Abstract:
The present invention relates to a transport system ( 1 ) comprising a trolley ( 5 ) and a goods carrier ( 100 ), which can be detachably connected to each other via a coupling ( 65, 154 ). A remarkable characteristic of the transport system ( 1 ) is a platform ( 11 ), which extends over all parts ( 5, 100 ) of the transport system ( 1 ) and coincides with a platform ( 13 ) of the trolley ( 5 ) so that as a result both a delimiting connecting member ( 15 ) is provided between individual parts ( 67, 69 ) of the trolley ( 5 ) and also individual goods can be disposed on the goods carrier ( 100 ).

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to a transport system having a trolley and a goods carrier, which are detachably connectable to one another via a coupling. A trolley is understood here to be a transport aid provided with rollers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Pallets have become very important in transport logistics to allow the handling of goods as rapidly and efficiently as possible. To accelerate this procedure, it is known from WO 98/58849 and also from GB 960 768 to provide the bottom of the pallet with wheels via which the pallet may be moved with or without loaded goods. To allow automated conveyance of the pallet, the wheels may be retracted in the case of a pallet according to WO 98/58849. For fixation of the wheels in one position, a lock is provided which must be removed to then be able to retract or extend the wheels. If the pallet is to be secured to prevent unintended movement, the wheels must first be unlocked, then retracted and finally locked again in a complicated procedure. The individual pallets may be joined together by couplings to form a pallet train and transported away simultaneously in a row one after the other if the wheels are unlocked. 
         [0003]    DE 1 943 854 A describes a similar train-type transport frame for carrying pallets, which are placed on supports of an individual transport cart in the corners of the transport frame so that they are lifted as high as possible from the floor and project above the transport cart and may be removed automatically. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A disadvantage of the approaches known from the related art is that many designs of transport devices for pallets are susceptible to accidents and defects or the procedure and handling are complex. Both situations delay the prompt handling of goods and products placed on the pallets. 
         [0005]    An object of the present invention is to provide a generic transfer-capable transport system which will meet with high acceptance among users. This acceptance should be attributable to easy and reliable handling of the pallets and of the transport system. The risk of accidents for warehouse employees when loading and transferring the goods to be transported should be as low as possible. 
         [0006]    In the case of the transport system according to the present invention, a trolley which may be equipped with at least one goods carrier is provided. The trolley and goods carrier are each provided with wheels, so that they are movable independently of one another, but are also jointly movable in the coupled state as a transport system. The wheels of the trolley and goods carrier are each situated in a separate chassis. The chassis transfers the loads of the transport system and the loaded goods, if applicable, onto the wheels. Front and rear chassis parts are connected via a trolley frame, so that the goods carrier may be inserted between the front and rear chassis parts on both sides. The trolley frame creates the clearance between the front and rear chassis parts for accommodating a plurality of goods carriers or one goods carrier. 
         [0007]    A platform extending over all the parts of the transport system and coinciding with a platform of the trolley is provided in the transport system. The platform has a stabilizing effect on the center of gravity of the goods transport system. Based on the platform, there is a bordering connecting member between individual parts of the trolley. The platform is also intended to accommodate a single good or multiple goods present on the goods carrier. The term platform refers in general to a plane, but it may have a certain offset between the individual parts. 
         [0008]    With respect to its shape and structure, the trolley is reminiscent of the shape of a baggage cart such as that used by a hotel bellboy for room luggage service and its silhouette may also be compared to a cart known as a hotel cart. Other conventional terms for the Germanized word include outside cart, transport cart, frame cart, chassis, train cart, etc., some of these terms emphasizing a single functional aspect of the trolley to a greater extent. 
         [0009]    One particular advantage of the present invention is that the goods carrier, which may be designed as a pallet having wheels, for example, is loadable without a surrounding chassis. As soon as the load, such as goods or other products, is stowed on the goods carrier, the goods carrier may be quickly inserted laterally at any available place on the passing train, which may include a plurality of train carts, locked, and thus secured reliably. 
         [0010]    The universality of the goods carrier is another advantage. The goods carrier is a platform for transport containers and transport items such as mesh boxes to be placed thereon, containers to be bolted in place, or standard pallets. Such standard pallets also include DB Euro pallets, for example. 
         [0011]    The goods carrier is preferably equipped with a tension rod with which the goods carrier is conveniently movable by hand. It is designed to be pivotable between a resting position and a working position and may thus be stowed in the resting position. The tension rod is preferably able to be stowed within the horizontal projection of the goods carrier, so that it does not constitute an obstacle. 
         [0012]    According to one aspect of the present invention, it may also be summarized very efficiently by the term “cart in a cart.” The trolley, the outer chassis, represents the first exterior cart, and the goods carrier represents the second interior cart which is surrounded by the exterior cart. 
         [0013]    Locking takes place automatically when the coupling position is assumed. It is thus no longer possible for a negligent warehouse worker to simply forget about secure coupling. 
         [0014]    Other advantages may be derived from the drawings and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The present invention is more easily understandable if reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a trolley; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a trolley; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of a trolley; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of a trolley; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5 through 8  show a goods carrier from various views such as a top view, a perspective view, or a front view; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a transport system according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show a side view of a longitudinal section of the transport system and the trolley frame to visualize the steering gear; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10 ,  12 ,  13  show a transport system according to the present invention from various views similar to the views mentioned above; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a view of a right wheel pair of a transport system according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 14 through 17  show individual aspects of a part of the locking mechanism; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a train having four carts; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of a cart having a goods carrier being inserted; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 20 through 22  each show a side view of the locking mechanism in three positions; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 23 to 25  each show a perspective view of the locking mechanism in three positions; 
           [0030]      FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of a transport system which is equipped with two goods carriers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIGS. 1 through 17  show an exemplary embodiment of a transport system according to the present invention from various views and perspectives in an overall view and with special individual parts shown separately. Reference is made to the accompanying list of reference numerals for the explanation of terms. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1 through 4  show trolley  5 , which forms exterior cart  9  without interior cart  104 , which is to be inserted and forms goods carrier  100 .  FIGS. 5 through 8  show the basic form of goods carrier  100  to which standard transport containers may be bolted, in particular via support boards  108 ,  110 . Screw openings, which may also be used as rivet openings, are also shown in the respective edge areas of the support boards for this purpose. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of trolley  5 , which includes essentially a chassis  7  and forms exterior cart  9  of the transport system. The side view, from which it is possible to see frontally toward first lateral insertion opening  27 , which is situated on the left in the direction of travel, is selected here. Trolley  5  has a front part  67  and a rear part  69 , which are connected by a trolley frame  15  pointing downward, i.e., in the direction of the floor, when inverted. Trolley frame  15  includes a first column  19  for front part  67  of trolley  5 , a second column  21  for rear part  69 , and a longitudinal trolley strut  17 . In the lower part, the trolley forms a platform  11  (as represented by two reference numerals, extending from the front part to the rear part), in particular through transverse struts beneath trolley frame  15 , which coincide almost identically with trolley platform  13 . Trolley frame  15  essentially has a square design, a first longitudinal strut guide  23  and a second longitudinal strut guide  25  representing the transition between columns  19 ,  21  and longitudinal trolley strut  17 . Longitudinal strut guides  23 ,  25  are designed in such a way that trolley  5  is telescopable with respect to its distance  71  between front part  67  and rear part  69 . 
         [0034]    In addition, longitudinal strut guides  23 ,  25  are designed in such a way that trolley frame  15  may be adjusted with a variable trolley frame height  73 . Beneath trolley platform  13 , trolley hitch  31 , which includes trolley coupling rod  39  having coupling rod eye  41 , is situated on the front side. Trolley frame  15  maintains its floor contact via trolley wheels  45 ,  47  as well as trolley wheels  49  and  51  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Trolley wheels  45 ,  47  are inserted in double-plate roller mounts  55 . Rollers  53 , in particular solid rubber rollers, have proven suitable for in-plant goods transport. One trolley  5  may be combined with another trolley (not shown) via the trailer hitch, made up of trailer hitch trapezoidal plate  43  and trolley coupling rod  39 , to form a train system. A locking bolt  57 , which is a part  65  of the locking mechanism and is manually operable via a lift pin  63 , is provided on the interior side of trolley frame  15 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of trolley  5  from  FIG. 1  in an uncoupled position II, so that first lateral insertion opening  27  and second lateral insertion opening  29  are visible. In the perspective diagram of  FIG. 2 , it is more clearly apparent that trolley frame  15  and its two longitudinal strut guides  23 ,  25  are formed essentially from three parts, namely a longitudinal trolley strut  17 , a first column  19 , and a second column  21 . First column  19  together with additional parts forms front part  67 , while second column  21  together with additional parts forms rear part  69  of trolley  5 . Situated beneath columns  19 ,  21  are transversely running struts having additional add-on parts and forming general platform  13  of trolley  5  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 ). Trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51  are mounted at the corners of the transverse struts. Double-plate roller mounts  55  are used for mounting trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 . Front trolley hitch  31  includes a trolley coupling rod  39  having a coupling rod eye  41 , the dimensions of which are adapted to a second coupling rod eye  41  in a trailer hitch trapezoidal plate  43 . A locking bolt  57  is provided on the interior side of trolley frame  15  at the lower end of trolley frame  15 . Locking bolt  57  forms a part of locking mechanism  65  and has a lift pin  63  at its upper end. On the same side, namely the interior side, holding springs  160  are attached by spring retainer  168  to transversely running trolley parts, which form a platform. Goods carrier guides  33 , which allow lateral insertion through insertion openings  27 ,  29  via goods carrier insertion brackets  37 , are provided above this. Goods carrier guides  33 ,  35  for guiding goods carrier  100  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) are connected on each interior side of the lower end of trolley frame  15 . Trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51  may be implemented as solid rubber rollers  53 . 
         [0036]    As also shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a front wheel pair and a tracking rear wheel pair having trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51  each form a trolley chassis. Trolley wheels  45  and  47  are coupled to hitch  31  via a tie bar  160  and  162 , in such a way that when pivoting hitch  31 , e.g., for turning, a corresponding steering angle of trolley wheels  45  and  47  is set. Depending on the specific embodiment of the trolley chassis, trolley wheels  49  and  51  of the tracking rear wheel pair may be freely rotating in the steering angle, rigidly linked together, or linked by tie bars  164  and  166 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment in which the trolley chassis has wheel pairs coupled together via tie bars  160 ,  162 ,  164  and  168 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of trolley  5  from  FIG. 1 , so that the trolley, which functions as exterior cart  9 , forms the silhouette of exterior cart  9  mainly through its chassis  7 , its trolley hitch  31  and its trailer hitch trapezoidal plate  43 . In a top view, trolley frame  15  is primarily visible as first column  19  and second column  21  connected via the longitudinal strut. While the exterior sides of parts  13  forming the trolley platform are almost rectangular, the interior sides are designed via goods carrier insertion brackets  37  of goods carrier guides  33 ,  35  for easier and more reliable insertion of goods carrier  100  (not shown). 
         [0038]    Trolley hitch  31  opens into trolley coupling rod  39 , at the upper end of which is situated a coupling rod eye  41  suitable for coupling multiple exterior carts  9  to form a train. 
         [0039]    The front view of the trolley illustrated in  FIG. 4  shows two trolley wheels  45 ,  51  which border trolley hitch  31  having trolley coupling rod  39 . Wheels  45 ,  51  are made up of double-plate roller mounts  55  having enclosed rollers. Transversely running carriers form trolley platform  13 , which is clamped beneath column  19 . Column  19  opens into longitudinal trolley strut  17  via longitudinal strut guide  23 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5 through 8  show goods carrier  100 , designed as a portable pallet  102 , in various perspectives, namely in a side view ( FIG. 5 ), in a perspective view from above ( FIG. 6 ), in a view from underneath ( FIG. 7 ), and in another side view ( FIG. 8 ). These figures will be described at the same time so the user may select the best illustration for the particular aspect. 
         [0041]    Goods carrier  100  has as a central component, i.e., a pallet frame  106 , on whose bottom side pallet wheels  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  protrude, and these may include rollers  142 . In the direction facing away from rollers  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , longitudinal stops  118  and transverse stops  120  protrude out of the central plane of pallet frame  106 . Pallet frame  106  forms the plane, which may be equated with the platform of the transport system. Part  154  of the locking mechanism on the goods carrier side includes a first locking spring  144 , a second locking spring  146 , and a spring mount  152 , which separates two locking springs  144 ,  146  from one another at a distance. Two locking springs  144 ,  146  may be constructed with a first ramp  148  and a second ramp  150  having a slope, such that locking bolt  57  shown in  FIG. 1  may be raised without any increased application of force while goods carrier  100  is laterally insertable. For reinforcing pallet frame  106 , there is a reinforcing strut  112 , which may extend as a longitudinal strut  114  as well as transverse strut  116  from one side to the next side of pallet frame  106  in the internal area of pallet frame  106 . Support boards  108 ,  110  which hold double-plate roller mounts  55  for pallet wheels  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  on one side and may function as a supporting surface for transport containers and transport packages on the other side are provided on the edges of pallet frame  106  on the interior side. At approximately half the distance between front pallet wheels  140 ,  134  and rear pallet wheels  136 ,  138 , block brakes  126 ,  128  are provided on reinforcing strut  112 , in particular on transverse strut  116 , on the interior side of pallet frame  106 . Block brakes  126 ,  128  each have a locking block  122 ,  124 , the locking blocks protruding out of a block carrier  130 ,  132  toward the bottom. Block brakes  126 ,  128  may be moved into and out of the locking position by a moving linkage. Block carriers  130 ,  132  are designed like quadrilateral plates at the center of which sit locking blocks  122 ,  124 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9 through 13  show the goods carrier as interior cart  104  engaged with exterior cart  9 , i.e., in coupling position  1 . Based on the identical height of wheels  45 ,  134 ,  47 ,  136 , the rollable moving position on floor III is shown in a manner known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0043]    As shown particularly well in  FIG. 11 , pallet wheels  134  ff. of interior cart  104  protrude laterally beyond the trolley width formed from wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 . The greater width of wheels  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  in comparison with wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51  ensures greater stability of interior cart  104  to be weighted with loads. Pallet frame  106  is enclosed by front part  67  and rear part  69  of the trolley. Trolley coupling rod  39  together with coupling rod eye  41  protrudes laterally toward the front out of front part  67  with first column  19 . A trailer hitch trapezoidal plate  43  together with a corresponding coupling rod eye  41  protrudes out of rear part  69  of the trolley, so that two, three or more exterior carts  9  may be coupled to form a transport system having multiple carts. Trolley frame  15  together with its front column  19 , rear column  21 , front longitudinal strut guide  23 , rear longitudinal strut guide  25  and longitudinal trolley strut  17  forms the stabilizing and limiting frame for the transport goods to be placed on the goods carrier, the transport goods being secured by stops  118 ,  120  against slipping off the side of frame  106 . With a few means  118 ,  120 , which are short and flat in comparison with the size of pallet frame  106 , the goods held by reinforcing strut  112  such as longitudinal strut  114  or transverse strut  116  and support boards  108 ,  110  may be secured to prevent them from slipping down. 
         [0044]    Locking blocks  122 ,  124 , which form parts of block brakes  126 ,  128 , are of such dimensions that in the retracted state a uniform platform  11  may be formed over exterior cart  9  and interior cart  104 , uniform platform  11  coinciding with trolley platform  13  shown in  FIG. 13 . Locking springs  144 ,  146  are present on the front interior side of the trolley. The counterpart is locking bolt  57 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 14  but has been omitted from  FIGS. 9 through 13  for reasons of simplicity. Rollers  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51  and  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  140  may be rotated relative to one another in a pivoting movement. This makes it possible to bring exterior cart  9  and interior cart  104  into coupling position I by lateral shifting. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , interior cart  104  and exterior cart  9  are aligned in coupling position I. Two wheels are thus in an aligned configuration in each case, so that in the front view of  FIG. 12 , only wheels  45 ,  51  of exterior cart  9  and wheels  134 ,  140 , which are offset outward, are visible. This configuration ensures better straight ahead movement. In exactly the same way, only front part  67  of the trolley is visible in the front view in  FIG. 12 , behind which first locking spring  144  and second locking spring  146  together with their ramps  148 ,  150  are visible. Likewise from the front, stops  118 ,  120  protruding out of platform  11  shown in  FIG. 9  are visible. Pallet frame  106  is situated in the same plane as trolley platform  13 . The moving linkages of block brakes  126 ,  128  also protrude laterally as outermost parts, so that block brakes  126 ,  128  are easily operable by a foot movement. Trolley hitch  31  connects trolley wheels  45 ,  51 . Front column  19  is closed by first longitudinal strut guide  23 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of exterior cart  9  and interior cart  104 , where it is readily apparent that longitudinal trolley strut  17  and at least one reinforcing strut  112  such as longitudinal strut  114  are spatially congruent. Transverse strut  116 , which promotes torsional rigidity together with support boards  108 ,  110 , runs at a right angle to longitudinal strut  114 . Block carriers  130 ,  132  are situated on the edges of transverse strut  116 . 
         [0047]    In addition,  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show a steering gear with which trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49  and  51  of the front chassis part and the tracking rear chassis part ( 67  and  69 ) are coupled to one another in such a way that trolley wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49  and  51  turn in synchronization. This allows a tighter turning radius and uniform following of the carts in the train. The person guiding the train therefore need no longer pay attention to whether the carts are encountering obstacles on the inside of the curve, for example. In the ideal case, the carts of the train run on a shared circular path, corresponding to the curve radius predefined by the tractor. 
         [0048]    In the present exemplary embodiment, the steering gear is formed by shafts linked together via gear wheels. Tie bars  160  and  162  of front part  167  and tie bars  164  and  168  of rear tracking part  69  are each coupled to a shaft positioned parallel to columns  19  and  21 . Both shafts are connected by a shaft running parallel to trolley frame  15  and thus form the steering gear. 
         [0049]    In the exemplary embodiment described here, the shaft of trolley frame  15  is designed to be telescoping. Together with longitudinally adjustable trolley frame  15 , the length of the cart may be varied for adjustment to goods carriers of different lengths. Instead of longitudinally adjustable trolley frames  15 , trolley frames  15  of suitable lengths may also be used. 
         [0050]    Ratchet pin  59  shown in  FIGS. 14 through 16  and  20  through  22  as part of locking bolt  57  is a self-releasing ratchet pin  59 , which may be held in the unlocked position via a ratchet pin pawl  75 . If locking bolt  57  is retracted into the socket formed at the location derived from spring holder  152  as shown in the figures described above, the locking bolt may be manually unlocked via lift pin  63 , which sits in ratchet pin plate  77 . Ratchet pin  59  is inserted in bolt eye  61 . Bolt eye  61  is attached to front column  19 . A second ratchet pin plate  79  is situated near ratchet pin tip  81 , which functions as a contact point for a spiral spring. The spiral spring facilitates automatic lowering of locking bolt  57 . Ratchet pin  59  is constructed in two parts having an outer shell  83 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 20 through 25  show the function principle of the coupling or locking mechanism  65 ,  154  for detachable joining of goods carrier  100  to trolley  5 . Such a locking mechanism  65 ,  154  is provided on trolley  5  on the side of front and rear chassis parts  67  and  69 , and cooperates with the corresponding locking part on goods carrier  100 . 
         [0052]    Locking bolt  57 , which locks the cart, is raised by a cable pull. This bolt engages in a ratchet, and goods carrier  100  may be removed (basic position according to  FIG. 23 ). By retracting goods carrier  100 , coaxial ratchet pin  59  situated on the inside is pushed passed a ramp of goods carrier  100  on the bottom side and thereby raised as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . Ratchet pin  59  cooperates at the head end with a ratchet which releases ratchet pin  59  when raised together with locking bolt  57 . Locking bolt  57  therefore drops between the ramps of goods carrier  100  and locks it ( FIG. 24 ). 
         [0053]      FIG. 17  shows the elongated flat extended single-layer plate spring, which is one of holding springs  160 . 
         [0054]    For use in a plant, i.e., during operations, interior cart  104 , which may also be referred to as portable pallet  102 , may be loaded in a stationary position, raised from the floor by block brakes  126 ,  128 . If interior cart  104  is to be transported away with the help of exterior cart  9 , block brakes  126 ,  128  must be released. The interior cart is first raised by one of ramps  148 ,  150  of locking springs  144 ,  146  during lateral insertion into trolley  5  through one of insertion openings  27 ,  29 , and then drops into spring holder  152  together with locking bolt  57 , thus forming a fixed connection between exterior cart  9  and interior cart  104 . Trolley  5  is easily adapted to different sizes of a portable pallet due to the telescoping property of trolley frame  15 . This creates a flexible but nevertheless reliable transport system, which may be lengthened as needed and may be used for in-plant goods transport in buildings without ground rails. 
         [0055]      FIG. 18  shows a train in which four carts  9  are coupled to one another by a particular trolley coupling rod  39 . This train may in turn be coupled to a tractor via free trolley coupling rod  39 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 19  shows a cart having a goods carrier being inserted. Goods carrier guides  33  and  35  are preferably designed in such a way that the goods carrier is insertable from both sides of the cart. This facilitates universal loadability of the transport system. 
         [0057]    To make goods carrier  100  mobile, the chassis of goods carrier  100  is equipped with steering rollers and/or block rollers  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 . The steering rollers are vertically pivotable and make goods carrier  100  maneuverable. A fork (steering fork) is connected to the fastening element via a swiveling bearing (slewing ring). The fastening element is fixedly mounted on the chassis. The fork therefore remains pivotable. To be able to easily pivot the fork, the wheel is usually mounted at a horizontal distance (working range) between the axes of the swiveling bearing and the wheel. Due to the working range, easy pivoting of the roller is possible without any additional aids, thus ensuring stable running behavior when traveling straight ahead. 
         [0058]      FIG. 26  shows a transport system having two goods carriers  100 . The goods carriers are of equal length in the present case and are matched in length so that they fit into the area spanned between chassis parts  67 ,  69 . The trolley may of course be adapted to different lengths of goods carrier  100  due to the longitudinal adjustability of trolley frame  15 . With respect to the direction of travel, both goods carriers  100  are situated to follow. 
         [0059]    For automatic locking with trolley  5 , goods carriers  100  are each provided with a ramp  148 ,  150 , which cooperates with locking mechanism  56  for bringing goods carrier  100  into a coupling position. Ramps  148 ,  150  are designed to be laterally symmetrical, so that goods carrier  100  may be pulled in from both sides of trolley  5 . 
         [0060]    Although essentially only one exemplary embodiment has been presented, those skilled in the art will naturally understand that embodiments having more than just one receiving opening in the exterior cart would be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. A specific embodiment according to the present invention having more than four wheels on each cart is also possible. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0061]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference numeral 
                 Object 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Transport device or transport system 
               
               
                 3 
                 Train cart 
               
               
                 5 
                 Trolley 
               
               
                 7 
                 Chassis 
               
               
                 9 
                 Exterior cart 
               
               
                 11 
                 Platform 
               
               
                 13 
                 Trolley platform 
               
               
                 15 
                 Trolley frame 
               
               
                 17 
                 Longitudinal trolley strut 
               
               
                 19 
                 First column 
               
               
                 21 
                 Second column 
               
               
                 23 
                 First longitudinal strut guide 
               
               
                 25 
                 Second longitudinal strut guide 
               
               
                 27 
                 First lateral insertion opening 
               
               
                 29 
                 Second lateral insertion opening 
               
               
                 31 
                 Trolley hitch 
               
               
                 33 
                 Goods carrier guide 
               
               
                 35 
                 Goods carrier guide 
               
               
                 37 
                 Goods carrier insertion bracket, in particular for 
               
               
                   
                 facilitated lateralcentering and for facilitated 
               
               
                   
                 lateral alignment of the goods carrier 
               
               
                   
                 relative to the trolley 
               
               
                 39 
                 Trolley coupling rod 
               
               
                 41 
                 Coupling rod eye 
               
               
                 43 
                 Trailer hitch trapezoidal plate 
               
               
                 45 
                 First trolley wheel 
               
               
                 47 
                 Second trolley wheel 
               
               
                 49 
                 Third trolley wheel 
               
               
                 51 
                 Fourth trolley wheel 
               
               
                 53 
                 Roller, in particular solid rubber roller 
               
               
                 55 
                 Double-plate roller mount, in particular 
               
               
                   
                 rotatable and/or pivotable 
               
               
                 57 
                 Locking bolt 
               
               
                 59 
                 Ratchet pin 
               
               
                 61 
                 Bolt eye 
               
               
                 63 
                 Lift pin 
               
               
                 65 
                 Part of the locking mechanism, trolley side 
               
               
                 67 
                 Front part of trolley 
               
               
                 69 
                 Rear part of trolley 
               
               
                 71 
                 Distance between front and rear parts of trolley 
               
               
                 73 
                 Trolley frame height 
               
               
                 75 
                 Ratchet pin pawl, in particular a self-releasing pawl 
               
               
                 77 
                 Ratchet pin plate 
               
               
                 79 
                 Ratchet pin plate 
               
               
                 81 
                 Ratchet pin tip 
               
               
                 83 
                 Outer shell 
               
               
                 100 
                 Goods carrier 
               
               
                 102 
                 Pallet 
               
               
                 104 
                 Interior cart 
               
               
                 106 
                 Pallet frame 
               
               
                 108 
                 First support board preferably made of metal 
               
               
                 110 
                 Second support board preferably made of metal 
               
               
                 112 
                 Reinforcing strut 
               
               
                 114 
                 Longitudinal strut 
               
               
                 116 
                 Transverse strut 
               
               
                 118 
                 Longitudinal stop 
               
               
                 120 
                 Transverse stop 
               
               
                 122 
                 First locking block 
               
               
                 124 
                 Second locking block 
               
               
                 126 
                 First block brake 
               
               
                 128 
                 Second block brake 
               
               
                 130 
                 First block carrier 
               
               
                 132 
                 Second block carrier 
               
               
                 134 
                 First pallet wheel 
               
               
                 136 
                 Second pallet wheel 
               
               
                 138 
                 Third pallet wheel 
               
               
                 140 
                 Fourth pallet wheel 
               
               
                 142 
                 Roller, in particular solid rubber roller 
               
               
                 144 
                 First locking spring 
               
               
                 146 
                 Second locking spring 
               
               
                 148 
                 First ramp of locking spring 
               
               
                 150 
                 Second ramp of locking spring 
               
               
                 152 
                 Spring holder 
               
               
                 154 
                 Part of the locking mechanism, goods carrier side 
               
               
                 160 
                 First holding spring 
               
               
                 162 
                 Second holding spring 
               
               
                 164 
                 Third holding spring 
               
               
                 166 
                 Fourth holding spring 
               
               
                 168 
                 Spring retainer, in particular flange type 
               
               
                 I 
                 Coupling position 
               
               
                 II 
                 Uncoupled position 
               
               
                 III 
                 Floor on which the carts may roll