[go: up one dir, main page]

EP0610586B1 - Refunding-lock for transport trolleys - Google Patents

Refunding-lock for transport trolleys Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0610586B1
EP0610586B1 EP93120363A EP93120363A EP0610586B1 EP 0610586 B1 EP0610586 B1 EP 0610586B1 EP 93120363 A EP93120363 A EP 93120363A EP 93120363 A EP93120363 A EP 93120363A EP 0610586 B1 EP0610586 B1 EP 0610586B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
token
returnable
deposit
lock
actuating member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93120363A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0610586A1 (en
Inventor
Horst Sonnendorfer
Franz Dipl.-Ing. Wieth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Systec Ausbausysteme GmbH
Original Assignee
Systec POS Technology GmbH
Systec Ausbausysteme GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Systec POS Technology GmbH, Systec Ausbausysteme GmbH filed Critical Systec POS Technology GmbH
Publication of EP0610586A1 publication Critical patent/EP0610586A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0610586B1 publication Critical patent/EP0610586B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • G07F7/0672Special lock-activating tokens, serving as replacement of a payment or of a coin
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07DHANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D5/00Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
    • G07D5/08Testing the magnetic or electric properties
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F1/00Coin inlet arrangements; Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
    • G07F1/06Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S194/00Check-actuated control mechanisms
    • Y10S194/905Shopping cart return

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a deposit lock for transport trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys, which can be inserted into a similar trolley, each trolley being equipped with a deposit lock and a coupling member such that the coupling member of the one trolley can be locked in the deposit lock of the next trolley for coupling together a row of standing wagons or for releasing the wagon standing preferably at the end of the row by entering a deposit mark, the deposit lock containing a lock mechanism which locks the entered deposit mark when the goods are released and which releases them when the carriage is recoupled.
  • Such deposit locks are known from DE-A 25 54 916 and are now on the market in different embodiments. Since the release of a trolley is only possible by inserting a coin into the deposit lock, and the user only gets the coin back when he reconnects the trolley to one of the various collection points, the trolleys no longer stand around uselessly. You save personnel to search, collect and return the wagons and also manage with a smaller number of wagons, because the unused ones are always available at the need points and do not stand around uselessly on the premises.
  • the deposit locks are currently designed so that they can be operated with one-mark or two-mark items, abroad with coins of the respective national currency with a similar value, so that the user has sufficient incentive to return the car to one of the collection points after use.
  • plastic chips have been offered as replacements for the deposit coins mentioned, which correspond in size to the respective deposit coin and thus allow the deposit lock to be operated in its place. At the moment, these plastic chips are still largely offered at the price of the coin they can replace.
  • the manufacturing cost of the plastic chip is only on the order of a penny; you have to expect that you can soon buy these chips at a much lower price.
  • the incentive to return the shopping cart to the collection point after use is then of course barely there and the deposit system largely loses its meaning.
  • a disk-shaped information carrier is known from FR-A 2 410 856 in order to start up devices which otherwise only work for money.
  • a magnetic track is arranged as a data carrier on the disk, which is machine-readable and whose stored value can be reduced by the operated device in accordance with the scope of operation.
  • Coins constructed in this way are, however, unsuitable for the deposit lock described above for transport vehicles, because the deposit lock would be too expensive.
  • the object of the present invention is to improve the deposit system described in such a way that its misuse by inferior plastic chips and the like is excluded.
  • the object is achieved in that the deposit tag has an additional actuator which, when the carriage is released, directly or indirectly brings about the operative connection between the deposit tag and / or its actuator on the one hand and the lock mechanism on the other.
  • the invention therefore begins with the knowledge that it does not work with complex test devices in the deposit lock, but instead changes the deposit mark itself.
  • the deposit system is raised to a higher technical level, in which the deposit brand is assigned an additional functional and recognition effect. Misuse by easily manufactured plastic disks or the like is excluded.
  • Another advantage of the invention is that in border areas, in which the currency of the neighboring country is usually used, the deposit lock does not need to be equipped with two different coin channels and lock mechanisms, but instead the deposit stamps designed according to the invention can be used.
  • the mode of operation of the additional actuator can be different.
  • the actuator can be used as a prerequisite to bring the deposit tag into the correct position in the deposit lock, for example by the actuator corresponding to guideways of the deposit lock and thereby holding the deposit tag in a position that is independent of its scope. But it is also possible that the actuator itself in Active connection with the lock mechanism arrives, thus triggers even the release of the neighboring car or the locking of the deposit tag.
  • a magnet integrated into the deposit tag or an element that projects or recesses on one or both sides with respect to the outline of the deposit tag, such as a pin, a ball or the like, can be used as the actuator.
  • the actuator There is also the possibility of not arranging the actuator fixedly but displaceably in the deposit mark.
  • the coin lock 1 is attached in any manner to a shopping cart, not shown.
  • the lock 1 is a coupling member in the form of a Key 2 of a shopping cart standing in front of it in the car column, also not shown. If the car is to be uncoupled from the deposit machine 1, a deposit tag 3 must be inserted into the machine. It causes a lock mechanism, which will be discussed later, that on the one hand the key 2 is released, the car with the deposit lock 1 can be moved away, and on the other hand the deposit tag 3 is locked in the deposit machine 1 at the same time.
  • the formation of the deposit mark 3 is essential. It has a bore in its center in which a ball 3a is slidably caught.
  • the coin shaft 4 has a path curve 4a, the profile of which corresponds to the diameter of the ball 3a. This trajectory is formed at the beginning of the coin shaft 4 as a depression, but runs upward within the deposit lock 1, so that the ball is raised when the deposit mark 3 is inserted from the position shown in broken lines into the position shown in solid lines. As a result, it lifts a locking element 5 arranged above it, which can also be designed as a ball, up to the position drawn with solid lines.
  • the locking member 5 is still partially in Engagement with a bore 2a of the key 2, but can no longer lock the key 2 against being pulled out to the right, because only about the lower third of the ball 5 projects into the bore 2a. If the key 2 is pulled outwards or, as is the practice, the shopping cart with the deposit machine 1 is pulled out of the car column to the left, the left edge of the bore 2a presses the ball 5 upwards a little and can then be removed from the key 2 subtracted from.
  • the user inserts the key 2 of the last car in the car row into the machine 1.
  • the ball 5 is briefly raised until it can slide into the bore 2a and at the same time the locking element 6 is pressed upwards out of the position engaging behind the deposit mark 3.
  • the key 2 is temporarily held in this position only by friction in the deposit machine. Due to the raised blocking element 6, the deposit mark 3 can now be removed.
  • the space occupied by the actuator 3a below the ball 5 is released, which means that it can slide into its lower end position shown in dashed lines and thus locks the key 2 in a form-fitting manner.
  • FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment, reference being made only to the action of the actuator arranged on the deposit tag for the sake of simplicity.
  • the deposit mark is a practically circular disk 13, which, however, has a cylindrical pin 13a projecting on both sides at its center.
  • the pin 13a corresponds to guide surfaces in the form of two grooves 14a of a coin pusher 14, which are arranged on both sides of the deposit mark and are open at the top.
  • the deposit mark 13 is kept at an artificially elevated level, with its lower edge a few millimeters above the bottom of the coin pusher or the Coin slot lies.
  • the deposit tag can lift a blocking member 15 arranged above out of the blocking position into the position shown in dashed lines, whereby the key 2 is released directly or indirectly.
  • the coin slide 14 is locked in the inserted position by a spring-loaded locking element 16 which is mounted in the lock housing in a vertically displaceable manner and also ejects the key or by other locking elements known per se.
  • FIG. 3 shows a section of a further alternative, in which the deposit tag 23 has a transversely displaceable pin 23a in its center.
  • This pin is not conveyed into the release position like the ball 3a in FIG. 1, but rather consists of a material which responds to magnetic forces, so that it is moved from a position in the coin shaft 24 to a magnet 25 from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines is shifted to the right. He works in this position as a stop against an edge 26 in the coin channel, secures the deposit against falling through and holds it in a release position similar to FIG. 2 in order to unlock a locking member 15, not shown.

Landscapes

  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Non-Silver Salt Photosensitive Materials And Non-Silver Salt Photography (AREA)
  • Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Superconductors And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Steering-Linkage Mechanisms And Four-Wheel Steering (AREA)
  • Inorganic Insulating Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a deposit lock for transport trolleys, in each case the coupling member of one trolley being lockable in the deposit lock of the next trolley and the deposit lock containing a lock mechanism which releases the trolley against the insertion of a deposit token, with the inserted deposit token being locked at the same time, and which releases the deposit token when the trolley is coupled again. To prevent misuse, the deposit token has an additional actuator which makes the operative connection between it and the lock mechanism and which is necessary for the lock function. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Pfandschloß für Transportwagen, insbesondere Einkaufswagen, der in einen gleichartigen Wagen einschiebbar ist, wobei jeder Wagen mit einem Pfandschloß und einem Kopplungsglied ausgerüstet ist, derart, daß das Kopplungsglied des einen Wagens im Pfandschloß des nächsten Wagens verriegelbar ist zum Aneinanderkoppeln von in einer Reihe stehenden Wagen bzw. zur Freigabe des vorzugsweise am Reihenende stehenden Wagens gegen Eingabe einer Pfandmarke, wobei das Pfandschloß einen Schloßmechanismus enthält, der die eingegebene Pfandmarke bei der Warenfreigabe verriegelt und der sie beim Wiederankoppeln des Wagens freigibt.The invention relates to a deposit lock for transport trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys, which can be inserted into a similar trolley, each trolley being equipped with a deposit lock and a coupling member such that the coupling member of the one trolley can be locked in the deposit lock of the next trolley for coupling together a row of standing wagons or for releasing the wagon standing preferably at the end of the row by entering a deposit mark, the deposit lock containing a lock mechanism which locks the entered deposit mark when the goods are released and which releases them when the carriage is recoupled.

Derartige Pfandschlösser sind durch die DE-A 25 54 916 bekannt geworden und inzwischen in unterschiedlichen Ausführungsformen auf dem Markt. Da die Freigabe eines Wagens nur gegen Einstecken einer Münze in das Pfandschloß möglich ist, und der Benutzer die Münze nur dann zurückerhält, wenn er den Wagen an einer der verschiedenen Sammelstellen wieder ankoppelt, stehen die Wagen nicht mehr nutzlos herum. Man spart Personal zum Suchen, Sammeln und Zurückbringen der Wagen und kommt auch mit einer geringeren Wagenzahl aus, weil die nicht benutzten stets an den Bedarfspunkten zur Verfügung gehalten werden und nicht nutzlos auf dem Gelände herumstehen.Such deposit locks are known from DE-A 25 54 916 and are now on the market in different embodiments. Since the release of a trolley is only possible by inserting a coin into the deposit lock, and the user only gets the coin back when he reconnects the trolley to one of the various collection points, the trolleys no longer stand around uselessly. You save personnel to search, collect and return the wagons and also manage with a smaller number of wagons, because the unused ones are always available at the need points and do not stand around uselessly on the premises.

Derzeit sind die Pfandschlösser so ausgebildet, daß sie mit Einmark- oder Zweimark-Stücken, im Ausland mit Münzen der jeweiligen Landeswährung mit ähnlichem Wert betrieben werden, damit der Benutzer hinreichenden Anreiz hat, den Wagen nach Gebrauch wieder zu einem der Sammelpunkte zurückzubringen.The deposit locks are currently designed so that they can be operated with one-mark or two-mark items, abroad with coins of the respective national currency with a similar value, so that the user has sufficient incentive to return the car to one of the collection points after use.

In jüngster Zeit werden als Ersatz für die genannten Pfandmünzen Plastikchips angeboten, die in ihrer Größe der jeweiligen Pfandmünze entsprechen und somit an deren Stelle die Betätigung des Pfandschloses gestatten. Momentan werden diese Kunststoffchips noch weitgehend zum Preis der durch sie ersetzbaren Münze angeboten. Die Herstellungskosten des Plastikchips liegen aber nur in der Größenordnung eines Pfennigs; man muß also damit rechnen, daß man diese Chips bald zu einem viel geringeren Preis erwerben kann. Der Anreiz, den Einkaufswagen nach Gebrauch wieder zur Sammelstelle zurückzubringen, ist dann natürlich kaum noch gegeben und das Pfandsystem verliert weitgehend seinen Sinn.Recently, plastic chips have been offered as replacements for the deposit coins mentioned, which correspond in size to the respective deposit coin and thus allow the deposit lock to be operated in its place. At the moment, these plastic chips are still largely offered at the price of the coin they can replace. The manufacturing cost of the plastic chip is only on the order of a penny; you have to expect that you can soon buy these chips at a much lower price. The incentive to return the shopping cart to the collection point after use is then of course barely there and the deposit system largely loses its meaning.

Es ist zwar durch die FR-A 2 410 856 ein scheibenförmiger Informationsträger bekannt, um Geräte, die sonst nur gegen Geldeinwurf funktionieren, in Gang zu setzen. Dabei ist auf der Scheibe eine Magnetspur als Datenträger angeordnet, die maschinenlesbar ist und deren gespeicherte Wertangabe durch das bediente Gerät entsprechend dem Bedienungsumfang reduziert werden kann. Derart aufgebaute Münzen sind jedoch für das eingangs beschriebene Pfandschloß für Transportwagen ungeeignet, weil das Pfandschloß zu teuer würde.A disk-shaped information carrier is known from FR-A 2 410 856 in order to start up devices which otherwise only work for money. A magnetic track is arranged as a data carrier on the disk, which is machine-readable and whose stored value can be reduced by the operated device in accordance with the scope of operation. Coins constructed in this way are, however, unsuitable for the deposit lock described above for transport vehicles, because the deposit lock would be too expensive.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung darin, das beschriebene Pfandsystem dahingehend zu verbessern, daß sein Mißbrauch durch minderwertige Kunststoffchips und der gleichen ausgeschlossen wird.Proceeding from this, the object of the present invention is to improve the deposit system described in such a way that its misuse by inferior plastic chips and the like is excluded.

Seitens der Anmelderin ist zunächst daran gedacht worden, den Mißbrauch der Pfandschlösser dadurch zu verhindern, daß man Münzprüfer ähnlich wie in Warenverkaufsautomaten einbaut, die nicht nur den Durchmesser der Münze abtasten sondern auch beispielsweise ihr Gewicht, ihre Dicke oder dergleichen. Dadurch wird aber der Preis des Pfandschlosses unwirtschaftlich hoch.On the part of the applicant, the first thought was to prevent the misuse of the deposit locks by installing coin validators similar to that in vending machines, which not only scan the diameter of the coin but also, for example, its weight, its thickness or the like. However, this makes the price of the deposit lock uneconomically high.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die gestellte Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, daß die Pfandmarke ein zusätzliches Stellglied aufweist, das bei der Freigabe des Wagens direkt oder indirekt die Wirkverbindung zwischen Pfandmarke und/oder seinem Stellglied einerseits und dem Schloßmechanismus andererseits herbeiführt.According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the deposit tag has an additional actuator which, when the carriage is released, directly or indirectly brings about the operative connection between the deposit tag and / or its actuator on the one hand and the lock mechanism on the other.

Die Erfindung setzt also bei der Erkenntnis an, nicht mit aufwendigen Prüfeinrichtungen im Pfandschloß zu arbeiten, sondern stattdessen die Pfandmarke selbst zu verändern. Das Pfandsystem wird auf ein höheres technisches Niveau gehoben, in dem der Pfandmarke ein zusätzlicher Funktions- und Erkennungseffekt zugeordnet wird. Der Mißbrauch durch einfach herzustellende Plastikscheiben oder dergleichen ist dadurch ausgeschlossen.The invention therefore begins with the knowledge that it does not work with complex test devices in the deposit lock, but instead changes the deposit mark itself. The deposit system is raised to a higher technical level, in which the deposit brand is assigned an additional functional and recognition effect. Misuse by easily manufactured plastic disks or the like is excluded.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, daß in Grenzgebieten, in denen meist auch die Währung des Nachbarlandes verwendet wird, das Pfandschloß nicht mit zwei unterschiedlichen Münzkanälen und Schloßmechanismen ausgerüstet zu werden braucht sondern stattdessen die erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Pfandmarken eingesetzt werden können.Another advantage of the invention is that in border areas, in which the currency of the neighboring country is usually used, the deposit lock does not need to be equipped with two different coin channels and lock mechanisms, but instead the deposit stamps designed according to the invention can be used.

Die Wirkungsweise des zusätzlichen Stellgliedes kann unterschiedlich sein. Zum einen kann das Stellglied als Voraussetzung verwendet werden, um die Pfandmarke überhaupt in die richtige Position im Pfandschloß zu bringen, etwa indem das Stellglied mit Führungsbahnen des Pfandschlosses korrespondiert und die Pfandmarke dadurch in einer von ihrem Umfang unabhängigen Position hält. Ebenso ist es aber auch möglich, daß das Stellglied selbst in Wirkverbindung mit dem Schloßmechanismus gelangt, also selbst die Freigabe des Nachbarwagens bzw. das Verriegeln der Pfandmarke auslöst.The mode of operation of the additional actuator can be different. On the one hand, the actuator can be used as a prerequisite to bring the deposit tag into the correct position in the deposit lock, for example by the actuator corresponding to guideways of the deposit lock and thereby holding the deposit tag in a position that is independent of its scope. But it is also possible that the actuator itself in Active connection with the lock mechanism arrives, thus triggers even the release of the neighboring car or the locking of the deposit tag.

Für die Ausbildung des Stellgliedes bestehen ebenfalls unterschiedliche Möglichkeiten. So kann als Stellglied ein in die Pfandmarke integrierter Magnet oder aber ein gegenüber dem Umriß der Pfandmarke ein- oder beidseits vorspringendes oder zurückspringendes Element, etwa ein Stift, eine Kugel oder dergleichen verwendet werden. Auch besteht die Möglickeit, das Stellglied nicht fest sondern verschiebbar in der Pfandmarke anzuordnen.There are also different options for training the actuator. Thus, a magnet integrated into the deposit tag or an element that projects or recesses on one or both sides with respect to the outline of the deposit tag, such as a pin, a ball or the like, can be used as the actuator. There is also the possibility of not arranging the actuator fixedly but displaceably in the deposit mark.

Auch liegt es im Rahmen der Erfindung, das Stellglied allein durch individuelle Oberflächengestaltung der Pfandmarke zu realisieren, etwa durch spezielle Erhebungen, Nuten oder Schlitze und dergleichen.It is also within the scope of the invention to implement the actuator solely by means of individual surface design of the deposit mark, for example by means of special elevations, grooves or slots and the like.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispieles anhand der Zeichnung; dabei zeigt:

Figur 1
einen Vertikalschnitt durch das Pfandschloß gemäß einer ersten Alternative;
Figur 2
einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein Pfandschloß gemäß einer zweiten Alternative und
Figur 3
einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein Pfandschloß gemäß einer dritten Alternative.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing; shows:
Figure 1
a vertical section through the deposit lock according to a first alternative;
Figure 2
a vertical section through a deposit lock according to a second alternative and
Figure 3
a vertical section through a deposit lock according to a third alternative.

In Figur 1 ist das Münzschloß 1 in beliebiger Weise an einem nicht dargestellten Einkaufswagen befestigt. In dem Schloß 1 steckt ein Kopplungsglied in Form eines Schlüssels 2 eines in der Wagenkolonne davor stehenden, ebenfalls nicht gezeigten Einkaufswagens. Soll der Wagen mit dem Pfandautomat 1 abgekoppelt werden, so muß eine Pfandmarke 3 in den Automat eingeschoben werden. Sie bewirkt über einen Schloßmechanismus, auf den später noch eingegangen wird, daß einerseits der Schlüssel 2 freigegeben, der Wagen mit dem Pfandschloß 1 also weggefahren werden kann, und daß andererseits gleichzeitig die Pfandmarke 3 im Pfandautomat 1 verriegelt wird.In Figure 1, the coin lock 1 is attached in any manner to a shopping cart, not shown. In the lock 1 is a coupling member in the form of a Key 2 of a shopping cart standing in front of it in the car column, also not shown. If the car is to be uncoupled from the deposit machine 1, a deposit tag 3 must be inserted into the machine. It causes a lock mechanism, which will be discussed later, that on the one hand the key 2 is released, the car with the deposit lock 1 can be moved away, and on the other hand the deposit tag 3 is locked in the deposit machine 1 at the same time.

Für die konstruktive Ausbildung des Schloßmechanismus sind eine Fülle von Bauformen auf dem Markt. Daher wird der Schloßmechanismus nur anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles in Figur 1 beschrieben. Bei den übrigen Figuren sind ähnliche Konstruktionen mit dem gleichen Prinzip geeignet.There is an abundance of designs on the market for the design of the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is therefore only described with reference to an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. Similar constructions with the same principle are suitable for the other figures.

Wesentlich ist die Ausbildung der Pfandmarke 3. Sie weist in ihrem Zentrum eine Bohrung auf, in der eine Kugel 3a verschiebbar gefangen ist. Zur Führung der Kugel 3a weist der Münzschacht 4 eine Bahnkurve 4a auf, deren Profil mit dem Durchmesser der Kugel 3a korrespondiert. Diese Bahnkurve ist am Beginn des Münzschachtes 4 als Vertiefung ausgebildet, läuft aber innerhalb des Pfandschlosses 1 nach oben, so daß die Kugel beim Einschieben der Pfandmarke 3 aus der gestrichelt gezeichneten Position in die mit durchgezogenen Linien gezeichnete Position angehoben wird. Sie hebt dadurch ein über ihr angeordnetes Sperrglied 5, das ebenfalls als Kugel ausgebildet sein kann, hoch in die mit durchgezogenen Linien gezeichnete Position. Das Sperrglied 5 steht dabei zwar noch teilwese in Eingriff mit einer Bohrung 2a des Schlüssels 2, vermag den Schlüssel 2 aber nicht mehr gegen ein Herausziehen nach rechts zu arretieren, weil nur noch etwa das untere Drittel der Kugel 5 in die Bohrung 2a hineinragt. Wird also der Schlüssel 2 nach außen gezogen oder, wie es der Praxis entspricht, der Einkaufswagen mit dem Pfandautomat 1 nach links aus der Wagenkolonne herausgezogen, so drückt der linke Rand der Bohrung 2a die Kugel 5 noch etwas nach oben und kann dann vom Schlüssel 2 abgezogen werden.The formation of the deposit mark 3 is essential. It has a bore in its center in which a ball 3a is slidably caught. To guide the ball 3a, the coin shaft 4 has a path curve 4a, the profile of which corresponds to the diameter of the ball 3a. This trajectory is formed at the beginning of the coin shaft 4 as a depression, but runs upward within the deposit lock 1, so that the ball is raised when the deposit mark 3 is inserted from the position shown in broken lines into the position shown in solid lines. As a result, it lifts a locking element 5 arranged above it, which can also be designed as a ball, up to the position drawn with solid lines. The locking member 5 is still partially in Engagement with a bore 2a of the key 2, but can no longer lock the key 2 against being pulled out to the right, because only about the lower third of the ball 5 projects into the bore 2a. If the key 2 is pulled outwards or, as is the practice, the shopping cart with the deposit machine 1 is pulled out of the car column to the left, the left edge of the bore 2a presses the ball 5 upwards a little and can then be removed from the key 2 subtracted from.

Gleichzeitig entfällt aber die Wirkverbindung zwischen dem Schlüssel 2 und einem Sperrelement 6. Dadurch gelangt das Sperrelement 6 nach unten in die gestrichelt gezeichnete Position und hintergreift mit seinem Fortsatz 6a die Pfandmarke 3 an ihrem Umfang. Die Pfandmarke 3 kann daher nicht mehr aus dem Pfandschloß entnommen werden.At the same time, however, there is no operative connection between the key 2 and a locking element 6. As a result, the locking element 6 moves down into the position shown in dashed lines and engages behind the deposit tag 3 on its circumference with its extension 6a. The token 3 can therefore no longer be removed from the deposit lock.

Wenn der Wagen nach Ausgebrauch wieder an einer Sammelstelle angekoppelt werden soll, schiebt der Benutzer den Schlüssel 2 des in der Wagenreihe letzten Wagens in den Automat 1 ein. Die Kugel 5 wird dabei kurz angehoben, bis sie in die Bohrung 2a hineinrutschen kann und gleichzeitig wird das Sperrelement 6 aus der die Pfandmarke 3 hintergreifenden Position heraus nach oben gedrückt. Der Schlüssel 2 ist in dieser Position vorläufig nur durch Reibschluß im Pfandautomat gehalten. Durch das angehobene Sperrelement 6 kann jetzt aber die Pfandmarke 3 entnommen werden. Dabei wird der vom Stellglied 3a beanspruchte Raum unterhalb der Kugel 5 freigegeben, diese kann also in ihre untere, gestrichelt gezeichnete Endlage rutschen und arretiert somit formschlüssig den Schlüssel 2.If the car is to be coupled to a collection point again after use, the user inserts the key 2 of the last car in the car row into the machine 1. The ball 5 is briefly raised until it can slide into the bore 2a and at the same time the locking element 6 is pressed upwards out of the position engaging behind the deposit mark 3. The key 2 is temporarily held in this position only by friction in the deposit machine. Due to the raised blocking element 6, the deposit mark 3 can now be removed. The space occupied by the actuator 3a below the ball 5 is released, which means that it can slide into its lower end position shown in dashed lines and thus locks the key 2 in a form-fitting manner.

Figur 2 zeigt ein anderes Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei der Einfachheit halber nur noch auf die Einwirkung des an der Pfandmarke angeordneten Stellgliedes Bezug genommen wird. Als Pfandmarke dient hier wie im vorangegangenen Fall eine praktisch kreisförmige Scheibe 13, die jedoch in ihrem Zentrum einen beidseits vorstehenden zylindrischen Stift 13a aufweist. Der Stift 13a korrespondiert mit Führungsflächen in Form zweier beidseits der Pfandmarke angeordneter, nach oben offener Nuten 14a eines Münzschiebers 14. Dadurch wird die Pfandmarke 13 auf einem künstlich erhöhten Niveau gehalten, bei dem ihr unterer Rand einige Millimeter oberhalb des Bodens des Münzschiebers bzw. des Münzschachtes liegt. Auf diese Weise vermag die Pfandmarke ein oberhalb angeordnetes Sperrglied 15 aus der Sperrstellung heraus in die gestrichelt gezeichnete Position anzuheben, wodurch der Schlüssel 2 direkt oder indirekt freigegeben wird. Die Arretierung des Münzschiebers 14 in der eingeschobenen Stellung erfolgt durch ein gefedertes Sperrelement 16, das im Schloßgehäuse vertikal verschiebbar gelagert ist und auch den Schlüssel auswirft oder durch andere an sich bekannte Sperrelemente.FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment, reference being made only to the action of the actuator arranged on the deposit tag for the sake of simplicity. As in the previous case, the deposit mark is a practically circular disk 13, which, however, has a cylindrical pin 13a projecting on both sides at its center. The pin 13a corresponds to guide surfaces in the form of two grooves 14a of a coin pusher 14, which are arranged on both sides of the deposit mark and are open at the top. As a result, the deposit mark 13 is kept at an artificially elevated level, with its lower edge a few millimeters above the bottom of the coin pusher or the Coin slot lies. In this way, the deposit tag can lift a blocking member 15 arranged above out of the blocking position into the position shown in dashed lines, whereby the key 2 is released directly or indirectly. The coin slide 14 is locked in the inserted position by a spring-loaded locking element 16 which is mounted in the lock housing in a vertically displaceable manner and also ejects the key or by other locking elements known per se.

Figur 3 zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer weiteren Alternative, bei der die Pfandmarke 23 in ihrem Zentrum einen quer verschiebbaren Stift 23a aufweist. Dieser Stift wird nicht wie die Kugel 3a in Figur 1 in die Auslöseposition befördert, sondern er besteht aus einem auf Magnetkräfte ansprechenden Werkstoff, so daß er von einem in den Münzschacht 24 eingebauten Magnet 25 aus der gestrichelt dargestellten Position in die mit ausgezogenen Linien gezeigte Position nach rechts verschoben wird. Er wirkt in dieser Stellung als Anschlag gegenüber einer Kante 26 im Münzkanal, sichert die Pfandmarke gegen ein Durchfallen und hält sie in einer Auslöseposition ähnlich Fig. 2, um ein nicht gezeigtes Sperrglied 15 zu entsperren.FIG. 3 shows a section of a further alternative, in which the deposit tag 23 has a transversely displaceable pin 23a in its center. This pin is not conveyed into the release position like the ball 3a in FIG. 1, but rather consists of a material which responds to magnetic forces, so that it is moved from a position in the coin shaft 24 to a magnet 25 from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines is shifted to the right. He works in this position as a stop against an edge 26 in the coin channel, secures the deposit against falling through and holds it in a release position similar to FIG. 2 in order to unlock a locking member 15, not shown.

Claims (12)

  1. Token-return lock for a conveying trolley which can be pushed into a trolley of the same type, each trolley being provided with a token-return lock (1) and a coupling member (2) such that the coupling member of one trolley can be locked in the token-return lock of the next trolley to couple together trolleys standing in a row or to release the trolley which is preferably standing at the end of the row by inserting a returnable token (3, 13, 23), and the token-return lock containing a lock mechanism (5, 15) which locks the inserted returnable token when the trolley is released and releases it when the trolley is re-coupled, characterised in that the returnable token (3, 13, 23) comprises an additional actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) which effects the operative connection between the returnable token (3, 13, 23) and/or its actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) on one hand and the lock mechanism (5, 15) on the other.
  2. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 13a) co-operates with guideways (4a, 14a) in the token-return lock.
  3. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (3a) itself forms an operative connection with the lock mechanism (5).
  4. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (23a) is moved or held by a magnet (25) in the token-return lock or that the actuating member itself is a magnet.
  5. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) is a component which projects or springs back with respect to the contour of the returnable token (3, 13, 23) on one or both sides.
  6. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (3a; 23a) is held in a mobile manner in the returnable token (3, 23).
  7. Token-return lock according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) is a cylindrical pin, a ball or the like.
  8. Returnable token for a token-return lock, characterised in that the returnable token (3, 13, 23) comprises an additional actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) which effects the operative connection between the returnable token (3, 13, 23) and/or its actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) on one hand and the lock mechanism (5, 15) on the other.
  9. Returnable token according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating member (23a) is moved or held by a magnet (25) in the token-return lock or that the actuating member itself is a magnet.
  10. Returnable token according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) is a component which projects or springs back with respect to the contour of the returnable token (3, 13, 23) on one or both sides.
  11. Returnable token according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 23a) is held in a mobile manner in the returnable token (3, 23).
  12. Returnable token according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating member (3a, 13a, 23a) is a cylindrical pin, a ball or the like.
EP93120363A 1993-02-12 1993-12-17 Refunding-lock for transport trolleys Expired - Lifetime EP0610586B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4304116 1993-02-12
DE4304116A DE4304116A1 (en) 1993-02-12 1993-02-12 Deposit lock for transport trolleys

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0610586A1 EP0610586A1 (en) 1994-08-17
EP0610586B1 true EP0610586B1 (en) 1996-04-10

Family

ID=6480237

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93120363A Expired - Lifetime EP0610586B1 (en) 1993-02-12 1993-12-17 Refunding-lock for transport trolleys

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US5425438A (en)
EP (1) EP0610586B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE136671T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5491394A (en)
CA (1) CA2110566A1 (en)
DE (2) DE4304116A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2086860T3 (en)
FI (1) FI935924L (en)
NO (1) NO933538L (en)
ZA (1) ZA937793B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995030974A1 (en) * 1994-05-08 1995-11-16 Peter Fuchs Coin-operated lock
FR2726110A1 (en) * 1994-10-21 1996-04-26 Giat Ind Sa LOCKER FOR TROLLEY
AU763175B2 (en) * 1999-06-24 2003-07-17 Douglas James Bartlett A shopping trolley
DE102017104407B4 (en) * 2017-03-02 2018-11-08 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh Push handle unit

Family Cites Families (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US912397A (en) * 1905-01-03 1909-02-16 Kellogg Switchboard & Supply Check-controlled device.
US1016706A (en) * 1907-06-10 1912-02-06 Edward L Morris Token, charm, or pocket-piece.
US965303A (en) * 1910-03-11 1910-07-26 Dawson Bogshon Kinsey Keyless-lock.
US1266759A (en) * 1916-09-27 1918-05-21 Percival H Atkinson Attachment for the check-chutes of check-operated locks.
DE386842C (en) * 1920-03-01 1923-12-22 Ludwig Schomburg Token for self cashers
US2008415A (en) * 1933-10-13 1935-07-16 Yale Slot & Slug Company Slug and aperture for check controlled apparatus
US2063356A (en) * 1935-10-25 1936-12-08 Richard B Wiggins Token
DE1734420U (en) * 1956-06-22 1956-11-22 Madaus & Co Dr GAME BRAND.
GB1101421A (en) * 1963-05-11 1968-01-31 Autonumis Ltd Improvements in or relating to coin checking apparatus
DE2346728A1 (en) * 1973-09-17 1975-03-27 Schulte Schlagbaum Schlossfab Machine utilisation-time monitor with special coins - has magnetisable part areas on coins to carry data
DE2554916C2 (en) * 1975-12-06 1990-10-25 Willi 7016 Gerlingen Kragl Transport trolley
FR2410856A1 (en) * 1977-11-30 1979-06-29 Dassault Electronique INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR ORDERING A PRE-PAYMENT DEVICE
US4509632A (en) * 1981-11-16 1985-04-09 Sintered Metals, Inc. Token and acceptance mechanism
US4421220A (en) * 1981-11-16 1983-12-20 Sintered Metals, Inc. Token mechanism with magnetic separation means
US4691816A (en) * 1985-09-19 1987-09-08 Cari-All Inc. Locking device for interlocking nested shopping carts
DE3605055A1 (en) * 1986-02-18 1987-08-20 Wanzl Kg Rudolf Trolley, in particular shopping trolley
DE3912831A1 (en) * 1989-04-19 1990-10-25 Wanzl Entwicklung Gmbh COIN LOCK FOR TRANSPORT CARS
DE3917172A1 (en) * 1989-05-26 1990-11-29 Peter Fuchs Hand trolley return system using coin deposit-return devices - has trapping devices at collection points preventing removal of trolleys without insertion of coin
FR2651349B1 (en) * 1989-08-29 1991-10-18 Caddie Atel Reunis RETURN DEVICE FOR BUILT-IN TYPE TROLLEY, AND TROLLEYS PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE.
JPH044495A (en) * 1990-04-23 1992-01-08 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd Electronic coin and positioning device therefor
DE4115547A1 (en) * 1991-05-13 1992-11-19 Peter Fuchs DEVICE FOR LIMITING SHOPPING CART ROWS
DE4125875A1 (en) * 1991-08-05 1993-02-18 Ulrich Raeder Unlocking token for shopping trolley - comprises circular segment for releasing locking mechanism and hole for attachment to key-ring
DE4133314A1 (en) * 1991-10-08 1993-04-15 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Kg DEVICE FOR BORROWING TRUCK

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2086860T3 (en) 1996-07-01
ZA937793B (en) 1994-09-02
FI935924A7 (en) 1994-08-13
US5425438A (en) 1995-06-20
NO933538L (en) 1994-08-15
NO933538D0 (en) 1993-10-04
DE4304116A1 (en) 1994-08-18
FI935924A0 (en) 1993-12-30
ATE136671T1 (en) 1996-04-15
FI935924L (en) 1994-08-13
DE59302193D1 (en) 1996-05-15
EP0610586A1 (en) 1994-08-17
AU5491394A (en) 1994-08-18
CA2110566A1 (en) 1994-08-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE68913609T2 (en) Coin processing apparatus.
DE4400744A1 (en) Input and output device for round parking cards having an identification and / or communication element for the fee-based actuation of a parking barrier
DE1424966B1 (en) Coin sorting device
DE68918881T2 (en) Device for holding a movable cabinet.
EP0610586B1 (en) Refunding-lock for transport trolleys
EP1363226B1 (en) Card reader
DE1813015A1 (en) Vending machine for cylindrical articles with different sales prices
DE4101809C1 (en) Rolled-up coins dispensing machine - has additional stacked column(s) supported by slide delivering from first column
EP0536611B1 (en) Apparatus for hiring transport-trolleys
DE19634688B4 (en) Device for processing chip cards
EP1563468A1 (en) Warehouse for providing transfer cars
EP0882273B1 (en) Monitored 3-plane hybrid reader (maresh reader)
DE2556865B2 (en) DEVICE FOR ACCEPTING, STORING AND RETURNING COINS IN VENDING MACHINES, IN PARTICULAR TICKET MACHINES
DE2249478A1 (en) REMOVAL MAGAZINE
EP0945832A2 (en) Installation for hiring transport-trolleys
DE629623C (en) Selective self-seller
EP0766209B1 (en) Collecting and dispensing device for round data carriers, e.g. coin shaped transponders, to free a blocking device for persons or vehicles
EP2362360A1 (en) Coin storage apparatus with storing chain
DE720560C (en) Self-seller with several drawers
DE1424966C (en) Coin sorting device
DE19839003A1 (en) Electronic access control unit uses information carriers in the form of tokens that are read to provide data input to operate release mechanism
AT283019B (en) Cash register
DE2112082A1 (en) Coin machine
DE1855921U (en) COIN POCKET ARRANGEMENT ON MACHINES FOR TWO TYPES OF MONEY.
DE297067C (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19940802

RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SYSTEC AUSBAUSYSTEME GMBH

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950323

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960410

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960410

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19960410

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19960410

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 136671

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19960415

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59302193

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: 67936

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19960503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2086860

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19960710

Ref country code: PT

Effective date: 19960710

ET Fr: translation filed
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19961107

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

Ref document number: 67936

Country of ref document: IE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19961217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19961231

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19961231

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19961231

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19970919

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19971204

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19971230

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19981217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF THE APPLICANT RENOUNCES

Effective date: 19981218

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19981217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20010402

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20081219

Year of fee payment: 16

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100701