Transport cart for transporting objects

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects, particularly a transport cart for transporting luggage in airports, and a storage system configured for such carts.
Carts usually include an anchoring so that they can be stored consecutively such that each cart has an anchoring and a key linked, for example, by means of a chain section, configured for being anchored in the anchoring of the adjacent cart. Therefore, there is a plurality of consecutively stored, aligned and arranged carts that are all connected to one another. In general, these carts are configured for introducing a coin or token in the anchoring device which allows releasing the cart such that it can be used by the user upon being separated from the row.
The invention relates to a cart that does not use any token for releasing carts from the anchoring and to a storage system configured for such carts.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects, particularly a transport cart for transporting luggage in airports, and a storage system configured for such carts.

[0002] Carts known in the state of the art usually include an anchoring so that they can be stored consecutively such that each cart has an anchoring and a key linked, for example by means of a chain section, configured for being anchored in the anchoring of the adjacent cart. Therefore, the plurality of consecutively stored, aligned and arranged carts are all connected to one another. In general, these carts are configured for introducing a coin or token in the anchoring device, which allows releasing the cart such that it can be used by the user upon being separated from the row.

[0003] The invention relates to a cart that neither uses the token for releasing carts from the anchoring nor the chain linking consecutive carts. The carts are joined together by means of a management system incorporated in the cart itself, which allows communication between consecutively arranged aligned carts during storage as well as the ability of knowing which cart can be released by the user. Another object of the invention is a storage system configured for such carts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Carts used in supermarkets which allow compact storage when not in use or when they are at the disposal of the users, are known.

[0005] Compact storage is achieved with a cart configuration such that it enables inserting one cart into another cart. Once stored, the carts form a compact alignment of carts, one after another, in the alignment direction.

[0006] In this storage position, the handles used for pushing the cart, usually configured as a transverse bar, are arranged close to one another. Each of the handles has an anchoring device which allows linking a cart with the cart into which it is inserted in the storage position. The linking between consecutive carts results in all the stored carts being connected to one another.

[0007] The anchoring device which allows linking two consecutive carts has a front slot, front being understood as the part of the device facing the user when the user is gripping the cart for transporting it. The device receives a token through the front slot. In the part of the device located on the opposite side, the anchoring device has another inlet slot intended for accepting a key, the element to which the device is anchored. In addition to the anchoring device, each cart has a key which is linked, for example, by means of a chain section to the cart. The slot receiving the key is suitable for receiving the key of the cart arranged adjacently in the alignment of carts.

[0008] Once the key is inserted into the anchoring device, the latter is locked and cannot come out unless it is released by inserting a token into the slot intended for the token.

[0009] The insertion of the token releases the key and the cart is therefore released from its link with the next cart. In addition to releasing the key, the anchoring device keeps the token linked and the latter cannot come out.

[0010] After the user has used the cart, the insertion of the cart into the last stored cart in a cart storage area allows using the key of this last cart, inserting it into the anchoring device of the cart to be stored, and retrieving the token. In other words, the process is the reverse. The key now releases the token, and it is the key that remains linked to the anchoring device of the last stored cart.

[0011] Given that the user has retrieved the initially inserted token, the owner of the carts is providing a free service as he/she does not obtain any benefit from the use of the cart. If this token is a coin, the user then directly gets back the money used for releasing the cart.

[0012] In the case of carts used in airports, the token is obtained after payment through a vending machine. After the user uses the cart, an operator retrieves the token by means of a device which allows opening the anchoring device and obtaining said token. Said operator then returns the cart to the cart storage area so that another user can again use said cart. In other cases, the cart has a token container and an operator subsequently removes tokens from the container and reintroduces them in the vending machine. By means of this system, the owner of the carts obtains economic benefit from the use of the carts.

[0013] The problem encountered in systems of carts which obtain economic benefit is the use of tokens for obtaining said economic benefit. These tokens require independent management since they are extracted every time a user has done using the cart in order to obtain said economic benefit from the use of the cart. Additionally, the tokens often go missing and must be continuously replaced. This problem incurs additional cart maintenance cost to the owner of the carts.

[0014] Considering the problems of the state of the art, the object of this invention relates to a cart that avoids the need of inserting tokens or coins into the cart for use thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned in the preceding section by means of a transport cart according to claim 1 and a system for storing carts according to claim 11. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0016] The first inventive aspect relates to a transport cart configured so that carts can be coupled in an in-line storage and removed from said line by a user after payment, where the cart is configured with a front part and a rear part and comprising:

• first anchoring means located in the front part,
• second anchoring means located in the rear part,

where the first anchoring means are configured for anchoring in the second anchoring means of a cart located in the front part in the in-line storage,
the second anchoring means are configured for anchoring in the first anchoring means of another cart located in the rear part in the in-line storage.

[0017] The cart has two anchoring means, i.e., one anchoring means in the front part of the cart and another anchoring means in the rear part of the cart, to enable aligning it with another cart having the same characteristics as said cart. Advantageously, this arrangement of the anchoring means allows the carts to be stored in a specific direction in a compact and safe manner. The fact that there are first anchoring means in the front part of the cart and second anchoring means located in the rear part of the cart does not necessarily mean that both means must be operated with an actuator. The preferred embodiment has a single actuator in the first anchoring means and the second anchoring means are means adapted for being coupled to the first anchoring means. In the preferred coupling example, one of the anchoring means are configured as male-type means and the other anchoring means are configured as female-type means.

[0018] Likewise, this manner of joining is different from the ways of joining based on a guide extending along aligned carts, such that the carts are not joined to one another, rather each of them is mainly linked to the common guide.

[0019] And where,
the first anchoring means retain the anchoring after insertion of the second anchoring means and release the anchoring by means of an actuator upon receiving an opening signal.

[0020] The release and retention of the cart is controlled by the first anchoring means. An actuator is arranged in the first anchoring means, said actuator being the one that releases the second anchoring means after receiving an opening signal. Advantageously, since release occurs as a result of receiving an opening signal, it eliminates the need to install in the cart an opening system based on the use of tokens, solving the problems encountered in the state of the art.

[0021] Where the cart further comprises:

• a current supply line extending at least between the front part and the rear part where it has a first current supply line electrical connection means in the front part and a second current supply line electrical connection means in the rear part where the first current supply line electrical connection means and the second current supply line electrical connection means are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common current supply signal transport line in the carts stored in-line,
• a command signal line extending at least between the front part and the rear part where it has a first command signal line connection means in the front part and a second command signal line connection means in the rear part where the first command signal line connection means and the second command signal line connection means are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common command signal line in the carts stored in-line.

[0022] The cart is prepared for receiving power supply from the supply line. In addition to receiving said power supply from the front part, it transports said power towards the rear part of the cart. As a result of this design, a cart can be powered by the electric signal received from the front part and power a cart connected to its rear part due to said supply line configuration.

[0023] The same occurs with the command signal line, as a result of this configuration the carts stored in-line can receive a command signal and transmit it from one cart to another until the last cart in the row.

[0024] The command signal line is a communications line. A command signal goes through said command signal line. Said command signal comprises at least two states, an active state and a non-active state. The states of the command signal line establish orders or instructions that the cart can interpret or execute. In this case, the active state of the command signal line establishes that the cart can release its first anchoring means, and the non-active state of the command signal line establishes that the first anchoring means of the cart cannot be released. One way to represent the active state and non-active state is by means of a voltage associated with each state. For example, the active state is associated with a voltage of 24 V and the non-active state is associated with a voltage of 0 V.

[0025] Given that a plurality of carts stored in-line verifies the same condition, connection between consecutive carts gives rise to continuity both of the current supply line and of the command signal line along the entire in-line storage.

[0026] Advantageously as a result of this cart configuration, the need for an external current supply line and/or a command signal line feeding or communicating commands separately to each of the carts stored in-line, is eliminated. Therefore, a first connection feeding the first cart allows every cart both to receive the power supply that it needs and to have access to the command signal establishing if the cart must be released. These features, combined with those provided in detail below, allow every cart to distinguish if a specific command is intended for said cart or if it must otherwise dismiss same and not carry out the action corresponding to the command.

[0027] The additional elements combining with the features described above which allow distinguishing which cart is to be actuated based on the common command signal line are:

• a first presence sensor for sensing the presence of a cart configured for detecting that there is a cart coupled in the rear part,
• a first central processing unit having at least
  • one input in communication with the command signal line,
  • one input in communication with the output of the first sensor; and,
  • one output in communication with the actuator of the first anchoring means,

where the first central processing unit is configured for sending an opening signal to the actuator of the first anchoring means upon receiving a command signal if the signal from the first sensor indicates that there is no cart coupled in the rear part.

[0028] The presence sensor and the first central processing unit are the components that allow sending the opening signal to the actuator of the first anchoring means, where appropriate. The first central processing unit is a device that is powered by the supply line and receives command signals from the command signal line. This first central processing unit interprets the received command signals and, according to the state of the command signal, executes a specific action.

[0029] When the first central processing unit receives a command signal in the active state, the first sensor detects if the second anchoring means are connected, if they are connected, the first central processing unit ignores said command signal and the command signal is propagated to the next cart through the command signal line. In other words, if the second means are connected, the first central processing unit interprets that the cart containing the first central processing unit is not the last cart of the in-line cart storage and is not the cart to be released by a user. If the second means are not connected, when the first central processing unit receives a command signal with an active state, it considers the cart to be the last cart and the one that must therefore be released such that it transmits a signal to the actuator of the first anchoring means, releasing the cart. As a result of the reading condition of the anchoring detection signal of the second anchoring means, and of the actuation of the first central processing unit, the cart released is always the last cart in the row of stored carts, whereas the rest of the carts are retained.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart comprises a push-button interposed between the output of the first central processing unit and the actuator of the first anchoring means such that it is closed in the "pressed" position.

[0031] The function of this push-button is to release the cart if the user has paid for the cart and said cart is the last cart in the row of the in-line cart storage only when it is pressed and not before that. Although the user has make payment, the command signal indicates the need to release the cart and the supply line is active, the actuator will not receive any current until the user presses on the push-button such that said actuator does not heat up, prolonging its service life. There are solenoid-based actuators that are magnetized through current passage and can reach very high temperatures if they are powered for a certain time. In these cases, interposing an actuator makes that the solenoid is powered only for a short time period preventing the solenoid from heating up. Heating up of this solenoid can be dangerous even though the user does not have direct access thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment provided only by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a wiring diagram as well as the connection means and actuators for anchoring in a cart according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a system for storing carts depicting the wiring diagram of at least two interconnected carts, the first and second cart, the first cart being connected to the anchoring post.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a system for storing carts and its main components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] According to the first inventive aspect, the present invention relates to a device or cart for carrying objects. The device according to an embodiment is configured for being used after paying an amount of money and releasing its anchoring means from a line of carts without physically inserting tokens or coins into the cart. The present invention also relates to a system for storing carts configured for the carts according to the first aspect of the invention. The terms "line of carts" and "row of carts" are used throughout the description to mean that the type of arrangement of the aligned carts is a line or row and that the carts are anchored consecutively to one another through the first anchoring means and second anchoring means of each cart.

[0034] One embodiment describes a cart for transporting luggage in airports. The carts comprise first anchoring means and second anchoring means allowing compact storage in a line or row of carts, forming an alignment according to a specific longitudinal direction X-X'. In this aligned arrangement, each cart is inserted into the next cart, leaving the gripping bars of the carts arranged such that they are parallel, close and transverse to the longitudinal direction X-X'.

[0035] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the cart (1). The cart (1) is schematically depicted by means of a square, it being understood that said cart has a load support, gripping means and rolling elements typical of the cart. This square only shows schematically the electronics and electromechanical elements relevant for the operation of this example according to the invention. This electronics-wiring diagram of the cart (1) shows:

• a current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first current supply line electrical connection means (5) in the front part (3) and a second current supply line electrical connection means (6) in the rear part (4) where the first current supply line electrical connection means (5) and the second current supply line electrical connection means (6) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common current supply signal transport line in the carts (1) stored in-line.
• a command signal line (7) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first command signal line connection means (8) in the front part (3) and a second command signal line connection means (9) in the rear part (4) where the first command signal line connection means (8) and the second command signal line connection means (9) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common command signal line in the carts (1) stored in-line.
• a first presence sensor (10) for sensing the presence of a cart configured for detecting that there is a cart (1) coupled in the rear part (4),
• a first central processing unit (11) having at least
  • one input in communication with the command signal line (7),
  • one input in communication with the output of the first sensor (10); and,
  • one output in communication with the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12).

[0036] In the schematic depiction of the drawings, the first sensor (10) is depicted by means of a dashed rectangle. In the cart, the position of this first sensor (10) is located in the rear part (4) or in any part where it is capable of establishing if there is a cart (1) coupled in the rear part (4) by means of sensing. For the sake of clarity of the diagram, it is located on the side of the switch part on which it actuates.

[0037] The same occurs with a second presence sensor (23) for sensing the presence of the cart (1) that will be described below, said second sensor (23) being configured for detecting that there is a cart (1) coupled in the front part (3). It is not positioned in the front part (3) in the diagram although it is specified as such in this description. Inclusion of lines crossing the diagram and complicating interpretation thereof is thus prevented.

[0038] The same applies with the first central processing unit (11) and a second central processing unit (22) that will be described below. Although a rectangle in discontinuous line is depicted, the limits of the processing units are not exactly those established graphically but rather are delimited by those parts functionally defining the processing units (11, 22).

[0039] In this embodiment, the first central processing unit (11) is configured for sending an opening signal to the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) upon receiving a command signal if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is no cart (1) coupled in the rear part (4). In one embodiment of the invention, said command signal is received after paying a specific amount which allows releasing the cart (1) from the line of carts and avoiding physically inserting tokens or coins into the cart. When the cart (1) is used in this manner, the cart (1) is being used in a user mode.

[0040] The user mode is a mode of operation in which only the last cart (1) can be released from a row of carts. When a specific amount has been paid, a command signal is send in the active state through the command signal line (7) which allows releasing the last cart (1) from the line of carts. In the user mode, when a command signal is send in the non-active state or when no command signal is send through the command signal line (7), no cart (1) can be separated from the line of carts.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) comprises a push-button (17) interposed between the output of the first central processing unit (11) and the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12). The push-button (17) is configured such that it is closed in the "pressed" position and open if it is not pressed. In this embodiment, the function of this push-button (17) is to release the first anchoring means of the cart (1) if:

• there is no other cart (1) behind and,
• the cart (1) receives a signal through the command signal line (7) indicating that the cart (1) can be released.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises,

• an operation signal line (14) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first operation signal line connection means (15) in the front part (3) and a second operation signal line connection means (16) in the rear part (4) where the first operation signal line connection means (15) and the second operation signal line connection means (16) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common operation signal transport line in the carts stored in-line, and where
• the push-button (17) is interposed in said operation signal line (14) such that it closes the connection in the operation signal line (14) in the "pressed" position allowing passage of activation signal to the actuator (13),

where
the first central processing unit (11) has at least one input in communication with the operation signal line (14), and where said first central processing unit (11) is configured for sending an opening signal to the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) when the push-button (17) is pressed and receives operation signal.

[0043] The purpose of the operation signal line (14) is to transmit operation signals to the cart (1), when the cart (1) is used in an operator mode. The operator mode is a mode of operation allowing any cart (1) of a row of carts to release its first anchoring means (12) after an operator activates the push-button (17) of the cart (1) regardless of the position of said cart (1) in the line of carts.

[0044] The operation signal line (14) is a communications line. An operation signal goes through said operation signal line (14). Said operation signal comprises at least 2 states, an active state and a non-active state. The states of the operation signal line (14) establish orders or instructions that the cart (1) can interpret or execute, within the operator mode. In this case, an operation signal in the active state establishes that the cart (1) can release its first anchoring means (12) regardless of its position in the row of carts, and an operation signal in the non-active state or the absence of an operation signal establishes that the operator mode is deactivated. One way to represent the active state and non-active state is by means of a voltage associated with each state. For example, the active state is associated with a voltage of 24 V and the non-active state is associated with a voltage of 0 V.

[0045] In order to better understand the invention, the expression "the operation signal line (14) is activated" indicated throughout the description comprises the same meaning and technical features described for the expression "the operation signal line (14) is in an active state".

[0046] The operation signal line (14) and the push-button (17) are intended for cart (1) management and handling by an operator. When the operation signal line (14) is activated or in an active state, an operator can release the first anchoring means (12) of any cart (1) from the storage line of carts (1) by activating the push-button (17). If a line of carts is too long, an operator can split said line into in 2 sections of lines of carts and transport one of the sections of lines of carts to another location in the airport where there are no carts (1). The first central processing unit (11) verifies that the operation signal line (14) is active. If said operation signal line is active, the anchoring means (12) are open or released by actuating the push-button (17) regardless of any other condition.

[0047] When an operation signal in the active state goes through the operation signal line (14), the section of carts directly linked with the first cart (1) can be split as many times as necessary by simply pressing the push-button (17) of the cart (1) through which separation is to be established.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) comprises a first timer (18) connected to the first central processing unit (11) which is in communication with the actuator (13).

[0049] The first timer (18) is configured for preventing activation of the actuator (13) by means of the push-button (17) for a predetermined period. As seen in Figure 1, this first timer (18) is connected to the command signal line (7), therefore this first timer (18) would only be used when the cart is being used in the user mode. When the last cart (1) of the row is released by a user, there is a transition period in which the next cart (1) in the row (the cart (1) which was the second last cart in the row before the last cart (1) was released) could also be released since the sensor (10) of said cart detects that there is no cart (1) behind and the command signal is in the active state, because the user has make payment. Advantageously, by means of this first timer (18), the action of said push-button (17), specifically of the switch associated with the push-button (17), is blocked and the second last cart (1) cannot be released by another user or the same user actuating the push-button (17) of this second last cart (1) in the moment of transition.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises,

• a removed cart signal line (19) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first removed cart signal line connection means (20) in the front part (3) and a second removed cart signal line connection means (21) in the rear part (4) where the first removed cart signal line connection means (20) and the second removed cart signal line connection means (21) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common removed cart signal transport line in the carts stored in-line,

and such that the removed cart signal line (19) is in electrical communication with the output of the first central processing unit (11) for transmission of removed cart signal.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cart (1) is connected to a management point (36) for managing carts which will be described below. Advantageously, information about whether or not the cart (1) has been released after having made payment can be send to the management point (36) of the cart storage with this removed cart signal transport line (19). This removed cart signal line (19) is configured for working in the user mode.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart additionally comprises a second central processing unit (22) having at least,

• one input in communication with a second sensor (23), where said second sensor (23) is configured for detecting that there is a cart (1) anchored in the front part (3),
• one output in communication with a second timer (24), where said second timer (24) is configured for measuring the time period in which the first anchoring means (12) are released,

where said second central processing unit (22) is configured for sending an activation signal to the second timer (24) upon receiving the signal from the second sensor (23) indicating that the first anchoring means (12) have been released, i.e., that the first anchoring means (12) are not connected to the second anchoring means of another cart (1).

[0053] The second central processing unit (22) is configured for activating a second timer (24) once the cart (1) has been released, said second timer (24) establishes a specific time of use of said cart (1). To that end, the timer (24) is activated when the second sensor (23) detects a change in state of the first anchoring means (12) corresponding to the first anchoring means (12). This second sensor is configured for sending said signal when it detects the change in state of anchored and released anchoring means. Advantageously, as a result of this embodiment the carts (1) can be configured for use for a specific time period.

[0054] Once the time established by the second timer (24) has lapsed, in one embodiment the cart (1) activates the illumination of a fourth luminous device (25), for example, a LED, indicating that the time established has already run out. In this embodiment, this indication does not render the cart (1) unusable, which would give rise to a poor service image, but allows showing an auxiliary staff if the cart (1) is being used without first making payment, for example, if the cart (1) is being used fraudulently by people who have been previously identified and can be easily recognized due to their criminal record. If these people who have been previously identified are seen with a cart (1) with the light of the fourth luminous device (25) turned on, they can be stopped preventing them from using the cart (1) further.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises a battery (26) interposed between the supply line (2) and the second central processing unit (22). The second central processing unit (22) is in turn interposed between the battery (26) and the second timer (24) and furthermore,
the second central processing unit (22) is additionally configured for,

• connecting the battery (26) to the second timer (24) upon receiving the command signal and if the signal from the second sensor (23) indicates that there is no cart (1) anchored in the front part (3).

[0056] Advantageously, the battery (26) only powers the second timer (24) when the second sensor (23) indicates that the cart (1) is released or in operation. The function of this battery (26) is to power the second timer (24) so that it counts the time of use of the cart (1) only when the cart (1) is being used. Under these circumstances, the cart (1) is not connected to the current supply line (2) so the operation of active systems requires alternative power supply, i.e., they make use of the battery (26) as an auxiliary power supply.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the second central processing unit (22) of the cart (1) is additionally configured for,

• disconnecting the battery (26) from the second timer (24) upon receiving the command signal if the signal from the second sensor (23) indicates that there is a cart (1) anchored in the front part (3), allowing charging the battery (26).

[0058] According to this embodiment, the battery (26) is configured for being charged with energy as soon as the cart (1) is connected through the first anchoring means (12), because in this situation the supply line (2) is available for charging said battery (26). Once the battery (26) is charged, it can be used again to power the second timer (24) when the cart (1) is being used.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises a third central processing unit (27) which is interposed between the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4), where said third central processing unit (27) has at least

• one input in communication with the output of the first sensor (10), not shown in Figure 1.

[0060] Additionally, said third central processing unit (27) is configured for

• establishing electrical communication in the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4), if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is a cart (1) coupled in the rear part (4); and,
• disconnecting the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is no cart (1) coupled in the rear part (4).

[0061] The third central processing unit (27) is configured for preventing sabotage or manipulations in the supply line (2) of the carts (1). To that end, the third central processing unit (27) disconnects the second electrical connection means (6) from the current supply line (2) of the last cart (1) of the storage line when there is no cart (1) connected behind it, therefore it is not possible to access terminals with voltage from the rear part (4) of the cart (1), in the event that said rear part (4) is exposed.

[0062] The connections of the rear part of the cart (1) are exposed to sabotage, for example, if an ill-intended user applies excessive voltage to damage the system or uses the connections in a non-authorized manner to steal electric energy. The third central processing unit (27) prevents these situations by cutting the connection upstream. Advantageously, this embodiment disconnects the supply line (2) to the rear part only when it is the last cart as a result of the communication with the first sensor (10).

[0063] According to other embodiments, the disconnection carried out by the third central processing unit (27) extends to any accessible connection in the rear part (4) of the cart (1) as long as there is no cart anchored behind.

[0064] In other embodiments, the command signal line (7) and the operation signal line (14) comprise a system for protection against sabotage and/or energy theft cutting the connection upstream.

[0065] In one embodiment, the command signal line (7) comprises a first system for electrical protection (40). Said first system for electrical protection (40) is configured for enabling electrical connection of the command signal line (7) to the second command signal line connection means (9) if the second anchoring means of the cart (1) are connected to the first anchoring means of another cart (1). In one embodiment, the cart (1) comprises a relay and said relay is configured for detecting that there is a cart (1) anchored to the second anchoring means of the cart (1), and for establishing a common command signal transport line along the cart (1). In other embodiments, the first system for electrical protection (40) has at least one input in communication with the first sensor (10). Advantageously in this embodiment, the first system for electrical protection (40) disconnects the command signal line (7) to the rear part (4) only when it is the last cart (1) as a result of the communication with said first sensor (10), preventing sabotage in the cart (1).

[0066] In another embodiment, the operation signal line (14) comprises a second system for electrical protection (41), said second system for electrical protection (41) is configured for enabling electrical connection of the operation signal line (14) to the second operation signal line connection means (16) if the second anchoring means of the cart (1) are connected to the first anchoring means (12) of another cart (1). In one embodiment, the cart (1) comprises a relay and said relay is configured for detecting that there is a cart anchored to the second anchoring means of the cart (1), and for establishing a common operation signal transport line along the cart (1). In other embodiments, the first system for electrical protection (41) has at least one input in communication with the first sensor (10). Advantageously in this embodiment, the second system for electrical protection (41) disconnects operation signal line to the rear part (4) only when it is the last cart (1) as a result of the communication with said first sensor (10), preventing sabotage in the cart (1).

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises,

• a carts counting signal line (28) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first carts counting signal line connection means (29) in the front part (3) and a second carts counting signal line connection means (30) in the rear part (4) wherein the first carts counting signal line connection means (29) and the second carts counting signal line connection means (30) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common cart counting signal transport line between the carts (1) stored in-line,
• a first luminous device (31) interposed in said line, preferably a LED lamp,

wherein when the cart counting line (28) is established, said first luminous device (31) receives current and is activated producing a specific consumption.

[0068] The function of the carts counting signal line (28) is to count carts (1) arranged in a storage row of carts (1). For that purpose, a first luminous device (31) is added in each cart (1) generating a predetermined electrical consumption where, in the embodiments described, a LED lamp (31) is used. This LED lamp (31) does not only serve to count the number of carts in the storage row of carts based on the electrical consumption of said storage row of carts, but rather allows indicating to the user that the stored carts (1) are operative. Advantageously, by simply calculating the voltage drop of said carts counting signal line (28) due to the electricity consumption of these lamps (31) the number of carts (1) in the storage row of carts (1) can be calculated.

[0069] In other embodiments, the carts counting signal line (28) comprises of a third system for electrical protection cutting the connection upstream. Said system for electrical protection is configured for enabling electrical connection of the carts counting signal line (28) to the second command signal line connection means (30) if the second anchoring means of the cart (1) are connected to the first anchoring means of another cart (1). In one embodiment, the cart (1) comprises a relay (42) integrated in the first sensor (10) as shown in Figure 1. Said relay (42) is configured for detecting that there is a cart anchored behind, establishing a common transport carts counting signal line in the carts (1) stored in-line. In other embodiments, the third system for electrical protection is in communication with the first sensor (10). Advantageously, the third system for electrical protection disconnects the carts counting signal line (28) to the rear part (4) only when it is the last cart (1) as a result of the communication with said first sensor (10).

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the current supply line (2) is comprised of three parts:

• positive voltage supply line (2.1), in this embodiment 230 V.
• negative voltage supply line (2.2), in this embodiment -230 V.
• earthing line (2.3).

[0071] The supply line voltage magnitude is 230 V. In other embodiments, the devices comprising the cart (1) must be powered by a voltage of less magnitude, such as it is the case of the processing units (11, 22, 27), for example. In one embodiment, a system of voltage transformers configured for reducing the voltage and transmitting it to said devices is used.

[0072] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the devices using lower voltage, such as 24 V, for example, are configured for using the voltage provided by the command signal line (7), the operation signal line (14) or the removed cart signal line (28). Since a complementary negative voltage line is needed for the operation of said devices, in this embodiment, the cart (1) additionally comprises a first negative supply line (32) preferably of -24 V, for the case of the command signal line (7) and operation signal line (14). In the case of the removed cart counting line, it additionally comprises a second negative supply line (44) preferably of -24 V.

[0073] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises,

• a first negative supply line (32) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first first negative supply line connection means (47) in the front part (3) and a second first negative supply line connection means (48) in the rear part (4) wherein the first first negative supply line connection means (47) and the second first negative supply line connection means (48) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a first common negative supply signal transport line between the carts (1) stored in-line, and,
• a second negative supply line (44) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first second negative supply line connection means (49) in the front part (3) and a second second negative supply line connection means (50) in the rear part (4) wherein the first second negative supply line connection means (49) and the second second negative supply line connection means (50) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a second common negative supply signal transport line between the carts (1) stored in-line.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, the cart (1) additionally comprises in the front part (3) of the cart (1) at least one guide configured for:

• guiding the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (1) to the second anchoring means of a cart (1), and/or
• guiding the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (1) to an anchoring post (35), which will be described below.

[0075] The main function of these guides is to assure correct position and orientation of the first anchoring means (12) with the second anchoring means or with the anchoring post (35) in the approximation that leads to mutual fixing.

[0076] In one embodiment, the cart (1) has two guides and one of those guides has the second anchoring means which in turn receive the first anchoring means (12).

[0077] Another object of the invention is a system for storing carts (1). A diagram depicting a management point (36) of the carts (1, 33, 34) in communication with an anchoring post (35) is shown in Figure 2 as an embodiment of this system. In Figure 2, two carts (33, 34) are anchored to this anchoring post (35), said carts also being schematically depicted by means of squares containing electromechanical elements allowing operation thereof. A cart (1, 33) verifies direct communication with the anchoring post (35) powering it and also receiving signals from it; and the other cart (1, 34), the one shown therebelow, verifies the condition of being the last cart (1, 34) in the row or in-line storage.

[0078] This system comprises,

• a plurality of carts (1, 33, 34) according to the first aspect of the invention,
• an anchoring post (35) for anchoring a first cart (33) configured for managing storage of an in-line storage of carts (1, 33, 34), allowing storage of several lines of carts (1, 33, 34) where each anchoring post (35) manages storage of a line of carts (1, 33, 34), and said anchoring post (35) comprises

  o anchoring means configured for anchoring in the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (33),

  o a current supply line (2) configured for being connected to the current supply line (2) of a first cart (1, 33),

  o a command signal line (7) configured for being connected to the command signal line (7) of a first cart (1, 33).

[0079] The anchoring post (35) is configured for anchoring the first anchoring means (12) of the first cart (1, 33) in the row formed by storage of a plurality of carts (1, 33, 34), where in this example shown in Figure 2, the storage has two carts (33, 34), as indicated.

[0080] Additionally, the anchoring post (35) is configured for connecting a current supply line (2) and a command signal line (7) to the first cart (1) in the row. In another embodiment, the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34) comprises a plurality of anchoring posts (35), in said example, each anchoring post (35) is the point joining each storage line of carts of the plurality of storage lines of carts (1) allowing independent management of each row of carts (1, 33 ,34). The use of a plurality of storage rows of carts allows more efficient organization when there is a large number of carts.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a new embodiment of a system for storing carts seen from the top. In said embodiment, said system comprises a management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34) and four anchoring posts (35) with their respective rows (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34) arranged parallel to one another. Each row of carts (A, B, C, D) in turn comprises ten carts (1, 33, 34) where the last cart (39) in each row (A, B, C, D) is indicated.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the management point (36) is connected to the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) through the anchoring post (35). The function of said anchoring post (35) is to anchor the first cart (1) in the row of carts (1) and interconnect the current supply lines (2), command signal lines (7), grouped by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in an operation line (38).

[0083] In other embodiments, the operation line (38) additionally comprises the operation signal lines (14) and the carts counting signal line (28).

[0084] Therefore, in addition to there being one or more anchoring posts (35) for managing one or more storage lines (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), the system comprises:

• a management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) configured for being in communication with the anchoring post (34),

and where the system is configured for

• sending a command signal through the command signal line (7) from the management point (36) and through the anchoring post (35) to the plurality of carts (1, 33,34, 39), for activating and/or deactivating the anchoring means of the carts after the user makes payment,
• supplying current to the carts through the current supply line (2) of the management point (36) and the anchoring post (35).

[0085] The function of the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) is to manage connection of the different lines (A, B, C, D) formed in each alignment of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) and where each of these lines (A, B, C, D) is connected to its anchoring post (35). Management of the lines (A, B, C, D) depends on the communication between the management point (36) for managing carts and the user, particularly management of the payment for the service of using a cart (1, 33, 34, 39). For this purpose, the management point (36) for managing carts comprises conventional means for managing payment in points of payment or automatic teller machines.

[0086] Once the user has made payment, the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) establishes communication with the anchoring post (35), mainly through the command signal line (7) which establishes that a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) can be released from that anchoring post (35). If instead of one anchoring post (35) there is a plurality of anchoring posts (35), then the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) first chooses the anchoring post (35) from which the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is released. Therefore, once the user has paid for the cart (1, 33, 34, 39), the management point (36) enables the last cart (1, 34, 39) in the established storage line (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) so that it can be used by the user. In other words, once determining the storage row (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) where release of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is to be allowed, the management point (36) uses the command signal line (7) through the anchoring post (35) anchoring and establishing connection with the first cart (1, 33) in the storage row (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39).

[0087] Due to the configuration of each of the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in the storage row (A, B, C, D), the power supply and command signal provided to the first cart (33) is propagated through all the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) of the storage row. After payment, the last cart (1, 34, 39) determines through the first sensor (10) that it is the last cart (1, 34, 39) and allows release thereof after receiving the command signal as soon as the user presses its push-button (17).

[0088] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one anchoring post (35) of the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally comprises

• a carts counting signal line (28) configured for being connected to the carts counting signal line (28) of a first cart (1, 33); and,

the management point (36) for managing the system for storing carts additionally comprises

• a carts counting signal line (28) configured for being connected to the carts counting signal line (28) of the anchoring post or posts (35).

[0089] By means of said carts counting signal line (28), the management point (36) has information about the number of carts in each of the storage rows (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39). This information allows the management point (36) to be able to perform management when a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) comes out of the row (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) and to keep the information about the level of occupation of each storage line of carts (1) updated. This allows establishing a policy on how the storage lines (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) should be emptied. The criteria to be applied for determining which storage row (A, B, C, D) allows release of a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) include:

• allowing release from the line (A, B, C, D) filled with most carts at that time,
• allowing release from the line (A, B, C, D) closest to the management point (36),
• allowing release in sequential order for homogeneous emptying,
• allowing release of a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) from a line (A, B, C, D) other than line (A, B, C, D) from which the last cart (1, 34, 39) has been released to prevent crowding of users,
• allowing release of a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) from a line (A, B, C, D) randomly selected according to a random uniform distribution; and,
• combinations of any of the preceding criteria.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, the anchoring post (35) of the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally comprises,

• a second luminous device (43) interposed in the carts counting signal line (28), preferably a LED lamp, which when activated indicates that the anchoring post (35) is operative,

and the management point (36) for managing the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally comprises,

• a consumption measuring device configured for calculating the number of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) by dividing the measured consumption by the consumption produced by a single cart (1, 33, 34, 39).

[0091] Advantageously, for calculating the number of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in a row (A, B, C, D), the management point (36) measures the consumption of said carts counting signal line (28) due to the electricity consumption of these lamps (43). This consumption can be also calculated through the voltage drop caused by said lamps (43).

[0092] In one embodiment of the invention, wherein the anchoring post (35) of the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally comprises,

• an operation signal line (14) configured for being connected to the operation signal line (14) of a first cart (1, 33),

and the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) of the system for storing carts additionally comprises,

• an operation signal line (14) configured for being connected to the operation signal line (14) of the anchoring post (35), and
• switching means (37) for alternatively selecting the command signal line (7) or the operation signal line (14) of the carts (1, 33, 34, 39),

and where the system is configured for,

• switching, through the switching means (37), to the command signal line (7) and sending a command signal for releasing a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) after the user makes payment, and/or
• switching, through the switching means (37), to the operation signal line (14) and sending a command signal for releasing a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) after identification of an operator authorized to operate same.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the management point (36) can be managed in the operator mode. The operator mode is a mode in which the system changes its behavior so that the operator has greater capacity to act on the system than a normal user. This is the case of having to manage groups of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) for filling up or emptying storage rows (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), accessing the management point (36) to carry out maintenance tasks, etc. The first example where the operator is able to split a row (A, B, C, D) of stored carts (1, 33, 34, 39) through any point of the row (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) is of special interest with respect to the invention.

[0094] When an operator wants to handle the line of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), for example, if there are too many carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in a row (A, B, C, D), the operator will switch, through the switching means (37), the line for activating the management point (36) enabling the operation signal line (14) in the carts (1, 33, 34, 39), allowing the operator to work in said mode.

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention wherein the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

• a removed cart signal line (19) configured for being connected to the removed cart signal line (19) of a first cart (1, 33),

and the management point (36) for managing carts additionally,

• a removed cart signal line (19) configured for being connected to the removed cart signal line (19) of the anchoring post (35).

[0096] Advantageously as a result of this connection, the management point (36) can control the time instant in which a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is removed from the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39). That is because the management point (36) is configured for receiving information about the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) that is removed from the system, through the removed cart signal line (19) of the row (A, B, C, D) of stored carts (1, 33, 34, 39).

[0097] In the event that a user may make payment for using a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) and, after having made payment, said user may not be interested in removing the cart (1, 33, 34, 39). Information about whether or not the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) has been removed allows the system to respond in view of this situation, preventing removal of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) again after a time period. In this particular case, the system measures the time that lapses since payment is made until it receives the signal of removed cart (1, 33, 34, 39). If this time exceeds a pre-established value, then, according to an embodiment, the command signal line (7) is again deactivated or the command signal line (7) is again established in the non-active state, so that the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) cannot be removed.

[0098] In one embodiment of the invention, the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

• a first negative supply line (32), preferably of -24 V, configured for being connected to the first negative supply line (32) of a first cart (1, 33) and,
• a second negative supply line (44) configured for being connected to the second negative supply line (44) of a first cart (1, 33),

and the management point (36) for managing carts additionally,

• a first negative supply line (32), preferably of -24 V, configured for being connected to the first negative supply line (32) of the anchoring post (35), and
• a second negative supply line (44) configured for being connected to the second negative supply line (44) of the anchoring post (35).

[0099] Advantageously as a result of these connections, the management point (36) can provide negative power supply to the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) through the anchoring post (35). All the systems of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) or of the row of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) can therefore work correctly.

[0100] In other embodiments of the command signal line (7), the operation signal line (14) and the cart counting signal line (28), they comprise a system for protection against sabotage and/or energy theft cutting the connection upstream in the anchoring post (35).

[0101] In one embodiment, the anchoring post (35) comprises a third system for electrical protection (45) of the command signal line (7), the operation signal line (14) and the carts counting signal line (28).

[0102] Said third system for electrical protection (45) is configured for enabling electrical connection of:

• the command signal line (7),
• the operation signal line (14) and
• the carts counting signal line (28)

to the cart management point (36) if the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) are connected to the anchoring post (35).

[0103] In one embodiment, the anchoring post (35) comprises three relays (one for each line (7, 14, 28)) and said relays are configured for detecting that there is a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) anchored to the anchoring post (35), and for establishing a shared command signal transport line, a common operation signal transport line and a common cart counting signal transport line along the anchoring post (35) interconnecting the first cart (1, 33) with the management point (36).

[0104] Advantageously in this embodiment, the third system for electrical protection (45) disconnects the command signal line (7), the operation signal line (14) and the carts counting signal line (28) when the anchoring post (35) does not have any cart (1, 33, 34, 39) anchored, preventing sabotage in the management point (36).

[0105] In one embodiment, the management point (36) is configured for managing one or more anchoring posts (35), wherein each anchoring post (35) is configured for anchoring the first anchoring means (12) of the first cart (1, 33) in the row consisting of a storage of a plurality of carts (1, 33, 34, 39). In a particular embodiment, the management point (36) is adapted for managing seven anchoring posts (35).

-Examples of using the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in user mode.

[0106] If a user wants to use the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) such as the one depicted in Figure 3, the management point (36) of the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) must be in the user mode and not in the operator mode. In this case, the management point (36) will ask the user to make payment for using a cart (1, 33, 34, 39). After paying the corresponding amount, the management point (36) selects the last cart (1, 34, 39) from one of the rows (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39). The management point (36) then sends an opening signal to the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39), through the command signal line (7), to the first central processing unit (11) of the cart, thus releasing the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) to be used.

[0107] In another embodiment, the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) comprises a push-button (17). Said push-button (17) is configured for releasing the first anchoring means (12) when the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) has received the opening signal. Therefore, in said embodiment the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is only released when a user has activated the push-button (17).

[0108] In another embodiment, the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) comprises a third luminous device (46), preferably, a LED lamp. The management point (36) selects the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) to be released. After the user pays the amount for using the cart, the management point (36) switches on said LED lamp (46), which is green in color, in the cart (1, 33, 34, 39). Said LED lamp (46) is configured for indicating that said cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is released and ready for use.

[0109] In another embodiment, while the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is in the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) and no user has paid the specific amount for using a cart (1, 33, 34, 39), a LED lamp (31), preferably a LED lamp (31) in blue or yellow color, is switched on in all the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) indicating that the first anchoring means (12) and the second anchoring means of the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) are activated. When the system is in standby waiting for a user to make payment, only the "counter" LED is illuminated.

[0110] In another embodiment, the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) comprises a push-button (17) and a first luminous device (31). Said first luminous device (31) is configured to be switched on when the user has made payment. The purpose of said first luminous device (31) is to indicate to the user that the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) can be removed. In this embodiment, the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) is not released until the user actuates the push-button (17).

-Examples of using the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in the operator mode.

[0111] If an operator wants to collect a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) in a system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) such as the one depicted in Figure 3, due to the fact that it is defective, or there is a need to remove a specific group of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) to redistribute the number of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) to other systems for storing carts (11, 33, 34, 39), the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) must be in the operator mode, said mode is configured for being activated in the management point (36) by an operator. If the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) comprises the option of an operator mode, the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) must include the push-button (17). According to this embodiment, the management point (36) will comprise a switch which will have two positions, a user or normal mode and an operator mode. In one embodiment, this switch this implemented by means of the management software carrying out the control of the management point (36).

[0112] In other embodiments, the management point (36) will comprise a card reader. In said embodiment, each operator has a personal identification card that is not transferable, and he/she is identified as an operator with said card and can activate the user mode or the operator mode either in a single row (A, B, C, D) or in all the storage rows (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) managed by the management point (36). In this case, according to an implementation option, the operator's action is recorded.

[0113] When the operator has activated the operator mode, the management point (36), through the operation signal line (14), sends an opening signal for opening the first anchoring means (12) to the first central processing unit (11) of all the carts (1, 33, 34, 39), such that the operator can release the first gripping means for gripping any cart in any of the rows once he/she actuates the push-button (17) of the cart (1, 33, 34, 39) to be released.

[0114] For example, if the operator wants to take out the last three carts (1, 33, 34, 39) in line A, the operator will activate the operator mode in the management point and press the push-button of the second last cart releasing the first anchoring means of said cart (1, 33, 34, 39). The last three carts (1, 33, 34, 39) stored in line A can thus be taken away together.

[0115] In one embodiment of the system for storing carts (1, 33, 34, 39), when the operator activates the operator mode, the luminous device (43) located in the anchoring posts (35) is illuminated, preferably in red color, indicating that the system is in the operator mode.

Claims

1. A transport cart (1, 33, 34, 39) configured so that carts (1, 33, 34, 39) can be coupled in an in-line storage and removed from said line by a user after payment, where the cart is configured with a front part (3) and a rear part (4) and comprising:

- first anchoring means located in the front part (3),

- second anchoring means located in the rear part (4),

where the first anchoring means (12) are configured for anchoring in the second anchoring means of a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) located in the front part (3) in the in-line storage,
the second anchoring means are configured for anchoring in the first anchoring means (12) of another cart (1, 33, 34, 39) located in the rear part (4) in the in-line storage; and where,
the first anchoring means (12) retain the anchoring after insertion of the second anchoring means and release the anchoring by means of an actuator (13) upon receiving an opening signal;
where it further comprises:

- a current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first current supply line electrical connection means (5) in the front part (3) and a second current supply line electrical connection means (6) in the rear part (4) where the first current supply line electrical connection means (5) and the second current supply line electrical connection means (6) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common current supply signal transport line in the carts stored in-line,

- a command signal line (7) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first command signal line connection means (8) in the front part (3) and a second command signal line connection means (9) in the rear part (4) where the first command signal line connection means (8) and the second command signal line connection means (9) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common command signal transport line in the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) stored in-line,

- a first presence sensor (10) for sensing the presence of a cart configured for detecting that there is a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the rear part (4),

- a first central processing unit (11) having at least

- an input in communication with the command signal line (7),

- an input in communication with the output of the first sensor (10); and,

- an output in communication with the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12),

where the first central processing unit (11) is configured for sending an opening signal to the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) upon receiving a command signal if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is no cart (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the rear part (4).

2. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to claim 1, comprising a push-button (17) interposed between the output of the central processing unit (11) and the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) such that it is closed in the "pressed" position.

3. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to claim 2, additionally comprising,

- an operation signal line (14) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first operation signal line connection means (15) in the front part (3) and a second operation signal line connection means (16) in the rear part where the first operation signal line connection means (15) and the second operation signal line connection means (16) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common operation signal transport line in the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) stored in-line, and

- the push-button (17) is interposed in said operation signal line (14) such that it closes the connection in the operation signal line (14) in the "pressed" position allowing passage of activation signal to the actuator (13),

where
the first central processing unit (11) has at least one input in communication with the operation signal line (14), and where said first central processing unit (11) is configured for sending an opening signal to the actuator (13) of the first anchoring means (12) when the push-button (17) is pressed and receives operation signal.

4. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first timer (18) connected to the first central processing unit (11) which is in communication with the actuator (13).

5. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims and claim 2, additionally comprising

- a removed cart signal line (19) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first removed cart signal line connection means (20) in the front part (3) and a second removed cart signal line connection means (21) in the rear part (4) where the first removed cart signal line connection means (20) and the second removed cart signal line connection means (21) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a common removed cart signal transport line in the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) stored in-line,

and such that the removed cart signal line (19) is in electrical communication with the output of the first central processing unit (11) for transmission of removed cart signal.

6. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a second central processing unit (22) having at least,

- one input in communication with a second sensor (23), where said second sensor (23) is configured for detecting that there is a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) anchored in the front part (3),

- one output in communication with a second timer (24), where said second timer (24) is configured for measuring the time period in which the first anchoring means (12) are released,

where said second central processing unit (22) is configured for sending an activation signal to the second timer (24) upon receiving the signal from the second sensor (23) indicating that the first anchoring means (12) have been released.

7. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to claim 6, additionally comprising a battery (26) interposed between the supply line (2) and the second central processing unit (22) and where the second central processing unit (22) is interposed between the battery (26) and the second timer (22) and where,
the second central processing unit (22) is additionally configured for connecting the battery (26) to the second timer (24) upon receiving the signal from the second sensor (23) indicating that the first anchoring means (12) have been released.

8. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to claim 7, wherein the second central processing unit (22) is additionally configured for,

- disconnecting the battery (26) from the second timer (24) upon receiving the command signal if the signal from the second sensor (23) indicates that there is a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) anchored in the front part (3), allowing charging the battery (26).

9. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a third central processing unit (27) which is interposed between the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4), where said third central processing unit (27) having at least,

- one input in communication with the output of the first sensor (10),

where said central processing unit (27) is configured for

- establishing electrical communication in the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4), if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the rear part (4); and,

- disconnecting the current supply line (2) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) if the signal from the first sensor (10) indicates that there is no cart (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the rear part (4).

10. The cart (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising

- a carts counting signal line (28) extending at least between the front part (3) and the rear part (4) where it has a first carts counting signal line connection means (29) in the front part (3) and a second carts counting signal line connection means (30) in the rear part (4) wherein the first carts counting signal line connection means (29) and the second carts counting signal line connection means (30) are such that they are configured to allow mutual connection between two carts (1, 33, 34, 39) coupled in the in-line storage for establishing a shared cart counting signal transport line between the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) stored in-line,

- a first luminous device (31) interposed in said line, preferably a LED lamp, wherein, when the carts counting signal line (28) is established, said first luminous device (31) receives current and is activated producing a specific consumption.

11. A system comprising,

- a plurality of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) according to any of the preceding claims,

- an anchoring post (35) for anchoring a first cart (33) configured for managing storage of an in-line storage (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), allowing storage of several lines (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) where each anchoring post (35) manages storage of a line (A, B, C, D) of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), and said anchoring post (35) comprises

o anchoring means configured for anchoring in the first anchoring means (12) of the cart (33),

o a current supply line (2) configured for being connected to the current supply line (2) of a first cart (1, 33),

o a command signal line (7) configured for being connected to the command signal line (7) of a first cart (1, 33),

- a management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) configured for being in communication with the anchoring post (35)
and where the system is configured for

- sending a command signal through the command signal line (7) from the management point (36) and through the anchoring post (35) to the plurality of carts (1, 33, 34, 39), for activating and/or deactivating the anchoring means of the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) after the user makes payment,

- supplying current to the carts (1, 33, 34, 39) through the current supply line (2) of the management point (36) and the anchoring post (35).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

- a carts counting signal line (28) configured for being connected to the carts counting signal line (28) of a first cart (33).

and the management point (36) additionally comprises,

- a carts counting signal line (28) configured for being connected to the carts counting signal line (28) of the anchoring post (35).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

- a second luminous device (43) interposed in the carts counting signal line (28), preferably a LED lamp, which when activated indicates that the anchoring post (35) is operative,

and the management point (36) additionally comprises,

- a consumption measuring device configured for calculating the number of carts (1, 33, 34, 39) by dividing the measured consumption by the consumption produced by a single cart (1, 33, 34, 39).

14. The system according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

- an operation signal line (14) configured for being connected to the operation signal line (14) of a first cart (1, 33),

and the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally comprises,

- an operation signal line (14) configured for being connected to the operation signal line (14) of the anchoring post (35), and

- switching means (37) for alternatively selecting the command signal line (7) or the operation signal line (14) of the carts (1, 33, 34, 39),

wherein the system is configured for,

- switching, through the switching means (37), to the command signal line (7) and sending a command signal for releasing a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) after the user makes payment, and/or

- switching, through the switching means (37), to the operation signal line (14) and sending a command signal for releasing a cart (1, 33, 34, 39) after identification of an operator authorized to operate same.

15. The system according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the anchoring post (35) additionally comprises,

- a removed cart signal line (19) configured for being connected to the removed cart signal line (19) of a first cart (1, 33),

and the management point (36) for managing carts (1, 33, 34, 39) additionally,

- a removed cart signal line (19) configured for being connected to the removed cart signal line (19) of the anchoring post (35).

Drawing