the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart; for example, the overall length of the pushable cart can be extended by attaching the contacting system. In particular, the support can be attached offset with respect to the pushable cart. In general, at least one of the contact elements of the contacting system and / or the support can be located above the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart.Alternatively, or additionally, at least part of the contact system can be located on the side of the pushable cart. For example, at least one of the contact elements can be located on the side of the pushable cart. In particular, at least part of the support can be located above the pushable cart, and at least one of the contact elements can be located on the side of the pushable cart. Specifically, the laterally mounted contact elements can be mounted at the height of the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart.

[0028] By attaching the contacting system to the pushable cart in such a way that at least part of the contacting system is located above the pushable cart, the contact elements can be seen by the user, e.g., the customer, of the pushable cart. In particular, the contact elements are visible to the user during the pushing-in process. This allows the user to check whether electrical and / or mechanical contact has actually been established with the second pushable cart when the pushable cart is pushed in. This ensures that the electrical charging voltage can be passed on from the second pushable cart to the pushable cart, thus supplying the pushable cart with power. In particular, the pushable cart can pass the electrical charging voltage to a third pushable cart equipped with the contacting system, so that charging can be carried out via a series of pushable carts.This minimizes the risk of an interruption in the electrical charging voltage in a row of nested push carts equipped with the contacting system, thus maximizing the carts available to the customer, i.e., carts with a sufficiently high battery level, and thus optimizing the usability of all push carts on the market. In some examples, the contacting system can be designed such that a distance between the contact pairs is at most 30 cm, preferably at most 20 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm. Alternatively or additionally, a distance between the contact elements of at least one contact pair can be at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm or at most 30 cm, preferably at most 20 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm.

[0029] In general, the contacting system can be designed such that a contact surface of at least one contact element is at least 1 mm 2 cm, preferably at least 4 mm 2 , most preferably at least 9 mm 2 Furthermore, a contact surface of at least one contact element can be a maximum of 9 cm 2 , preferably no more than 5 cm 2 , most preferably no more than 1 cm 2 Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the contact elements can have a length of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, most preferably at least 5 mm. Furthermore, at least one of the contact elements can have a length of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, most preferably at most 15 mm. In general, at least one of the contact elements can have a circular and / or cylindrical shape.

[0030] A contact surface can be at least a portion of a surface of a contact element. For example, the contact surface can comprise at least a portion of the surface of a contact element that can come into contact with a portion of a corresponding mating contact element during the insertion process. In particular, the contact surface of a contact element can comprise that portion of the surface that establishes electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact element when the pushable carriage is fully inserted into a second pushable carriage.

[0031] In general, the contact pairs of the first contact pair may comprise a female and a male contact element. Alternatively, or additionally, the contact elements of the second contact pair may comprise a female and a male contact element.

[0032] For example, a first contact element of the first contact pair can be designed as a male contact element and a second contact element of the first contact pair can be designed as a female contact element. Similarly, a first contact element of the second contact pair can be designed as a male contact element and a second contact element of the second contact pair can be designed as a female contact element. In general, a female contact element can be configured to receive at least part of a male contact element. A female contact element can also be configured such that it is arranged in a cavity that receives at least part of a male contact element. In particular, a female contact element can be configured such that a plug-in connection can be established with a male contact element.In some embodiments, the female contact element of the first contact pair and the female contact element of the second contact pair can be aligned identically. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the first contact pair and the male contact element of the second contact pair can be aligned identically. An identical alignment of contact elements can include the contact elements being arranged on the same side of the carrier. For example, the contact elements can be aligned toward and / or on a side facing a shopping cart of the pushable cart. Alternatively, or additionally, the contact elements can be aligned toward and / or on a side facing a person pushing the pushable cart.

[0033] Configuring contact elements of the first and / or second contact pair as male and female contact elements can enable a more precise and accurate insertion process of the pushable carriage into a second pushable carriage equipped with a second contact system, since a male contact element of the pushable carriage at least partially penetrates a corresponding female contact element of the second pushable carriage during the insertion process and can be guided accordingly. This guidance of the pushable carriage during the insertion process contributes to electrically effective contact with the respective mating contact elements of the second contact system of the second pushable carriage. This improves the charging of the pushable carriage and / or the electrical devices connected to the pushable carriage.This can enable the trolley to be used continuously, minimizes possible downtime and consequently results in optimal and efficient use of the push trolley.

[0034] Specifically, at least one male contact element of the first contact pair can be arranged on a projection extending from the carrier. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one male contact element of the second contact pair can be arranged on a projection extending from the carrier.

[0035] The projection can extend (away) from the carrier of the pushable trolley. This can be understood, for example, as the projection extending vertically from above in a specific direction, e.g., in the direction of travel of the trolley. Alternatively, or additionally, the projection can similarly extend from an object attached to the carrier. For example, the projection can extend from a holder, e.g., a tablet and / or cell phone holder, and / or a cross brace. In other words, the projection can be directly and / or indirectly connected to the carrier.

[0036] In general, the projection can extend in a direction parallel to the direction of travel and / or opposite to the direction of travel. Specifically, the projection can be designed such that it at least partially forms an extension of the support in a direction parallel to the direction of travel and / or opposite to the direction of travel.

[0037] In general, the projection may comprise a portion extending from the support as well as a portion arranged below the support. The portion of the projection arranged below the support may also be arranged at least partially below an object attached to the support. For example, the portion of the projection arranged below the support may be arranged at least partially below a holder, e.g., a tablet and / or cell phone holder. In some embodiments, the portion arranged below the support may be connected to the support and / or the holder. In other words, the portion of the projection arranged below the support may serve to fasten the projection to the support and / or the holder.

[0038] For example, the portion of the projection located below the support can be screwed to a portion of the support and / or the bracket. Additionally, or alternatively, the portion of the projection located below the support can be welded to the support and / or the bracket.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, at least one female contact element of the first contact pair can be arranged such that it forms at least part of a cavity. Alternatively or additionally, at least one female contact element of the second contact pair can be arranged such that it forms at least part of a cavity.

[0040] For example, the at least one female contact element of the first and / or second contact pair can be arranged such that it forms at least part of a side surface of the cavity. For example, the female contact element of the first contact pair can form at least part of a first side surface of the cavity. Alternatively, or additionally, the female contact element of the second contact pair can form at least part of a second side surface of the cavity. For example, the first side surface and the second side surface can comprise opposite side surfaces of the cavity. In particular, the first side surface can comprise a right and / or left side surface of the cavity. Alternatively, or additionally, the second side surface can comprise a left or right side surface of the cavity.In some embodiments, the female contact element of the first and / or second contact pair can be arranged in a female housing. For example, the female housing can be attached to the carrier and / or an object of the carrier, e.g., a holder. Specifically, the housing can comprise at least a portion of the cavity. For example, at least a portion of a side of the female housing can form a portion of a side of the cavity. In particular, the at least a portion of the side of the female housing can form a (e.g., upper and / or lower) side surface of the cavity. For example, a first side of the female housing can form a lower side surface of the cavity and a second side of the female housing can form an upper side surface of the cavity.

[0041] In general, the cavity and / or the female housing can be designed such that it is suitable for receiving at least part of a male contact element of a second pushable carriage equipped with a second contacting system. In particular, the cavity and / or the female housing can be designed such that it is suitable for receiving at least part of the projection. In general, a geometry and / or a size of the cavity and / or the female housing can be based on a geometry and / or a size of the projection and / or the male contact elements. In particular, a size of an opening of the cavity can be designed such that it is larger than a front end of the projection. In particular, a width of the opening can be wider than a width of a front end of the projection.Arranging the at least one contact element of the first and / or second contact pair on a projection extending from the carrier and at least one female contact element, which forms at least part of a cavity, contributes to the guidance of the sliding carriage during the insertion process as well as to the early establishment of an electrically effective contact with the respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of a second sliding carriage.

[0042] Specifically, a length of the protrusion may be at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, most preferably at least 3 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, a length of the protrusion may be at most 10 cm, preferably at most 8 cm, most preferably at most 6 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, a thickness of the protrusion may be at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, most preferably at least 8 mm. Alternatively, or additionally, a thickness of the protrusion may be at most 22 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, most preferably at most 18 mm.

[0043] The length of the projection may comprise a length of the part of the projection extending from the support and / or the holder. The length of the part of the projection extending from the support and / or the holder may comprise at least 1 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm, most preferably at least 2 cm. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of the part of the projection extending from the support and / or the holder may comprise at most 8 cm, preferably at most 6 cm, most preferably at most 4 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, the length of the projection may comprise a length of the part of the projection arranged below the support. In this case, a length of the projection may comprise at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, most preferably at least 5 cm.

[0044] A projection length of at least 1 cm and at most 10 cm contributes to improved guidance of the pushable carriage during the insertion process. Furthermore, a projection length of at least 1 cm can ensure a sufficient length and / or extension of the at least one male contact element arranged on the projection. A sufficient length and / or extension of the at least one male contact element arranged on the projection guarantees the establishment of an electrically effective contact with the respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second pushable carriage. The thickness of the projection can comprise a vertical thickness and / or extension of the projection. The thickness of the projection can comprise a constant thickness. Alternatively, the thickness of the projection can comprise a variable thickness.For example, the thickness of the protrusion may comprise a first thickness at a first position and a second thickness at a second position. In other words, the thickness of the protrusion may comprise a plurality of thicknesses. In general, the thickness may comprise a thickness that is constant with respect to a horizontal direction. In other words, the thickness of the protrusion may be constant along a horizontal direction, e.g., a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0045] A protrusion thickness of at least 3 mm contributes to its robustness and stability. Furthermore, a thickness of at least 3 mm ensures that one side surface of the protrusion is sufficiently large, i.e., that it covers a sufficiently large area. For example, if at least one male contact element is arranged on one side surface of the protrusion, a thickness of at least 3 mm guarantees a sufficient size or contact area of ​​the male contact element.

[0046] Alternatively, or additionally, a width of the projection may be at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, most preferably at least 4 cm. A width of the projection may comprise a horizontal extension of the projection.

[0047] A projection width of at least 2 cm contributes to its robustness and stability. Since the projection, in particular, is subject to considerable forces, such as those exerted during the insertion of the push-to-fit carriage, the robustness and stability of the projection contributes to the longevity of the contact system.

[0048] In other examples, the projection may be upright (i.e., rotated 90° about an axis in the direction of travel) or rotated by another angle about an axis in the direction of travel.

[0049] In general, the projection may comprise a T-shaped cross-section. In particular, the cross-section of the projection may comprise a horizontal cross-section of the projection. A T-shaped cross-section of the projection may comprise that a width of the projection is not constant. For example, a first portion of the projection may comprise a first width and a second portion of the projection may comprise a second width. In general, the wider part of the projection may be arranged at least partially below the carrier and / or the holder. For example, the wider part of the projection may be connected to the carrier and / or the holder. In particular, the wider part of the projection may be screwed and / or welded to the carrier and / or the holder. The wide part of the T-shaped projection may comprise a width of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, most preferably at least 5 cm.Alternatively, or additionally, the narrower part of the T-shaped projection may comprise a width of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm, most preferably at least 2 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, the narrower part of the projection may comprise a width of at most 5 cm, preferably at most 4 cm, most preferably at most 3 cm. In general, the narrow part of the projection may comprise the part of the projection extending from the carrier and / or the holder.

[0050] A projection with a T-shaped cross-section allows the projection to be attached to the support and / or the bracket in such a way that the wide part of the projection is fastened and / or connected to the support and / or the bracket. Attaching the wide part of the projection to the support and / or the bracket enables a stable fixation of the projection to the support and / or the bracket, as lateral forces can be better compensated.

[0051] Alternatively, or additionally, the thickness of the projection may taper. For example, the thickness of the projection may taper by at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, most preferably at least 50% of the thickness of the projection.

[0052] A taper of the thickness of the projection can comprise a decrease in the thickness of the projection. For example, the projection can comprise a first thickness at a first position and a second thickness at a second position such that the first thickness is less than the second thickness. In particular, the first thickness can be at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, most preferably at least 50% less than the second thickness. A taper of the thickness of the projection contributes to improved guidance of the at least one male contact element into the at least one female contact element of a second pushable carriage equipped with the contacting system. In particular, the taper facilitates the at least partial reception of the male contact element in the corresponding female contact element.

[0053] Specifically, the taper of the thickness of the protrusion may comprise a continuous taper of the thickness of the protrusion. In particular, a direction of the taper may be based at least in part on the arrangement of the male and / or female contact elements.

[0054] For example, the thickness of the projection may taper continuously within a portion of the projection. In particular, the projection may comprise a first portion having a constant thickness. Additionally, or alternatively, the projection may comprise a second portion in which the thickness tapers continuously. Additionally, or alternatively, the projection may comprise a third portion in which the thickness is constant. For example, the first portion may comprise a first thickness. The first thickness may then taper continuously to a second thickness in the second portion. The third portion may comprise the second thickness.

[0055] The direction of the taper may comprise a direction in which the thickness of the protrusion decreases. For example, the direction of the taper may be based at least in part on the arrangement of the male and / or female contact elements. For example, the thickness of the protrusion may taper in the sliding direction of the pushable carriage if the male contact element of the first contact pair and / or the male contact element of the second contact pair is oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the thickness of the protrusion may taper in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the pushable carriage if the male contact element of the first contact pair and / or the male contact element of the second contact pair is oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage.

[0056] In general, at least a part of the at least one male contact element can be arranged on an outer side surface of the projection. For example, the at least one male contact element can be arranged on a right and / or left outer side surface of the projection. Specifically, the male contact element of the first contact pair can be arranged on a first outer side surface of the projection. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the second contact pair can be arranged on a second outer side surface of the projection. In general, the male contact element of the first contact pair and / or the male contact element of the second contact pair can be arranged as a sliding contact on the first and / or second outer side surface of the projection.

[0057] Arranging the at least one male contact element on an outer side surface of the projection, in particular as a sliding contact, contributes to an early and reliable establishment of an electrically effective contact between the male contact element and a corresponding female contact element of a second pushable carriage equipped with a contacting system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the at least one female contact element of the first contact pair can be flexible. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one female contact element of the second contact pair can be flexible.

[0059] For example, a flexibly designed contact element can comprise a movable and / or (temporarily and / or elastically) bendable or deformable contact element. In particular, a movable contact element can be moved and / or (temporarily) bent by an external force. Temporary and / or elastic bending of a contact element can involve the contact element essentially returning to its original state after the external force has ceased.

[0060] Specifically, the flexible design of the at least one female contact element can include the at least one female contact element being movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. In particular, the movement of the at least one female contact element in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction can lead to an enlargement of a cavity.

[0061] For example, the at least one female contact element can be bent in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. In particular, the at least one female contact element can be bent in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction in such a way that the bending leads to an enlargement of the cavity. In other words, the movement and / or bending of the at least one female contact element in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction can lead to a movement and / or displacement of a side surface of the cavity. In general, the female contact element can be designed such that it projects at least partially into the cavity. For example, the female housing can comprise an opening, e.g., an opening through which the cavity is accessible. In particular, the female contact element can be designed such that it projects beyond the opening into the cavity.In other words, a distance between the contact surfaces of the female contact elements can be smaller than a width of the opening. If a male contact element and / or a corresponding projection is now inserted into the cavity, e.g., through the opening, the male contact element and / or the projection can strike the (movable) female contact element. The collision of the male contact element and / or projection with the female contact element can (optionally already establish contact and) lead to (lateral) bending of the female contact element. In general, the female housing can comprise at least one limiter. The at least one limiter can be designed such that it can limit bending of the female contact element. The limiter can, for example, be arranged behind the female contact element.In other words, the limiter can limit the movement and / or bending of the at least one female contact element in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction caused by the male contact element and / or the projection. For example, the female contact element of the first contact pair can be associated with a first limiter. Alternatively, or additionally, the female contact element of the second contact pair can be associated with a second limiter. In general, the at least one limiter can comprise a cylindrical geometry.

[0062] In general, the female contact element of the first contact pair can be oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the female contact element of the second contact pair can be oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the first contact pair can be oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the second contact pair can be oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage.

[0063] An orientation of the female contact element of the first and / or the second contact pair opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable trolley can comprise that its contact surface (e.g. its normal vector) points at least partially opposite the direction of travel (e.g. has a component opposite to the direction of travel), e.g. so that the female contact element faces a person pushing the pushable trolley. Additionally, or alternatively, an orientation of the male contact element of the first and / or the second contact pair in the direction of travel of the pushable trolley can comprise that its contact surface (e.g. its normal vector) points at least partially in the direction of travel (e.g. has a component in the direction of travel), e.g. so that the male contact element faces a shopping cart of the pushable trolley.In particular, an orientation of the male contact element of the first and / or the second contact pair in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage may include that the projection faces a shopping basket of the pushable carriage.

[0064] In some examples, the female contact element of the first contact pair can be oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the female contact element of the second contact pair can be oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the first contact pair can be oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. Alternatively, or additionally, the male contact element of the second contact pair can be oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage.

[0065] For example, the female and / or contact element may comprise a sheet metal.

[0066] In general, the female contact element and / or the male contact element can comprise a copper alloy. For example, the copper alloy can comprise tin. Additionally, or alternatively, a thickness of the female contact element and / or the male contact element can comprise a thickness of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, most preferably at least 0.6 mm. Specifically, a mobility and / or bendability of the female contact element can depend on a thickness of the female contact element and / or a material of the female contact element. A contact surface of at least one contact pair can, for example, be arranged at least partially parallel to the insertion direction of the pushable carriage. For example, this can apply in particular to the male contact elements. For the female contact elements, this can apply when contact is fully established, so that the contact between the contact elements of a first or second contact element is maintained.second carriage is essentially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0067] In general, the contact elements of at least one contact pair can comprise butt contacts and / or sliding contacts. In the case of sliding contacts, one contact element of a contact pair can be male and another contact element of the contact pair can be female. In particular, the contact elements of the first and second contact pairs can comprise sliding contacts.

[0068] In some examples, the contact elements are designed such that no exact positioning in the insertion direction of the carriage is required to establish contact between a contact element and a mating contact element. For example, at least one contact element of at least one contact pair can be male, and at least one other contact element of the contact pair can be female. In this case, for example, a recess in the female contact element can be deeper than the length of a protrusion of the male contact element. An electrically effective contact can be formed not only via a front surface of the protrusion of the male contact element with a bottom surface of the recess, but in some examples also via a lateral and / or circumferential contact (e.g., on at least two opposite sides (e.g., in the case of a cuboid-shaped protrusion), on a circumferential surface (e.g., in the case of a cylindrical and / or conical protrusion), etc.) between the elevation and the depression. These can form a sliding contact during the insertion process, so that a sliding contact can be established over a tolerance range of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, but e.g. at most 50 mm or at most 20 mm along the insertion direction. Alternatively or additionally, the base surface of the depression can also be provided with a pre-tension so that it makes contact with a front surface of the elevation even when the element is not fully inserted, but then moves with the elevation when inserted further. Alternatively or additionally, a spring-loaded mounting of at least one contact element of at least one contact pair is also possible. In this way, a tolerance can be provided during the contacting, e.g. in the aforementioned range, without the insertion process always having to be carried out with exact precision.For example, the contact elements and / or the carrier can be designed in such a way that a contact is already established when the insertion is not complete, and this contact is maintained even when the insertion is continued, since at least one of the contact elements of (each) contact pair can be spring-mounted so that it can move along the insertion direction.

[0069] Similarly, the contact elements can be designed so that they still provide contact even with a lateral displacement of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 1 mm. This can also be achieved, for example, by appropriate sliding and / or spring-loaded contact elements.

[0070] Furthermore, a contact surface of at least one contact pair can be arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the sliding carriage. For example, the contact surface of each contact element can be arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0071] Arranging the contact surface of at least one contact pair perpendicular to the insertion direction results in electrical and / or mechanical contact being established with the mating contact elements of the contact system of the second sliding carriage during the insertion process of the sliding carriage into a second sliding carriage equipped with the contact system. In particular, in the case of butt contacts, the contact surface can be arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the sliding carriage. This maximizes the effective contact surface of the contact element, thus minimizing the probability of poor contact and / or no contact, and consequently optimizing the available charging current.In general, by arranging the contact surface of at least one contact pair perpendicular to the insertion direction, the probability of a force acting on the contact surfaces and / or the contact element during the insertion process that does not correspond to the orientation of the contact surface can be minimized. This minimizes the probability of bending and / or deformation of the contact surfaces, which maximizes the service life of the contact elements and thus optimizes the usability of the sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system. Alternatively, or additionally, a contact surface of at least one contact pair can be arranged parallel to the insertion direction of the sliding carriage. For example, the contact surface of each contact element can be arranged parallel to the insertion direction.Particularly when using sliding contacts, the contact elements, which comprise sliding contacts, can be aligned parallel to the insertion direction. The use of sliding contacts, especially sliding contacts whose contact surface is aligned parallel to the insertion direction of the sliding carriage, allows electrical contact to be established with the corresponding mating contact elements during the insertion process. This minimizes the likelihood that no electrical contact will be established during the insertion process and thus ensures that all sliding carriages inserted in a row are supplied with the charging voltage.

[0072] In general, at least one of the contact elements can be magnetic. It is also possible for a magnet to be arranged in the vicinity of at least one of the contact elements. In particular, the contact elements of a contact pair and / or the surroundings of the contact elements can have different magnetic poles.

[0073] In general, this can be a permanent magnet. For example, the permanent magnet can comprise an alloy of iron, cobalt, nickel, and / or ferrites. Alternatively, or additionally, the permanent magnet can comprise a rare earth magnet, e.g., a neodymium-iron-boron magnet and / or a samarium-cobalt magnet. Alternatively, or additionally, at least some of the magnetic contact elements can comprise an electromagnet. For example, the electromagnet can be operated at least partially by the charging voltage.

[0074] By using at least one magnetic contact element and / or a magnet in an area surrounding the contact element, in particular wherein the contact elements of a contact pair and / or their areas have different magnetic poles, the sliding carriage can be held in position. In particular, the sliding carriage can be held in position during the insertion process and / or after completion of the insertion process into a second sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system. This maximizes the probability that the electrical contact will not be broken after completion of the insertion process and / or after establishment of electrical contact between the contact elements of the sliding carriage and the corresponding mating contact elements. The electrical contact can be broken, for example, by displacement and / or shifting of the sliding carriage.Such displacement and / or shifting can be induced by inserting a third pushable carriage into the pushable carriage.

[0075] The magnetic strength of the magnetic contact elements can be selected to allow the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements to remain together. Alternatively, or additionally, the magnetic strength of the magnetic contact elements can be selected to allow the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements to be separated by a user and / or customer.

[0076] Alternatively, or additionally, the contacting system may comprise magnets that are not configured to transmit the electrical charging voltage. For example, the contacting system may comprise contact elements of at least two contact pairs and at least one magnetic contact element.

[0077] A second aspect relates to a contacting system for a push-along cart. The contacting system comprises a first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage and a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage. Furthermore, the contacting system comprises at least one guide element and at least one recess.The at least one guide element and the at least one recess are configured such that, during a sliding operation of a sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, the at least one guide element of the first sliding carriage is guided in a recess of the second sliding carriage such that at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage.

[0078] In general, the at least one guide element and the at least one recess can be configured such that, during the insertion process of a sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, the at least one guide element of the first sliding carriage can be inserted into a recess in the second sliding carriage. In general, the at least one guide element and the at least one recess can be configured such that the at least one guide element extends at least partially into the corresponding recess before an electrically effective contact has been established between the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements.In particular, the electrical contact between the contact elements and the corresponding counter-contact elements can be established when the at least one guide element is positively connected to the corresponding recess.

[0079] If the at least one guide element extends at least partially into the corresponding recess before an electrically effective contact is established between the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements, the freedom of movement of the guide element and / or the sliding carriage can be restricted by the recess during the insertion process. In particular, the freedom of movement of the guide element and / or the sliding carriage can be restricted in such a way that an electrical contact is established between the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements during the insertion process.In combination with magnetic contact elements, this can lead to a synergistic effect, whereby the guidance by the at least one guide element leads to the establishment of electrical contact of the contact elements with the corresponding counter-contact elements and the magnetic force of the magnetic contact elements achieves the holding of the established contact.

[0080] In general, the shape and / or extent of the at least one recess can be based on the shape and / or extent of the at least one guide element. The shape and / or extent can be designed such that it enables a positive connection with the guide element. For example, the shape and / or extent of the at least one recess can be a negative of the shape and / or extent of the at least one guide element. The at least one guide element can comprise the shape of a finger. In particular, the finger can have a conical end piece. The number of guide elements can correspond to the number of recesses. For example, each of the at least one guide element can correspond to one of the at least one recess.The contacting system can be configured such that a contact surface of at least one contact element is oriented perpendicular to a direction of extension of the guide element. The orientation of the contact surface of the at least one contact element perpendicular to the direction of extension of the guide element results in the at least one guide element extending at least partially into the corresponding recess before an electrically effective contact has been established between the contact elements and the corresponding counter-contact elements.

[0081] In general, the distance between the guide element and the nearest adjacent contact element of at least one contact pair can be at most 20 cm, preferably at most 10 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, the distance between the recess and the nearest adjacent contact element of at least one contact pair can be at most 20 cm, preferably at most 10 cm.

[0082] Furthermore, the guide element can have a substantially cylindrical and / or conical shape, wherein a base area of ​​the shape is preferably in the range of 25 mm 2 up to 1000 mm 2 and / or wherein a length of the shape can preferably be in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

[0083] In general, the direction of extension of the guide element can be based on the cylindrical and / or conical shape of the guide element. Accordingly, the at least one recess can be based on a corresponding cylindrical and / or conical negative of the shape of the guide element.

[0084] If the at least one guide element has a conical shape and / or the corresponding recess has a corresponding negative shape, the introduction and / or insertion of the at least one guide element into the corresponding recess during the insertion process can be facilitated. In particular, the introduced and / or inserted part of the at least one guide element can be smaller than the opening of the corresponding recess. This can increase the probability of a positive connection during or after completion of the insertion process and thus also the probability of establishing electrical contact between the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements. In general, the contacting system can further comprise a carrier mountable on the sliding carriage, wherein the first and second contact pairs can be arranged on the carrier.Specifically, the guide element and the recess can be arranged on the carrier. The use of a carrier can enable and / or facilitate the subsequent, in particular modular, installation and / or retrofitting of the contacting system on a sliding carriage. Furthermore, by arranging the at least one guide element and the at least one recess on the carrier, a compact contacting system can be created that benefits from the advantages of the at least one guide element and / or the at least one recess. In particular, this can enable simpler and / or faster installation and / or retrofitting of the contacting system on a sliding carriage, since by mounting the carrier on the sliding carriage, both the electrical contact pairs and the at least one guide element and the at least one recess are attached to the sliding carriage.

[0085] A further aspect relates to an adapter for contacting one of the contacting systems described above. The adapter comprises at least one first contact element for a first terminal of an electrical charging voltage and at least one second contact element for a second terminal of the electrical charging voltage, configured such that, upon contacting with the contacting system, the contact elements establish electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the contacting system, preferably wherein the adapter comprises a guide element and / or a recess.

[0086] The adapter can generally be connected to a cable that can be connected to a voltage source. This voltage source can be a wall box, for example. In general, the adapter can comprise magnets and / or magnetic contact elements, as described with reference to the contacting system explained herein. The magnets and / or magnetic contact elements can at least partially coincide with the magnets and / or contact elements for the electrical charging voltage and / or be additional magnets and / or magnetic contact elements. Alternatively, or additionally, the adapter can have at least one guide element. In particular, the adapter can have a guide element if the contacting system attached to the pushable trolley has a corresponding recess.Preferably, the shape and / or the length and / or the width of the guide element of the adapter is based on the shape and / or the length and / or the width of the at least one guide element and / or the at least one recess of the contacting system.

[0087] The adapter can be attached to any sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system. In particular, the adapter can be attached to any sliding carriage inserted in a row.

[0088] A further component of the invention is a pushable cart, in particular a shopping cart, with a contact system described herein. The pushable cart can, for example, have a basket on which a carrier of a contact system is mounted.

[0089] Irrespective of this, a pushable cart, in particular a shopping cart, which has a carrier, can be considered a component of the invention. A first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage is arranged on the carrier. In addition, a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage is arranged on the carrier. The first and second contact pairs are configured such that, when the pushable cart is pushed into a second pushable cart of identical construction, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second cart. The carrier can, for example, have a cross strut, as described herein. It can be detachably connected to the cart.It can also be permanently connected to the vehicle and / or be an integral part of the vehicle.

[0090] A further aspect relates to a contacting system for a pushable carriage having a carrier. The contacting system comprises: a first contact pair, which can be arranged on the carrier and has at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage; a second contact pair, which can be arranged on the carrier and has at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage. The first and second contact pairs can be arranged on the carrier in such a way that, by inserting the pushable carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second pushable carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second pushable carriage.

[0091] The support may be a support belonging to the pushable trolley, e.g., a support formed integrally therewith. The support may be attached to the pushable trolley by fastening means. The fastening means may comprise screws and / or sleeves and / or rivets. Alternatively, welding and / or clamping may be provided, for example. The support may be located on a side of the pushable trolley facing the person pushing. Preferably, the support is a storage table and / or a cross brace, or the support comprises these elements.The contact elements and / or the contact pairs can be attached to the carrier in such a way that a distance between the contact pairs is at most 30 cm, preferably at most 20 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm and / or wherein a distance between the contact elements of at least one contact pair is at most 50 cm, preferably at most 30 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm.

[0092] A further aspect relates to a method for mounting and / or retrofitting a contacting system on a push-pull trolley, comprising: arranging a first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage on the trolley, preferably on a support of the trolley and / or by means of a support of the contacting system; arranging a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage on the trolley, preferably on a support of the trolley and / or by means of a support of the contacting system;wherein the contact elements of the first and second contact pairs are arranged such that, by inserting the sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage. In the case of arrangement by means of a carrier of the contacting system, the arrangement of the contacting system on the carriage can comprise fastening the carrier to the carriage.

[0093] In general, supports described herein can be located on a side of the pushable trolley facing the person pushing, e.g., in a front third or a front quarter of the trolley. For example, they can enable the contact elements of the contacting system to be arranged at a distance of, e.g., 0 to 50 cm, e.g., 5 to 50 cm, 10 to 40 cm from the person pushing and / or a front edge of the trolley (edge ​​facing the person pushing). This makes it possible to supply power to electronic devices located in this area without having to run long cables across the trolley.

[0094] In particular, a carrier can generally have a cross brace and, for example, also be designed as a handle for pushing the trolley. In other examples, the cross brace can be arranged at a distance of, for example, 5 to 50 cm, for example 10 to 40 cm, further away from the person pushing than any handle of the trolley. However, it is generally also possible for a carrier to be designed as an element that is designed to be fastened and / or attached to an (already existing) cross brace of a trolley. The cross brace can, for example, run on the top side of a basket of a shopping trolley, have a substantially longitudinal extension and / or be designed substantially parallel to a transversely running handle of the shopping trolley. It can be located on a side of the pushable trolley facing the person pushing, e.g. in a front third or a front quarter of the trolley.The fastening and / or attachment of the support to such a cross brace can be designed, for example, as generally explained above for supports, ie, for example, be detachable or non-reversible, e.g., comprise a screw or clamp connection, etc.

[0095] The aspects described herein with respect to devices are also provided as corresponding method steps as part of the invention, and vice versa, even if this is not always explicitly stated. The individual aspects described herein can also be combined with one another. For example, the aspects described with respect to a contacting system with a guide element can be combined with aspects described with respect to contacting systems with or for supports, and vice versa. In some examples, specific reference is made here to a shopping cart as an example of a pushable cart. The term shopping cart is understood to mean all carts with which goods can typically be transported from a sales area to a checkout, including, for example, platform carts, stake carts, pipe-hanger carts, magazine carts, roll containers, storage carts, etc.

[0096] 4. Short description of the characters

[0097] Fig. 1A: Back of a possible embodiment of an inventive

[0098] Contacting system for retrofitting to a push-along trolley;

[0099] Fig. 1B: Front of the possible embodiment of an inventive

[0100] Contacting system for retrofitting to a push-along trolley;

[0101] Fig. 2: Example of two sliding carriages pushed into each other, which are equipped with a possible embodiment of the contacting system;

[0102] Fig. 3A: Example of a front side of an embodiment of the

[0103] Contacting system, wherein the contacting system comprises a male and a female contact element;

[0104] Fig. 3B: Example of a back side of an embodiment of the

[0105] Contacting system, wherein the contacting system comprises a male and a female contact element;

[0106] Fig. 4A: Detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a housing of the female contact elements of the contacting system;

[0107] Fig. 4B: Schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a housing of the female contact elements of the contacting system; Fig. 5A: Detailed representation of an exemplary embodiment of a projection of the contacting system;

[0108] Fig. 5B: Schematic representation of a cross-section of an exemplary

[0109] Embodiment of a projection of the contacting system.

[0110] 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0111] Only a few possible embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and combined with each other in various ways, wherever compatible, and that certain features can be omitted where they are unnecessary.

[0112] Figure 1A shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a contacting system 100 for a push-along cart, and Figure 1B shows a corresponding front view of the exemplary embodiment. The contacting system 100 includes a carrier 110, a first contact pair 120 comprising contact elements 120a and 120b, a second contact pair 130 comprising contact elements 130a and 130b, a handheld scanner 140, a tablet computer 150, and a holder 160 for a mobile phone, e.g., for charging a mobile phone, a guide element 170, and a recess 180.

[0113] In other embodiments, the contacting system 100 may only comprise some of the electronic devices. Alternatively, or additionally, the contacting system 100 may comprise further electronic devices, such as a camera system. Furthermore, the contacting system 100 may not have a guide element 170 and / or a recess 180. Alternatively, the contacting system may have a plurality of guide elements 170 and / or a plurality of recesses 180. The holder 160 may be a holder for any electronic and / or non-electronic device. Alternatively, the contacting system 100 may not have a holder 160. In other embodiments, the contacting system 100 comprises a plurality of holders 160. The carrier 100 may further comprise, for example, two feet 112a and 112b, wherein corresponding fastening means 114a, 114b may be attached to the feet 112a, 112b.The feet 112a, 112b may extend perpendicular to an elongated portion of the carrier, wherein the feet 112a, 112b may be beveled at an angle relative to the elongated portion. Generally, the length of the feet 112a, 112b may be less than the length of the elongated portion of the carrier 110. In other embodiments, the carrier may not have feet and may, in particular, be attached directly to the pushable cart. For example, the carrier may be placed on the pushable cart and / or on a shopping cart.

[0114] The fastening means 114a, 114b can be configured to fasten the carrier 110 to a pushable cart. The fastening means 114a, 114b can comprise screws, clamps, and / or sleeves. Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening of the carrier 110 can also comprise welding. For example, the carrier 110 can be welded to the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart. In particular, at least one foot 112a, 112b can be welded to the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart. In general, the fastening of the carrier 110 can comprise any desired permanent and / or reversible fastening. Preferably, the carrier and / or the fastening means 114a, 114b can be attached to a rear part, i.e., a part of the pushable cart facing the person pushing. In particular, the carrier 110 and / or the fastening means 114a, 114b can be arranged in an area surrounding a push handle of the pushable trolley.Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening means 114a, 114b may be attached to the pushable cart such that at least a part of the carrier 110 and / or the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b are located above the pushable cart and / or the shopping cart.

[0115] The carrier 110 can further comprise at least one cavity. Preferably, the at least one cavity is located at least partially in the elongated part of the carrier 110. The cavity can be configured to guide at least one cable. In particular, the cavity can guide at least one cable from the contact pairs 120, 130 and / or the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b to at least one of the electronic devices. For example, the cavity can guide cables to the scanner 140 and / or the tablet computer 150 and / or the holder 160. In general, the electronic devices can be supplied with the electrical charging voltage and / or an electrical charging current via cables. The contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be attached separately to the carrier via fastening means 116a, 116b, 117a, 117b. The fastening means 116a, 116b, 117a, 117b can preferably be screws, for example Torx and / or Allen screws.A separate attachment of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b to the carrier 110 can enable a replacement of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b independently of the carrier 110. This leads to a simple and / or efficient replacement and / or attachment of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b to the carrier 110, since the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be exposed to high physical stresses during the insertion process.

[0116] The contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be arranged such that a distance between the contact pairs 120, 130 is at most 10 cm. The distance between the contact pairs 120, 130 can be the minimum distance between the contact elements 120a, 120b and the contact elements 130a, 130b. In other embodiments, the distance between the contact pairs 120, 130 can be at most 20 cm or at most 30 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, a distance between the contact elements of at least one contact pair can be at most 30 cm. The distance between the contact elements can be the distance between the contact elements 120a, 120b of the first contact pair 120 and / or the distance between the contact elements 130a, 130b of the second contact pair 130. In other embodiments, the distance between the contact elements of a contact pair may be at most 20 cm or at most 10 cm.

[0117] The contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b of the contact pairs 120, 130 can be butt contacts. The contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can generally have a contact surface. A contact surface can be a portion of the surface of a contact element 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b. For example, the contact surface can comprise at least a portion of the surface of a contact element 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b, which can come into contact with a portion of a corresponding mating contact element during the insertion process. In particular, the contact surface of a contact element 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can comprise that part of the surface which, in a fully inserted state of the sliding carriage into a second sliding carriage, establishes an electrical contact with a corresponding counter-contact element.A contact surface of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be arranged perpendicular to an insertion direction of the sliding carriage. In general, the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can have different designs. For example, a first part 120a, 130a of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can have a different design than a second part 120b, 130b of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b. The first part 120a, 130a of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can have a cylindrical shape (see Fig. 1B). This cylindrical shape can ensure that, during the insertion process of the carriage into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contact system, electrical contact is established with the mating contact elements of the second contact system. For example, in the fully inserted position, a gap can exist between the first sliding carriage and the second sliding carriage.The cylindrical shape of the contact elements 120a, 130a can lead to bridging this distance and establishing an electrical contact.

[0118] It is also possible that the contact of the contact elements is already established when they are only partially inserted and, for example, the contact elements 120a, 130a are spring-loaded in such a way that they can be pressed in when the carriage is pushed in further and corresponding pressure is applied to the contact, for example so that they are almost completely sunk in when they are fully inserted and, for example, only protrude by about 0.1 to 5 mm, for example 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0119] In general, the contact surface of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b may comprise a flat surface. For example, the contact surface of the cylindrical contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b may be flat. In other embodiments, the contact surface of at least one contact element may be bent and / or curved. In particular, the contact surface of a cylindrical contact element may be bent and / or curved.

[0120] The contact surface of at least one contact element 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be at least 9 mm 2 Furthermore, a contact surface of at least one contact element can be a maximum of 9 mm 2 A contact area of ​​at least 9 mm 2 can ensure the establishment of an electrical contact during the insertion process. In particular, a contact area of ​​at least 9 mm 2ensure that even in the event of suboptimal positioning of the push-pull carriage into a second push-pull carriage equipped with a second contact system, electrical contact can be established between the contact elements and the corresponding counter-contact elements. For example, if the push-pull carriage has not been inserted straight into the second push-pull carriage, but at an angle. In addition, a contact surface of at least 9 mm 2 ensure a minimum current flow between the contact elements and the corresponding counter-contact elements.

[0121] In other embodiments, a contact surface of a contact element may be at least 4 mm 2 or at least 1 mm 2 be.

[0122] Alternatively, or additionally, a contact surface of at least one contact element 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b may be at most 9 cm 2A contact area of ​​maximum 9 mm 2 can lead to a limitation of the size of the carrier 110 and / or the contacting system 100. This can result in a compact and / or slim design of the contacting system 100. In particular, it can be ensured that the contacting system 100 and / or the carrier 110 does not cause interference when using the push-along cart.

[0123] In other embodiments, the contact area of ​​the contact element may be at most 5 cm 2 or a maximum of 1 cm 2 be.

[0124] In general, at least one of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be magnetic. For example, all of the contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b can be magnetic. Furthermore, the magnetic contact elements can be arranged such that the contact elements of a contact pair have different magnetic poles. In particular, the magnetic contact elements can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the contact elements of a contact pair have different magnetic poles. For example, the contact surfaces of the contact elements 120b, 130b can have a magnetic north pole. Alternatively, or additionally, the contact surfaces of the contact elements 120a, 130a can have a magnetic south pole. Thus, the contact pairs 120 and 130 would have contact elements 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b that have different magnetic poles.Alternatively, the contact surfaces of the contact elements 120b, 130b may have a magnetic south pole and / or the contact surfaces of the contact elements 120a, 130a may have a magnetic north.

[0125] The use of magnetic contact elements can hold the sliding carriages in a retracted position (see Fig. 2). This can lead to improved and more robust and / or independent contact between the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact elements with respect to external influences.

[0126] In other examples, corresponding magnets may be provided, e.g. next to or in another environment of the contact elements, without the contact elements themselves necessarily having to be magnetic.

[0127] The contacting system 100 may have a guide element 170 and a recess 180. The guide element 170 and the recess 180 may be attached to the carrier 110 of the contacting system 100. In other embodiments, the contacting system may have a plurality of guide elements and / or recesses. Alternatively, or additionally, at least some of the guide elements and / or the recesses may be attached and / or mounted on the pushable cart independently of the carrier 110. For example, a guide element may be attached to a side of the pushable cart and / or to an underside of the basket of the pushable cart. In particular, the guide element and / or the recess may be attached to a front part of the pushable cart, i.e., a part remote from a pushing user.

[0128] The guide element 170 and / or the recess 180 may have a conical shape. Alternatively, a guide element 170 and / or a recess 180 may have a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, a first portion of the guide elements may have a cylindrical shape, and a second portion of the guide elements may have a conical shape. In particular, a length of the conical guide elements may be longer than a length of the cylindrical guide elements.

[0129] The base area of ​​the shape can be in the range of 25 mm 2 up to 1000 mm 2The base area of ​​a guide element 170 can be the area of ​​a cross-section of a guide element 170. The cross-section is preferably a cross-section perpendicular to an extension direction of the guide element 170. For example, the cross-section can be the cross-section of the guide element 170 at a widest point of the guide element 170 and / or the cross-section of the guide element 170 in an environment of the carrier 110. In particular, the cross-section can be the cross-section of the guide element 170 at a transition to the carrier 110. The length of the shape of the guide element 170 can be in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, which can include a plurality of guide elements 170, the length of a guide element 170 can be different for each guide element.A length of at least 5 mm guarantees that the guide element 170 is inserted into the corresponding recess at a sufficiently early stage of the insertion process.

[0130] The guide element 170 can be arranged such that a distance between the guide element 170 and the nearest adjacent contact element 130a of the contact pair 130 is at most 10 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the guide element 170 and the nearest adjacent contact element 130a of the contact pair 130 can be at most 20 cm. Alternatively, or additionally, the recess 180 can be arranged such that a distance between the recess 180 and the nearest adjacent contact element 130b of the contact pair 130 is at most 10 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the recess 180 and the nearest adjacent contact element 130b of the contact pair 130 can be at most 20 cm.

[0131] Figure 2 shows two push-to-slide carts W1 and W2 equipped with a contacting system according to the invention. For example, the contacting system 100, 200 can be configured as shown in Fig. 1 and, for example, can comprise a support configured as a cross brace that can be mounted on a standard shopping cart.

[0132] The pushable cart Wi and / or the pushable trolley can thus be standard shopping carts equipped with the contacting system 100. The contacting system can have a holding and / or charging device 150a for a tablet computer 150.

[0133] However, the contacting system can also be designed such that, for example, only a holder 160 (e.g., a storage table) is provided as a support, which can then be mounted on an existing crossbar of a (digital) shopping cart. Furthermore, the pushable cart Wi can be a different model from the pushable cart W2, wherein the pushable cart Wi can preferably be inserted into the pushable cart W2.

[0134] In general, the pushable cart Wi and / or the pushable cart W2 can be an analog or digital pushable cart. For example, the pushable cart Wi can be a digital shopping cart already equipped with the contacting system and can include, for example, electronic devices, in particular sensors. Alternatively, or additionally, the electronic devices and / or sensors can include weighing technology. The digital shopping cart Wi can be retrofitted with the contacting system 100. In particular, the contacting system 100 can at least partially replace a contacting system originally assigned to the pushable cart 100. For example, the contacting system 100 can completely replace the original contacting system of the pushable cart 100. In general, the pushable cart Wi can be a pushable cart equipped with a product recognition system.For example, the product recognition system may include weighing technology and / or a camera system and / or a tablet computer and / or a handheld scanner. The pushable cart W2 may originally be an analog pushable cart that has been converted into a digital pushable cart by retrofitting and / or attaching the contacting system 100.

[0135] In general, the contacting system 200 of the pushable cart W2 may include a first contact pair 220 with contact elements 220a and 220b, as well as a second contact pair 230 with contact elements 230a and 230b. Furthermore, the contacting system 200 may include a holder 260 and / or a holding and / or charging device 250a for a tablet computer.

[0136] The insertion process of the first carriage Wi into the second carriage W2 can establish electrical contact between contact element 120a of the first carriage Wi and contact element 220b of the second carriage and / or electrical contact between contact element 130a of the first carriage Wi and contact element 230b of the second carriage W2. The contact elements 120a and 130a of the first carriage Wi can have a magnetic north pole, and the contact elements 220b and 230b can have a magnetic south pole. This combination can result in an attractive force between the contact system 100 of the first carriage Wi and the contact system 200 of the second carriage W2. In general, any combination of magnetic poles can be used such that an attractive force is created between the sliding carriage Wi and W2.

[0137] Furthermore, during the insertion process of the first carriage Wi into the second carriage W2, a guide element 170 of the first carriage Wi may have been inserted into a recess of the second carriage W2.

[0138] Figures 3A and 3B show an exemplary embodiment of a contacting system 300. The contacting system 300 comprises a support 310 designed as a cross brace and / or cross beam. The contacting system 300 further comprises a handheld scanner 340, a holder for a tablet computer 350, and a holder 360 for a smartphone and / or a tablet. The handheld scanner 340, the holder 350, and the holder 360 are arranged on the support. The support 310 is a support that can be mounted on a pushable cart. Alternatively, the support 310 can also comprise a support of a pushable cart, e.g., a support designed as an integral part of a pushable cart.

[0139] The carrier 310 may further comprise, for example, two feet 312a and 312b, wherein corresponding fastening means 314a, 314b may be attached to the feet 312a, 312b. The feet 312a, 312b may extend perpendicular to an elongated part of the carrier 310, wherein the feet 312a, 312b may be beveled at an angle with respect to the elongated part. In general, the length of the feet 312a, 312b may be shorter than the length of the elongated part of the carrier 310. In other embodiments, the carrier may not have feet and may, in particular, be attached directly to the pushable cart. For example, the carrier may be placed on the pushable cart and / or on a shopping cart.

[0140] The contacting system 300 further comprises a first contact pair 320a, 320b arranged on the carrier 310. The first contact pair 320a, 320b comprises the contact elements 320a, 320b for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage. In addition, the contacting system 300 comprises a second contact pair 330a, 330b arranged on the carrier 310. The second contact pair 330a, 330b comprises the contact elements 330a, 330b for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage.

[0141] The contact element 320a of the first contact pair and the contact element 330a of the second contact pair are designed as male contact pairs. In particular, the male contact elements 320a, 330a are designed as male sliding contacts. The male contact elements 320a, 330a are arranged on a projection 324. In particular, the contact element 320a of the first contact pair is arranged on a first outer side surface of the projection 324. In addition, the contact element 330a of the second contact pair is arranged on a second outer side surface of the projection 324. The contact surfaces of the contact elements 320a, 330a are arranged substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the pushable carriage. Furthermore, the contact element 320a is arranged on the first outer side surface of the projection 324 in such a way that the contact element 320a orThe contact surface of the contact element 320a extends along the first outer side surface and additionally over a portion of a front side of the projection 324. Similarly, the contact element 330a is arranged on the second outer side surface of the projection 324 such that the contact element 330a, or the contact surface of the contact element 330a, extends along the second outer side surface and over a portion of a front side of the projection 324.

[0142] The contact element 320a originates at a first position on the first outer side surface of the projection 324. In particular, the contact element 320a originates at an opening 321a of the projection 324. Furthermore, the contact element 320a ends at a second position on a front surface of the projection 324. In particular, the contact element 320a ends at an opening 321b of the projection 324. For example, one end of the contact element 320a can be clamped and / or trapped in the opening 321b. Similarly, the contact element 330a ends at an opening 331b of the projection 324. The contact element 330a can be clamped and / or trapped in the opening 331b.

[0143] The contact elements 320a and 330a can each extend from a front surface of the projection to a side surface of the projection. This can enable early contact during the insertion process and / or a particularly stable connection between the projection and the contact element. The projection 324 is arranged on the carrier 310 or on the holder 360 of the carrier. The projection 324 comprises a section 324b, 324c, which extends from the carrier 310 or from the holder 360, in particular as seen in a vertical projection. Furthermore, the projection 324 comprises a section 324a, which is arranged below the carrier 310 or below the holder 360. The projection 324 has a T-shaped cross-section. A wide part of the T-shaped cross-section is formed by the section 324a. A narrow part of the T-shaped cross-section is formed by the sections 324b, 324c. Furthermore, a thickness of the projection 324 tapers.For example, the rear portion 324a of the projection is thicker than the front portion 324c of the projection 324 (viewed in the direction of travel). In particular, the thickness of the projection 324 tapers continuously. For example, the thickness of the projection continuously decreases along the portion 324b. The thickness of the projection decreases substantially linearly along the portion 324b of the projection 324. The projection 324 is oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage. In particular, the male contact elements 320a, 330a arranged on the outer side surfaces of the projection 324 are oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage.

[0144] The contact element 320b of the first contact pair and the contact element 330b of the second contact pair are designed as female contact pairs. The contact elements 320b and 330b are oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable cart. In other words, the contact elements 320b and 330b face a person pushing the pushable cart. The female contact elements 320b and 330b form at least part of a cavity 322a. Specifically, the female contact element 320b forms a left side surface of the cavity 322a. Furthermore, the female contact element 330b forms a right side surface of the cavity 322a. However, they could also form an upper and lower side surface of the cavity (or any tilted side surfaces of the cavity) if the male contact elements and / or the carrier are tilted accordingly.

[0145] The female contact element 320b and the female contact element 330b are designed as sliding contacts. The female contact element 320b and the female contact element 330b are at least partially arranged in a female housing 322. The female housing 322 is arranged on the carrier 310 or on the holder 360. The female housing 322 forms at least part of the cavity 322a. The female contact element 320b and the female contact element 330b are designed to be flexible. For example, the female contact element 320b can be moved and / or bent in a left direction. Similarly, the female contact element 330b can be moved and / or bent in a right direction. A movement of the female contact element 320b in a left direction and / or a movement of the female contact element 330b in a right direction can lead to an enlargement of the cavity 322a.

[0146] Figures 4A and 4B show a detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a housing 400 of the female contact elements 450a, 450b. The female housing 400 includes the outer lateral walls 410b, 410c, 410d, 410f. Furthermore, the female housing 400 includes a bottom wall 410a and a top wall 410e. In general, the housing 400 may be cuboid-shaped. The outer lateral wall 410b may include an inwardly bent portion 415a. Furthermore, the outer lateral wall 410f may include an inwardly bent part 415b. The outer walls 410a, 410c and 410e form at least part of a cavity 440. The upper wall 410e can be connected to the side walls 410b, 410c, 410d, 410of, for example by means of screws 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d.

[0147] The female contact elements 450a, 450b are arranged in the female housing 400. The female contact elements 450a, 450b are designed as sliding contacts and are arranged substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the push-to-connect carriage, but are also slightly curved. For example, a first portion of the female contact element 450a is connected to a part of the housing 400. In particular, the female contact element 450a is arranged such that a part of the female contact element 450a extends beyond the portion 415a of the side wall 410b into the cavity 440. The female contact element 450a forms at least part of a side surface of the cavity 440. Similarly, a first portion of the female contact element 450b is connected to a part of the housing 400.In particular, the female contact element 450b is arranged such that a portion of the female contact element 450b extends beyond the portion 415b of the side wall 41of into the cavity 440. The female contact element 450b forms at least a portion of a side surface of the cavity 440.

[0148] The female contact elements 450a, 450b are designed to be flexible. In particular, the female contact element 450a can be moved and / or bent to a left side, e.g., in the direction of the side wall 410g. Similarly, the female contact element 450b can be moved and / or bent to a right side, e.g., in the direction of the side wall 410d. For example, the female contact element 450a can be moved and / or bent to the left side by inserting a male contact element of a second sliding carriage equipped with a contacting system, e.g., the contacting system 300. In particular, a sliding electrical contact can be established when the female contact element 450a is displaced by the male contact element of the second sliding carriage. Similarly, the female contact element 450b can be moved and / or bent to a right side, e.g., in the direction of the side wall 410d., the contacting system 300, can be moved to the right side and / or bent. In particular, when the female contact element 450b is moved, a sliding electrical contact can be established by the male contact element of the second sliding carriage.

[0149] The female housing 400 further includes limiters 420a, 420b. The limiter 420a is arranged on the left side, i.e., on the side facing wall 410g, of the female housing 400. The limiter 420b is arranged on the right side, i.e., on the side facing wall 410d, of the female housing 400. The limiters 420a, 420b comprise a cylindrical geometry and extend from the wall 410a, i.e., the bottom surface of the housing 400, to the wall 410a, i.e., the ceiling of the housing 400. As shown in Fig. 4B, the limiters 420a, 420b are arranged behind the contact elements 450a, 450b. More specifically, the limiter 420a is arranged behind the contact element 450a and the limiter 420b is arranged behind the contact element 450b.

[0150] The limiters 420a, 420b serve to limit the movement and / or bending of the contact elements 450a, 450b. For example, the limiter 420a serves to limit the leftward movement and / or bending of the contact element 450a. Similarly, the limiter 420b serves to limit the rightward movement and / or bending of the contact element 450b. The size of the limiters 420a, 420b, e.g., a diameter of the limiters 420a, 420b, can depend on the flexibility of the contact elements 420a, 420b. In general, the limiters 420a, 420b can be configured and / or arranged to prevent irreversible bending of the contact elements 450a, 450b. In other words, the limiters 420a, 420b can be configured and / or arranged such that they limit the bending of the contact elements 450a, 450b.Limiting the bending of the contact elements 450a, 450b ensures that the contact elements 450a, 450b return to their original position after bending and do not remain in the bent position. Returning the contact elements 450a, 450b to their original position contributes to the longevity of the contact elements 450a, 450b.

[0151] Figures 5A and 5B show a detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a protrusion 500 of the contacting system. The protrusion 500 comprises a T-shaped cross-section. In particular, the protrusion comprises a first portion 510a of a first width and a second portion 510b, 510c of a second width. The first portion 510a of the protrusion 500 is wider than the second portion 510b, 510c of the protrusion 500. The second portion 510b, 510c of the protrusion 500 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first portion 510a. A symmetrical arrangement of the second portion 510b, 510c with respect to the first portion 510a can include reducing the width of the second portion 510b, 510c equally on a right and a left side of the first portion 510a.

[0152] Furthermore, the first section 510a comprises a first thickness, the section 510b comprises a second thickness, and the section 510c comprises a third thickness. The first thickness of the first section 510a is thicker than the third thickness of the section 510c. The thickness of the protrusion 500 tapers from the first section 510a to the section 510c. In particular, the thickness of the protrusion 500 tapers continuously from the first section 510a to the third section 510c. For example, the thickness of the protrusion tapers in the section 510b. The section 510b comprises a continuous taper and / or decrease in the thickness of the protrusion 500. For example, the thickness of the protrusion 500 may decrease linearly in the section 510b.

[0153] Furthermore, the projection 500, more precisely the section 510c, comprises an opening 520a. The opening 520a is arranged on a right outer side surface of the section 510c of the projection 500. Similarly, a corresponding opening can be arranged on a left outer side surface of the section 510c of the projection 500. For example, at least a part of a male contact element of a contacting system can extend from the opening 520a. In particular, the part of the male contact element can extend from the opening 520a such that it is arranged along the right outer side surface of the section 510c. In addition, the projection 500 comprises the openings 530a, 530b, 530c. The openings 530a, 530b, 530c are arranged on a rear side surface of the first section 510a of the projection. The openings 530a, 530b, 530c can be used to guide and / or route cables.For example, a cable routed through openings 530a, 530b, 530c may be connected to a male contact element, e.g., a male contact element extending from opening 520a. Alternatively, or additionally, openings 530a, 530b, 530c may include at least one terminal. An upper side surface of projection 500 is connected to a lower part of projection 500 by screws 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d.

Claims

Claims 1. A contacting system for a push-along carriage, comprising: a support mountable on the push-along carriage; a first contact pair arranged on the support with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage; a second contact pair arranged on the support with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage; wherein the first and the second contact pair are configured such that: by inserting the push-along carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second push-along carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective mating contact elements of the second contacting system of the second push-along carriage.

2. The contacting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is configured to receive at least one electronic device and / or a battery, preferably wherein the at least one electronic device and / or the battery can be supplied with power by the electrical charging voltage.

3. The contacting system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of the following devices: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a handheld scanner, a camera system.

4. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carrier comprises at least one cavity, wherein preferably at least one cavity is configured to guide at least one cable, preferably wherein the at least one cable is connected to at least one contact element. 5- The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 4 is arranged such that at least a part of the contacting system is located above the pushable carriage and / or a shopping basket of the pushable carriage, preferably wherein at least one of the contact elements of the contacting system and / or the carrier is located above the pushable carriage and / or the shopping basket.

6. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a distance between the contact pairs is at most 30 cm, preferably at most 20 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm and / or wherein a distance between the contact elements of at least one contact pair is at most 50 cm, preferably at most 30 cm, most preferably at most 10 cm.

7. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: a contact surface of at least one contact element is at least 1 mm 2 cm, preferably at least 4 mm 2, most preferably at least 9 mm 2 a contact area of ​​at least one contact element of at most 9 cm 2 , preferably no more than 5 cm 2 , most preferably no more than 1 cm 2 is; at least one of the contact elements has a length of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, most preferably at least 5 mm; at least one of the contact elements has a length of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, most preferably at most 15 mm; and / or at least one of the contact elements has a geometric circular and / or cylindrical shape.

8. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the contact elements of at least one contact pair have butt contacts.

9. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: the contact elements of the first contact pair comprise a female and a male contact element; and / or the contact elements of the second contact pair comprise a female and a male contact element.

10. The contacting system according to claim 9, wherein: at least one male contact element of the first and / or second contact pair is arranged on a projection extending from the carrier; and / or at least one female contact element of the first and / or second contact pair is arranged such that it forms at least part of a cavity.

11. The contacting system according to claim 10, wherein: a length of the projection comprises at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, most preferably at least 3 cm; and / or a length of the projection comprises at most 10 cm, preferably at most 8 cm, most preferably at most 6 cm; and / or a thickness of the projection comprises at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, most preferably at least 8 mm; and / or a thickness of the projection comprises at most 22 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, most preferably at most 18 mm.

12. The contacting system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: the protrusion comprises a T-shaped cross-section; preferably wherein the cross-section comprises a horizontal cross-section; and / or a thickness of the protrusion tapers; preferably wherein the taper of the thickness comprises a taper of at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, most preferably at least 50% of the thickness of the protrusion.

13. The contacting system of claim 12, wherein the taper of the thickness comprises a continuous taper; preferably wherein a direction of the taper is based at least in part on the arrangement of the male and / or female contact elements.

14. The contacting system according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein at least a part of the at least one male contact element is arranged on an outer side surface of the projection. 15- The contacting system according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the at least one female contact element of the first and / or second contact pair is flexible.

16. The contacting system according to claim 15, wherein the flexible configuration of the at least one female contact element comprises the at least one female contact element being movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction; preferably, wherein a movement of the at least one female contact element in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction leads to an enlargement of a cavity.

17. The contacting system according to one of claims 9 to 16, wherein: the female contact element of the first contact pair and / or the female contact element of the second contact pair is oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the pushable carriage; the male contact element of the first contact pair and / or the male contact element of the second contact pair is oriented in the direction of travel of the pushable carriage.

18. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the contact elements of at least one contact pair comprise sliding contacts; preferably wherein the contact elements of the first and second contact pair comprise sliding contacts.

19. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a contact surface of at least one contact pair is arranged parallel to the insertion direction of the pushable carriage.

20. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a contact surface of at least one contact pair can be arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the pushable carriage.

21. The contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 20: wherein at least one of the contact elements is magnetic, preferably such that the contact elements of a contact pair have different magnetic poles; and / or wherein the contacting system comprises at least one magnet provided in an environment of at least one of the contact elements, preferably such that different magnetic poles are provided in an environment of the contact elements of a contact pair.

22. A contact system for a push-along cart, comprising: a first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage; a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage; at least one guide element; at least one recess;wherein the at least one guide element and the at least one recess are configured such that: during a sliding operation of a sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, the at least one guide element of the first sliding carriage is guided in a recess of the second sliding carriage such that at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage; 23. The contacting system according to claim 22 is arranged such that a contact surface of at least one contact element is aligned perpendicular to an extension direction of the guide element.

24. The contacting system according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein: a distance between the guide element and the nearest adjacent contact element of at least one contact pair is at most 20 cm, preferably at most 10 cm; and / or a distance between the recess and the nearest adjacent contact element of at least one contact pair is at most 20 cm, preferably at most 10 cm.

25. The contacting system according to one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the guide element has a substantially cylindrical and / or conical shape, wherein a base area of ​​the shape is preferably in the range of 25 mm 2 up to 1000 mm 2 and / or wherein a length of the shape is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

26. The contacting system according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising: a carrier mountable on the sliding carriage; wherein the first and second contact pairs are arranged on the carrier.

27. The contacting system according to claim 26, wherein the guide element and the recess are arranged on the carrier.

28. Adapter for contacting a contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the adapter comprises: at least one first contact element for a first terminal of an electrical charging voltage; at least one second contact element for a second terminal of the electrical charging voltage; configured such that, upon contacting with the contacting system, the contact elements establish electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the contacting system, preferably wherein the adapter comprises a guide element and / or a recess.

29. A pushable trolley, in particular a shopping trolley, with a contact system according to one of claims 1 to 27.

30. Method for mounting and / or retrofitting a contacting system according to one of claims 1 to 27 on a pushable trolley, in particular a shopping trolley, comprising: Mounting the carrier on the car.

31. A pushable trolley, in particular a shopping trolley, comprising: a carrier; a first contact pair arranged on the carrier with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage; a second contact pair arranged on the carrier with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage; wherein the first and the second contact pair are configured such that, by pushing the pushable trolley into a second pushable trolley of identical construction, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of the second trolley.

32. A method for mounting and / or retrofitting a contact system on a push-along trolley, in particular a shopping trolley, comprising: Arranging a first contact pair with at least two contact elements for a first connection pole of an electrical charging voltage on a carrier of the vehicle; Arranging a second contact pair with at least two contact elements for a second connection pole of the electrical charging voltage on the carrier; wherein the contact elements of the first and second contact pair are arranged such that, by inserting the sliding carriage equipped with the contacting system into a second sliding carriage equipped with a second contacting system, at least one of the contact elements of the first contact pair and at least one of the contact elements of the second contact pair establishes an electrically effective contact with respective counter-contact elements of the second contacting system of the second sliding carriage.

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